[edi414]

I wanted to post my findings today after another day on these but unfortunately due to a late night change plan of one of my friends on the logistics (a new girl, he’s apparently not aware that such decisions are detrimental in a long run but whatever) I’ll miss my today’s shred.

Anyway, my take on my friend’s Surfari 157 (2018) and my new UNW8 159 (2020) at 85 kg, Adidas Tacticals ADV 10 US. Both with Katanas 2019, the ankle strap at the very top and a lot of forward lean. The binding angles + 24-18 / - 6 to -12.

The UNW8 in 159 (I sit at the top of the recommended weight) is still super stiff (but energetic), probably it will break in a bit but as for now I’d rate my UNW8s 159 2020 and 163 2019 as 9/10. I ride the 163 per reference stance, the 159 with a max setback (on reference I feel like the nose digs in/hooks too easily in the mix of slush and ice I’ve been exclusively riding for the past 3 weeks if I put too much weight on the front foot). They both rip super hard carves. The 159 is just more versatile with an 8-meter sidecut to dodge a Jerry while the 163 provides a better float in slush even without the setback and should have even better grip due to 4 cm longer effective edge (I haven’t felt it yet). I haven’t found a speed limit on either, it’s always me slowing down, not the board telling me to do so by chattering.

The Surfari 157 (biax glass) is softer. I’d give it 7/10 overall feel with a medium-stiff nose and a stiff tail.
They say it’s a camber with an early rise at the tips but it’s more of a back seat camber with plenty of rocker that starts just after the front binding.
Grips icy shit well (though the UNW8s do it even better) and is more user friendly due to the softer flex, especially torsionally. Obviously floats great in slush. You can charge hard but it has no problems with slowing down. It can wash out in a hard Euro if you don’t weight the tapered tail at the end of a carve but that’s on the rider. I’d say it feels semi locked-in, the UNW8 is a full lock-in to me. It has a nice rebound exiting the carve so you don’t have to work for that spring changing edges mid-air. For the flex reference I’d rate my Optimistic 154 2019 at my 85 kg as 7/10 as well (a bit stiffer tail than the Surfari in 157). I change to the Optimistic when it gets really crowded to carve around while keeping the float in slush. I can push it at the same time with its great grip. It’s my ’party’ board.

As the Pentaquark is also biax glass and similar weight to the Surfari (and lighter than the Unw8 for the same surface area) I think these two actually share more with each other than with the UNW8. If Amplid gave 8/10 stiffness to the Unw8 (triax and imo underrated flex) and 7/10 to the Surfari (biax, I agree with the flex), I’d expect the Pentaquark to actually sit in the middle, with the Unw8 being 9/10, the Penta 8/10 and the Surfari being 7/10.

So I’d say that the Surfari is a rad dad’s freeride board while I expect the Pentaquark to be a rad dad’s carving board. They must have left it biax for a reason while obviously their super stiff triax would be more appealing from the marketing’s point of view for that hefty 840 EUR price tag.

That’s my guess on the Penta but based on my experience with the two Centrifugals and @trpa_ec describing his previous model UNW8 (biax and lighter than mine) to be more comparable to what I feel riding the Surfari than my UNW8s.

Hi guys,

very interesting discussion and thanks everyone for your insights and sharing your experience with the different Amplid boards. As per my other thread I’m looking at alternatives to my Custom X I’m for hard charging/carving and am actually contemplating to give Amplid a try.

I’m a bit confused though with the Amplid website vs experience here. If I understand correctly the general experience seems to be that the unw8 is an even stiffer, little less versatile board (at least models with triax) whereas the Pentaquark seems to be a more of an all mountain board. The website says the opposite would be the case...?

I couldn’t find the effective edge lengths for both boards on the Amplid website, does anyone know these by any chance?

I’m 187cm, 77kg and on a 10.5US Ion at the moment. I have a Custom X in 162 and despite being somewhat below the recommended weight range I love the fact that the board with effective edge of 125.5cm feels it’s running on rails. I have tried the 158 version yesterday and also loved the feel but more for the fact that it’s more manoeuvrable and quicker edge to edge. At high speeds however it’s no where near the stable feeling I have with the 162 (4cm less effective edge seem to make a huge difference).

i was hoping to get a good mix with one of the Amplid boards and based on the website would have said the Pentaquark as pure carving and bombing machine would be the better fit but after reading this thread I’m thinking maybe the unw8 would be better?

