Hello and welcome to my Salomon Dancehaul snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Dancehaul as a mellow freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Dancehaul a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other mellow freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Salomon Dancehaul
Price: $549
Style: Mellow Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 86.1/100
Compared to other Men’s Mellow Freeride Boards.
Of the 28 current model mellow freeride snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Dancehaul ranked 10th= out of 28
Overview of the Dancehaul’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Dancehaul's specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
MELLOW FREERIDE
PRICE:
$549 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
HYBRID CAMBER
HYBRID CAMBER - Salomon's "Rock Out Camber"
SHAPE:
setback stance:
Centered
BASE:
SINTERED
weight:
felt normal
Camber Height:
4.5mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
139 | 243 | 100-143 | 45-65 |
143 | 247 | 110-154 | 50-70 |
147 | 255 | 132-187 | 60-85 |
152 | 264 | 154-198 | 70-90 |
154 | 266 | 154-220 | 70-100 |
157 | 269 | 154-232 | 70-105 |
Who is the Dancehaul Most Suited To?
The Dancehaul is best suited to someone who wants a volume shifted board that they can ride in a shorter length and use it predominantly for slower speed freeriding. Don't get me wrong it can handle a certain amount of speed, but not a hardcore bomber or anything. Particularly well suited if you like to ride trees and even better if you like to ride them in powder.
Not for beginner, but still fairly mellow and easy going, so should be fine for intermediate riders. And for advanced riders who want a mellow short/wide predominantly for slashing around groomers and hunting tree lines.
The Dancehaul in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Dancehaul is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Salomon Dancehaul 2024, 152 (264mm waist width) - and also rode the 147 on the same day.
Date: April 3, 2023
Conditions:
Sunny. Some clouds, but very few.
Temperature was -4°C (25°F) and same with wind in morning. -3°C (27°F) and -6°C (21°F) in the afternoon. 5kph (3mph) westerly morning. 10kph (6mph) westerly in afternoon.
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 16" (40cm)
7 day snow: 24" (60cm)
On groomer: Real nice! Soft packed but not sticky or slow or anything. Just really nice.
Off groomer: Really nice too! Super fun to be off today. Not what I'd call epic fresh pow or anything but good leftovers.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 550mm (21.7″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at front insert: 278mm (10.95")
Width at back insert: 272mm (10.71")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Response ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Control Board for Control Laps: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Weight: 2900grams (6lbs 6oz)
Weight per cm: 19.08 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.71 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 250 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models. The Dancehaul was a little heavier than average on the scales, though because it's volume shifted, the actual weight per surface area would likely be lighter than average, if I had the info to make that calculation. And on snow it felt normal in terms of weight.
Powder
Felt really good in the powder we had. And the specs suggest it should be able to handle deeper powder well too. It's got a good amount of taper (12mm), a directional shape and a reasonable amount of rocker in the profile. While it's not setback on effective edge, the nose is quite a bit longer than the tail, so setback quite a bit over the total length of the board.
Carving
The Dancehaul was decent on a carve, but nothing too epic. It could hold on at moderate speeds, but started to feel washy when trying to do more aggressive higher speed carves.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: Pretty easy to initiate turns on and to slash out the tail. Not too much effort required.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It was pretty nimble when doing tight turns at slower speeds.
Catchiness: At slower speeds very little catchiness in there. I wouldn't say it was the most uncatchy board ever, but overall not catchy at slower speeds. Felt a little more catch prone at faster speeds (some boards are the opposite).
Speed
It's relatively fast overall, but it's not lightning. In terms of stability at speed, it's good up to moderately high speeds, but then it starts to get squirrelly and chattery.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: It didn't get annihilated by chop/crud or anything, it did OK. But it wasn't unmovable in it either. Felt the chatter a bit and could get thrown about in more chopped up areas.
Trees/Bumps: Felt really good in trees and in moguls. Being a shorter board helped and having decent edge-to-edge quickness also helped. And when you're in there in the powder it also floats well too.
Jumps
Can feel a bit sketchy on landings and approaches when you need more speed. Overall it was OK but not the first board I'd choose if I was planning to spend my day predominantly jumping.
Pop: It's pop was nice and easy to access, but there wasn't a huge amount of total pop.
Approach: Was pretty easy to make necessary adjustments and did well when fitting into tighter approaches, but for faster approaches started getting squirrelly.
