Hatchet or Drift Rocker?

Posted: 03 September 2010 08:15 AM

I am looking for some advice as I am torn between 2 boards. I am looking at a 2011 Atomic Hatchet and a 2011 Salomon Drift Rocker.

I ride 60% groomers and 40% park. I plan on doing a lot more butters and jumps this year, so I am looking to get one of these 2 boards. I currently ride a Salomon Special 2, which is too stiff and does not have a park bevel. Which of the above boards would you recommend for having a lot of fun in the park while being able to run around the entire mountain.

I am open to other boards ONLY within the Salomon and Atomic lineup.

Location Illinois (USA)

Also, some sizing advice would be very appreciated. I am 5’8”, 160lbs. I am thinking between 152-154 would be the best size, but I am open to all opinions.

Thanks!

Posted: 03 September 2010 08:42 AM

Hey Flint,

Both are great boards and fortunately both have been video reviewed. You’ll find that both boards got a positive review and both represent good value for money:

http://www.snowboard-review.com/tv/video_snowboard_review/2011_atomic_hatchet_video_review/

http://www.snowboard-review.com/tv/video_feature/king_of_the_jib_snowboards_2011_video/

It may also be worth looking at the Salomon Grip and the Atomix Axum, these may perform slightly better on the piste. At 5’8” and 160lbs I’d be looking between 154 and 158.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Posted: 03 September 2010 08:48 AM

I’ve heard rave reviews on the Salomon Official as well to toss another log on the fire.

I’m curious though why only Atomic / Salomon boards? You got a hook-up? :)

Posted: 03 September 2010 06:55 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. I have been looking at the Salomon Grip and the Salomon Official too.

Tom - I reviewed the videos, and am still a little confused as to which profile would be best for me. The Drift Rocker has a banana like profile, and the Hatchet has a more neutral camber. Is one profile better than the other for holding grip in icy situations? Is one board better for all mountain? Midwest winters get cold and have a lot of ice.

Perhaps the Salomon Grip is a better overall solution. I was looking at this board earlier, but a review that stated it was pretty sketchy in icy conditions kept me from considering it.

Reloaded - I will look into the Official too, but I mostly hear about its strength as a big air and pipe board. The flex rating is a little high and is a directional twin, which makes me wonder if this board will be good for buttering and spins. I will research it a little more. I have an affiliation with these companies, which makes me brand loyal.

Thanks again for the advice!

Posted: 04 September 2010 02:15 AM

Since you are riding a lot of ice / hardpack I wouldn’t go too soft, the Drift Rocker is rated at a 2 which I think is too soft considering you still want to ride 60% groomers and given the conditions around you.

The Official is 1 notch above the Drift in terms of flex so it won’t be a large difference.  Also the setback stance is either 10 - 15 mm, at 15 mm that’s .59” so it’s tiny compared to the 1”+ of most all-mountain setups.  Hopefully you can get out and put your hands on the deck to feel the flex, I think the Official is lining itself up nicely based on your guidelines.

Posted: 04 September 2010 05:09 AM

Hey Flint,

To be honest their pretty similar boards; yeah the the Salomon has a reverse camber profile but the Hatchett has a Pop rocker profile, which means it performs similarly to a rockered board when it’s loaded with the weight of a rider. When we tested the Drift on an indoor slope we found it gripped well and had loads of pop…...and indoor slopes are renowned for having savage icy patches! In fact our only criticism was that it wasn’t really an out-and-out jib board…..more of a park-focused board that could be ridden all over the mountain with confidence. With regards to flex they both have a similar flex patterns; the Atomic gets 5/10 and the Salomon 4/10…...but the rocker on both makes initiating turns and pressing much easier anyway.

If you think you want something with more of an all-mountain focus then I’d probably look at the Grip over the Official because of the profile….being rockered it’ll feel a lot more manageable and jibby than the Official despite having the same flex characteristics (6/10). Don’t get me wrong the Official is a great board and Reloaded is definitely right to bring it to your attention but it won’t be as ‘fun’ or as progressive as the Drift or Grip.

Hope I haven’t confused you further!

Posted: 04 September 2010 05:46 AM

Wow, thanks for all of the info guys! Tom your last post cleared up a lot of the confusion I was having in regards to the profiles.

I will narrow my focus to 3 boards: Hatchet, Drift Rocker, and the Grip. It is one more than when I started, but with the info you guys provided I feel better about the decision, whichever it will be.

Reloaded great advice, I will try get my hands on the boards to see the flex and pop side by side.

I will report back when I make the decision. I may have a question or two before, but until then, thanks for the advice. If you have any more thoughts on the issue, please post them.

Thanks!

Posted: 12 September 2010 03:07 AM

I was wondering what size Hatchet you guys were riding in your review?

Thanks!