K2 wants to ensure that winter will live on, so it created the Zero Snowboard. The setback twin Zero features K2's lightest, most advanced construction ever—and it's environmentally responsible, too. K2's new Harshmellow technology (a layer of synthetic polymer added to the board) absorbs vibration at high speeds for a smooth ride. K2's engineers eliminated the ABS plastic from this buttery yet responsive board. Plus they used better and stronger fiberglass so less of it is needed, made the wood core from sustainable, strong aspen and bamboo, and reduced the use of solvents and other toxic materials. For every Zero produced, the K2 will purchase pollution offset credits, so this all-terrain ride doesn't contribute to our deteriorating environment.
Bottom Line: The future of snowboarding looks green.
I got to ride the Zero this past summer out at Hood. I rode it for about a week with the new Auto-Evers on it. Not only is this one of the lightest boards I have ever ridden, it is also one of the liveliest. It felt like I was riding an angry mongoose chasing a snake down the hill, and I mean that in a good way. Like if you had some sort of spirit-power over the mongoose. It has insane pop and won't buckle no matter how much pressure you put on it. The Harshmellow on the board paired with the Auto-evers made for a crazy cushiony feel. The top sheet almost feels like fabric which helped keep the bindings from slipping. Check out Tim Eddy's part in These Days to see the Zero in snake chasing action.
*Although I recommend this board highly, I do kind of agree with the review Calling "BS" on the eco marketing thing.
I would like to start by saying I have actually been on this board, seen this board, and held this board in my own hands and can say it is a huge step in the ECO direction. They have reduced a ton of materials in this board that ARE harmful to the environment without sacrificing your ride. If you are educated on board construction, you can pick this board up look it over and tell there is less to it, and in the ECO world less is more. BUT, when you actually get on it you don't feel like you're on a board that is missing anything. It is one of the smoothest most responsive boards I have ever ridden. So if you like the idea of reducing your carbon footprint check this board out. You can go to www.k2snowboarding.com and find out a lot more about this board. Check out the info on HarshMellow as well, it is a huge part of why this thin profiled board can ride as smooth as it does with great edge hold.