Landing: Not super stable on landings. This isn't helped that it was a 152, even with it's extra width. Was fine for landing off smaller jumps and side-hits, but not as good for bigger landings.
Side-hits: Not ideal, but still really fun. Pop is easy access and its got good maneuverability.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Best for small to medium jumps, IMO.
Switch
Transitions were fine and was OK to ride switch but felt a little weird, particularly for landings off 180s.
Spins
It was pretty easy to get the spin around, with the length of it. But setups (partly because of the extra width) and landings weren't ideal, particularly when doing 180s (or 540s etc) when having to setup and land switch.
Butters
The tip and tail both press fairly easily and while they certainly don't feel exactly the same the tip and tail don't feel as different to press as a lot of other directional/freeride boards.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Turns | 4 | 12/15 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Trees | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Crud | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Speed | 3 | 6/10 |
| Jumps | 3 | 3/5 |
| Switch | 2 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 86.1/100 |
Overall, the Dancehaul is a fun little board that gives a short length for helping to weave between tight spaces. It floats well in powder and is fun to slash around.
It's not ideal for jumps or riding switch but it's doable, particularly for straight airs and side-hits.
Not one for bombing as fast as you can or aggressive carves, but can handle moderately high-speeds and moderately aggressive carves.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Dancehaul, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other mellow freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Dancehaul compares to other mellow freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi, thank you for all the insight here. My taller friend has a 157 Dancehaul he can sell me. He says it is a touch too small for him. I am 5’10”, 174 lbs, and wear a size 12 boot. I guess I’m not quite sure what my ideal all mountain board size is, but my last two boards have been 161 wides, which in truth, at this point, I feel may be just a tad too long for my weight and height. Would the 157 Dancehaul be too large for me or just right for my foot size? Thank you again for any help.
Hi Casey, thanks for your message.
Because of your boot size, I think it’s doable, but not necessarily optimal. If you had the choice, I would be leaning 154 for this board. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 158/159, so I do think you were riding a little long previously. So, while I think the 157 would feel a bit smaller than what you’ve been riding and wouldn’t be completely wrong or anything, I would be leaning 154 for this board if you had a choice. That said, this is with the assumption that you’d be riding it to its strengths (maneuverability, whipping tight turns in trees, surfy powder riding etc) – if you look at the board and think that you’d like it a little more stable at speed and easier float in powder, at the sacrifice of a little maneuverability, then you the 157 could work well.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
Thanks for helping me with your reviews. I’m thinking about buying this board. I’m 5’7″ and weight 155. My shoe size is 9.5 US. I don’t know which is better for me, the 152 or the 147.
Has the 2026 model suffer any change?
Thanks you very much
Hi Nas, thanks for your message (and apologies for the slow reply – have been crazy busy!)
Great question and I see why you’re debating, as it’s a close call, but I would go to the 147 for your specs, in this case. It’s quite a big size down from what I would consider your “typical all-mountain size” (more around 154/155), but I would size down that much in this case, assuming that you’re wanting to use the Dancehaul to its strengths – i.e. sharp turning, maneuverability, trees etc. I rode the 147 as well as the 152 and while the 147 did feel too small for me (6’0″, 180lbs, size 10 boots) it wasn’t so small it was unrideable and I felt the 152 was right on. With the difference in our specs, I think the 147 should feel good for you – maybe a little on the more playful side than I experienced the 152, but not by too much, I wouldn’t say. I mean if it was between a 147 and a 149, then I’d probably say 149 in this case, but between the 152 and 147, I would be leaning 147.
As far as I can tell the 2026 model is either largely unchanged or exactly the same as the ’25 model.
Hope this helps, if it didn’t come too late
Hi, looking at Dancehaul 154 or 157. I’m 175lb, 5’11”, size 11.5 boot. All mountain / freeride style. I currently ride a lib tech brd 162w.
Since it is volume shifted, the 157 is closest to the surface area of my current board. Additionally, this would be a daily driver as I’m not a fan of quiver boards.
