Snowboard Review: 11-12 Never Summer Lotus

22 Jun, 2011


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Location: Mammoth, CA & June, CA

Snow Conditions: Mixture of fresh powder to hardpacked to soft groomers.

Setup: I rode the Never Summer Lotus with my Union Team bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.

Size: 157cm.

First Impression: Rides like the same board as last year, dominant freeride board for women.

Weight: average.

Flex: The Lotus is the women’s freeride board in the Never Summer lineup, stiffer than the infinity with a whole lot more dampness in the board.  It’s softer than the men’s version, the Premier F1.  The softer nose gives it more float in powder and a stiffer tail for control on the mountain.  The carbon gives most of the stiffer flex underfoot for a more stable ride and you have good torsional flex so turns aren’t as difficult to engage.  The dampening in the board helps absorb any rough terrain on the mountain.  Never Summer’s RC technology features rocker between the feet and camber outside the bindings.

Turning: The Lotus delivers with quick response for the mountain.  It’s easy to engage into turns and the flex delivers control and stability on the mountain.  The sidecut allows for quick turns for shorter radius turns or if you want longer drawn out turns, it can deliver those too.  The sidecut takes some adjustment since it goes from deep to shallow to straight to shallow to deep.  But it does deliver powerful turns and the stiffer tail lets you rally out of turns.

Stable: When the snow gets waist deep powder in spots, you know it’s going to be good and can be bad at the same time.  The Lotus endured this March June Mountain day that was easily knee to waist deep in spots and it did better than expected.  The 157cm size stayed afloat through some heavy powder and choppy spots.  It floated which is the rocker having a helping hand.  It wasn’t as good as a powder board in the deep stuff but it did better than expected.  Later when I took the board to Mammoth for cruising groomers and freeriding, the Lotus handled just fine without problems.  It handles speed with grace and the dampening helps absorb any rough terrain.

Pop: The Lotus got to experience Forest Trail park with me which meant this line:  jump, bonk, corrogated tube, jump, jump, jump, flat box or pipe for most of the park riding.  Despite being a freeride board, the Lotus has decent pop and could handle the runs through park just fine.  No catching on the boxes, stiffer flex for stability on jumps and pipe.  The RC helps a lot in the park when it comes to playfulness.

Switch: I am used to the Lotus so I feel comfortable riding it switch but it is a directional board with a setback stance so there is some adjustment to how it handles.

Overall Impression: The Lotus is the women’s premier, it’s meant to give an aggressive ride for women wanting to charge the mountain and ride with the men.  It’s a freeride board that can handle the occasional park/pipe lap.  The RC technology is enough playfulness for those rare park days and enough float for the waist deep powder days.

Shay’s Honesty Box: The Lotus has been my main women’s board in my collection for years and for good reason, it’s a dominant freeride board that handles the mountain.  This was the first year I rode the board outside of Steamboat’s light fluffy snow and a good test to see how it held up in some heavier conditions.  Quite honestly I rode the board over the past couple months of winter from the waist deep pow days to park/pipe days and it didn’t let down.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Never Summer Lotus or shop their full line of Never Summer snowboards

 

On Snow Photo

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The snow was that deep when I rode it

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Never Summer Lotus description (click on it to pull it up)

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Review Disclosure: This board was given to me by Never Summer Snowboards.

54 comments

About the author

Shay

From the beginning of time, I was Shannon. From the beginning of snowboarding, I was Shay. From the beginning of online communities, I was Shayboarder. In the end, I’m the writer, photographer, editor, publisher, guru of sorts, product tester, curvy girl, and most importantly the snowboarder behind it all. Follow me on this journey through snowboarding, mountain biking, traveling and fun experiences!

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54 Comments

  1. Liz
    October 05, 2011

    Thanks for your help Shay! I just bought a lotus! Can’t wait to try it out!
    I was just wondering if you have any suggestions for boots. I have Burton Emerald boots from a few years ago but one of the laces broke on them so I might just replace them. I find that they’re a bit soft now. I think I want something just slightly stiffer because I find that sometimes my heel moves up when I’m on some steep runs.
    Thanks!

    reply
  2. Shay
    October 06, 2011

    Liz, awesome on the new board! Boots are one of those things that is all determined by your foot shape and fit. I’d suggest going to your local shop and trying on a bunch of different women’s boots. If your heel moves, the boots don’t fit you and you need to find some that do fit your foot shape better.

    reply
  3. Chani
    November 04, 2011

    I just got this board but haven’t decided on binding yet.

