2020-2021 G3 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard

Andrew Forward reviews the G3 Carbon Scapegoat Splitboard for Blister Gear Review.
G3 Carbon Scapegoat Splitboard, 16/17 Graphic

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).

Andrew Forward reviews the Fitwell Backcountry Boot for Blister Gear Review
Andrew Forward on the G3 Carbon Scapegoat, Valdez Backcountry, AK. (photo by Scott Rich)

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.

6 comments on “2020-2021 G3 Scapegoat Carbon Splitboard”

  1. Hi Andrew,

    great review!

    i thought i would just add to it as i have ridden a 16/17 Scapegoat here in japan and have had a similar thing happen to my board that your friend experienced. I was riding a big open face bank with some heavy long front edge type turns. Got to the bottom and found the board had buckled 3-4 cm up from the binding. not ideal.

    I am in the process now trying to talk to G3 about it.

    Have you had anyone else with a similar issue?

    • Hi Benny,
      This is something G3 needs to get resolved by the 17/18 models. I know of three other G3 boards (2 Scapegoats, 1 Black sheep) that have failed in this same fashion, and as of a week ago, I noticed that my board is creased, broken and delaminating right in front of my front binding mount (when in ride mode). From talking with friends, it seems that G3 has been unresponsive to warranty claims. I personally have not dealt with the customer service yet (since it happened so recently), but I will be sure to include in my review how they handle repairs, and that the 15/16 & 16/17 boards are prone to failure.
      Sorry to hear about your board! If you’re looking for a strictly powder board replacement, the K2 Splitbean may be worth a look. I should have a review of that up in the upcoming weeks.

  2. Greetings from Norway.

    The review is in my opinion spot on. I had this board for one season, and its really great for powder. My favorite splitboard ever.

    But concerning durabuility… my board also delaminated. Im also in the prosess talking to G3. So there seems to be a issue that G3 has to take responsibility for.

    Shame that this fun board has durabuility issues.

  3. Greetings from Bulgaria .I have been using this splitboard (17/18 model) for a season now and I am really happy with it.It has only a little scratches on the topsheet but nothing like delamination.
    The board is realy light actually lighter than my solid board.It’s very easy to split with,and great for almost all conditions.It has big turn radius so its better for longer lines.
    The only thing that i don’t like is that on icy conditions and hard snow it was a realy bumpy ride . It’s because of the carbon stiffnes .
    Otherwise I loved it, it’s my first splitboard and can’t wait for the next season.

  4. Impressions after 1 day on the board:
    – snow sticks to the textured top sheet more than it would to a smooth top sheet. All that weight saved by carbon… gone.
    – the clips aren’t adjustable and they fit too tight. Assembling the board with them iced up is more of a struggle than it needs to be
    – the clips use imperial hardware. Anyone have an imperial Allen key? Of course not, because mtn bikes are 100% metric because it’s logical.
    – base is dry after 1 day. Not great factory wax. Whatevs.
    – the inserts for the toe pivot aren’t deep enough on mine and the Voile bolts bottom out before being tight. Never had that w other boards. Only one side though, so not great QC.
    – It rides well and skins well, like many other boards.

    The short of it: a great board knocked down a notch by goofy little hardware issues. Hopefully it doesn’t break.

  5. My initial experience was great, but after two light seasons this thing completely delaminated: top sheet and core to base, with no scrapes, core shots, or other damage around the area. Not only did the scapegoat delaminate, but the adhesive on their skins becomes super tacky and choses the board over the skin (also after 10-15 days in the backcountry). G3’s durability sucks.

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