High Society Scarlet (2012-13) Review

December 17, 2012
High Society Scarlet (2012-13)
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
93
Handling/Responsiveness
10
Park/Pop
10
Float
10
Versatility
8
Stiffness
9
Value
6

The Good

  • Performed well in every type of terrain
  • Didn’t flinch at high speeds
  • Brightly poppy for airs and spins
  • Soft enough to respond in moguls
  • Stomped big landings
  • Floats effortlessly in powder

The Bad

  • Too soft for expert riders
  • Chattery at times
THE VERDICT

For a tiny company with only four snowboards in their collection, Aspen-based High Society hit the bull’s-eye with the hybrid camber Scarlet. The Scarlet was the top-scoring board at our snowboard test, with a mid-level, responsive flex, enthusiastic pop, and solid snow contact, which meant uber-stability, even at high speeds. Intermediate and advanced all-mountain riders continually reported the Scarlet made snowboarding more fun. Only our most experienced testers felt it wasn’t stiff enough.

FULL REVIEW

Handling/Responsiveness
Quick and smooth—that’s how testers described the Scarlet’s ability to get on edge, regardless of whether it was riding crusty bumps, groomers, or soft powder. But testers were most impressed by its seamless ability to react whether they wanted to charge hard, play off berms, or launch off a lip.
 
Park/Pop
The Scarlet held its own in the park. Because of its zesty pop, it was notably easy to spin. Testers especially loved stomping landings on the Scarlet. Credit the board’s serrated edge, called MagneTraction, which gripped the snow without hesitation upon contact.
 
Versatility in All Types of Snow
Whether the Scarlet was on deep snow or spring slush, it floated like a powder-specific board. But it also showed top-form on everything else, adapting to whatever conditions our testers took her over including ice, corduroy and crust.
 
Stiffness
The Scarlet’s mid-level flex paired with its responsive pop and hybrid camber profile made it a top choice for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. It was stiff enough to hold an edge while jump-turning down steeps and while bombing down hard pack at top speeds, yet playful enough to lap the park and the cruise through the halfpipe. Only our strongest, most advanced testers were asking for a little more stiffness.

Float
Testers agreed that the Scarlet felt at home in powder. It was effortless to turn and stayed aloft in deep snow. If you ride a lot of powder and are on the fence between the 147 and the 151, go bigger. The extra length will help you float while the board’s medium flex keeps it maneuverable everywhere else.

Value
At $500, the Scarlet ain’t cheap. But for a “quiver of one,” which is what almost every tester dubbed her, it may be worth it. Whether its facing a powder day, a bluebird park-perfect day, or relaxed day for cruising groomers, the Scarlet felt more than up for the challenge, and with a performance level that will push most riders’ skills. We’ll bet it will be your top board for more than one season.

 


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