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

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

Brand Claims

What does Arbor claim about this board? [Mike] Arbor claims the Candle is a powerful ride with less hang-up and the perfect powder float. It is an all-new board for next year in collaboration with Pat Moore, one of my favorite snowboarders.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? [Mike] This board, honestly, really blew me away. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a brand-new board. There’s not a lot of information out. There’s just some hype building on it. But anything that will be attached to Pat Moore’s name will probably be pretty fun.

Carving

How does it turn?

What is the edge hold like? [Mike] As it features a more traditional camber profile, getting it on edge — it carves really well.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? [Mike] It is stable at high speeds but isn’t the most damp board. You’ll feel a slight vibration if you’re trying to rail turns through choppy and chundery terrain.

How does it perform at speed? [Mike] It’ll still hold on, and you’ll still be in control, but this board likes to ride really fast, so that’s just something to be aware of.

How is its energy/acceleration? [Mike] This board has a very flat base and it’s really fast.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? [Mike] In terms of the freestyle world of this board, it’s a directional twin shape, so you’re going to be at home taking off on jumps.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? [Mike] It is really lightweight. You won’t notice much weight on your feet, so it will spin well.

How is it for buttering? [Mike] You can still butter and press it around, but you're going to be really working to do that.

How is it on jumps? [Mike] I won’t say this is the best jib board by any means. It is a little bit stiff. This is more of a let’s-find-those-sidehits-and-go-big or find-the-big-drops or just-take-it-through-the-park-and-jump-line kind of board.

Freeride

How is it for freeride snowboarding? [Mike] This board is designed to freeride — it’s a big freeride board. I rode it in steeper terrain, fresh snow, moguls, trees, and some drops, and I had so much fun.

How is it in powder? [Mike] The little setback will allow the nose to float a lot better in fresh snow.

How is it riding in the trees? How is its maneuverability? [Mike] It wants to be slashed and served. It will be seeking out those pow slashes and blasting through the trees. That’s where this board is going to thrive.

What terrain is this board good for? [Mike]It’s going to be at home all over the mountain. It’ll go from peak to park, in the same lap if you want to, and you’ll have a ton of fun.

What kind of terrain should riders avoid with it? [Mike] You’ll get feedback in choppier and chunderier terrain.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? [Mike] I recommend this board to someone who only freerides and is looking for a daily driver who can keep up with their riding. It could also be a great board for someone looking to add to their quiver when the snow’s fresh. With the flex, shape, and camber, it will also rip up groomers.

Who should avoid this board, are there other better options out there for them? [Mike] This board will be better for a beginner or even a low-level intermediate. It is designed to go fast and charge. If you are in that kind of realm, you might want something more forgiving.

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