2027 Armada Beatnik Snowboard Review

Reviewer: Duncan Philip, Store Manager, Whistler
Location: Sun Peaks, BC
Conditions: Cold & Chalky, Bluebird Groomers

"If I could recommend this board for someone, it's that intermediate to advanced park rider or that freestyle all-mountain rider."

The 2027 Armada Beatnik marks a milestone for the brand: it's Armada's first year building snowboards, and the Beatnik is the signature model of pro rider Danimals. A directional twin with a traditional camber profile and early rise in the nose and tail, it sits in the middle of Armada's men's line, built to bridge the gap between a true twin park board and a tapered directional pow board. Backed by a bamboo-and-carbon-fiber pop stringer and Titanal impact plates under the bindings, it delivers the kind of locked-in, poppy ride that made an impression on its first laps at Sun Peaks.

Shop 2027 Armada Beatnik Snowboard
Armada Beatnik Snowboard 2027
Armada Beatnik Snowboard 2027
Armada Beatnik Snowboard 2027
Armada Beatnik Snowboard 2027
Armada Beatnik Snowboard 2027

Pros

  • Directional twin shape with a centered stance and longer, slightly rockered nose rides switch like a true twin but stays capable in pow
  • Bambooer 3D stringer, a carbon-wrapped bamboo rod milled into the core, adds pop without too much torsional rigidity
  • Titanal impact plates under the bindings boost durability and damp vibrations on harsh landings
  • Full camber feel with torsional flex between the feet locks you onto features, handling long drawn-out carves and tight whippy ones alike
  • Light, poppy, and buttery on the nose for a well-rounded freestyle all-mountain ride

Cons

  • Aggressive, near-full-camber feel between the feet can feel bitey on your first few turns until you're comfortable
  • Riders who prefer a softer, more jib-friendly board will need to adjust to the Beatnik's stiffer, all-mountain-leaning personality

Product Details

Rocker Type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker

Shape: Directional Twin

Construction: Pop-Lownia Wood Core w/ Biax Glass, Bamboosters & Titanal Impact Plates

Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Binding Mount Pattern: 2 x 4

Flex Rating: Stiff (7 out of 10)

Terrain / Riding Style: Freestyle

Sizes: 150, 153, 156, 157W, 159, 161W cm

Who Is It For?

The Beatnik is built for intermediate to advanced riders who want a resort freestyle board capable of covering the whole mountain, not just the park. Its slightly longer, softly rockered nose keeps it comfortable riding switch, hitting side hits and rollers, and doing top-to-bottom park laps, while still holding its own if you find fresh snow. It's not a beginner board: the aggressive flex between the feet and near-full camber profile take some speed and comfort to unlock, and can feel bitey on your first few turns.

Shop 2027 Armada Beatnik Snowboard

Specs

SIZE EFFECTIVE EDGE (mm) TIP WIDTH (mm) WAIST WIDTH (mm) TAIL WIDTH (mm) SIDECUT RADIUS (m) STANCE SETBACK RIDER WEIGHT (lbs)
150 1140 290 250 290 7.4 0 100-160
153 1170 293 252 293 7.6 0 120-180
156 1200 295 254 295 7.9 0 130-190
157W 1210 306 264 306 7.9 0 140-200
159 1230 298 255 298 8.0 0 150-210
161W 1250 310 266 310 8.1 0 180-220+

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About the Reviewer

Name: Duncan Philip
Position: Store Manager, Whistler
Home Mountain: Whistler Blackcomb, BC

I am historically a skate-style snowboarder, 36, with over 20yrs on snow.  Developing a love for all-mountain freeride with 8 winters on Whistler Blackcombe.

I lead our dedicated snowboard team up here in Canada.