2020-2021 G3 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard

2020-2021 G3 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard

Board: 2020/21 G3 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard 162 cm

Sizes (cm): 158 / 162 / 166

Stated Sidecut Radius : 8m

Camber: Powder Rocker ( Camber underfoot with early rise rocker)

Core: Poplar and Paulownia

Stated Features:

• Carbon stealth construction with nylon topsheet
• Triaxial glass and Biaxial stitched carbon fiber laminates
• Premium ABS/TPU sidewall for impact resistance and power transfer
• Stealth Razor Edge profile reduces mass
• 360 degree wrap around alloy steel edges – corrosion resistant
• Full thickness base. P-Tex 2000 Electra.

Pre mounted with Voile clips

Stated Weight: 3.05 kg / 6 lb 11 oz

Blister’s Measured Weight: 2.98 kg / 6 lb 9 oz

MSRP: $849.00

Binding / Boots: Karakoram Prime Carbon binding, Spark Blaze LT binding / Deeluxe Independent BC Boot, Fitwell Backcountry Boot

Test Locations: Thompson Pass backcountry, Chugach Mountains, AK

Days Tested: 30+

[Note: Our review was conducted on the 16/17 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard, which was not changed for 17/18, 18/19, 19/20, or 20/21, apart from graphics.]

Introduction

G3, a well established backcountry ski producer, first entered the splitboarding realm in 2013 / 2014, blending their ski technology, materials and construction into lightweight splitboards. Since their entry into the splitboarding market, G3 has offered 2 splitboards: The powder-specific, directional Scapegoat, and all-mountain, directional Blacksheep. The Scapegoat is their pinnacle powder board with a light weight, tapered powder shape and impressive construction similar to their skis.

Immediately out of the box, it was apparent that this board was unlike most splitboards I’ve used — it’s very visually appealing thanks to its stealth black finish, and milled out topsheet

Construction

The Scapegoat utilizes G3’s Carbonlight Construction – a lightweight build with glass and carbon, with the goal of remaining stable, responsive and relatively cheap for a carbon splitboard. Although the Scapegoat is not the lightest board on the market, it is only 0.55 kg /1.21 lbs (claimed weight) heavier than the Amplid Milligram (the lightest splitboard I’ve used).

The Scapegoat looks pretty unique given the sculpted look on the topsheet, similar to that of G3’s skis. The Stealth Razor Edge profile, a slight bevel/taper beginning about ¾” from the edge of the board, is designed to reduce mass and shave weight off the board. The Scapegoat also features similar sculpting and tapering in the center of the board along the nose and tail for the same reasons.

Camber

The Scapegoat features G3’s Powder Rocker camber: camber between the bindings with an early rise rockered nose for optimal floatation in deep powder. This profile is extremely effective in keeping the nose high, while sinking the tail for easy powder riding. While similar to the profile utilized by Amplid and Jones, G3’s Powder Rocker feels more exaggerated which should help on the truly deep powder days, reducing leg fatigue and providing more agility when in tight terrain and trees.

Flex

While G3 does not rate the flex of the Scapegoat, it feels like 7-8 out of 10 to me. To put that in perspective, the Jones Carbon solution is much stiffer, and rated a 10 out of to 10 on their flex scale, while the Amplid Milligram feels around 6-7 out of 10. Thus, the flex of the Scapegoat is very well suited for the shape, camber and intended use of the board.

It is stiff enough in split mode to avoid the dreaded “dished skinned track”, in which the board flexes so much, it prevents adequate glide while breaking trail, forming U- shaped depressions — typical of a DIY splitboard. The stiffer flex translates into efficient skinning, stable riding platform at high speeds in deep powder, yet feels very playful riding while hitting natural features and drops, as well as riding tight trees.

Shape

The powder specific shape of the Scapegoat has been very impressive in bottomless powder. The board features a 40 mm taper in the tail and an 8 meter sidecut radius, which helps effectively sink the tail and float the nose, a similar concept to a swallowtail shape, although the Scapegoat feels much more agile and can be ridden in shorter lengths than most swallows I’ve been on.

Durability

After approximately 30+ intense days of use in Thompson Pass Valdez, the top sheet and base show little to no wear and still look new. The extruded nylon topsheet has been very effective in protecting against scratching and any UV damage. Although I have not had any issues with this board, it is worth noting that one of my main backcountry partners suffered a catastrophic failure. While skinning with a 14/15 166 cm Scapegoat in 1- 2 feet of powder, the ski broke roughly 8-10” in front of the touring bracket. It was not a clean snap, more of a folded crease through the laminates and a snapped core. Hopefully that weakness has been addressed and resolved in the newer generation of G3 splitboards, and I haven’t had any issues with my Scapegoat, but I’ll update if I do.
NEXT: Skinning, Descending, Etc.