2013 Nitro Swindle Used and Reviewed
I’ve ridden this board since it first came out in the Nitro line. It’s a jack of all trades master to none type of board that I think just about anyone that’s cruising around playing on the mountain would be happy. Since it’s a new year here’s another review.
Board: Nitro Swindle
Size: 152
Camber Option: Zero Camber
Bindings: Raiden Phantoms
Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 UFO Size 10
My Weight: 165
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Sunny insanely warm spring laps with mashed potato snow.
Flex: Completely even middle of the road flex tip to tail.
Stability: There was enough stability to not buck you when mobbing as fast as possible through the chunder and moguls but still a lively feel that didn’t deaden the ride.
Ollies: The board has snap and with it being flat you can load it like a traditional board and allow the tips to spring board you up over features or rollers.
Pop On Jumps: The board is meant to have pop and handle anything in the park jumps are no exception. You can really boost off a lip if you know how to load a boards tips to snap.
Butterability: The smooth even consistent flex lets you really press into a board on snow without much effort and feel locked in.
Jibbing: There’s a nice sweet spot that’s small just after the up-kick in the tips. In this spot you will feel locked in and it will give you enough flex to pop out of any press.
Carving: The sidecut is ample enough to allow for hard tight carves as well as long drawn out ones.
Rider in Mind: All mountain park rider that’s hitting jibs and jumps equally.
Personal Thoughts: I’ve always liked the way this board rode it’s just evenly consistent on all features and never lets you down. It’s one of those jack of all trade decks that doesn’t excel at any one part which gives it an abundance of versatility.
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Swindles is probably my favorite board, but Nitro can be dicks
hey im debating on getting this in a 157 i know it has a that weird profile so you can downsize, but im 6’4 and 200 pounds is the 57 good? and im debating on buying some of the new salamon hologram bindings. how are they compared to cobrasharks?
You’re fine on the size this board is not something you downsize on. Haven’t ridden the Cobrasharks.
How would you compare the flex of this board to the 2012 Nitro Rook? I’m looking for a board with a slightly softer than medium flex that will be good all over the mountain, maybe a little more park oriented.
Well that’s the niche this board fits in my opinion.
Thank you, I was nervous about its stability on the mountain since they advertise it as their go to rail board, but this sounds like its exactly what I’m looking for. I’ll probably buy last years model to cut down on the price, do you know if there is much of a difference between the two?
I think they’re pretty close to the same there might be a minor tweak here or there.
How is this thing on boxes and rails? Did it catch at all im kinda new to snowboarding and a broke my arm recently on a box soo i kinda have a fear of them now but i wanna get back on them.
Rider>Board.
I’m an old guy who recently got into snowboarding as a fun way to spend time with my son in the winter. I’ve been riding a Never Summer SL 161 that is great for groomers, long runs, and powder days, but I’m looking to pick up something less aggressive to start learning some minor park tricks and work on switch riding as the season winds down. Oh yeah, I’m 6′ 180lbs. The Swindle seems like a good call, and my local shop has a 155 on discount – is that too small or should I try to track down a 57? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Nah go for it man.
Cool, thanks! BTW, beside the Swindle, which of the Westmark/Blacklist/Draft family would you recommend? We live over the hill from you in Utah so conditions are pretty similar.
Westmark or Blacklist for all around park riding Draft for more jib less jump action.
Quick binding question- I’ve decided to go with a 155 Westmark, I’ve been riding Malavitas all season, and my ancient knees appreciate the canting, but the winged highbacks are kind of overkill for me. Any other recommendations? Thanks again.
How much Canting do you need?
Not a huge factor, in a toss up up it’s nice option but not essential as long as the comfort and control is there.
I’d say check out the 390 boss or mod boss from Rome.
Will do, thanks.