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Gear Reviews, Snowboard Reviews 77

2018 Arbor Element Snowboard Review

By Angrysnowboarder @angrysnowboard · On January 10, 2018

Board: Arbor Element

Size: 157

Camber Option: The System. Center reverse camber.

Bindings: K2 Indy

Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy

Boots: K2 T1 DB Size 10

My Weight: 175lbs

Resort: Breckenridge

Conditions: Sunny blue skies, cold temps, and normal CO conditions.

Flex: Stiffer under foot and then progressively softening up in the tips. The torsional give is that right mix of snappy and responsive which makes it a versatile middle of the road all mountain deck.

Stability: The board is stable under foot which is where it really counts on a reverse camber snowboard. Never once did I find it wanting to wash out.

Ollies: The center reverse camber gives this board a more skate inspired pop. With this kind of pop it takes the work out of loading the tail up out of the equation.

Pop On Jumps: This board while designed for all mountain freestyle can handle anything from small to large jumps with ease, so push it to the limit and see what you can send.

Butterability: Think about this you have an all mountain freestyle board with progressively softer tips, reverse camber, and a weird tip shape. It’s going to butter and the harder you work for it the more you’re going to spread that goodness all over the slopes.

Jibbing: Much like the Coda or Westmark this board locks into presses relatively easily. You can really land on the tips and know that they won’t buckle or buck you out. Board slides do their thing as well, but don’t have that locked in feeling that you would get with something that has traditional camber.

Carving: Go fast, set an edge, get your back arm down low, and prepare yourself to enter the Euro carve zone. This board rips turns like all the other Arbors out there. You can do short quick mild turns or long drawn out hard carves.

Rider in Mind: The all mountain freestyle rider that has an even 50/50 mix of park to mountain.

Personal Thoughts: The versatility of this board is great. It can handle a day slashing pow just as easily as a day riding groomers with the family. If you want to go into the park, then do it. This is the quintessential do everything jack of all trades but master of none quiver killer.

Check out the past reviews of the 2012, 2015, and 2016 Element.

Comparable Boards: Niche Aether, Yes Typo, DC Echo

Support your local snowboard shop buy locally. Find a shop here.

This board was loaned to us for review from Arbor Snowboards marketing department.

*Disclaimer this board did not change for 2018 so we carried the 2017 review over.

2018 Arbor Element Snowboard Review2018 snowboard reviewarbor element snowboard reviewarbor snowboard reviewelement snowboard reviewsnowboard review

Angrysnowboarder

More than likely he has pissed you off, shocked, amazed, or mortified you at some point with his ramblings. Yet, you still continue to read what he writes.

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77 Comments

  • crip says: January 11, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    Does the Grip Tech work as good as Magne-Traction?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 12, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      Better in my opinion. It’s a different edge hold as it’s right under foot.

      Reply
  • Matt Unland says: January 14, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    Trying to decide between the element and the coda to replace my freestyle board. I don’t see much difference between the two. I don’t spend as much time in the park as I use to, so I’m looking for a more all mountain freestyle. I’m also looking at the yes typo. I’m 6’4″,210 lb and looking for a wide board that’s skatey and fun, but won’t leave me wanting on powder days and in the trees if it’s the only board I bring. Also I do have a Ride Berzerk for when I want to charge and a Capita Neo Slasher for backcountry.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 14, 2018 at 3:14 pm

      You want an Element.

      Reply
  • Aaron B says: January 25, 2018 at 7:58 am

    What would be your opinion on this board vs the Jones explorer? Love the wood and grip tech in this guy. But the Jones has very good reviews. Will be able to demo the Jones this season but not this one.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 25, 2018 at 11:36 am

      The big difference is going to come down to the camber profiles. That effects the ride immensely.

      Reply
  • Tyger says: February 12, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    Would you recommend the cambered or rocker version for this board

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 13, 2018 at 10:06 am

      Depends on what you’re doing. Although I’m pretty sure the cambered version doesn’t come out till next year.

      Reply
  • Erik says: February 20, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    I’m going to be in CO this Thursday-Saturday. Renting a demo and debating between the Element and Flow Rider. I just turned 50 & haven’t ridden in a while. Basically want an easy board to get back into it for a few days. Mostly carving on groomers & some powder the gods are kind. Maybe some trees. Something easy on the knees. Which would you recommend?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 20, 2018 at 9:25 pm

      Element.

      Reply
  • snowchaser says: March 4, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    I have the 2014 Arbor Westmark and love how it feels light in the tips for spins. Plus the Grip-tech is great. Would the Element be the next step up for All mountain in front of the westmark?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 4, 2018 at 4:55 pm

      Pretty much.

      Reply
  • Rob says: March 13, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    Hi Angry!

