Salomon has the equalizer technology, we give you a quick review and interview with super smart Salomon guy David Farcot. Thanks David for giving us the interview all the way from France!

Jed Anderson loves the straight edge apparently; and crushes this Western New York rail photo-Centi No not the kind of straight edge where you shave your head, listen to Charged GBH and not drink alcohol but we are talking about straight edges on your snowboard, yep no curved edges. Salomon has a lot of new ideas going on but their Equalizer technology pops out for pushing snowboard design in new directions. Equalizer means basically that the metal edges of your board are straight instead of the traditional curved edges. What it accomplishes is that it distributes the pressure along the length of the board instead of just between your feet. While it looks alien with straight edges, when you flex your board (like when riding) the straight edges produce a nice turning arc. Salomon was so confident of the Equalizer technology that they sent one for testing with no real caveats other than have fun. The Official right off the bat it was one of the funnest riding boards. Since the edges distribute pressure more you are supposed to dull the edges down; you get the benefit of dull edges for less edge catches in the park but you still have all mountain edge control thanks to the Equalizer. In addition to the Equalizer, the Official has some other nice features. Popster core profile helps the board get more pop without adding weight. Alien Light Core lowers the weight but does other stuff to the board so it still rides well, I am not an engineer so I can't tell you more but the board rides kick ass. Sintered 4000EG base and super stone finished super fast. The straight edges are not just a novelty and the Official would be a good board if you only get to ride one board next year. The Official received Transworld's Good Wood award so now you know I am not alone in my opinion. We got the designer of the board to answer the hard questions for you. Equalizer technology is available in a few boards in the Salomon line, check em out at your local core shop.

The edges really are straight

Interview with Salomon Product Director David Farcot:

SR: Equalizer, is it basically straight edges instead of the traditional radius that has been on boards since the beginning pretty much?

DF: An equalizer side cut is made out of straight lines (3 or 5) and kinks, instead of a radial or elliptic curve. It's a patented geometry that we introduced in (07-08).

SR: What was the idea behind it and who came up with it?

DF: The idea is to equalize the pressure distribution along the edge by maximizing its contact with the snow. In a 3D world with complex terrain (snow surface), straight lines are easier to bend than complex curves. On a regular snowboard, the pressure peaks on 4 narrow spots (feet, wide points). This creates instability. When pressure is more evenly distributed, you're more stable, like running with flat soles vs. high-heels. The theory and prototypes came from our board wizards here, and surprisingly were originated to answer a random request from our former CEO.  You guys should work on a technology that makes the snow softer; its getting really packed everywhere

SR: What are the benefits?

DF: More maneuverability and a smooth and constant edge contact, even on hard packed, with no hiccups. David Benedek and Bode Merrill both say it makes switch in-runs and take-offs a bit more relaxing.

SR: If it distributes the pressure farther along the edges does that mean you ride a shorter board than normal or ride your usual size and it just rides radder?

Salomon: It means that you can ride a soft board that still holds the edge when the snows not perfect and youre still charging. (Official / Drift) It means that you can ride a longer board with some pop and stay in control (Lark)

SR: Where the people at Salomon nervous the first time people rode it?

DF: Yes we were all pretty amazed by how well the theory was confirmed by riding...we were more than doubtful before.

SR: It won a "Good Wood" award for 2009 in Transworld's board test; did that seem to justify the theory of the whole Equalizer thing?

DF: The fact that our riders have adopted it is the best proof for us that this technology rides perfect. Of course, the Good Wood awards for Official and Drift have been a great help to convince kids to give them a ride.

SR: Which of the team riders ride boards with equalizer edges?

DF: David Benedek, Matt Ladley, and Sylvain Bourbousson on the Official, since the first year, Wolle Nyvelt on the Grip, Scotty Arnold on his updated pro board, Desiree Melancon on the Lark, Jed Anderson on the Drift…Even carving Josh Dirksen likes it..

SR: How has feedback been from consumers, dealers and other everyday riders that have ridden it?

DF: Really great! Kids and retailers from hard-packed areas and park-riders (East Coast, Canada, Scandinavia,) have been super stoked since the early days. Last summer we had an overwhelmingly positive response at Mt. Hood. Kids loved being able to file down their edges for rails and then still hold an edge cruising down Palmer in the morning.

SR: For 09/10 how many boards will have Equalizer?

DF: Same as last year + Grip (all mountain bamboo freestyle board) / Gypsy (park & Jib for girls) / the updated Arnie (he asked for EQ after trying the official).

SR: What other features does the Salomon Official have that make it stand out from other boards on the market (as if straight edges were not enough)?

DF: Well, it's pretty loaded with very smart and efficient tech: an alien light core (wood + low density foam) with a popster profile (increase the pop, keeps the strength) and sidewalls with rubber rails (dampening layer) are the main highlights.

Overall view

The legendary David Benedek says his "favorite board is the Official"

you are looking at a really fast, durable, sintered base

Sure most guys fantasize about girls going both ways but the Salomon Lark offers straight edges for females like Salomon rider Desiree Melancon photo-Miller

Bode Merrill enjoys straight edges

Everyone is doing it, apparently OG Scotty Arnold is adding Equalizer to his 09/10 pro model Salomon Snowboard