2012 Forum Scallywag Review

I suppose I’m supposed to start out by saying something along the lines of, “Argh matey.  So it be a snowboard yer lookin for aye?” Well, there you go then.   I’d just like to point out that every now and then, you strap into a new snowboard and you immediately feel comfortable riding it from the get-go.  I felt right at home on the 2012 Forum Scallywag from run number uno.  What else to say other than I like Forum?  Let’s get to it!

2012 Forum Scallywag

Size: 155
Stance: 23.5″ regs 18/-12
Shape: True Twin, ChillyDog w/ Pop
Bindings: ’12 Forum Shakas
Dave’s stats: 5′9, 180 lbs

Dave chose to hang out on the hot sands of Miami rather than take this trip so I be Captain Bailey Seaturd and this be my ship.  I know, I know… and he calls himself a snowboarder.  Pfft!

Conditions: Crystal Mountain, MI. Slightly overcast with dust on a lot of crust.

Flex: Softish, right below mid flex in the middle and a little stiffer outside the bindings thanks to the carbon stringers.  Pressing the Scallywag was not a concern though.  Torsionally forgiving.

Ollie/Pop: Well, with carbon stringers outside the bindings… yea, this thing had pop and plenty of it.

Handling: For a softer board, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it handled all-mountain.  On groomers, it held an edge well-enough.  Edge to edge was quick and short to medium carves were stable.  Things got a little sketchy at speed and on longer drawn out carves.  That’s not a shocker though as that’s not what the Scallywag is for.  The 2012 Forum Scallywag features their Swinger’s Club tips.  The tips are shaved to reduce swing weight.  Works good!  Again, I just have to mention that I felt very comfortable on this board from the very first run.  I didn’t have to make any adjustments to my riding like I do when I step on something with crazy tech like the Forum Holy Moly.

Jibs/Playfulness: Fun.  That about sums it up.  I was jibbin me some logs.  Felt what I needed to feel underfoot and that’s always a good thing when it comes to jib games.  The mellow continuous Chillydog rocker profile is great.  Not too loose at all.  Just messing around on the mountain with the Scallywag was a blast as well.  Butter it up broski.

Summing it up: Awesome deck especially for the price.  The Forum reps held a challenge for us and the winner had a pick of any board in the lineup.  Needless to say, I wasn’t about to down a questionable cup of boiled everything.  Let’s just say peanuts, eggs, and beer (with the can no less) were just some of the ingredients.  Anyway, my point is that the Scallywag would have been my choice had I taken that challenge.  And this is out of their entire 2012 lineup.  The Scallywag is just a fun, no nonsense freestyle deck that’s actually not half bad all-mountain.  Beginners and up are welcome here.  More aggressive all-mountain riders need not apply.

By the way, special thanks to Steve Wikner and Andrew Pettis for a helluva demo weekend.  Natty Light, hot dogs, and little wings will make anyone smile.