Ok, so here goes to all of you interested in this board. Thanks to those before me who helped share feedback and assist in my decision. I recently picked up the 5.8 Never Summer SL-R and am happy to report that the board is terrific. I am 34 yrs old and have been riding boards(mostly Burton's-which are very nice too) for 20+ years. I was amazed at how well this Never Summer performed in the Rockies. Taking it through the back country, powder, trees and groomers it responded(very easily) to anything I asked it to do. I seriously had to force the thing to catch an edge and knock me down. I kid you not in that I probably spun around 200 times over the course of three daysand at all speeds and without any issue at all. I am 5'10 and 185 lbs and the board fit me well. I would give the performance a 9 out of 10 with the other room for improvement on very high speed carves. Then again, that might not be fair as this board isnt designed for it. It did however carve very well at speeds up to 40. I probably wont ride another board for the next 5 years and will sacrifice the high speed(probably smart anyway) for the overall fun and joy this thing provides. To sum it up, I love it and would recommend. I think this board would be good for beginners to advanced. I also picked up the Union Bindings and am happy with them. I came from Burton Freestyle and Nidecker Carbons. Union is far superior in my opinion. Great job by the Never Summer design team and good luck to you in your board search.

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2000 Burton FL Project 6'2
1997 Burton 6'1
1993 Burton 6'1
1987 Gnu Kaos 143

I have never ridden so fast and so confidently. From the first time with NS SL 158 06/07 I feel new quality of riding.

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I have just changed my old Ride Dragon 153 1999...

Bought this baby at the begining of Dec. and have been riding it since. Originally interested in the Premier, 'cause of it's rep, but the folk at NS talked me into the SL, based on my ride style. What a great board!! My first 'real' board, so of course I'm going to think it shines, but compared to some other top, factory built decks it really stands out. I'm carving sharper and faster, popping higher and further, and all with a stable yet flexible slab underneath me. Sticking landings has never been easier or softer. Was also looking at Arbor, Illuminati, and a few others that probably would suit as well, but the NS kicks it for me. 5'6" 145#, riding the 55 is perfect. Stick with the guys that ride what they make 'cause they make what they want to ride....chances are you'll want to ride it, too!!

Customer Service

Great people there. Exchange about a 1/2 dozen emails getting the skinny on the goods, and every one was helpful.

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Like I said, crap until now. But I'll promise you one thing...I won't be throwing down my cake on any factory made Burton, K2, Solomon or any other chesse, ever! And right now, I see no reason to try any other boards.

numerous amount -Flexible -responsive turns -smooth ride -gentle landings -smooth takeoffs -very durable -very reliable -good quality products built into its base including p-tex sintered walls. -sick graphics

not many -somewhat heavy not much though -expensive but gives you your moneys worth

The product that i use is actually a 2004 SL 158 and has never let me down. I can do many things i could never do before. It has allowed me to ollie into a 270 to boardslide being as flexible as it is. It also has allowed me to link turns much better than i used to. My home mountain is practically all ice and its responsive turning has helped me dig in better. It also has much better landings than my heelside glide 151. There is no hard impact what so ever on landing. This board is insane and recommend it to anyone who wants to step up their riding in the park and on the trails.

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none

numerous amount -Flexible -responsive turns -smooth ride -gentle landings -smooth takeoffs -very durable -very reliable -good quality products built into its base including p-tex sintered walls. -sick graphics

not many -somewhat heavy not much though -expensive but gives you your moneys worth

The product that i use is actually a 2004 SL 158 and has never let me down. I can do many things i could never do before. It has allowed me to ollie into a 270 to boardslide being as flexible as it is. It also has allowed me to link turns much better than i used to. My home mountain is practically all ice and its responsive turning has helped me dig in better. It also has much better landings than my heelside glide 151. There is no hard impact what so ever on landing. This board is insane and recommend it to anyone who wants to step up their riding in the park and on the trails.

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none

unbelievable durability

not cheap

I ride the 03 sl 55. I have over 170 days on this board. I beat the crap out of it but it just wants more. If it isnt a never summer, its second best.

Slanted side walls that definately make a difference to making your turns transitions smoother and quicker and over all they make for quiter ride. The carbon beams in the board really do take vibration away from your feet when you are stomping a trick. The base is pretty tough, I'm rough with my boards and this past year the scratches kept to a minimum. It's super snappy and sweet for park. And to top it all off, simple but sweet graphics!

Only possible weakness is the price. I believe it sells for 470$ in stores, but even that isn't bad compared to the 500-600 that the good Burtons cost. And that can be worked around, the 2003 can be bought at discount now as last year's model in stores. Ebay is also always an option.

I actually ride the 2003, but that wasn't an option to choose. Amazing board, absolutely amazing. I haven't found anything that I don't like about the board and I've ridden it 40 times. Stick to the smaller brands. The smaller names depend on every customer that they get and have to make their boards top quality because they can't afford to lose customers. Smaller brands are put more effort into their boards and as a result last longer and less defects.

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Ride Timeless (not nearly as good!)

Everything!!! -Greatly reduced chatter -Great flex -Good takeoffs -Good sidewalls

Not yet

This board is awesome. I have never ridden anything better. I can not find a single flaw defect or weakness with it. Buy this board!!!!

everything imaginable.

don't know of any

the best board i've ever ridden. basically what everyone else has said, stable, fast, dependable, and bullet proof. i ride the 158 older one but is in perfect condition still. by the 3rd day i was hanging with my buds that usually smoked by me when i was on skiis.

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never used anything but never summer with flow bindings. just lucky i guess.

-Light -Responsive -Stable, little board chatter -Smooth takeoffs on jumps -Forgiving on the landings -Flexes well in the middle -Snappy on the front and back ends

None

This board is awesome. It is extremely stable, even in the harshest conditions (I board mostly in Southern California). Takeoffs and landings are super smooth. Lightning fast and responsive, it does great in the park and even free ride.

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Sims CD150