Skiing and snowboarding has it backwards. The world of surfing is dominated by artisans creating custom boards for individual needs. Almost everyone starts with a stock board off the rack, but as your surfing progresses and your style becomes refined, a custom board becomes a requirement for individual expression.
In snow sports, for some reason it’s different. So many stock boards and pro models trying to approximate the individuals’ riding style, but small custom shops are few and far between.
That trend is starting to change.
Go on a trip, pay attention in the lift line, start asking people about their ride and you will see what I mean. The 5% of folks who are truly passionate are starting to make a different choice.
My mountain bike is custom tuned for the trails I ride, but I have no expectation of it performing well on a century ride. Likewise, if the surf is overhead and barreling, I’m not taking my 5’2” snub nose fish. Folks making skis and boards these days claim the power of a quiver of one, but compromises abound.
Boards and skis that can “slay powder” but can still “rip groomers” are of no interest to me. I’m objective-minded. I want uncompromised performance for the conditions I am earning. The rest is just run-out.