This board absolutely fucks. Couldn’t agree more on this review. The stability on jumps and side hits as well as the edge hold in carves is perfect. I rode 10 boards this season and the alchemist was easily the best and most confidence inspiring boards I have ridden to date. 6ft 180 10.5 boot on a 159w.
I might get the alchemist this season what do you think will the 159w be a little to small for my weight at 230-240lbs 5 11. Scared of the 164cm w one lol might be a hair to big
Thanks for the review TC! Hyped to hear you like the board. For reference I'm 6'2 180-185lbs with a size 10 boot and I ride the 160 and feel like its plenty of board for me, I only ride a 163 if i'm riding really big mountains like Jackson/Snowbird/big mountains in EU. For anyone on the cusp of wanting a wide (boot size 10.5/11) if you're the type of rider that really likes to lay down carves, go with a wide. If you're a rider who wants more nimbleness with their board and understands you sacrifice some deep carving ability, go with the regular width.
The new 163 Alchemist is so good at soaking up any frozen cat tracks etc and, as you say, really can hold a high speed carve, on purpose it breaks away and slides and is easy to reset for a fun drifting ride. needs to be ridden for a few hours before it softens.The 2021/22 160cm is great too and quicker rail to rail than the 163 (size 10.5 Ions) like you say the nose does vibrate (according to the audience riding up the chair) but I don't feel it. justin did a good job tuning that out for 2023/24 - what a great designer/engineer he is. Thanks for the review, now can quit looking for a new board, at least for awhile.
This is a great board! I was previously riding a Nitro Blacklight. The transition to the Alchemist this season was perfect, with almost no time of adaptation needed. For sure it is a firm board, but I found it was relatively easy to turn it even at low speed despite of the stiffness.
Question: I know you guys aren't fans of Burton boards, but... If I already have a Custom Camber would I see a hard charging improvement on the Alchemist -- or are they somewhat similar in that regard? Thanks!!
Yes, improvement by a mile. Angry doesn’t review Burton cuz Burton doesn’t send them any boards. They were in contact with each other, but Burton just stopped responding. Source is from a livestream.
Question: you rode it with Jones Mercury bindings but don’t recommend? Any reason? I have a 23 I’ve been riding with Rome Targa bindings and ride lasso boots. Love it but looking for a binding that really suits it.
I’m not sure that’s correct tbh - or at least not until you are already pretty high speed. I traded my 21/22 for a 23/24 & the latter is actually quicker on take off. The carbon base does however have a far higher top speed - it just keeps on going! For most riders the regular sintered base is more than adequate.
What size would you recommend? I'm 170 pounds, 8.5 US men's boot size and 5'11" tall. Looking to get into long, fast carving. Currently on a 151 Ride Superpig from 2020.
@@AngrySnowboarder awesome, currently there are sales on this board and a great deal on the 2023 ride commissioner. Both are on the Angry's top freeriding lists. Based on Angry's Commissioner review, would the alchemist be a slightly more versatile option in various terrains?
Looking at the Alchemist vs Gnu Banked Country for some bigger lines in the alpine. Thoughts? How does the flex of these compare to each other? (Haven’t been able to find the Gnu in person)
Banked Country is more rear foot dominate with how it rides which might help you if that's how you plan to charge. Flexwise the Alchemist is going to be more responsive and stiffer while the BC is going to be more damp. The Alchemist also has a better base finish on it.
@@AngrySnowboarder I’ve got a Passport that I love and feel like it does well the majority of the time. Is the BC going to have too much overlap with that deck?
@@AngrySnowboarder appreciate the feedback. But dang, so would you say the Rain is more in the Ride Commissioner, Nidecker Ultralight tier of freeride boards. And the Alchemist is just a bit more approachable?
Does anyone know if the 163 would be too much board for someone who weighs 160lbs and wears a pair of 9.5/9 us boots? I was thinking the 163 may be a little too wide?
@AngrySnowboarder Would you recommend the 160? I've ridden a 160 Ultra Mountain Twin before, I know they're different boards, but I personally loved how stiff that board was.
I've got the 2023 version. It's good in steep angle trees. It's not a surfy/floaty low angle board. It floats fine but is meant for charging. If you're going fast, it floats perfectly and is great. So it depends on your riding style and what you mean by trees. I rode a bunch of trees @ Snowbird with it and think it's great for that. That place is steep AF though. Low angle stuff, it's not ideal. Point the nose down the hill and this thing kills it.
Yes, if you carve aggressively. This board will yell at you if you don't lay it over, and when you lay it over, you'll realize it's surprisingly easy to get boot out on this one. I am 150lbs / 9.5US riding 159W. (if you don't aim for zero boot out, you might just want a non-wide version)
I haven't been on one either but I have an Andidote and it is very stiff. Not impossible for an intermediate rider to shred but you would probably have more fun on a softer board.
Flex number is a random number that the brands put in it. They all kinda make shit up based on approximately what they think. The BSOD is stiffer board than Capita advertise.
