Location: Steamboat, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow to powder conditions to bluebird park laps.
Setup: I rode the Never Summer Lotus with Union bastardized bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 157cm.
First Impression: Since my last Lotus was stolen, getting this one was a sigh of relief since I’d been missing that board that could handle my 80% freeride/powder, 10% park, 10% pipe.
Weight: average to a little heavier than average.
Flex: The lotus is the women’s premier, so it’s noticeably softer and a bit more forgiving than the men’s version. It has a softer nose making it float and stiffer tail for powder. Between the feet you have some carbon to help make the ride stable but also give it good torsional flex when you want quick response edge to edge and enough stability when charging. The dampening in the board helps absorb any rough terrain you encounter. Never Summer’s RC technology features rocker between the feet and camber outside the bindings with a flat section that’s new for 10-11. I didn’t notice a difference in how it rides compared to previous years.
Turning: You get really quick edge to edge and response from the lotus, it’s flex works with you to help control turns and feel comfortable once in them despite the aggressiveness of the board. The RC does take some adjustment since the sidecut is different, it goes from deep to shallow to straight to shallow to deep. So you get quick into the turns for those short radius turns you want fast, but you can also draw out the turns with the shallow sidecut sweet spot that you can hold into. The lotus has the V-twin carbon which helps give it power in and out of turns, you can really power the tail of the board out of turns and you have good stability with it.
Stable: For freeriding cruiser runs, the lotus can handle the charging and going fast. The stiffer women’s flex in the board really lets you cut through anything and the dampness will absorb rougher terrain (which is where this board stands out from others). In powder, the 157cm does good in a couple inches especially the lighter stuff. I’ve noticed when there’s a lot more snow, the size is struggling for me more and I have to lean back a bit. But usually the 157cm is fine for me and I usually ride bigger for powder anyway.
Pop: The lotus gives you pop and snap from the tail of the board which makes ollies fun off rollers and just messing around, it also helps in powder if you want to pop ollies through some soft spots. The reverse camber gives it more playfulness and I’ve taken my lotus into the park without feeling it catch on boxes and still have fun with for a couple laps in the park. In the pipe it holds an edge on the walls, good pop and comfortable board.
Switch: The lotus is a directional board with a setback stance so it does take some adjustment to riding it switch. I’m used to the board so I can ride switch with it, without feeling it dig in and catch me.
Overall Impression: The Lotus continues to be that charging board for women, based off of the men’s premier F1-R the lotus gives women a slightly softer flex and narrower waist width. It still continues to be the snowboard for women meant for freeriding but also able to handle other parts of the mountain.
Shay’s Honesty Box: This is my board, it’s the board I take on road trips when I can only bring one snowboard because in my opinion it does it all. It’s that board that’s able to handle freeriding or powder runs but I can also take it into the park/pipe and while it’s not the best there it can do the job. It’s more freeride focus but I love that it can charge the mountain and the RC technology gives it some playfulness when I need it. The premier F1-R was my fav for years and this women’s board can hold it’s own against the men’s version which is why I ride the women’s version.
Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Never Summer Lotus or shop their full line of Never Summer snowboards
On Snow Photo
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Never Summer Lotus description
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Review Disclosure: I test this board for Never Summer Snowboards.
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March 29, 2010 at 6:42 am[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by shayboarder and shredunion.com, Girls Learn To Ride. Girls Learn To Ride said: Snowboard Review: 10-11 Never Summer Lotus: Location: Steamboat, CO Snow Conditions: Hardpacked snow to powder co… http://bit.ly/dyhUHM […]
Madeleine
March 29, 2010 at 8:57 pmGlad you got your favorite board back. The graphics really look nice too.
Ellen
October 31, 2010 at 7:19 amShay, your reviews are really interesting and useful!!:)
I’m looking at buying the Lotus and trying to decide between 154 and 157! Can you help? I’m 5’6″, 120lbs, size 8.0. I’ll be riding powder and freeriding, sometimes park. I really just want a board that I can progress with and learn to build up speed. Any other boards you think I should look at? THANKS SO MUCH!!
Shay
October 31, 2010 at 11:37 amThanks Madeleine, me too.
