Arbor Wasteland Snowboard Review

If you’re in the market for a new snowboard, the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard might just be the end for your search.

Even when you’re an expert snowboarder, with all the different varieties available on the market, it can be hard to determine which is best for you. We’re here to provide you with all the details, so there’s no need to buy blind.

The Arbor Wasteland Snowboard has a good float, is good on most terrain, and allows for quick and easy turns.

Unfortunately, not everyone has had a good experience. Some users thought it was too expensive, not the most stable, and that it’s weaker on pop compared to its competitors.

However, before you make the ultimate decision, let’s take a closer look at the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard. You may be surprised!

Arbor Wasteland Snowboard: The Details

In a Nutshell

• Profile: Rocker.
• Shape: Twin.
• Flex: Medium – Stiff.
• Construction: Sandwich.
• Core: Wood.
• Available lengths (waist widths): 154 cm. (25 in.), 156 cm. (25.1 in.), 157W cm. (26 in.), 158 cm. (25.2 in.), 160 cm. (25.3 in.), 161W cm. (26.2 in.), 162 cm (25.4 in.).
• Type: All-mountain.

Features

Rocker Profile

The Arbor Wasteland Snowboard has a rocker profile, meaning that it’s easier to turn, floats well on powder, and has increased maneuverability on all kinds of terrain.

The Wasteland combines a parabolic rocker with its sidecut to help you get the most out of this board, while also providing a smoother and cleaner surf down those slopes!

The Wasteland ensures more contact points with snow, so you are less likely to skid or slip.

Shape

Grip-Tech: Arbor’s sidecut on the Wasteland is called Grip-Tech. This means you have contact points at the heel and toe of the board, making for a more ergonomic design.

This also allows you to better grip the snow for enhanced control.

Thunderhead Tip: The Wasteland has extra support at the tip of the board, improving your speed even while in deeper snow.

This also makes the board incredibly versatile and allows you to ride all over the mountain.

Mountain Twin: The mountain twin shape means you have a shorter tail than a nose, which helps keep the board on top of the snow even in the softest of powder.

Core

The wood core of the Wasteland board is made of a poplar and paulownia wood blend.

This mix results in a board that is lightweight and durable enough to handle the tougher environments.

Laminates

Carbon Uprights: One of the laminates inside the board includes the carbon uprights/reinforcements that run from tip to tail on the board.

This results in greater durability, as well as more pop for parks and backcountry jumps or tricks.

Mixed Glassing: The Wasteland also has a mix of glasses, Triax and Biax to be specific, which improves the board’s strength.

Sidewalls

360-Degree Rails: A 360-degree, fully wrapped sidewall removes the need for filling in the tip or tying the whole snowboard together.

Altogether, it makes for a lighter snowboard with a better lifespan.

Base

The sintered base is of a higher molecular weight, which provides more speed.

You’ll be able to race down the mountain without worry about your board chipping or breaking.

Top Sheet

Black Hand Dyed Ash / American Black Walnut Power Ply: The Power Ply works like another layer of fiberglass.

This variety of top sheet adds pop to the board and, honestly, makes it look really nice!

Warranty

Arbor offers a three-year warranty on all of their snowboards, which covers the top sheet, edge, and/or the base delaminating or cracking due to any manufacturer defect.

The warranty also covers any misaligned, spinning, or stripped inserts. If there is a problem with the inserts due to improper mounting, however, the warranty will not cover that damage.

Arbor Wasteland Snowboard Review

Positives

Float

You don’t have to worry about sinking into the snow no matter how soft the powder is.

Several testers noted how well the Wasteland board floated, especially with its design ensuring the nose doesn’t tip down unnecessarily.

The system rocker profile assists in helping to stay afloat, and the fact that its lightweight, and not too stiff, will ensure this board won’t slow you down.

The Arbor Wasteland will glide over powder, giving you a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Easy to Maneuver

You don’t have to worry about this board controlling you.

Due to its medium-stiff flexibility, the high-end materials it’s made out of, the glass laminates, and the rocker system, this board will respond immediately to your body’s movements.

There’s no need to be overly aggressive to have fun with this board either – it maneuvers easily.

Lightweight

One of the number of reasons this board is easier to control is thanks to its lightweight build. This also gives it that extra pop and snap needed for taking on tricks and jumps.