Hi Aaron, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 159/160. I would say you still want to size down from that, even with your boot size, but not as much as you would have to, if you had smaller feet, IMO. So, I think the 157 would work, particularly if you are comfortable with the size of your Brd. If you had smaller feet – even say 10s – then I would say go 154, and you still could for sure. If you feel like you wanted something that felt more noticeably smaller than the 162W Brd, then the 154 is probably your better bet. It’s certainly not outside your range, IMO, and shouldn’t feel super small or anything, but it will feel smaller than your current board.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey, I’ve been struggling deciding between the 152 and the 154. I’m 160lb 6’0″ 11us boot. I was at first leaning towards the 152 but I’ve had several people suggest the 154. What do you think?
Hi Garrett, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 157/158, but as you know this is a volume shifted board, so you want to size down from that and of course the question is by how much. The reason for sizing down is because of the width and by how much you size down depends on how wide it’s going to be for your feet, IMO. With 11s you don’t need to size down as much as someone who is the same height/weight but with size 9 feet, for example. So I get where the going to 154 is coming from and I don’t think it would be wrong for you or anything. But II would personally be leaning 152 for you, assuming you’re not someone who likes to try to break the sound barrier when riding. If so, then there are better boards out there for that.
The reason I’d be leaning 152 in this case is that it’s still going to be on the wide side with 11s, and at your weight you are likely to notice that width and going to 152 will just help to a. make it a touch narrower and b. being shorter and lighter, will gain back more agility that’s lost through going wider than the 154 will. The other reason is that I found the 152 just right and its the size I would ride in this board and while you have bigger feet than me, I think that cancels out with my extra weight (my specs are 6’0″, 180lbs, US9.5 to 10 boots).
But again, I don’t think the 154 would be wrong, just that my instinct says that the 152 would be a little more optimal for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, i am also wondering about size as i am 5’8 and around 150 with a 9.0 size boot should i go with a 147 or 152? Thanks!
Hi Evan, thanks for your message.
Good question and I can see why you’re between those sizes. would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 154, but of course with the Dancehaul being something you size down for. I rode the 152 and felt it was just the right size for this board. I typically ride around 157-159 as an all-mountain size, so it was a 5-7cm size down for me from that (6’0″, 180lbs, 9.5 boot). Being a more freeride board, I’d say it was a 7cm size-down as I’d typically ride freeride boards in around 159. With the same logic, that would put you squarely on the 147. However, it’s not quite the same comparison, as the 147 jumps down quite a bit in terms of width, even relative to length (the 157 has a 269mm waist, the 152 (5cm shorter) has a 264mm waist – a 5mm difference, whereas the 147 is 9mm narrower than the 152, with the same 5cm gap – this is likely because they are marketing this as a unisex board. I’d personally rather they had 2 separate boards and that the 147 in the men’s version came with a 259/260mm waist width). If it was slightly wider in the 147 (i.e. 259/260mm), then I’d say 147 for sure.
If it was narrower in the 152+ sizes, then I would likely had gone with the 154 personally, which is more of a 5cm difference, putting you more on a 149, but of course that doesn’t exist (5cm gaps in sizes irk me!). I would still probably be leaning 147 in this case, mostly because I feel the 152 isn’t quite enough of a size down for you, especially because of the extra width.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi there!
Been using your reviews as a baseline since I started snowboarding 5 years ago, so I’m pretty stoked to leave a comment for the first time!
For context, for the past 4 years, I’ve been riding a Burton Custom 158 (I am 5’10, size 9 boots, about 200lbs), just carving around with the occasional side hits here and there. I’m sort of getting bored with it and I’ve always felt like it was a bit too locked in, maybe partly because of its size as well. Now I’m looking for something a bit more nimble/playful, easier to pop and butter, but still have enough hold to carve around but with easier turn initiation. I’m from the East Coast so most of the snow here is packed and icy. Coming from a 158 Custom Camber, do you think the Dancehaul is a good option?
I appreciate any feedback! Thank you for your work!
Hi, thanks for your message. Stoked you’ve been using the site for 5 years and welcome to the comments section!
The Dancehaul would certainly be easier for turn initiation and a little more nimble/playful. Also a little easier to get it to pop, but overall pop is less than the Custom. Easier to press the nose and tail, as well, but the feel isn’t as even – i.e. the nose and tail feel a little different to each other. That said, the difference wasn’t huge, in my experience with it – less than I thought it would be. Not as good for carving as the Custom, IMO, but can still lay down a decent carve.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate,
Finally got to ride my Dancehaul 154! Absolutely stoked with my choice. It’s more nimble, fun, and overall surfier which is what I’ve been looking for! It’s also less fatiguing IMO. Only downside is you can’t charge as hard, but I might get the pro version later on if I need that extra power. Thanks for the help once again!
