Curated Snowboarding Expert Sandra Hillen got her hands on the 2024 Arbor Draft Camber 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 Draft Camber 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? [Sandra] The Arbor Draft Camber Snowboard is a board that brings the park wherever it goes. The middle soft flex and big blunted tips, along with the camber profile, make this thing exceptionally fun to throw around.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? [Sandra] My overall impression of this board was that it was pretty fun to ride around. It was a bit lighter than the formula, so it gave me a little more versatility on the mountain.

Carving

How does it turn? [Sandra] Turning this board was really fun. I was able to make some deep carves, and it held an edge really well.

What is the edge hold like? [Sandra] The edge hold was great.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? [Sandra] I didn't feel any chatter. It was really stable. It's a little stiff nose to tail, which gives you that stability of. But you did have some torsional flex to help you, you know, turn the board well.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? [Sandra] For freestyle riding, jumping was fun. It felt stable in the air. It's a good board if you want to ride all over the mountain and still hit the park.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? [Sandra] The playfulness of this board requires a bit of effort to bring out, but once you do, it's great for jumps and playful riding. It has a good amount of pop, making it suitable for freestyle tricks.

Is it good for riding switch? [Sandra] When I rode switch, it felt really good and stable. It's a versatile board that performs well in both regular and switch riding.

How is it for buttering? [Sandra] You can butter with this board, but it takes some effort due to its stiffness. It’s 5 out of 10 flex. If you're someone who enjoys pressing and buttering, this board may require a bit more strength.

How is it on jumps? [Sandra] For jumping around the mountain, doing 180s and riding switch, it handles great. It provides stability in the air and feels reliable for jumps.

Freeride

How is it for freeride snowboarding? [Sandra] I rode some soft snow, and in the trees, it showed great maneuverability. It's suitable for riding all over the mountain, but I wouldn't recommend it for backcountry.

What terrain is this board good for? [Sandra] This board is great for riding the resort and handling various terrains on the mountain.

What kind of terrain should riders avoid with it? [Sandra] If you're not interested in park riding or riding switch, there might be better board options for you.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? [Sandra] This board is perfect for an intermediate to advanced rider who wants a versatile board that can handle the entire mountain, including park riding. It's especially suitable for those who enjoy playful riding and jumps.

Who should avoid this board, are there other better options out there for them? [Sandra] If you're just starting out and not interested in park riding, there are other boards better suited for you. Also, if you're primarily focused on backcountry riding, this might not be the best choice.

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