The Best Mellow Freeride Snowboards 2025-2026

Comments

1. Marc says

   December 1, 2025 at 12:27 pm

   Counterbalance: the link is not working, no complete review?

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 1, 2025 at 2:08 pm

     Hey Marc, thanks for pointing that out. Was meant to have a “review coming soon” next to it. Hopefully be out soon.

     Reply

2. Kristian says

   November 22, 2025 at 12:15 am

   Impatiently checking daily for the full Frontier 2.0 review.. 😛

   Reply

   • Nate says

     November 28, 2025 at 2:03 pm

     Hi Kristian – hopefully get it out soon. Hoped to have had more of the ’26 reviews published by now, but running behind. I will bump the Frontier 2.0 up the list.

     Reply

     • Nate says

       December 12, 2025 at 2:08 pm

       Frontier is up now

       Reply

       • Kristian says

         December 14, 2025 at 5:17 am

         Awesome, thanks!

         Reply

         • Nate says

           December 19, 2025 at 2:04 pm

           🤙

3. Gustavo says

   January 21, 2025 at 3:19 am

   Hey Nate! I have a Burton Custon Flying V 156 and i’m thinking about to buy a Deep Thinker 157. i’m looking for stability, good turns and speed… is a good choice?

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 27, 2025 at 2:43 pm

     Hi Gustavo, thanks for your message.

     The Deep Thinker will definitely give you more stability, in my experience, vs the Custom Flying V and is much better for carving, IMO. For short sharp turns, I’d say they’re probably fairly even, but maybe the Custom Flying V a little better. You’ve got to work a little harder on the Deep Thinker, but you get rewarded with the carving feel and more stability and it’s still really good for slow speed turns and relatively speaking to the average board, doesn’t take a lot of effort to get turning at slow speeds. It’s just that this is one of those things that the Flying V profile is good for – easy turn initiation – so in comparison it’s a little harder work. But worth the rewards, IMO.

     Hope this helps with your decision

     Reply

4. Ron Z says

   January 8, 2025 at 2:28 pm

   Hi Nate, Thank you so much for all the reviews. so helpful !

   I’m 5’11 (maybe 5’11.5″ :), 162P, 10.5 boot size.

   I would say that i am an advanced intermediate. I turned 50 and am now mainly interested in mellow blacks (nothing crazy) and medium level powder. I am located in the east coast (ice) and spend maybe 5-10 days per year snowboarding also in the Alps or the Rockies.

   My current ride is a 157 Capita Mega Merc with Burton Step-ons. I love the mega merc ! light, responsive , great for all mountain.

   I do want to consider adding another board to my quiver so that i have a more powder friendly board. considering the Burton Gril Master. but i’m a bit concerned about the available length. i seem to be way outside the weight recommendation for a 160 and 155 seems a bit short… What are your thoughts and is there another ‘chill’ freeride all mountain you would recommend over the Gril Master.

   Thanks !

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 14, 2025 at 10:43 am

     Hi Ron, thanks for your message.

     The Gril Master would certainly work and I think it would be a good compliment to your Mega Merc, but I definitely get where you’re coming from with sizing. Always annoys me when boards have a 5cm gap between sizes! In this case, I agree that the 155 feels like it would be too short, particularly as your predominantly powder board. If you were just riding powder on it, you could ride the 160, but not likely to like it that much on groomers. Definitely a few other good options in this list though. Most would work, with some being better for icy conditions than others, but if you could let me know a few things to help narrow it down.

     – Are you open to volume shifter (short/wide) or want to keep a more traditional length/width?

     – Are you open to hybrid rocker (where you have rocker between the feet and camber towards tip and tail) or prefer to stick to hybrid camber (camber between the feet and rocker towards tip/tail)?

     Reply

     • Ron Z says

       January 15, 2025 at 7:44 pm

       Thank for replying Nate !

       Would definitely need a board where I can go on the groomers as well.

       – I don’t mind volume shifting (though I’ve never retried)
       – I prefer a hybrid camber vs hybrid rocker. I feel off when riding rocker in between my feet

       – I haven’t ridden Burton in a while and I’m kinda curious to use their channel system and EST binding (perhaps there is a better suited Burton board ?) but this haunt a must at all. Prefer to add the best board for what I’m looking for

       Thanks again ! I love what you do on this forum

       Reply

       • Nate says

         January 21, 2025 at 10:37 am

         Hi Ron

         If you were to go volume shifted, the Jones Mind Expander would be a good bet, for something chill, good in powder and still fun on groomers. The Storm Chaser from Jones as well – but it’s not quite as chill. It’s certainly not super stiff or aggressive, but it’s got a bit more of a solid feel to it. The Short Stop is probably not going to cut it on groomers for you. It’s still fun on groomers, but only at slow speeds. The Dancehaul could work as well, though I’d be leaning Mind Expander if you were to go volume shifted.

