2024 K2 Alchemist Review: Six Things You Should Know.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- A review of the K2 Alchemist 159w. Sorry this one is kinda long but there's a lot to talk about with this board. I feel like I could've shared two or three more things. Big thanks to Justin Clark (J-Stone) for helping us get on this board.
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Specs and Biases:
6'3", 180-90 lbs, size 11.5 boot, 23.5" stance. +18 -6 angles (usually.)
Generally riding as fast and hard as possible in natural terrain. Big, long, high speed turns. Powder, chunder, groomers, and natural airs. If a board is really surfy, I can be persuaded to slow down and spend some time slashing around. Not spending much time in the park.
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I have the 59w, this board is a rocket ship. Mind blowing how you can charge in the chop or pow. This board always gets me in trouble in the steeps where I should slow down but it's such a blast. Would recommend if you can handle it
Well said!
Thank you guys for reviewing the board!
Of course, thank you! Would be super curious to get your feedback. Let me know if you think I missed the mark on anything!
I have three years on the Alchemists, a 160 and 163
I ride size 10.5 Ions with intuition liners, Union Force Pros and Burton CustomXs - both size Ls. Just back from 6 days on Lake Louise, took my 2024 Ride Berzerker160W and although I didn't dwell on it, I regretted not having taken my 2023 Alchemist 163. It is so fast and effortless. Drifts at speed, then locks into a carve with just slightly more weighting. It's my KTM.
Great review! Can't wait for the Pantera's in depth review!
It’s so fun.
Congratulations on making your goal of 1K subscribers! I helped!
Awesome! Thank you!
Last year I was going back and forth between this and the Kazu and ended up with the Kazu. What's really impressed me with the Kazu is the dampness and feeling of confidence at speed. What's not impressed me is the float in fresh deep snow, which sounds similar to this. When it comes time for a new board the Alchemist is definitely going on my list.
I demoed the Kazu and can see that comparison. Didn’t get it in any soft snow though.
Just got an Alchemist. Took me about a day and half to start to feel it. I didn't think it was very catchy, actually think my Burton Custom is more catchy. Turn initiation is super easy and the ride is damp IMO -- think of driving 100 MPH in a Porsche but it only feels like 40 MPH. Did fine on some straight air jumps. It seems to like bigger turns/carves vs short ones, could just be my lack of ability though. It's probably too much board for me, but look forward to growing into it over the next season or two. I'll probably take this and one other board when I go up to the resorts, hard charge on this in the morning, and then play around with something less aggressive in the afternoon. Also, think I might play around more with a Posi/Posi stance on this board vs my typical +18/-6, should help with getting locked, I think.
Good stuff. I agree it's not that catchy. It is damp, and you can definitely find yourself going fast but I've been on boards that are more damp this year. Good plan taking it with another more mellow board for part of the day! Thanks for sharing your take.
Size 11US Burton Ion boots, 21" stance, 210lbs. 5'9"
I have this board in a 159W and I would describe this as a dual personality super board that can seriously pickup some supercar speeds as well as mow over some seriously messed up soft snow crud like it's skipping a rock quickly over puddles, but then just mellow out with slower turns/circle carves enough to take a break from the supercar bombing capabilities this semi-gentle beast has to offer! I love this board! You can skid turns on this without too much trouble, but if you are going crazy fast, I would recommend making some somewhat tighter S-turns to scrub off the speed first, but this bad boy can do some very fast across the groomer curves without issue from my experience. For a directional rider spending the day on groomers, I would consider this board to be pretty much a one board quiver if you don't care about spending time in the park. But if you have a somewhat icy, hard micro-bumpy day or a lower angle pow day, I would get out the K2 Excavator 158 for that kind of situation that is more playful compared to the Alchemist. Those 2 snowboards are all all I need to have a complete experience on the slopes.
Thanks for the take!
As an owner of 159W as well, your review is pretty spot on. Unfortunately, I have some mixed feeling on this board.
Con:
- K2 after sale customer service is awful. My Alchemist got delam issue, and it has been 40 days since my first reach out, no response, no followup :(((((( Not the best experience I've had with the original manufacturer.
- It has a "slower" base: You noticed that only when compare it to some other premium freeride board (Jones/ Amplid/ Korua/ Stranda/ Weston). At this price point, it's a con, but no a deal-breaker.
Pro:
- Size: There must be some weird K2 magic here. I am 145lbs 9.5US boot. I want to have a nimble board with no bootout issue(>26.5cm width) when I do aggressive carving. I thought 159W gonna be too much board for me. It's not!! It's still nimble edge to edge at 26.3cm waist width (if k2 passport 157, 25.5cmW is a 10 at nimbleness, this is a solid 7).
