NEVER SUMMER · Benchmark Snowboard
Benchmark Snowboard
26/27 season
Colour
Color makeup
Multicolour
Design
Illustration
Sizes
Expert reviews 1
The Never Summer Benchmark is a versatile all-mountain board that's especially strong in powder. It has the best float in the Never Summer lineup and is forgiving, so it doesn't pick a skill level. In exchange, being loose underfoot makes carving response inconsistent, which takes adaptation.
Base shape (camber)
Hybrid rocker
A hybrid rocker running from a mellow, nearly flat rocker in the centre into an elliptical camber under the front foot and a shorter, higher camber under the back foot. A tapered tail and large nose handle float.
StiffnessHigher means stiffer
A medium flex at 6 out of 10. The flex varies by section — soft through the centre with stiffer nose and tail.
Where it shines
Who it suits
Very forgiving, so any ability level can ride it, and it's still plenty of fun for advanced riders.
Good
- ✓The best powder float in the Never Summer lineup
- ✓Definite pop and spring response
- ✓Good edge grip on hardpack
- ✓Versatility and durability to serve as a one-board quiver
Not so good
- —It feels loose and self-steering underfoot in all conditions
- —Carving with centre or back-foot weighting produces a washy response
- —Jibbing performance is limited for the average rider
- —A variable camber construction makes turn response inconsistent depending on load
