2011-2012 Boards Boards Reviews

Snowboard Review: 11-12 Never Summer Infinity

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Location: Mammoth, CA

Snow Conditions: Mixture of hardpacked icy conditions to soft packed slushy conditions.

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

Size: 154cm.

First Impression: Continues to be the women’s SL – ride anything board

Weight: average.

Flex: The Never Summer Infinity is NS’s all mountain freestyle board for women and the flex matches that, it’s a medium flex board.  Not soft, not stiff – just in the middle of the two.  Torsional soft between the bindings which gives it a quick responsive flex and longitudinally stiffer from nose to tail.  Stiffer nose that lets it charge and ride through choppy conditions and a softer tail that helps give it some freestyle fun. The Infinity features RC technology which is reverse camber, rocker and camber, rocker between the feet and camber just outside of the bindings.

Turning: Whether you want short or long radius turns, the Infinity does both without issues.  The softer torsional flex helps for responsive short radius turns and the longitudinal flex from nose to tail gives it the stability for long drawn out turns. The vario grip helps on edgehold for the hardpacked icy days.

Stable: It was really good to be riding the 154cm size for the Infinity, definitely more my style and handling on the mountain was more stable.  The conditions were mostly spring conditions, hardpacked in the morning and softer slushyness in the afternoon, the Infinity did fine on both.  The vario grip helped for the icy hardpacked days and in the slush, the dampening on the board helped it cut through and not be bounced around.

Pop: The infinity can handle park riding and the jumps are a blast on it.  Good pop and the softer tail for pressing makes it very capable of park laps.

Switch: The Infinity is a directional twin, the flex is twin but it’s setback with the sidecut and stance so there is some adjustment but you get used to it quickly.  I’ve ridden the board enough that it feels fine riding switch, still forgiving in the handling.

Overall Impression: The infinity is the women’s SL and a good all mountain board for a female rider.  It’s on the intermediate side for women but it’s a board you can grow into and develop with.  It’s not as stiff or aggressive as the lotus and it’s not as soft and freestyle as the pandora.

Shay’s Honesty Box: It didn’t feel like anything changed in the NS Infinity for 11-12, it’s still that all mountain freestyle board for women.  I happen to enjoy a stiffer flex so I spend most of the winter on my NS Lotus but the Infinity is a great board for an upcoming all mountain rider.

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

 

On Snow Photo

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

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

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  • Shayboarder’s 2012 Top Picks – Shayboarder.com
    August 22, 2011 at 7:20 am

    […] Never Summer Infinity […]

  • Toni
    September 18, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Shay, thanks for the reviews. Definitely helpful!
    I am trying to decide between getting a never summer infinity or lotus. I am an intermediate rider and love to ride so i definitely want to improve. I live in Colorado and i love doing groomers, blacks, and the bowls up at keystone and such. I have yet to do any park but a lot of my friends do it so they want to teach me. I do want to do park, but it definitely wont be my main thing. I am 5′ 4″ and 122 lbs. What would your suggestion be on the board choice and size? I’ve heard they are both great boards so i can’t decide. Also I heard if you get a bigger size on an all mountain board it leans more toward freeride.

  • Teresa
    September 20, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    Hey Shay,

    Last year your informative reviews helped me decide on a NS Infinity 147. I’m 5’6”, 113 lbs. and it’s by far my favorite board. I also have a 151 Lotus, but I find I don’t like the ride as much. While it’s faster and stiffer, I keep wishing it was a little wider, and didn’t like the turn as much as the infinity. The infinity has such a playful and awesome turn. (I don’t really know how to describe this stuff haha)

    I’m trying to decide if I want to get a larger Infinity for powder this year, or to get a smaller park board. I started to learn how to butter last season, and was finding the 147 infinity a little tough for the buttering. It sucks, because in North Lake Tahoe, no one demos NS boards. And I can only use NS pro-form once a season, so I feel like I should get a park board since I don’t have one. I have NO experience with buttery boards and sizing…And I don’t really know which larger infinity I would get either.

