If value, snap, pop, grip, and versatility are on your list, then the Arbor Formula Camber should be as well. Ideally suited for intermediate to advanced riders who dabble in it all, the Formula Camber is a grippy board at a great price that checks a ton of boxes for a ton of riders. Built with their Highland wood core and 360-degree fully wrapped sidewalls, this board has a lot of signs of an upper-end product, but with a more entry-level price point. What you’re getting for that money is pretty impressive from a performance standpoint, and the well-rounded nature of the Formula Rocker makes it totally accessible and appropriate for a ton of snowboarders. With a flex rating of 5 out of 10, the Formula Camber allows riders to bend it effectively to access the entirety of the sidecut, while leaving it flexible enough for more freestyle-oriented riding in the park or urban environments. Biaxial fiberglass laminates make it stiff torsionally, allowing for excellent rebound in and out of the turns.
ROCKER & OUTLINE SHAPE
Camber
PREFERRED TERRAIN
Groomers, Powder, Big Mountain
On the 153, Maxx Connolly notes that while it felt good and true to what it was, he would likely pick a longer size for him. Due to that fiberglass, Maxx gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability. We see 4’s for quickness, maneuverability, versatility, and overall impression. Lower scores of 3 out of 5 were given for forgiveness, playfulness, and flotation. This is a pretty high spread of scores for a mid-range board, showing that in Maxx’s experience, the Formula Camber offers more than the price tag may indicate. He notes that “I enjoyed the Cambered Formula for its capability on the hard pack groomers this morning. Super-fast and fun for these conditions. Good for the average to advanced rider. I would ride this as my everyday board.” That’s some of the highest praise, I feel, to have something function and impress in an everyday manner.
JG rode the 156, stating that it “feels like a 156—true to size. The length is long for me, though, and I generally prefer riding a shorter size.” JG scored the Formula Camber top marks of 4 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, and edge hold with 3’s for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, quickness, and maneuverability. We see lower scores of 2 out of 5 for playfulness and flotation, highlighting the more on-trail strengths of the board. “Noticed the camber right away, more drive and holding power in the turn. The flex is soft to medium, which makes it also hold in the turn well at lower speeds and tighter turns. The board is solid and predictable and can handle some speed and bigger more open turns. Feels a little on the damp side. Could be good for park riding and landing jumps. Twin shape with a set-back stance gives it some versatility for all mountain riding.” Jarrod Ogden had a similar experience on the 156, stating that “This is a great price point board with high end characteristics. It’s comfortable everywhere on the mountain and in all snow types. Good for the rider that wants high end quality but doesn’t have the budget.” Jarrod gave 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, and stability with 4’s lining the rest of the card. Overall, these are very high scores for a price point board, and it’s great to see.
Whether you’re ripping up the front side of the resort or seeking some softer stuff in the woods, the Arbor Formula Camber has something for you. Our testers certainly picked up on the energy and grip of the camber, especially versus the Rocker version, and that makes this an excellent choice for riders looking for that type of energy and articulation. At a reasonable price point, the Formula Camber becomes all the more attractive.
