The Most Influential Snowboards Of 2012

Dear 2012,
Thank you for all the radical shredcicles you produced to help me progress my ride game. You rolled out some fresh models that helped me discover another side of myself and encouraged me to develop as a snowboarder. Oh, Year of the Dragon, it would only be right to take a look back at all the lovely rip sticks you created to send me into a new year with. After all, you only had my best interests in mind, didn’t you 2012?

Jones Snowboards
Already making a ton of noise, Jones Snowboards released a slew of boards that are destined to redefine the meaning of the word “epic.” Composing an unparalleled balance of agility and power, the Flagship has an unquenchable thirst for never-ending big mountain freeriding. The fact is, the Jones Flagship is actually unfamiliar with limits or boundaries as it completely rips at high speeds and in the deep fluffy stuff, so you can feel free to charge as hard as you want while holding nothing back. This deck even comes in a splitboard model for guys and girls called the Solution. There really is no other answer when it comes to legendary backcountry dominance. Jeremy Jones is amazing. His snowboards are too.

Lib Tech
That Travis Rice dude knows a few things about snowboarding as well. So, it only makes sense that the Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro would also do snowboarding things pretty well. Honestly, this plank launches an all out assault against the whole hill with its C2 Power Banana/Camber Combo Tech, a highly explosive H-Pop Core and superior Magne-Traction powers. Feasting on features in the gnarliest park set-ups, all the way to big old backcountry booters, Travis Rice’s Pro deck devours everything in its path. This board is an absolute all-mountain quiver killer, so strap it on and get prepared to conduct some legit business.

Ride
The Ride Machete is all about winning awards, as well as our hearts. Hop on this beautiful blade and enjoy all the benefits and perks of Ride’s revolutionary design. A flat build through your feet allows for straight tracking that won’t hook or fade, and the LowRize rocker shape is playful and not grabby or clingy out at the nose and tail. It’s impossible not to love the durability brought to you by the Cleave Edge, so you can bang it around a bit and not have to be constantly fearful of blowing out a sidewall. The Pop Rods in this surfy twin equip you with the extra boostiness you need to hop ropes, because ducking lines is only for sketchy folks with something to hide.

Slash
If you are searching for the snowboarding equivalent of a Swiss Army knife with a fold out ninja sword, then look no further than the Slash ATV HUB. Gigi Ruff brings this all-terrain vehicle to you, and it packs more versatility than a toothpick and string in the hands of MacGyver.  It might be a limited edition, but it has unlimited potential with its rockered design and progressive shape that lets you to drive your shred game to unfathomable levels. Never mind if it’s a powder or park day, because as long as you’re packing the ATV HUB, all-mountain freestyle skills will be engrained in your very being.

Capita
Capita has been converting believers in the almighty shred with their Indoor Survival FK, because it is impossible not to bow down in its presence. Who wouldn’t worship a board that is responsive, durable and has the ability to exceed all demands no matter where you put it through the wringer? The Indoor Survival FK continues its evolution this season with a shape that kicks up at the ends, but remains flat through your bindings. That means straight and true tracking with no catches or hang-ups. Plus, it has been crafted with a sustainable, eco friendly core that is empowered by rods that will pump up your pop. This Capita creation doesn’t know how to quit ripping.

GNU
The intended use of the Gnu Park Pickle isn’t exactly an enigma. This slab of sickness is destined to lay waste to all aspects of the park. The twin banana profile and asymmetrical cut let this ferocious freestyle fiend obliterate jibs, boxes, rails, hits and pipes of all varieties. With a natural and loose feel, there is nothing stopping you from popping, pressing and stomping your way through every session. Magne-Traction and reverse camber team up to let you explore natural features outside the park as well. Seek and destroy whatever you see fit with the unmatched freestyle performance of the sweet Park Pickle that Gnu freshly plucked from the jar.

K2
If the mountain is your endless canvas, then the K2 Parkstar is your brush. Paint a masterpiece with this loaded legend and become an iconic symbol heralded as a cross between Shaun White and Michelangelo. K2's Tweakend baseline has been installed for enhanced pressing properties and stability on landings even when you accidentally send it to the flats. Built for the kind of rider who makes his home in the park, this jib rocker can utilize the whole hill as its playground. Getting creative and putting on a show is what the K2 Parkstar is all about, so strap it on and become a legend in your own right by throwing down in history as a true innovator.

Well 2012, you have obviously provided me and my fellow riders with no shortage of influential boards. To honor the 365 days we had together, we will take these sticks into 2013 and better ourselves through performance, passion and progression. For what you have given us, you will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you.

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stash member MikeHardaker