    What do you think would be best for it out of Rome Strut or Madisons, Union Triology or Burton Escapades?

    Also, which one of those do you think will fit me 32 lashed womens boots the best? (size UK 5/6)
    I unfortunately don’t have the option of trying them with the boots before i buy so hence i ask your expertice ;)

    I would like a quite responsive binding taht fits the boots, i’m leaning towards Escapades just because i love the toe caps on Burtons but like i said, not sure what fit the boots ok?

    Thanks in advance :) / Chani

    reply
  4. Amanda
    November 17, 2011

    I got this board for my birthday after riding the Infinity for the last few years. I haven’t been able to try it out yet, but it does seem a bit stiffer than the Infinity, which is one of the main reasons I bought it. Glad to hear it handles well in the powder, as I’m doing a snowcat trip up in Whistler this year. Never Summer boards are the best I’ve ever ridden- so durable. My husband rides GNU, and after a day of rocky early season snow last year, his board was beat to hell while my NS had not even a scratch!

    reply
  5. alysha
    November 18, 2011

    Hi Shay,
    I am trying to decide between the Louts and the Roxy Envi.

    Stats: 5’9”, 145 lbs, women’s size 7.5 US boot (Salomon Optima). I usually use Burton Escapades but am open to new bindings.

    I have been riding for 12 years, average 30 days a season, almost exclusively in Tahoe.
    Moving to Seattle in a few weeks, so my future riding will be up there. I’d say I’m advanced but not expert. I really like groomers, powder, trees, long runs. I like going fast and taking an occasional kicker, but I don’t spend a lot of time in the pipe or park anymore.

    Current boards: 2008 Smokin Superpark MTX 156, 2006 Rome Anthem 157, 2001 Lib-Tech Emma Peel 159. The last few years I have been on my boyfriend’s 2009 Arbor Draft 155 any time he’s not riding (Burton Cartel bindings).

    I generally like things damp and on the stiff side (ahem) — my knees are a bit busted, and I can’t stand chatter.
    Performance in powder and on groomers is much more important to me than in the park for this one.

    Any thoughts? Size suggestions? 154 or 157?

    reply
  6. Katie
    November 24, 2011

    Hi Shay,
    Love your site and your helpfulness to everyone! Just wanted to pick your brains a bit please!

    I’m needing a new board to upgrade from my 147 Omatic Benatar, and wanted to stay towards the mountain/freeride sort of thing. I mostly ride in Europe, so lots of ice, hardpack, moguls and groomers. Trees and pow are great when available, and I’m way more into super long runs than anything park. I’m 5’3″, 125lbs womens’ US6 boot, and with short legs! I’ve Rome Strut bindings that I’m not looking to change yet.

    There’s a little bit of limitation in actually demo-ing the type of board I’m looking for, hence me reading all the reviews under the sun.
    The Arbor Push and the Never summer Lotus are really catching my eye (especially with a selection of older Pushes on sale over here), but I was wondering how they were on ice and those days when you don’t want to go all out effort-wise! I like camber, and I like having a board challenge me, but I don’t want to wash out just because I’ve let my mind wander off!

    And I wasn’t too sure in sizing either – stay with a 148 or head 151 for a bit more stability at speed?!

    Any help would be greatly appreciated! x

    reply
  7. Shay
    November 24, 2011

    Chani, Sorry for the delay, definitely the escapades are a good choice for the Lotus.

    Amanda, Definitely stiffer than the Infinity, that’s awesome you love the quality of NS. Enjoy the board, it’ll handle the powder for sure!

    Alysha, Definitely the Lotus has more dampness than the envi. I think you’d be fine on the 157 but either boards are great choices, they are both perfect for your riding style.

