2023 Arbor Poparazzi Camber

The Arbor Poparazzi Camber snowboard is one of the most well-rounded rides on the planet, effectively combining energy, value, performance, and playfulness. It’s got a high-performance ceiling that allows for more aggressive riding, but it also serves well as a lower-range board that can operate on a multitude of levels. Whereas rocker gives a board its flotation and smeary character, camber gives it pop and energy. With a name like Poparazzi, it’s likely going to score quite highly on the rebound side of the spectrum. Camber is basically energy that’s built into the ski by bending and molding the board under pressure. As a result, there’s snap in the Poparazzi—when you load it up, it gives back all you put in and then some. It’s all about generating power out of the turn, and when camber is added to the mix, it amplifies that which you contribute, making the board rip on any type of snow condition or terrain. With a deep and varied audience, the Poparazzi Camber rider spends equal time doing all types of activities.

Built with a highland wood core, a sintered base, bi-axial fiberglass fibers, and 360-degree fully-wrapped sidewalls, the Poparazzi has all of the basic requirements down for strong and fun-loving performance. Arbor calls it a 4 out of 10 in the flex department, so it’s capable of handling park, all-mountain, and freeride performance. It’s this type of well-rounded versatility that makes Poparazzi Camber stick out from a bunch of other value-oriented boards, and we’re all about it. As a directional twin, the board has switch and regular capabilities, putting more emphasis and priority on the rider and their decision-making process when it comes to being creative out there on the hill.

Adriane Morrison-Taylor was on the 148, and while she found it short for her, she did note that it was true to size. Accordingly, she gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. We see 4’s right behind for torsional stiffness, edge hold, forgiveness, stability, and flotation. Any way you see it, these skis have a high overall scoring average, showing the well-rounded nature of the ski. Adriane notes that if you are ��Looking for a board that moves with you and at a reasonable price, this is the one. Great edge response at turn onset, immediate pop and streamlined color graphics. A great all-around all-mountain board.” The camber really adds to that pop, and we didn’t see such responses from the rockered version of this board, so if getting that energy out of the back end of the turn is a priority for you, leaning to the camber is not a bad choice.

Arbor should and will sell a lot of these boards. They have a remarkable amount of performance for the price, making it accessible for a wide variety of riders who are looking for a blend of all things good and fun. Thanks to the shape, profile, and construction, the Arbor Poparazzi Camber has some of the most unique blends of attributes that we’ve seen in quite some time in the snowboard world.