Although based on the running length the 159 unw8 seems to have a shorter effective edge than the Pentaquark 158. With my specs and reviews above would be hesitant to go with the 163 unw8 which however would have same running length as the 158 Pentaquark...

so many questions and sorry for the confusion but would be great to hear your thoughts!

cheers

 

[edi414]

I don’t really care about riding switch tbh so that wouldn’t make me decide for one or the other.

The triax and increased torsional stiffness will result in better/more stable ride?

 

[edi414]

But I guess the difference on groomers between Pentaquark/Unw8 vs. Surfari is noticeable, isn't it? Have any of you done some more pow on either the Penta or the Unw8 as well as trees etc. and is either of them a bit quicker turning?

I basically have a dedicated pow board I can take on groomers too so am mainly looking for a board to rip on groomers but if there is some powder of course would be nice if the board wouldn't suck completely...

What worries me a bit is that a few of you have now mentioned (and actually Amplid themselves say so too) that the boards are not suitable for crowded slopes. Not a huge fan of changing my board during the day. Is it really that bad or are the boards agile enough to take small turns on the very side of the pistes? Guess the Unw8 has an advantage here due to smaller side cut.

 

[edi414]

Yeah usually try to hit the more advanced resorts in the Alps with more confident skiers/snowboarders so rarely have the issue of very slow people around me. That's reassuring you haven't swapped the boards .

I mean the Custom X also isn't great in powder and as it's also an aggressive full camber board I can imagine what it feels like. Just wanted to check if it's doable or not for situations when you don't really know what conditions are going to be like.

Trying to arrange a test ride maybe next weekend if I can.

 

[edi414]

I think that the Unw8 grips on ice the best due to being super stiff but it’s really hard to ollie. I wouldn’t take it in tight trees though. If you size it to be in the middle of the weight limit (163 at my 85 kg) it floats really well in slush for such a gnarly camber monster. The 159 does much worse in slush for me and I’ll probably sell my 159 and keep the 163 for these icy groomer days.

I think it’s the most versatile board from the three Amplids but it is also the most physically demanding. It has the biggest potential to handle all kind
of riding.

If you don’t care about switch you should go the Pentaquark for ripping groomers though the sidecut prefers more space to shine.

If you don’t care about switch and are ready to sacrifice a little on the groomers but make it a great powder board too, get the Surfari.

All of these rip a carve in crud or uneven snow.

Thanks @Yeahti87 for the input.

You mentioned you put some lighter friends/family on the 163 and they seemed ok with the board too. Do you think with my 77kg I'd be ok float wise or would I also be better off with the 163? Same question re edge hold, did you feel any difference between the 159 and the 163? Would assume the 163 with more effective edge to hold a bit better at higher speeds.

And last question: have you taken the UNW8 into pow by any chance and if so how did it perform? I don't think I wanna go all the way to the Surfari as want a board mainly for groomer days but if there is some pow wouldn't mind if the board could handle it too. The Penta seems to much groomer specialist. Had some feedback from the Amplid guys as well and they said something similar too (and also that the Penta would require more space/is a board for the first couple of hours of the day).

 

[edi414]

It's official. UNW8 is a beast. It's got so much edge you actually ride it a bit back foot. I am riding indoor right now and it's more work but it really does everything: (euro) carves, transitions, jumps, hi speed butters. No jibs but I am getting older and it wouldn't be good for that. It's super stiff but I think after 10 days it will soften up enough. I can't wait to get on a proper hill and see how it handles powder. I think it will do well for a full camber board. Let me know if anyone wants more details cause the getting used to it part was very interesting...

Would be great to hear your thoughts on the first days. Stoked for the winter to come as I’m still waiting to try @Yeahti87‘s 159 UNW8 as soon as eve got snow in the alps!
Your impressions sounds perfect though aS that’s what I’m hoping to get from the UNW8

 

[edi414]

What do you mean about the Pentaquark not really being an "open groomer board" unless you have responsive bindings?

I was able to ride my UNW8 today for the first time on groomers and it RIPPED. I have to ride it a bit more, but I could initiate turns that were so aggressive I actually pulled Gs and felt them in my gut.

