Arbor Collective Element Snowboard:
The Arbor Element has been around for a few seasons and remains a proven favorite among all-terrain riders who deal out a ton of abuse and don't want a board that delaminates or falls apart after a season or three. While this season's Element keeps the wood grain look on top (it's protected with a Durafilm nylon layer to minimize scratches), it's different all the way to the all-wood core. While surf-style Paulownia was a favorite choice in seasons past, this new Element has a rugged Poplar core that's wrapped in quadrax over biax fiberglass and reinforced with a longitudinal carbon fiber strut. This added reinforcement doesn't make the weight change noticeable, but the Element remains near-bulletproof for durability. Over the top of this is a structural wood topsheet, something Arbor calls their Eldorado. Besides looking like a natural woodgrain finish, this distinctive topsheet functions as a third layer of fiberglass, giving the Element extra response, rugged durability and none of the deadening weight that you'll encounter on other snowboards with enhanced reinforcement materials. Arbor applied their standard progressive sidecut to the Element, so you enjoy quick turn initiation and tight arcs through a blended tri-radial sidecut. This sidecut also enhances the stability at higher speeds and potentially helps keep you in control during hard landings. Blended urethane ABS sidewalls give the Element excellent edge hold performance and accentuate this snowboard's exceptional durability. If you're looking for a similar snowboard design with extra pop and performance for your size 10 boots and larger, check out Arbor's lively Roundhouse all-terrain snowboard.
