Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25233
\ HEELSIDE FIRST TRACKS -~--------------~-~-------~------- Overall: A board best suited to powder and riders who charge hard. One of the smaller companies in the business, Heelside operates in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. Below the cap construction of this freeride board, you find a wood core that's supported by a layer of carbon fiber running tip to tale and an additional torsion rod in the tail. In limited testing, we found it took some muscle to bring this board into check. Of course, on a steep face subtlety can be sinful. Heelside, www.heelside.com. $339 TERMS THAT ITEMIZE A BOARD'S LAYERS AND VARIOUS CONSTRUCTIVE ATTRIBUTES~ BASE: Dictates how a board behaves with regard to the snow, contributing significantly to board speed ... ar lack thereof. " CORE: Soft, central layer of wood and/or synthetic materials. The most com- mon types of wood are poplar, beech, and aspen. This is the heartof th~\ board, controlling general flex and a majority of shock ~bsorpti_on.. - .' '.. Overall: An all-around aggressive board that loves huge speed, air, and even landings. This is the blade series, Nitro's top-of-the-line free ride board with corresponding price tag. The tally starts ringing with a high-tech, hybrid core of Nature's finest (wood) that's laminated with science- lab composites. The yield is a super-svelte board with an intuitive feel. Not for the occasional weekender, the blade demands Ridalin- like focus at all times. Since it's pretty stiff, especially in the tail, you need speed-of the velocity type, that is-as well as some muscle to bring it to life. Construction-wise, it features a unique sidewall style that transitions (curves, actually) from the topsheet to the edge, making the edges more sensitive to rider input. Nitro, www.nitrousa.com. $599 RODS: Internal mechanisms of primarily carbon and glass materiaisth~t function to stiffen a board both longitudinally (lengthwise) and torsionally-' , (twisting), as well as in specified areas such as the tip, tail, and under foot depending on the type of riding for which it's designed. .... J \. ., ,. , " / CONSTRUCTION: ,Method by which ,the layers are fused with the edges. , Two majC:r types are sidewall and cap. EDGES: Sharp, metal band(s) attached to the board perimeter"thus allowing ,,' it tO ,cut turns in snow and ice. I arc~ tu"rns. A progressive cut is directional and generally turns easier, while a radial cut goes both ways and typically leans toward freestyle riding and big airs. I " \ TOPsHEET, The largely cosmetic top layer. ' .. ' "' , , ,'_ ' SIDECUT: Board shape that determines tLirnradius and how progressively it * ' Let Dana Design carry your load with functionality and style. The Ice Factor and Snow Factor are the most technical mountaineering and backcountry skiing packs out there . Bombproof, inspired design; ready to be immersed in winter. 19215 Vashon Hwy. SW Vashon WA 98070 (888)357-3262