Niche Pyre 2020 - 2019 Review by The Good Ride

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The 2020 model we rode has a much more damp and better all-around feel than the light and chattery 2019 model we rode.

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.
Size: 150
Days: 6+
Conditions: varied spring conditions.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs), Zobel (Size 11.5, 6’ 180lbs), Jimbo (Size 11, 5’11” 160lbs),
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV, Adidas Response,
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles,  Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata

Similar Boards (but not the same): Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Korua Dart, Korua Pencil, United Shapes Orbit, Yes Optimistic, Rome Pow Division MT, Endeavor Scout, Prior Legacy

Set-Up: 22” Wide. 21 front -6 back. Close to Reference and Set all the way back.

Approximate Weight: Feels normal.

Sizing: The 150 felt just right for me and it worked well enough for Jimbo and Zobel but they could have used a little more board for their boot size. Feels like a board that does best for a size 8-10 but their 11’s weren’t toe/heel-dragging either.

Flex/Buttering: There is a moderately easy flex on the tail that made it easy enough for us all to butter the Niche Pyre. It pops well too on an ollie with enough effort.

On Snow Feel/Ability Level/Skidded Turns: The Niche Pyre is for advanced to expert riders. Not a really good ride for intermediate to beginner riders. It’s pretty locked in and it tracks well one footing or flat basing.

Edge Hold: Way behind the Niche Story and all that grip but held it’s edge well enough if you dial back your turns.

Turn Initiation: Pretty quick edge to edge but not too quick.

Turning Experience/Carving: Other than the Maelstrom, the Niche Pyre was my favorte of the line to carve. It carves much bigger than it’s length and it has a really strong/fun spring out of the turn.

Powder:  Hoping to try this in powder one day. Has a good set back on board of almost 4″ at a 22″ stance width or a difference between nose and tail of 8″ which is pretty far back. Factor in that taper and early rise in the nose and you have a floater.

Speed: Good base glide and waaaaay waaay more damp than the 2019 model we tried.

Uneven Terrain: Just like we described with speed above the 2020 model we tried did such a better job at not being too light and bucky like the 2019 was for us.

Switch:  doable but not ideal.

Getting Air/Park: We had fun getting some air. Even though the Niche Pyre has a pretty big set back on board there is still a lot of tail behind you for landings. Especially compared to many super setback alternative freeride boards out there these days. Wasn’t bad in the pipe either for a more directional in it.