Never Summer 2021 Snowboards Overview

There have been quite a few changes in the Never Summer 2021 range, with quite a few new models, as well as some additional sizes added to some of the regular models. The Proto Type II and Funslinger have been replaced with a new range of Proto boards.

Overviews of other brands: Ride, Nitro, Burton, Lib Tech, Capita, Jones, Bataleon, GNU, Korua Shapes

Never Summer Camber Profiles

Out of all the major snowboard brands, Never Summer stick to their hybrid profiles, with a few variations. Never Summer boards have a very specific feel, and even their softest boards have strong edge hold, with a feel that is very similar to Magne-Traction that is on GNU/Lib Tech.

The idea of all their versions of hybrid camber is that you get 3 major contact points, rather than the 2 main points on a traditional camber board. (Occasionally they will have some special/limited retro models, eg the Hammer which has very close to a regular camber profile)

Original Rocker Camber

Rocker between your feet, with a smaller camber section outside the feet towards the nose and tail of the board. A more mellow ride, that still gives good edge hold.

Ripsaw Rocker Camber

A smaller rocker section between your feet compared to the Original Rocker Camber profile, and much longer and more aggressive camber sections on the nose and tail. Boards with this profile have a bit more pop, edge hold and stability.

Fusion Rocker Camber

Used mainly on their directional/freeride and powder boards, this profile has Ripsaw in the back, Original in the front and a big flat transition area.

Shock Wave Rocker Camber

A new profile this season, it is featured on the Proto Synthesis, Proto Slinger, Proto Ultra, Womens Proto Synthesis and the Mini version. This has much larger camber sections under your feet, and a smaller and toned down rocker section between your feet. While the Ripsaw version is more aggressive than the Original, this is a good notch more aggressive than Ripsaw.

The edge hold is always good on Never Summer boards, but this new profile is a giant step up, it has extremely good edge hold, more pop and an overall feel that is a bit closer to traditional camber.

Base Materials

Most brands have two main types of bases: cheaper slower extruded bases that are normally featured on entry level beginner and jib boards, and faster sintered bases on their higher end boards.

Never Summer only use sintered on their boards, in two levels: 4501 and 5501. It is easier to think of this as a better and best seeing that they don’t use extruded, which is a big plus.

Sintered 4501

A high density sintered base, that keeps you moving quickly

Sintered 5501

Extra fast, with some graphite added.

One extra thing to take note of about the bases, in almost all models they will come with different colour versions of the bases, they might be reversed or even different colours from what the pictures show.

Wide models

X versions – eg Never Summer Ripsaw X are the wide versions, which have a wider waist width and are suitable for riders with size 11 or bigger boots. There are also DF models, which are wider again than the X versions. DF stands for Drag Free, and have plenty of width for riders who have boots size 12 or above, which will let them carve harder without getting so much toe or heel drag.

Never Summer have super long, over the top and crazy marketing names for their features, so I will try and have a few hints to work out what they really mean.

There are a few major things that will decide how a board rides –

Camber profile: Original, Ripsaw, Fusion or Shock Wave

Shape: Directional, Twin and whether or not it has taper (narrower tail compared to the nose)

Base: Higher number is better/faster

Never Summer 2021 Snowboards

Never Summer Proto Slinger 2021

This is a new one this season, that is a mix between the old Funslinger and the new Proto Synthesis. It is a twin asymmetrical shape – which means that there is a smaller sidecut on the heelside, to help make turning feel smooth and natural. A little bit stiffer than the old Funsligner, the Proto Slinger has the new ShockWave profile, which gives it much more camber, and less rocker between the feet for better edge hold and pop. I think this one is a good option for someone who does ride in the park quite a bit, but still needs a board that will perform well all over the mountain.

Comes in sizes from 146cm to 160x (wide).

Asym Twin Shape
4/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon VXR Laminate
Shock Wave Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Harmonic Tip/Tail Damper
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Read my review of the Proto Slinger.

