The 2022 K2 Alchemist Snowboard Review
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2021
- Written Review Here: bit.ly/3yTFsOS
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I like the addition of the binding recommendations
Thanks for the review! Stoked you liked the board, cant wait to hear what you think about the Excavator
Thanks for the review! Have been riding my K2 Slayblade 2013 for 7 years, which I enjoyed a lot and this board seems like a similar experience with a view fun and new twists. Think I'll grab one.
The way you review it is so entertaining and detailed that I can imaging how the thing rides: well done mate!
I've had this board (this first green graphic) for about a year now and I've paired it with Burton cartel X's. This is without a doubt my favorite board I've ever ridden. This board let's you straight line essentially anything
Had the chance to try it last winter, this board is killerrrrrrrr, super agressive, loved it!!!
I bought the aviator 2.0 when it came out wanting a stable charger that could jump. For the most part it worked but I can't stand the sidecut they used. Finally got this board to try it out and found out it was everything I was looking for. Couldn't be happier with it.
reviews just keep getting better
Hell yeah, sounds like a weapon. Love K2 decks
Awesome, I've always looked for a board with a smooth transmission. :D Sorry, couldn't resist...
Bought one this summer, stoke just keeps building! I’m pairing it with a set of FLUX XV’s and can’t wait to rip on it!
XV's might be a little underwhelming for it if you're going to rip hard. Just an FYI.
@@AngrySnowboarder in what sense?
@@AngrySnowboarder Do you think NOW drives is enough to get full performance out of this?
I also got a set of Flux XV’s with mine last year and I’m plenty happy with the setup. Absolutely no complaints
@@br451 yea, I have the softer mid range now pilots on mine. Do I want something stiffer? Yes. Do even the pilots work? Also yes, do I want more out of my bindings… again… yes.
Anything NOW (IMO) kinda ups performance from edge to edge just cause of that skate tech, but the drives (and odrives) will fit nicely onto this deck for sureeeee.
Best reviews period. Thanks!!! Really sorry if you answered this in the premiere chat, but got ejected before I could see your answer. Was considering the alchemist as a friend loves it, but seems you may like the Surfari better for pow/carving. For Japow/carving/trees, Surfari 161, Surfer 162, or does your previous rec of Camel2 161 still stand? Was gonna pair with Nitro Machines... but overkill? Maybe the Phantom carver is the better choice? 230lbs, size 12, and appreciate the help!!!
If you're going Machines then the Alchemist is probably the best bet of the decks you have listed. But for what you're describing I think the Camel 2 is the best or the Surfari.
My 160 is not as stiff as it was out of the box, in fact now it's damn near perfect. it rides between my Kessler 162SL and Burton Custon X. I have not yet blown out a rail it can press a deep trench. The tail is so light can kick it out send the plume at the lift tower and suck it back under and lay into a toe - all before the patrollers can see where that puff of smoke came from. Bought on your advice last season and it is soooo much fun, fast and snakes the edge of the trail with precision.
You think a size 11 boot could fit on a 160? That’s all I can find right now the last 159W is sold out where I live :(
@@jonathaniordanou1694 it would depend on your angles and how you like to ride and your height/weight. I'm on new 10.5 Ions with CustonX sizeL bindings ride +27 / +3 and weight 188lbs
I would like 163 now (stiffer faster) but the 160 is quick edge to edge so no complaints
Hey Avran - thanks for all of your awesome reviews. Heavy intermediate rider, 210-225lbs, size 11 boots, 6’2” (not that this matters too much). Prefer ripping groomers and I stick to inbound riding, occasionally hitting trees and chasing powder stashes. Struggling with deciding between the 159W or the 164W of this board. Maybe I’m overthinking things, but would love your thoughts on whether you think one is a far better fit or should I just buy the cheaper option (the 159W is $140 cheaper in my situation). Appreciate your input!
59w
Nice hoodie. I need one
I rode a friend’s 59 wide, L bindings. I use M bindings and would definitely get the 57. But…this board is so sick. Reminds me of an older Timeless. A game gets rewarded. Was able to point it sooner than anyone else in the crew, coming off rollers. I just got an Excavator, so Alchemist gonna have to wait. Listen to Avran. Don’t sleep on this board.
Hey Angry, I’m on a Stratos right now for my daily driver and I’m looking for something else to add to the quiver to satiate the needs of harder charging/carving/still able to be somewhat maneuverable. Would you recommend this? Or potentially ultracraft or Flagship? Thanks. Love your work.
