Review: K2 Gateway Pop Snowboard · 2024
By Snowboarding Expert
Matthew Kaminski
K2 Gateway Pop Snowboard · 2024
$269.97
$449.95
40% off
5 photos
The Curated Take
3.3/5
The K2 Gateway Pop is ideal for intermediate riders seeking a board designed for freeriding and groomer carving. With its camber profile, narrow build, and hybrid profile, this snowboard provides excellent edge hold, pop, and turn initiation. Though not ideal for heavy powder days or park and freestyle riding, it offers durability and stability at high speeds, making it a great choice for those looking to progress their skills or advanced riders looking for a budget-friendly option.
Ideal for
- Camber profile allows for a locked in edge feel ideal for carving and control
- Loaded like a spring ready to give the rider an extra boost when getting air
- Mid flex, stable board that can be ridden at high speeds and handle some hard charging
Not ideal for
- I had to work to get the K2 Gateway Pop to press and butter down the mountain
- Width on the Gateway Pop is more narrow compared to some other similar boards, which leads to some toe and heel drag
- Riding at slower speeds can feel a bit catchy and hard to maneuver
Flotation
K2 claims this board is ready for powder at any point of the day. This wouldn’t be my top choice for a foot of fresh snow but it will hold...Read more
Carving
The K2 Gateway Pop is one of the more narrow boards I’ve gotten on this season. With a size 11 boot, I definitely needed to get on a wide. For...Read more
High Speed Stability
The Camber profile on the K2 Gateway Pop is the key to its stability when riding at high speeds. Add in a directional shape and the rider is left with...Read more
Durability
Extruded bases are known to be some of the more durable bases on snowboards. Constructed with Biax Carbon Fiberglass and an Aspen core, the Gateway Pop is one of the...Read more
Turn Ease
Turn initiation has a lot to do with the profile of a snowboard. In my opinion, having some rocker at the nose and tail makes a board turn much easier...Read more
Versatility
This snowboard wouldn’t be my top choice if I was spending the same amount of time in the park as I do riding the entire mountain. The Gateway Pop felt...Read more
Expert Reviews of the K2 Gateway Pop Snowboard
Matthew Kaminski This board is ideal for any intermediate rider who is looking to get into freeriding but still has fun riding groomers and going fast. I would feel confident putting any beginner who has progressed their skills and wants to progress into intermediate riding on this board along with any advanced rider who is looking for a budget-friendly option that can withstand some hard charging. Immediately when I got on this snowboard I felt its power and urge to go fast. The camber profile seems to work when it comes to edge hold and pop. Any rider who is looking for a quiver killer, this board should be on their radar.
Product Specs
| Age Group | Adult |
| Gender | Men's |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Snowboard type | All Mountain |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
Review Ratings
Flotation
3/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 3 of 5 stars. K2 claims this board is ready for powder at any point of the day. This wouldn’t be my top choice for a foot of fresh snow but it will hold its own in the soft stuff. I did find some crusty snow in the trees and the nose stayed floating while the tail sunk into the old snow. For riders who are seeing fresh snow on the daily, there might be some better options, but for any rider who is catching 6-12 inches of fresh snow once or twice a season, the Gateway Pop performs with style.
Carving
2/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 2 of 5 stars. The K2 Gateway Pop is one of the more narrow boards I’ve gotten on this season. With a size 11 boot, I definitely needed to get on a wide. For carving, anyone with a smaller boot will not have an issue, but for bigfoots like me that extra width will help eliminate heel or toe drag. The overall profile of this board, rocker at the nose/tail and camber in the middle, is ideal for a carver, but width is equally just as important.
High Speed Stability
4/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 4 of 5 stars. The Camber profile on the K2 Gateway Pop is the key to its stability when riding at high speeds. Add in a directional shape and the rider is left with a snowboard that wants to point down the fall line and take the quickest route to the bottom of the mountain. I felt like this snowboard wanted to ride fast but remain in control. It felt more stable going at higher speeds vs. trying to throw it around going slow.
Durability
4/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 4 of 5 stars. Extruded bases are known to be some of the more durable bases on snowboards. Constructed with Biax Carbon Fiberglass and an Aspen core, the Gateway Pop is one of the more durable snowboards at its price point. Carbon Fiberglass is lighter and stronger vs. traditional materials, leaving the rider with a more durable product all around. Aspen wood has a poppy yet softer feel while the Carbon stiffens things up.
Turn Ease
4/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 4 of 5 stars. Turn initiation has a lot to do with the profile of a snowboard. In my opinion, having some rocker at the nose and tail makes a board turn much easier vs. something with full camber. The hybrid profile on the K2 Gateway Pop allows for easy turns while keeping a stable and locked in feel. A more narrow build also allows this board to float edge to edge quicker.
Versatility
3/5
Matthew Kaminski gave 3 of 5 stars. This snowboard wouldn’t be my top choice if I was spending the same amount of time in the park as I do riding the entire mountain. The Gateway Pop felt at home riding fast on some more open terrain and did surprisingly well in moguls and uneven terrain but the second I started to get into freestyle, it was not an ideal board for that. The directional shape has a 0.75” setback, leaving the rider with a longer nose and shorter tail. For switch riding, this can feel a bit awkward too.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Matthew Kaminski My favorite moment with the K2 Gateway Pop was getting into a mogul field off the North Lynx at my home resort. I was extremely impressed with how torsional the board was, yet stable driving through the moguls. I felt in total control and that I found the terrain this board excels in the most. Mix in some fresh snow between those moguls and I was living in a dream.
Why did you choose this product?
Matthew Kaminski I chose the K2 Gateway Pop for my quiver because of its durability and how easy it is to ride/progress my riding. This snowboard is very approachable from any skill level of snowboarding. From the beginner rider who is looking to progress all the way to the advanced rider searching for a durable and high-quality option that won’t break the bank, this snowboard is a good fit for a variety of riding styles.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Matthew Kaminski K2 has been consistent over the years making an affordable yet quality product for winter sports enthusiasts. They are continuing that trend with the Gateway Pop in the 2024 season. Coming in under $500, this snowboard has all the features I look for in a more premium snowboard minus the extruded base. I’m personally a huge fan of gear with carbon loaded in it, leaving the rider with a higher quality and lighter weight option vs. some other brands around the same price with lower overall quality of construction.
What do you love about this product?
Matthew Kaminski I love the overall shape and profile of the K2 Gateway Pop. I’m personally a big fan of camber profiles with rocker at the nose and tail. I find this mold to be the most rider friendly when it comes to turning, playfulness, and overall control of the snowboard. The rocker allows the board to rock easily edge to edge while the camber keeps things precise and in control underfoot. Throw in a directional 0.75” and I’m a fan - traditional style snowboard with the newest tech.