    Any thoughts or suggestions would be awesome! HELP! <3

  • Shay
    September 20, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    Toni, Definitely sounds like your riding style is more Lotus specific with the groomers, blacks and bowls at Keystone. If you plan to ride park more, the infinity would be a suitable choice and more all mountain freestyle focus. For size, i’d look at a 145-149cm. But realistic, I’d decide which riding you’ll do more often and pick a board that can handle it.

    Teresa, I know the NS guys demoed late season in Tahoe last year but you’d have to wait a while to try them out. You could size down and get the pandora for your park board and keep your infinity for everything else riding. Do you have to get one or the other? Or both?

  • joeblow
    September 22, 2011 at 4:59 am

    Hi Shay,
    Thanks for the reviews. I’m looking to get a board for my girlfriend and was undecided. She’s 5’10”, 125 pounds and rides mainly resort. She isn’t a beginner, but not intermediate either. We don’t do much riding over the year so she has some small confidence issues.

    As I said, she rides mostly resort and I don’t see her doing park. Maybe a small jump or some butters (not to sure though). So my options were the NS Infinity and the Roxy Envi C2BTX, as they were your top picks. I know that the C2BTX is more freeride and I don’t know if it will be too much for her. Infinity seems perfect except for a stupid reason: I think she’ll like the look of the Roxy more. Is Roxy ok for her to grow into and evolve? Or is it overkill?

    I’m not limited to these boards – I just saw them as your top picks. If you have other recommendations I would appreciate it (she has a Gnu B Nice from a few years back which she likes – I want to change it just to take advantage of the new tech out there: rocker, mtx).

    What binding do you recommend? I saw that you appreciate the K2 Agogo. Other recommendations? (she has some Rome Madison, I think, from 2008; should she stick with those?)

    Thanks and sorry for the long post. It’s hard to find girls talking about snowboards out there.

  • Shay
    September 22, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Joe, Awesome on the board for your girlfriend, great gift! The Infinity would be an easier more forgiving choice for her than the envi which is a lot more aggressive/stiffer flex. Both are rocker/camber so similar there. If you want an easier choice that’s comparable to the infinity look at the ollie pop as an option from Roxy.

    For bindings, if she likes the madisons, they are good bindings that I’d definitely recommend so she could probably stick with those.

  • Vanessa
    September 23, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Hey Shay,

    Thanks for the review! I’m looking to buy a new board. I’ve had my current one for years now, and it’s time for an upgrade. I’m an intermediate all mountain rider in the Northeast. I’m used to hardpacked snow/icey conditions. Unfortunately nobody in the Northeast sells NS or demos them. I’m 5’2″ and 108 lbs. What size board would you recommend?

    Thanks!

  • Shay
    September 23, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Vanessa,

    Awesome on getting a new board! NS does make a Northeast demo stop during the season and you might want to contact them to find out what shops have demos. http://neversummer.com/events-and-free-demo/

    Probably the 145-147cm for your weight/height. Depending on what size you are currently riding and comfortable on.

  • tristana
    September 25, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Hi Shay,

    Thanks for the review. I’m 5’1 and 96 lbs. I recently started snowboarding last season, and would like to get a board that I can really grow into and help me progress. The smallest infinity is 145cm. Is that too large of a board for me? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

  • joeblow
    September 26, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Thanks for the response.
    I looked a little into the ollie pop and it seems to me that’s it’s a bit too soft – more of a park board. Is it like that? Are there any other options – act like an Infinity but with nicer graphics? Also, what size should I get? She’s 5?10?, 125 pounds.

    As for the bindings: she has the Rome Madisons but they’re from 2008, i think. The straps cracked and I need to find new ones – I don’t know if the guys from Rome will give me replacements. That’s why I’m asking: is there a big difference between her old bindings and the new ones? Should I try to fix them or should I spend some cash and get new ones? (i’ll try and sell the old ones) Is it worth the extra cash? If so, what bindings.

    Thanks Shay and sorry for taking advantage of good will and knowledge.

  • Nes.
    September 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Too bad the Infinity doesn’t come just a tad shorter for us petite girls

  • Shay
    September 26, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Joe, definitely is softer than the Infinity. Roxy eminence is a bit stiffer than the ollie pop but not as stiff as the envi. For her weight 147-150cm would be fine. Contact Rome, you should be able to get replacement parts on the bindings. They have been upgraded since 2008 so depends if you want to spend the extra cash. if they are in good condition, no reason not to spend the money for the part and get bindings next year.