Hi Ed, thanks for the update and sharing your experience. Good to hear you’re getting on well with your new board.
Hi Nate,
I think my first message was not send as something went wrong uploading..
I want to buy a Salomon Dancehaul and can not decide on what size I need to take, as I have been watching a lot of reviews, sizing threads, etc..
For me it would be an addition to my Ride Helix asymmetrical twin 155cm.
I’m 5’8 , 159lbs and size 10.5, salomon sizing says I should go for the 147 for my weight but is on the limit for bootsize and for the 152 I would on the lower limit for my weight.. so pretty dificult to choose, I like some stability but not sure if the 152 will be enough out of my comfort zone?
What would you do?
I appreciate all the input you can give me!
Thanks and have a nice day!
Jil
Hi Jil, thanks for your message.
I can see your dilemma, it’s a close call.
I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 155/156, but the Dancehaul is of course a board you want to size down for. With 10.5s, the 147 would be a big size down, particularly given it wouldn’t even be wide for your boots – it would be borderline too narrow for your boots. So, I would be leaning 152. I think ideally, the Dancehaul in a 149-150, if they had one, but in this case, I would be leaning 152 over the 147.
I rode both the 152 and 147 (6’0″, 180lbs, size 9.5 boots) and the 147 did really lack stability and would have lacked in powder for me. You’re lighter than me, so you’d be better in powder on the 147 than me – and it likely won’t feel as unstable, but I’d still be leaning 152. The 147 wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted a really agile, small board for trees and weren’t too worried about stability at speed. Would be great if this came in a size in between. It’s one of the things that annoys about unisex boards – they often have a size gap like that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Looking for a board to ride in the trees of Vermont. Something nimble, good float, nice amount of pop and easy Ollie capabilities. Currently riding slash brainstorm 154 and love it. Just can feel a little big in some spots.
My specs
Boot 7.5
Weight 160
Height 5’5”
Skill advanced
Hi Matthew, thanks for your message.
The Dancehaul would work for what you need, IMO. I wouldn’t say it’s got heaps of pop, but what’s there is really easy to access, so it is easy to ollie, in my experience with it. For other potentials, I would check out this list (which the Dancehaul is on).
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 155, but even in a regular width board, I would size down from that because of your boot size. The Dancehaul, being volume shifted, you would want to size down quite a bit more, IMO. I would look at the 147.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate!
I’m really stuck between 2 sizes for the Dancehaul. I’m a 5’6” female, weigh 136lbs, and wear a 26.5 mondo boot. I usually ride boards 150-153cm. I’m unsure if I should get the 143cm or the 147cm. Thanks Nate!
Hi Jesse, thanks for your message (and apologies for the slow reply – things are really hectic right now!)
I would go 143. I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 148, so normally, with the Dancehaul being volume shifted, I’d say 143 hands down, but given you typically ride in the 150-153 range, the 147 does come into play. I don’t think it would be wrong, but I’d still be leaning 143. The 147 gets significantly wider as well as being pretty close to a size that you’d usually ride.
Hope this helps (if it didn’t come too late)
Thank you so much for your response and size suggestion! I was leaning more towards the 143cm so I’m really happy to hear you just confirmed what I was hoping for.
And no worries about your response time, I know you’re incredibly busy and I appreciate you taking the time to reply at all! Love what you do for the community Nate, always been a huge fan
You’re very welcome Jesse. And thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate! Hoping to get a little guidance on which size to go with. I have a 152 dancehaul but have an opportunity to trade it for a 154 (both brand new). I’m 6’0, ~185lbs, size 10.5 boot. My other board which will primarily be used for groomer days now is a 159 Capita Mercury (love the board). Since the merc isn’t super wide I’d probably be using the Dancehaul when we get pow days (hopefully) in Tahoe as well as just a fun board to mess around on. Love going through trees, side hits, etc. Don’t spend much time in the park but will sometimes hit some boxes and smaller jumps. Thanks so much in advance and looking forward to hearing back from you!
Hi Evan, thanks for your message (and apologies for the slow reply – life keeps getting in the way!)
