2024 Nidecker Thruster Snowboard Review
By: Tyese Messerman, Customer Care Representative | Last Updated: July 24th, 2023
The Lowdown
Boasting itself to be a carving machine, the 2024 Nidecker Thruster Snowboard has proven there's not much it can't do. This full-camber snowboard is stiff in all the right ways, full of explosive pop, and provides the support and stability needed to bomb the whole mountain. Not only is it quick edge-to-edge, but the added volume and 3D beveling in the tip make it stand out as one of the best full camber boards I've ever ridden in powder. Throw in that dense N-9000 sintered base for exceptional speed and durability, and the Thruster could be the next quiver-of-one board that everyone is talking about.
Shop the Nidecker Thruster Snowboard
Technical Details
| Sizes (cm) | [147], 150, 153, 156, 159, 162 W |
| Shape | Directional |
| Wasit Width (mm) | 244 @ 147 cm |
| Sidecut Radius (m) | 7.5 @ 147 cm |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Full Camber |
| Flex Rating | Mid-Stiff |
| Core | Light Core |
| Laminates | Triax Plus + Absorbnid + Pop Carbon + SIDE Kick Tech |
| Binding Compatibility | 2 x 4 Insert Pattern (6) |
Ride Impressions
I travel a lot, and I'm always on the hunt for a board that I consider to be a legitimate 'do-it-all' board. I love to have a quiver, but sometimes you can only pick one without knowing exactly what conditions you'll encounter. The Nidecker Thruster proved to be that "quiver-of-one" board. The directional camber profile with a slight setback, combined with a 7/10 stiffness proved to be a hard-charging machine in just about all conditions. Not only did it rip on groomers, as it should, but the blunt nose with 3D beveling blew me away with its ability to charge through powder. Often, a full camber board wants to nose dive, but not the Thruster. Even in a foot of powder at Mt. Hood it shined. I found it quick edge to edge and easy to cruise through tight trees as well. I generally ride a size 149-150cm, but I rode the Thruster in a 147cm. Sizing down provided a more playful ride, whereas sizing up would have been a bit stiffer. I loved having the explosive pop to hit kickers and sidehits while not losing speed at all. The Thruster truly is an amazing design that can handle anything thrown at it.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pros
- Truly a 'do-it-all' board
- Hard charging carver with explosive pop
- One of the best full camber boards I've ridden in powder
Cons
- Might be hard to handle for a beginner or lower level intermediate
- I got bucked around a bit in heavy, uneven terrain
- Matte topsheet seems to show scratches easily
Who Is It For?
The Nidecker Thruster snowboard is the key to success for the advanced rider looking for a 'quiver-of-one' board. It has an exceptionally fast base and is a carving machine, it has explosive pop and enough play to hit kickers and sidehits, and the beveling in the nose even makes it float through powder. This is an impressive deck that will help take your riding to the next level.
The Bottom Line
Traveling has never been easier, thanks to the versatility of the Thruster! Whether you're met with sunny days of pristine corduroy groomers or deep pow days where it just won't stop dumping, the Thruster will shine. If you're an intermediate-advanced rider, this snowboard will take your skills to the next level, and leave a smile on your face all day.
Shop the Nidecker Thruster Snowboard
About the Reviewer
Name: Tyese Messerman
Age: 36
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 130 lbs
Size Reviewed: 147 cm
Location(s) & Conditions: Oregon and France - groomers, powder, trees and chunder.
Bindings: Nidecker Supermatic and NOW Conda
Boots: Ride Hera Pro
Riding Style & Ability Level: My local mountain is Mt. Bachelor and my style shows it. Steep bowls filled with pow, wind lips, kickers, and long tree runs are my jam.