Curated Snowboarding Expert Mike Leighton got his hands on the 2024 K2 Hypnotist this spring. Check out how it performed in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but consider the fact that every rider is different; if you have any questions about the Hypnotist or need recommendations on which board would be best for you, reach out to a Snowboarding Expert here on Curated.

Before we start, it's worth noting that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands. All of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does K2 Snow claim about this board? This is a brand-new resort and park freestyle option. It has K2’s SpaceGlass construction on the tip and the tail, reducing weight chatter. It also features K2’s Carbon DarkWeb and Carbon Backbone, a pre-curved insert between the bindings, increasing the pop on this board. The board has a sintered base, so it’s fast.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? It's a lightweight board that is easy to spin and maneuver. This is a great board to riff around with your friends. With its camber profile and 7 out of 10 flex, it is fun to carve on groomers.

Carving

How does it turn? It's fast, carves well, and nimble.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? There's not a lot of weight there. I did pick up on a little bit of chop. You might feel chatter on this board if you want to ride a lot of fresh snow or chop your snow.

How does it perform at speed? It is stable with how stiff it is in terms of finding speed in the jump line or even in the pipe. With the sintered base, there will be enough speed to clear the big line easily.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? Regarding park performance, this board spins, butters, and pops well. If you're looking for an all-around resort freestyle ripper, this is a great board from K2. I had a lot of fun on this.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? It pops well, is lively, and active.

Is it good for riding switch? It's a twin shape, so it feels right at home when taking off switch.

How is it for buttering? It won't be the biggest noodle in terms of pressing and buttering. If you like to stay close to the ground and spend more time riding boxes and rails, you might want something a little softer.

Freeride

How is it in powder? I wouldn't pick this board up if I were riding fresh snow. I would look at something else in the line, like the Alchemist or the Antidote.

How is it in uneven terrain, chop, and chunder? It doesn't handle chop and chunder that well. You'll survive, but it won’t be that fun.

What terrain is this board good for? This board will be most at home in the park and pipe. It is still a great option if you're getting out early in the morning and want to get some corduroy.

What kind of terrain should riders avoid with it? I'm not taking this up hiking, seeking out a lot of fresh snow, or spending much time in the trees.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? Advanced and up park riders will enjoy this board the most. So it's for those getting in the park, high-level, intermediate, and starting to explore bigger features or looking for something to ride the pipe. This is a great board if you're popping out of the terrain park or ripping all the way down.

Who should avoid this board? Are other better options out there for them? It isn’t a beginner board. It's forgiving for an advanced or expert rider, but it won't be that forgiving for a new rider.

Snowboards work differently for different types of riders. If you want help finding the right board for you, contact Mike or any other Snowboarding Expert here on Curated for free, personalized recommendations on the best board for you.