I would personally go 152 in this board with your specs (which are similar to fine – 6’0″. 180lbs, 9.5 boot). With your foot size being larger, the 154 wouldn’t be wrong or anything, but I’d be leaning 152, particularly given you have the Mercury 159 in your quiver already.
Hope this helps (if it didn’t come too late)
Hi Nate,
Another person indecisive of size.
I rode the Dancehaul 152 for a season in Japan, loved it. However I snapped it.
I’m 5ft 10″ 80kg and wear Adidas Boots between size 7.5/8 – they’re tight but fit my feet best (street shoe 9/9.5)
I’ve picked up the 147 Dancehaul as it was on a super sweet sale.
Think this will be good? I love riding through trees and anything 😀
Hi Alex, thanks for your message.
I would say the 152 is probably the better all round size for you, but for trees, I think you’ll like the Dancehaul. If it’s your only board though, you may find that size wanting when it comes to stability when riding faster down groomers. I rode both the 152 and 147 and while I didn’t find the 147 ridiculously small or anything, I wouldn’t have it as my daily driver. For days that I planned to spend almost entirely in the trees (like a white out day), I would be happy with the 147. You are similar specs to me – though your smaller foot size will likely make the 147 more suitable for you than it was for me. The other issue with going 147 is that it’s not going to float as well in powder. And lastly, if you snapped the 152, then the 147 is probably going to be easier to snap. If you snapped it under some extreme pressure, then it may not be an issue, but if it wasn’t anything that significant when you snapped it, then it may be vulnerable to that again. Though, it could also be that the 152 you got was weakened somehow that you didn’t know about, before snapping?
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m trying to decide between the 154 and 157. I’m an advanced rider, weigh 220 with size 11 boots and primarily plan to use the board for riding trees, often in powder, as well as mellow all mountain riding with my family when I need to keep the speed down a bit (my current daily driver is a 161w black snowboard of death).
Hi Connor, thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 157. While the 157 is wider than the 161W BSOD overall, it’s only in the nose (and a little in the waist). Below is waist/front insert/back insert/nose width/tail width for each board:
BSOD 161W: 267mm/276mm/277mm/309mm/308mm
Dancehaul: 269mm/283mm/277mm/320mm/308mm
So the back insert and tail are actually exactly the same – with the front insert being 7mm (which is fairly significant) wider on the Dancehaul and it’s nose being 11mm wider. Still overall volume is less than the 161W BSOD. But also important to consider is the effective edge. The Dancehaul 157 has a 117cm effective edge vs the BSOD 161Ws 123.7cm of effective edge. Nearly 7cm more effective edge, which is significant. So the 157 is going to feel quite a bit smaller than your daily driver.
I wouldn’t say the 154 is out of range – and if you really want to have nice quick turns at slow speeds and aren’t concerned with too much stability at speed, and are happy to work a little harder in powder, then you could go 154, but I think the 157 is your best bet, given you’ll be riding in pow in the trees. But if you could also let me know your height, that would be great, just to confirm. Height doesn’t have as much influence on your size as weight and foot size, but I still like to take it into account as there is a leverage factor. If you’re really tall, then the 154 maybe a little on the small side, in which case, I’d be leaning even stronger towards the 157.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply Nate, this is excellent information.
I’m 5’10” tall, but I think you’ve convinced me on the 157. I appreciate you taking the time to respond!
You’re very welcome Connor. And yeah, I agree, I think 157 is the way to go.
Hi Nate, thanks for your opinion and your test on the dancehaul… I am about to order it but I hesitate between 152 and 154… I am 1m77 ( 5’10) for 80 kg unequipped and boots in 11 (29). good level of riding. for me no snowpark but especially a versatile board that knows how to carve and with good flotation in powder… Given the size of my boots I currently have a Rossignol Jibsaw in 158 wide. I would like your opinion? thanking you in advance! (sorry for my English, just a Frenchman behind his keyboard)
Hi Avalanche, thanks for your message.
You’re specs are pretty similar to mine, and I really liked the 152. With bigger feet, and looking to particularly enhance the carving and powder float, I would be leaning 154 for you – and would be more similar size-wise to the 158W Jibsaw. So, the 152 would definitely work and if you were looking for something to optimize riding in trees or something like that, then I’d say probably go 152. But in your case I would be leaning 154.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reviews and your website. It really helps a lot to find the most appropriate gear
I am looking for a new board and hesitating between the Salomon dancehaul and the Jones mind expander which seem to behave quite similarly based on your reviews. How would you compare these two ?
