Korua Shapes Otto Review
This review was based on the older model, which was made in Poland. The newer models made in China are noticably softer.
The Korua Shapes Otto is easiest intro to Korua Shapes boards, which has an almost twin shape, very different from the extreme shapes of the rest of the range. It still has the Korua feel, but in a regular shape.
How the Korua Shapes Otto Rides
Board size: 157cm
Boots: Vans Infuse 9.5
Bindings: Burton Cartel
I am 6 foot tall and weigh 155lbs – or 183cm tall and 70kg.
Camber Profile
The Otto has the Float Camber profile, which is the most common on Korua boards. I am quite used to this profile, and I am a fan of rocker on the nose and camber under the feet, no matter the brand.
Flex and Pop
I felt that the Otto was relatively stiff, about the same as my Transition Finder. Although they rate this board as having a slightly softer flex, I couldn’t tell at all.
Edge Hold
The edge hold is very strong on the Otto. Even though there is a bit of rocker on the nose, the edge hold of the Otto does feel like an old school, traditional full camber board.
Turns
Turning the board still has a similar feel to other Korua boards, which I didn’t really expect seeing that the Otto doesn’t have any taper. It looks like that feeling is mainly coming from the camber profile, combined with the narrower (by Korua standards) waist width speeding up the edge to edge feel.
Float
I didn’t ride the Otto in any proper powder, I was mainly riding in harder packed and spring slush conditions. Even with the rocker on the nose, I wouldn’t expect too much from it in powder, at least not compared to boards like the Transition Finder with the much more directional shape and extra taper.
Speed
Just like all the boards that I test, I had freshly waxed the Otto before riding it. The speed felt consisted with the other Korua (red base) boards that I had ridde, which was decently fast in all conditions. Separate from the base material, I think that the camber profile contributing quite a lot to the stability of the board, which makes you more comfortable riding fast.
Overall
Overall the Otto is going to be a good option for someone is interested in a Korua Shapes board, but doesn’t want to jump the whole way in to something with a bunch of shape.
If you are looking at a Korua Shapes board, but do want to ride a whole lot of switch or park, then the Otto will probably be the choice. Even the new updated Transition Finder has a ton more shape, so switch riding will have a whole different feeling.
Features of the Korua Shapes Otto
Float Camber
Biaxial Fiberglass
UV Lacquer Topsheet
Poplar Light Wood Core
Perlatec Base
Sizes available:
- 153
- 157
- 161
Korua Shapes Otto 2021 Technical Specs
| Length (cm) | Effective Edge (mm) | Setback (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Sidecut (m) | Taper (mm) | Board Weight (kg) | Weight (kg) |
| 153 | 1120 | 10 | 255 | 8.1 | 0 | 2.6 | 45-80 |
| 157 | 1170 | 10 | 260 | 8.2 | 0 | 2.8 | 55-90 |
| 161 | 1210 | 10 | 268 | 8.3 | 0 | 3.0 | 65-95+ |
Do you think this board would do fine for park laps and learning 540s/flips? I want it for all the other reasons but these are definitely extra needs for me.
Yep it is ideal for park laps, and has enough stiffness to handle bigger spins and flips – no problem.
How do you think the Otto would go in Hokkaido Japan?
It would do fine, but if you were going to get a Korua to ride in Japan, I would pick any shape other than the Otto. It is just a bit too standard, any of the other shapes will do way better in powder and on groomers.
I really liked the Pin Tonic, but if you don’t want a huge board the Pencil.