2023 Arbor A-Frame Camber

It’s no great secret that carbon is a great stiffening agent when it comes to snowboard construction, and the way that Arbor applies their laminate to the A-Frame Camber makes a whole lot of sense. This board is stiff, responsive, and very fast. Ideally suited for advanced and expert riders in a big mountain and resort format, the A-Frame Camber grips tight to firm snow and plows through fresh, crud, and chop at very high speeds and with minimal chatter and complaints. The set back stance plays well with the Highland II core and Palisander Powerply laminate. This gives riders a strong and stable setup for directional riding and a predictable feel.

Arbor does not stop there, though, and adds mixed glassing fiberglass laminates which operate in multiple dimensions to make the board stiffer and more reactive. When fiberglass layers are placed in different manners, it really adds a whole lot to the responsiveness of the ride. Also, Arbor uses their RWD A-Frame carbon layers that just pack a nice punch to the tail end of the board. By using the carbon in the back, it gives the rider a more generous front half with a total business-end on the back. This makes for excellent rebound and a ton of grip off the back foot.

Jarrod Ogden rode the 158, noting that it is true to size, but he normally rides a slightly shorter board. Overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, flotation, stability, quickness, and maneuverability all got high marks of 4 out of 5 from Jarrod, with playfulness, forgiveness, and versatility a notch down at the 3-level. That’s a nice overall spread from a strong rider on a strong board. Jarrod notes that the A-Frame Camber has a “Nice shape for riders looking for a directional board. Big nose to float in pow, but nice side cut and grip tech for good edge hold.” That edge hold really comes in handy for when the snow conditions get firm and fast—the grip is confidence-inspiring as well as a whole lot of fun.

Arbor does a great job making a strong and stable board that has the nose and the taper for floating in big mountain snow conditions as well as the strong rear end for gripping tight to the firmer snow on the resort. It’s this blend that makes it so successful, and it’s great to see in such a great value as well. For advanced riders looking to maximize performance, and aren’t worried about stiffness in a ride, the Arbor A-Frame Camber is the board for you.