Review: 10-11 Never Summer Raptor X

I recently had the pleasure of getting my hands on the new 10-11 Never Summer Raptor X. The Raptor X replaces the Titan TX (or Titan) this year with a few changes in place. I took this board out multiple times, with both Union Force bindings, and the Flow NXT FSE bindings, and size 12 Flow “The One” boots. I know a lot of people are curious about this board, so let’s dig into it.

The first things you’ll notice about the Raptor is the Rocker & Camber tech in the board. Personally I think this is Never Summer’s most aggressive R&C profile to date. The rocker is actually setback on this board, instead of being centered as on previous years models, and some of the current models, providing a directional rocker/camber profile. If you look at the pictures below, you should notice the rocker is rear biased or shifted towards the rear, with the camber being more front loaded on the board. The Raptor X also has slightly longer flat spots coming off the camber providing even more effective edge for those aggressive riders.

Raptor X Topsheet

I think the second thing that is highly noticeable, is the new “Carbonium” topsheets included on the Raptor and the Heritage series this year. I was super stoked to see this new tech on the boards, and even more stoked to get a chance to check it out. Most people know I’m incredibly hard on my boards when I’m riding. After several days I have dings, and chips in the topsheet among scratches. The Carbonium topsheet is designed to really take abuse… and it does! I found that even after several days of riding, there were no chips near the topsheet edges, and any scratches were barely noticeable. The carbonium topsheet is also noticeably sticky, so when skating, my boots stuck to the board without sliding off, unlike some of the super slick topsheets used by Burton or others. The Raptor graphics are inspired by the F/A-22 Raptor fighter jet, and honestly I fell in love with the understated but aggressive look of the board. Some may call it boring, but I do really like the matte black finish with the subtle graphic accents.

Close Up Carbonium Texture

Since the Raptor replaces the Titan, I had high hopes for the Raptor, and was stoked to find it didn’t let me down. The Raptor is an aggressive board edge to edge. It’s probably the quickest board in the Never Summer lineup as far as turn initiation, and edge to edge is concerned. I’ve heard people say they’ve had to “snap” this board onto edge, which is just not true. It’s really a smooth board as far as edge to edge transition goes. If you ever rode the Titan, you know the board was incredibly stiff, but still has nice torsional flex. The torsional flex on the Raptor is a mid flex, giving you the same performance and response from a big mountain board (Titan), just with the added benefits of the R&C tech. The board drops beautifully into the fall line making it a blast to ride, especially on the steeps. When compared to the Titan, it’s not as aggressive, and honestly I don’t expect it to be. Another thing of note; It’s also not nearly as stiff as the Titan, which is more of a blessing for everyday riding. The Raptor is a Rocker Camber profile, and the Titan is a pure camber beast. The Titan powers through turns with a bit more aggression, but just barely more so than the Raptor . Dampness on the Raptor feels quite similar to the Titan, with them both being rated at 8 out of 10 on the NS scale. In powder the R&C profile has been a dream. The new Raptor profile is no different. It floats when needed and really rails on edge when pushed. These traits combined with the lighter weight make the Raptor a true solid replacement for the Titan.

Raptor X Base

With Never Summer incorporating all the carbon fiber in conjunction with other tech and the R&C profile, the board loads nicely making popping ollies really fun. It’s a playful deck without being overly stiff, and overly flexy. Great for destroying mountains, or playing on bluebird day groomers, it’s really a deck you can use for all around riding. The Raptor X is the kind of deck that instills confidence into all mountain riders. It’s stable at speed. It has the respected NS dampness and durability, and is a blast to ride! It’s truly one of the boards I’ve had the most fun on this season, and I’m sure to be riding it a quite a bit next season as well!

New R&C Profile for the Raptor

Tip to Tail View

Check out New R&C Tech!

Side Profile View

Sizes:

161 Waist 26.3

165 Waist 26.8

169 Waist 26.9

Flex:

About a 6.5 on a scale of 10 (not too stiff, but not a noodle)

Dampness:

About an 8 on a scale of 10 (The Titan TX was rated 8 out of 10 as well)

Cost:

Update: Vince informed me the Raptor should retail for around $579.99 (that’s pretty much a steal!)

*Disclaimer: Never Summer hooked me up with this board as a Demo*

Comments (74)
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#52 written by Noah 1 year ago

BTW – I totally appreciate your help with this JT!

