Hardgoods 24/25

[g3greg]

Listening to Blue on the bombhole is what sold me, hands down.

[C.Fuzzy]

I'm not a Capita guy, I have no capita boards right now, but imo they have created more of that OG snowboard culture vibe than any other brand right now. In my mind there's not another brand that's hitting the fun edgy 'core' snowboarding vibe nearly as well. It's pretty close to what Forum had back in the day as far as being cool but not mainstream. They have a team of heavy hitters that are all creating dope content (whether videos of podcasts) and additionally they're are very much dedicated to good products, with a line that has cool shapes that doesn't get 'out in the weeds too far' and focuses on the sort of 'do it all' rider. Also, they're not really trying to win any contest points. It's all fun. And they're not following. It's not a bunch of throwbacks or coasting on the names of past (iconic) rider names or heritage. It's shit that feels relevant.

Like, as far a core brand that seems to be what snowboarding is about, imo they're doing it better. I think Nitro is doing it pretty good.

And Nidecker group is trying to find the sauce, but hasn't really quite got it yet.

[kimchi]

I just bought an Aeronaut. Partly because I think the shape is dope, partly wanting to support Capita after watching Blue Montgomery's Bomb Hole episode and just vibing with it. That's still my #1 all time Bomb Hole.



Part is also a desire to support an independent rider-owned brand. If you want to buy from a board company that has a decent retail footprint and isn't part of someone's aggregated portfolio, the list is basically Burton, Capita, Nitro, Never Summer... maybe Weston makes the cut. Everyone else is either super small or owned by private equity, the Nidecker family, or Authentic Brands. Off that list, Nitro's the only other brand I'm particularly down with from shaping.

I have some concerns around Snapita, though. I had really bad luck on my 2015 BSOD, one of a small handful of boards I outright broke and the only one on my first day out. That was pre-Mothership, so we'll see.

[michaelangelo]

I don’t really recall any widespread issues after the 00s with their boards. I was a diehard C3 dude for a minute and rode unions for 8+ years before switching.

Mindblower
Mid Life Zero
SMX (2)
Charlie
Tree Hunter 51/61
Pow racer
Rav
Outsiders
Outerspace Living
Mercury

No complaints about any of those decks. Capita’s graphics are usually the main turn off for me. Like I get they’re sold at Zumiez, but they don’t have to look like it too (BSOD/Aero/Navigator/Mercury/Kazu exempt).

((I want a navigator still, soft boards are fun here))

[Vanni]

I had nothing but good experience with Capita boards.
I had a couple of TFA (the Mercury before it was renamed), an Outsiders, and I still have a great Kazu Pro.
Oh, and I have also a Spring Break Mini Tree Hunter, but I didn't ride yet.

(I know that they changed core for the more expensive spring break a couple of time, because some riders complained about the fragility of that boards (balsa core or something), but I think they fixed it 2 or 3 seasons ago)

[oar]

i'd also be very grateful for Mervin or Capita catalogs!

[benjinyc]

Like I get they’re sold at Zumiez, but they don’t have to look like it

HAHAHA, most accurate description ever

[jota]

I just bought an Aeronaut. Partly because I think the shape is dope, partly wanting to support Capita after watching Blue Montgomery's Bomb Hole episode and just vibing with it. That's still my #1 all time Bomb Hole.



Part is also a desire to support an independent rider-owned brand. If you want to buy from a board company that has a decent retail footprint and isn't part of someone's aggregated portfolio, the list is basically Burton, Capita, Nitro, Never Summer... maybe Weston makes the cut. Everyone else is either super small or owned by private equity, the Nidecker family, or Authentic Brands. Off that list, Nitro's the only other brand I'm particularly down with from shaping.

I have some concerns around Snapita, though. I had really bad luck on my 2015 BSOD, one of a small handful of boards I outright broke and the only one on my first day out. That was pre-Mothership, so we'll see.

@kimchi where would lib tech/mervin be there? since I have considered it an authentic snowboard brand. I am one of those followers of independent and authentic snowboard brands... it is what I like to support...

on the other hand it is curious but perhaps no one in EL has a never summer... Maybe it's because of the hybrid camber?

[kimchi]

Everyone else is either super small or owned by private equity, the Nidecker family, or Authentic Brands. Off that list, Nitro's the only other brand I'm particularly down with from shaping.

@kimchi where would lib tech/mervin be there? since I have considered it an authentic snowboard brand. I am one of those followers of independent and authentic snowboard brands... it is what I like to support...

A private equity firm picked up Mervin over 10 years ago. Even prior to that, they were owned by Quiksilver.

[eleveneightnate]

on the other hand it is curious but perhaps no one in EL has a never summer... Maybe it's because of the hybrid camber?

I don't drink Monster in a Nuggets 59FIFTY with the sticker still on it while driving a WRX to Breck and listening to Pretty Lights, therefore I cannot buy a Never Summer.

They also ran a pretty nasty smear campaign against Arbor during Snowboarder's Battle of the Brands that turned me off to them. Plus the stupid ass rocker profiles they use and absolutely atrocious graphics.

A private equity firm picked up Mervin over 10 years ago. Even prior to that, they were owned by Quiksilver.

Lib's construction also leaves a lot to be desired, they just feel like cheap old rental boards. Also, C2 basically eliminates half their boards from my consideration. And I hate their "Made in the USA Near Canada" shtick, like that's somehow supposed to make me like them more.