K2 Excavator Snowboard 2024

CAN YA DIG IT?

REVIEWED BY: Garrett Finn

Not shockingly, the K2 Excavator is one of our favorite boards again. I think a lot of riders overlook anything with a funky shape because they assume it must mean the board is specialized for one type of riding style and not a versatile option. While that's true in some cases, it's actually the opposite for a board like the Excavator. The big nose, short tail, and directional shape are actually what give this board the ability to rip soft snow while also being able to dominate groomers. Groomers and soft snow are its specialty, but a poppy and energetic feel allow it to crush everything in between. 

On groomers, the shape gives the board an energetic feel that makes it quick in and out of a carve. That combined with a camber shape, medium-stiff flex, and additional carbon fiber strengthening in the tail lets you grip into a carve and really push the board hard. It feels comfortable at speed and powerful moving from one turn to the next. The directional shape sets your weight back on the board giving your back leg a ton of power in a carve and also allowing the front of the board to float over whatever is in front of it. In softer snow, the Excavator is elite. The big spoon nose floats effortlessly through powder while the shorter-fatter shape makes it incredibly nimble when you get it in tighter trees and bumps, perfect when the snow fills in, and getting off trail is your mission. 

Who is this board for? Intermediate to expert riders who love to rip groomers but want something that will have no problem with some softer snow or variable terrain. Anyone who likes something that can charge but isn't too difficult or damp at low speeds. 

Who isn't this board for? Brand new riders might find the directional shape and medium-stiff flex create an unbalanced and overly demanding feel. Park rats or anyone who likes to spend a lot of time riding switch. You can definitely rip the park and ride switch on the Excavator, but if those are your priorities, you might want to go for something less directional. 

Tested by

Dylan Lavoie

Mitch Carlin

Neil Soucy