Arbor Shiloh 2021: Review, Specs, And More

by Jhon Lennon 43 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a snowboard that can handle anything the mountain throws at you? Then, let's talk about the Arbor Shiloh 2021. This board is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a versatile, all-mountain experience. In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about the Arbor Shiloh 2021, from its construction and performance to who it's best suited for. So, buckle up and get ready for a detailed review!

Overview of Arbor Shiloh

The Arbor Shiloh is a popular snowboard known for its versatility and performance across various terrains. The 2021 model continues this tradition, offering riders a blend of stability, responsiveness, and playfulness. Arbor, as a brand, has always been committed to sustainability, and the Shiloh reflects this ethos with its use of eco-friendly materials and construction methods. Let's dive into what makes this board stand out.

Key Features and Specs

  • Rocker Type: Parabolic Rocker
  • Flex: 6/10 (Medium)
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Core: Highland Core
  • Base: Sintered Base
  • Other Features: Grip Tech, Recycled Steel Edges, Bio-Plastic Topsheet

What's New in the 2021 Model?

While the core design of the Shiloh remains consistent, the 2021 model often includes subtle refinements in materials and construction to enhance performance. These might include improvements to the base for better glide, tweaks to the core for improved pop, or updated graphics. Always check the official Arbor website or your local retailer for the most specific details on what's new for that year. Arbor consistently pushes the envelope when it comes to combining performance with eco-consciousness, making the Shiloh 2021 a solid choice for riders looking for a board that performs well and aligns with their values. This board is ideal for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a dependable all-mountain snowboard. Its medium flex and directional twin shape make it versatile enough to handle various snow conditions and riding styles. Whether you're carving down groomers, hitting jumps in the park, or exploring backcountry terrain, the Shiloh 2021 is designed to deliver a fun and responsive ride. Additionally, Arbor's commitment to sustainability means you can feel good about riding a board that's made with environmentally friendly materials. With its combination of performance, versatility, and eco-conscious construction, the Arbor Shiloh 2021 is an excellent choice for riders looking to elevate their snowboarding experience.

Detailed Features and Technologies

Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes the Arbor Shiloh 2021 tick. Understanding the technology behind the board will give you a better idea of how it performs on the mountain.

Parabolic Rocker

The Parabolic Rocker is a key feature of the Shiloh, providing a unique blend of float in powder and edge hold on hardpack. Unlike traditional rocker profiles, the Parabolic Rocker has a more gradual curve towards the tip and tail, which helps the board maintain contact with the snow when you need it. This design enhances stability and control, making it easier to initiate turns and maintain your line. The rocker also provides excellent float in powder, allowing you to stay on top of the snow and enjoy effortless turns in deep conditions. For riders who encounter a variety of snow conditions, the Parabolic Rocker offers a versatile solution that performs well in both soft and firm snow.

Directional Twin Shape

The directional twin shape of the Shiloh combines the best of both worlds: the playfulness of a twin tip with the performance of a directional board. The board is symmetrical from tip to tail, making it easy to ride switch and perform freestyle tricks. However, the stance is slightly set back, which gives the board better float in powder and enhances stability at high speeds. This shape is ideal for riders who want a board that can handle a variety of terrain and riding styles. Whether you're hitting jumps in the park, carving down groomers, or exploring backcountry terrain, the directional twin shape provides the versatility and performance you need to excel.

Highland Core

The Highland Core is made from a blend of poplar and paulownia wood, which provides a lightweight and responsive feel. The poplar wood adds strength and durability, while the paulownia wood reduces weight and enhances flex. This combination creates a core that is both lively and stable, allowing you to maintain control at high speeds and pop off jumps with ease. The Highland Core is also designed to absorb vibrations, which helps to reduce fatigue and improve comfort on long days on the mountain. For riders who demand both performance and comfort, the Highland Core is an excellent choice.

Sintered Base

A sintered base is a high-end base material that is known for its speed and durability. Unlike extruded bases, sintered bases are made from compressed polyethylene pellets, which creates a denser and more porous structure. This allows the base to absorb more wax, which helps to reduce friction and increase glide. Sintered bases are also more resistant to damage from rocks and other obstacles on the mountain. While they require more maintenance than extruded bases, the added speed and durability make them well worth the effort. For riders who want the fastest and most durable base possible, a sintered base is the way to go.

