Never Summer Proto Type Two 2017 Review
The Never Summer Proto Type Two is a new model for 2017, which is based on a combination of the older Proto, the Funslinger and the Ripsaw.
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Features of the Never Summer Proto Type Two 2017
- TruGrit Topsheet
- Carbon Max Laminate Technology
- Ripsaw Rocker Camber Profile
The Ripsaw profile has the same feel as the original Rocker Camber design, but has more aggresssive camber sections, so you get better edge hold and more pop.
- Extended Transition Area
A larger transition area (flat section) that helps for easy turn initiation (starting a turn) and helps the float in powder. - Vario Power Grip Sidecut
There are a few different radiuses, which are combined to give the board extra contact points, so you get better edge hold. Out towards the nose and tail, there are deep radius sections, which change to shallow radius sections, then to a straight section in the middle of the board.
- Low Profile Tip/Tail
Low profile (thinner) tip and tail keep the highest amount of board touching the snow – which helps for float, pop for ollies and nollies and gives you more stability when your landings aren’t perfect, while keeping the weight down. - STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass
Never Summers description – The world’s best snowboard fiberglass, period. Our STS Pre-Tensioned Fiberglass is an advanced, pre-hardened, pre-tensioned, layered laminate that has added elastomer stringers, between the 9 degree and 0 degree glasss fibers (the length of the effective edge). This produces a stronger bond between the individual glass laminates giving our snowboards unmatched strength, edge hold and performance. - Bi-Lite Fiberglass
This has some of the strength features of the STS fiberglass, but is much lighter. - NS SuperLight Wood Core
The core is made from sustainable Hybrid Poplar wood, that is combined with Birch hardwood. - Perforated Rocker Pad
- RDS 2 Damping System
There are three narrower laminated damping layers, that are made to get a combination of vibration, absorbtion and stability. It is made to get a nice mix of stability for freeriding, and liveliness for freestyle riding. - Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Under the bindings are areas that are made to absorb vibration, keep the board stable at speed and help reduce foot fatigue (by getting rid of vibrations). - Sintered P-Tex Sidewall
P-Tex sidewalls have the advantage of being able to handle colder temperatures compared to ABS sidewalls, that can crack. - Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
The base material used on the higher end Never Summer boards, which is fast and durable, and has added graphite. - Harmonic Tip/Tail Damper
These are made to try and remove small vibrations in the nose and tail, which help to keep the board stable when you are riding fast, but without removing the pop of the board.
Sizes Available:
- 152
- 154
- 157
- 160
- 153X Wide
- 155X Wide
- 158X Wide
- 161X Wide
- 164X Wide
Like all of the Never Summer range, any models with “X” in the name means that they are the wide versions of the original.
How the Never Summer Proto Type Two rides
I rode the a 157cm Type Two, with ThirtyTwo Tm-Two boots, and Flux TT Bindings.
I had a 22.5″ stance with the bindings set at +12 and -9.
The snow on the day I rode the Proto was a combination of soft and very hardpacked groomers, with firm snow in the trees.
Flex & Camber Profile
Although Never Summer rate the Proto Type Two as having a mid flex, it felt quite stiff to me, especially in the nose and tail of the board. Not over stiff or aggressive, but still a big step up in stiffness from other Never Summer boards I have ridden.
It now has the Ripsaw Rocker Camber profile, which has a pretty aggressive rocker section in between your feet, with camber sections under the bindings and out towards the nose and tail of the board.
Shape
One of my favorite things about the Proto Type Two is the asymmetrical shape. Basically the sidecut on the heelside edge is smaller (tighter) because it is harder to put weight over your heels compared to your toeside edge.
As well as being an asym board, it is also a twin shaped board, so it rides exactly the same in switch as is does in regular.
Speed
The Ripsaw profile and the medium flex kept a very stable feel to the Proto even at high speed on hardpacked snow.
There is the familiar Never Summer feel to the turns, where you can easily feel (and hear) the grip that comes from the board. Entry and exits of turns are smooth and consistent.
Although the asym shape is not a super noticeable feature, it just makes turning – and switching edges feel very smooth and natural. I predict that more and more boards will be asymmetrical soon.
Pop
There it lots of pop in the Proto, the stiff feeling nose and tail make it easy to get big ollies and nollies from the board, and landing bigger jumps are no problem, even if you land tail heavy.
Overall
Overall the Proto Type Two is a very good all round board. It felt very stable at high speed, but it still has enough flex that you can press and butter without a huge amount of effort.
The edge hold is great on this board (same with all the Never Summer boards I have ridden) and the edge to edge feel is very smooth.
The downside would be the higher cost, but you get what you pay for.
Pros
- Solid Feel
- Good Pop
- Asymmetrical shape (smooth turns/edge to edge)
Cons
- Higher price
Seeing that the Proto Type Two is new this year, all the shops are selling it for the standard $570. You might think that you could save some money and get last seasons (or older) Proto, but there are a few differences (except for a bit of the name). The older Proto has the different (less aggressive) Rocker Camber Profile, and doesn’t have an asymmetrical sidecut.
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| Size | Waist | Edge | Sidecut (Toe / Heel) | Tip / Tail |
| 152 | 24.8 | 117 | Vario 725 / 690 | 29.7 |
| 154 | 25.0 | 119 | Vario 742 / 705 | 29.9 |
| 157 | 25.2 | 122 | Vario 765 / 727 | 30.1 |
| 160 | 25.4 | 124 | Vario 788 / 749 | 30.2 |
| 153X Wide | 25.9 | 117 | Vario 725 / 690 | 30.6 |
| 155X Wide | 26.1 | 119 | Vario 742 / 705 | 31.0 |
| 158X Wide | 26.3 | 122 | Vario 764 / 726 | 31.2 |
| 161X Wide | 26.5 | 124 | Vario 787 / 748 | 31.3 |
| 164X Wide | 26.7 | 127 | Vario 806 / 766 | 31.5 |
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