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#53 written by Ox 1 year ago

Having a hard time deciding between the Raptor X 165 and 169
6'5 ~250. I know is is 1.5 inches but the decision is killing me.
Any reason why I shouldn't go for the 169?

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- #54 written by JT 1 year ago
  
  You should be just fine with the 165 Raptor X. I've been riding that exact size all season, and I'm not that far off from your height and size. I'm not 100% sure of my current weight, but it averages around 260-270. With that R&C Tech, the board rides longer than it really is.
  
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#55 written by Ox 1 year ago

Thank JT. I was leaning towards the 165 and was on a snowboard forum and everyone on there said the 169. Is there any reason why I would want the 169?I am glad you said the 65, just trying to figure out why everyone on there said got with the bigger board. Again many thanks

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- #56 written by JT 1 year ago
  
  Ox,
  
  I think if you were riding a standard camber board, then yes the 169 would be fine. The Raptor X rides longer than it is, so you get the same performance in a shorter board due to the setback R&C profile on the board. It's an easy safe bet to buy the bigger board, and that's why people who haven't ridden them, or can wide smaller boards will chime in on bigger boards. I've put in over 60 days on the Raptor X 165 and I'm a bigger guy. I've had zero problems on the board riding the 165 size.
  
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#57 written by Ox 1 year ago

Thanks JT. Now if only i could find one..

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- #58 written by JT 1 year ago
  
  Ox, agreed, they are hard to find this late in the season. You can check google.com/shopping to see if any of the online places have any left over stock, or if you wait until this summer, NS will have the new 11-12 Raptor X shipping. The board is the same for next season, other than the graphics of course.
  
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#59 written by Michael T 12 months ago

Hi there. What can i expect upgrading from a Burton Duece 162 to the NS Raptor. This has been my first season of ride at 40 y/o. Thanks

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- #60 written by JT 12 months ago
  
  Michael,
  
  Thanks for the question. The Deuce is going to be a different ride. It's a cambered board, and a directional twin. The Raptor is a Rocker Camber board, and a directional board. The Raptor is in my opinion going to be a bit more forgiving than the standard camber of the Deuce, so perhaps a bit easier to ride on that level. The Raptor is also going to be a damper ride, meaning you're not going to feel as much of the bumps etc, as you would on the Deuce. It's definitely a good upgrade, and the Raptor should last you quite a while. You may find the Raptor may feel a bit more poppy due to the carbonium tech as well, over the Deuce. Hopefully that provides some insight.
  
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#61 written by Ox 11 months ago

So unhappy right now. I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered the 165 directly from NS two days ago. Well today I get an email saying my order is cancelled because there is no stock! So unhappy right now.

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- #62 written by JT 11 months ago
  
  Ox, it appears most of the Raptor X in the bigger sizes are sold out. However, the new boards will be dropping in a few months.
  
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#63 written by Ox 11 months ago

I hear you, but I am leaving for park city March 6th for a week and right now I don;t have a board… Oh the horror. What other boards should I consider now that are comparable to the Raptor X performance wise. Bataleon Undisputed? Libe Tech Skunk Ape? Nitro Magnum? Heritage X? Feeling kind of jacked because I ordered it from NS directly, even got an order confirmation, only to find out after almost 3 days that it is no longer in stock. What board should I be looking at JT?

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- #64 written by JT 11 months ago
  
  Ox,
  
  Believe I followed this one up with an email as I was out riding with the crew and had limited internet access. Just wanted to point out that the crew over at Never Summer don't sell direct. When you place an order, they confirm the order and then check with their retailers to see who can fill the order for you. I know that it's frustrating to get a confirmation, then a cancellation, I've been there. NS has pulled the larger X sizes from the purchase portion of their site. Again, sorry about the headache, and hopefully those suggestions in email help you out!
  
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#65 written by john reed 11 months ago

hey quick question if i ride a 166 arbor element 6 years old and want to switch to a raptor should i do move to a 169 or the 165? also with a size 11 boot with burton co2 xlarge binding do you need a the x or the regular raptor my stance (ride goofy) 11 degress (back foot) and 17 degrees (front foot)… any help much appreciated

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- #66 written by JT 11 months ago
  
  John,
  
  Thanks for the question. I always suggest sizing down on a rocker camber board, so I wouldn't recommend the 169 X unless you really like that larger board. The 165 X would be a great choice. I usually recommend the X line of boards for riders with a size 11 or larger boot to ensure you don't get toe/heel drag. On a side note, the Raptor X in 165 and 169 sizes, appear to be sold out for the season, but the new boards will be dropping in a few months at retailers, so if you can wait to pick up the new model, it should only be a few more months.
  