This or the Jones Aviator.
I inspire to raise my riding abilities, to warrant adding this really nice board to my quiver.
Hi Avren, big fan of the show! I'm looking for a new freeride board after my last one gave out. I am leaning towards either this or the ultra flagship. I want something for stomping 10-25 ft drops, sending chutes, charging through variable terrain, but also somewhat capable of tighter maneuvers in dense trees or on steep technical terrain. How do the two boards compare and which one would you recommend, or is there another board you'd suggest? Btw I'm only 175 lbs but 6'1" with a wide stance so I plan on sizing up to the 163/164 for greater stability.
More precision you want the Alchemist, more laid back Ultra Flagship.
@@AngrySnowboarder Thanks Avren!
Coming to the god of snowboard reviews in a time of indecision.
I am 6’0, ~190, 11.5 Vans boot, and advanced / aggressive rider who leans toward big mountains and freeride when given the choice.
Picked up a 160W Manifest Team on your rec and love the thing; perfect for 80% of my riding. Does well even in deep days, but want something to round out the top end of the quiver for days I want to charge.
Stuck between the 159W (probably the “right” size), 163 and 164W. Primarily concerned with overlap to the MT if I go 159W, have always felt longer boards give just a little more float and stability which I appreciate and also concerned with toe drag on the 163 (if there was a 162/163W I wouldn’t even be here).. Can handle the upsize, not too concerned there.
What do ya think? Size up and charge?
Size up and charge.
I got last year’s model and you’re right - it’s a rocket ship.
Thanks for the review mate! Can you pls comment on the powder ability?
Thing rips in powder for a mostly cambered freeride board! its got 6mm of taper, .75" setback, and a pretty big rocker'd nose which help a ton with riding powder. Definitely my go to board for pow and hitting cliffs
If you charge it's great, if you're lazy not exactly the best. As Justin mentions down below it has a lot of great things going on for pow riding but still has a ton of power behind it.
Nice review…….
Alchemist vs BSOD for smooth damp carving?
Nitro Highlander.
Would Burton Genesis be a decent match here? I assume edge hold on hard pack/ice is reasonable if kept sharp but nothing special?
Sure.
Yo Angry, thinking of pulling the trigger with the 2023 Alchemist and pairing it with the Rome Katana. I'm 5'9, 155 lbs, and wear a size 9.5 boot. Would the 160 be too stiff for the bindings? Looking to tweak grabs/spins in big mountain riding.
57 would probably be better.
I had a 2021 version. This board rides pretty damn well. The tail is the best tail in terms of stiffness/pop I’ve ever ridden. The nose is big and floaty but in my opinion it is too soft when compared to the tail. The dampness mentioned in the review is also a big plus.
When set up on the reference stance edge hold is good and it floats in pow pretty well. If the nose were a little stiffer it would be great. The soft nose has a weird “hinge” point - if you land a little off center and rely on the nose to hold you up the board would do it to a point - but would seemingly flex out enough to submarine and then do sweet tomahawks. Might just be just my riding style relying on a stiff nose for bad technique.
With the stance set back 3/4” from reference this is a great hard charging pow board and the nose doesn’t do the same behavior as described above. I sold a hovercraft after riding this board because this is a better pow board for my riding style.
Unfortunately once stuff gets blown out in the afternoon I don’t like the way the early rise nose engages on chunder and hard pack.
I have found my self just grabbing my gnu billy goat to deal with variable conditions without changing my riding style.
100% agree on the soft nose part. Even on groomers if you lean too far forward it folds. BUT other than that its great and charges hard
Thoughts on pairing this with a pair of Now Drives? Also considering Formulas and Atlas, as you suggested. Not in love with the Atlas though.
Drives make the most sense out of the three if you want straight power and performance.
Would a Falcor handle this board alright, given a bit surfier style? Or does it absolutely necessitate an Atlas (if staying in the union line)?
Your call.
Hi Angry, I bought a K2 Excavator 162 based on your recommendation for it as looking to use it for pow and groomers in Japan and local Aus. Would buying the Alchemist 164W be a good option if i'm after a more aggressive charging board than the Excavator? I'm currently 119kg if that helps with board choice.
It makes sense, then you have that for firm groomer days and the Excavator for pow and soft days.
Hi Angry, i hope you are doing well. How will you compare this one with superpig, i had it and i loved it, i now have a dancehaul but i think i was enjoying more on superpig.
