Snowboard Tested and Rider Specs:
- Never Summer Proto Type 3
- Proto Type 3 size: 161W cm
- Bindings: Union Ultra (Large)
- Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV size 11
- Stance: approximately 22.5″
- Rider Height: 5’11″
- Rider Weight: 195
The Proto Type 3 is Never Summer’s evolution of the much-loved Proto Type 2, designed with input from U.S. Snowboard Team rider Chase Blackwell over two years of R&D. It’s pitched as a true twin, ride-everywhere, slay-everything board—balanced for all-mountain versatility, with a flex and dampness rating of 6/10.
Key innovations include:
- Triple Camber Recurve Profile – for a mix of edge hold, pop, and stability.
- R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology – grips like crazy on hardpack and icy mornings.
- Precision Stitched Carbon Matrix + T3 Twin Carbon Mapping – boosts torsional response and snap without feeling overly stiff.
- Blower Stance Inserts – lets you set back for powder days without losing twin geometry.
Tech Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Shape | True Twin |
| Profile | Triple Camber Recurve |
| Flex/Damp | 6 / 6 |
| Core | NS SuperLight Wood Core |
| Base | Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 |
| Sidecut | Power Grip |
| Ability Level | Intermediate–Expert |
| Widths | Regular, Wide, Drag Free |
How It Differs from the Proto Type 2
The Proto Type 2 was already a killer all-mountain freestyle board, but it leaned a bit more playful and less precise. The PT3 takes that DNA and sharpens it:
- Profile Change: Triple Camber Recurve replaces Ripsaw Rocker Camber for more locked-in edge hold and stability.
- Edge Tech: R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology bites harder on ice and hardpack.
- Carbon Mapping: More advanced and targeted than the PT2’s layup, giving snappier response without over-stiffness.
- Powder Adaptability: Blower Stance Inserts for setback on deep days.
- Flex/Dampness: Slightly stiffer and more damp (6/10 vs. 5/10) for better stability in chop.
- Overall Feel: PT2 was freestyle-first; PT3 is freestyle and freeride capable.
Carbon Mapped Stringers — The Hidden Engine
Never Summer uses two related tech elements here:
- Precision Stitched Carbon Matrix – Narrow carbon strands stitched into the fiberglass layers in targeted zones:
- Nose & Tail – for snap and stability on landings.
- Between the Bindings – for torsional rigidity and direct energy transfer edge-to-edge.
- T3 Twin Carbon Mapping Embossment – Mirrored carbon layout for an identical feel, regular or switch.
On-snow effect:
- Explosive Pop Without Over-Stiffness
- Locked-In Carves
- Stable Landings
- Balanced Switch Performance
Review:
I’ll be honest — I went into my first day on the Proto Type 3 expecting it to be good, but it flat-out blew me away.
Day 1 – Pebble Creek, mixed conditions: The first run, I pointed it down a groomer just to feel it out, and within three turns, I was grinning. The Recurve Triple Camber locked in like a race board, but it didn’t feel twitchy — it was smooth, confident, and begging to be pushed harder. I laid into a deep toe-side carve and felt the carbon mapping kick in, holding the arc as if it was on rails. By mid-morning, I was hunting side hits, and every ollie felt like the board was giving me a little extra boost. Every run, I appreciated the PT3 more and more.
Day 2 – Pebble Creek, wind-scoured steeps: Some challenging conditions down low, sent me to the steeps in search of powder stashes. This was where the R.I.P. edge tech really earned its keep. I hit a section that was basically frozen cord with patches of sugar snow, and the PT3 just held. No washouts, no sketchy chatter — just clean, predictable grip. I found myself charging lines I’d normally feather a bit, simply because the board inspired that much trust.
Day 3 – Grand Targhee, 15 inches overnight: I set the Blower Stance back and dropped into knee-deep powder. For a true twin, the float was impressive — I could keep my nose up without burning my back leg, and it still felt balanced enough to ride switch through pow pockets. In the trees, the medium flex let me pivot quickly, and the damping smoothed out the inevitable chop at the bottom.
As I continued to ride the PT, I realized that I hadn’t once wished I was on a different board. That’s rare for me — usually I’m thinking about which board I’d grab for a specific day. The Proto Type 3 just handled everything: icy steeps, park laps, pow stashes, and late-day crud. It’s the kind of board that makes you ride with more confidence, and honestly, more joy. I am a big fan of the Recurve Triple Camber and the underfoot snow feel it provides. The Stiched Carbon not only looks cool with the embossed top sheet, but it also performs amazing. The PT3 is stiff in all the right places, providing stability when needed. The PT3 does not have carbon mapping between the feet, which I really appreciated. The board is snappy between the feet, allowing for torsional flex for quick turn initiation. It also helps with presses and butters.
Overall Impressions
The Proto Type 3 isn’t just a worthy successor to the Proto Type 2 — it’s a step up in every way that matters. It’s the rare board that can charge hard, play in the park, and float in pow without feeling like a compromise.
From my own rides, I can say this: I didn’t just like the Proto Type 3 — I connected with it. It’s the kind of board that makes you want to stay out for “just one more run” until the lifts stop spinning. If you want a single board that can keep up with every mood and every condition, this one’s a keeper.
Pros
- True do-it-all versatility – park laps, pow days, carving, side hits.
- Edge hold is among the best I’ve felt in a twin.
- Balanced flex makes it approachable yet high-performing.
- Durable build – Never Summer’s construction feels bombproof.
Cons
- Not as surfy in deep pow as a directional shape.
- Price point ($699.99) is premium, though you’re paying for tech and durability.
| Price: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.5 / 5) |