Ellen, thanks great to hear! With your weight, you’ll be fine on the 154cm. The 157 is on the larger size for your weight so unless you are riding pow all the time, I’d go for the 154 for cruising, pow and park. Also check out the GNU B-pro, Roxy Envi, Rome Blue/Arbor Push for camber
lisa
November 3, 2010 at 6:12 amThank you so much for your awesome reviews! I’m looking to get a lotus this year. I got an infinity last year and was definitely disappointed with its stability. It often felt noodlely and wasn’t nearly damp enough. Luckily my friend loves the board so she’s taking it and I am looking to get the lotus. I am looking for a board that can handle all parts of the mountain except the park, which I’m just not that interested in. I’ll hit some jumps but thats about it. I often ride with tele-skiers which means I need a board that can handle bumps as well as tight trees. I am 5’4, about 125lbs, moderate to advanced rider who rides primarily in Summit County, Colorado.I unfortunately can only ride when my work schedule allows me to so the conditions I ride in can vary. Powder, corn, ice, slush . . . you name it. Given all this info what size in the lotus would you suggest I get? Also with the rocker/camber technology do you lose some effective edge and if so, will that be a concern in moguls? I really want to get the lotus, but I am wondering if I should stick to a cambered board like the Burton Feelgood. Oh, by the way my last board before the 149 infinity was a 149 feelgood if that info helps guide your suggestion. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this insanely long post! all good things and many powder days to come!
Shay
November 3, 2010 at 7:05 amShay,
Lisa you sound a lot like me. I definitely prefer the Lotus over the infinity, Lotus has more stability and just all around charging the mountains but it can go into the park when you need it to. I think the Lotus would be a great option but another would be to hit up the demo days in the early season. Never Summer is already out demo’ing http://neversummer.com/snow/try-one/ at Loveland then at other areas. It’s free to demo and totally worth going to check out before you spend the money. Other brands will be there so you can try the Lotus and then try a camber board. Also 149 is on the smaller size, you could go up to a 152-154 if you really want charging and stability.
Ania
November 5, 2010 at 11:42 pmHi Shay, your review is really helpful !!!
I want to buy Lotus, but not quite sure about sizing. I’m 5?45?, 138lbs, size 9-9.5.
Trying to decide between 154 and 157. I was riding Sapient freeride board 155 for about six seasons. What would you recommend for me? Thanks!
Shay
November 6, 2010 at 11:18 amAnia, thanks! You could go either way, the 154 suits your weight more and is the closer size to what your already riding and used to. The 157 could work if you plan to ride bigger mountains, freeriding, powder and prefer the larger size. I think you’ll be fine on the 154 though but describe more of your riding.
Charlene
November 8, 2010 at 11:10 pmHey, I’ve been searching for thorough reviews like yours, so thankyou! I am trying to decide between this board and the Feel Good Flying V for the season. I am only able to get one board, so I am really trying to find something that will be the best of all worlds. I really enjoy the park, but I love fresh powder, taking fast runs, tree runs.. love it all. I really want something that can handle some powder and speed, but poppy enough and flexible enough to hit a few jibs and jumps. Of the two, which would you recommend for this? Or is there another board you can recommend?
mel
November 9, 2010 at 11:01 pmShay, love your reviews! great info!
I am looking to buy the lotus, and am still not sure what the best bindings are to put with the board. Boot size women’s 9, for the most part I stay away from pipe and park, I’m an intermediate-advanced rider, and am looking for durability/good quality too many past bindings that have broken or cracked. Anyhow what binding(s) would you recommend?
Thanks for your opinion, I appreciate it!
Peg
November 10, 2010 at 4:20 pmWhat a great review, thanks. I am looking at a NS Lotus or Infinity this year. I plan to demo each before I buy but I was wondering what you think about them in regards to my size and what I like to ride. I currently have an old cheap Lamar board I bought 5 years ago for $99. It was just fine when I started but I feel like it’s now holding me back. I love to take off through the trees, launch off smallish cliffs and natural kickers, and who doesn’t love big surflike turns in the bowl? My home mountain is Mt. Hood so the conditions are unpredictable and oftentimes very wet. I am 5’2″, 160lb and currently ride a 149. I appreciate your thoughts.