Never Summer Proto Synthesis 2021

Another new one, the Proto Synthesis replaces the Proto Type II, and has quite an upgrade in features. They took away the asym shape of the Type II, this one is just a regular twin.

It has the Recluse web carbon layup, which gives it a bit of a stiffer torsional (twisting) flex. The most major change, and the one I liked the most was the new Shock Wave profile. It still had the “Never Summer” feel, but with more edge hold, and closer to the feel of a camber board. This is by far the best Never Summer board I have ridden.

Twin Shape
6/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Recluse Web Carbon Layup
Shock Wave Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Harmonic Tip/Tail Damper
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Read my review of the Proto Synthesis.

Never Summer Proto Ultra 2021

The Proto Ultra is another notch above the Proto Synthesis, with a few different features. It is still a twin, with the ShockWave Rocker Camber profile, but it has a different core, much more carbon and a stiffer overall flex.

Comes in two sizes – 154 and 157cm.

Twin
8/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
CC Carbon Configuration Technology
ShockWave Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS Wooboo Wood Core
Perforated Rocker Pad
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sideall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base

Never Summer Harpoon

The Harpoon is a new one this season, these short, wide volume shift boards are definitely getting more popular with lots more brands making them. The wider width makes up for the shorter length, and the taper helps to make smooth and easy turns, and easier float in powder.

Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
5/10 Flex
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping Systen
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Never Summer Shaper Twin

The Shaper Twin has an interesting mix of features, it is a twin board (in length), but with 10mm of taper, which means that the tail is narrower than the nose of the board. On top of that, it has the Fusion Rocker Camber, which means that there is camber under your back foot, rocker between your feet and a more subtle flat/transition area on the nose. This season they have added the Blower Stance, which means that there is a set of inserts set way back from normal, so if there is a surprise powder day, you can set your bindings all the way back to get way more float.

Twin (with taper)
6/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose/Tail
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping Systen
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Never Summer Big Gun

The Big Gun has a lot of surface area, plenty of taper and comes in sizes from 157 all the way up to 174cm. It has the Fusion Rocker Camber profile to give it a solid feel on groomed runs, with plenty of float in deep snow with the big transition area on the nose, as well as the big 19mm of taper.

Directional
7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 1 Damping Systen
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Find out more about the Big Gun.

Never Summer Swift

As Never Summer describe, it is designed to be a powder board, but ended up riding well everywhere – and I have to agree. It has a the ingredients that make a good powder board – directional shape, wide width as well as a giant amount (20mm) of taper. Although all those things help to make it float easily, they also make it turn very well, and the Fusion Rocker Camber makes sure that it holds a solid edge, even in very hard snow.

Directional
7/10 Flex
20mm Taper
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 1 Damping Systen
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Read my review of the Swift.

Never Summer West Bound

A do-it-all ride everywhere all mountain board, the West Bound has the Fusion profile, a little bit (5mm) of taper and comes in both the wide X and super wide DF versions if you have really big boots.

Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Recluse Web Carbon Layup
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Read my review of the West Bound.

Never Summer Peacemaker

One of their park boards, the Peacemaker has the more aggressive Ripsaw profile, a soft flex between the feet and a stiffer nose and tail. The idea is that it is easy to get a good press with the softer flexing middle. but the stiffer nose and tail help keep the pop in the board, and give you something more to rely on for heavy landings. It also has the Blower stance inserts, which let you set the binding a long way back if you want extra float on a pow day.

Twin
4/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Power Strip Carbon
Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
Press Flex Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Blower Stance Inserts

More info on the Peacemaker.

Never Summer Ripsaw

The Ripsaw is a stiffer flexing, all-mountain twin board.

Twin
8/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon VXR Laminate Technology
Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
+/- 45 Fiberglass Laminate
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Tip/Tail. Protection

More info on the Ripsaw.

Never Summer East

An expensive, fast. stiff flexing carving board. The East has a giant sidecut, and their high end damping to lock in the edge hold in very icy conditions, whether you want this board to carve on race with.

