Never Summer Proto or Cobra?

NSrider13 said:

So I am having a dilemma on which board to add to the quiver.

I'm an intermediate rider looking for a board that is stable at high speeds, holds a carve in all conditions relatively well, and has enough pop to play around in the park. I do 60% groomers/30% powder/10% park but want a board that can get me into the park more to start doing more jumps, rails and toying around on trails.

I currently have the 11 - 12 Never Summer Raptor X 161.

Whats the difference between the Cobra and Proto? and is there any difference between the 12 -13 and the 13 - 14 cobra or proto?

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Main differences between the Cobra and the Proto is that the former is directional in shape, a touch stiffer (more so for 2013-14), and damper, while the later is a true twin, slightly softer, and more playful.
Differences between 2012-2013 and 2013-14 versions of the Cobra are quite minimal (slight increase in stiffness).
In contrast, more things have changed, including profile and nose/tail rocker, etc.
However, neither of those two decks matches the type of riding that you describe particularly well.

I would say if you're really planning on sticking with NS and want a board that is mainly all-mountain, but can dabble in the park, go with the Proto.

If you want something that is more park focused in the NS line, the Evo is the board you're looking for.

NSrider13 said:

So I am having a dilemma on which board to add to the quiver.

I'm an intermediate rider looking for a board that is stable at high speeds, holds a carve in all conditions relatively well, and has enough pop to play around in the park. I do 60% groomers/30% powder/10% park but want a board that can get me into the park more to start doing more jumps, rails and toying around on trails.

I currently have the 11 - 12 Never Summer Raptor X 161.

Whats the difference between the Cobra and Proto? and is there any difference between the 12 -13 and the 13 - 14 cobra or proto?

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How fast is high speed? I rode a cobra to 42mph or so on smooth groomers and it had more but that's as fast as I wanted to go. On smooth groomers you can go fast on quite a few boards. My buddy can go faster than me (he's ridden a lot longer) on a skate banana. He blew by me on a Proto.

I had great fun on the Cobra but was thinking of getting rid of it for a Proto with the new HD tech. Seeing the Proto blow by me made me realize it's more than fast enough for me.

But then I see the new Nitro Uberspoon review on Angry and the video of it in Board Insiders (I know, I know) and it looks fun. The roofchop camber looks interesting. And from what BA wrote, for such a stable board it's actually playful which makes it real intriguing.

Based on your description, you want a Proto, not a Cobra.

My recommendation is to branch out. NS is not the end all be all of snowboards. And rocker camber is far from the best bend profile out there.

What I'd rather ride instead of a Proto: Flow Era, Salomon Time Machine, K2 Happy Hour, Nitro Rook, Yes Greats, or a Salomon Sabotage.

Cobra: Flow Drifter, K2 TurboDream, Salomon Time Machine, Rossi One, Yes Basic.

Nivek said:

My recommendation is to branch out. NS is not the end all be all of snowboards. And rocker camber is far from the best bend profile out there.

What I'd rather ride instead of a Proto: Flow Era, Salomon Time Machine, K2 Happy Hour, Nitro Rook, Yes Greats, or a Salomon Sabotage.

Cobra: Flow Drifter, K2 TurboDream, Salomon Time Machine, Rossi One, Yes Basic.

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This is exactly what I have done. I am a beginner boarder and was looking to get my hands on a Never Summer SL, however with the high price I would have to pay I could not justify it with my exp.

I started to look around and started reading some amazing reviews for the YES BASIC. I will probably be picking this up for next season and save myself over £150 due to the price difference of the NS SL. I could not justify it.

Basically there are other boards out there. However if u are set on a NS board go for it buddy