Shay
November 10, 2010 at 6:57 pmMel, thanks so much! Hmm what bindings have you used in the past that broke on you? I’m a big fan of Rome and Union bindings, ridden both over the years a number of days and had good experiences with them.
Peg, awesome on you demo’ing both boards, that will give you a really good idea of which one you prefer. Definitely a bigger size with a more stable board would benefit you alot. Lotus is a solid freeride board, handles pow and trees great. If you don’t plan to ride park a lot, that’s a good choice. If you want to mix it up and have something more playful, the infinity would be it. For size, look for a 150-153.
Kelsey
November 12, 2010 at 4:21 pmShay, I read this review and your review on the 09-10 Never Summer Lotus R, they were both very useful! Thanks! Over the last couple weeks I been trying to find a place that still sells the 09-10 model, but I’ve had no luck. But after reading this review, which board do you like better? I live in New England and a lot of the mountains I ride are ice. Do you think one board would out perform the other? Thanks!
Shay
November 12, 2010 at 7:28 pmKelsey,
Nothing changed from 09-10 to 10-11 so you’d be fine on either model.
Irene
November 22, 2010 at 9:53 pmShay, this is such a great review. I wish I found your site sooner!
Do you have a youtube site? Here’s my question: like Lisa’s comment, I’m 5’8″, 120lbs advanced rider, got in 40 days last season at Vail/Beaver Creek, and ride a 149 feelgood in powder, trees, steeps, and bumps but avoid the park/rails. I was thinking of getting the Lotus for this season. You suggested a larger board for Lisa – what size would you suggest for me? Thanks!
Shay
November 24, 2010 at 7:36 amIrene, I do have youtube but I don’t put up videos as often as I should. It’s http://www.youtube.com/user/shayboarder
You sound like the perfect rider for the lotus. It’ll handle the powder, trees, steeps and bumps and an aggressive charging ride for an advanced women rider. You could definitely step it up to the 152 if you feel more comfortable with going bigger. NS also has a ton of demos in the CO area so you could hit them up and try out the lotus in a couple sizes to see which one you like better. But I’d say the 152 if you want to charge and don’t plan to go into park.
kay
November 28, 2010 at 11:30 pmShay,
Huge thanks for the review. I’ve decided the Lotus could be my next purchase as I’m looking to kick it up a notch (intermediate to advance) in the pow, speed and trees. I’ve been riding a 140 Feelgood the last few seasons and don’t really know what size to go with in the Lotus. I’m 5’2” and 115lbs. If you have other suggestions, would love to hear them. Thanks again!
Shay
November 29, 2010 at 7:20 pmKay, Awesome on the next purchase and kicking it up a notch! Your feelgood is worth keeping around as that spare board and smaller size. For the lotus the smallest size is a 146 which suits your weight. Jumping up to the 149 would also suit your weight but would be a big size leap. So I’d say 146cm unless you have a reason to ride the 149 like tons of powder all the time.
Dianna
November 30, 2010 at 9:27 amHi Shay,
I’m looking to get a new board (again), and am torn between the NS Lotus and the new Roxy Envi with the C2 and BTX. I’m looking to be able to pick up some speed and keep up with the rest of the guys. I currently own a Roxy Eminence with MTX only and the the NS Pandora, both are fun little boards, but I have to go real slow (I also hate the feeling of losing control). I ride through mostly everything, groomers, pow, ice, trees, but not really park. Which one do you think would be better suited? And what are the differences, really between the two boards? Thanks again!
kirsten
December 3, 2010 at 6:20 amHey Shay,
I am going backwards and forwards with my board decision…I was wndering how you would compare never summer boards with roxy boards? I would probably be leaning towards the Infinity or Roxy Ally and I was wondering which you think would help progress my riding the most? I am leaning towards the infinity over the lotus as, although I do like charging, I would like a board that will help me get better in the park and be a little more forgiving. What do you think? Thanks
Shay
December 3, 2010 at 7:11 pmDianna, that is tough. Both aggressive women’s board that handle the mountain. The Envi with C2 is most similiar to the Lotus so I’d compare those two. Between both, you are getting a stellar board.
