2014 Ride Machete GT Snowboard Used and Reviewed
When the Machete came out it was this upgraded version of the DH2 that was meant for killing it all over the mountain. Many people have found a place for it in their quiver and it’s become one of those boards people like to talk about. Now enter the Machete GT it’s supped up big brother.
2014 Ride Machete GT Topsheet
Board: Ride Machete GT
Size: 157
Camber Option: Hybrid Lowrize. Minimal camber to just past the inserts then a little bit of rocker in the tips. Basically a camrocker.
Bindings: Rome 390 Boss
Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 175lbs
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Sloppy heavy slush caused from the sun coming out and warming it up then the clouds rolling in temps dropping and snow falling.
Flex: Stiff. That’s the only way to describe this. There’s a little and I mean a little bit of give in the tips but then it stiffens up. There is next to no torsional flex as well.
Stability: Well due to being so stiff it’s great for charging over anything like Hummers, Snow Cats, small children, and the like. The board is also really damp which adds to the stability.
Ollies: This board does have snap if you really load up the camber zone. But the amount of work to get to that point isn’t something that makes it one of those mind blowing poppy snowboards.
Pop On Jumps: Small to large there were no problems with hitting a lip and boosting. This board can handle a progression jump line.
Butterability: Takes a lot of work and I mean a lot. This is not a board for playing around on the snow.
Jibbing: If you’re going for high speed basic tricks there won’t be a problem, but if you’re going to get technical don’t bother. The sweet spot in the tips for presses is hard to initiate.
Carving: Railing turns is so much fun on this deck. You just have to go be prepared to muscle it on edge. The sidecut is so deep you can lay Euro-carves with ease at high speeds.
Rider in Mind: Heavier guy that is going to charge more on the mountain and less in the park.
Personal Thoughts: I have yet to understand what peoples obsession is with this board. It’s not exactly something most people will need for a daily driver. If anything this is just too much board for the every day rider. Sure it can rail a turn but the flex is just not great for all mountain versatility.
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Disclaimer: Deck was given to us by the Rockies Rep for product review.
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I completely agree. I really wanted a Machete last year and my buddy talked me into the GT.
Yes the GT charges, but that’s about it. Not a real fun board. I ended up with the Machete .. Expensive lesson- know what you like and get it. New or “supercharged” isn’t always better.
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