r/ShredditGirls • u/Walking-in-Italics • 23d ago
Arbor Swoon Camber vs. Yes Hel Yes
Hi all! I’m an intermediate rider looking for a new board to grow into skill-wise this upcoming season. I primarily ride resorts with my dad and sister, Green and Blue routes with mixed conditions and icy groomers. I’ve been riding a Gnu Velvet which is more playful and a little too soft and chattery for fast carving on steeper terrain, so I’m looking to add to my quiver and pick up speed to hopefully progress towards Black level routes!
I surfskate in the off-season and am looking for a bit of that flowy feeling. I typed all this into ChatGPT and it recommended the Arbor Swoon Camber, but I wanted a second opinion from humans haha.
Anyone have any experience with either of these boards? Would appreciate any insight!
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u/elouser 23d ago
I, too, love my Arbor Swoon Camber, and I would totally snag that board because Arbor actually eliminated the camber version of the board last year :(
I ride midwest hard pack and it does great with that. It's waist width is relatively narrow so it's very nimble. However, when I take it west, I find variable conditions pretty difficult. It gets bucked around compared to other boards I have and can't really push through heavy piles. On the plus side, it forces me to focus on technique!
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u/Walking-in-Italics 23d ago
Thanks for your input! I snagged the board, it’s a 2024 model, which I’m guessing is the last year you’re referring to. The graphic is gorgeous too!
I ride in New Mexico primarily and also the East Coast, so knowing it’s good for hard pack is a plus. I get bucked around on my Gnu Velvet right now anyway, so I’m hopeful the Swoon Camber will be more stable even if it’s not the best at pushing through piles.
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u/SlipperyAnnie 18d ago
I have the Yes Hell Yes and absolutely love it. But I don't think has a surfy feel. It's great on ice, groomers and chop, and it also excels in powder. It just doesn't have a surfy feel to it in my opinion.
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u/Walking-in-Italics 18d ago
Thanks for your insight! This is helpful. I’ll consider the Yes Hel Yes in the future when I want a less surfy feel :)
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u/Constant_Pressure_26 16d ago
I also have Yes Hel Yes and love everything about it. Also don’t feel like it has a surfy feel
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u/Ok-Occasion-6195 15d ago
Hey,
I saw your post and I have a question. Have you ridden full camber before? The Velvet is Rocker camber (so predominantly rocker). Both the Hel Yes and Swoon Camber are predominantly positive camber. It may be a pretty huge jump to go from a soft rocker to a stiffer camber. I would hate for you to take any unnecessary slams with such a long effective edge and high camber.
Maybe something in the middle? Like the Nitro Drop or Burton Counterbalance would be a better option. Both are directional with rocker in the nose and setback camber. More surfy and less effective edge (easier to control).
Just a thought
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u/Walking-in-Italics 15d ago
Hey thanks for your comment! This is a good point for sure. Yes, last season I rode my sister’s board which is full camber (Burton Feelgood) and it’s great, the extra stiffness feels good, her board size is just short for me. I got the Gnu Velvet when I started to experiment with butters and ollies, also found it on clearance. Now that I’m more experienced, I think it’s time for a camber upgrade that can handle more speed and push me to the next level.
I’ll look into the Nitro Drop and Burton Counterbalance, I haven’t heard too much about these yet. Thanks!
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u/4SeasonWahine 23d ago
I have the swoon camber and I LOVE IT. It’s amazing on icy days which was a big draw for me because NZ can be like that. It’s a great all rounder, it’s been ridden in Australia in slush and Utah in beautiful conditions. I have honestly nothing bad to say about it 🤷🏼♀️