         From Burton you could go Hometown Hero, though it’s a heavier board. My pick would be the Deep Thinker. It’s not quite as mellow as the Gril Master and not quite as good for powder, but it’s also certainly not overly aggressive a ride, in my experience, and it’s nice and light and still decent in powder. The 157 would be a really good size for you, as well, IMO. But I get that you probably want to go a little more powder oriented, to give a bigger contrast to your Mega Merc, so I think I’d still be leaning Mind Expander over it. I think the Gril Master would be the best Burton pick, if it came in a better size.

         For a non-volume shifted option, I’d look at the Capita Navigator.

         Reply

         • Ron Z says

           January 25, 2025 at 10:04 am

           Thanks Nate ! Always great guidance

         • Nate says

           January 29, 2025 at 10:21 am

           You’re very welcome Ron. Hope you have a great season!

5. Dano says

   January 5, 2025 at 3:41 pm

   Happy New Year Nate!
   I am considering two boards as daily drivers, groomers, some powder, some trees, a little carve – The Never Summer Nohku and a Jones Fromtier. I generally do not do park. I recently sold a Burton Daily Driver (mixed on whether I liked it) and Name Dropper, and picked up a Process Chamber 157 so I have something to ride.

   I consider myself solid intermediate who wants to improve. I’m 5’9”, 165lbs, 10.0 boot. I do not like rocker profiles because of their squirrellyness. Size wise with the Jones I would go 159 and with the Nokhu I’m leaning towards the 158 but really not certain.

   I was sold on the Frontier but the Nokhu looks very interesting and still accommodates an intermediate whole offering a little more.

   I realize your full Nokhu review is in process, but what do you think between the two boards? And Sizing? I’m ready to buy.

   Thank you!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 10, 2025 at 11:01 am

     Hey Dano, thanks for your message and happy new year!

     I would say the Frontier is the safest bet for you and there’s not much chance you’ll dislike it. It’s one of those boards that just feels natural to ride. But the Nokhu is the more exciting option, IMO. It has more of an x-factor. More potential to really love it, but also more potential for it to be not for you. The biggest hesitation I would have is your comment about rocker boards. While I didn’t find the Nokhu too squirelly, it is on the border of feeling semi-loose and does have a noticeable rocker element. It’s certainly not what I’d call rocker dominant. There’s more camber than rocker, but you do feel the rocker. So you’d be more at risk of getting a feel you didn’t like with it.

     Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 157/158. The Frontier is something you can ride a bit longer, so I think the 159 should work fine. You could go 156 as well, but given that you’re not really riding park and only some trees, the 159 is probably your best bet. Same argument between the 158 and 155 for the Nokhu. Though being wider, I would be more inclined to the 155 for the Nokhu – but if you’re worried about a squirelly feeling, then going shorter won’t help with that, so that’s something to consider.

     Hope this helps with your decision

     Reply

6. casey says

   November 29, 2024 at 11:18 am

   Hey Nate thanks for your reviews and advice! You helped me out getting a gnu headspace a couple years ago, and I love it, but now looking at a second board for doing everything except park riding. Mainly to bring as my only board for trips or the rare powder day (I live in Philly, taking first trip to CO this february), but something still fun to cruise around and carve on an icy day too, more on the surfy/playful side than aggressive. I do a lot of riding with my wife who’s more of a beginner/intermediate, so don’t want something that wants to charge hard all the time.

   Mainly between the nokhu and the orca…nokhu sounds more like what I want, but there’s not nearly as much info about it compared to the orca hype, and I could get last years orca for like $430 vs $690 for a new nokhu. What do you think?

   I’m 5’8 145lbs, size 8 boot, would want to use my size m Salomon hologram bindings on whatever board I get. Was thinking 147 for the orca or 152 for the nokhu. My headspace is a 152

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 2, 2024 at 7:53 pm

     Hi Casey, thanks for your message.

     I would slightly prefer the Nokhu but given that price difference, the Orca would be the way I’d go, especially if budget isn’t limitless.