Will this be a nice pick if i digg superpig?
Watch the review and ask yourself if you think they’re similar at all.
5'6" 170. Size 9.5 Have a 152 Gremlin. Gremlin for speed carving in ok snow in socal. After a big storm trying to score pow in Mammoth 150 or 154?
54 but this boards just going to overlap that Gremlin, I'd look more for a powder specific deck instead.
Thanks for the review man, nice one. Wanted to ask, how is the edge hold on hard pack, does it have any side cut techniques? Thanks
It was great on edge on a groomer. Absolutely destroys it. If you mean does it have any visible technology, no.
@@AngrySnowboarder tnx bro
I see you’ve got the Surfari listed as a comparable board, are you doing a review on that deck?
Yes.
Been debating between this and the ride Mtn pig. Which will be better for riding charging the steeps And cutting through rutted out terrain/chunder while still being able to get into some tree runs? Or should I be looking at something like the excavator?
The Alchemist is a little better in trees to the MTN Pig but I think the Excavator is probably what you would want or maybe a Nidecker Beta APX.
@@AngrySnowboarder I’m 5’9” 185lbs size 9.5 boot. Excavator in 154? Maybe with now drive bindings?
Definitely.
I gotta know how it goes in powder I'm looking for something the rips hard and cab float well do you recommend this or the pencil plus
Yes
For fast riding on hardback and icy conditions, Alchemist or Niche Maelström ?
Thanks
Alchemist. It has a stiffer nose so won't buckle in chop and then the carbon array takes over and gives you more power when you load it up.
Hey Angry. What would be the big differences between the Surfari and the Alchemist?
Construction.
Own it love it!
Nice RK-bro. Real nice bro
BAREFOOT BOIZ
Hey dude nice nice. 60kg, 169cm. 154 or 157? I can only get the 157 available unless I wait till next season. Would the 157 be too long? Currently on 156 custom x for last 10+ seasons.
It's a bit long.
I already have a 154cm Aviator, but I'm really considering adding this to my quiver for in between days that aren't full pow but still a little more free ridey. Would you recommend a 157cm, I've heard it rides a little shorter because of the rocker in the nose. Can you concur or give any insight?
Too much overlap with your Aviator.
@Angry Snowboarder I had a feeling, but wasn't sure since this is definitely more directional. Thanks Avran. 👍
If you had to choose one would you take this or the Amplid Surfari? Which is better in pow? Which has more pop? Jeez I wish Ampids weren't quite so expensive >_
Surfari is better in pow.
@@AngrySnowboarder that's what I figured with that little swallowtail and noise. Dang, I want a Surfari
I'm gonna have to try this board out this year. Might be my new big mountain board.
Be a lot cooler if it was.
Are there any changes to last years version?
No
What size did you ride? The text says 158 but they don’t make it in a 158… What size should I get? 200 lbs, 10.5 Thraxis, been riding 159W for the last 20+ years. 159W not currently available & maybe I should be riding something different… ?
It was the 57.
Curious about what size you end up buying. I'm about the same size as you at 10.5 boots. Think maybe 159 wide will be the best pick.
Have you ridden the 2020-2021 version and are there any differences to this years?
There's no differences.
the tip of transparent material is shorter and does not chatter so much safer in powder snow that according to some tended to sink the nose.
After watching this I'm wondering, would it be fair to say this board rides similarly to my 2016 Joy Driver?
Yeah to an extent.
@@AngrySnowboarder What would you say the differences are? I'm thinking about retiring my Joy Driver and was looking at this as a replacement.
Big thing is modern construction in there. Camber profiles are different and the sidecuts are tweaked.
Sidecut on the Alchemist is way better and the board handles choppy conditions better than the Joy Driver in my opinion. the construction is completely updated as well. You'd be stoked on the upgrade
Sup Angry, I know you don't usually fuck around with split boards but if you had to pick one what would you pick?
I wouldn't.
@@AngrySnowboarder Thanks for the help!
Hey ! Would passport be much approachable board for intermediate rider than Alchemist ?
Comparatively, yes.
My kind of board!
Are stratas too soft to throw on this? Would it nerf the board’s capabilities?
Yeah
For bindings, which is stiffer, union atlas pro or Rome black label?
Atlas pro all day. Black Label isn't really stiff it's just got an insane tech story in the highback.
