GRASSROOTS BARRACUDA 140 POWSURF REVIEW 2016

Description

TESTER NAME: Jeremy Jensen
BOARD BRAND: Grassroots
MODEL NAME: Barracuda
BOARD SIZE (CM): 140
OVERALL IMPRESSION: Radical
OVERALL COMMENTS: Handled surprisingly well in the shallow powder and wind effected snow. Had to do some hiking out the gates to find proper conditions but it paid off as it always does. Most think you need deep blower pow to ride a powsurfer but that was definitely not the case with this board. It was 5-6″ at best.
RATE THE SHAPE: 5
SHAPE COMMENT: 3D base with convex at the nose transitioning into a double concave out the tail assists speed, float, leverage and bite in the turns. Tapered shape and short sidecut make this board very responsive and agile. Made tight and quick turns in the shallow pow we found.
RATE THE FLEX: 5
FLEX COMMENT: The stiffness was key in being able to transfer leverage from your feet to the board as a whole. When ridin with no bindings or attachment to the board this is crucial. It also provides the ability to pop off of lips (ollie) and maintain control of the board in the air.
RATE STABILITY/POWER THROUGH TURNS: 5
STABILITY COMMENT: When the powder is 6 inches or deeper you would hardly know you’re not strapped in. The cut of this board lends itself to quick and tight turns when fully locked in but it’s no problem to make more drawn out turns as the crescent tail provides extra stability
RATE THE GRAPHICS: 5
GRAPHICS COMMENT: This one had the fishbone graphic that is somewhat reminiscent of the Brushie from back in the day. One more thing to remind you of the roots of snowboarding. The top sheet foam grip with 3d concave feels amazing underfoot adding leverage and reminding you of your skateboarding roots.
RATE THE POP/PLAYFULNESS: 5
POP/PLAYFULNESS COMMENT: Pops ollies on the flat or off rocks and trannies. Allows you to flip and spin the board underfoot if you choose and adds a ton of life in and out of turns. This pop helps for control both in the air and on the ground.
RATE FLOATINESS IN POWDER: 5
FLOATINESS COMMENT: 3D base tech uses combinations of convex and dual concave to produce more speed and create even more lift. The total volume of this board is equivalent to a 165 snowboard and it would take very deep powder on a very flat slope to sink the nose. This thing floats amazingly well for its length. If you want even more float Grassroots has many other shapes and styles designed specifically for even deeper and lighter snow. With powsurfers, amazing float is one of the things that sets them apart from traditional snowboards. The powder at the powwow was 5-6 inches deep at best so not the best condition to put the floatiness to the test.
ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE TO MAKE IT BETTER? A way to be able to ride without a leash. Those things are dangerous. The board is very light, maybe adding a bit more weight for better control and the ability to feel it better underfoot when you catch air.