     Size-wise, I think the 147 Orca is probably better suited to. Not that 152 in the Nokhu would be too big or anything, but it is bordering on the bigger end for you, IMO, given its width. I’d almost say 150 Orca though – it’s a tough one with the Orca, but the 147 would be a good size. If you were going to be riding predominantly in powder and wanting to ride it fast more of the time, then the Nokhu in the 152 would be a good bet, but given how you are likely to use it, it’s a little on the big side, IMO.

     tldr; both great options for what you’re describing, but I like the Orca 147 a little more size-wise for you and that’s a pretty big price difference, so I’d be leaning Orca.

     Hope this helps with your decision

     Reply

7. Jeremy says

   October 6, 2024 at 12:37 am

   Hi there, I am 175cm / 70kg / Boot size US 9.5 advanced rider.

   I only ride in Hokkaido so mostly off-piste or backcountry powder with mellow terrain and quite a bit of trees.

   My current boards are Mercury 157cm and Mega Death 156cm.

   I was hoping the Mega Death would be a very good powder board. It ended up being an excellent carver and fun on groomers (and not that aggressive actually!) but rather twitchy in the powder. Maybe I should have sized up to 159cm if I wanted something more powder focused?

   For a mostly powder-focused board, which of these would you recommend: Capita Navigator, Yes PYL (Normal), Yes PYL (Uninc), Rome Ravine, Rome Ravine Select?

   Should I size up or stick to the recommended size range?

   Thank you very much!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     October 8, 2024 at 4:12 pm

     Hi Jeremy, thanks for your message.

     Firstly, if you’re going to be using it predominantly for powder, then I would size up from your normal size. Particularly with a powder focused board, as there’ll be more surface area outside the contact points than with an all-mountain or freestyle board. And that surface area will be mostly only noticeable in powder and not on hard pack (not strictly, because of weight, swing weight and feel etc – but you don’t notice that length as much on hard pack, because it’s not in contact with the snow).

     All of those boards well suited to powder, IMO, but in order of best to worst, I would say:

     PYL Uninc
     Navigator
     Ravine/Ravine Select
     PYL

     I rode the Mega Death over the winter, but didn’t get it into significant powder (was some, but only a few inches), but it should be decent in powder, so I imagine the 159 would have been better for you for predominantly powder use. That said, I would rate the above boards as being better in powder than it. The PYL only by a little bit, but in the 159, even the PYL should be a noticeable difference in powder.

     I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157/158, so I would go up from there in most of those boards. The exception being the PYL Uninc, which is a wider board, so you’ll get that extra surface area for powder from the width. The sizes I would go with are (for PYL and PYL, Uninc, Ravine and Ravine Select first size is if you still want it to OK on groomers and is the size I’d mostly recommend, particularly as you’re in the trees a lot, but if you wanted to maximize the powder float, the second size is an option and will still be manageable on groomers and in trees, but just not necessarily optimal):

     PYL Uninc 157 (159)
     Navigator 161
     Ravine/Ravine Select 158 (162)
     PYL 159 (162)

     Hope this helps with your decision

     Reply

8. Matt says

   February 20, 2024 at 4:02 pm

   I would love to see you review the Nitro Dinghy and K2 Excavator at some point. These boards are getting a lot of hype so your take would be nice. Thanks

   Reply

   • Nate says

     February 21, 2024 at 7:17 pm

     Hey Matt

     Would be great to test those and will be doing my best to get on them this winter!

     Reply

     • Matt says

       February 22, 2024 at 8:39 am

       Very cool. Thank you. Also, one of the items I noticed when looking for my next board and doing comparisons, is only a few give surface area (dm2). Yes and Jones are thankfully doing it, but most don’t. Besides waist width, this seems it should be the most important dimension to consider as length is becoming so varied with volume shifted boards. Let’s start the push to ask for board manufacturers to include this. Thoughts?

       Reply

       • Nate says

         February 22, 2024 at 4:45 pm

         Hey Matt.

         100%! I couldn’t agree more.

         YES/Jones have become really good with their specs, showing width at inserts, surface area, showing both effective edge and contact length and showing both nose/tail length as well as width. They are the standard for specs that I wish every other brand would follow. Can throw Nidecker in there too. Can get frustrating when a lot of these specs are missing. But I agree that surface area would be priceless to be able to compare – and it’s too complicated for me to figure out (I’d need some kind of software and an exact outline of the board, I would imagine) when I have the boards with me.

         Reply

         • Matt says

           February 23, 2024 at 7:49 am

           Thanks for confirming I am not crazy or too obsessive. Ha!