@@AngrySnowboarder fresh, thanks for the ultra fast response.
Are the Rome Cleavers a good choice to handle this board?
Yeah.
@@AngrySnowboarder Alchemist + Thraxis + ? I have not chose bindings yet. How about Cartel X? Or something stiffer? Freeriding grandpa in Big Sky looking for the perfect combo.
63 or 64W? I have a size 12 DC boot, 6’2 and weigh 215. Thank you!
64w just to be safe.
@@AngrySnowboarder thank you!
Similar flex and carve feel to the orbit?
Oh god no.
The Alchemist is narrower underfoot (by design) and has a tighter sidecut radius than the Orbit - a bit more aggressive of a ride overall
Which would you rather have as a hard charging carving machine, this K2 or the Amplid Pentaquark?
Pentaquark.
How does this compare to the Mega Merc? Not as freestyle oriented?
Stiffer, more aggressive, closer to the BSOD than the Mega.
@@AngrySnowboarder Got it. Many thanks.
I'm on the higher buy. 177cm, 95kg, 10 Burton Ion shoes. I hesitate between 159W and 160. Which one should I choose?
60
thx@@AngrySnowboarder
Hey Angry, will Rome Katanas fit this board ?
100%.
Hi Angry, 100kg, 183 cm, boot 11.5 us. 159w or 164w? Thanks
64w
Could be the cartel x a good bindings for this board?
It'll work.
@@AngrySnowboarder
Thank you
Love my yup
Hi Avren, thanks for the review! How does it's flex between bindings compares to flagship 22 and black s of death 22?
Stiffer.
grabbed 160, damn this thing is like Formula 1 car , so fucking stable and damn, so good to drive, thanks man, your positive review helped a lot! This baby is outstanding \m/
170 pounds, 5 feet 11 inches tall with 8.5 size boots. Would you recommend 154 or 157 size board?
57
@@AngrySnowboarder perfect thank you!
Just checking you rode the 157? The supers say 158. Or did you do the 159W?
Editing mistakes happen. It was the 58.
Why do you never recommend Nitro bindings?
Why do you make baseless claims that have no merit?
@@AngrySnowboarder It’s VERY rare. The Nitro Machine is one of the best all mountain bindings available.
@@Surfkid16 again see above statement.
Reading some comments I was thinking if it would be useful to add the boards' weight for this reviews (if that's even possible). I know board size would impact this, but still, I think it could be cool/useful. I might be wrong.
No! No no no no no. People just need to stop with this weight weenie bullshit. Grow the fuck up if you can’t handle 5lbs hanging off your leg either quit snowboarding or get off your asses and go hit the gym in the 9 months of the year you don’t go snowboarding.
@@AngrySnowboarder so... I was wrong 🤣 I was just trying to add up here! Tyrant!
but whats the difference between 2021 and 2022 alchemist ?
Graphic.
Who would win in a bar fight..
Sean Kearns or Shawn Palmer?
Or Shawn white?
@@fvictor77 Shaun
@@Minwary who cares
Arg.. never mind. Shaun White is definitely the most punchable snowboarder.
@@carpentopolis that’s what I’m sayin. Sean, Shawn, Shaun doesn’t matter, fuck em.
What do these 3 things have in common? 1. Mohawk Mullet 2. Half pipe 3. Hard boots
Lol! You forgot the dayglow yoga pant's!
Damian Sanders was a legendary
I can’t decide between this and the Jones Flagship.
My passion is to bomb and carve aggressively. I want a board that doesn’t give me any boundaries regarding stability.
For everyday-riding or park I have other boards in my quiver.
Thanks in regards!
This.
@@AngrySnowboarder I like his call. Purchased the 22 alchemist for this winter. Last three years I've been riding the Jones Carbon Flagship and it was a game changer from first descent. So if alchemist review is correct, then I can't wait to get some boots on it. The Jones Carbon Flagship is a special stick..
Aviator 2.0 or alchemist for freeride/freestyle
Yes.
@@AngrySnowboarder thank you
Restarting my quiver. Got a dancehaul for fun stuff, and looking for something to blast the asses of skiers on groomers but also retain a little bit of freestyle when taking it into sidecountry features. Would the 160 Alchemist be too much board for 165 lb, size 9? Can get a great deal on that size, but not worth ruining the ride.
Love all of your content. Fuck evo.
It's a little big especially if you want it for some freestyle.
Compared to the K2 Excavator?