Grip Tech

Grip Tech is Arbor's signature edge technology, which adds additional contact points along the edges of the board. These contact points act like miniature serrations, providing enhanced edge hold on hardpack and ice. Grip Tech improves control and stability, making it easier to carve and maintain your line in challenging conditions. It also enhances the board's ability to grip the snow, which is especially important when riding on icy or variable terrain. For riders who want maximum edge hold and control, Grip Tech is a valuable addition.

Riding Experience and Performance

Alright, let's get down to how the Arbor Shiloh 2021 actually feels on the snow. This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the base meets the snow!

Carving

The Shiloh shines when it comes to carving. The Grip Tech edges really dig into the snow, giving you a confident and stable feel as you lay down turns. The medium flex allows you to initiate turns easily, while the directional twin shape provides enough stiffness to hold an edge at high speeds. Whether you're carving on groomed runs or exploring off-piste terrain, the Shiloh delivers a responsive and enjoyable carving experience.

Powder

Thanks to the Parabolic Rocker and slightly set-back stance, the Shiloh performs admirably in powder. While it's not a dedicated powder board, it offers enough float to keep you on top of the snow in most conditions. The rocker profile helps the board plane easily, while the set-back stance shifts your weight back for added buoyancy. Whether you're slashing through fresh snow or navigating deeper powder stashes, the Shiloh provides a fun and playful powder experience.

Freestyle

The Shiloh's directional twin shape makes it a capable freestyle board. The symmetrical design allows you to ride switch with ease, while the medium flex provides enough pop for ollies and jumps. While it's not the most park-focused board, it can handle most freestyle features with confidence. Whether you're hitting rails, boxes, or jumps, the Shiloh offers a versatile and forgiving freestyle experience.

Overall Impression

Overall, the Arbor Shiloh 2021 delivers a balanced and versatile riding experience. It's a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle a variety of terrain and riding styles. Whether you're carving, riding powder, or hitting freestyle features, the Shiloh offers a responsive, stable, and enjoyable ride. Its combination of performance, versatility, and eco-conscious construction make it a standout choice in the all-mountain snowboard category.

Who is the Arbor Shiloh 2021 For?

So, who should actually buy the Arbor Shiloh 2021? Let's break down the ideal rider profile.

Skill Level

The Shiloh is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. Beginners might find it a bit too stiff and responsive, while expert riders might prefer a more specialized board for specific terrain. If you're comfortable linking turns and riding a variety of terrain, the Shiloh is a great choice.

Riding Style

This board is perfect for riders who enjoy a mix of carving, powder, and freestyle. It's not a dedicated park board or a powder-specific board, but it can handle all three with confidence. If you like to explore the entire mountain and try a bit of everything, the Shiloh is a versatile option.

Terrain Preference

The Shiloh excels on groomed runs, off-piste terrain, and in the park. It's a true all-mountain board that can handle a variety of snow conditions and terrain features. Whether you're carving on hardpack, floating through powder, or hitting jumps in the park, the Shiloh offers a consistent and enjoyable ride.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Arbor Shiloh 2021.

Pros

  • Versatile Performance: Excels in carving, powder, and freestyle.
  • Stable and Responsive: Provides a confident and controlled ride.
  • Eco-Friendly Construction: Made with sustainable materials and practices.
  • Grip Tech Edges: Enhances edge hold on hardpack and ice.

Cons

  • Not Ideal for Beginners: Might be too stiff and responsive for beginners.
  • Not a Specialized Board: Doesn't excel in any one area like a dedicated park or powder board.
  • Price: Can be a bit more expensive than other all-mountain boards.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Arbor Shiloh 2021 is a top-notch all-mountain snowboard that offers a blend of performance, versatility, and sustainability. It's a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle a variety of terrain and riding styles. While it might not be the perfect board for beginners or riders who prefer a more specialized setup, it's a solid all-around performer that will provide years of enjoyment on the mountain. If you're looking for a reliable and eco-conscious snowboard, the Arbor Shiloh 2021 is definitely worth considering. Happy shredding!