K2 Alchemist 2023 Snowboard Review
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- Full Review: thegoodride.com/snowboard-rev...
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K2 Alchemist 2023 Snowboard Video Review Fast Forward Markers.
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - How It Was Tested
1:36 - Summary
2:57 - Sizing
3:34 - Shape/Camber/On Snow Feel
4:39 - Edge Hold
4:46 - Flex Personality
5:59 - Uneven Terrain
7:07 - Speed/Base Glide
7:38 - Turning/Carving
8:54 - Powder
9:33 - Conclusion 
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I bought this board in 163 in the inaugural year of its release for the 20/21 season and having had hundreds of hours with this particular board underfoot, I can tell you that it’s the most intense and aggressive freeride board on the market. Maybe only the Capita Black Snowboard of Death truly competes with it, but this board is even better in my personal opinion. I haven’t bought the redesigned version yet, but I’m planning to grab the 24/25 164W once preorders open up because I think I’d appreciate another half centimeter or so of width as well. I think the thing that most surprised me with this particular board has been the powder performance. I didn’t buy this board for powder days, I have other boards in my quiver for that, but I’ve taken it out in powder several times anyways because I like this board so much and wow, just wow, this board absolutely rocks the whole mountain in every known condition possible! The only thing I wouldn’t personally do with this board is hit rails in the park, it’s not a jibbing board whatsoever, but besides that, it really can do it all and the board sticks landings on cliff drops like nothing else out there 😁
Thanks for your take.
Thanks!
Hey, I love your reviews. I am 6’, 220 lbs, size 11 boot and currently on a Flight Attendant 162w. I love this board. I live in Utah and love riding powder in the trees and charging groomers with some side hits here and there when there isn’t powder. I had a Passport, but it was just too soft for me. I’ve been eyeing the Alchemist for a while, but can’t decide if it will be too much like the FA. How will it do for what I like compared to the FA? Should I look at something else like a Mind Expander? If I go Alchemist should I go 159w or 164w? Thanks for your help.
Thank you! So there is some overlap between the FA and Alchemist. The Alchemist has less camber but is a little more stiff and not as turny. It's a great board but not sure if it's a good second board in the quiver to compliment a FA. I like the 162 Mind Expander better for what you want to do. Maybe the 158 as well if you want something smaller/more maneuverable but less floaty. I would only go Alchemist if you want something to replace the Flight Attendant that is more straight line friendly and I'd probalby go 159w.
@@thegoodridesnow thanks for the reply. It sounds like I should stick with the FA and consider a Mind Expander for my second board.
I've been on a K2 Slayblade for years refusing to replace it. I finally caved and picked this up. I hope it's as good / better.
Now there is a board I haven't heard of or ridden in a long time... Do you have the one with camber or the one that's flat from tip-tail? I think either way you should be pretty happy. The only place I like the Slayblade models better is in hard/microbumpy snow. Everything else goes to the Alchemist.
@@thegoodridesnow The slayblade version I have is the "flatline" looking forward to ripping on this new one with the information you provided 👍
No prob. I think you will really like coming back to this mellow camber under the foot from the flat line.
Killer review! Helped me narrow down my search of a free ride ripper.
Any suggestions on sizing?
I’m 5’10” range from 190-200 pounds. Size 10.5 boots.
I have an all mountain 157.5 and a 160 split board.
I can’t decide between the 157 or 160. Any
Suggestions would be awesome. Thank you and keep up the awesome reviews!
Many thanks. I would go 160 for sure with your size 10.5 boots. The 157 will probably be too narrow. I would even consider the 163 or 159w depending on your boots footprint. Especially if you like to carve hard or ride in steep terrain.
Same size and I went for the 160 - thinking the 163 would have been a better choice - positive angles and found there to be a break in period.
Hey there, great review. One of the funniest yet and can tell you and Davy liked this board (Capital "F"). I'm curious if you've tried the 2024 model? Heard thev managed to eliminate more of the chatter with more carbon.
Many thanks for the good words and the cash. Yeah that board was a good time. I didn't but didn't hear of any major changes from my contact. If so I would have to ride it to know for sure but usually Carbon creates more pop at the expense of additional chatter in uneven snow. I'll be reaching out soon for the 2025 demos from K2 and I'll ask about it.
Great review!Just wanted to know if there is any major changes\upgrades compared to last year’s model ? Thx
Thanks. I only tested this year's model extensively so I'm not 100% sure. However I did hear people tell me this years model has a slower base than past years. Again not 100% sure on that though. You might want to ask K2.
There’s actually been a downgrade, no more carbon infused base. The 2020 and 2021 models were absolute rockets. I’ve heard the new base is more durable though, and the old one was a little fickle.