         • Nate says

           February 23, 2024 at 3:29 pm

           Ha ha! It either confirms you’re not crazy/obsessive or that we both are! 😛

9. Sherman says

   January 9, 2024 at 5:54 am

   Hey Nate, thanks so much for your reviews, they are more helpful than any others!
   I would love to get your opinion if you have time:
   I am a intermediate rider and have been going to Japan for multiple seasons. I have been using the Burton Instigator as my first board and I feel like I have outgrown the board and want to get my first powder board to tackle the deep snow in Niseko. So I want to get a board that’s really good in the powder, and in the trees, but will also work well on groomers and will carve okay. So, pretty well a one-board quiver that’s great in powder.
   I am sure most of the boards in your list would work well but I would like your opinion on how I should size the board. My instigators are 160cm and I understand that for powder boards we should size them down 3-5cm?
   I am 174 cm (5’7’’) 102kg (225 lbs) boots US 9.5.
   Thanks in advance!!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 10, 2024 at 4:33 pm

     Hi Sherman

     Thanks for your message.

     Typically, unless you’re going with a short-wide board, you would size up for a more powder oriented board. A couple of reasons for this.

     1. A bigger board has more surface area, so floats better in powder.

     2. Powder oriented boards tend to have more length outside of the contact points, so you can afford to go longer and still not feel too big on the groomers because there is a smaller effective edge to overall length ratio. However, if you’re also riding a lot of trees, then you don’t want to go too long, so anything from your “all-mountain” size or a little over is a good range to look at.

     All that said, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160, so something around that would work well, unless you’re going for a short-wide, option, in which case you would size down a bit.

     If you wanted to go short-wide, then the following would be good bets:

     – Arbor Single 156 – in this case (and all the short/wide options here) it makes sense to size down in length, because of the width of the board

     – Salomon Dancehaul 157

     – Bataleon Cruiser 156

     – YES Hybrid 157

     – GNU Gremlin 155

     For non short-wide options:

     – GNU Hyper 160

     – Jones Mind Expander 158 (it’s semi short-wide, so I’d size a little down, but not much)

     – Capita Navigator 161

     – Burton Deep Thinker 160

     Hope this helps with your decision

     Reply

     • Sherman says

       January 10, 2024 at 10:39 pm

       Thanks Nate for your input!

       Much appreciated 👍

       Reply

       • Nate says

         January 13, 2024 at 2:16 am

         You’re very welcome Sherman. Hope you have a great season!

         Reply

10. Paul says

    December 27, 2023 at 8:26 am

    Hey Nate,
    I’m really interested in the Skeleton Key and I have the opportunity to buy the 2022 version for way less money than the 2024 version. Is there any difference between the two other than the graphic ?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 29, 2023 at 2:59 pm

      Hey Paul

      Thanks for your message. As far as I can tell, the 2022 model is identical to the 2024 model, apart from the graphic. So, assuming you don’t have to compromise on size – i.e. the 202 model that you can get is in the best size for you – then I would go for the 2022 model for sure.

      Reply

11. Andrew Marks says

    December 18, 2023 at 12:46 pm

    Hey Nate, thanks so much for your reviews, they are more helpful than any others that I’ve seen.

    I would love to get your opintion if you have time:

    I am a strong intermediate, going to Japan for two weeks in February – for the first time, and I don’t have much experience in powder. So I want to get a board that’s really good in the powder, and in the trees, but will also work well on groomers and will carve okay. Not super-stiff. Oh, and something that is agile, turns easily and holds its edges well even on icy stuff. So, pretty well a one-board quiver that’s great in powder.

    I thought I was being too demanding, but based on your reviews and others, I’ve identified a few boards that seem to tick all my boxes. They are:

    YES PYL
    YES Hybrid
    Never Summer Swift
    Gnu Banked Country

    What do you think? And by the way, are you planning a full review of the Swift soon? I really like the sound of it but would more detailed info…

    Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 19, 2023 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Andrew

      Thanks for your message.

      Yes, full review of Swift is coming. Have a big back log of reviews to publish, but it is in the pipeline. I have had a couple of requests for it, so I will shift it up the queue I think and try to get it out this week.

      I think you’ve got a really good list there and I don’t you can go wrong with anything there for what you’re describing, assuming you get them in the right size. That could also be a tie breaker, if there’s something that will suit you better size-wise. I would be happy to give my sizing opinion input as well. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Andrew Marks says

        December 20, 2023 at 1:52 am

        Hi Nate

        Thanks for your reply. Sorry I forgot to give this info: I’m 5’10”, 170 pounds, size 10 boot. Does that make a difference to your advice?