    Katie, Thanks so much! Definitely either board would be an upgrade and handle the freeriding, trees and powder. Your struts are fine, no need to change those. If you like camber, then stick with the Push. It’s a great board and still what you are looking for. For size, go for the 151cm, it suits you more and your riding style better.

    reply
  8. Amelia
    December 07, 2011

    Hello Shay!
    I’m pretty sold on getting a Never Summer lotus for the coming season but am trying to decide between a 146 and a 149. I have been riding a venture zephyr 147 for the past 5 seasons. I love my board now for the most part, but am wanting something just a little bit more playful for trees and the like. I am 5′ 2″, and around 110 to 115 lbs. I ride aggressively, but am kinda tiny, sometimes I forget this :-) I want a board I can manage well, but also one I can progress with as a rider, and am hoping to find a nice balance between the two. Any suggestions with size? I love groomers and powder, but have been getting more and more into trees the last few seasons and would like to explore moguls more also, my board now just doesn’t turn fast enough for this, yet I still want a decently fast board for cruising. Dilemma!!!

    Any recommendations on size would be most appreciated :-)
    Thank You!!!

    reply
  9. Shay
    December 09, 2011

    Amelia,

    Sweet on the new board! Definitely if you want a faster board, the smaller size would be easier to maneuver and control on the mountain. It’ll still be fast just not as stable but luckily the Lotus has good dampening so I think you’ll be fine. For size, the 146 would be most similar to your 147 zephyr so you wouldn’t need to adjust to a size difference but the 149 definitely gives you the charging, aggressive riding and float in powder. Are you able to demo the lotus at a NS demo day this season?

    reply
  10. Amelia
    December 11, 2011

    I’m going to try to make it to a demo day in the next couple weeks, but if not I might just go for the 146, I can always upgrade to a larger board in the future, and I think for wanting a more maneuverable board with better control the 146 would be a safer bet! Either way, thanks for the recommendation :)

    reply
  11. Shay
    December 13, 2011

    Amelia, sounds good. I think the 146 is the safe bet right now. Awesome!

    reply
  12. KT
    December 14, 2011

    Shay- AWESOME SITE!!!! Love it : ) Thanks for sharing the knowledge with us.

    I’ve been using your site to research a new board. I’m an advancing intermediate with 4 seasons in here in Colorado. I’ll get 20+ days in this season. The guys in my local shop recommended the Lotus over the Infinity:

    My favs are powder, wide trees (going with a shorter board for more maneuverability in dense trees), bowls, and some groomers at Vail/Breck/Keystone. I never hit the park, occasional natural jumps/lips, and am not a big switch rider (current board is directional twin camber). I’ve been on a softer board, but want to get up and get going with stability to keep up with my skier bf and all my CO native friends. Do you also think the Lotus is for me over the Infinity?

    Thanks a million! Pray for snow.

    reply
  13. KT
    December 14, 2011

    PS I’m 5’10″, 135 lbs, 8.5 boots- leaning towards a 151?

    reply
  14. Shay
    December 14, 2011

    KT, thanks so much! Sweet on Colorado riding, you’ll progress so quickly.

    Definitely the Lotus will push your riding and handle the powder, trees and freeriding better than the infinity. It will push you though, the infinity would be more forgiving on you but in the end you’ll be a better rider.

    I’d say the Lotus and go with the 151. You could always demo both boards at the NS demo day around Colorado (check their website for the calendar) to know what size/both for sure.

    reply
  15. Ali
    December 30, 2011

    Hi Shay,
    GREAT review, it really helped! I am an intermediate rider who definately wants to keep progressing and I know my beginner/intermediate board won’t get me any further than I am right now. I ride mostly groomers right now up in New Hampshire & Vermont but once I progress I’d definately want to get into back country. I am not interested in the park at all and I know I want a freeride board. People have been telling me to get the Lotus cause it will pick up where I am now and help me progress to becoming a more advanced rider. I’ve looked and it seems to be want I need, but I’m also not the most knowledgable on all the specs.

    I love to go fast and making the tough turns (which I head the lotus handles great). Would this board suite my needs? I’m 5’4 about 130lbs and 7.5 boot. I was thinking about going with the 149. My current board is a directional twin camber 148cm.

