NEVER SUMMER · Benchmark Snowboard
Benchmark Snowboard
- Colour
- Black · Green · Orange · Brown
- Design
- Illustration
- Sizes
- 152 · 156 · 157X · 160 · 161X cm
Explore the reviews 1
See what external reviews say about this gear. You can also read each original source.
25/26 season review
This review does not directly cover the 26/27 model you are viewing. Specifications and ride feel may vary by season.
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.
A closer look
These descriptions and scores are linked to this review. They may differ from manufacturer specifications.
Board profile
The profile describes the curve of the board when viewed from the side.
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.
How stiff is it?Closer to 10 means stiffer. It does not mean better performance.
A medium flex at 6 out of 10. The flex varies by section — soft through the centre with stiffer nose and tail.
Terrain suggested in the review
Rider levels suggested in the review
New · Intermediate · Advanced
Very forgiving, so any ability level can ride it, and it's still plenty of fun for advanced riders.
What the review liked
- ✓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
What the review found lacking
- —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
