Demoed this at Big Bang in the UK in 157 today. Completely agree with Avran's observations including the sizing. I wasn’t thinking of adding a party board to my quiver but this is making me reconsider… had a blast.
Snowboarder of the internet looking in to say hi! Just ordered the Alternator cause of your lists. Hope it's good...otherwise Ill end up an angry snowboarder of the internet! Moahah
My brother told me he was thinking about getting an Excavator for tree runs on the days he takes his daughter up for lessons. He wants something volume shifted and I told him the Excavator would overlap too much with his PYL Uninc. I honestly feel something like the Resort Twin would be ideal, but he wants direction for some reason. So I told him to look at the Dancehaul and the Almanac. After watching this, I am leaning more towards the Dancehaul for him.
I have a Dancehaul and love it. It's fun, nimble can carve well. It's a playful flex perfect for playing on the groomer and in the pow. It only has 2 "weaknesses". It can't charge as well as a more damp and powerful board can. The edgehold is very good but not amazing as it's a little too soft for that.
I love that K2 just always made great boards, even when they were hated way back.... Scorpiznatica anyone? The original Travis?!! The original flat to cork spin? Anyone?
Im in between the Almanac, Excavator and Instrument. My resort is mainly trees, powder, chopped and little bit of groomers. Im a strong intermediate 150lbs and 6ft with size 11 boots. Not really riding switch but would like to butter around and hit pillows and medium cliffs. Thanks!
Angry, I'm looking for an all-mountain board that would be good on groomers, pow, steep terrain and ice, but flexible enough to ankle steer in the trees and deal with the uneven terrain without getting stuck. I got a pretty extensive list based on characteristics but also graphics I like. I'm trying to narrow it down to 2-3 option. I would appreciate your angry input. K2: Passport, Almanac Niche: Crux, Aether, Story. Ride: Moderator Cardiff: Crane, Goat.
What board from K2 selection would you choose for a season in Hokkaido? I bought K2 Cool Bean year ago but actually haven't had a chance to ride it in pow so far. Would like to have an "every day" board for Japan.
Did you ride this at all on the freeride reference? Twitchy or or stable? Between this and the Arbor Carter for a new DD. Tall string bean with some size 12 feeeeeets. Looking for a little set back and taper. ME Twin is the other half of my quiver lol
Hey Angry, thanks for the info as always. Just won a limited edition almanac 157 (6'2" 240 lbs). I'm recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and am aiming to be about 20lbs lighter by the time I actually ride it. Do you think I'll have to worry about overpowering this board? It seems like the carbon backbone adds some solid support. I already have boards ranging 162 to a 172 flagship, so I see myself using the almanac for more chill, freestyle oriented days. Also, I was thinking about putting Salomon Holograms on this board for a surfy feel, and the thought that shadowfit would be gentle on my knee. That said, I already have Jones Orions which could match well. Would the Holograms still be worth the money, or do you think there would be too much overlap?
You can ride this 5cm's shorter than your regular board. So at a 162 you could theoretically do the 157. At your weight it's going to flex more which isn't a bad thing coming from a knee reconstruction.
hi Avran, great review as usual. Im pretty lightweight (145lbs) with 12 us foot size, should i get the 153 or is it better to downsize again and going for the 149?
Seems a lot like the Ride Psycho candy? Also seems like you’re leaning towards bigger boards now. Is your riding changing, or do you think the boards are?
Thank you for the great review as always. I’m choosing between this board and Ride warping. I’m 5’6, 130lb, boot size 6. For Warpig I’m thinking about 142 and for Almanac 145. Any suggestions?
You mentioned this one doesn't quite charge as hard. Would the Dancehaul Pro be a little more aggressive than this (while still offering some freestyle elements)?
