My first impression is the “2 & 1” design of the Aboard is more aimed for downhill snowboarding instead of snow kiting. But I knew I was mistaken the first time I took it out behind a kite. The flexibility is what makes the Aboard such a smooth ride while snow kiting. With a full wood core design, I am amazed at how much the Aboard can twist and flex and yet has a great response and a “springy” feel.

I am happy with the centered stance of the Aboard, and 52-68cm provides a lot of stance options for those who like a wide/tight stance. I think the board is a tad bit narrow and could use a little more width. My boots tend to drag both on the heel/toe (I have big feet).

Overall I give the Aboard an 8 out of 10. I think Aboards came up with a solid kite Snowboard that does not excel at any one thing, but is a great “all around” board for everything from park, freestyle, and free riding. I personally do not ride lifts anymore after discovering snow kiting. Maybe in the future I would like to see an Aboard with less side cut radius on the heel side edge, or even reverse camber.

-Matty

Nice! I would love to spring for a kite specific board, but I am just getting together a foil kite quiver to keep my self happy. I cannot complain about my 164cm 5150 "Stroke", though. It has held up to my 215lbs of weight on every condition from heavy snow to rough solid ice. I really never though that this "cheap" board would last this long. However, I cannot say that I have put it through too much stress in the park. I do take good care of the base and edges since I have my own tuning equipment.

Looking great We're lvn Aboards Kite Snowboards... here in Canada... Keep it Up!
Getting on the 2010 Kiteboards soon, Snowkiting is done here...


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Bummer dayz, Its becoming summer real fast down here in oregon as well. I've been looking out on the river and its Whitecapping and blowing westerly's Wont be long before our season starts here in the gorge...just gotta get the water to warm up (I hate major shrinkage)

Yo mattv, I've used old school snowboards for 3 years now, This being my second season on a kite specific board. I think whatever gets ya out there and having fun is the best board on the market But recently as i started getting better i wanted a snowboard that felt more like riding on water. Its more about the loading and POP for me...

-matty