Review: K2 Standard Snowboard · 2024

Published on 12/15/2023 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Matthew Kaminski, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Matthew Kaminski, Snowboarding Expert
Leonid Cha, Snowboarding Expert
By Curated Experts Matthew Kaminski and Leonid Cha
4 photos
Photo by Matthew Kaminski & Leonid Cha

The Curated Take

3.0/5

The K2 Standard is a versatile snowboard ideal for riders of all levels seeking progression and freestyle fun. Its flat rock out profile with rocker at the nose and tail offers easy turn initiation and a surfy feel. The board is made with an Extruded 2000 base and single species Aspen wood core for durability and a poppy feel. While not suitable for high-speed carving or icy terrain, the K2 Standard excels in soft snow and beginner to intermediate park features, providing a playful, confidence-building ride.

Ideal for
  • With a softer flex, the K2 Standard is a very playful snowboard that is easy to press, butter, and flex on.
  • A flat out rocker profile is one of the easier shapes to initiate turns on. This board floats edge to edge effortlessly.
Not ideal for
  • The flat out rocker profile can feel a bit loose riding at higher speeds.
  • Without camber the K2 Standard rides more flat and rocks easily back and forth vs locking in on the edges and riding through the rail.
Flotation
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
With a directional shape and 0.75” setback, the K2 Standard has a slightly longer nose and shorter tail but is barely noticeable when riding. This directional shape helps keep the...Read more
Carving
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
The K2 Standard is not the most ideal carver, especially on hard pack or icy terrain. The flat profile leaves the rider with an edge that does not drive into...Read more
High Speed Stability
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
When speed is a factor, the K2 Standard tends to get unstable and a bit chattery. The flat profile with rocker at the nose and tail feels a bit surfy...Read more
Durability
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
This snowboard has an Extruded 2000 base which is durable and long lasting, low maintenance ideal for the rider who wants to grab their board and go. Single species Aspen...Read more
Turn Ease
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
The K2 Standard has a flat profile with rocker at the nose and tail. This allows for the most surface to be making contact with the snow giving the board...Read more
Versatility
Matthew Kaminski, Curated Expert
This option from K2 is able to be ridden by any type of rider from day one beginners to experienced snowboards looking for a playful and fun snowboard to ride....Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the snowboard gear
  • Model: K2 Standard Snowboard · 2024
Test conditions
  • My experience with the board spans across different conditions, from groomed runs at resorts to light off-piste powder.
  • How many times I've used it: 4

Expert Reviews of the K2 Standard Snowboard

 The K2 Standard is ideal for a rider looking for a snowboard to help with their progression. From learning new tricks in the park to building confidence linking turns, the forgiving profile creates a snowboard that can be ridden by any level rider. For those experienced riders, this board will help progress your presses and butters while intermediate riders can learn to feel confident with those maneuvers and still have a solid snowboard they know will perform well. The flat rock out profile is perfect for freestyle riding too!

Product Specs

Age GroupAdult
GenderMen's
Model year2024
Snowboard typeAll Mountain
Skill levelBeginner
Rocker profileRocker/Flat/Rocker

Review Ratings

Flotation

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. With a directional shape and 0.75” setback, the K2 Standard has a slightly longer nose and shorter tail but is barely noticeable when riding. This directional shape helps keep the nose floating in the powder and the tail sinking behind, driving the board through any fresh snow it encounters. Rocker and the nose and tail helps push snow underneath the board, giving the Standard some extra float that a full flat snowboard would not have.

Carving

2/5
 gave 2 of 5 stars. The K2 Standard is not the most ideal carver, especially on hard pack or icy terrain. The flat profile leaves the rider with an edge that does not drive into the snow but instead floats across it. For carving, it’s nice to have a camber profile that will drive into each turn with power vs floating edge to edge like the Standard. In softer snow the Standard does carve and hold an edge pretty well, same with slower more beginner style carves.

High Speed Stability

2/5
 gave 2 of 5 stars. When speed is a factor, the K2 Standard tends to get unstable and a bit chattery. The flat profile with rocker at the nose and tail feels a bit surfy and will not hold up as well as a camber shaped board when riding at high speeds. This snowboard is ideal for cruising around at slow-mid speeds. The Standard is designed to help progress edge control and board maneuverability. With the softer flex, at higher speeds this board is not the most ideal.

Durability

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. This snowboard has an Extruded 2000 base which is durable and long lasting, low maintenance ideal for the rider who wants to grab their board and go. Single species Aspen wood core for a strong and poppy feel that is designed to withstand years of snowboarding and maintain a playful feel throughout its lifespan. The K2 Standard comes ready to ride with a Catch-Free Tune to help build confidence with edge control day one on the snowboard.

Turn Ease

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. The K2 Standard has a flat profile with rocker at the nose and tail. This allows for the most surface to be making contact with the snow giving the board a surfy and relaxed feel. The rocker at the nose and tails allows for easy turn initiation leaving the rider with a snowboard that turns with ease. Ideal for the progressing rider, the K2 Standard can be approached easily and build confidence with every turn.

Versatility

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. This option from K2 is able to be ridden by any type of rider from day one beginners to experienced snowboards looking for a playful and fun snowboard to ride. The Standard is designed to ride a little bit of everything. It handled some beginner friendly to intermediate level park features with ease. From going through moguls to finding fresh snow, this snowboard checks off almost every box. A softer flexing quiver killer that can ride a variety of terrain.

FAQs

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

My favorite moment on the K2 Standard was riding through my old stomping grounds, Sleeper Trail at Sugarbush. I grew up snowboarding on that run and to take a soft and playful board back to it brought some nostalgia to my day. The run is covered with side hits in between spread out Birch trees, an absolute dreamer of a run. That was the perfect terrain for the Standard and I felt right at home on the snowboard.

Why did you choose this product?

I chose the K2 Standard because of its durability, versatility and how easy it is to ride. K2 continues to make snowboards that are built to last. I have an old WWW that this Standard almost reminds me of. As an advanced rider I wanted something I would be able to press and butter one while remaining solid for some intermediate level park riding. I decided on the K2 Standard because I wanted a durable option that I know will last years of riding and still have the playful feel down the line.

What is the value for the money versus other options?

Typically beginner boards are on the lower end price wise. The K2 Standard sits in the mid-high range for being a complete beginner snowboard. There are some options that are more budget friendly and will have a similar flat profile with rocker at the nose and tail, extruded base, but in most cases a lower quality core. When it comes to materials, K2 does not go cheap. Aspen Core will be more consistent and durable down the road vs some other budget friendly options.

What do you love about this product?

I love how approachable the K2 Standard is for riders from beginners to advanced boarders. As an advanced rider, I was able to get on this board and have fun right away. The flat profile still holds a great edge at those mid speeds and impressed me all around.  

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Matthew Kaminski
Snowboarding Expert
Leonid Cha
Snowboarding Expert
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