Kirsten, I have both NS and Roxy here. I’d say NS are definitely more durable, they withstand some beatings better from my experience with them. I haven’t ridden the ally but the infinity is a all mountain freestyle ride that can handle in park and mountain. Lotus is a bit more charging so I’d skip that.
Kimi
December 9, 2010 at 2:16 pmHi Shay!
you recomended the lotus 146 for me on your ask page, Is last years model the same and do you know of somewhere i could get an older board? my boyfriend wants last yrs park pickle and i see that everywhere but i cant seem to find an older lotus146 or roxy eminence 143. do i just have to wait and save up? or is there some secret place they are hiding them :p
Kimi
December 10, 2010 at 9:40 pmMy sister(who is in iraq) and I spent just about every free second of the day looking for last years lotus online, With no luck at all. In the end my boyfriend found one in the UK. The price will end up about the same as this years and maybe more because of shipping. If its still available tomorrow. Ill probably get it. I wanted this years so bad until I saw the graphics on last year, apparently I’m a sucker for pink.
Shay
December 24, 2010 at 10:49 pmKimi, last year’s model is the same. No changes other than graphics. However finding last year’s can be harder. Do a froogle search and you’ll see what shops have them but I doubt they’ll be discounted much. Maybe look on forum boards or ebay to see if someone is selling one.
indy
February 13, 2011 at 4:17 pmHi shay! Thx for the reviews. I was wondering. I am 125-130, 5’4, colorado rider. I have had a 2005 burton feelgood 149 which i loved but I am looking for something new.I actually tried out the lotus 149 for a few hours the other day and really liked it. It turned on a time, was super fun but found I had a bit of trouble feeling steady on steeps and moguls with any sort of incline. Almost like I wasn’t getting enough edge hold, especially in the middle of the board. I had never been on any boards with any rocker so I am not sure if what i was feeling was a result of the rocker/camber tech or bc the board was too stiff. Unfortunately never summer aren’t doing anymore demo days where i live so I can’t go and try out the different models, sizes.Hopefully your opinion can help to guide me towards the right board for me. Thx!
dave
February 15, 2011 at 9:25 amHi Shay,
Was thinking of surprising my wife with a NS board that she’s been wanting for years and this review sold it for me. Read all of your binding reviews and can’t quite decide. We do almost all of our riding at Loveland and she’s looking for a set up that pretty much can go anywhere. Currently shes riding a ’06 feelgood that’s on the short side for her with ’06 stillettos. She’s looking the able to charge the whole mountain with confidence. Any thoughts on what binding you would pair with the Lotus? thanks again.
Shay
February 19, 2011 at 7:53 pmIndy, interesting to hear you didn’t find the edge hold as grippy. It could be getting used to the rc on it but I’d definitely see if you can find other demos from a shop or another demo day to see what you like.
Dave, Sweet Dave! Bindings depend on how responsive she likes them so hard to say. I’ve paired the lotus with the rome madisons, k2 auto agogo’s and force trilogies.
Ellen Bucci
February 23, 2011 at 9:39 pmHi Shay,
I am trying to decide between Lotus 151 and 154, just can’t decide. I mostly like powder in the trees, but don’t ride in tons of it..usually a foot or less. I have a -89 Morrow that is a 155, but I was thinking a shorter board would turn quicker in the trees. I am less interested in speed than in turning…. I am 5/7, 125lbs. any thoughts?
Shay
February 24, 2011 at 8:45 amEllen,
With your weight you could ride either board, the 151 is more ideal for your weight and would be quicker in the trees but also not as stable or floatable as the longer 154 length.
Mike
February 27, 2011 at 5:55 pmShay
Looking for a board for my wife. She is an intermediate rider that mostly sticks to groomers. She rides pretty cautiously now, so Im looking for a freeride/all mountain board that might help her feel more comfortable opening up the throttle. Ive been considering the evo and the Rome Blue. She is 5’7″ 135. which board sounds like a better fit? what about size? she currently rides a 152 nitro mystique that is about 4 seasons old.
Shay
March 1, 2011 at 12:30 pmMike, Sweet on the new board for your wife! I think you mean the lotus not the evo (right?). Definitely the lotus or blue would be a freeriding/mountain option for her to consider. The Rome Blue is camber and the Lotus is Reverse Camber so in my opinion, the lotus gives a bit more forgiving ride with edge intiation because the contact points are lifted up. Low 150cm size would be fine for her unless she’s going to be really charging bigger lines.