9/10 Flex
C-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Extended Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
Chairman Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 1+ Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Isospeed NHS 7816 Race Grade Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

Find out more about the East.

Never Summer Snowtrooper

Another all-mountain board, the Snowtrooper has the Original Rocker Camber profile, a little bit of a setback stance and a mid flex. This is the choice if you want a board to do everything. that is a safe and easy choice.

Directional
5/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon VXR Laminate Technology
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

Never Summer Heritage

A directional, all mountain board that has a slightly stiffer flex than the Snowtrooper, but still with the same Rocker Camber.

Directional
7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 1 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

More info on the Heritage.

Never Summer Dipstick

The Dipstick is their park twin for someone who wants a board with the crusier Original Rocker Camber profile and a soft flex.

Twin
3/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Power Strip Carbon
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
Press Flex Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

Never Summer Chairmain

never summer chairman 2021 — Never Summer Chairman 2021

The Chairman is a very stiff, directional freeride board. It has the highest level of damping, and seven points of contact on the sidecut, so you are able to rely on it to ride fast and grip in even terrible conditions.

Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
9/10 Flex
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Chairman Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 1+ Damping Systen
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
Harmonic Nose/Tail Damper

Details on the Chairman.

Never Summer Atom Split

This is their highest end and most expensive splitboard.

8/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Touring Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS Pixie Dust Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Inner/Outer Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Phantom Hercules Hooks

Find out more on the Atom Split.

Never Summer West Bound Split

A split version of the West Bound

7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Recluse Web Carbon Layup
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS Super Light Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Details on the West Bound Split.

Never Summer Swift Split

A split version of the Swift.

7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS Super Light Wood Core
RDS 1 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

More info on the Swift Split.

Womens Boards

Never Summer Proto Synthesis

This one replaces the Proto Type II, with a couple of changes. The Ripsaw profile has been replaced with the Shockwave profile, which has less rocker and more camber sections for better edge hold and more pop. The asym sidecut is gone now, it is just a regular twin now.

Twin
6/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Recluse Web Carbon Layup
Shock Wave Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Harmonic Tip/Tail Damper
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
Full Wrap Metal Edge

More info on the womens Proto Synthesis

Never Summer Lady West

The Lady West is the do everything all mountain board, that has a touch of taper for smoother turns and more float, and plenty of carbon to give the nose and tail a solid feel.

7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Recluse Web Carbon Layup
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Full Wrap Metal Edge

More info on the Lady West.

Never Summer Infinity

This is their all mountain directional board, with a mid flex and the Original Rocker Camber profile. The safe and easy choice for a board that can do a bit of everything.

Directional
5/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon VXR Laminate Technology
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

Never Summer Shade

One of their park board options, it has a soft flex, the Original Rocker Camber profile and a true twin shape.

Twin
3/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Power Strip Carbon
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

Details of the Shade.

Never Summer Lady West Split

A split version of the Lady West

Directional
7/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Inner/Outer Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
Phantom Hercules Hooks
Full Wrap Metal Edge

Info on the Lady West Split.

Never Summer Mini Proto Synthesis

This is just the smaller size options of the adults Proto Synthesis – so it still has the new Shockwave profile, twin shape with a slightly softer flex for smaller riders.

Twin
5/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Carbon Max Laminate Technology
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
Preforated Rocker Pad
RDS 2 Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT. Sintered 5501 Base
Harmonic Nose/Tail Damper

More info here.

Never Summer Shredder

An easy to ride, soft flexing twin for kids.

Twin
2/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
Press Flex Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection

More details here.

Never Summer Bantam

Coming in sizes from 119 to 126cm, the Bantam is a soft flexing twin board that can ride everything.

Twin
3/10 Flex
Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
Original Rocker Camber Profile
Power Grip Sidecut
Low Profile Nose/Tail
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
Press Flex Wood Core
FDS Damping System
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-tex Sidewall
Durasurf Sintered 4501 Base
P-tex Nose/Tail Protection