Size wise, I am pretty sure I would go for the 154 mind expander but still wondering what would be ideal regarding the dancehaul. My specs are 1m78, 74 kgs and 8,5 Adidas lexicon boots. Would you lean on 147 or 152 ?
Also which one in your opinion would compliment the best a yes greats and jones flagship quiver ?
Cheers !
Hey Julien, thanks for your message.
Yeah, they are definitely more similar than they are different. The same type of board really. Not identical and have slightly different personality’s but certainly best at the same kinds of things. I would say the Mind Expander is a touch better for speed and crud, but there’s very little in it. And the Dancehaul a touch better for trees but again, very little in it. Neither would be a bad choice and both would be a good compliment to your quiver. Which one is a bigger contrast? The Mind Expander has more taper and is certainly overall very different to both the Greats and the Flagship, but I would say the Dancehaul is a little bigger a contrast, because it’s wider and being from a different brand, will have the more different overall personality.
If you wanted a more familiar feeling but in a different board that’s optimized for different things, then the Mind Exapnder would be a good bet. But if you want things as different as possible, then going Dancehaul would fill that slightly better, IMO.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157, with 10.5s, I think the 154 is appropriate for the Mind Expander. The 152 Dancehaul would be the equivalent size in the Dancehaul and that’s the size that I think would suit you best. However, if you wanted to really optimize it for trees and weren’t concerned at all for stability at speed, you could go down to the 147 to get that extra nimbleness, if that’s the aim of this board in your quiver. If you could let me know the sizes of your Greats and Flagship, that would also help.
Hi Nate
Thank you for your swift response
I ride the Yes greats in 151 as an easy going resort board to carve, have fun and jump on side hits and a 158 Flagship for off piste days and riding slopes faster. I think I could have gone bigger however my decision size-wise was driven by the idea of having more board control through an appropriate foot size – board width
It might be a typo but just to be sure I wear size 8,5 boots. Do your recommandations on board sizes still stand ?
Hi Julien
Sorry, yeah that was a typo, I meant 8.5s – must have answered a comment just before for someone with 10.5s!
So yeah, those sizes still stand. But, as I mentioned, I don’t think the 147 Dancehaul would be wrong and the 150 Mind Expander would also be an option, if you were looking to maximize maneuverability and thought you would ride this board outside of powder days. If you were going to just ride them on powder days, then I think the 154/152 would work well, to give you extra float but still be small enough to be nimble.
Hey Nate,
Really appreciate your insight, I will go for the mind expander then, as I like my boards to have speed abilities and used to see more crud than trees
Are you planning to review some Nitro bindings soon ?
Cheers !
You’re very welcome Julien. Been trying to get my hands on some Nitro gear, but haven’t this season so far, unfortunately.
Hi Nate!
Really love this board, especially in trees with pow. Also like it for side hits and for its maneuverability since it’s a shorter ride. I usually also go on easy park features with it and it gets the job done. The issues that I have with this board are : don’t feel I can go fast with it because it can become unstable and it’s not really good in Crud/Chunder.
I considered myself a higher intermediate and would like some suggestions for a complementary board for a 2 board quiver. Something more aggressive tha’ts good on hard snow /crud/ chunder that can handle a good amount of speed but not too unforgiving.
Sorry if my english is not perfect.
Thanks much,
Luc
Thanks,
Hi Luc, thanks for your message.
Your English made perfect sense to me. Can you give a few more details with what you might like your second board to be:
– Will you want to be riding it switch?
– Will you still want it to be good in powder?
– Do you want to still be able to use it for side-hits?
Let me know those things and then I’ll be happy to offer some suggestions. Also, if you could let me know your specs (height, weight and boot size) and the size Dancehaul that you ride.
Hi Nate,
-I don’t really ride switch yet but I’m trying so that could be nice if it’s a decent ride switch
-Doesn’t need to be good in powder because I will use the Dancehaul for pow.
– Yes would like to do some side hits with it.
I’m a park beginner, don’t plan to become really good at it but I like to hit easy features. How I’d see my 2 board quiver would be :
Board #1 (Dancehaul) : Pow, side hits, easy features in the park, fun cruising
Board #2 : Hard pack/crud/chunder, side hits, easy features in the park, more speed, more aggressive but not too overwhelming for my level
6ft2, 200 lbs, size boots. Riding a 154 Dancehaul.