        BTW, two things that initially put me off the PYL was the flex rating of 8, which is too stiff for me – but you’re clear that it’s actually not more than 7 (maybe even softer than that?). Also, another website gave it only 3.5/5 for performance in powder, which surprised me given your 4.5/5, and my (maybe mistaken) perception that this is primarily a powder board.

        BTW my current board is a 2017/18 Jones Mountain Twin.

        Looking forward to the Swift review!

        Best
        Andrew

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 20, 2023 at 4:02 pm

          Hi Andrew

          Size-wise, I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 158. With Freeride boards, depending on the width in relation to your boot size, you can size up a little. So I would go:

          YES PYL 159
          YES Hybrid 153 (this is really wide, so I would size down to this one)
          Never Summer Swift 158
          Gnu Banked Country 159

          I wouldn’t say the PYL was a specialized powder board as such, but I find it really good in powder. What I typically determine as “freeride” is a board that is good in powder, but also good for riding groomers. It just doesn’t have to be good for riding switch or anything freestyle. Some might call it a freeride board more on the all-mountain end of the spectrum because it doesn’t have a massive amount of taper or setback. But with 6mm of taper, a nose that’s considerably longer in the nose than the tail and the rocker in the nose, but not really in the tail (subtly but hardly noticeable), it’s more freeride for me. And I found it floated really well in powder. Noticably more float than the Mountain Twin, IMO.

          The PYL is also now rated 7/10. The 2022 model was stiffer – more like 8/10, but then they changed it up and made it softer again (like it was for the 2019 and previous models). So yeah, I wouldn’t worry about it being too stiff. Certainly a 7/10 flex for me. But still a little stiffer than the other 3 on your list.

          Reply

          • Andrew Marks says

            December 24, 2023 at 1:30 am

            Hey Nate, thanks so much for the Swift review, it’s really informative. The board sounds great, but there are two things I can see that might be off-putting.

            First, you say it doesn’t have good edge-hold on icy snow, unlike the other three boards on my list. Do you think that’s a big deal, or not so much?

            Second, you say it’s predominantly a quiver board – though you also say it could definitely make a one-board quiver for the right riding style.

            I am looking for as close to a one-board quiver as I can get in a board that ticks all my other boxes, because realistically, I’m unlikely to switch much between boards depending on conditions etc.

            So I need something that will work really well in the powder (especially the low-angle powder I expect in Japan), but that will also be absolutely fine on groomers and for carving, is agile in the trees, easy to turn, holds its edges…and be fun to ride! I don’t mind if I can’t ride switch, and I don’t go in the park.

            BTW I see the Swift is maybe 20% more expensive than the other three boards, and I wonder why that is. I’m completely happy to pay that higher price, as long as it’s worth it!

            Nate, do you have a feel for which of these four boards is going to be best for my requirements and ability, or would you say they’ll all be fine and I should go for my gut feeling?

            Thanks again, all the best
            Andrew

          • Nate says

            December 24, 2023 at 5:59 pm

            Hi Andrew

            I wouldn’t say the Swift would be bad for icy conditions, but not as good as the other 3, IMO.

            For powder, agility in trees and easy to turn, I would say the Swift is the pick of the 4. In low angle powder, so long as you don’t go too small, I think you’ll be fine. But of course, if you want to keep that easy to turn/tree performance, I wouldn’t go too big either. For your specs, I think the 158 (and the other sizes mentioned) would strike a good balance between being big enough for good float in low angle powder, but also agile enough.

            The PYL, IMO will be best for speed and edge-hold, but I’d say Banked Country a little bit easier to turn, but not by a whole lot. Banked Country up there with PYL on a carve and for edge hold though.

            The Hybrid I’d say as good for edge-hold vs the PYL and similar ease of turns as PYL. A little better on carves and at speed vs Swift and a little better in powder vs Banked Country.

            So, yeah it’s a tough call, I think they would all work, with different strengths and weaknesses. So gut feeling might be a good way to go. I think Banked Country is probably the most “in-between” of them.

          • Andrew Marks says

            December 27, 2023 at 5:34 am

            Thanks for all your help Nate, I really appreciate you taking the time. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024.

          • Nate says

            December 29, 2023 at 2:48 pm

            You’re very welcome Andrew. Hope you also have a great 2024 and a great snowboarding season!

