So I am getting drunk by myself and I thought it would be a good idea to write a review for this board. 

I want to apologize to everyone who likes neversummer because now I have seen the light.  I actually bought a proto last year on proform and did a few runs and passed judgement way to soon.  I have always ridden camber boards which I still love, so I am sorry I wasn't more open minded in the past.  I spent a few days late in last season on an SL which really turned me. 

Loveland Ski Area
Conditions ranging from Packed powder to ice
Days ridden 3

Review

Disclaimer: I have only ridden this board in early season conditions, so I havent been on anything really steep with it. 

One of my favorite things about the proto is the weight it is crazy light.  I feel that a lighter board makes just about everything easier (a heavier board might be better in choppy crud).  The flex is fantastic both longitudinal and torsional.  It is very easy to press if that is your thing (its not really mine) I absolutely love the torsional flex.  It is pretty soft and allows for a lot of twist if that is something you incorporate into your riding.  You can easily force this board into short radius turns.  The edge to edge transitioning is quick.  I remember reading snowolfs review of the heritage a while ago and he mentioned the boards response to fore/aft weight shifts.  The proto really likes fore aft movements.  I feel like you can easily get into a really nice rhythm with shorter radius turns.  Anyway I think I have just been preaching to the choir, and repeating stuff other people have said. 

One thing that has really stood out to me that I don't think others have really positioned about this board is its carving ability.  You can seriously rail turns with it (a softer park board).  Skidded turns aren't carved turns FYI.  You can carve anything from short to large radius turns with this board easily.  Using better technique than I probably was this time last season the edge hold was fantastic even on scraped off machine made ice.  I think the weight really comes into play when it comes to spins.  I enjoy doing some edge to edge 180s and this board is so easy to throw around.  It is a complete joy to ride, and if someone stole mine tomorrow, I would buy another. 

I need it for a month in Canada early next year.  I like bombing groomers, tree runs, steeps.  Hitting natural features, but pretty much no park.  Am probably an intermediate rider.  Can ride every run on every mountain I've been too, sometimes I can't link turns properly on steep double blacks, but am usually ok.  We plan on doing some cat boarding too. 

Pretty sure the Cobra is where it's at for me, I just like the proto as it seems a bit more versatile, plus I'd be able to use it back in Aus.  The Cobra would be no good here.