Excavator is softer flexing, easier to initiate powder float, and carves differently.
Excavator is a bit wider underfoot (size down ~1 size from your normal snowboard length), has a tighter radius, and is softer in flex. We named is the Excavator because it's built for displacing soft snow and digging trenches on the cord. The Alchemist is a more traditionally-shaped hard-charging snowboard for the advanced to expert rider.
@@K2SN0WB0ARDING bought an Excavator based off your comments in this + the Excavator comment section.
Whoever handles your social - keep payin em, the (honest) insight is invaluable and got you a first time customer here 🙌
I’ve put a few hundred hours on the K2 Alchemist and I can affirm everything you said about the board is incredibly accurate. I’d say the better binding pairing is the Union Falcors rather than the Atlas though. This board in one word: Aggressive
If it's next years Falcor's sure, if it's the current ones fuck no those things are ass.
@@AngrySnowboarder I have the 20/21 Falcors on my 20/21 K2 Alchemist and I own newer Atlas bindings on a couple other boards where those are a great fit. I’m not a huge fan of changing bindings around and redialing my stance width and settings, so all my boards have bindings paired to them for the type of riding I plan to do with that particular board. I find the Falcors are a little more hyper responsive than the Atlas are and pair very well with the Alchemist. I haven’t had a single issue with the Falcors, nothings broken and as many hours as I have on that particular setup I would have for sure had something break by now with any other brand besides Rome or Union(personal experience). What’s been your issue with the current Falcors? Just curious. I’ll be getting a 24/25 set of Falcors to pair with the 24/25 Alchemist later this year before the season starts, what’s been improved?
They suck. The whole binding just fucking sucks. The ride, the straps, the highback, the fit, the flex. You can wait for the review and see or go to Unions site as I'm sure they're already selling them.
Can’t decide between 157 and 160
I have the 163. I agree it is a freeride rocket ship. It is incredibly stable at high speed, almost feels dangerous because you can go so much faster than on other boards that if you do fall you could be taking that very long slide. It is by far the best board given that I mostly ride big steep stuff fast.. The change from my previous rig was not incremental, it was substantial, almost revolutionary.
Same. The thing is a blast. I Also have the 163. I coulda gotten the 160 but the 163 is cool. came from a berserker.
I find them similar tbh.
Alchemist is stiffer but more responsive.
After riding my last model k2 Zeppelin to death, I'm on the hunt for another k2 killer stick.Hard charging trail carving and power riding, I'm stuck between this and the excavator. 158 was my Zepp length and its served me well....what do I throw my money at?!!!..great vids by the way..👍
Coming from a Zepplin you want this over the Excavator.
@@AngrySnowboarder thanks for your respected advice..off to serre chevalier next month so the wallet is open...😁
I can’t decide between this and the excavator!?
the alchemist is more stable and have more grip
@@boriscima8134 is it stiffer than a jones flagship?
@@-the-great-awakening yes more stiff and damp , but slower edge to edge in trees then the flagship
Is this board lightweight?
I haven't put mine on a scale to compare but I would say it feels pretty standard weight, not light weight.
its definitely on the lighter side for a freeride board, not the lightest board out there but the spaceglass tech in the nose makes the nose swing weight really low which makes it easier to ride and maneuver
Eat some muscle cheese and hit the gym if you're worried about board weight.
This or the BSOD
Sure.
Buy a stranda!
Nah.
Lost me at 157.
Then leave.
Has anyone ever seen this guy actually ride a snowboard?
No, he will never reveal his riding. Kinda shit because i dont know if he is terrible at snowboarding and just talks baseless shit about everything. But he knows what he is talking about obviously and he does seem to notice things that the marketing might not say, indicating he is good enough to notice them.
@@jordanlafaut he doesnt reveal his riding because he, like a lot of people, think holding a fucking stick while you ride or trying to coordinate with someone else to film you detracts from, you know, the actual experience of riding. Avran rips. I put a week in with him every year in Summit County.
Yes, I spend a week in Colorado riding with him. He rips. Smooth powerful riding all over the whole mountain.
I don't actually snowboard, I just play a snowboarder on the Internet.
@@howdyitsdavid I understand not wanting to hold a stick but, I dont get why he cant get some one to film him do 1 thing on 1 lap of the 100+ days he says he rides every year.
Good board but NS Valhalla is better at charging AND powder ;)
No it’s not you’re talking out your ass about an inferior product because your knowledge base is limited.