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#67 written by Steve 10 months ago

Great site! I'm 6'1, 215 and wear size 12 northwave decades(which I feel have the footprint of most 10.5's). Gnu ag's most of the, ride spi's when my back is feeling groovy. I'm in southern Ontario, Canada, but ride in Vermont two weeks a year. I just ordered the raptor 164, I despise wide boards and use Palmer powerlinks. Should I have bitten the bullet and ordered the 161 x, or will the 164 be alright with risers. 22.5 stance width, +/- 18 angles. Thanks .

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- #68 written by JT 10 months ago
  
  Steve,
  
  I think with that stance and angle, you should be alright, unless you're planning on deep pow riding. I'm not familiar with the northwave boot profiles, but if they are similar to the Burton shrink tech, then the profile may indeed be much smaller. Even with the Raptor X series, the board is still just as responsive as the non -wide models as well.
  
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#69 written by Scott S. 10 months ago

JT,
I just got to demo the 2011-12 Raptor 169 at Mt. Hood and loved it. It was my first time riding any board with a rocker or camber and I am impressed. I wasn't sure how it was going to ride but I found it hugged the contours of the mountain more instead of carving through them. The chatter was down and I felt comfortable at high speed. So, I'm thinking about making the switch even though I still love my old board. I'm riding an 2004 Arbor A-frame 170 and it charges. I'm 6'3" 170lb size 13 feet and I have been riding tall stiff boards that are too skinny. I ride all over the mountain but I love powder and trees and the steeps and I generally go too fast. What size board do you suggest I get 165 or 169 and should I get the X or will the width affect my maneuverability? Thanks for the help.

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- #70 written by JT 10 months ago
  
  Scott,
  
  Glad to hear you had a good time on the Raptor, it's definitely a fun board. The setback R&C tech on it really puts the contact points in touch when you engage em. I think with your sizing, you'd be fine on the 165, as the board riders bigger than it actually is. With the size 13 boots, definitely get an X model too, to make sure you're not getting drag. You won't notice any issues with maneuverability with an X, as the Raptor is a quick board edge to edge regardless of size.
  
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#71 written by Steve 10 months ago

Just back from a week in Vermont on the raptor 165.
I went with normal width and added a set of Palmer powelink risers. As stated this board is fast( really fast) it cuts through just about anything with no hint of being catchy. I have only two minor complaints with. Contrary to what I have read I didn't find the raptor that fantastic in the pow, we had three days of a foot plus and truthfully I just was not that impressed. I have a 2005 k2 ambush that slays in powder and for me the raptor was not even close.
My other minor bitch is that coming from true camber boards I found the r/c really squirrelly on heel side carves almost as though the board was losing grip mid carve ( I have read reviews that state that it carves as well if not better than camber) IMO it's close but not the same, you just don't get that camber spitting you out of turns feeling). Definitely an all mountain machine that can handle anything but not quite as fantastic as I had hoped. No buyers remorse however!

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- #72 written by JT 10 months ago
  
  Steve, thanks for the feedback, always good to hear! I agree with your thoughts about camber, and mentioned that in a round about way in the review. The Titan was an all mountain camber beast and a way more aggressive board for those scenarios. I'm surprised on the pow thoughts though. What specifically seemed off?
  
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#73 written by Steve 10 months ago

Really it could have been a combination of a blown out mcl and late season snow, I just found that the rocker seemed to put me in a really uncomfortable position where it felt that I was fighting the board, usually I find great flow with most boards, not so much with the raptor but again it was most likely me! I must say though that this board absolutely assassinates the groomers. Trouble is ,there are, as you know, so many fantastic boards around these days it is very difficult to base your next purchase solely on reviews. Cheers keep up the great work!!

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#74 written by Steve 10 months ago

The trouble for us in southern Ontario is that almost all of our board shops cater solely to park rats, because truly we have nothing up here that even vaguely resembles a mountain, so even though we have demos all season long, you never get to see any true aggressive all mountain rides.

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Review: 10-11 Never Summer Raptor X

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