The day was calm, sunny sky's and not a cloud in site. We were fortunate enough to play hookie and enjoy some free shred action on Vitamin Water's dime. All we had to do was turn in an empty bottle of water and magically it was transformed into a day lift ticket of joy. The scene was packed with snowboard enthusiasts wanting a taste of the "spring like" corduroy and freshly cut park and pipe. We teamed up with K2's most awesome rep BJ and tested out some K2 snowboards, K2 boots and K2 bindings. I jumped on the K2 Darkstar and Courtney on the K2 Duchess. We were stoked to get out on the hill.

When looking at the shape of the K2 Darkstar, I new I was in for a treat for some excellent snowboard park action. K2 snowboards had teamed up with graphic artists, "Modern Amusement" in a collaboration to create a matching colorway kit in the K2 Darkstar, K2 Darko boot and the K2 Modern Amusement Formula Binding. Seeing them all in hand looked phenomenal with the bright color pops and abstract geometric shapes. Getting down to the board; it is twin tip in shape and rides switch really well, thanks to it's Hyper Progressive sidecut that allows the board a smooth turn initiation whichever direction you're riding. The flex was relatively soft, but not too soft, which made for easy pressing and sliding rails all while providing a comfortable stable platform for landing the sizable tables of the park. The sintered 4000 base showed no signs of slowing up even in the after noon slush. The only downside that I can think of would be that it is a little soft (for my taste) at high speeds. I noticed it washed out on me when laying down some heavy Euro carves. In my opinion, I am very pleased with the K2 Darkstar and the way it handles freestyle terrain.

Courtney got a taste of what the K2 Duchess had to offer and left her with a large grin on her face. In her own words, "This is my board of choice!" Combining the ultimate powder riding experience with all terrain freestyle perfection. If you’re ready to rule the entire mountain, the K2 Duchess snowboard is your calling. The K2 Duchess has a slightly longer tip and tail for effortless float in the deep stuff is combined with a twin styled shape and Hyper Progressive sidecut for seamless response in all snow conditions and terrain. While up on the "Magic Mile" chair lift, I managed to lay down some Euro carves and not miss a beat. This board was stable on the groomers and handles the park and pipe in true freestyle fashion. I felt comfortable sliding the rails and stomping landings thanks to the twin tip shape and the effortless glide of the sintered 4000 base.
The free shred day was well worth the trip, we rode with the sun on our backs and smiles on our face and not a dime out of our pockets. Another day in the life of being a snowboarder, a shop kid, a TruSnower! Life is good.

Please take a look around at TruSnow.com to find the products that will give you the stoke you are looking for.