    How does the element behave at high speeds +80km/h?

    Also element vs Rossi one LF, which one better for high speed and big kicker?

    Thanks for the advice, great reviews as always!!!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 14, 2018 at 11:54 am

      The Rossi will be more stable under foot because it has a camber section.

      Reply
  • Matt says: March 23, 2018 at 6:04 am

    Hi, Angry. May I ask you for advice? I am looking for a new board, let’s say something versatile, preferably freestyle all-mountain type. I am deciding between Arbor Element Black/Premium and Burton Trick Pony. What do you think? Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 23, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Element if you want center reverse camber and play Trick Pony if you want more snap.

      Reply
  • Matt says: March 26, 2018 at 2:52 am

    Great, thanks, Angry. And if you should choose, no matter what preference, which one would it be? One thing to mention – I can get a new Trick Pony 2016/17 around 300$ which might be equal in price to Element Black, but the former has sintered base. Your pick? Cheers.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 26, 2018 at 9:19 am

      Element Black.

      Reply
  • Ryan says: March 29, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Hey, I am a bigger guy, 6″3″ 235 lbs with a 13 boot. I am looking at a 164W for both the Bataleon Stallion or a Lib Tech Skunk Ape or the 166MW on the Arbor Element. I ride everything from midwest ice to summit county powder mostly just carving with an occasional down hill bomb. No park and rarely let my board leave the ground. Skill level is intermediate-advanced. Which of these boards would you recommend?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 29, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      Either the Stallion or Skunk Ape.

      Reply
  • Ryan says: March 29, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    Thanks for the reply. Any preference? I’ve never ridden a TBT board and I’m old so dogs and tricks kinda thing or is it pretty easily picked up?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 29, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      If you’ve never ridden one then probably Skunk Ape.

      Reply
  • Ryan says: March 30, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Thanks again

    Reply
  • Rob says: April 4, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    I’m 5’11 175-180lbs. I just bought a Jones mountain twin 157, but am double guessing my decision and considering the element. I’m on the east coast and mainly ride on groomers. I mainly freeride, but want to start learning butter tricks and hitting the park. Would the element be the better option? I’m open to other suggestions as well.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 5, 2018 at 10:14 am

      You’re fine. You bought it, now go ride it.

      Reply
  • Rob says: April 4, 2018 at 9:40 pm

    Also considering yes typo.

    Reply
  • Kurt says: April 14, 2018 at 3:28 am

    How does it compare to the arbor wasteland?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 14, 2018 at 10:42 am

      It’s similar enough with the Wasteland being a bit wider and more playful like the Coda.

      Reply
  • Jeremy says: May 11, 2018 at 1:06 am

    Hello Mr. Angry.

    Im looking for a directional twin. I dont ride switch. It should be all mountain, I dont jib at all and have zero interest in that. I like jumping on natural features. It should still be playful, i dont charge hard. I take the lift have fun all the way down and it should be able to do offpiste (right next to grooemrs) and trees okayish. I ride in sweden and norway and I never get huge amount of powder.

    What board would you recommend? Ill be extremely thankful if you could list a few options so I have some options as im a bit limited in board selection where I live.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 11, 2018 at 11:09 am

      You don’t need any form of a twin really if that’s what you’re looking for. Check out the reviews and see what stands out.

      Reply
  • Jeremy says: May 11, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    Been looking all day, you guys did a metric shit ton of work. Thanks.

    So far what’s sticking out is, mountain twin, YES. standard, YES PYL, arbor iguchi, t.rice pro, slash brainstorm, niche story, gnu mullair (tho my feet are prob too big), kazu (TJ from snowboardprocamp says it’s great allarounder), libtech ejack knife, deep thinker and Lago open road. But no idea how to narrow down the field.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 11, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      You’re still kind of all over the spectrum with your board choices. From stiffest to softest it goes Muller/Ejack, Brainstorm, PYL, Deep Thinker, T.Rice (pointy), Standard Iguchi,Kazu, Mountain Twin, Lago.

      Reply
  • Jeremy says: May 12, 2018 at 1:35 am

    Like I said, I’m having a really hard time narrowing down the field, because almost no one agrees on snowboards. Procamp says the Merc is s freeride board, you say it’s freestyle.

    But I want an all mountain freeride board I don’t have to bring my a game every time I ride. I want to be able to be lazy from time to time.

    So: Arbor iguchi, niche story, deep thinker, mountain twin, kazu, PYL.

    Standard, Merc, t rice are out cause they are twins and I want something directional. Could you throw in what you would suggest?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 12, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Mercury is all mountain freestyle. That’s what it’s designed for. Honestly most of these are bordering more towards all mountain freestyle. What camber profile do you want?