        • Andrew Marks says

          December 30, 2023 at 3:54 am

          Dear Nate, I hope you don’t mind but I have another (yet another!) question please. I’m inclining towards the Swift, your enthusiasm is infectious! But as I mentioned I’d like to use it not just for powder, but ideally as a decent one-board quiver too.

          You said: “It’s predominantly a quiver board, but could definitely make a one-board quiver for the right riding style”.

          And what I’m wondering is, what is the riding style that would make the Swift useable as a one-board quiver?

          Thanks as always, Andrew

          Reply

          • Nate says

            December 31, 2023 at 3:52 pm

            Hi Andrew

            I would say the style that would work well for using the Swift would be someone who, when not in powder:

            – likes to still explore tree runs, even without powder in there – not when it’s icy or really bad, but when there’s not fresh powder.
            – likes to ride with a bit of speed but doesn’t like to bomb really fast
            – likes to carve on groomers, but doesn’t need something that will hold onto super aggressive carves at really high speeds
            – doesn’t ride switch often
            – doesn’t spend a lot of time in the park
            – doesn’t want to be buttering around the place, or doing spin tricks or that kind of thing
            – could still be into side-hits, but just without expecting it to be great for 180s off side-hits – but 360s and straight airs it’s pretty decent for

          • Andrew Marks says

            January 1, 2024 at 8:40 am

            Nate, you’re a mind-reader! All those bullet points you list – that’s me exactly! So I’m going to go for the Swift, and really looking forward to it. Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to give all that thoughtful and helpful advice. Very best, Andrew

          • Nate says

            January 1, 2024 at 5:47 pm

            You’re very welcome Andrew. Hope it treats you well and hope you have a great season! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.

12. Chris says

    December 17, 2023 at 1:53 pm

    Hey Nate,

    I’ve been procrastinating getting a new snowboard but have needed to and well now I don’t really have a choice as my 2012 Rossignol One Magtek is out of commission. I’d like to get an all Salomon setup.

    I’m riding on groomers in the northeast, no glades, parks or crazy speeds for me… so just all mounting free-riding I guess?

    I’m 5’10, 200 pounds, 10.5 boot, and have been boarding for almost 20 years now.

    I was looking at the Sight but thats out of stock now… I was also looking at the Assassin/Pro but it seems more of a park board… I was also looking at the Dialogue Lace SJ BOA boots and the Hologram bindings… What board would you suggest, and would you suggest any different bindings?

    Thanks!

    Chris

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 19, 2023 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Chris

      Thanks for your message.

      In terms of the board, I think the Dancehaul would work well for what you’re describing. It’s a volume shifted board, so you’d want to size down a little on it. I would put your typical all-mountain length at around 161, but with the Dancehaul I would go either 154 or 157. It gets pretty wide in those sizes, so, given you’re not bombing at high speeds or anything, I would be leaning 154. But you could certainly ride the 157 too, if you wanted a bit more stability and if you valued that over more maneuverability.

      Another option would be the Super 8, if you were OK with going with something a little stiffer. The Super 8 is also a little wider than the average board, but not to the same extent as the Dancehaul, so I would go at least 157 for that. And you could go up to 160, depending on your preference for stability/maneuverability.

      The Assassin is an option too (or Assassin Pro, if you were looking for something stiffer). It does have some freestyle qualities to it, but it’s what I would call “all-mountain-freestyle” and it’s something that works well on groomers and you don’t have to do anything freestyle with it. If you’re not really riding powder, then I think this option could work too. Size-wise, I would be looking at the 159.

      The Hologram would work with any of those boards, but would be best with the Assassin and Dancehaul, IMO. Will work with Super 8/Assassin Pro, but I would be more inclined to put the Highlander on those boards.

      The Dialogue Lace SJ BOA will also work for all of those options. Again, going a little stiffer is something you could do with Super 8/Assassin Pro – we haven’t tested them, but based on specs and experience with other Salomon boots, you could look at the Salomon Synergy PWL SJ Boa, if you wanted to go a little stiffer.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

13. Luis says

    December 17, 2023 at 9:37 am

    Hey Nate! It’s been a while. I’m surprised about the Swift as #1! I have always heard it’s just a stiffer Harpoon (same profile and all). If you remember I have a Harpoon so now I’m intrigued abuot the Swift and thinking about upgrading it haha. Are you doing a full review of it? Biggest differences vs Harpoon?

    Bindings wise – would the Now Pilot work with the Swift (the ones I use with my Harpoon) or too soft?

    Thanks man and have a great season!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 18, 2023 at 10:38 pm

      Hey Luis

      Good to hear from you again.