- Handles extreme like a champ: Icy? yeah! Steep? lovely Tree? Let's go! Bad snow? My knees don't complain.
- Pop: Besides, popping of a side hit or ramp. The pop out of a turn is exceptional. The best tail for crazy smooth landing, IMO.
Hi thanks for sharing your experience. The delam issue and lack of customer support is the first time I have heard about that. Where is it delaminated and how widespread is the issue? Definitely have reservations spending the $$$ to have quality issues especially if K2 doesn't stand behind their warranty.
@@rick2tube The topsheet delam issue is at the nose of the board. (>10cm) I would say it's an easy fix for any tune shop, but still want to reach out so they can learn the issue.
Overall, the construction feels solid, and the quality of the board is top-notched as stated in this video.
However, the customer support in my case is just not up to its "standard".
@@rick2tubeInhave a 160 and a 163 - like new ride a lot
Dang hate to hear about the issue with k2. That surprises me. Thanks for adding your take!
I bought a Surfari 161 last week, I was torn between the Alchemist 159w and the Amplid.
I got a great deal on the amplid so that’s close the deal for me but the Alchemist seems a very nice board. The K2 seems to be more lively and have more pop ?
I am following all your reviews this year, keep the good work.
Surfari is s way better board. Owned both and sold the Alchemist.
Thanks! I wouldn’t regret that decision at all. The Surfari is awesome. Similar ride but a little more smooth and maybe even better at carving.
I owned both, 157 surfari and 159w alchemist. It's just my personal feel, take it with a grain of salt. Surfari is more damp, carves more front foot oriented with a posi stance. Better at handling uneven terrain.
Do I still like my alchemist? Absolutely yes. It's still very versatile, rides more centered, excellent pop, and an amazing tail for steep landings. And it's still the board I grab if I don't know what I am about to ride. It's an aggressive version of K2 passport that powers you everywhere on the mountain.
That is to say, there are many overlaps. And if it were you, I would not buy an alchemist thinking it would make a big change to my quiver.
Thank you to everyone in this thread. You assured me I want to hold tight to my Surfari.
Thx for the insights! How would you compare it to the Amplid Surfari when it comes to edge hold, manuverability and ability to handle difficult snow conditions? Been on the Surfari for years now and the tail makes it quite manuverable? Float is probably better on the Surfari?
thx!
Surfer floats better than both, but the Alchemist and Surfari are better than the Surfer as all-around boards. The Surfari is more damp than the Alchemist, otherwise I'd say they're pretty similar on edge, pretty similar in variable terrain, and pretty similar float. Alchemist is a bit more aggressive and precision, the Surfari is a touch more cruisy.
I had a similar experience with the Gremlin at a test fest. The size they had was too big for me and the thing felt like a plank. But someone there had their own Gremlin , which was smaller. I liked it much better. Sizing can matter.
For sure. Most boards I’m okay with a couple sizes but not all of them.
@@Drift-Products yeah, o was surprised. I have done demo days the past three seasons and most boards I feel like I can mentally compensate when I get too long or short a board. It seemed to make much more of a difference with the Gremlin than I expected.
Did you get to try the K2 Passport? I picked one up last season and I am really enjoying it.
Unfortunately not yet. Looks to be a great all around option. I'm excited to try it.
Drift, we have similar riding styles and the same measurements! Love your input. Do you ever sell your boards, if so where?
Unfortunately, I can’t keep them all. Hit me up. Brigham@drift-products.com
@@Drift-ProductsJust emailed you!
Looks like my next board…
Cheers!
Sounds like the Amplid Souly Grail
Haven’t ridden the souly grail but I’d definitely compare it to the Surfari.
163 cm - size 12 boots - 225lbs - 5'10". A bit narrow and a bit long. The board is too much for me and the pros at my local mountain thought the same for them too. Don't underestimate the stiffness. I wouldn't say it bucks you for bad form but it does burn the hams and quads
It's a sexy board and it charges and carves hard. Maybe the 159w would've done it for me. Impressive powder performance but make sure to set it back from reference on a deep pow day
Ya, 159 might’ve been the play. Definitely not the board everyone needs to ride.
Perfect timing for the review as I'm considering this board...good point on the size chart and multiple similar weight ranges. Having the same question figuring out what size to get. (1) for long drawn high speed carving on groomers, would you recommend this board? (2) any others that you've ridden that are just as good or better for fast carving? (3) I'm 170 pounds, 8.5 US mens boot size, 5'11" tall. Which size would you recommend for mostly groomer carving and occasional powder?
