Curated Snowboarding Expert Everett Pelkey got his hands on the 2024 Ride Shadowban 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 Shadowban 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 Ride claim about this board? [Everett] Ride claims this is a versatile, kick-the-mountain’s-butt, everywhere-you're-going, comfortable ride.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? [Everett] This is a good, confident board for intermediate to advanced riders. You can ride the park, you can ride the trees, you can ride the groomers, you can ride it everywhere. It’s mostly camber underneath your feet with a little rocker in the tip and tail. Its directional and slightly set back, but twin profile is a beautiful combination that you will feel comfortable everywhere you go, confident in your riding, get that snap-pop of whatever you’re doing, and just really hit that nice spot of that good all-mountain riding. Many boards that have been coming out nowadays say they’re all-mountain versatile boards. But with the extra speed and performance packed into this, you’ll get that little bit of extra confidence built into everything you’re doing.

Carving

How does it turn? [Everett] This is a true camber board all the way through, with a little bit of rocker hybridness. I wouldn’t say it's too much, but it’s enough for it to use that to its benefit without feeling loose underfoot.

What is the edge hold like? [Everett] Surprisingly, this held a great edge. It was not one of the most extreme, sharp boards that could dig into there, but I never felt any loose pockets or spots. It really felt true and good underfoot.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? [Everett] It is super damp and can eat up chunder. You can pound through whatever is in front of you and just crush it.

How does it perform at speed? [Everett] Not the fastest board, most aggressive, or straight, strictly for carving, but it is good.

How is its energy/acceleration? [Everett] Its sintered base is going to help you screaming down the mountain.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? [Everett] Freestyle is not where it's totally meant for, but you can take it there if you want to.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? [Everett] I could still hit the park competently. I see this as a good, more aggressive park rider. It’s a fun board. It can be playful. It is not the most buttery board. You can still press it, but I wouldn’t say this is a jib-heavy board.

Freeride

How is it for freeride snowboarding? [Everett] This definitely can take some time to get used to. It is not forgiving, and it's not something that will be loose or a more rocker-heavy board.

How is it in powder? [Everett] It’s got a true twin cut on it, but it’s directional, having a slightly set-back stance that gives a slightly longer nose than tail, so you can float a little bit on deeper days. I wouldn’t say it’s the best powder board out there, but it’s definitely a confidence-inspiring board no matter where you take it.

How is it riding in the trees? How is its maneuverability? [Everett] If you need to go a little off wherever, you can. You need to see some trees, dip into that, and push yourself through there.

What terrain is this board good for? [Everett] It can hit the park, go on groomers, and go in a little bit of extra snow, but it is a good resort ripper. It is a good resort ride. If you want to take it to other places on the mountain, you can take it there too. It's versatile to the max.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? [Everett] This is something that, once you’re very confident in your riding and still want to start stepping it up even more, hop into something like this. It will do everything within the resort, go beyond that, and see what else it offers.

Who should avoid this board, are there other better options out there for them? [Everett] I definitely wouldn't recommend this for beginner riders.

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