Korua Otto vs Korua Pencil: Which Board Is Right for You?
Has the sleek white topsheet of the legendary Korua boards caught your eye, but you’re struggling to choose between the Otto and the Pencil? Both are certified fun sticks from the cult‑favourite Swiss brand—but they ride very differently. Here’s a quick side‑by‑side breakdown based on our 2024–25 test rides.
Korua Otto vs Korua Pencil: Quick Summary
- Korua Otto – A directional all-mountain freestyle board with twin-ish energy. Playful yet precise.
- Korua Pencil – The OG Korua shape. A volume-shifted, freeride-focused carving machine that floats like a dream.
Shape & Profile
Otto: Directional twin-ish. Slight taper, but designed to handle switch riding and freestyle tweaks.
Pencil: Directional shape with heavy taper and long nose. Think surfy. Think pow. Think trench-digging carves.
Flex & Feel
Otto: Medium flex, stable at speed, still pressable. Snappy, but not stiff.
Pencil: Slightly stiffer overall. Built to charge, not butter. Feels smooth and damp underfoot, especially when carving hardpack.
Terrain & Riding Style
Otto: Ideal for riders who want one board to do most things—side hits, resort laps, carving, even the occasional park run.
Pencil: The Pencil wants speed, pow, and wide open faces. Best for riders chasing that soulful, laid-back freeride feel.
Powder Performance
Otto: Good float thanks to the shape and setback, but it’s no pow noodle.
Pencil: Floats like a damn boat. The long nose and taper make it Korua’s powder favourite for a reason.
Who’s It For?
Otto: The rider who loves carving but also wants to ollie side hits, ride switch, and mix it up.
Pencil: The freeride purist. The carver. The powder chaser. Less about tricks, more about flow.
Test Rider Notes
“The Otto surprised me. You can carve it hard, but it still lets you mess around. A good time board.”
“The Pencil is Korua’s DNA. It rides like a surfboard on snow. Just point it and vibe.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re a resort all-rounder who wants that Korua edge with a bit more versatility, go Otto. If you’re in it for powder, carving, and soul turns, you won’t go wrong with the Pencil.