Some people might have scoffed that last year we gave a Sims snowboard an award, but there was a reason for that. The X-Wedge tech, which works. For 2014 there was only a minimal change in its flex which is why it remains a legacy award winner even though we dropped the best jump board category.
Board: Sims X-Wedge
Size: 155
Camber Option: Rocker Flat EZ Camber. Flat with micro camber zones under the wedges.
Bindings: Rome 390 Boss
Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 175lbs
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Sunny bluebird skies with heavy spring snow.
Flex: Softer in the tips and stiffening up under the wedges with just a hair more give between the bindings. The torsional flex has a bit of give that lets you twist it when carving. They did slightly softening it up from last year.
Stability: The E-board technology of the wedges dampens the ride under foot absorbing next to all chatter. This makes it a super stable ride without sacrificing any of the liveliness. Do not hesitate to point it through chunder and push mounds.
Ollies: This board has snap. Think of those wedges like the kick on a skateboard, you can use it to boost off the tips.
Pop On Jumps: Still one of the best jump boards I’ve ever been on. You can just send it into a lip and know that the snap out of the tail will boost you to where you want to go.
Butterability: The blunted tip shape coupled with the camber profile allows you to balance out on the ends of the board with ease. This thing can just spin around on the tips and butter the muffin.
Jibbing: The sweet spot is great in this board for nose and tail presses. The softer flex in the tips helps it to lock in and feel secure through a press. When sliding sideways you don’t have to worry about the micro camber zones not allowing it to lock in as well.
Carving: You can rail a turn with ease on this. The canting in the top sheet helps you drive your back knee into the center of the board to rail hard turns. If you want to lay it over on edge and mach through the arc of a carve you can.
Rider in Mind: The all around rider that will do everything from powder to park and wants a middle of the road flex that excels at everything.
Personal Thoughts: This board just doesn’t disappoint. I loved the way it rode last year and this year it’s that same ride just slightly improved by making the tips just a hair more flexible. For those that want a true twin all around deck you should consider this. The canting in the topsheet is wonderful for helping align your knees as well as dampening the ride.
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Disclaimer: This board was loaned to us for product review from Sims Snowboards marketing department.
7 Comments
Was wondering if you could give a run down on how the wedges work? Thanks
It’s a 2.5 degree ergonomic cant which allows the riders to keep their knee to ankle alignment neutral instead of bowlegged or knock kneed.
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The 2.5 degrees from the 390boss inserts plus the 2.5 degree wedges is one hell of alot of adjustment, i ride with the 2.5 on a skate banana and even that is alot i find, but changed my riding for the better.
What happened to sims? As lame as it is to have to buy sims snowboards from sports authority I do. But this year they have stopped carrying them. My whole set up was jacked at the beginning of this season $1200.00 set up retail. 156 sims blade, new shocka bindings and a pair of nike Ike’s along with all my other essentials. Everything. I had to return my season pass cuz I have nothing to ride. It was a unbelievable blow and was the first time I ever had a new complete in the 23 years I have ridden. Over ten has been on a sims and used to get flow from them back in the day. I thought the company looked like it was in the best shape ever last season dropping all kinds of boards and advertising a bunch more. Now they seem dead to me. I’m about to start riding Jones boards. Idk what else to do with my self. And definitely can’t afford to get any gear at this point in time unless fat end of season sale maybe…. Even then.
[…] did a write up on that X-wedge board. Here's a link to that review. 2014 Sims X-Wedge Snowboard Used and Reviewed – The Angry SnowboarderThe Angry Snowboarder It looks pretty cool. At least in theory. __________________ You're only Young Once,.. but […]
[…] Will we see X-Wedge technology from you guys […]