Comments on: Snowboard Review: 10-11 Never Summer Lotus

By: Shay

Shay — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:17:13 +0000

Robbin, funny you are in Valdez! I’m currently in Valdez, about to attend Tailgate AK next week! Would love to meet up if you are around. Wish I had my Lotus here but you to ride and know for sure but I couldn’t pack extra boards. The Lotus will definitely handle the riding, it’s aggressive and very suitable for backcountry, steep lines and pow. I think in the long run the 157 would be the better choice, it’ll help for stability and better float. But really depends on you, it’ll take some adjustment as your first board but you’ll grow up quickly with it!

By: Robbin

Robbin — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:48:20 +0000

Hi Shay, really enjoying your reviews! I’m a new snowboarder in Valdez, Alaska and I’m looking for my first board. The riding here is all backcountry, mostly big steep lines above the trees, some rock bands and drops to negotiate, and so on. The snow is mostly deep coastal pow with some windpack and assorted cruddiness. I won’t be on the really crazy stuff for a few years I’m sure, but I want something that can handle the big mountain environment and help me gain confidence. The Lotus really seems to fit the bill.

It looks like I may have to order one if I can’t find a dealer up here, so I won’t get to look at them first, and I don’t know whether to get the 154 or the 157. I’m 5’4″ 135 size 8 boots, a bit stronger than average for my weight, and will often be carrying a pack with avy gear and other assorted stuff. If I was buying this to ride at a resort I’d go with the 154, but I don’t know if I should go for the longer one due to the conditions I’ll most often be riding in. Thanks!

By: Shay

Shay — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:43:52 +0000

Kate, sweet on the first board! Ally would be a great first board choice, Infinity would be a tad more aggressive but still a board that would last through your progressing years. Both boards would handle a variety of riding. For size, I think you’ll be best on the 147 or 149 for right now. Then you don’t get too over your head with a bigger board and the rocker/reverse camber will help for pow days.

By: kate

kate — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:08:47 +0000

Hi Shay, i’m getting my first board and like the roxy ally btx or the or the infinity. but i wasn’t sure what size to get. im about 5’5.5 (166cm) and weigh about 56 kg. US 8-8.5 boot. im beginner and would be sticking mainly to groomers and would like to learn a few tricks/jumps. im heading to canada for a month where theres powder but i also want a board which will be good in nz. just a good all round board for any terrain/riding so as i improve i can figure out what i like best.

im not sure between the 147 or 151 in the ally.

many thanks kate

By: Shay

Shay — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:28:33 +0000

Redbird,

Definitely sounds like the Lotus for your riding. Since you won’t ride switch that much and only to maneuever out of areas, you’ll be fine on how the lotus handles. It takes some adjustment to ride switch on it but it does just fine. It’s not squirrely, it’s just a bit different than normal because you are riding closer to the tail (setback on the board). I don’t regret being on a directional board, they are designed for charging and handling.

For size, the 149 would be fine for you unless you want to size up. I don’t think you need the smaller 147 with your riding style.

By: Redbird

Redbird — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:19:19 +0000

Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge! I’ve read through your Lotus & Infinity postings & think that you would recommend the Lotus for me. Here’s my sticking point–I’ve never had a directional board and I keep clicking on the Lotus to put it in my “cart” and then freak out by the look of that tail. It reminds me of those hard core dudes with the spandex suits & plastic boots faced completely forward, running a hard & fast line straight to the bottom. That’s sooo not me. And it doesn’t sound like you, so I need to change my thinking on this, right?

I’ve been riding for 20 yrs, am an int/adv rider & stick to powder bowls, trees, & fast groomers. Just resort riding at this point. 5’2″, 113lbs; in my mid-30s, so most of my hucking days are over; I like steeps, speed, good carves, freshies in the trees. I pretty well never ride switch down a groomer, but often find that it’s a necessary method for getting through tight trees or navigating out of a chute, etc. I noticed that you said that you are able to ride switch on this. Is it that much harder to do? What happens when you try to do it; is it squirrelly? Do you ever regret being on a directional board?

Finally, if you’re down to comment on the size of the Lotus you’d recommend, I’m all ears. From reading what you’ve written, I’d guess a 147 or 149. Learned on a 145 Burton, then switched to a 150 Rossignol and started mellowing out once I learned that I’m not invincible. The 150 sometimes feels a little long when navigating tight trees, although love the float on a nice batch of powder.

Thanks for answering all of our questions–happy deep powdery snow days to ya’!

By: Shay

Shay — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:46:47 +0000

Christina, definitely a smaller size is easier to learn on but it’s also holding you back on stability and progressing to the next level. I would suggest checking with Never Summer to see the demo days in CO, if there are any going on during the time.

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:04:34 +0000

Wow! I have been way off!! It sure was easy to learn on – so that scares me a bit jumping up! What should I expect trying to adjust? I might have to stick with my 141 for this season, though… but I’m hoping to buy at least a new board by my trip to CO in February. Bindings will have to wait..

By: Shay

Shay — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:12:12 +0000

Christina, thanks! Your weight calls for a bigger board, I’d recommend a 151-153cm. 141 is really small for your weight and where you ride but an easy size to learn on. So yeah you definitely want to size up to match your weight a bit more. It’ll give you a lot more stability from a snowboard.

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:56:12 +0000

Your reviews rock! I’m looking at the NS Infinity but am looking at all your reviews, so thanks so much for posting.

My question is what size I SHOULD be riding. Currently I ride a 141 (the setup was a steal..). I’m 5’2″ 145 lbs. What size do you recommend? Its really hard to get a good size recommendation.

Also, I live in Alaska .. how the heck can I demo boards?