2025 Arbor Padre Snowboard Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 20th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The 2025 Arbor Padre — part of their new Founders Collection proved itself to be a notable contender in the world of snowboards, particularly beloved by those who favor a surf-like experience on groomers. Our testers, ranging from advanced to expert riders, put the Padre through its paces at various locations, including Brighton, UT, Loveland, CO, and Mission Ridge, WA.
Max Garvey, riding a 161cm board at Brighton, UT, described it as "the most fun board I have ever taken on a groomer." He praised its edge hold and creative potential, which was a delightful surprise since he initially doubted the board would suit his style. According to Max, "Arbor killed it with this one!"
On the other hand, Kyle Wood, a more avid on-piste carver, shared a different take from his experience at Loveland, CO on the 159 cm model. He noted the Padre's unique attributes as a carving board, highlighting its dampness and stability, which allows it to plow through variable conditions without losing control. However, he missed the energetic 'pop' typical of more traditional carving boards, a sentiment that might resonate with traditionalists looking for more quick precision from their rides.
Justin Courtney's feedback from Mission Ridge, WA, on the 157cm model, focused on the board's high-speed stability and its potential in soft snow, despite testing it in less-than-ideal conditions. The long nose and minimal tail design discouraged switch riding but promised excellent performance for dedicated high-speed carvers.
From playful circle turns to high-speed Euro carves, the 2025 Arbor Padre offers that reliable edgehold and lively rebound for riders who appreciate a board that blends creativity with control. It's clear that whether for playful turns or serious trenching, the Padre and its traditional Japanese-style performance stand ready to impress and change the way you ride down the mountain.
Technical Details
"High-performance, low-angle, touch-the-ground turns are the hallmark of traditional Japanese-style snowboarding, and the Padre draws heavy inspiration from the region of the world that has been snow-surfing for over fifty years. This board is a set-back, directional, Japanese-influenced gun shape with a powerful camber profile that goes fast and turns hard."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 157, 161 |
| Shape | Directional |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Traditional Camber |
| Flex Rating | 8 / 10 (Stiff) |
| Core | Highland II Wood Core |
| Laminates | Mixed Glassing, Real Wood Powerply |
| Binding Compatibility | 2x4 (12-Pack Inserts) |
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 Padre Snowboard:
In assessing the 2025 Arbor Padre, we enlisted three of our evo employees, bringing a mix of advanced to expert riding abilities and styles that include all-mountain, freeride, and carving. Tested at three mountains: Brighton, UT; Loveland, CO; and Mission Ridge, WA, the board was put through the full spectrum of conditions and terrains. Our reviewers ranged in height from 5'10" to 5'11" and tested both the157cm as well as the 161cm lengths.
The Padre was tested independently by each reviewer, providing insights that reflect both real-world conditions and personal riding styles. This diversity in testing helps cater to a wide range of preferences and skill levels in the snowboarding community.
Scroll down to read each tester's individual review and get a firsthand look at how the 2025 Arbor Padre performed in the field.
Max Garvey
Service Shop Technician - Salt Lake City Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 161 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Geared towards intermediate/advanced riders.
"The most fun board I have ever taken on a groomer. Felt like I was surfing the entire time i was riding it! Holds an edge like crazy for long and drawn out turns. Overall, a great board to be creative with! I didn't think this board would fit my style of riding, and now I want one! Arbor killed it with this one!"
Kyle Wood
Customer Care Lead, Warranty
Tester Rating: 3-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 159 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
A different kind of carving board
"The Padre, Arbor's new entry into the carving-board world, is certainly a unique riding experience. With a good setback and a long nose and a directional shape, I expected this board to be right up my freeride alley. For many riders, it will be. But for myself, I found the board to be a bit too dead underfoot. Classic carving boards tend to be loaded with pop so that, when the camber is loaded in a carve, it snaps back as pressure is released, driving you out of one carve and into the next. The Arbor Padre is not loaded with pop. This may make it friendlier for less experienced riders, as there isn't going to be as much dependency on good technique to slash around on this board. However, it also may turn off more advanced carvers who love that snap they get from more traditional boards. The Arbor Padre is a powerful board, I will certainly give it that. It is incredibly damp, meaning that it can plow through chop and chunder without bucking you around. It can carry good speed without chattering or feeling out-of-control, and it holds an edge fairly well. For intermediate riders in the PNW, Upper East Coast and Midwest where you may experience a higher degree of variable snow and chop, this could be the board for you! If you're dropping heavy lines out west and are more concerned about stability in getting down than the rush and response of pop, take the Padre for a ride! It'll get you where you need to go."
Justin Courtney
Senior Manager, Customer Care
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 157 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Fun directional quiver board
"I did not ride this board in the best conditions for the design. That said, I can imagine how this board would excel in soft snow. The very long nose was not crazy stiff, but would hold up on a bow day. There is almost no tail, so riding switch is not recommended. This board is great for people who like to carve at high speed, as it's super stable."
Pros
Surf-like Groomer Performance: Several testers described how the Padre allowed for a surf-like experience on groomers, emphasizing its ability to hold an edge through long, drawn-out turns, making it ideal for creative riding.
Stability in Various Conditions: Despite lacking the traditional pop, the board's damp nature allows it to handle chop and variable snow conditions effectively, providing a stable ride without feeling out-of-control.
Directional Design Suited for Carving: The long nose and minimal tail setup are perfect for riders who enjoy dedicated high-speed carving, enhancing stability and control during such rides.
Cons
Lacks Traditional Pop: Riders accustomed to the energetic snap of classic carving boards might find the Padre's more subdued response underfoot a bit lacking, potentially turning off advanced carvers seeking dynamic performance.
Not Suitable for Switch Riding: The almost non-existent tail makes switch riding challenging, limiting the board's versatility for those who might want to mix up their riding styles.
May Not Suit All Advanced Carvers: While stable and forgiving, the board's unique characteristics might not meet the expectations of more experienced carvers who prioritize responsiveness and pop in their rides.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Arbor Padre Snowboard is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who prioritize stability and creativity over traditional carving dynamics. This board excels in providing a surf-like experience on groomers, making it ideal for those who enjoy making long, sweeping turns and prefer a board that handles well under a variety of conditions, including chop and variable snow.
Riders who will appreciate the Padre the most are those looking for a board that can deliver a stable and damp ride, capable of carrying good speed without chattering. Its directional shape and design cater specifically to carving enthusiasts who enjoy dedicated runs rather than mixed style riding. However, this board is less suited for individuals who thrive on the energetic pop associated with more traditional carving boards, and its design discourages switch riding, limiting its versatility for freestyle enthusiasts.
Overall, the Padre offers a unique set of characteristics that might redefine expectations for riders at ski resorts with diverse conditions, particularly those in regions like the PNW, Upper East Coast, and Midwest.