The Salomon Pulse snowboard, a 2017/2018 model, is an all-mountain freestyle board designed for versatility and ease of use. Its traditional twin shape and forgiving flex rating of three make it perfect for beginners and intermediate riders looking to explore various terrains. This review delves into the features that contribute to the Pulse's smooth, enjoyable ride, from its durable extruded base and detuned edges to its responsive yet forgiving FSC Aspen core reinforced with birch stringers. We'll examine how the board's construction, including its flat-out camber profile and ABS sidewalls, impacts its performance across different snow conditions.This in-depth analysis will explore the Salomon Pulse's strengths and weaknesses. We'll assess its suitability for freestyle tricks in the terrain park, its handling on varied mountain conditions, and its limitations in deep powder. Ultimately, this review aims to determine whether the Salomon Pulse is a worthwhile investment for riders seeking a fun, versatile, and relatively low-maintenance snowboard that excels in all-mountain freestyle riding, while acknowledging its limitations in specific niche applications.
Pros And Cons
- Traditional twin shape
- Soft flex rating , forgiving
- Flat-out camber for catch-free riding and stability at speed
- Good pop for ollies
- Extruded base: durable, easy to maintain and repair
- Detuned edges: less catchy, good for beginners and park riding
- FSC Aspen core with birch stringers: enhances pop and durability
- ABS sidewall suspension: reduces chatter and vibration for a smooth ride
- Suitable for all abilities, from beginners to intermediate
- Soft flex makes it less suitable for freeriding or powder
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Overall Impression & Design
The Salomon Pulse is an all-mountain freestyle snowboard boasting a traditional twin shape. Its flex rating of three indicates a softer, more forgiving ride, ideal for beginners and those comfortable navigating various terrains. The flat-out camber profile—flat between the bindings, with camber towards the tip and tail—provides a catch-free experience while maintaining stability at speed. This design also contributes to excellent pop for ollies.
The board's extruded base is highly durable and low-maintenance, needing minimal waxing and easily repaired if damaged. Solid, detuned edges right out of the factory minimize catching, making it a smooth, user-friendly board. The detuning at the tip and tail contact points further enhances this smooth ride and makes the board less likely to catch, particularly beneficial for learning to ride rails and other features in the terrain park.
Core Construction & Features
The Salomon Pulse utilizes an FSC Aspen core, visible through the board's construction. Reinforced with birch stringers, this core enhances pop and durability, promising a longer-lasting snowboard. The board also features ABS sidewalls—a Salomon signature—reducing chatter and vibrations for a consistently smooth ride, even in less-than-ideal snow conditions.
This combination of core materials and construction techniques contribute to the board's overall performance. The features work together to provide a responsive yet forgiving experience, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
Performance & Suitability
The Salomon Pulse excels as an all-around freestyle board, well-suited for beginners and intermediate riders. Its forgiving nature makes it perfect for learning new tricks in the terrain park, while its stability handles varied mountain conditions with confidence. The board's smooth ride ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
However, its soft flex makes it less ideal for aggressive freeriding or deep powder. While suitable for various mountain adventures, dedicated powder hounds might find its performance lacking in those specific conditions. Therefore, this is a versatile board, but not a one-size-fits-all solution for all riding styles.
Conclusion: Who is it for?
The Salomon Pulse is a highly recommended snowboard for a broad range of abilities, from complete beginners to intermediate riders looking for a fun and versatile all-mountain and freestyle experience. Its forgiving nature, durability, and low-maintenance design are all major plus points. However, those prioritizing deep powder performance should look at other options. Its versatility, smooth ride, and ease of use make it a strong contender in the all-mountain and freestyle markets.