K2 Brigade Snowboard

sturdy beginner

I have the 2010 model and I wouldn't call it "flat to rocker". It has the catch free rocker in the ends which gets engaged when you load the board but it's definitely a camber profiled board, although not a real deep camber. I don't think it has changed over the years either.
It is a very stable ride, and probably too stable. I have the 163 wide and unless you have about size 14 feet I wouldn't recommend this board if looking at wide boards, it's just too wide. The waist width is about 270mm and the tip and tail are nearly 320mm.
The catch free rocker does actually work, and with detuned contact areas beginners have a lot of confidence on this board. But the catch free rocker doesn't work like proper rocker profiles in making boards ride smaller, this board still rides quite big, obviously the 163wide is a big bit of plank but I'm 6'2" / 210 lb so most of my boards are quite big but I feel it on this one.
Flex is about perfect for a beginner board, not a noodle but plenty forgiving at low speeds.
This board has an extruded base but with a good base structuring and good wax job speed is not a problem. I think the big waist must help with the big 163wide but this thing just cruises past everybody in flat areas. I use my brigade for lending to friends wanting to come out and learn to ride and even first timers slowly chug along cruising past everybody unstrapping on flat sections even tho my board is a banged up beast, I have ground the base twice now with an orbital sander and use it to practice board repairs, it has an edge section replaced, as much base repair P-tex as original base and I structure the base by hand with 80 grit sand paper, yet it is still a fun board for people to learn on and keeps speed on any snow.
I guess that might be it's best point, it is great value as can be found pretty cheap and will last for ages. I haven't used mine for a few years now myself but it gets hammered by beginners and keeps on going.
The main negative would just be the big feel and that I believe newer camber profiles are a better buy for a beginner, hybrid camber boards give as much stability, ride smaller and can progress better as you get better, even if you want to get into some powder.

I was going to give it three stars but after writing this I felt bad for the big girl, she gets a beating but keeps coming back for more and puts up with all the beginners so I gave it 4 HAHA.

If you're looking for your first board and see this cheap, be mindful of the size you get, check waist width and lean slightly towards a shorter length than you might otherwise pick and you won't go too wrong, confidence is really important for a beginner to progress and this gives it in spades, it just won't progress with you too far.