    Thanks, and I LOVE the site!

    reply
  16. Shay
    December 31, 2011

    Ali,

    Thanks! Definitely the Lotus is a freeride board that’ll help you advance in riding. The Lotus can go fast, it has good dampening to make it more stable and it’ll carve great on the mountain plus you can take it into the backcountry. I think the lotus would be a great choice. For size, the 149 would be fine. You could go bigger but only if you really want to size up. The 149 would handle what you are asking.

    reply
  17. possum
    January 10, 2012

    Hi Shay,

    I’m 5’7 1/2, 130 lbs, 7.5 boot and I am about to purchase this board but I don’t have the luxury of demoing it first. I’m trying to decide what size to go for. I’m thinking either 149 or 151. Do these sizes sounds suitable, I have always rented boards and tbh not payed much attention to their size beside the fact that they basically come up to my chin. It is 152cm to my chin. I’m not sure how much it matters but could you help me make a decision :) I’m an intermediate rider only. I guess I want that balance between ease of making turns and stability but I’m not sure what size that equates to.

    Thanks.

    reply
  18. KT
    January 16, 2012

    Shay- Thanks for the advice! I ended up gettijng the 151 Lotus a little over a month ago and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I immediately became a better rider. This board likes to CHARGE it, and it allows me to alllllmost keep up with the guys! This thing handles like a dream in everything you throw at it, especially in this snow-less CO season. I’d highly recommend it! Thanks again, KT

    reply
  19. Shay
    January 16, 2012

    KT, That’s awesome to hear you got the Lotus and love it! Stoked for you! Hopefully more snow on the way so you can really play on it.

    reply
  20. AD
    January 18, 2012

    Thanks for the review Shay, it really sold me on the NS Lotus! I had been riding a ’10 Burton Troop and was having issues with stability at speed and washing out on crud. I have only been riding about 4 years and haven’t ridden a ton of bards so I wasn’t sure if this was normal as the Troop got good reviews. I knew I wasn’t going to be in the park at all, and wanted a board for the pow and trees. Let me say I am soooo glad I got the Lotus! First day out, 5-10″ of fresh pow. I get on the board…a little weird at first..ok, getting used to it. First run. WOW! I feel like the board just knows what to do, I’m barely hanging on for dear life! It was all over from there…I didn’t even stop for lunch I was having so much fun! I really feel like this board is perfect :) It’s very stable at speed. Initiating turns, while not the easiest, is certainly NOT hard, it’s flexier than I thought it would be and is sooo responsive! I’m 5’5″, 125 lbs and bought a 149. All I have to say is thanks for the spot-on review, and anyone out there who is on the fence about this it is definitely worth it! Oh, and I think it looks better in person than in the pictures, but honestly I could care less how the board looks if it performs like this :)

    reply
  21. Cassie
    January 21, 2012

    Hi Shay,

    I’m thinking about purchasing the lotus and have a few questions. I have size 11 feet, do you think the lotus be wide enough for me? I use risers anyways but have always ridden men’s boards in the past. I’m 5’9 and weigh 150 pounds. I noticed you ride the 157 and I was considering getting the same size. In your opinion would the 157 be the right size for me? I’m a big mountain and free rider and the lotus sounds perfect! I would love to hear your advice!

    Thanks

    reply
  22. Shay
    January 21, 2012

    AD, that’s awesome on you loving the Lotus and getting more stability on the mountain! Stoked for you!

    Cassie, honestly with your boot size, I would go for the men’s version of the Lotus, the Premier F1. I think it’ll suit you better and it’s a very similar ride to the women’s Lotus, just wider and a tad stiffer. Check out that board and tell me what you think. You wouldn’t need risers with it and you’d suit the board just fine.