I really can't deside between the 153 and the 157. I usually ride 156-157w. But did not ride in a long time. I mean, its supposed to be a volume shift, right? I'm 184lbd (84kg) and 174cm (5'9"). Thank you for your opinion and help :))
@@jstone18 @AngrySnowboarder what about the Almanac vs Dancehaul (not pro) if I want something to play around the mountain all day, not hitting the park much, more trees, side hits, goofing around and the occasional charge hard down the mountain.
the main difference is the almanac is a volume shifted board (meaning its much wider and you will downsize) the passport is a more traditional width and freeride board. If you want something wide that you can lay deep carves with and has tons of float in pow, go alamanc. If you want something normal width that is super versatile for everything, go with the passport.
@@lj00100-l thanks for asking! the instrument has a 70mm longer tip than tail, 10mm of taper, more directional camber profile, and a wider waist. the passport has a 35mm longer tip than tail, 8mm of taper, a directional combo camber profile (its got rocker in the tail where the instrument is camber in the tail). the instrument is definitely more directional and will float better in pow and the wider waist is really fun for carving. the passport is going to be a little more versatile for doing a little bit of everything. it has some more freestyle DNA compared to the instrument. Still kills it in pow. If you want a one board quiver for doing a little of everything, go passport. if you want something more directional that will be super fun in pow and groomers and not looking to do much switch/freestyle riding, the instrument is the board for you!
@@jstone18 Thanks so much! And would going to the 157W instead of 157 Passport for deeper carves take away from some of the DNA and nature of the board overall? Thanks again!
@@jstone18 I've been wanting to get one since the 2020/2021 model was first released. I need an all mountain charger to go fast & do big turns + the 2025 model graphic is way nicer lol. I have a Salomon Dancehaul which I love but it's obviously not ideal for charging
@@VKMP1234 If you want an "all mountain charger to go fast & do big turns", then the Alchemist is a pretty spot on choice. I'm on the 163cm 2022 model and thrilled with it. Super precise in bad conditions, stable at speed, carves, floats well, stiff and fast. For being such a hard charger, I think it's actually forgiving. The board excels when the terrain is steep, or you can open up the speed to drive it right. You'll WANT to charge everything, so I hope your friends are fast or you'll ride solo. My two critiques are that at 163 and with the stiffness, you need to be dialled in tight trees, as the Alchemist likes to point and carry speed. Also, I enjoy moguls, but it's generally not fun if you're inbounds and hit a mogul run on such a stiff board. You have to work hard. That said, I enjoy the Alchemist so much that I wish I could take the qualities of the board and dial it up even a bit further. If you're gravitating towards the idea of owning one, it's for you.
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Thanks for reviewing the Almanac! Stoked to hear you like it
Demoed this at Big Bang in the UK in 157 today. Completely agree with Avran's observations including the sizing. I wasn’t thinking of adding a party board to my quiver but this is making me reconsider… had a blast.
What weight are you and what do u usually ride??
230, I would get the 161. The 157 was fun though.
Normally ride 164+
Snowboarder of the internet looking in to say hi! Just ordered the Alternator cause of your lists. Hope it's good...otherwise Ill end up an angry snowboarder of the internet! Moahah
No you won't.
My brother told me he was thinking about getting an Excavator for tree runs on the days he takes his daughter up for lessons. He wants something volume shifted and I told him the Excavator would overlap too much with his PYL Uninc. I honestly feel something like the Resort Twin would be ideal, but he wants direction for some reason. So I told him to look at the Dancehaul and the Almanac. After watching this, I am leaning more towards the Dancehaul for him.
I have a Dancehaul and love it. It's fun, nimble can carve well. It's a playful flex perfect for playing on the groomer and in the pow. It only has 2 "weaknesses". It can't charge as well as a more damp and powerful board can. The edgehold is very good but not amazing as it's a little too soft for that.
@@EssenceOfTrance I second everything you’ve said on the dancehaul
Have a 154 excavator for tree runs and I love it... I'm a bigger guy and I think the 154 works perfect for me.
Hey bro, I’d love to hear about this year’s GNU hyper. Hope you had a chance to review it!
I love that K2 just always made great boards, even when they were hated way back....
Scorpiznatica anyone? The original Travis?!! The original flat to cork spin? Anyone?
Have that board sitting under my bed, thing was so good.