I'm 155lbs, 5'9" with my feet squeezed into size 8s. I own a Surfari 157, Pentaquark 156 (Mothership) and a 156 UNW8. I'm also riding Ion Step Ons for the first time season.

My early thoughts are:

Versatility:
UNW8 (carving, switch, park, pipe) = Surfari (groomers, carving, pow) > Pentaquark (carving a bit more freeride than you'd think)

Aggressiveness (same as you):
UNW8 > Pentaquark > Surfari

The torsional stiffness of the UNW8 is definitely extreme in comparison to the Surfari/Pentaquark. That plus the more standard width give it a completely different feel to the other two centrifugals.

And if anyone is wondering about Step Ons, I'd say the only negative for me is that I have very small calves and I wish it had double the forward lean. My heelside turns feel better with a bit more forward lean. That being said, for resort riding, I can't imagine going back to regular bindings. Riding off the lift and straight past everyone strapping in and skiers messing their poles is just great. I picked up a set of Step On X bindings, but haven't used them yet. Going to ride them a bit more to make sure there aren't any other cons and then go all in on the system.

Haven’t managed to get on the UNW8 yet but from your description I probably should look to buy a Surfari anyway haha.

How would you rate aggressiveness and edge hold of the Surfari overall compared to other (aggressive) carving boards from other brands you’ve ridden?

 

[edi414]

The nose on the Surfari is way softer than the one on the Penta or the Unw8. It holds a very good edge (but I should be on the 161, not the 157 my bud has). I’d rate it a bit better than the Korua CR’s edge hold. If the conditions are nice and the groomer is even, it isn’t that much below the edge hold on the Unw8. The bigger difference shows up when there are death cookies/crud. The Surfari still holds well but the Unw8 (and presumably the Penta but I haven’t tested it yet in such conditions) just plows through it and crushes everything on its path.
There’s a reason why BX boards are torsionally stiff.

Thanks both! I’ve ordered my Millisurf which is meant to arrive today actually. Will probably be different from a solid board but at least give me an idea I hope. But sounds like a great option although we do get some ice and hard conditions in the alps. But hey, could simply replace my Mullair as I’m not doing much/any switch anyway...

 

[edi414]

My amplid journey began with a buddy buying a millisurf two years ago. He owns 20 boards and that split rode better than all his other boards IN RESORT. Obviously bindings will play a role, but you'll be able to tell.

Got the Spark Surge for the Millisurf (as did you I think for the Shuttle?). What bindings do you guys pair with the UNW8, Surfari and Penta?

 

[edi414]

Yep, can't go wrong with spark.

Anything mid to stiff works. Personally I'd say stiff boots mid stiff bindings are good. If you want even more precision, go stiff for both.

Union Strata is a good all around and I've heard the people have about the now drives.

Will try my Union Falcors and Genesis X once resorts hopefully open over here, sounds like these might work well too

 

[edi414]

Not sure if still available but Amplid currently offer 350€ off their centrifugals (or 250€ off their normal range) via voucher codes.

Have ordered a Surfari now but also intrigued by the penta...

Which Surfari would you suggest with 187cm, 77kg and 10.5US?

 

[edi414]

Really depends what you have in your quiver and what boards you want to keep in it. You are in-between sizes.

@ridethecliche the codes are Frenzy350 or Frenzy200.

well, currently have the 159 UNW8 and a mullair apart from my 161 Millisurf.

been on a few tours now and thought the 161 Milli felt a bit long hence the initial idea to go 157.

you think they ride so differently? Assume the 161 more stable and 157 more nimble?

 

[edi414]

The Unw 159 will ‚outcarve’ the Surfari, even at 161 so yeah, it’s a matter of how nimble you want it to be.



I wanted to add an old 160 2018 Penta but my bud has just managed to do that. He has not ridden it yet but just told me it is much closer to flex in Surfari 157 2018 than to my Pentaquark 158 2020. I can’t wait to try the older Pentaquark.

I’m really happy with the new 158 Penta but at my 86-89 kg I’d love if they added another size like 163-164 with 9,3-9,5 m sidecut and ~135 cm EE.

I don’t think we need more splitboards/funky shapes at this moment.
More sizes in the top centrifugal collection (including real wides) is what we really need now.