  • Teresa
    October 3, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Shay,
    I did not know NS was here in Tahoe last winter (ARG), I must have missed them. I think I am leaning towards a 143 Pandora, do you think the 140 would be too small? I am just getting into park riding, and will stick to the 147 infinity for everything else. But I am kind of a noob when it comes to small park boards. With Squaw and Alpine teaming up, I’ll finally have access to a real park though! Good stuff.

  • Shay
    October 3, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Teresa,

    Never Summer comes out during February for their demo to the Tahoe area. Keep looking on their demo site because they’ll update it with the mtn list soon. Definitely for park you could ride that size and be fine and it’d give you a good variety of sizes for your collection.

  • Lynn
    October 22, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Shay,

    I need help on deciding between an NS Infinity or Lotus? I do mostly all mountain but not too much in parks. I’m a beginner in parks and would like to progress my jumps. I’m 5’2” and 113 lbs. If I want to get and infinity, should i go for 145 or 147?

  • Shay
    October 23, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Lynn, if you plan to ride parks some of the time, the infinity is a good all around board for it. Lotus is a bit more aggressive freeride. For size, really depends on how often you plan to ride park vs mountain. If mtn is the majority go for the 147 it’ll give you stability on jumps as well as the mtn. If you want more park focus, go for the 145.

  • Lynn
    October 24, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    Thanks Shay! Is NS Infinity similiar to GNU B-Pro C2BTX?

  • Shay
    October 25, 2011 at 6:54 am

    Lynn, Lotus is more comparable to the B-Pro in my opinion.

  • Ania
    November 1, 2011 at 7:11 am

    Can I get a your recommendation??
    I am purchasing my first snowboard. Only have 2 seasons under my belt. I can buy on eBay a brand new Never Summer Infinity 2008-09 season board for $280 or 2011-12 for $460 from a shop. Does the price difference justify buying the 11-12??? Thanks! Ania

  • Shay
    November 1, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Ania, Sweet on your new purchase! Personally I think paying over $200 for a almost 4 year old board that’s old technology for the company is overpriced. If it was RC technology then it’d be a better deal. So make sure which one it is. 11-12 has RC which will be a lot more forgiving and playful but really depends on your riding style.

  • Ania
    November 2, 2011 at 6:23 am

    Shay, thank you for responding. I posted the link for the board on your other post, but perhaps we can continue on this post so we don’t go back and forth? My thought is that perhaps the seller is mistaken and it is RC? Or better yet, here is the link again:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-NEVER-SUMMER-INFINITY-SNOWBOARD-149-/110764929419?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D3912004915672839849

  • Pakki
    November 5, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Hey Shay,

    Hoping to get a bit of advice – I’m replacing my 10-11 Infinity which was stolen at the end of last season. Bummer I know, but have just replaced it with the 11-12, finally! I upped the size from a 145 to the 149 but am concerned I might be overdoing it. The 145 is definitely not enough board for me. I ride aggressively & want to have a little more oomph and stability for the times when I’m bombing down the hill and really charging into carves. The Lotus of course would be much better for this but I am still playing in the park as well as constantly hunting for kickers. But still, am concerned I might be overdoing it. I have ridden 149 & 151’s and had a blast without any issues in the past. I’m 5’1″ & 125lbs with a size 7 boot and using Union Trilogy’s.

    Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice!

  • Shay
    November 5, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    Ania,

    The ebay post says it’s RC technology so it should be that.

    Pakki, Bummer about your stolen board, definitely sucks to deal with that! For your weight, you are fine with the 149 and it’s still in the right sizing for all mountain freestyle for you.

