The 2021 Arbor Element 156 snowboard isn't for the faint of heart; this is a board designed to challenge and reward advanced riders. This in-depth review dives into the performance characteristics of this high-performance machine, exploring its capabilities on hardpack snow and beyond. We'll examine its exceptional edge hold, its surprisingly buttery flex, and its overall responsiveness, revealing why it's considered a dream board for experienced snowboarders.This isn't just another snowboard review; it's an exploration of a board that demands skill yet delivers unparalleled control and precision. We'll detail how the Arbor Element 156 excels in all-mountain riding, from carving hardpack with effortless power to playful maneuvers in softer snow. Discover why its demanding nature is ultimately its greatest strength, offering a unique and intensely rewarding riding experience for those who are ready to push their limits.
Pros And Cons
- Powerful
- Rips through turns
- Cuts through everything
- Damp (doesn't chatter)
- Point and go
- Changes direction easily
- Confident
- Fast
- Responsive
- Capable on harder surfaces
- Good grip
- Holds speed well
- Buttery
- Flexes well
- Powerful tail for springing off
- Demanding
- Not easy to load up
- Not recommended for beginners
Read more: 2025 Nitro Team Snowboard: A Versatile All-Mountain Dominator
Unleashing the Power: Performance on Hardpack
The Arbor Element 156 delivers exceptional performance on hardpack snow. Its powerful nature propels you through turns with ease, effortlessly cutting through the surface. The board's dampness minimizes chatter, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride even at high speeds. This makes for a truly 'point and go' experience.
The grip technology and edge design are standout features. The board's ability to hold an edge is phenomenal, offering unparalleled confidence and control, even when dragging an elbow at full speed. You'll feel a secure connection to the snow, allowing you to push your limits with confidence.
Buttery Smooth Flex and Responsiveness
Beyond its hardpack prowess, the Arbor Element boasts a remarkably buttery feel. The board's flex, particularly noticeable in the tail, allows for effortless presses and playful maneuvers. This responsive flex provides a surprising amount of pop, making it excellent for hitting side hits and popping off features.
This flex isn't just about playfulness; it also contributes to the board's overall responsiveness. The board's ability to react instantly to your inputs gives you a precise connection to the snow and allows for quick changes in direction.
Advanced Rider Focus: Demanding, Yet Rewarding
The Arbor Element 156 is not a beginner-friendly board. Its demanding nature requires a certain level of skill and experience to fully utilize its capabilities. It takes effort to load up the board for powerful maneuvers, but the payoff is significant.
However, for intermediate and advanced riders who appreciate a challenge, this board is a dream. The confidence and precision it offers are unparalleled, making it an excellent choice for all-mountain riding. The board's responsiveness and power combined with its stable feel at high speed make it a top performer.
Final Verdict: A Powerful All-Mountain Beast
The 2021 Arbor Element 156 is a high-performance snowboard that excels in all-mountain riding. Its powerful nature, dampness, exceptional edge hold, and buttery flex make it a joy to ride for advanced riders. While it demands a certain level of skill, the rewards are immense.
Its responsiveness, speed, and stability at high speeds make it a top contender for riders who prefer a challenging but supremely rewarding experience. For those seeking a board that will push their abilities and provide an unparalleled connection to the mountain, the Arbor Element is definitely worth considering.
