Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard – Great Camber to Enjoy the Alpine
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard – Great Camber to Enjoy the Alpine
The new Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard is a climbing powerhouse that can handle the steeps of the alpine, thanks to its tried and true camber profile.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard
I have been a fan of Never Summer for the last two decades, and this is no secret. First, they are hand-made here in Colorado by men and men who really enjoy snowboarding. Second, they have a three-year warranty. Third, they ride really well. Like, second to none. Plus, they have great top sheets and graphics.
Ok, so now that you know why I appreciate Never Summer as a company, let’s get into the Proto FS Splitboard!
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
For the last several years, most of the boards I have reviewed have been rockered or a combination of rocker and camber. I really like rocker and camber together and find that it satisfies most of the riding that I do. Especially mid-winter when I am shredding lower-angle terrain and enjoying cold blower powder.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
But, springtime and early summer snow bring on the bigger missions, in steeper terrain. For this, I find that camber boards perform better for a couple of reasons. One, they tour up more efficiently. The camber profile just grips onto the terrain better. This is great on that firmer snow and variable conditions that we encounter on bigger approaches.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
Two, camber seems to perform better on hardpack snow, and steeper angles. I am sure you know what I am talking about if you have ridden camber before. This can give you more confidence and let you feel more in control.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
For these reasons and more, I really appreciate the Proto FS Splitboard. Not only did it climb like a goat, it handled like a race car on rails on the spring snow. The pics in this review are from one of my favorite areas here in Colorado. It is quick access alpine and a lot of fun in the spring.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey LakeinNever Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
As you can see in the pics, I am pretty damn stoked on this board! It has been a while since I rode a cambered Never Summer. I think the last one was a T5 Premier several years ago. It was nice to get on their newest offering and rekindle my appreciation for camber!
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
Damp and stiff
This board will hand all the crud and wonky snow you may encounter on your bigger missions. It absorbs the chatter like a champ and offers you a lot of confidence on those bigger faces.
Who is the Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard for?
If you are after steeper lines, want great touring efficiency, and need to be gripped on the mountain, then the Proto FS is for you. If you are an old-school shredder that misses camber, then this is for you. If you need a board to handle crazy variable snow conditions, then this is for you.
Never Summer Proto FS Splitboard Engearment – Pic Joey Lakein
Bottom line, this is an advanced board for the advanced rider that appreciates the benefits of camber. There are plenty of other Never Summer boards that I would recommend for lower-angle fun and deep powder. Those reviews are below. But if you want a board to help you get to the big missions, then check out the Proto FS!
Never Summer Swift Review – My favorite powder board!
Never Summer Atom – The do it all board!