This board absolutely fucks. Couldn’t agree more on this review. The stability on jumps and side hits as well as the edge hold in carves is perfect. I rode 10 boards this season and the alchemist was easily the best and most confidence inspiring boards I have ridden to date. 6ft 180 10.5 boot on a 159w.
Truth. I have the same board 159w...6ft 185 12 boots.
I might get the alchemist this season what do you think will the 159w be a little to small for my weight at 230-240lbs 5 11. Scared of the 164cm w one lol might be a hair to big
@@user-ug4zx6js7l nah you will be good. Grab the 59w and go ride 🤜🏼
Tried this, a peacekeeper, a pencil, and a mega mercury this year and this board blew me away. Rides sooooo good!!
Thanks for the review TC! Hyped to hear you like the board. For reference I'm 6'2 180-185lbs with a size 10 boot and I ride the 160 and feel like its plenty of board for me, I only ride a 163 if i'm riding really big mountains like Jackson/Snowbird/big mountains in EU. For anyone on the cusp of wanting a wide (boot size 10.5/11) if you're the type of rider that really likes to lay down carves, go with a wide. If you're a rider who wants more nimbleness with their board and understands you sacrifice some deep carving ability, go with the regular width.
I didn’t know they redesigned it, now I have to buy the new one too because I absolutely love the original from 2020/21
Got the 23 alchemist in a 160 last season on sale. It is a beast of board. One of the best boards I've ever been on.
The new 163 Alchemist is so good at soaking up any frozen cat tracks etc and, as you say, really can hold a high speed carve, on purpose it breaks away and slides and is easy to reset for a fun drifting ride. needs to be ridden for a few hours before it softens.The 2021/22 160cm is great too and quicker rail to rail than the 163 (size 10.5 Ions) like you say the nose does vibrate (according to the audience riding up the chair) but I don't feel it. justin did a good job tuning that out for 2023/24 - what a great designer/engineer he is. Thanks for the review, now can quit looking for a new board, at least for awhile.
Thank you! So stoked to hear you like the board
I've got last year's Alchemist, it's a blast, totally delivers. The thing is a fking rocket, sends to space. I'm in love
I've got the 22/23 alchemist and 22/23 bsod and love them both.
Hey boss, can you drop some facts about each? Just got a BSOD (and flagship 😅) but it's in the wrapper until next szn
This is a great board! I was previously riding a Nitro Blacklight. The transition to the Alchemist this season was perfect, with almost no time of adaptation needed. For sure it is a firm board, but I found it was relatively easy to turn it even at low speed despite of the stiffness.
Im goin Clew on the front foot, and nidecker supermagic on the back to get in and out easy !
we'll see how she goes
Probably shame
@@AngrySnowboarder shame-style is 2024 maxswag.
You, sir, are a man who has a clue.
Question: I know you guys aren't fans of Burton boards, but... If I already have a Custom Camber would I see a hard charging improvement on the Alchemist -- or are they somewhat similar in that regard? Thanks!!
I think they just don’t like Burton as a company doesn’t mean all their boards suck.
Yes, improvement by a mile. Angry doesn’t review Burton cuz Burton doesn’t send them any boards. They were in contact with each other, but Burton just stopped responding. Source is from a livestream.
Comparing the Custom to this is not acceptable.
Custom is a directional twin, this is a true free ride board. You could look at it as a how hard you want to ride quiver..
@@AngrySnowboarderit’s a crime to compare this board to anything Burton makes.
It was between this & the Alternator for me. Chose the Alternator. Pretty effin happy
Question: you rode it with Jones Mercury bindings but don’t recommend? Any reason? I have a 23 I’ve been riding with Rome Targa bindings and ride lasso boots. Love it but looking for a binding that really suits it.
Because we can.
200lb, 6ft, US 11 boots what size would you recommend? Thanks 🙏
60w or whatever it is close to that.
At 0:16 y'all put up the construction diagram from the Excavator, not the Alchemist.
How does this board compare to the old K2 joydriver? Loved that board, but isn't available anymore and looking for a replacement..
Spiritual successor.
So basically the same as the previous model with a slight base downgrade, but an upgrade in the nose to remove some of the chatter?
Why did K2 drop the carbon infused 5500 base on most their high end boards?
Cost? We don't work there, ask them.
Unfortunately, the base downgrade after the 21/22 models is noticeable. Glad I have the older version along with a 21/22 Excavator with the same base.
I’m not sure that’s correct tbh - or at least not until you are already pretty high speed. I traded my 21/22 for a 23/24 & the latter is actually quicker on take off. The carbon base does however have a far higher top speed - it just keeps on going! For most riders the regular sintered base is more than adequate.
Would the 253 ww on the 160 be okay for 10.5 k2 boots, 175 lbs?
It should be. I ride a 157cm with a size 10 US Ride. -TC
What size would you recommend? I'm 170 pounds, 8.5 US men's boot size and 5'11" tall. Looking to get into long, fast carving. Currently on a 151 Ride Superpig from 2020.
