The Ride Kink snowboard delivers a powerful and responsive ride, ideal for experienced snowboarders seeking high performance. This in-depth review explores the Kink's strengths and weaknesses, offering a comprehensive look at its on-snow capabilities. We delve into its performance across various disciplines, from carving and jumping to jibbing, examining how its unique characteristics impact the overall riding experience.This review examines the Kink's regular camber profile and stiffness rating, analyzing their influence on edge hold, pop, and high-speed stability. We assess the board's maneuverability and responsiveness in different snow conditions and detail our experience with the polyurethane dampening system. Ultimately, we determine whether the Ride Kink's demanding yet rewarding ride is the right fit for your snowboarding style and skill level.
Pros And Cons
- Great feeling on turns
- Perfect sidecut combination for comfortable turns
- Stiffness is good for pops and air
- Comfortable for jibs
- Good for jumps, provides solid landings
- Lots of write-off pop
- Chattery at high speeds
- Stiffness may be difficult for riders who prefer more flex
- Requires effort to achieve pop and butter
- Can slip out and catch edges on rails
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Camber and Sidecut Synergy
The Ride Kink boasts a regular camber profile and a perfectly matched sidecut. This combination delivers exceptional comfort and control, regardless of the turn or terrain. The board initiates turns smoothly and engages with a satisfying precision, making for a consistently enjoyable ride.
I appreciated how effortlessly the board transitioned between turns. It felt incredibly intuitive and responsive, allowing me to carve with confidence and precision across various snow conditions.
Stiffness and Response
While initially surprised by the Ride Kink's stiffness (rated a 6/10), I quickly adjusted. The board holds its edge with authority and delivers impressive pop, launching me effortlessly into the air.
This stiffness, while initially demanding, translates into exceptional performance for jumps and presses. It provides a firm platform for maneuvers, requiring a more deliberate engagement of the rider's body.
High-Speed Performance and Chattering
At higher speeds, the Ride Kink exhibited some chatter, a slight vibration that wasn't entirely unexpected given its stiffer flex. The polyurethane dampening system helped mitigate this issue to some extent.
Although the dampening improved the ride, the high-speed chatter remained noticeable, something to consider if you consistently ride at high speeds or on particularly bumpy terrain.
Jibbing and Rail Performance
Initially, jibbing on the Ride Kink felt challenging. I found that I needed to actively work my hips and body to properly engage the board for presses and butters.
However, after some time, my technique improved, and I was able to land most of my usual rail tricks. The board's stiffness proved advantageous once I adapted, providing stable control and impressive edge hold.
Overall Impression and Conclusion
The Ride Kink, despite its initial stiffness, offers a unique blend of pop, precision, and edge hold. It excels in jumps and carves with authority, and jibbing is possible after adapting to its firmer flex.
While its stiffer flex might not suit all riders, experienced snowboarders seeking responsiveness and a powerful feel will find the Ride Kink a rewarding choice. Its exceptional edge hold and the pop makes for a fantastic experience for those who prioritize performance above all else. It received high marks across the board, proving its worth as a powerful and responsive snowboard