      I was surprised when I rode the Swift, particularly with how easy and fast it was edge-to-edge. I did not expect that. For the hundreds of boards I’ve tested over the years it’s not often that something profoundly surprises me, but this did.

      The 2024 version is a little changed, so I don’t know if the previous versions felt different. Will have a full review out for it soon. Working through a big backlog of reviews to get out right now!

      On paper, the Harpoon and Swift aren’t too dissimilar, but I was surprised how different they felt. On paper, the main differences that I can tell are:

      – NS Superlight Wood Core on the Harpoon vs PowerSurf Wood Core on the Swift
      – RDS 2 Damping System on the Harpoon vs RDS 1 Damping System on the Swift
      – The Swift is a little narrower overall. Comparing the 158 Swift to the 156 Harpoon (which are the sizes I rode), the Swift 158 has a 259mm waist, and tip/tail of 316/296 (20mm taper), the Harpoon 262mm waist and 314/301 tip/tail. At inserts I measured the Harpoon 156 at 277mm at front insert and 270mm back insert. The Swift 158 I measured as 272mm front insert and 266mm back insert.
      – While they have the same camber profile technically, I felt the Swift had a more camber dominant feel. Just felt like the camber was more pronounced. It’s possible that the Harpoon has changed in that sense too, though – I didn’t test the 2024 model.

      In terms of riding them, the main differences, from my feel, were:

      – Swift, surprisingly, didn’t feel any more damp – even though it’s supposed to be. And surprisingly didn’t feel any stiffer, which it’s supposed to be. I’m not a big fan of super damp boards, so this could be a plus or a minus depending on how you like it.
      – Swift (significantly) quicker and easier edge-to-edge. Preferred it in trees and in general for short/sharp turns.
      – Preferred swift for carving.
      – Didn’t think the Swift was actually any better for crud or in terms of stability at speed, which was surprising too
      – Preferred the Swift a little for jumps – though neither board are made for it, but swift was pretty good for straight airs, drops, etc.
      – Harpoon better for switch, but again, not really what these kinds of boards are made for.

      I think the Pilot would work on the Swift. It might depend on what size you’re looking at and in reference to your specs. But if you were going from 156 Harpoon to 158 Swift, I think you could do Pilot. Going back on our previous conversations, I think you have the 152 Harpoon right? So you’d likely go 153 Swift, I’m guessing. In which case, I think the Pilot would work fine.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

14. Winston says

    November 8, 2023 at 10:26 am

    Hi Nate!

    Will you be doing a full review for the Salomon Dancehaul? Also curious what size worked for you as I am similar to your specs. (170-175 lbs, size 10 boots, 5’10).

    I’ve tried a 147 and 152, and both were doable and fun in their own ways. If a pro/stiffer version is released, would you recommend a 147 or 152? Looking for a single board quiver to hit up groomers, trees, and powder. Not really into the park, but trying to progress in side hits.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 9, 2023 at 3:25 pm

      Hi Winston

      Thanks for your message. Yes will be doing a full review of the Dancehaul. Currently scheduled for early December.

      I also rode both the 152 and 147! I would go 152 personally and the same for you, IMO. The 147 felt pretty small. Was fun for short/sharp turns, especially in trees, but got pretty unstable at even moderately fast speeds and it wouldn’t be great for float in powder in that size, for our specs. So yeah, I would go 152. I would still go 152 in a pro/stiffer model of it.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Winston says

        November 9, 2023 at 6:25 pm

        Thanks Nate for the reply!

        I am currently torn between purchasing the new 23/24 Dancehaul Pro LTD that just got released (didn’t expect it since posting my question). I doubt you got to test it out but based on your intuition, which of the 2 boards would be more versatile for what I described? The Dancehaul Pro LTD 152 or Yes Standard Uninc 156 (I purchased this but haven’t rode it yet). I went with the Standard Uninc because I liked the Standard, but wanted more out of a carve.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 10, 2023 at 12:28 pm

          Hey Winston

          No I didn’t test the Pro version, didn’t even know they were going to release it. Rep didn’t mention it. They kept that one close to their chests!

          For groomers, trees and powder, I think the Dancehaul Pro 152 is going to be the better option. Having not ridden it, I couldn’t say for sure, but Dancehaul vs Standard Uninc, the Dancehaul is better suited to powder, is more agile for trees. The Standard Uninc, I’d probably prefer for side-hits, particularly if you were going to be spinning 180s or the likes, but I think the Dancehaul will give you enough on side-hits that the other factors outweigh. The Standard Uninc in general, I would say is the more versatile board, but for what you’re describing, particularly if you’re not really riding any switch, I’d say the Dancehaul is more suited.

