Bataleon Magic Carpet Review
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Bataleon Magic Carpet Review
*Note: While all of our reviews are for current or upcoming season’s models, every so often we put up a review of something that isn’t. We’ll always tell you when we do so, though. Usually with a note similar to this one. From time to time, we also review snowboard gear that’s designated “men’s.” To find out why we think this is OK, read more about our thoughts, opinions, and feelings here. Otherwise, carry on.
Bataleon Magic Carpet: Who Might Ride It
Yeah, I get that the Bataleon Magic Carpet is technically a “dude’s board,” and that this is a women’s snowboard gear review site, but… I don’t give a fuck. I love this board and I’m not down with the gender binary. In writing about the Bataleon Magic Carpet, right here and now, I get to accomplish two things: gush about a snowboard that brings me great joy every time I ride it; raise a big middle finger to binarism. With these sentiments in mind, know that when we highlight men’s snowboard gear here on Gold Snow, it’s for a good reason. Meaning: you can damn well be sure that we love the shit out of whatever it is we’re reviewing.
Back to the board. After borderline obsessive research and review consumption, I deduced that the Bataleon Magic Carpet might be the thing I was seeking: a board that rode powder days like a fucking beast, but that could also shimmy, slide, spin, and bonk its way through a park. Also, I wanted to stick with a true twin shape. I come from the east coast, and my roots are park laps on twins with the boys. Yes, in searching for a powder board that also loves to ride park and that’s also a twin, I knew I was asking for a lot. But, you gotta aim fuckin’ high. And I’m glad I did, because I found a gem in the Bataleon Magic Carpet.
““Yes, in searching for a powder board that also loves to ride park and that’s also a twin, I knew I was asking for a lot. But, you gotta aim fuckin’ high. And I’m glad I did, because I found a gem in the Bataleon Magic Carpet.””
This board has seen waist-deep powder days (last week!), days covered in several inches of peanut butter, whiteout storm days (week before last week!), and… has floated like a fucking champ through it all. AND, get this, I keep my stance centered. That’s insane! Centered, twin, and this thing can cruise through the goods! Granted, I’ve never ridden a powder-specific board (like I said, I’m east coast, I’m Jersey; we don’t need that shit there), so perhaps I don’t know what I’m truly missing. But. I think I’ve got it pretty damn good with the Bataleon Magic Carpet.
Ok, Ok. So who wants to ride this thing? If you want a powder board that will surf the surf and keep you afloat through all kinds of inches of frozen water, but that will also transition into the park with the confident ease of a pimp sealing a deal, the Bataleon Magic Carpet is for you. Want to ride switch, alley-oop, and nollie off side-hits and wind formations, regardless of whether it’s dumping or bluebird? The Bataleon Magic Carpet is for you.
Bataleon Magic Carpet - 2017 Model
Bataleon Magic Carpet: On-Snow Feel
In order to talk about the on-snow feel, I’m going to get into some technical shit. Bear with me.
The Bataleon Magic Carpet I’m currently riding is the 2017 model. On the Bataleon site, it lists the 2017 as being a 4 on the flex scale and having a dynamic camber profile. The 2019 model is shown with a low camber profile and a flex of 6. Both models have Bataleon's Twin Pow 3BT (the triple base technology that makes for the spooned nose and tail), but the newer version has Sidekick. What the fuck is Sidekick? According to Bataleon, their Sidekick technology “dramatically increases the sidebase uplift on the widest points of the nose and tail. This makes turn initiation even smoother, increases float in powder and handling of the board in rough terrain.” Cool.
“Thanks, Bataleon, for making a beautiful board that allows me to do what I love to do: play in the snow with my friends. ”
Why mention all this? Because, while I absolutely adore the on-snow feel of the Bataleon Magic Carpet, there’s a little left to be desired in the turn-initiation department. There’s a very slight, yet noticeable delay when it comes to making turns. I’m accustomed to riding wider boards, so I don’t mind it, but I’m wondering how the turns feel with the 2019 model, given the “uplift on the widest points of the nose and tail.” I’m also curious to experience the “increased float in powder and handling of rough terrain,” as I feel the 2017 Magic Carpet is already pretty legit in both of these areas.
Aside from turns, the Bataleon Magic Carpet could use a little more pop in the ollie, as I feel like I have to pre-load more than usual in order to achieve liftoff. My favorite, nollie 180’s, pop just fine. And as for torsional flex, it’s downright juicy.
Why Steer Clear of The Bataleon Magic Carpet
Um. If you don’t like having fun?
Why Buy The Bataleon Magic Carpet
You’ve already heard enough about my undying love for the Bataleon Magic Carpet. Not sure you really want or need to hear more.
Bataleon Magic Carpet - 2019 Model
Final Notes: Bataleon Magic Carpet
I’ve spewed enough, so… Thanks, Bataleon, for making a beautiful board that allows me to do what I love to do: play in the snow with my friends.