  • Nattie
    November 8, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    hey shay,

    so i seem to be needing a bit of help deciding between the Lotus and the Infinity and there are no dealers close to me to go check the 2 out and feel them for myself. Ive been riding since the day i could walk and i live in BC.. i usually ride way more backcountry freeride and have definetly been leaning towards the lotus.. but ive been feeling like i was missing out on all the little fun things on my stiffer boards.. for example no little poppers and no butters.. im only 5’4 and 108 lbs.. so im wondering if leaning towards the infinity might help?? ill be riding revelstoke BC most of this winter and want to do some serious back country , im not a serious park rider but i wanna have fun on the hill and in the park this year as well and not have a stiff board that controls me instead of me controlling it. So i guess my real question would be is the lotus just a bit to stiff for the small stuff ? and is the infinity just not gonna cut it in some seriously deep powder? I really can only get one this year and ive been torn for weeks.. anything would help make a decision at this point, so if you have a suggestion that one would complete my world just a bit more than the other that would be great!!

    Nattie 🙂

  • Shay
    November 9, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Nattie,

    The Lotus will still have some playfulness to it (just not as much as the infinity), the reverse camber on it definitely makes it still capable of buttering. I think the Lotus is the better choice since you will be spending more time riding aggressively, freeriding and in powder than your park riding.

  • Erin
    November 25, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    I’m trying to decide between the NS Infinity, Lotus, or Rome Blue. I’m replacing a Burton Feelgood. I rarely do park however I wouldnt rule out hitting some jumps every now and again. Also, we do tend to get pretty icy conditions here. Which board would you recommend? Also, what size? I’m 5’2, 112 lbs, size 6 boot.

  • Kendra
    November 28, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Hi Shay,

    I am looking to buy a NS board for this season and I’m having trouble which one to choose. Currently, I have the pandora from like 4 years ago and I love it, but it’s time to upgrade to the new technology. I ride anywhere between a 149 and 152. I’m 5’5, 133 lbs and I’m an advanced rider and snowboard instructor. I’m looking to improve in everything. Literally, park, pipe, pow, laying down carves. Powder is deep in Tahoe and now that I work at Northstar I need to up my park game with a smooth ride. Is there a board that will be good in all those styles of riding or would I need to get two (if finances permit)? I need to float over pow, butter boxes with no catching, and still hold an edge in the pipe and during hard conditions. Any advice?

  • Kendra
    December 13, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Why does no one ever write back to me?!

  • Shay
    December 13, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Erin, Probably the Lotus or Blue if you don’t ride park as much. They’ll both handle jumps. Lotus has vario grip for added edgehold so that might be a better choice for ice. For size, depends on what you were riding before. I’d say 47 or 49 unless you are riding powder more often.

    Kendra, sorry for the delay! Sweet on the upgrading to a new board. You could hold onto your pandora for park days and go with the Lotus for freeriidng/pow days. I’ve ridden my lotus everywhere and it does fine in the park/pipe but definitely stiffer than you need for those. And you can butter, thanks to the RC.

  • corinna
    December 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Hi Shay,
    I’m looking to upgrade my board to the Infinity but was unsure of what size I should get. I do not ride park but would not be opposed to eventually try it but I primarily stick to the hills but would like to eventually expand to backcountry. I’m 5’4 and 195 lbs. Thanks for you recommendations

  • Shay
    December 19, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Corinna,
    Sweet on upgrading to the infinity! What size are you riding now? I’d say either the 154 or 156 would be suitable for you. 156 if you want to ride backcountry more.

  • Marlie
    February 15, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Shay – I totally enjoy reading your entries. They are very helpful. I am hoping you can help me. I am trying to decide between the NS Infinity 149/151 or the Lotus (imagine that!). My current board is a 2003 Ride Control. I love it dearly but it’s time for new technology and a girl board. My style: mostly blues, but I ride them fairly aggressively. Then again, at other times, I like to take it “easy” down the slope and simply enjoy the beauty of Colorado mountains. Sometimes, I take the occasional “beginner black”. Never to the park…not just yet. I do like to catch “baby” air on the slopes. I’ve done lots of research, but I am simply not sure which way I want to go. Thank you for your assistance. BTW. I am 5’4 and 170 lbs.

  • Shay
    February 16, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    Marlie, thanks good to hear! My first thought is the Infinity because it is a bit more forgiving, more playful and allows for you to take it easy. The Lotus is a good board but definitely built for more aggressiving, charging riding but it could be a good board to progress with and get your riding up to blacks more often. Either way you are getting a good board, maybe start looking at sizes and costs to figure out which one? Also if you can there are Colorado Never Summer free demos you could go to and know for sure which one you like!

