Ben Wannamaker Pro 98cm

Rider Reviews

The Revel8 BWPs are the skiboards to choose when you want a skiboard that can handle the groomers with the added edge of a quick turning radius. BWPs turn on a dime, especially on moguls where they feel just at home. Being similar in design to the Line MNPs, but with added width and more flex, they perform similar to the Line MNPs, the added width gives more stability in all conditions. This is a great skiboard to choose for someone totally new to being on the snow, wanting to feel what's it's like. This skiboard will give someone the full experience of being on a skiboard, and then they can decide do they wish to go to a shorter size for even quicker turns or to a longer size for more speed and more stability.

I'll start by saying I was really impressed with the base graphics on these. Great design and colors.

They came with some wax on them but of course I went ahead and waxed them, twice with swix all temp wax ( the blue stuff )

I could NOT BELEIVE HOW FAST THESE BASES ARE when properly waxed. I came off the summitt lift at butternut and I just kept sliding and sliding, even uphill they just kept on going.

But how were they on the rails, you're wondering ? excellent.

I was initially concerned about the stability on some big airs but I even overshot a couple landing zones and had no problems.

Got a few more stares then usual, I would then remark to the starer " weird, huh ? " and they just stand there with their mouth open not knowing what to say.

So If you're on the fence about either getting the EMP or the BWP, I'd say if you're more inclined for heaving powder bashing action get the EMPS, and If you like rails and terrain parks more get the BWP, but they both excel in either area.

I think these will end up being my go to boards over the Tansho's, something about the flex is super cool and fun! Jumps and landings are a blast! They FLY down anything! They are STABLE!!!! They Spin/Butters crazily too! I was impressed by two things theee most: First; going through crud was incredible,these boards had no idea they were riding on choppy snow, fast & stable! Second, the flex. Made it fun & smooth for me! Ok, third, 360 spins, they did just as well as the Tansho's, but the Tansho's feel more apart of me, more at home on them. The BWP's are high on my list, tied with the Tansho's maybe!

The 2007 BWPs w/Pro Lites are the first boards I've ever owned so there won't be any comparison with other skiboards.

Background Info: I'm 27 yrs old, decent shape, 6' tall, 185ish lbs. I wear Dalbello Krypton Rampage boots (mondo 29.5). I am a novice snowboarder, haven't skied in 11 years, very comfortable on inline skates (skate w/my wife for exercise) about 3 times a week, and a first time skiboarder. My first skiboarding trip (4.5 days) took place down south at Los Tres Valles (El Colorado-Farellones/Valle Nevado/La Parva) in Chile (review to follow) from 25-29 July. Snow was mostly packed pow and temperatures ranged from 25-40 deg F. That about covers it. So here it goes:

These boards were used, but in great shape when I bought them. I put a coat of hot wax on them every two days and they stayed nice and slick.

My first ride down the hill (green run - ungroomed crud) was a little sketchy, at no fault of the boards. Once I stopped sitting in the backseat, everything smoothed out. These BWPs were almost as nimble as my inlines. Their soft flex ate up the crud without an issue. Soon I was on a groomed run and realized the true potential. Edge to edge was seamless and easy...no poles and no problems.

The following 2 days I upgraded to some blue runs (groomed packed pow) and a whole new world opened up. Even at 99cm, these boards were plenty of fast. I constantly had to check my speed. Hockey stopping took quite a bit more effort than on skis/snowboard (not-so-sharp edge probably played into it.)

Days 3.5 and 4.5 were spent almost entirely on packed pow red runs (south american version of blue-blacks). Once again, they performed like a dream on the groomers. I hit a few small jumps and the flex and wide design held up nice on the landings. My friends and I decided to hit a bowl on the other side of the mountain....that's where disaster struck...

A 185ish pound dude on 99cm boards does not work too well in over a foot of Andean powder. I leaned back as much as I could without falling, but i just couldn't get the speed (green/blue-ish steepness) necessary to maintain a good line. The boards just kept sinking.

In summary: Absolutely fantastic boards for groomers/jumps/jibs. Highly recommend for anyone riding in that capacity. However, If you want to head off-piste (and weigh over 150lbs), pick up some larger boards. I'm probably going to pick up some Spruce 120s.