59
@@AngrySnowboarder awesome, currently there are sales on this board and a great deal on the 2023 ride commissioner. Both are on the Angry's top freeriding lists. Based on Angry's Commissioner review, would the alchemist be a slightly more versatile option in various terrains?
Yes.
Looking at the Alchemist vs Gnu Banked Country for some bigger lines in the alpine. Thoughts?
How does the flex of these compare to each other? (Haven’t been able to find the Gnu in person)
Banked Country is more rear foot dominate with how it rides which might help you if that's how you plan to charge. Flexwise the Alchemist is going to be more responsive and stiffer while the BC is going to be more damp. The Alchemist also has a better base finish on it.
@@AngrySnowboarder I’ve got a Passport that I love and feel like it does well the majority of the time. Is the BC going to have too much overlap with that deck?
There's going to be some. The BC is stiffer than your Passport.
Rome ravine select or K2 Alchemist? Is there a better all mountain/freeride board between the two? One that handles speed, ice, woods riding? Thanks
Depends on how stiff you want to go.
They seem close 8/9 in theee scales. maybe a slightly more forgiving board that you don’t have to be on your game 100% of the time. Thanks
Those numbers don't mean shit and are not quantifiable. Sounds like you want the Rome.
Thank you, keep up the good work.
I'm 240 lbs boot size 11.5. should i go for the 164w. I'm planning on losing weight if that matters 😂
64w for sure
I am using Ride Timeless from 2019 for hard riding but looking for a replacement charger. Is this similar? Thanks.
It doesn't have the metal topsheet so there's that.
is the Ride Mtnpig more all mountain and the k2 Alchemist more free ride/ stiffer?
They're both freeride.
Is this at all comparable to the Arbor Candle Rain? The 160 Alchemist seems to have relatively similar specs to the 161 Arbor
They sit in the same category, but the Rain is more aggressive.
@@AngrySnowboarder appreciate the feedback.
But dang, so would you say the Rain is more in the Ride Commissioner, Nidecker Ultralight tier of freeride boards. And the Alchemist is just a bit more approachable?
Flexwise yes, but overall ride no. The Rain is an oldschool manliest manly manly man camber board.
FYI the thumbnail is of the K2 Passport.
No it isn’t…
@@walsh93jazzthey fixed it obviously
yeah bro does the bare minimum with these reviews lol we should be used to it
Does anyone know if the 163 would be too much board for someone who weighs 160lbs and wears a pair of 9.5/9 us boots? I was thinking the 163 may be a little too wide?
I'd be less worried about width and more worried about the overall flex.
@AngrySnowboarder Would you recommend the 160? I've ridden a 160 Ultra Mountain Twin before, I know they're different boards, but I personally loved how stiff that board was.
This is leaps and bounds stiffer than that deck, 60 is probably going to be too much for you.
I assume this board would not be great in the trees?
Go fast, take chances.
Awesome in trees
I've got the 2023 version. It's good in steep angle trees. It's not a surfy/floaty low angle board. It floats fine but is meant for charging. If you're going fast, it floats perfectly and is great. So it depends on your riding style and what you mean by trees. I rode a bunch of trees @ Snowbird with it and think it's great for that. That place is steep AF though. Low angle stuff, it's not ideal. Point the nose down the hill and this thing kills it.
for size 10.5 boot would you recommend wide?
Never hurts.
Yes, if you carve aggressively. This board will yell at you if you don't lay it over, and when you lay it over, you'll realize it's surprisingly easy to get boot out on this one.
I am 150lbs / 9.5US riding 159W. (if you don't aim for zero boot out, you might just want a non-wide version)
I’m a 10.5 and also on the 159w. 180lbs and I wouldn’t want a different size. It’s not that wide and it’s still easy to get on edge.
Love this board it's a beast super fast and stable
Bought the 64w so it's my fault the PNW got no pow this year
Haven’t been on one, but heard it’s not the most approachable but maybe those people suck.
I haven't been on one either but I have an Andidote and it is very stiff. Not impossible for an intermediate rider to shred but you would probably have more fun on a softer board.
It’s plenty approachable if someone knows how to ride. Otherwise it will ride you.
Didn't realise this board was even released in the 1970's...
How would you say this compares to the deepfake?
It's stiffer and more aggressive.
How does this compare to the jones flagship?
the flagship is a v8 camero and the alchemist is a formula 1 car
Black snowboard of death is flex 6.5. really soft board, its compares really?
Flex number is a random number that the brands put in it. They all kinda make shit up based on approximately what they think. The BSOD is stiffer board than Capita advertise.
Can you quantify that number for me please sir, I'll wait.
@@Charles-wz9sd I got Mercury and bsod, bsod feels like 5-6 (161w) but 160w Mercury feels like 7-8
Can you quantify that number for me please sir, I'll wait.
Nice bro biden. Real nice bro 😎