      Reply
  • Jeremy says: May 12, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Bordering on freestyle is ok, aslong as it can handle some extent of freeride. I learned on camber boards and have never ridden anything else. But I hear good things about eg the niche with rocker between the feet and individual camber zones. Honestly I can go both ways – I don’t charge hard so camber isn’t exactly a must. At least I don’t think so. I’d love if you were gonna do top 5 of the following: 1. All mountain 2. All mountain freeride 3. Freeride 4. All mountain freestyle. Would love to hear your thoughts on what you actually prefer the most.

    Reply
  • Rob says: May 13, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    This board sounds great for the riding I like, but I’m wondering about the width for my boot size as it sounds a little on the narrow side. Size US11 on the 159, what do you think?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 13, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      I think you’ll be fine unless you have one of those boots that’s just bulky as all hell.

      Reply
  • ashcan says: August 9, 2018 at 10:37 am

    Looking for a board I can do everything on, so this boards checks that. Im also looking for the board that will allow me to be as lazy as I want. Is this board forgiving enough for when you just want to explore and relax and be mellow as shit?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: August 9, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      Yep.

      Reply
  • Ashcan says: August 9, 2018 at 2:21 pm

    Thanks my dude. Also just realized that Arbor has iguchi rocker. Is that an element in directional shape or any major differences?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: August 9, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      Directional Coda.

      Reply
  • Dave says: September 15, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    Here’s my specs: 44 years old, 5’9″, 170lbs, wear Burton Imperials Size 8. Probably call myself a high beginner, low intermediate rider who’s working on good carves and to start buttering, but not much into park riding at this level. Might ride powder a couple times a year. Looking to upgrade from rentals to my first board purchase and torn between the 2019 Arbor Element Black Camber, Yes Basic, or Yes Typo. I’m really not sure if the Arbor and Typo will be too much board for me at my current skill level (I’m assuming the Basic is less catchy). Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 15, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      The Typo and Element are definitely not what you should be looking at. Go with the Basic you won’t regret it.

      Reply
  • Dave says: September 15, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    Awesome…I’m officially stoked! Cartels or Malavitas?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 15, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      Get the Cartels it’s more of a work horse binding and if you outgrow the Basic you’ll be able to take them with you to the new board.

      Reply
  • Dave says: September 17, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    Definitely going with the Basic…155 or 158?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 17, 2018 at 10:24 pm

      Get that 55 it will be easier to maneuver around.

      Reply
  • Another Dave says: November 27, 2018 at 8:16 am

    Hey Angry,

    trying to decide between YES Typo 158, Mountain Twin 154 and the Arbor Element 155 or 157 (all on sale at local store). Mainly a resort rider not much park, high intermediate looking to improve and have fun. 43 years old, 5’11” 180-185 lbs, DC Judge 10.5
    Should I look for a shorter Typo or a longer MT?
    Thanks and keep up the awesome work

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 27, 2018 at 8:39 am

      Typo 58.

      Reply
  • Another Dave says: November 28, 2018 at 7:25 am

    Thanks Angry. Is the 58 best size for me or should I look for a 55?

    Reply
  • Liam says: December 15, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    Hey Angry,
    I recently busted my Arbor element up to the point where it’s beyond repair. I’m now looking for a new snowboard but i’m a little more short on cash now. Do you have any suggestions for snowboards that will perform as similarly to the element as possible for a cheaper price tag?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 15, 2018 at 9:40 pm

      Ebay, craigslist, snowboard trader. All potential options to snag a deck for cheaper. https://www.ebay.com/bhp/arbor-snowboard depending on what size you’re looking for and what your price range is there’s some options on the first page alone.

      Reply
  • Old Skater says: December 15, 2018 at 11:03 pm

    Hi,
    I am wanting to learn to butter/jib…I have an Iguchi Rocker but that seems pretty stiff for that. Is the Element a board I should consider for learning to jib? I can get a good deal on a Niche Aether and there is also a Rome Mechanic on sale as well. My quiver is full of stiff freeride and 2 powder boards so I don’t have any softer flexing boards. I weigh 210, am 5’7″ with a 9.5 boot….what might you recommend? Any of the boards I listed or something else?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 15, 2018 at 11:14 pm

      I’d go with the Westmark or Formula rocker instead from Arbor. Mechanic might work for you. Wouldn’t waste your time with the Aether.

      Reply
  • Old Skater says: December 15, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    Thanks, really appreciate the advice and the reviews! I’ll chase either the Mechanic or a Westmark. I usually ride a 159 – should I size down for this? On the charts a 159 is usually a size under whats recommended for my weight but I haven’t had any issues with 159s. I ride here in CO, Loveland, A Basin.