Debbie
March 3, 2011 at 5:32 pmHi Shay,
Right now I ride a 151 Solomon ivy that I have had since I took up riding in 2004. I live in Truckee and consider myself an intermediate to advanced rider. I have been looking at getting a lotus and am not sure what size to go with. I am 5’4″ and weigh 135. I want speed and to be able to turn quick in trees, but I find my Solomon a bit short for deep powder days. Thanx for your help and have a great week.
Shay
March 4, 2011 at 12:46 pmDebbie,
The lotus will have better float in the powder with the reverse camber. Definitely the 151 wouldn’t be an adjustment but you could ride the 154cm as well if you want to go bigger.
Dana
March 6, 2011 at 1:28 pmI am looking at purchasing the lotus. I have been riding a 147 Rome Vinyl for a couple of years. I weigh 105lbs and 5’4. What is your suggestion for sizing. I am an advanced rider. And mostly do all mountain free riding out west.
Shay
March 6, 2011 at 9:36 pmDana, sweet on picking up a more aggressive board. Hmm on sizing you could go either way, 146 or 149. If you stick strictly to freeriding and powder, the 149 would charge it all.
Erin
March 7, 2011 at 5:40 pmI’m upgrading from a Burton feelgood. I’m 5’2,125lbs. What size lotus would you recommend?
Shay
March 7, 2011 at 6:47 pmErin, depends on what size feelgood you were already riding comfortably. For your weight 151cm suits fine unless you prefer a bigger or smaller size.
kate
March 29, 2011 at 5:57 amHey Shay.
I’m in a pickle! Every time I decide on a new board I change my mind!
I’m 5’4, 140lbs. I’ve been riding a 48 skate bananana for the last year, and recently an arbor draft 149.5. I love backcountry and powder, surprisingly the little Arbor loved it too!
I’m torn between the NS Infinity, Pandora and Lotus. Oh and the Arbor Cadence. I’m not a park rat, but want to spend more time on natural hits and a few park laps. Nothing too stiff.
Help!! 🙂
Shay
March 29, 2011 at 3:21 pmKate, awesome on picking up a new board! Sounds like you definitely like your boards soft, so I’d take the lotus out of that list and probably the infinity too unless you want something noticeably stiffer than your draft and banana. Pandora and cadence would be soft, cadence just a softer narrower version of the draft. So really up to you on the boards. Or if you rode the draft and loved it, could stick with it. Cadence will be very similar.
Triplany
April 24, 2011 at 2:46 pmI own a premier f1 and looking to get my oldest daughter a new board. her and I ride together and never touch the park love bombing down groomers and looking for pow. Really thinking of the Lotus but she is very petite. She is 16, 95lbs and 5′ on the nose. Would a 146 be too big for her? Her current board is a 136 or 138 if I am not mistaken.
Shay
April 24, 2011 at 9:50 pmTriplany, I think she’d be fine on the 146cm for her weight and riding style. The one thing is it’d be a huge adjustment from her other board size but it’d be a lot more stable and a board she’d have for years, plus it’d progress her riding even more.
Christina
November 6, 2011 at 12:56 pmYour reviews rock! I’m looking at the NS Infinity but am looking at all your reviews, so thanks so much for posting.
My question is what size I SHOULD be riding. Currently I ride a 141 (the setup was a steal..). I’m 5’2″ 145 lbs. What size do you recommend? Its really hard to get a good size recommendation.
Also, I live in Alaska .. how the heck can I demo boards?
Shay
November 6, 2011 at 10:12 pmChristina, thanks! Your weight calls for a bigger board, I’d recommend a 151-153cm. 141 is really small for your weight and where you ride but an easy size to learn on. So yeah you definitely want to size up to match your weight a bit more. It’ll give you a lot more stability from a snowboard.
Christina
November 7, 2011 at 9:04 pmWow! I have been way off!! It sure was easy to learn on – so that scares me a bit jumping up! What should I expect trying to adjust? I might have to stick with my 141 for this season, though… but I’m hoping to buy at least a new board by my trip to CO in February. Bindings will have to wait..