    reply
  23. Lisa
    January 30, 2012

    Hi Shay! Just came across your site at perfect time as I am having internal struggle parting w/ my Burton Custom 55 that I have been for a really, really long time (like ’96 ish!). I am finally coming to terms w/ the fact that I probably need a new board finally. My husb has NS & thought I would like the Lotus but it seems narrower than my beloved Custom & I am not used to riding a women’s board. I am not able to demo it anywhere around near me in CO (go figure, right?). I love riding all over the mtn- trees, bumps, powder, groomers and want a board that doesn’t let me down. Should I stick w/ my guys Custom again or should I venture out & get a Lotus?? Would you recommend 54 or 56 if you think NS is the way to go? I am 5′ 6″ and like a stable solid board.

    reply
  24. Heather
    February 02, 2012

    Hello Shay,

    Need feedback about the rocker camber technology and whether it’s causing me to wash out. I got the Never Summer Lotus 2011 and so far I don’t like it. When transitioning to heel from toe I get the sensation I’m going to completely flip backwards. It’s scary and frustrating. To fix this I have tried many different binding positions and with the same sensation. What am I doing wrong? (Prior to this I rode Ride’s Vista and killed it on steeps, etc.) Have you heard Rocker Camber causing this?

    Frustrated in Denver.

    reply
  25. DQ
    February 03, 2012

    Hi Shay,

    Great to read the review and all these comments – it’s really helpful for someone like me who’s unable to get involved in demo-ing!

    My current board is gradually falling apart after many years of use, and I have loved it (a Salomon Ivy), but I’m ready to move on and up! From what I’ve read the Lotus board seems perfect for because I love riding the powder, tree runs and blasting the groomers when I can! But much like Katie (above) I ride mainly in Europe, so as well as all the super-fun stuff I am also likely to be dealing with hard-pack and the occasional ice patch – so wondered how well the board would cope with that? I also read (on another review) that this board is quite heavy and might be a bit uncomfortable on chair lifts (especially as I have slightly dodgy knees)!

    I think I’m prepared to take the risk on these 2 queries as the board looks like so much fun I’m sure the pay-off is worth it!! I thought it was worth asking though!

    Thanks!

    reply
  26. Shay
    February 03, 2012

    Lisa,
    What’s your boot size? Definitely it’s time to upgrade boards and you’ll be amazed at how responsive a women’s board will be for your boot size. Definitely the Lotus would suit you and I think you’ll find it a big improvement from your 95 custom.

    Heather, Did you change anything with your bindings or boots at the same time you switched to the board? Definitely some people don’t like rocker camber and prefer camber, you could be that rider.

    DQ, Definitely Lotus would be an option or the GNU B-pro or Roxy Envi, those boards have MTX for gripping on ice.

    reply
  27. Lindsay
    February 15, 2012

    Hi Shay!

    Thanks for all the info. After reading your review, and a few others online, I’m more convinced than ever that the Never Summer Lotus is the board for me. Only problem is that I don’t know what size board to get. Right now I ride a Firely Eccentric snowboard 152 (bought as a beginner board). I’m 5’3, 180 lbs. I was thinking of going down to 149 since its feels like the 152 is sometimes a little too long for me. I mostly snowboard down groomers and do a little park stuff. What board length do you suggest for the NS Lotus?
    Thanks!

    reply
  28. Shay
    February 15, 2012

    Lindsay, Sweet on deciding it’s the board for you! Just a question for you, what’s your experience level and why do you feel the other board is too long? Does it feel slow, unresponsive? Honestly, you should be on the 151cm as the smallest size, the 154cm is more your size. But depends on your ability level. The Lotus is more aggressive, freeriding board. The Infinity is a bit more easy going. Either way it’s going to be a big upgrade from your Firely board.

    reply
  29. Sej
    February 16, 2012

    Hey Shay! Thanks for the review, really appreciate it! Just wondering.. I really want the NS lotus! I’m looking to buy, except I need your opinion: I’m 5’5 and 130 lbs, and I’m currently using a beginner 150cm K2 board. I like charging the mountain, but I like to try a few jumps every once in awhile. I was able to find a 151 for a really great price, but originally was planning on the 149. What do you think? Would the 151 really make a huge difference from my 150 board?

    reply
  30. Shay
    February 16, 2012

    Sej, I’d go up to the 151cm. It’ll be an adjustment from your beginner k2 board no matter what but it’s the right size for you. 149 would be on the smaller end and if you are charging the mountain and a few jumps, do the 151cm.