Im in between the Almanac, Excavator and Instrument. My resort is mainly trees, powder, chopped and little bit of groomers. Im a strong intermediate 150lbs and 6ft with size 11 boots. Not really riding switch but would like to butter around and hit pillows and medium cliffs. Thanks!
Instrument
Thanks. I was thinking size 154. Why did you say instrument over the other 2?
54 should work. Because I looked at what you presented as the data and made an informed decision.
+1 here we come!
Angry, I'm looking for an all-mountain board that would be good on groomers, pow, steep terrain and ice, but flexible enough to ankle steer in the trees and deal with the uneven terrain without getting stuck. I got a pretty extensive list based on characteristics but also graphics I like. I'm trying to narrow it down to 2-3 option. I would appreciate your angry input.
K2: Passport, Almanac
Niche: Crux, Aether, Story.
Ride: Moderator
Cardiff: Crane, Goat.
Passport or Moderator.
@@AngrySnowboarder Thanks for the quick reply
@@AngrySnowboarder I’m 5’9”, 165-170lb, size 8.5 boot. What size should I get on those?
57ish
Great review!
How did you like the new embassy?
What board from K2 selection would you choose for a season in Hokkaido? I bought K2 Cool Bean year ago but actually haven't had a chance to ride it in pow so far. Would like to have an "every day" board for Japan.
Probably the Passport.
Been watching ur Chanel for 6 years. Would love to see a review of the nitro alternator 2025 and the nitro team pro Marcus Kleveland 2025
hey Avran! I'm about 175 lbs and a 11.5 boot -- you think i should go for the 53 or 57? Feel like I'm about smack dab in the middle of those
I’d go 53
Is there too much cross over with K2 passport? Looking for something to piss about on piste with the kids but no park. Love the content.
Way too much overlap, just ride your Passport.
Did you ride this at all on the freeride reference? Twitchy or or stable? Between this and the Arbor Carter for a new DD. Tall string bean with some size 12 feeeeeets. Looking for a little set back and taper. ME Twin is the other half of my quiver lol
Great review. Would this be a good addition to my Capita Merc and Jones Mind Expander quiver? Seems like a blend of the two.
Yes.
Hey Angry, thanks for the info as always. Just won a limited edition almanac 157 (6'2" 240 lbs). I'm recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and am aiming to be about 20lbs lighter by the time I actually ride it. Do you think I'll have to worry about overpowering this board? It seems like the carbon backbone adds some solid support. I already have boards ranging 162 to a 172 flagship, so I see myself using the almanac for more chill, freestyle oriented days.
Also, I was thinking about putting Salomon Holograms on this board for a surfy feel, and the thought that shadowfit would be gentle on my knee. That said, I already have Jones Orions which could match well. Would the Holograms still be worth the money, or do you think there would be too much overlap?
You can ride this 5cm's shorter than your regular board. So at a 162 you could theoretically do the 157. At your weight it's going to flex more which isn't a bad thing coming from a knee reconstruction.
How do you think this compares to the dancehaul? Love the dancehaul. Debating on getting another one or giving the almanac a try
It's slightly stiffer and more stable underfoot. There's also less backfoot carve engagement on this.
give the almanac a try! you'll be stoked. the sidecut is super fun
hi Avran, great review as usual. Im pretty lightweight (145lbs) with 12 us foot size, should i get the 153 or is it better to downsize again and going for the 149?
It's kind of your call there. They say you can downsize a little on this and the 49 will fit that size 12.
Seems a lot like the Ride Psycho candy?
Also seems like you’re leaning towards bigger boards now. Is your riding changing, or do you think the boards are?
Noticeably stiffer. We get what they give us.
I’m 6’3, 230# with size 12 boots. Is the 157 doable or better on 161? Afraid the wider width of the 161 will take away the nimbleness of the board.
You have a size 12, you're fine with a wider board. Either will work for you.
Thank you for the great review as always. I’m choosing between this board and Ride warping. I’m 5’6, 130lb, boot size 6. For Warpig I’m thinking about 142 and for Almanac 145. Any suggestions?
