Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

Just got this with Union SL bindings for killing tree runs and deep pow at Bachelor. I have an evil twin from last year but I wanted a directional for the days when Bachelor gets dumped on. Don't get me wrong- I love my ET it just doesn't float all that well in powder since it's a 154 twin.

Nice thing about this year's TBT is it goes from tip to tail so more float.. Also for people who ride TBT, the different "flavors" are hugely different. The TBT on the Omni/ Undisputed will be much narrower than that of the Airobic or Fun.Kink, meaning easier carve initiation and faster speeds.

Once you go TBT you don't go back.

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

Bataleon is up and coming and they're going to be around for awhile. One of the few brands that's coming up with new technology that isn't a twist on somebody else's. The Triple Base Technology (TBT) is definitely different and takes some getting used to. The advantages I see are quick edge to edge maneuverability, What does that means? Your going to be able to make quick decisive turns. Great for in chutes, trees or dodging gapers. TBT is also fast, super fast. I don't know if it's because of the smaller surface area in contact with the snow but it's scary fast and when your making a turn you'll actually have more of your base in contact with the snow giving you better stability and control. If you like going fast and riding pow then you'll like this board.

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

Bataleon has a pretty unique thing going for it with their triple base technology. The board has the snap and edge grip of a cambered but the loose forgiving feel of a rocker board. Keeps you from catching your edges if your over or under rotate a spin, and keeps it from getting on boxes and rails. the one thing I noticed is you have to land on the bolts. You also need to keep it on edge otherwise it begins to get a little loose, especially on steeper terrain. Fun board though!

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

Only able to use the new board for 5 days of boarding Whistler. My previous boards were shorter and narrower (152 and 154). I had some difficulty getting used to the length and width of the board however I immediately noticed the speed and stability while turning. It did take a bit more effort to turn but I think that is just because I am not used to the new dimensions. What little soft stuff there was, the board floated through it with no problem. I think I will use this board mainly on powder days and use my 154 for the groomers/park.

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

Just spent 3 days breaking this board in in Tahoe. Handled a sloppy day well, but was at it's best on a deep powder day. Stable on landings and responded well to speed. Didn't seem to have too much pop off jumps, but that could be because I'm relatively heavy for the board (I'm 185 riding a 161).

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

I hit the mountain running so to speak. The snow was good and the board handled great. Very forgiving ride and felt very stable even on icy areas. I would recommend the board to anyone.

Comments about Bataleon Omni Snowboard 2012:

I bought the Omni (2011 version) to replace my aging Palmer Honeycomb that I bought almost 7 years prior. I thought that the Palmer was a quick board...until I rode this for the first time. My first run drop was both terrifying and exhilarating. Bataleon means it when they say their sintered base is FAST. I also think the TBT helps the speed by reducing surface area underneath, but I don't really know.

I had heard that riding TBT would take some getting used to, but I felt right at home initiating turns. The camber lets you rail down the mountain and the TBT and setback helps it float well in powder (note my 2011 version is missing the 'back seat inserts' but I've missed them, maybe if it took it to Japan...).

I don't normally venture into the park but the $25 Brooks lift ticket at Steven's Pass changed my mind. I've never felt so stable landing jumps and it boosted my confidence for hitting off-piste kickers (still somewhat terrified of flying though). The TBT was forgiving for off center landings and I'm sure Bataleon's freestyle boards must land super easy. The pop is enormous but I wouldn't go near a rail or a jib feature on it (partly cause I'm a pansy when it comes to rails).

This is the perfect go to board for me (until I try my new Hovercraft that's in transit :]). It zips down the mountain, floats in the pow, feels incredibly stable and loves to carve, even takes those dang moguls on. The board is stiff though, which means you get quite the workout in on hardpack and ice and is pretty hard to press.

Note - paired it with Flux SF45's and couldn't be happier. Also found some blue pyramid studs to use as a stomp pad that blend in real nice.