    reply
  31. Lindsay
    February 16, 2012

    Hi Shay. Thanks for the advice. Now I’m considering the infinity as well. I’ve been riding for a few years. I’m around intermediate right now, doing diamonds and some jumps. I figure since I go boarding every weekend, its time to invest in a real board. My Firefly 152 feels unresponsive which is why I was thinking ’bout going to a slightly short board. But it could be the beginner board I’m on as well.

    reply
  32. Shay
    February 16, 2012

    Lindsay, I think your board is just older and you’ve already outgrown it so it is doing nothing for you in return. Infinity is a good all around board and i’d stick with the same size you’ve been riding.

    reply
  33. Lindsay
    February 17, 2012

    Thanks for all the adivce, Shay! Much appreciated. Infinity 151 it is. :)

    reply
  34. Ali
    February 20, 2012

    Hi Shay,
    Just wanted to say thanks for the spot on review! I asked you a few questions earlier and I ended up getting the Lotus in a 149. Took it out yesterday and it was absolutely amazing. Thought I would have to adjust and get used to it from my beginners board which was much wider and not as advanced but right from the start I was cruising. It had tons of control and was completely stable on the mountain. I went straight to the black diamonds and it took speed with ease. It also caught nicely a few times when I messed up. Just wanted to say thanks, you review really helped! I would recommend this board for anyone who wants to charge the mountain hard!

    reply
  35. Shay
    February 21, 2012

    Ali, thanks so much for sharing! It’s great to hear you love the board and are having a blast on it! Enjoy the season!

    reply
  36. leah
    February 25, 2012

    Hey Shay!
    I’m thinking of buying the NS Lotus. Looking for an all mountain board, that will handle the off piste chop & steeps. I ride mostly off piste, blacks & little bit of slack country, but still cruise the groomers & hit the jumps when hard pack. My current board is a soft, short park board that isn’t really cutting it.. I ride 5 days a week & want to take my riding to the next level. Do you think the Lotus or the Infinity would be better and what size would you recommend? I’m 5’6 & 150lbs, size 8 boots. Any other boards you think would be good, I demoed the K2 Eco Pop 156 & enjoyed riding that.
    Thanks for your advice :)

    reply
  37. Shay
    February 25, 2012

    Leah, This will definitely be an improvement over your soft short park board and more capable of riding the steeps, freeriding, powder. Definitely the Lotus is the board for you, Infinity won’t be what you are looking for. For size, I’d probably say the 154 or 157. If you are comfortable on the 156 size, then go with the 157.

    reply
  38. Jenna
    March 01, 2012

    Hey, I’m looking into getting the Lotus. I read the review and appreciate your insight. I’m pretty sold on getting this board based on what you’ve written about it and some other positive reviews. I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on the size. I’m 5’3, 130 lbs. I’m an all-mountain rider, not much park (yet). I’m riding a 147 now and just wondering what size you’d recommend. I’ve found a great deal on a 154, but thinking that it’s probably too long. What might be the benefits of getting a longer board? Thanks! :)

    reply
  39. Megan
    March 02, 2012

    Hey, I am an intermediate rider and am currently riding a ’98 burton custom. I am upgrading and am gonna get a NS lotus, but not sure on the size. I am 5′ 8″ and wondering if I should get a 154 or 157. I haven’t decided on binding yet and was wondering if u had any feedback on which ones to get. I am a womens 8 and have vans aura boots. Thanks.

    reply
  40. Shay
    March 06, 2012

    Jenna, The 154 is doable for your weight but it’s on the longer end and unless you will specifically be freeriding/riding powder, then I wouldn’t go that high up. I would suggest stepping up to the 151 range which is more suitable for your weight and riding style. A longer board would be more stable, more effective edge, better for charging, handling in powder.

    Megan, What’s your weight? That’s the most important part about picking out board length. What board size are you currently riding as well?

    reply
  41. megan
    March 09, 2012

    Shay,
    My current board is a ’98 burton custom 151. My weight is 190. thanks for your help.

    reply
  42. amie
    March 13, 2012

    does anyone know if the lotus 2013 comes in black this year?

    reply
  43. Shay
    March 15, 2012

    Megan, you could go either size honestly. The 154 will hold your weight just fine but maybe the 157 will last you longer. Both will require some adjustment from your current 151 size.