  • Mary
    February 20, 2012 at 1:38 am

    hi Shay,

    I love your site and i’m often on it when I research new snowboards. I was able to get a brand new never summer 2012 model for 305 dollars. I’m 4’11 and 105lbs. The never summer board is 147cm. before that i was riding a k2 moment at 143 cm. I don’t ride park, just carving down the mountain. I’m at intermediate level and was wondering if the 147 is okay for me. Ideally I know i should’ve gotten a 145 but they were out of stock. How bad is it if I keep the 147? What exactly happens when i’m riding a board thats 2cm too long?

  • Zeyna
    March 1, 2012 at 7:45 am

    Hi Shay,

    Fabolous web site!! I hope this message finds you. I am planning to buy a new board please help me. I am a beginner – intermediate rider with 4 seasons of riding experience. I love carving and riding the slopes (groomers and sometimes ice). I sometimes go backcountry but never to the park or pipe. I am 5’4″ and 120 lbs. I have a Palmer 2006 Liberty Carbon 150 (my boyfriend bought me… I think it is a bit beyond my level), nidecker boots (stiff) and drake bindings. It was hard to initiate turns, especially on steep slopes, but I liked it. Then my boots broke (yes!) and i bought a pair of Burton Emerald boots. Suddenly, I wasn’t able to turn!!! So I rented a 144 Burton feelgood camber with lexa bindings and found it much forgiving and easy to ride but less responsive/agressive. I was struggling with liberty carbon so I am thinking about leaving it for a while and invest in a more forgiving yet still responsive board. What would you recommend given I will use my Burton emerald boots (feel:5)? Choices are: a) continue with the palmer, change the bindings b) never summer lotus 145 or infinity 146?????? c) burton feelgood 144 (flying v or camber??? I know this is toooo long but I was going crazy reading user reviews..untill I found your site. Best,

  • Shay
    March 6, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    Mary,
    You could ride the 147 and be just fine on it. It’s on the longer end but if you are just planning to carve down the mountain, it’ll help give you a more stable ride. It will be an adjustment from your 143cm but it’s only 4cm’s difference, definitely doable. Get out and ride it 🙂

    Zeyna, thanks! Definitely the carbon is a more advanced board. Softer boots will definitely make riding more effort if you were used to a stiffer boot.

    Here’s what I recommend. Keep the Palmer for now, just as a backup and in case of progressing back to it. Then size up on whatever board you get, you thought the feelgood camber was less aggressive so go for a higher 140cm size so it will handle better for you. Ultimately I’d say anything in the high 145-150 mark to suit your weight better. Then decide if you want reverse camber or camber. Reverse camber will be more forgiving, playful but it won’t be as stable as camber.

  • Jen
    March 14, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Hey Shay, awesome reviews! I just got a ns infinity 149 yesterday and it should be quite a change/upgrade from my 9 or 10 yr old Roxy board… this is going to be an interesting first day haha. Anyway, I’d say I was an intermediate maybe a lil on the advanced side – this and last year are the only seasons ive been able to go consistently and not 1-5 times, just wondering what kind of bindings you think would go well with this? (my boots are salomon f20s) I was thinking about maybe Rome Madison or Strut, Madisons sounds more comfy, but would love any suggestions! thanks!!

  • Meg
    March 18, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Hi Shay-

    Great reviews. I’m looking to buy a new board myself. I currently ride an men’s Ride DH 153. Before that is was an Arbor progression 154. I actually started this sport before there was gear specific for females. All my boots and bindings are female but have always stuck with the men’s board because that is all I know. I tend to be more of a free rider. I do steeps, moguls, powder, groomers mainly because most of my friends ski. However I feel a am missing out on learning a whole new skill set with freestyle. I don’t really care about jibbing but would like to do more jumps, ride switch and do some bhttp://www.shayboarder.com/2011/07/snowboard-review-11-12-never-summer-infinity.htmlutters more comfortably. All stuff that the DH would be good at but the DH washes out on ice and I hate that. The infinity seems like a good board for some freestyle and that I would still be able to go fast and do some free riding well. I was also looking at the Rossignol Diva for this purpose. I didn’t know what your thought’s on these two boards are or if I would be better off with another type of board. Can’t really do any demos right now because of a broken ankle. Any input would be appreciated.