Thanks again
Hi Luc
Thanks for the extra info. I think you missed the number when putting in your boot size?
12
Thanks Luc.
First board that comes to mind is the YES Greats. Likely in the 159, but the 156 would work if you wanted it more chill. But even in the 159 it shouldn’t be too aggressive but should still give you considerably more stability at speed and in crud and in hard/icy snow it’s one of the better boards I’ve ridden in those conditions. It’s a true twin (asymmetrical), but since you’d use the Dancehaul in powder, I think it would be a really good compliment.
The Greats is what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board. For other all-mountain freestyle options see this list. If you want to see some more aggressive options then check out this list.
Hi Nate,
appreciate your work !!
considering the dancehaul as my new snowboard to replace my salomon surface 2008. this board is a medium flex camber board directional twin (10mm setback). width under inserts now is 275mm. waist 265mm.
looking for an all mountain board to take me all over the mountain. love to carve at moderate speeds. i like a bit of flex to navigate home in the afternoon when the piste is like a mogul field. when there is powder i like to surf through. i would consider myself as an easy going snowboarder. i only go faster on a wide even surface.
i am 188cm weighing 82kg. bootsize US12 salomon dialogue dual boa. boots run small . hi wear a 44.5 sneaker
next to this board i also consider a bataleon whatever or thunderstorm or a jones mind expander or mind expander twin, amplid killswitch, (amplid dada may be a bit too wide?). what other boards would you consider ?
Hi Bert
Thanks for your message. Apologies for the late response. Pretty hectic right now!
I think the Dancehaul would work well for what you’re describing. Size-wise I would be looking at the 154. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160 but this is a board you would size down for. However with 12s (taking into account that your feet aren’t necessarily size 12), I wouldn’t size down more than to the 154. The 157 would be doable as well, but if you want to keep things more mellow/agile, then I think the 154 should work well, particularly given you’re not a true 12.
For what you’re describing I wouldn’t go Whatever as it’s more freestyle oriented, but the Thunderstorm and Mind Expander would both work for you as well, IMO.
You could also consider something like the Capita Navigator or Never Summer Swift.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate! Love your reviews!! I was wondering what bindings you think would be best for the Salomon Dancehaul? I’m debating between the Union stratas and falcors, I’m just not sure if the falcors would be too stiff? I mostly ride off piste in the trees and like to hit side hits, im never in the park. I sometimes hard charge & carve, but mostly like to have fun cruising around the mountain.
Hi Jordan
I think you’d get away with the Falcors. They’re certainly on the stiffer end for the Dancehaul though – but I don’t they’re stiff enough to make the Dancehaul too twitchy. Though it would partly depend on the size you’re riding. You may feel them a bit twitchy to begin with, but something that you’d get used to pretty quickly. So I think they’re doable on it, but I think the Strata are the better match. Even if you’re not in the park, they should match well with the Dancehaul, IMO. And they are stiff enough that you’ll still be able push the Dancehaul hard. If you were on a stiffer board, then the Strata may not have the oomph to get it riding hard enough, but I don’t think you’d have that issue on the Dancehaul.
So, yeah, if you want that bordering on twitchy response that kicks in at slightly higher speeds, and don’t mind if at really slow speeds they don’t feel quite as responsive, then you could go Falcor, but I think the Strata would be the better match. They’ll provide enough drive but will feel better for cruising around on the Dancehaul, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m tossing up between the 152 and the 154 Dancehaul. I currently have a 2014 Salomon Assassin which has been awesome but it is getting on a bit (still a lot a fun though). I’m planing on adding the Dancehaul rather than replacing the Assassin, but I said the same thing when I bought the Assassin and have barely touched my previous boards.
Riding style – Live in Australia, love powder, trees and off piste but only really get to ride that when I go to Japan, otherwise just all mountain, natural features etc, rarely go to the park, (too old for that. I don’t bend anymore, I break)
Ability level – Fairly confident in all terrain
Physical characteristics – 185cm (6’1), 80kg (175 lbs), US10.5, slim, sporty 40yo with shot knees)
I sit right in the middle of the 152 weight range and a third into the 154 range. The internet can be a rabbit hole where everyone think they are an expert, so who knows what I’m reading but various information online say go the 152. Other say go 154 since it is a new size this year. Any help on the matter would be much appreciated. Thanks
Hi Ray
Thanks for your message.
