The Goliath is Bataleon's all-mountain board. Like most Bataleon boards, it uses lifted base edges near the nose and tail, which gives it a feel unlike most other boards.
This review covers how the Goliath rides, the lifted-edge debate and who should demo before they buy.
What It Is: An All-Mountain Board With Lifted Edges
Most boards have a flat base from edge to edge. Bataleon lifts the base edges at the widest parts of the board, near the nose and tail. That makes the board less likely to catch an edge and smoother to ride. Bataleon adds extra lift just outside those points to help it float in deep snow and slice through crud.
The core is a light blend of 70% paulownia and 30% poplar. Bataleon adds hollow carbon tubes to the core to reinforce the camber, cut weight and add pop. The fiberglass is a three-way weave, which Bataleon uses on its stiffer boards.
On the Snow: Stable and Confidence Inspiring
Owners describe the Goliath as stable and forgiving. One owner said they have never felt so confident and comfortable on a snowboard as they do on their Bataleon.
Another rider has ridden the Goliath for three seasons and is very happy with it. A rider who bought a collab version of the Goliath said they have not one bad thing to say about it and called it a great all-around board.
Where It Excels
The Goliath shines for intermediate and advanced riders who want one board for the whole mountain. It suits riders who want a loose, forgiving feel without catching edges.
Where It Falls Short
The lifted edges have a cost. One rider said they make the board loose, floaty and catch-free, but give less bite near the tips when you want it. A shopper said the one common catch in reviews is that it struggles on ice and hard pack.
The feel can also change how you ride other boards. One rider said a friend on a Bataleon board found normal boards harder afterward, because the lifted edges are so forgiving they made him lazy.
One rider who mainly rides Bataleon said their only complaint is that the edges can separate. They added that this may only affect older models.
The Lifted-Edge Debate
You'll find this argument in most Bataleon threads. Riders say people either love the lifted edges or hate them. One rider said not to buy a Bataleon board with them if you have never ridden one.
Here's the take from riders: if you want a forgiving, catch-free board, the Goliath is a great choice. If you ride lots of ice and want full grip at the tips, a flat-based camber board will suit you better.
Pro tip: Demo a Bataleon board before you buy if you can. If you have only ridden flat-based boards, ride it for a few runs to get used to how it turns.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Goliath if you are an intermediate or advanced rider who wants a stable, forgiving board for the whole mountain and dislikes catching edges.
Look elsewhere if you ride lots of ice, want sharp grip at the tips or haven't tried a Bataleon board and can't demo one.
Alternatives
The Bataleon Whatever is Bataleon's softer all-mountain board with the same lifted edges. Read our full Bataleon Whatever review.
The Bataleon Cameleon is Bataleon's surfy, directional board for powder and soft snow. Read our full Bataleon Cameleon review.
The Never Summer Proto Type 3 is Never Summer's all-mountain twin for riders who want a flat-based board. Read our full Never Summer Proto Type 3 review.
Verdict
The Bataleon Goliath is a stable, forgiving all-mountain board that rarely catches an edge. The lifted edges give less bite near the tips, and the feel is love it or hate it. For riders who want a confidence-inspiring board for the whole mountain, it is worth a demo.
