Smokin Snowboards

Posted: 04 November 2009 07:42 AM

Just wanted to get thoughts on the Smokin Sbowboard brand? Anyone ridden one or heard much about them as a brand. I see they have the Magne traction.

Posted: 04 November 2009 11:41 AM

Hi Silver,

Actually we got to ride 3 Smokin Boards on the test and have been trying for months and months to get their gear up on the site, but honestly it’s like drawing blood out of a stone. I think I’d have more luck getting onto the Nasa space program. I rode the MIP, my thoughts on it were that it was great for cruising around the park, fun off mid sized kickers and because it was soft between the bindings it pressed amazingly and felt easy on rails. However, cranking strong heelside carves it washed out quite a bit, basically it has the grip but can’t deal with it. So perfect for the park and buttering around the mountain, but not a board for all conditions and all mountain riding. Build quality is pretty good and providing you like bright colours and Ganga, you’ll love the graphics.

Posted: 04 November 2009 12:32 PM

Thanks for the feedback Rich, appreciated. I haven’t had a chance to see the Smokin in real only on the net. What would you opinion be comparing the Brand Smokin and Organic in boards and reputation?

Posted: 04 November 2009 10:01 PM

Hey,
I think it’s hard to compare brands in reputation. In some people’s eyes Burton is just crap, still they are producing some really great boards. So reputation does not always come with the same level of board-quality.

Organic is having some serious boards for sure. Working with eco friendly materials, I’d say, is a major reputation plus, if you want it that way.
Never really heard about Smokin before.

But in general, I wouldn’t really buy after brand but after tech in general (and graphics). If you got several boards offering what you want, start looking at the brands, more detailed. Just my 2cents~

Cheers

Posted: 05 November 2009 01:37 PM

Your 2 cents is greatly appreciated, thanks for the reply. It seems alot of people haven’ heard of Smokin which seems odd to me as they have the tech which they got of Libtech. I’m into what Organic are all about, I’m just not sure wether most consumers are willing to back them over already established boards and tech which may make it hard for them to grow and really become a player in snowboard manufacturing, thats of course if they want to take it that far. I like their graphics this season and I see they have a reverse camber coming soon too. I hope they do well. The point with Smokin I spose, why buy there boards when you can buy a Libtech or Gnu board who have already established themselves with their technology.

Posted: 05 November 2009 02:24 PM

If you like a brand for what they’re doing with regards to tech or even marketing, you should give their boards a bash. It’s quite unheard of to find a bad board, essentially they’re just fibreglass wood and resin with a plastic base. I’m always keen to give the underdogs a go and if their product rips, it’s all good. For instance Ellis who have been about for a couple of seasons, their top of the line board the Supreme is killer with as much tech as the Burton T6, but at half the price, is the Burton name worth paying double? As long as your not hearing horror stories about a brand then I’m inclined to give them a go… always a good idea to check that their boards have a warranty. From my experience the Smokin board I rode was great in the park, they’re from around Mammoth, where it’s all about the park so that’s what they’re going to build. I’m goping to sort an organic test soon because people are showing a lot of interest…. it’s a brand with a good feeling about it, in it for the right reasons.