  • Christine
    March 23, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    This is THE most helpful site I’ve come across for women snowboarders! Thanks so much Shay! I’m currently in my third season, although it’s only been between 1-5 times/year so I’m still a beginner, doing some occasional blues. It’s definitely time to get a new board as I’ve been using an old Burton GUY’S board from ten years ago, which was originally used as a rental. I’m pretty convinced about getting a Never Summer, just not sure if it should be a Pandora or Infinity. I like to do just go down the mountain, but since I’m a beginner, would a Pandora fit me more? Also, what are your thoughts about Gnu boards?

  • Shay
    March 24, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Jen, Definitely awesome choices! The Infinity will be a great board to have. For bindings, the Madisons are a really good comfortable binding.

    Meg, I remember those days before women’s equipment. Definitely a board with MTX will grip the snow and ice better. Infinity would be a good choice for all mountain and would be more playful.I don’t have any experience with the Diva but I can look into it for you. Definitely try women’s boards if you haven’t yet. If your specs allow it, it’ll be a lot easier to ride but I understand sticking to men’s boards. I ride both just fine.

    Christine, Thanks so much! Your own board will be much improvement from the old Burton and a bit more forgiving on you. I think you’ll be fine on the Infinity, Pandora is more park focused and unless you plan to ride park, the Infinity would be more all mtn and probably a better fit for the mean time. GNU has really good boards and great women’s boards, definitely worth a look as well!

  • Kate
    March 26, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    Hi Shay,
    I’m actually really excited to get some actual feedback from someone that has ridden each of the NS boards! I recently purchased a Gnu B-Pro C2BTX board and have had a challenging time of it. I’m 5’8″ and the board is 155 cm (perhaps a bit too long). I find that my riding is a bit more fun on the mountain. Although I don’t go into the park all that much, I do like to play. I’ve started getting into the trees, spinning and definitely enjoy carving instead of bombing it. Sometimes the speed is necessary though to keep up with my friends. I also should mention that I love the way my K2 Moment pushes through the chop. I am really undecided between the two. Please help!

  • Meg
    March 26, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    Thanks Shay. I think I’m going to get the infinity. I’ll just have to buy on-line. I live on the East Coast so usually what happens when I go into a local shop is that I get a male sales-person that is your typical small skater guy. When he sees me and my size, he recommends a men’s board. And it really is only because the shops don’t carry female boards much bigger than 149 cm. I’m 5’7″ and 160lbs with a size 8 boot. So yes I can ride a men’s board but I feel that I would benefit from a female version just because the waist cut is more narrow. The longest board I’ve had was 154cm Should I stick with that or get the 156cm?

    Also just one more question about the infinity. I’ve seen some reviews mention that it is squirrely when flat basing and one-footing. I’m not quite sure what that means. To an extent, all boards are like that. I usually try to stay on an edge when flat-basing. Did you notice any problems getting off lifts with this board?

    Thanks so much and again I love the site.

  • Kate
    March 27, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Hi Shay,
    Strange, but it seems my original message is missing from the chain…

    Anyway, I wanted to see which Never Summer board would be right for me: Infinity or Lotus. I don’t necessarily play in the park, but I do like to play and carve all over the mountain and in the trees. I’m leaning towards the responsiveness of the Infinity, but would also like to be able to keep up with my friends without the chatter. Also, it would be nice if the board could cut through the chop without bouncing over it like my GNU does.

    I’m truly looking forward to your suggestions!

  • Shay
    March 27, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Meg, You are fine on a women’s board at your size. Don’t worry about it and if a shop guy gives you shit, find someone else. You’ll want the 154cm size for yourself unless you feel like sizing up to the 56. Your size 8’s are fine on the women’s waist width. The squirrely feeling is something you get used to especially if you’ve been riding camber. It takes adjustment but yeah all boards take adjustment. There are some boards that really stand out when flat basing but the infinity wasn’t one of them.