Shay
November 9, 2011 at 6:46 pmChristina, definitely a smaller size is easier to learn on but it’s also holding you back on stability and progressing to the next level. I would suggest checking with Never Summer to see the demo days in CO, if there are any going on during the time.
Redbird
December 18, 2011 at 11:19 pmThanks for sharing all of your knowledge! I’ve read through your Lotus & Infinity postings & think that you would recommend the Lotus for me. Here’s my sticking point–I’ve never had a directional board and I keep clicking on the Lotus to put it in my “cart” and then freak out by the look of that tail. It reminds me of those hard core dudes with the spandex suits & plastic boots faced completely forward, running a hard & fast line straight to the bottom. That’s sooo not me. And it doesn’t sound like you, so I need to change my thinking on this, right?
I’ve been riding for 20 yrs, am an int/adv rider & stick to powder bowls, trees, & fast groomers. Just resort riding at this point. 5’2″, 113lbs; in my mid-30s, so most of my hucking days are over; I like steeps, speed, good carves, freshies in the trees. I pretty well never ride switch down a groomer, but often find that it’s a necessary method for getting through tight trees or navigating out of a chute, etc. I noticed that you said that you are able to ride switch on this. Is it that much harder to do? What happens when you try to do it; is it squirrelly? Do you ever regret being on a directional board?
Finally, if you’re down to comment on the size of the Lotus you’d recommend, I’m all ears. From reading what you’ve written, I’d guess a 147 or 149. Learned on a 145 Burton, then switched to a 150 Rossignol and started mellowing out once I learned that I’m not invincible. The 150 sometimes feels a little long when navigating tight trees, although love the float on a nice batch of powder.
Thanks for answering all of our questions–happy deep powdery snow days to ya’!
Shay
December 19, 2011 at 8:28 pmRedbird,
Definitely sounds like the Lotus for your riding. Since you won’t ride switch that much and only to maneuever out of areas, you’ll be fine on how the lotus handles. It takes some adjustment to ride switch on it but it does just fine. It’s not squirrely, it’s just a bit different than normal because you are riding closer to the tail (setback on the board). I don’t regret being on a directional board, they are designed for charging and handling.
For size, the 149 would be fine for you unless you want to size up. I don’t think you need the smaller 147 with your riding style.
kate
December 22, 2011 at 5:08 pmHi Shay, i’m getting my first board and like the roxy ally btx or the or the infinity. but i wasn’t sure what size to get. im about 5’5.5 (166cm) and weigh about 56 kg. US 8-8.5 boot. im beginner and would be sticking mainly to groomers and would like to learn a few tricks/jumps. im heading to canada for a month where theres powder but i also want a board which will be good in nz. just a good all round board for any terrain/riding so as i improve i can figure out what i like best.
im not sure between the 147 or 151 in the ally.
many thanks kate
Shay
December 27, 2011 at 10:43 pmKate, sweet on the first board! Ally would be a great first board choice, Infinity would be a tad more aggressive but still a board that would last through your progressing years. Both boards would handle a variety of riding. For size, I think you’ll be best on the 147 or 149 for right now. Then you don’t get too over your head with a bigger board and the rocker/reverse camber will help for pow days.
Robbin
March 24, 2012 at 7:48 amHi Shay, really enjoying your reviews! I’m a new snowboarder in Valdez, Alaska and I’m looking for my first board. The riding here is all backcountry, mostly big steep lines above the trees, some rock bands and drops to negotiate, and so on. The snow is mostly deep coastal pow with some windpack and assorted cruddiness. I won’t be on the really crazy stuff for a few years I’m sure, but I want something that can handle the big mountain environment and help me gain confidence. The Lotus really seems to fit the bill.
It looks like I may have to order one if I can’t find a dealer up here, so I won’t get to look at them first, and I don’t know whether to get the 154 or the 157. I’m 5’4″ 135 size 8 boots, a bit stronger than average for my weight, and will often be carrying a pack with avy gear and other assorted stuff. If I was buying this to ride at a resort I’d go with the 154, but I don’t know if I should go for the longer one due to the conditions I’ll most often be riding in. Thanks!