Nitro Dinghy Review
Snowboard Tested and Rider Specs:
- Model: Nitro Quiver Dinghy 160 (Quiver Series)
- Bindings: Union Ultra
- Boots: Adidas Nike Zoom Force One – Size 12
- Rider Height: 6’0”
- Rider Weight: 205 lbs
- Conditions/Terrain Tested: Groomers and side-hit transitions
Technical Breakdown:
- Shape: Tapered Directional
- Profile: Trüe Camber (Full traditional camber for maximum pop and edge control)
- Core: Powercore II (Poplar wood with beech stringers for added strength and snap)
- Sustainability: Climate Neutral Certified, FSC Certified wood core, and 100% Natural Speed Wax
- Base: Sintered Speed Formula II (High-density wax absorption for top-tier glide)
- Width: Mid-Wide to Wide (Eliminates toe/heel drag for size 11+ boots)
Review:
The Nitro Quiver Dinghy is a dedicated volume-shifted powerhouse designed to turn the entire resort into a playground. From the first drop-in, it’s clear this board prioritizes a composed and stable ride over low-speed playfulness. It feels like a high-performance tool built for charging hard without the limitations of a traditional narrow deck. It’s also a board you can feel good about riding; Nitro has moved toward more sustainable manufacturing, using FSC Certified wood and ensuring the board is Climate Neutral Certified.
Carving and Response: On the groomers, the Dinghy’s width is its defining trait. For a rider with a size 12 boot, the extra surface area is a game-changer—there is absolutely zero toe or heel drag, allowing you to lay the board over into deep, aggressive trenches. The Trüe Camber profile ensures that once you set the edge, the board locks in and holds a line with incredible authority. It provides a damp, vibration-free ride that handles high speeds and afternoon chop without any chatter. The Reflex Core Profile (thinning the core between the feet) helps with torsional flex, making it surprisingly steerable for a volume-shifted board.
Powder (Projected Performance): While I haven’t had this out in a deep storm cycle yet, the shape speaks for itself. With its significant taper and wide nose, the float should be effortless. Based on the surface area and the directional setback, it’s clearly designed to plane over the snow rather than plow through it. It’s the kind of shape that looks like it would save your back leg from burning out on a deep day at Grand Targhee.
Park and Playfulness (Projected Performance): I didn’t take this through the rail line, as that isn’t the intended purpose of this shape. However, as “landing gear” for natural hits and side-country drops, it should be a tank. The wide platform and beech stringers in the core provide a massive, stable base for stomp-ability. While the stiff flex and camber profile make it less ideal for technical jibbing, the Progressive Sidecut allows you to accelerate out of transitions, giving it plenty of snap and stability for large kickers.
Overall Impressions:
The Nitro Dinghy is a volume-shifted powerhouse that offers a precision feel for technical riding. If you’re looking for a board that eliminates drag and offers a “surfy” alternative to a standard setup, the Sintered Speed Formula II base and aggressive shape make this a heavy-duty contender for the quiver.
Pros:
- Zero toe/heel drag for larger boot sizes
- Eco-conscious construction (Climate Neutral & FSC Certified)
- Incredible stability at high speeds due to full camber
Cons:
- Slower edge-to-edge than a traditional-width board
- Requires more rider input to initiate quick turns in tight trees
| Price: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Performance: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4.5 / 5) |