I can see why you’re debating between those 2 sizes. It’s close. A tight decision.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160/161. This of course is a volume shifted board that you size down for. It’s still wide for 10.5 boots, but because you have bigger feet, I would be erring 154. But the 152 wouldn’t be wrong.
I felt the 152 was about right for me (6’0″, 180lbs, US9.5 boots), I have 5lbs of extra weight, but you have 1″ on me and longer feet. It’s the feet that mostly have me erring towards the 154. I also rode the 147 and that definitely felt too small for me, but if I’d have ridden it in a 150 (if there was one), then I think it would have been alright. With only 2cm between the 154 and 152, I don’t think you’d find the 152 overly small or anything.
I think it really comes down to how you’ll be riding it most of the time. If you like to ride quite fast and want to priorities extra float for when you get to Japan and you’re not really riding slow that much, then I think I would go 154.
If you value maneuverability over stability and don’t tend to ride too fast too often and want something that’s easier to throw around etc – and the natural features you’re hitting aren’t that big (if you’re going off some bigger hits, then having a bit more stability with a bigger size can help with landings), then I think the 152 would work well.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I went with the 154 and was very happy with it. Definitely a different board than my assassin. Would you have any binding recommendations. I have Malavitas on the Assassin and loved them, but I think Burton has stopped producing them. Looking at the Bataleon Astro Assym, Rome Vice, Union Strata and Union Ultra. Also have US10.5 Thirtytwo boots so I am in between binding sizes. Any thoughts on both matters would be much appreciated. Thanks
Hi Ray
Good to hear from you again and thanks for the update. I think you’re on the right track in terms of bindings. If you wanted to be really picky could say the Ultra may be a touch too soft for the Dancehaul, but they’re still a good match, IMO. We haven’t tested the Astro Asym, but we have tested the Astro Fullwrap and the Vice and Blaster Asym. I would say that the Vice and Blaster Asym felt super similar to each other. The Astro Fullwrap was quite a bit stiffer. Having not tested them, don’t know for sure, but I would say the Astro Asym are likely a little stiffer then the Blaster/Vice, based on Bataleon’s flex ratings and how stiff the Fullwrap version was. But even at a 7/10 flex rating, they would still match the Dancehaul, but be on the stiffer side for it, IMO.
So I’d be leaning Vice (or Blaster Asym) or Strata. But the Ultra and Astro Asym (likely) should work too.
Size-wise, I sometimes find that 10s in Union bindings feel like they are the limit, but in most cases, when I’ve had 10.5s, they’ve fit in there fine. The L would be the safer bet, but there’s a good chance you’d get into the M.
For Bataleon and Rome bindings I’ve only had them in M/L and only with 9.5s or 10s, but I never got the sense that I was near the limit of the bindings size-wise, so I don’t think you’d have any problem with the M/L.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate. Love your site. I think your Dancehaul review is accurate as far as objective ratings and statements (except maybe flex). However, I didn’t sense much enthusiasm from you, whereas I love the Dancehaul and think it is a really fun board. I have had 15 boards, and this is among my favorites. It probably helps that it fits my specs well as I have slightly larger feet, so it turns really well for me without any drag. I’m 175, 6’0″ and size 11 and got the 152. For me it is nimble and playful. It’s got good performance overall (except as you noted it isn’t for bombing). I do like going fast and that is its biggest weakness; it is a little softer than I’d like, as a prefer about a flex of ~6 and I’d rate mine as a 4.5. Because of the shape and the fact I liked it so much, I just picked up the Dancehaul Pro which is supposedly about 15-20% stiffer than standard Dancehaul – also in a 152. So, I’m excited to see if maybe that will be my favorite snowboard of all time.
Hey Cliff
Thanks for your insights. Good to get someone else’s take on how they felt it. And I’m not surprised you found it more nimble and playful in the 152 than I did, given your height/weight are very similar to mine but you have bigger feet. And even that foot size likely affects how stiff you feel it overall – because of how you’d feel the torsional flex. With longer feet you’ll find it easier to get leverage on the edges. Would be really interested to hear how you find the Danceaul Pro.