Expert Review: Arbor Formula Camber Snowboard · 2022
Chillin' At the Olympic Rings. My Arbor Formula Camber board held up surprisingly well during the deep powder days I rode here at Whistler. All photos courtesy of Matt Johnson
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.
My take
The Arbor Formula Camber Snowboard was the first board I’ve ever bought, and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I started as a beginner on this board, and it has held up as I progressed to an intermediate rider. This board is very versatile and rides well in the park, on groomers, and even through thick powder.
Shredding through the Snowbowl park
About the gear
- Model: 2022 Arbor Formula Camber Snowboard
- Size: 159cm (Regular width)
About me
- Height: 6’
- Weight: 175lbs
- Experience: 2 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought this: November 2021
- Days tested: 10 days on the slopes (one season)
- Mount position: Centered normally, pushed back on powder days
- Boots: Ride Anthem 2021
- Boot Size: 10
- Bindings: 2021 Arbor Spruce
- Where I’ve used it: Whistler, BC, and Snowbowl, AZ
- Terrain: Groomers, powder, and terrain park
How it performs
What I was looking for
This was my first board, and I am fairly new to riding, so I was looking for a versatile and beginner-friendly board. My budget was a main concern when I was shopping. I was trying to keep my total build around $750 (including boots), and this board was an absolute steal for its price.
Why I chose this gear
This board was suggested by an Expert at Curated, and it turns out they gave me a great recommendation. I did consider other options from Rossignol and Burton that my Curated Expert suggested, but I chose this one because of its price point. Other boards were too expensive, and I didn’t want to spend too much money on my first board. I also considered the Rocker version of this board but decided on the Camber version because of its stability.
About to drop in at Whistler
What I love about it
- Speed: This board can get great speed if I maintain a good base (waxing, edge tuning, etc.). I have no issues keeping up with the pack. The factory wax was convenient, as the board was ready to go right out of the box.
- Edge hold: I may not be the best at carving, but this board has a good edge hold thanks to its camber build and Arbor’s Grip-Tech. It has been a huge help as I learn to control my carves.
- Groomers: I do most of my riding on groomers, and this board has been a blast. The camber and Arbor Grip-Tech make it perfect for carving down groomers.
- Powder: This may not be specifically designed for heavy powder days, but if I sit back in my stance, it floats pretty well.
- Trees: The easy turn initiation this board offers makes it a great board to ride under my feet through the trees. Even during deep powder days, I can navigate through the trees easily.
- Moguls: I hate moguls with a passion and avoid them at all costs. I haven’t had much experience riding this board in moguls. However, the turn initiation and stability would make this a good board for moguls.
- Park: As I progress in my snowboarding skills, this board has been keeping up with me very well. Right now, I can hit boxes and smaller jumps with confidence, thanks to the stability of the cambered design.
- Durability: I’ve ridden over some pretty large rocks—accidentally, of course—and this board held up very well. There was no damage to the core. A simple wax, and she’s good as new.
- Weight: This board is pretty lightweight, although this is my first board, so I don’t have much to compare it to. Bringing my knees up on an ollie/ jump isn’t very difficult.
- Switch riding: This board is a twin, so switch riding has been a breeze.
- Stability: Thanks to the cambered design and Arbor Grip-Tech, this board is very stable even at high speeds. I don’t have any issues initiating turns and haven’t noticed any chattering. Slamming on the brakes isn’t an issue either, as the board is “stuck” to the ground. This board is rated as a medium stiff board; if one plans on staying mostly in the park, maybe consider a softer board. Other than that, I have no issues.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Turns: Sitting one’s stance back too far will affect the turn response. For me, this only was an issue during powder days. If one rides with a centered stance or slightly off-centered, they should be fine.
This board was responsive riding through trees even in powder!
Favorite moment with this gear
Even though this Arbor Formula isn’t specifically designed for powder, my best memory with this board was in Whistler while riding through some deep powder. After setting my stance towards the back, I was floating down the hill like I was on clouds.
Value for the money vs. other options
Definitely worth the money and a steal at its price. I was considering a Rossignol and Burton board but ultimately went with the Arbor board because it was made for intermediate riders and had a much lower price than the other boards. The cambered design of this board also gives it better stability than the rocker boards I was considering at the time.
Final verdict
I am completely satisfied with my buy as my first board ever owned. The versatility of this board has been amazing, as I’ve been able to make my way down the slopes in various conditions and terrains. I usually stick to groomers, and the cambered design and Arbor Grip-Tech have helped me practice carves and get my edges locked into the snow. At its price, I don’t think anyone will be able to find a board that’s as well-built as the Arbor Formula Camber.