    Amie, I’ve seen it in white only but I’ll double check for you.

    reply
  44. megan
    March 19, 2012

    shay,
    thank you very much for the advice. i ended up getting the 157. Do u have any recommendations for bindings? I found a good deal on some Burton stilettos and wondered ho those would work?

    reply
  45. Shay
    March 19, 2012

    Megan, awesome! Congrats on the new board. Bindings depend on how much response, comfort you like. Some prefer a more responsive binding, others like a more easy going binding. The Stiletto is more easy going. So just depends on how you like it, not a bad binding though.

    reply
  46. Carissa
    March 30, 2012

    Hey Shay,

    I am an intermediate rider looking for a new board. This is my third season riding. I am pretty much set on never summer. My first board I bought not knowing what I needed or was looking for. I bought a ride rapture 143. It’s been pretty good to me as far as learning basics, but I want to get into more all mountain riding and riding in pow. My rapture is absolutely HORRIBLE for powder days. I am constantly fighting my way thru pow and crud and the flex is really doing a number on my knees due to the fact that it is a freestyle board. I feel like I’ve reached a plateau as far as advancing on this board. When I first started riding I thought I would be more interested in park riding, but as I progress I’ve found that I enjoy powder, tree runs and flying down groomers instead. I want a board that’s going to help me advance my riding but not be totally unmanageable for my skill level. I’m 5’2″, 125 lbs. I am looking at getting the lotus 149. What is your opinion on how well this board would work for me, or would you suggest something else?

    reply
  47. Shay
    April 10, 2012

    Carissa,
    That’s awesome you’ve found a love for the powder, trees and freeriding! Lotus 149 would be a great choice and definitely push your riding to the next level. It’ll be some adjustment from the 143 softer flex board you own to the 149 stiffer more aggressive lotus but it’ll handle a lot better in powder and freeriding.

    reply
  48. Noreen
    August 05, 2012

    Shay,

    decided on the lotus as my new ride, having a tough time deciding on bindings to go with.. Currently have button stilettos but didn’t find them super responsive. Shredding new England I find that with the hard Icy days I can feel the vibrations after a long day… Any suggestions? 5’6 130 154/156 riding style pure speed

    reply
  49. Alyse
    October 09, 2012

    Hi Shay
    I am a beginner to intermedite rider and ride mostly groomers at this stage.
    I am wanting to try riding more powder runs an stay on groomers but up my riding level.
    I am used to riding on quiet hard pack icy conditions but will be traveling this year to more powder.
    I can’t decide between infinity and the lotus and would love your opionion I’m 123lbs and have been riding a 141 cm board

    Thanks

    reply
    • Shay
      October 11, 2012

      Alyse,
      First thing, 141 is on the really small end for your weight. You should be closer to the high 40′s for your weight. Then the Infinity is more all-mountain, Lotus is more aggressive advanced. Infinity would be easier to ride than the Lotus. It’ll still handle groomers, powder and is closer to your riding level.

      reply
  50. Nina
    January 02, 2013

    Hi Shay,
    Glad to have stumbled on your blog today. I’ve been wanting to upgrade from my daughter’s hand-me down Joyride 149 which we purchased 8 years ago as a used rental. It has served me well for learning but I feel the new technology would help me advance. I ride mostly East coast groomed trails, lots of falling leaf and slow turns.5’6″, 57 yrs old and perpetual plans to weigh less than 160 lbs.
    Saw the Lotus today and thought it might be “the one”. Would love your advice, since it sounds like you’ve got some broad experience with different boards and riding styles.

    reply
    • Shay
      January 03, 2013

      Hi Nina! Definitely time to upgrade boards and progress to the next level board. The Lotus is the more freeride specific women’s board, so it’s stiffer, more charging. I would look at the Never Summer Infinity, it’s a bit more all mountain, progressive and forgiving than the Lotus is. Fine on edgehold, icy conditions and has the new RC technology.

      reply

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