I was stoked out on the 2024/2025 Nidecker Thruster when I rode it back in February. Blew my expectations away. The edge hold was solid; I could lay a trench and spring right into the next turn. The camber profile was lively and got me in the air easily off side hits and rollers. Yet the board was not overwhelming by any means, maybe slightly stiffer than middle of the road, but still very approachable. A good amount of torsional flex was present, which helped to foot steer in and out of carves as well.

The Thruster felt very stable on groomers, which gave it an “all gas - no brakes” energy, living up to its name as a “thruster” strapped to your feet. Off-piste, it got bucked around a bit in choppy terrain, so I had to slow down a little there, but it got me back to the main run, and we were off again.

The 3D shaping in the nose made turn initiations smooth and made the ride feel “flowy” with smooth transitions from edge to edge. I wasn’t able to test the Thruster in powder, unfortunately, but I can imagine that big shovel nose floating with ease. The “no speed limit” feel on groomers, though, was addictive and even had me spraying some skiers chilling on a roller, whether I wanted to or not.

The Nidecker Thruster is for intermediate riders and up who want speed, pop, and to lay trenches everywhere they go. When carving trenches, the Thruster delivers both long, drawn-out carves and tighter turns. It is more directional, so not ideal for all-mountain freestyle, but a solid choice for more all-mountain freeride and carving. Overall, it is a capable yet approachable carver that can smash powder when needed.