Location: Whistler, BC
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.
Setup: I rode the Endeavor Boyfriend with Union Atlas Team bindings and Flow Luxe Coiler boots size 8.
Size: 151cm
First Impression: Moving from camber to multi camber is a welcome addition to the Boyfriend.
Weight: Lighter than average.
Flex: The Boyfriend has a similar flex to last year, the same longitudinal stiffer flex that gives more stability. The softer torsional flex allows quick engagement and the board is still a mid-flex for me. The addition of multi camber combines traditional camber and reverse camber for a good combination of stability and playfulness on the mountain. The Multi Camber Boyfriend has a traditional camber between the bindings for pop and a 3mm rise of reverse camber out to the contact points for fun, float in snow and hook free ride.
Turning: Consistent turns and easy to engage were my notes on the Boyfriend. The sidecut was quick and it was easy to ride on the shorter turns but could hold a long turn when needed. It was good riding a couple cm’s bigger than the last time and it helped on the turning capabilities to have the longer effective edge.
Stable: The switch from camber to multi camber on the Boyfriend made sense. It gave the board the traditional camber feel between the feet with the reverse camber playfulness where it matters, on the nose and tail and contact points. Now the board can charge but also is a lot more freestyle focused with the easy playfulness. I was impressed with the handling because I figured the switch would made it a lot less stable but it still held up and held its own on the mountain.
Pop: I made sure to take the Boyfriend into the park for playing on the smaller features and boxes. It still had the same easy playfulness but now was a lot easier and still no catch on the edges. Good pop on the board and easy to ride.
Switch: Didn’t encounter any differences in the handling switch or regular, it rode like a twin should – exactly the same.
Overall Impression: The Boyfriend takes on multi camber to offer the perfect balance of stability and fun in a freestyle board. The handling still has the traditional camber feel for stability but adds more playfulness with reverse camber and a poppy flex.
Shay’s Honesty Box: The cambered Boyfriend was a hit last year, a favorite and a top pick for the season. The switch to multi camber made me wonder if I’d like it just as much and I did…better! Now the Boyfriend really takes on freestyle and mountain riding with a whole lot of fun and charging built in store for the board. It’s not as reliable as full camber is but it keeps a lot of the same attributes that made the board what it was meant for.
Review Disclosure: I demoed this board at the Whistler Telus Festival on-snow demos.