I don’t want to hijack his answer but will throw in my answers since I own this board in the 159w I’m 6ft 180 10.5US. Answer to your first question, yeah this is a straight lining type board that can carve really well but it does best on the exact type of carving you mentioned, long drawn out high speeds. It holds and edge really well.
Second answer would be the 157 or 160 but for me personally, I would go shorter on this board just based on the stiffness. 160 might feel like a beast of a board but would add some stability at high speed carving and better float. The nose is pretty big so it would probably still float well at the 157.
This is just my opinion so take that for what it is lol
I’d also say 157 and I should’ve addressed this in the video but I think there are other boards that are better if carving is your focus. The Amplid Surfari and Korua Transition Finder both lock in better than the Alchemist I would say, but don’t get me wrong the Alchemist is fine and even better than these others if the snow is bit messy.
@@Jrich509 thanks for sharing. Appreciate all reviews from hands on experience. Makes sense and leaning towards the 157 as 160 feels a bit too much in times when more maneuverability is called for.
@@Drift-Products awesome thanks for the response. I've heard korua is great for carving however also heard the base is not quite as fast. And yes, we can't always get perfect groomers for carving all the time so when conditions are not ideal, I'm hearing the alchemist is a better option than the korua.
@@rick2tube Korua's base is sick (both og and plus line) my exp: korua pencil / cafe racer plus
And the base is noticeably faster the K2 Alchemist. However, that should be be your deal-breaker. It all worked pretty well when well-waxed unless you're in the racing field.
not a board for me but good review
Thanks! No shame in that.
Seriously though, whats up with K2's weight range recommendations? It's kind of a joke. I bought a 162 Excavator thinking I'd be fine based off their weight charts & ended up selling it to get a 158. Expensive mistake. Weight range starts at 130lb for the 162 Excavator & 164w Alchemist... nobody 130lbs should be on those board, lol
What are you specs and usual size? I’ve been looking at the excavator as well. I’m 5’10”, 170lbs, size 11.5 boots and normally ride a 157. Thinking of going 154 since I’m not sure if 150 would be too short even though its volume shifted. Would have loved a 152 but it’s either a 150 or 154 lol.
@@KelvinjanI have the excavator. I’m 6ft 180 and 10.5 boot and I have the 150. I sized down to use it in the trees. It works for my specs but I will be getting the 154 for sure.
@@Jrich509 thanks for the insight. So you’re going to trade up? Or are you saying if you were to get an alchemist lol. I guess it all comes down to use case. I think I’d want it to perform better in open back country powder. I’ll do some trees here and there but I think the extra length would serve me better since the shorter length is usually more beneficial for trees and quicker maneuverability.
@@Kelvinjan lol I also already have the alchemist 159w and the Excavator 150. I plan on keeping the excavator 150 for tight trees but also buying the 154 excavator for better float in powder and carving on groomers. 150 was just a little too short and skinny for my specs except for when I’m using it in tight trees. So basically saying, if I were you I would do the 154 if you’re looking at buying the excavator.
@@Jrich509 hahaha thanks! The k2 site isn’t great with the weight recommendations and I’ve been trying to read forums and it’s a mixed bag. Seems like 154 is the move here, thanks. 🙏🏼
When you gonna ride a Gremlin?
Good question. I’d like to. Have you?
@@Drift-Products It absolutely rips. Magne Traction grips hard snow and gives you confidence in sketchy snow. I've never been on a board that holds on ice like it does. The float is decent, not completely effortless. RAILS turns. I just switched to a YES PYL UNINC and I'm not sure I like it as much. My PYL seems a lot stiffer and feel like too much for me. The gremlin is stiff but not that near the PYL. Graphic is way better on the PYL though. lol
My only complaint about Gnu and Lib Tech boards is the steel edges don't go all the way around the board. They leave the tips exposed. It holds up ok but it's not as durable as other boards.
Nice. Magnetraction is legit for sure. We don't get much ice here in Utah so I don't think about that a ton but appreciated it more in Oregon. To be honest I've struggled to find a Mervin board I love, but I'm open to trying everything!
@@Drift-Products Colorado has a lot of ice days especially in early season, so any board with grip tech, magne traction, or the like I think is necessary if you have a one board quiver.
I'm very interested in the Banked Country from Gnu as well. But I think that's about it from their line up. The C2 profile is lost on me in the Mervin line. I get it for powder, but there is more than that on the mountain almost at all times.
Ya I don’t find much use for rocker outside of pow. Maybe park. I really like jones and yes edge tech so those usually do the trick for me as far as firm snow.