DESIGN SCIENCE

At Prior, our shaping philosophy revolves around combining cutting-edge design techniques, top-quality materials, and decades of expertise to create skis and snowboards that deliver exceptional performance and feel. Whether you're carving down groomers, floating in powder, or exploring backcountry terrain, our shapes are engineered to enhance your riding experience.

Stated RADIUS

Stated radius is our incorporated side-cut to any board. The stated radius is the maximum radius carve that a board can be driven through. The combination of flex and side-cut is what will dictate the agility of a board, and both should be taken into account when deciding what board is right for you. All of our flex patterns & radius are matched according to desired characteristics, intended use & size of rider.

ROCKER PROFILES

Rocker profiles affect the float, edge engagement and pop of a snowboard. A deep early rise rocker may provide great float in powder, but will create a shorter effective edge during preliminary carves. As the snowboard is flexed in a carve, it will naturally sit into the side-cut and engage the rest of the edge. Camber profiles provide additional pop & edge control for hard packed snow & technical conditions. All of our rocker profiles are created using our custom blended pressing trays - allowing us to provide almost any combination of specs you need. Snow conditions and intended use are the determining factors when selecting rocker profile.

HYBRID ROCKER
Hybrid Rocker is best suited to all mountain boards. Our hybrid rocker profile incorporates an early rise tip, with subtle traditional camber beneath the bindings. The early rise rockers allows for more float in the powder, as well as en quicker edge to edge transition between turns. The raised contact point of Hybrid Rocker profiles encourages quicker transitions between arcs for a playful and nimble ride in deep snow & tight trees.

TWIN ROCKER
Twin Rocker has been specifically designed for our freestyle twins. Early rise in both the tip and the tail allows for seamless edge to edge transitions, float when riding both regular & switch as well as stability when you need it. The Twin Rocker allows for easy release of the tail at slower speeds for playful riding and tight speed scrubs in technical terrain. All Twin Rocker profiles have a camber platform beneath the bindings, retaining pop and improving preliminary edge engagement. Twin profiles give opportunity for a progressive and creative riding in all terrain.

TRADITIONAL CAMBER
Traditional Camber is designed for maximum edge hold and pop. Hard-pack snow and groomers is where Traditional Camber Profiles excel due to the increased contact area and aggressive engagement. Traditional Camber is best suited for race boards, park boards or riders that are often riding hard pack icy

FLEX PROFILES

The flex of a snowboard has a huge impact on the overall stability and power transfer through turns. At Prior, we talk about the flex of a snowboard in terms of in-step and rebound. A board with a soft flex will provide a smoother ride at slower speeds, easier arc initiation and a more forgiving ride. Stiff boards provide a more responsive ride and stability at higher speeds for high performance. We adjust our flex patterns through core profiling and layup process to ensure that the flex is dialed for individual needs. Consider the flex of your board when purchasing based on your weight and riding style. A more aggressive rider may want a stiffer board, yet a creative and playful rider may want a blend of both.

PROGRESSIVE TWIN FLEX
Progressive Twin Flex is specifically designed for our freestyle line. Ideal for the Slaylok & Wildcard the PT Flex creates a playful, yet stable platform for creative boarders. The overall flex pattern is symmetrical, with an exponential increase in stiffness towards the center of the board. The soft tip and tail gives creative boarders the ability to butter, land switch and provide forgiveness on deeper landings or varied conditions. The stiff platform between the bindings ensures stability and responsiveness of all skis, without hindering pop & playfulness.

AM FLEX
All Mountain Flex (AM Flex for short) is our every day, directional charging flex pattern. Scaled versions of the AM flex pattern are integrated into the boards such as the MFR, BC split, Khyber & Spearhead. The AM Flex pattern provides predictable linear flex to the board, encouraging confidence and stability in all conditions.

RACE FLEX
Race flex is an aggressive all mountain flex designed specifically for race & alpine carving boards. A stiff profile allows for maximum edge hold, and is usually paired with Traditional Camber, FS Flex is stiff, aggressive and provides maximum power transfer during groomed & firm snow.

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