You're on the right track.
How is this different than the ‘24 Party Platter? Worth upgrading to?
It's a whole new shape and design.
You mentioned this one doesn't quite charge as hard. Would the Dancehaul Pro be a little more aggressive than this (while still offering some freestyle elements)?
Probably.
it'll be similar
Replacement for my K2 Party Platter 147 (RIP), Almanac 145? 155lbs, will take it all mountain.
You want to go a little bigger.
I really can't deside between the 153 and the 157.
I usually ride 156-157w. But did not ride in a long time. I mean, its supposed to be a volume shift, right?
I'm 184lbd (84kg) and 174cm (5'9").
Thank you for your opinion and help :))
You ride it 3cm's shorter than normal so get the 53.
How does this compare to the Dancehaul pro?
way more fun in everyway
@@jstone18 how u kno
@@BeEl-d2d ridden both
@@BeEl-d2dcuz hes jstone
@@jstone18 @AngrySnowboarder what about the Almanac vs Dancehaul (not pro) if I want something to play around the mountain all day, not hitting the park much, more trees, side hits, goofing around and the occasional charge hard down the mountain.
What's the difference between this board and K2 Passport?
the main difference is the almanac is a volume shifted board (meaning its much wider and you will downsize) the passport is a more traditional width and freeride board. If you want something wide that you can lay deep carves with and has tons of float in pow, go alamanc. If you want something normal width that is super versatile for everything, go with the passport.
@@jstone18 Thank you 👑
@@jstone18 coming straight to the source... how would you compare the difference between the the Passport and the Instrument?
@@lj00100-l thanks for asking! the instrument has a 70mm longer tip than tail, 10mm of taper, more directional camber profile, and a wider waist. the passport has a 35mm longer tip than tail, 8mm of taper, a directional combo camber profile (its got rocker in the tail where the instrument is camber in the tail).
the instrument is definitely more directional and will float better in pow and the wider waist is really fun for carving.
the passport is going to be a little more versatile for doing a little bit of everything. it has some more freestyle DNA compared to the instrument. Still kills it in pow. If you want a one board quiver for doing a little of everything, go passport. if you want something more directional that will be super fun in pow and groomers and not looking to do much switch/freestyle riding, the instrument is the board for you!
@@jstone18 Thanks so much! And would going to the 157W instead of 157 Passport for deeper carves take away from some of the DNA and nature of the board overall? Thanks again!
FRESH POW 🏂
Oh baby!!
Looking forward to the 2025 K2 Alchemist review. Need someone to sell me on it
its the shit. no top speed, tons of pop, and floats like a dream in pow
@@jstone18 I've been wanting to get one since the 2020/2021 model was first released. I need an all mountain charger to go fast & do big turns + the 2025 model graphic is way nicer lol.
I have a Salomon Dancehaul which I love but it's obviously not ideal for charging
@@VKMP1234 alchemist is definitely the board you're looking for! such a good hard charger
@@VKMP1234 If you want an "all mountain charger to go fast & do big turns", then the Alchemist is a pretty spot on choice. I'm on the 163cm 2022 model and thrilled with it. Super precise in bad conditions, stable at speed, carves, floats well, stiff and fast. For being such a hard charger, I think it's actually forgiving.
The board excels when the terrain is steep, or you can open up the speed to drive it right. You'll WANT to charge everything, so I hope your friends are fast or you'll ride solo.
My two critiques are that at 163 and with the stiffness, you need to be dialled in tight trees, as the Alchemist likes to point and carry speed. Also, I enjoy moguls, but it's generally not fun if you're inbounds and hit a mogul run on such a stiff board. You have to work hard.
That said, I enjoy the Alchemist so much that I wish I could take the qualities of the board and dial it up even a bit further. If you're gravitating towards the idea of owning one, it's for you.
What's the board on the right side hanger?
K2 Excavator
@@jeremysmith4473 ty
Really getting orca vibes about the look of this deck.
May I ask how this compares to the Stranda Biru?
It's slightly stiffer, rides more twin than the Biru, and carves differently.