Fresh on the heels of the successful release of the first-ever Atomic snowboards last season, Atomic Snowboards ups the ante for the 2002-03 season with the addition of three new board series, the result of a methodical three-year development cycle.

Joining the inaugural Faces line, Atomic proudly extends the family with the addition of the Syndicate, Don, and DJ Series. Within the four series, each model uses a natural, pre-curved, tip-to-tail wood core to deliver a level of control unmatched by foam cores. The DJ and Faces models use poplar wood cores, while the Syndicate and Don models use natural willow cores. The Syndicate goes one step further with a high-zoot, CNC-milled 3D willow wood core.

Based on an aggressive new freestyle/freeride shape, the tech behind the Atomic Snowboards lies in the Sandwich D4 with full sidewalls. While conventional boards use three fiber layers, Atomic's Sandwich D4 provides four dimensions of structural fiber to optimize edge power across the entire sidecut. The 30 degree angle of the first two diagonal layers transmits power further up the tip and tail. Layer three integrates vertical fibers for progressive longitudinal flex. Layer four runs across the board under foot to deliver precise power to the edges for explosive drive and rock-solid stability.

In addition to the Sandwich D4 construction, each of the boards features a Superpipe Sidecut for greater confidence in the biggest, scariest terrain parks. Since the directional Superpipe Sidecut is positioned just back from the centerline, the boards have better power transmission for impressive carving. Because the Superpipe Sidecut's 3-stage sidecut is tight at the tip and tail, but relaxed underfoot, the boards offer an incredible combination of flickability and stability.

But it doesn't stop there.

Beyond sporting a CNC-milled 3D willow wood core for ultra lightweight handling characteristics, the Syndicate family also incorporate a Texalium topsheet, a featherweight, space-age fiber impregnated with aluminum for the perfect blend of flex and stability. Taking this technology to hill in Syndicate models like Blue Eyes, Bugsy, Lucky and Socks, the boards pack every bit of punch for the pro-level freetstyler or freerider.

When it comes to appearance, the team-developed graphics hint at the boards' ability to let aggressive riders attack the park. The Don Series depict actual mugshots of gangsters from 1930s Chicago. The Faces Series add an artful twist to any quiver as Color Flex metallic sparkles are imbedded into the top sheet during the production process. Atomic Faces reflect light differently at different angles, actually changing color like a chameleon as a viewer's perspective changes.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff