Never Summer Raptor - 2012
New to the Never Summer line-up last season the Raptor made quite an impression, in fact we were gob-smacked. Combining directional RC tech with a good deal of dampening, a firm powerful flex and a surprisingly tight sidecut, the Raptor rails incredible medium and long radius carves and as soon as you shift your weight to initiate the opposite edge, the snappy cambered tail throws you up and into the next turn, it’s exhilarating. For 2012 Never Summer has trimmed the tail of the Raptor into a stubby point which will improve float and reduce back leg burn in powder. It might be expensive but the ride is completely unique.
Manufacturer's Description:
Sleek design and graphics inspired by the F/A-22 fighter jet, the Raptor is our flagship high-performance freeride/freecarve snowboard. We’ve taken our legendary Titan freeride model to a new level in carving, stability and all mountain versatility by reinforcing the new NS SuperLight wood core with our new extensive Carbonium Laminate Technology (CLT). The result is a lightweight ultimate freeride weapon that has unmatched power and response. We’ve also created a new directional Rocker/Camber profile specifically for the Raptor that combines a longer front camber and rear shifted rocker which increases carving performance, high speed stability and powder floatation. The Carbonium Damping System (CDS) eliminates excess vibration, and the lightweight super-durable Carbonium topsheet sets this board apart from all others.
Recommended for freeride riding.
Recommended for big mountain riding.
Very high cost $
Available in Wide.
Hybrid Rocker/Camber Construction.
Directional Shape.
Year: 2012
Available Lengths (cm):
159, 164, 169, 161W, 165W, 169W
Riding Style: Freeride
Specifications:
Carbonium topsheet
Carbonium Laminate Technology
Directional Rocker Camber Profi le
STS Pretensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
CDS Damping System
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 base
P-tex Tip and Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge
User Snowboard Reviews
Want some advice, or have a question about the Never Summer Raptor snowboard, or whether it is right for you? DON'T POST HERE! Head over to our snowboard forums and our community will be happy to help.
Seriously - READ THE ABOVE..., the snowboard forum the best way to get your question seen by all of our community and an answer, rather than just those who happen to view this page.
However, if you have ridden this snowboard and want to share your feedback, then please add your experience below. It helps to add as much detail as possible, e.g board length you used, bindings, rider stats etc.
on October 14, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Im looking to buy a new snowboard. Im not interested in any park, just powder, groomed runs. Any reviews on this board to add from the above.
on October 14, 2011 at 10:08 PM
For sure Dylan I reviewed it last year, just scroll down the Never Summer brand page a little more and you’ll find it. I think the only change this year is the pointy low volume tail kick which should improve powder float… when riding regular at least. Rich
on October 21, 2011 at 10:55 PM
I ride the Never Summer Titan from 3 years ago. 20 years experience, big guy, aggressive rider, and this thing is still great.
I’ve ridden just about every major brand over the years, and the only other board that ever came remotely close to this was the Nitro Supernatural.
Get the NS- i’m saving for my next one. They’re just so damn good!
on November 11, 2011 at 05:31 PM
So…..I have tried about ten times to get the challange to work for the darn forums, I gave up!
I am needing a comparo on the NS Raptor, Rossi Krypto and Jones Flagship. Which one?
Hey at least its down to three!
on November 11, 2011 at 06:31 PM
If you spend more time on the groomers than the backcountry then get the Raptor. I’ve not ridden the Krypto but I gather it’s just a little bit softer than the Flagship. My experience from owning 4 Rossis is that they are utterly nuke proof and always so affordable. I’d go for the Krypto if you are an all-mountain rider who wants to take freeriding a bit more seriously this season. If you spend most of your time in the backcountry then consider the Flagship.
on November 29, 2011 at 09:09 AM
I rode a 169cm NS Raptor X wide all last winter. I sold its predecessor the NS Titan Wide to go with the new Double Camber Technology. If you are still riding an “Old Skool” board without the double camber you do not know what you are missing. I have been riding since 95’ and this board is just plain forgiving. This new technology will make you a better rider instantly. No more accidental edge catching and you bust through the crud like a mad man! The board floats bigger than it is in the POW, so much that I am downsizing to a 165 this season. I am a big guy that rides hard and aggressive. I tried to destroy the top laminate last season riding the trees but the board is built solid tip to tail. Never seen a tougher Top Laminate—Having kids run over it all the time with their skis in the lift lines proves it also. Buy the Raptor X you will not be disappointed…
on December 19, 2011 at 11:59 AM
I have been looking at getting a new snowboard for next year. i dont really do to much in the park if any. i just like to bomb down the hills, and do back country/ powder riding as well. i have been snowboarding for just over 3 years now and can handle things like double black diamonds. would this be a good board to get for a rider like me? I just dont want to get one that will not work for me.. especialy at that price.
on December 21, 2011 at 06:58 PM
I just picked up this board (159) this fall and finally broke it out last week. I am only in my second season boarding and am coming off a 155 Artec - Gabe Taylor (park board).
The first day I left the mountain a little pissed after getting bucked off most the day. Never thought it would be such a change from one board to another but it makes a huge difference. The next day I made some slight adjustments to my bindings and went off. I really starting to get the hang of it when I rode the way the board is meant to ride, fast and agressive. This board is really in its element when carving at faster speeds and I honestly had to hit the brakes a few times cuz I going at speeds I’m not used to on a board.
If you ride fast and aggressive you should definately consider this board. I also love how snow just glides right off the carbonium top sheet.