What’s your view on carving abilities between the penta 158 and UNW8 159?

might go for the smaller Surfari then to have a more playful board. Stability at higher speeds similar or would I be sacrificing a lot with 157?

 

[edi414]

The difference is torsional stiffness (very stiff on Unw8 159/163 vs stiff on Penta 158) and the sidecut (close to 8 m on the Unw8s and 8,6 m on the Penta). It mostly depends on what kind of sidecuts you like. I prefer the longer ones lately (I just sized up my Korua CR 59 to 64 due to the sidecut mostly).

I had decided on the 157 Surfari. Had the first opportunity today to take it out and I have to say...wow! Amazing in any kind of conditions and I’m glad I have gone for the shorter version as it’s just that little more nimble.

I’ve got the 161 Millisurf and been on a few tours where the split is amazing with the longer length but without the uphill the 157 is just amazing. Super powerful in turns on piste and extremely stable at high speeds (someone mentioned they were surprised the anti phase actually worked - I can confirm it does!). Also went through some relatively deep stuff that was a mix of older/heavier and some wind-drifted snow. The surfari handled all conditions extremely well.

unw8 still waiting to be taken out

 

[edi414]

Glad to hear that. I’ve tried the new Surfari 161 and it is indeed a great and predictable all condition ride but take that Unw8 for a ride next time. It’s a level up on piste. Much more work but you’ll experience what is a true rail in carving

Right, back from a day on the unw8 today and what can I say...it freaking blew my mind! As you said, super stable and amazing carver. Did a few loops through deeper stuff as well what worked quite good too. There is just so much stability at high speeds and my legs indeed are a bit tired now. Have to say that I had expected worse but guess that’s a good thing in this case haha.

Would be super keen to get my hands on a Pentaquark as well to check it out but Amplid don’t have any left...maybe next years version then.

and to all those who are wondering whether they should go for custom x or UNW8 - the answer is very clear at least for me. The UNW8 has something of the old custom x just at slightly shorter length. The new custom x is almost too soft now for me unless I size up but that then for me feels super long and not very manoeuvrable...

 

[edi414]

It wasn't cheap, but it looks to be in good shape and I can never find these on sale. I'm not sure if it's like you say and everyone keeps them, they don't make too many, or a combination of the two. Looking forward to trying it out.

Can I ask what your specs are? I’m also still thinking about the NP/SP and am not sure whether I‘d be ok with a 151 version at 6‘2 and 170lbs…

 

[edi414]

I'm 5'9" 155 with a size 8.5 boot. I'd say you are smack in the middle and could prob ride either size. It depends on your boot size more than anything probably.

I'm on a 10.5 boot currently but probably will go down to 10 with the next pair. I have a 157 Surfari and would like to avoid too much overlap, hence the idea to go 151. Would be more of an addition than the 156 which would be close to the Amplid. Also looking for a board I can use in the trees so shorter probably also better...

 

[edi414]

I also love my Amplids...mentioned it a couple of times but I think if I could only have one board it'd be the Surfari. So versatile and fun in pow but also great charging hard on groomers.

I mean it did cross my mind to look at another Amplid but I wanted to venture out a bit and give other brands a go too

Had the Orca on the list as well and am keen to try the Sushi/Sashimi

 

[edi414]

Sashimi is on sale at level 9 sports for under $400 right now. Pick it up and report back!

I feel the same about the amplids although I'm a bit underweight for the surfari so it's kind of tough in super tight trees for me. Most of their boards are made for someone bigger than me.

Unfortunately not based in the US...but I have started to look for options over here in Europe Will keep you posted

 

[edi414]

Interesting this conversation pops up right now as I’ve again taken my Penta out recently and am afraid have to confirm my conclusion from last year that I don’t really like the board.

it might well be me not being capable of riding the penta but I simply am not able to generate and edgehold/ pressure. The board feels completely loose and I don’t trust it so wouldn’t fully lean into carves. I’ve been on other stiff boards like the bullet train or the unw8 which were much more fun for me to ride (despite the unw8 being a bit too narrow for my liking with my 10.5 boots).

today in some more or less icy conditions the Surfari had much better grip than the penta. And both boards had a fresh service from the same shop…so will probably sell the penta