Lighter boards are usually easier on your legs and feet, making a long day on the slopes all the more manageable.

Though it’s lightweight, it’s still super durable, taking on bumps and jumps with no problem. This is thanks to its sintered base and sidewalls.

Along with the included 3-year warranty, you can expect this board to last for rides to come.

Good on Most Terrain

Whether you like to ride on powder, chunky ice, or groomers, this board will get you through it, thanks to Arbor’s strong construction along with the rocker profile.

If you’re looking for a board to get you through some tough conditions like ice or jagged snow, the Arbor Wasteland is a great fit.

The core of this board is built strong, allowing it to tackle the slopes no matter the condition. Now you won’t have to be left inside when conditions are less than ideal.

Great Edge Hold

The GripTech sidecut design on the Wasteland board ensures you have maximum edge hold.

Users have noted how much stability this board has on the slopes, thanks to the two extra contact points that connect with the snow.

This will also make your turn initiations super quick since you won’t have to worry about slipping or skidding.

While some boards may take the cake on stability, the Arbor Wasteland isn’t far behind. Expect this board to keep things steady, even at higher than average speeds, so you can ride your board (and race your friends) with a little more confidence.

Great Carver/Charging

Users of the Wasteland also noted how great it is at carving, especially on off-trail or backcountry snow. You’ll be able to leave a nice clean line in your wake.

The board is also flexible enough to be responsive when necessary, but stiff enough to allow charging through tougher snow.

When you go out and only find ice, there’s no need to turn back.

Packs Pop and Fun 

The Arbor Wasteland Snowboard will make a great companion for riders who are looking for an overall fun ride.

Its flex offers some bend, making it have a snap that’s great for taking to parks for jumps and ollies while performing great at mountain jumps too! No matter the size of the jump, the Wasteland won’t back down.

Negatives

Too Expensive

Some stores currently have this board priced at over $500, and once you add the price of boots and everything else you might need – the price can get pretty steep.

While the board certainly does a lot, whether or not you can afford it will be what determines if it’s perfect for you.

Not as Stable as Competitors

A couple of users also found this board to be less stable than expected. A board that is fully rockered, sadly, can’t be as stable as a hybrid or a cambered board, especially at higher speeds.

Even with the sidecut, there are just not enough contact points with the snow. Less contact equals less control, and less control equals less stability.

Not for Beginners

This is more of a warning than a negative, but the Wasteland is not for beginners. It may not even be for intermediate riders either.

The board is too stiff and needs a rider with the know-how and skill to be aggressive with it.

While it is an easy to maneuver board, you’ll need some experience to work it. Beginners should wait to perfect their skills before moving up to this board.

Weak Pop

Multiple testers noted that this board has weak pop. Once you consider how it’s on the stiffer side, and the fact that it’s not cambered, it’s easy to see where this issue is coming from.

One tester even said, had the board been a little less rockered, it would have been the top board to own.

If you plan on taking the Arbor Wasteland for a little pipe play, chances are it may be a little too big to appease.

The size of the board also makes it hard to take this board jibbing, but it will jib – if you really try – but it may not be worth the effort.

While it does have some pop that’s great for taking on ollies and jumps, it may not be enough for you, especially if you value this trait over the other positive aspects.

Here’s a video showing the flexibility of the Arbor Wasteland board.

Overall Verdict

After going over all the positives and negatives, we do recommend the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard.

While it doesn’t have great pop, its edge hold, ability to work on most terrains, and its float makes it easy to recommend.

If you are a more advanced snowboarder, you’ll definitely want to give the Wasteland a shot!

Where to Buy the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard

Arbor has been in the sporting manufacturing business for decades, and boards like the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard really show how this company shines.

Arbor boards continue to turn heads from riders, experts, and enthusiasts, making it a sought-after brand. This means their products, including the Arbor Wasteland, are easily available both in-store and online.

While it’s always best to check sporting and specialty shops, you can kick-start your search by checking out the following online retailers.

• EVO (from $479)
• REI Co-op (from $510)
• Backcountry (from $449)

But of course, you can also find this snowboard on Amazon.

That’s all for our review on the Arbor Wasteland Snowboard. Are you curious enough to give it a try?