One of the last boards I reviewed from Never Summer this year was the Revolver.  I own the ’09-’10 model of this board, and honestly didn’t feel there was too much different  between ’09-’10 and ’10-’11 models.  I rode the Revolver with Flow NXT FSE XL bindings, Union Contact L/XL bindings as well as the Flow “The One” boots in size 12.   The Revolver is Never Summers mid-wide/wide version of the ever so popular park/freestyle deck, the EVO.  On thing I absolutely love about Never Summer is they always provide excellent board sizes to accommodate larger riders.

'10-'11 NeverSummer Revolver

The most notable presentation with the ’10-’11 Revolver is the topsheet graphic.  I’ve heard people say they absolutely love the graphic. On the other side, I’ve heard people say they think it’s too plain.   Me personally, I like the way the graphics were done, as they remind of some of the previous cartoon style graphics of previous EVO models.   The topsheet comes in either Black, or White base colors with a blue to purple color blend over the Never Summer text.  Vince from Never Summer hooked me up with the White topsheet.  While the graphics have changed on the board, not much has changed in build of the board.  The Revolver shares it’s profile with the ’09-’10 model.  If I recall correctly, I believe the core in the ’10-’11 model uses a slightly different wood combo then the ’09-’10 models, and I’ll try to get a bit more clarification on that, but the profile and flex patterns are pretty much the same.  Having ridden the 161 Revolver with a waist size of 26.5 I didn’t notice any toe or heel drag with my size 12 boots, and L/XL bindings.  I rode with a 10, -8 binding position.

Revolver Topsheet

Overall, the Revolver is incredibly fun and poppy.  While a majority of the riders who purchase this board may focus on the park, I feel it’s important to point out that the Revolver can pretty much rip all around the mountain.  I rode the board in spring conditions consisting of steep drops, to slushy flats allowing me to really get to know the board.  I’ve spent a lot of time on the ’09-’10 model of the Revolver, so riding the ’10-’11 model was just like being home.  I do  feel the ’10-’11 Revolver responds a bit better if anything.   I think the guys at Never Summer just know how to dial in the technology in their boards.

Torsionally the board is a mid flex, not overly stiff, but not a noodle either.   The Revolver, as well as the EVO use the Never Summer “Press Flex Core” which essentially means, there are two softer flex points between the feet which a better hinge point for pressing, and ollies among other things.  This was also the case on last seasons model as well, and is noticeable when busting nice ollies, or just playing with presses. The Revolver is fun to butter, spin, and launch off jumps. With the VXR tech landings feel solid and reliable.  On a more aesthetic note,  I found myself being a big fan of the large Never Summer eagle logo on the base of these boards this year.  As with previous years, the base colors are bright enough to “glow” off the snow.

Revolver Base

The Revolver while more park/freestyle orientated can still hold up to the whole mountain.   While not the dampest board in the lineup, it’s still damp enough to handle most terrain, while providing the edge hold I was accustomed to from the previous model.   Over some nasty ice chop, I did notice more feeling underfoot, but nothing too horrible.  I’ve found the Revolver  really is a  lot of fun in just about any condition, I’ve had a chance to ride it in.   As a bigger guy,  it’s possible for me to really push the board in ways, that some smaller guys might not be able to, but with the quality build of Never Summer products, I never doubt the quality or handling of their boards.

Let’s talk a bit about the tech in this board.   The Revolver still uses the Carbon VXR Laminate used in the previous years model.  Essentially this means, there are two carbon V’s (one smaller than the other)  that are setback from both the tip and tail back to about where the binding inserts begin.  VXR helps soften the tip and tail for presses while still providing the pop you’d expect from a park/freestyle oriented board.   The base on the Revolver is sintered as well.

I wanted to provide some up close shots of the graphics on the topsheet, allowing you to really see the detail in the boards graphics.   My apologies the pictures aren’t the best, but they should give you an idea of what the graphics on these topsheets looks like this year.

Topsheet Graphics

Topsheet Graphic

Topsheet Graphics

Topsheet Graphic

The Revolver was my “goto” board for park/freestyle riding this past season, and will continue to hold that spot at the time of this review.  I always find myself having a lot of fun on the Revolver without too much effort.  It’s one board I’m more than happy to recommend for bigger riders looking for a durable all-around park/freestyle board that can handle the whole mountain.

SPECS:

Flex: 4 out of 10 ( I’d probably say it’s around a 5 or so for bigger guys)

Price: $489.00 (MSRP)

Sizes:

153 cm (26.0 Waist)

156 cm (26.1 Waist)

159 cm (26.4 Waist)

161 cm (26.5 Waist)

164 cm (26.9 Waist)

Additional Photos:

Black Topsheet Colorway

2011 and 2010 Revolver

*Disclaimer: This boards was a demo*