Many thanks David! Yeah I was surprised that the base wasn't as fast as some other boards we tested it against that are in similar price points. It wasn't bad by any means but I expected it to be excellent.
@@Lew1414 thx for the info :). such a shame they downgraded it but again probably most of us doesn't need that much glide compared to extra durability.
@@Lew1414 I have the 2022 with the older carbon base. Blisteringly fast and super durable. The downgrade is just a shrinkflation. Same happened to the Simple Pleasures a couple of years ago and the Nisseko Pleasures have that carbon base back now (at a higher price point). It’s a 5.5 k higher density (so durability) and carbon particles for the extra glide vs 4 k no carbon.
Picking up a 164W next week to go with my Excavator as a 2 board daily quiver. Best large or XL bindings for tall rider with size 13 boot?
Depends on the binding you buy and boot you have now. Hit me up here if you want to do this properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Hello, love your reviews! I watched so many fo your videos.
I am an intermediate freeride rider who wants to work on speed carving. I am on raygun pop atm and really want something more stable. Lots of chunder on the east coast. Would you advise this board for icy conditions and someone who rides 3 times a week all season and wants to get as good as I possibly can at carving.
Thanks :)
Many thanks. So you told me just enough to get in trouble guessing based on what I know. No it's not a good board in hard uneven snow and the grip isn't on the level of many boards out there for east coast riding. If you want some recommendations of boards that will do very well for you hit me up here so I can get all the info I need to help proplerly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@thegoodridesnow thanks again, sorry i thought this one did not send, wouldn't have bothered you with multiple comments :)
I just got a 159 wide hope I like it I got a mega mercury now
Hi, watched many many of your reviews. THANK YOU!
i am 175lb 5'9 with 9.5 boots, intermediate rider wanting to improve freestyle. I have a deal on a 159w alchemist (i ride a 159 raygun pop now), would that be smart? Thanks
Thansk! 159w is really wide for 9.5 boots and that's a lot of board. Could be slow for you to turn. You would be much better off with the 157 Alchemist if you want to size it right. Click through to the full review to check recommended sizes or hit me up here if you want more detailed advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow thank you so much for the reply! I will keep looking :)
5'10", 225lbs, 12 us boot. Went with 163 as it was on sale in the 2023 model (shown in this video), but probably should've gotten a wide model - my salomon trigger bindings fit but my Burton step ons are too large for the 25.6cm ww. It's a fun board, but honestly the stiffness is no joke! Fast though
Thanks for your take and yeah you should have for sure gotten a wide. That is too narrow and you might boot out a lot. It could get you hurt.
Adjust your settings bro, I have that same board and also have size 12’s, anything that narrow for freeride and I set myself to +27/-12, trust me, it’ll change your life when riding something like that with those big feet 😉👍🏼
But yeah, I’m buying the 164W this coming season too, I don’t remember a wide option being available in the inaugural year the board was released so the 163 was my best option that year haha. That’s actually why I didn’t buy the Arthur Longo Aeronaut from Capita last season, there was no wide option. This year the Aeronaut will come in wide and so I’m stoked to grab that too 😁👍🏼
Do you mean +27/+12?
My hips hurt thinking about +27/-12!
I went with a Capita Super DOA 161w for now. Came too late in the season to try it. But I don't want to give up on the alchemist yet either!
@@Oblivinym nope, I mean +27/-12, you want your feet canted for freeriding on a board like that, it’s not a surfer, it’s a very aggressive freeriding board 😉
Hi, can you please compare it to mega merc? I have mega merc and love it and I am wondering if it is worth to add alchemist to my quiver. I am advanced rider, no park just carving. Thanks!
They are such different boards. Mega Merc. Light, poppy, almost twin. Alchemist is super stiff, aggressive tapered directional big mtn board. If you want something completely different from your Mega then this could work. Hit me up here though if you want real help with more info about you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Do you remember the K2 Instinct? Been riding it since probably 2004ish but it’s time for a new ride.
Yes I remember that. It would be best to hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
A lot has changed and there are some massively better options out there.
Hi , I'm on the higher buy. 177cm, 95kg, size 10 Burton Ion shoes. I hesitate between 159W and 160. Which one should I choose?
Probably the 160 but it all comes down to personal preference. It depends on what make/model/year/size board you ride now and how you like it.
Have you managed to test the k2 instrument. Another fine board by k2
Yes. review coming soon. Just sooooooooo behind!!!
I’ve been riding an instrument and it’s a blast to ride.
@@snowbdr89 so much fun!
Great video guys. When you say it’s not the fastest board you’ve ridden this year , what in your opinion would be the fastest boards out there?. Thanks
I didn't say that. I said its a very damp and fast board but I've been on faster bases. Their base doesn't have easy glide like some brands do. Jones, Cardiff, Weston,Never Summer, some Korua and some Nidecker have damp boards with fast bases.
