The Arbor El Camino is Jared Elston's pro model, and it rides exactly like a board built for a guy who likes to go big and go fast. It's a stiff directional shape that wants speed and commitment, and it pays you back with real snap off a lip. There's nothing shy about it; ride it lazy and it'll let you know; stand on it and drive, and it holds an edge through anything you run it into. It's for riders who already ride hard and want a board that keeps up.

Why we like it:

The carbon stringers running nose to tail are what give it that springy, energetic pop, and you feel them loading up right on takeoff. The real-wood Powerply top and compact Grip Tech underfoot keep it stout without ever turning grabby.

Who it's for:

If you ride fast and like to go big, this is your board. Picture morning laps on firm groomers, hitting every side hit on the way down, then dropping into something steep and committing to it. It takes some technique to get the most out of, and it rewards the riders who push it.

Highlights:

A pair of carbon stringers runs the full length of the board, and they're what give the El Camino its snap and that loaded-up feeling off a jump. Under them sits a stiff, lively poplar and paulownia core, with a camber profile that stays engaged through the whole turn instead of washing out at the end. Arbor keeps the Grip Tech contact points compact, so it bites hard when you're on edge but doesn't hook up when you're riding flat.

Things to consider:

It's one of the stiffest boards Arbor makes, so it asks a lot of the rider and won't cover for you when your technique slips. It's also purely directional, not the move if you spend real time riding switch or lapping the park.

Fit & sizing considerations:

It's stiff and likes speed, so most riders can stay at their usual length, or even size down without much performance loss at the top end. Reach for a W if you're on a size 11 boot or bigger so you're not dragging toes and heels through hard turns.