2025 Arbor Carbon Coda Snowboard Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 11th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
In our quest for the ultimate all-mountain ride, the 2025 Arbor Carbon Coda has emerged as a standout, proving to be the board that thrives on challenge and complexity. Our testers, bringing a wealth of experience from the steep terrains of Brighton, UT to the groomed slopes of Mission Ridge, WA, have put this board through the wringer, and it has not just survived but excelled.
This board, with its carbon stringers running from tip to tail, presents a unique blend of stiffness, lightness, and agility, setting a new benchmark for big mountain boards. Whether carving through slushy conditions or plowing through chop, the Carbon Coda has shown unmatched performance. Its ability to remain damp and fun on steeper, bumpy terrains was particularly praised, providing that sought-after exhilaration without compromising on control or stability.
Designed for the hard-charging rider, the Carbon Coda caters to those in the intermediate to expert range. Our testers, varying in height and weight, found the board's size to be spot on, with one noting that even a shorter than usual board length performed beyond expectations. This adaptability speaks volumes, suggesting that riders should feel confident in choosing this board true to size.
The unanimous 5-star rating across our testers underscores the board's exceptional performance across diverse conditions and styles. From advanced riders looking to rip groomers to those seeking a playful yet responsive experience, the Arbor Carbon Coda delivers. Its prowess in switch riding, despite a tail shape that might suggest otherwise, adds a layer of versatility, making it a compelling choice for riders who demand excellence in every aspect of their mountain adventure.
Technical Details
"The Coda has long been a high-level, cross-terrain performer. But the all-new Coda - designed with Pat Moore - breaks the evolutionary sound barrier with its forward-facing approach to all-mountain expectations. This upgraded Carbon version incorporates the added response and snap that only carbon inlays and vector netting can."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 155, 158, 159W, 161 |
| Shape | Directional |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Camber |
| Flex Rating | 8 (1 Soft - 10 Stiff) |
| Core | Highland III Core (Poplar + Paulownia) |
| Laminates | Double Carbon Stringers, Carbon Vector Netting, Mixed Glassing |
| Binding Compatibility | 2x4 Inserts (14 Pack) |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Arbor — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Arbor Carbon Coda Snowboard:
In evaluating the 2025 Arbor Carbon Coda, we brought together three of our evo employees, all boasting advanced riding abilities, to put this board to the test in varied terrains and conditions. The trials took place at two iconic locations: Brighton, UT, and Mission Ridge, WA, offering a mix of steep, challenging terrains as well as groomed runs, perfectly mirroring the diverse requirements of our testing protocol. Our testers ranged in height from 5'10" to 5'11" and in weight from 170 to 230 pounds, each choosing a board size that suited their personal style, from 157 to 158cm. This diversity in physical stature and chosen board size, combined with their unified advanced skill level and all-mountain riding style, ensured that our assessment of the Arbor Carbon Coda was comprehensive and robust. Their varied experiences and styles, from groomers and carving to general all-mountain riding, guarantee that our review encapsulates a well-rounded perspective, making it a trustworthy resource for those considering the Arbor Carbon Coda. We invite you to read on for each tester's unique viewpoint.
Max Garvey
Service Shop Technician - Salt Lake City,UT
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 157
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Amazing for tough and steep terrain. Push this board to its limits!!
"If you are looking for a fun big mountain board this is it. The carbon stringers from tip to tail make this board stiff, light, and nimble. Had some choppy conditions to test this board and it delivered. It plows through chop like nothing. Had so much fun on steeper bumpy terrain. Provided a very damp and fun ride! This board is absolutely geared towards a hard charging rider in the intermediate to expert range. I’m 5’10 and 230 pounds and rode this in a 157 which is shorter than im used to and it performed perfectly. Honestly would ride it true to size!"
Todd Cohn
Customer Care Representative
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 158 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Great option for advanced and expert riders looking to rip groomers!
"Nice upgrade for the Coda line! I am a fan of the Coda series (both rocker and camber) and was very curious about upgraded 2025 lineup, including the Carbon Coda. It did not disappoint! It provided a touch more stability and responsiveness compared to the traditional Coda Camber from years past, without being overly catchy or aggressive. I was on the 158cm and it felt great with my 10.5 K2 boots. I was able to lean into carves with no drag and it held a great edge. I believe there's setback on it, which made it feel more fun and playful. The shape of the tail doesn't look conducive to switch riding, but don't let the look fool you, the board rides great switch. Rode this board on a slushy day and it was a blast. I assume it would hole it's own in powder but the board will definitely rip groomers. The board paired great with the new Arbor Cypress bindings."
Young Bohle
Supply Chain Junior Data Analyst
Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 158
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
On the stiff side so it's not forgiving. You need to in charge, or it'll become the captain real quick.
"The 158 felt like the right size for me. I never felt overworked moving the board around. This board is right at home with someone who loves a directional carver. The stiffness and camber work to keep things smooth after the runs are chewed up. The turn radius is tighter than you'd expect, and as soon as you initiate, it grabs that edge and goes for it. Settle in because it's all smiles after that."
Pros
Big Mountain Capability: Its stiff construction and carbon stringers allow this board to excel in big mountain conditions, providing the stability and nimbleness needed to tackle steep, challenging terrains with ease.
All-Mountain Versatility: The Carbon Coda shines across a variety of conditions, from chop to slush, demonstrating superior performance that caters to advanced riders looking to explore every corner of the mountain.
Responsive and Playful: Despite its stiffness, the board maintains a playful feel, particularly noted in its ability to ride switch and carve with precision, making it a joy for those who appreciate a dynamic riding experience.
Cons
Not for Beginners: Given its stiffness and aggressive nature, this board is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. Beginners may find it challenging to manage and less forgiving than other options.
Tail Shape Misconception: While its tail shape might suggest limitations in switch riding, this is not the case. However, this misconception could deter riders who prefer a more traditional tail design for versatility.
Demanding: To get the most out of this board, you need to be in control. Its stiff nature means it's less forgiving and requires a confident, commanding rider to truly unlock its potential.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Arbor Carbon Coda is ideally suited for the intermediate to expert rider who demands a board that can keep up with their high-energy, adventurous style on the mountain. This board is designed for those who thrive in challenging conditions, from deep powder to craggy steeps, and who appreciate a board that responds well to aggressive riding.
With its carbon-enhanced construction, the Carbon Coda excels in providing a stable yet nimble experience, perfect for hard chargers who need a board that can plow through chop and maintain stability at high speeds. The responsive nature of the board makes it a great fit for riders who enjoy both carving deep lines on groomers and exploring off-piste terrain. Despite its prowess in switch riding, the board's stiff and demanding nature might not be ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more forgiving, playful setup. It’s a board built for riders who want to command the mountain, not for those still getting comfortable with varied mountain conditions.