@@thegoodridesnow gotcha ! I went with Ride Commissioner in any case !. Thanks
This or Ultra Mind Expander? Carve and ride steep terrain are the two things I love to do
Ultra Mind Expander has more camber/pop, a faster base and and is more directional. Alchemist is more centered/better for air, stiffer and better in uneven snow. If you want to get into it more hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
511 195lb 8.5 boot...just got a 157 for a bit of extra maneuverability.. now concerned it's too small...do you think it will work for me?
No that will work. 157 is better for 8.5's and this board can handle a rider your weight without getting weird. Really depends on what you are used to though. If you ride wider boards then maybe it will feel small but if you like to match your boot size to the boards width this was a good choice. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow Great thanks actually volume shift turns slow for me so looking for narrower for quick tree turns...so the 157 is 21 inch reference stance and I ride 22..should I move front binding forward or back binding back for to be optimally centered with that wider stance?
Yeah you are good then. Depends on the conditions. On groomers ride close to reference/move each binding out 1/2". In powder set it as far back as you can if you want easier directional float.
How would you guys rate the Alchemist compared to the Ride Commissioner for high speed carving/straight lining?
Both are fast aggressive boards but te commissioner steps it up from here a good bit.
@@thegoodridesnow Between the Alchmist and Jones Flagship which one would you pick for big mountain/high speed days?
@@Buff_Hamster Jones for powder and K2 for groomers.
Which one between the excavator and the Alchemist rips carves on groomers better
Sorry I missed this. Alchemist goes straight and fast better. Excavator carves groomers better.
I'm trying to decide between the 154 or 157 Alchemist. I'm 5'7", 130lb, 8.5 (US) boot. Would the 154 be too small?
No based on what I know I think you are good with the 154. Height?
@@thegoodridesnow 5'7" so yeah I'll stick with 154
Yeah 154 is for sure the call.
@@jordanroszhart3533 I have a 2023 154 on the cheap of your looking!
@Roman G heck yeah. DM me?
How does it compare to the Passport 2023 ?
Stiffer, poppier and better at high speed but has a less turny sidecut and favors more of a rider with a straight line mentality. Also not as good in all conditions as the Passport.
Alchemist or Passport. Which board do you prefer?
Hard to say. Depends on how you ride and what calls to you. If you want to go fast Alchemist. If you want a more mellow ride Passport.
Yeah for Venture Bothers! Brock was the man…
No way! Someone got it! Glorious! Yeah he was. Can't wait for the movie.
Am re-watching your video footage of someone riding the 157 - at 188lbs/5'10" I've been riding the 160 Alchemist for two seasons now - just to say you really get the most out of a board like this if you bend the legs and let her run. Stiff front leg doesn't do much. Watch Mark Fawcett ride with his posi/posi angles on the Tribute Lounge channel. Mainly this is a board for an athletic expert rider. The nose soaks up chunder at speed and although the nose visibly vibrates like crazy, it never gets back into the feet. This came from the Kessler rubber/titanal engineering. You can ride for hours without fatigue... one of its best qualities.
Thanks for your take. Actually my front leg isn't stiff in most of the footage. It's just the way it looks from the angle of the 360 cam. I rode this front foot weighted, center weighted and back foot weighted on some carves and in pow. I'll for sure try this posi next time around though as that's always fun to ride that way as well.
@@thegoodridesnow I probably did the same at first (front balanced and rear) trying to figure out how to ride that stiff little bugger. I serious,y think that after three or four sessions it broke in and started to talk to me. Love it for fast carving, breaking loose, drifting over a rise and then locking in to snake a few short carves. Ended up at front +26 and rear +3. I appreciate your efforts trying to judge and share your impressions of a board with so little time on it... My quiver 157 Skunk Ape/156 Niseko Pleasure /160 Alchemist / 162 Kessler w/plate and YPZ boots. After the Alchemist and I became friends I only rode the Kessler once... pretty much the same so why bother?
Can't understand why they ditched the carbon base on this....
Yeah I'd like to see a faster base.
Shrinkflation. I know many people, including me, would pay more money for it. Considering how they sell out if a lot of their models it is a questionable decision.
This or the Amplid Surfari for all mountain free riding consisting of 60% charging and carving groomers at speed and 40% cruising around trees
You get a lot more pop and the Surfari is better in all conditions. It is more set back on board and directional too. I would go Alchemist if you want a little more forgiving more centered on board kind of ride ride.
@@thegoodridesnow thanks! Which board did you personally have more fun on?
0:36 Why are you Both Flashing Illuminati signs?
Ha!