G3 Axle Review
Cons: Expensive to use standard hook clips
Manufacturer: G3
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
The G3 Axle is specifically engineered to be a splitboard. Often times, splitboards take the design of a solid board and are then cut in half. Usually this works, and other times it leaves a board that excels on the downhill but is limited in its uphill efficiency. This model is a well-blended board that gets the benefits of many attributes without too many sacrifices. The Axle has a light camber profile in between the bindings and rocker in both the tip and tail for stability and floatation. It has an inlaid carbon matrix within the fiberglass for addition torsional stability without a large weight penalty.
Performance Comparison
Firm Snow
The Axle is a beast in firm snow, and the security, edge hold, and responsiveness impressed us. The predominant camber profile has an early rise tip and tail, which encourages strong edge hold and stability at speed. In our use, we never encountered a speed threshold in firm or corn snow that was set by the board; just our sense of self-preservation. When speed control is critical, this model remains easy to produce small radius smeared turns. This is nice for tight areas and very icy conditions. It also makes the board more user-friendly.
The Axle provides a damp and mostly chatter-free ride, thanks to the flex and amount of damping materials used. It's easy to turn and get on edge, and the torsional stiffness makes this model very responsive and secure on edge.
Powder
The Axle is part of the spring 2019 update. Based on the timing, we haven't had an opportunity to extensively test this model in powder, but the update will be coming as soon as possible. Based on an analysis of the specs and shape, we expect this board to provide great powder performance. Its tail has reduced surface area via its 8mm taper, and the shorter length and slim shape promote sinking of the tail. The long, rocker nose should work to keep it afloat.
Climbing
G3 says the board was designed to perform equally on the way up and the way down. So far in our testing, this seems pretty accurate. The Axle is pretty light, given its length. In our surface area per gram calculations, it boasted one of the best and lightest number values.
Its torsional flex provides solid sidehilling capability, and its mostly cambered profile offers additional security. We appreciated the nylon-based top sheet for its durable qualities, which provides impressive resistance to damage caused by the edges scraping the top sheet.
Binding Adjustability
The Axle utilizes the standard splitboard mounting pattern. This requires the pucks or mounting plates to be reattached to the board.
Playfulness
The Axle is stiff; it's not necessary playful in its flex but in its use abilities. It's very versatile and user-friendly, and its turns can be driven or smeared. You don't have to force it to do either one; it is designed for both styles.
Value
The Axle clocks in at a comparable price when we look at other premium high-end splitboards. We were impressed with the overall performance; the construction looks good, and with features like a thicker base, it is designed to last season afer season.
Conclusion
The G3 Axle isn't just a solid board cut in half. It's a splitboard by design. It's lightweight, yet doesn't compromise the stability and performance on the down. We appreciate its secure and responsive performance on hard snow, and it can handle the objectives of advanced splitboarders. The Axle is a great choice for dedicated backcountry enthusiasts who demand performance and reliability on the up and down.
— Isaac Laredo