    Also – in regard to the Aether I am just curious as to why you consider that not good option for me? Is it because the board is more for other types of riding?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 18, 2018 at 9:35 am

      You should be fine on a 59 if you’re used to that, could probably even drop down to a 57 since you want to butter more and use your weight to your advantage. It’s just not a board that I would recommend for what you’re looking for.

      Reply
  • dd says: January 22, 2019 at 1:10 pm

    Found a 157 on great sale. Is 10.5 Northwave legend boot and K2 Formula Large ok on this 251.5 waist? I’m just an intermediate, no carving demon…..

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 22, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      Should be fine.

      Reply
  • dd says: January 22, 2019 at 4:47 pm

    Thanks AS!

    Reply
  • Zanon says: January 27, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    Hi Angry

    I’m up to a solid intermediate, and am looking to buy my first snowboard. I tried a friend’s burton process, and it felt alive and was easier to ride than I thought, but difficult to cross flat tracks with. Felt it was easy to turn and carve. I tried an arbor element over the weekend, which felt much damper, was easier in powder and chunder, and flat tracked great (although I have no idea how or why). Also turned well and I really liked how the board feels so small between your feet as the turn is initiated right around the toes and ankles.

    Are there other boards a 40 yr old intermediate snow boarder should consider for their first board? Interested in groomers, a little back country, and keeping up with the kids (no park)? Other arbors I should check out (like the look, and how the board feels so little).

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 27, 2019 at 11:37 pm

      K2 Raygun

      Reply
  • Zanon says: February 2, 2019 at 12:17 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Karol says: March 1, 2019 at 2:13 am

    Hi,
    Do You know if this board is the same as 2019 Arbor Element Black (rocker version)?

    I can buy it really cheap, but have to be sure it’s more or less the same board.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 1, 2019 at 8:10 am

      Yes.

      Reply
  • Karol says: March 1, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    Already bought one. I’m going to pair it with some mid/stiff boots and probably Now Pilot bindings.
    We’ll see how it works.

    Arbor boards are really masterpiece of craft from what I’ve seen. Hope it works as well as it looks 🙂

    Thanks for quick answers in both topics.

    Reply
  • Dave says: March 13, 2019 at 11:10 am

    160lbs, 9.5 boots so I’m guessing 153 since that’s the shortest option?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 14, 2019 at 9:13 am

      You could do the 55 as well.

      Reply
  • Mike says: March 14, 2019 at 11:05 am

    Totally loving the ride of the westmark rocker but looking for something that can hold up a tad better in powder and feel a bit more stable hitting moguls. Was thinking of just getting another westmark but longer this time for the increased stability (got the 152 already), or getting an element. Is the ride on the element very different from the westmark?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 14, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Well your first problem is you’re riding moguls. Element is a bit stiffer.

      Reply
  • Matt says: September 5, 2019 at 11:21 pm

    Great review brother! The surf like ride of the Element is so appealing to me to cruise down the mountain! I am 6’0″ and 225lbs, I bought the Element “Premium” 162MW but am wondering if the 158MW would have been a more fun ride, did I make the right length choice? I just assumed with my weight, bigger is better.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 6, 2019 at 7:41 am

      You’re fine.

      Reply
  • Sam says: November 29, 2019 at 3:36 am

    Hey man appreciate the great content been binging a bunch of your videos. I’m a solid intermediate rider and I’ve ridden the same 5150 movement for the last 8 years, it’s pretty trashed and I cannot progress any more on it. I’ve decided on the element as a one board quiver and want the camber since I want the extra snap.

    I need help with sizing… I’m 150lb size 10 boot (looking at buying burton moto) my current board is 152cm and I’m debating between 153 and 156cm… would really appreciate the help thanks again!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 29, 2019 at 8:38 am

      Thought there was a 54mw in that? Too lazy/tired to look it up if there is. But that would be the best of both worlds right there otherwise 53 for sure.

      Reply
  • Xander says: December 20, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    Trying to decide between the Arbor Element Camber or the Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber for all mountain use. I do a bit of everything powder, carving, small jumps, and a little jib but fairly rarely.

    I have an Arbor gift card so I’m trying to find a board in their line up that fits and all mountain set up well. I’m upgrading from an older K2 Raygun which has treated me well but I’m looking to try some form of camber or hybrid camber

    Which board from Arbors lineup would you recommend?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 21, 2019 at 8:19 am

      I’d probably go with the Element Camber unless you really want to let her rip hard then get the Iguchi Camber.

      Reply
  • Johnathan says: January 23, 2021 at 8:57 pm

    Would the element rocker be a good board for a heavier beginner? 159 for 200 lbs 6’0 size 11 boot. If not, any other recommendations?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 23, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      Bump down to the next size and yeah it might work.

      Reply

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