    Kate, I’d say the Lotus for you. It’s more stable, it’s more damp and it won’t get bounced around. It’s still pretty quick for the trees and mountain riding and the rocker on it will still allow it to be playful.

  • Marlie
    March 28, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    Hi Shay. Just a follow up. I purchased the NS Infinity 149. Found it online at a great price. It arrived a week later and I took it to Copper Mountain immediately. Two words: Total Bliss! I love love love love love my new board. It is so pretty (which counts a lot)…but it is also AWESOME. Handles well on ice, in the good snow, and in the slushy spring snow. No complaints. Thank you for your site, it is super duper helpful!

  • Alison
    April 2, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Hi Shay, your site is brilliant! I currently ride a 05-06 Burton Feather 149 (normal camber). I’m 5’4″, 125lbs, just done a season so a reasonable rider. I’m looking for a board primarily for bombing down pistes, whether they be groomed powder, icy, slushy, mogully. So I think I want stability at speed, ability to cruise through lumps and bumps, yet able to turn sharply through mogul fields & on crowded runs, and pop off the odd mogul or little kickers at the edge of the piste. I’m starting to ride switch and little jumps, but this is not the main aim. So I think the Infinity would be ideal, but I can’t find any good deals [in rural Austria] and wondered what else you’d suggest? e.g. K2 Fling, Burton Feelgood, Roxy Ollie Pop, Arbor Push…? I’m going to try a Bataleon board but can’t demo much out here. Thanks for your advice.

  • Shay
    April 2, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    Marlie, Sick! Sooo happy it worked out for you.

    Alison, thanks so much. I think a reverse camber/camber option would be a good choice. It sounds like your riding would be good with camber still, much more responsive/stable and great for charging. A RC board you’ll have to adjust to and unless you want something in the mix, not sure. Arbor Push is a good board and camber, the Feelgood is good all mountain, Ollie Pop and Fling are more freestyle/softer.

  • Emma
    April 11, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Another board question for you 🙂

    I’ve been riding my 146 08/09 Fling (pre-Flatline) for 4 seasons now and its starting to lose “pop” so I think it’s time to get a new one – perhaps the NS Infinity.

    I’m 5’4″ 125lbs and ride mostly park and pipe but if I’m having a bad park day I usually spend the rest of the day on black runs.

    I loved the Fling as I found it responsive, forgiving, easy to handle, light and poppy, not too soft – not too stiff, but I also found it a bit choppy on fast pipe runs.
    Also because of its effective edge / size ratio I find other boards feel a bit unstable at similar sizes and find it hard to adjust to boards over 149.

    I also have a 149 Nitro Fate that I’m not that fond of as I find it difficult to handle and too stiff for the park. It’s directional so I’m keeping it as a powderish board.

    I’ve demoed some boards:
    I thought I’d love the Burton G-Twin but hated it. Found it unstable and wouldn’t have tried even the smallest jump with it.
    Ride Fever – Fine but just fine.
    Va Va Voom – Great but too soft and not as stable as the Fling for jumps.
    B-Nice& B-Street – didn’t like them much. Found them a bit unresponsive and heavy.
    B-Pro – Loved it! My only concerns are that it was a bit heavier than my Fling and that the effective edge -even going up a size – isn’t as long as the Fling’s.

    I’ve heard good things about Roxy Eminence & Ollie Pop, NS Infinity and a few other boards but not having demoed any of them, I’m finding the decision making quite difficult.

    I’m going to spend at least two whole months in Japan next season and am desperately looking for a new board but at this rate I’m afraid I’ll just go for the new Fling…which seems like a cop out.

    Any advice before I go insane? 😛

  • Shay
    April 15, 2012 at 11:02 am

    Emma, Definitely sounds like the best bet would be to keep demo’ing until you find a board you like and not settle for a board that won’t be up to par.

  • Abi
    April 15, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Hey! I demo’d a 2013 Inifinty today, unfortunately only for one run, but I really loved it. I’m just wondering whether you know if the 2012 model is very different as I can still pick one up in the sale. Have they made big changes do you know?

    Thanks,

    Abi

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