          Reply

15. Manos says

    November 7, 2023 at 11:57 pm

    Hi Nate,
    I am looking for a board for spring slush and the occasional pow nothing really deep that can hold an edge on morning ice and be on the playful side. I already own a Yes Greats 151 and a regular Yes Standard 153. What would be your recomendation to round out the quiver? 10US 155lbs 5’8”. Boards I was eyeing: Salomon Dancehaul 147, Jones Mind Expander 154, Yes Hybrid 153. Thanks

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 8, 2023 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Manos

      Thanks for your message.

      A few things to consider between those 3 boards.

      1. The Hybrid is the best in icy conditions, IMO, but the Mind Expander and Dancehaul aren’t too bad. If this was the most important thing for you, then I’d be erring YES Hybrid. Or you could look at something like the GNU Hyper (if you were OK with trying a Hybird Rocker) or the Burton Deep Thinker.

      2. The Hybrid, IMO, is a similar feel, in terms of mellowness, as the Standard. So if that’s the kind of mellow you’re going for, then I think you’ll like it (that said, the 153 Hybrid is a little bigger overall than the Standard, so it may not feel quite as mellow as Standard – see more below – but if you’re OK with that it could work). If you wanted to go mellower than that, then I’d be leaning Mind Expander or Dancehaul. They’re not a massive amount mellower or anything, but they are a little mellower and when looking at size, you have the option to go smaller, depending on how mellow you want to go.

      3. Size

      The Hybrid 153 is a fair bit wider than the Standard 153 (which is already quite wide). For your specs, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 155. I think sizing the Standard to 153 was the right call, because it’s only marginally wide for 10s, IMO. So that was enough of a size down. But the Hybrid is quite a bit wider. Total surface area is 42.3(dm2) on the Hybrid 153 vs 40.6(dm2) on the Standard 153. Width at inserts on the Standard 153 is around 268mm and it’s more like 282mm front insert and 277mm back insert, assuming a 22″ stance width for both. So considerably wider at inserts. YES’s numbers for this are 266mm on the Standard 153 and 279mm front insert and 274mm back insert on the Hybrid 153. They get slightly different numbers for the Hybrid than me, but still considerably wider. Waist and tip and tail also wider and the 153 Hybrid has 2.3cm more effective edge than the 153 Standard, which is not insignificant. Long story short, the Hybrid 153 is going to feel bigger (and bigger typically feels less mellow/playful), so you’re likely to feel it less playful than the Standard and bigger than the Standard 153. If you were going to be riding deep powder a fair bit, then I think the size would work better, but given that it sounds like you won’t be and that you want to keep things playful, it’s erring on a little too big, IMO.

      Based on the sizes you’ve mentioned, the Dancehaul 147 will be the most mellow/playful. But if you had a Mind Expander 150, then that would be similar-ish in playfulness and probably a better size than the 147 Dancehaul, IMO as the 147 is getting a bit on the small side for you, IMO. The 154 Mind Expander is certainly doable though, if you don’t want to go too playful. It should, IMO, feel more playful/mellow than the 153 Hybrid will. So that could be a good middle ground of still being playful, but not super playful, as I think you’d find the Dancehaul in the 147 size.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

      • Manos says

        November 8, 2023 at 11:35 pm

        Hi Nate,
        Thanks for your detailed response! Is the Pyl Uninc Dcp 155 vs the Hybrid 153 closer in dimensions to the Standard 153 that I own? I usually ride 21.5′ to 22′ stance width, +15-15. The Mind Expander 150 is smaller than the Dancehaul 147 from what I saw on the size charts so I think the 154 is more comparable. Correct?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 9, 2023 at 3:44 pm

          Hi Manos

          Yeah, in terms of weight recommendations the 147 (132-187lbs) is rated as being “bigger” than the Mind Expander 150 (120-170lbs) but weight recommendations aren’t universal. They are set by the brands, so they’re not uniform across brands, so I wouldn’t read too much into that. The 147 Dancehaul is overall a little wider than the 150 Mind Expander but the extra length on the Mind Expander evens that out. The effective edge is about the same on both. But like I said, the 154 ME would certainly be doable. But the 154 ME is overall bigger than the 147 Dancehaul, IMO.

          I would size-wise, that the 155 PYL Uninc is closer size-wise to the 153 Standard than the Hybrid 153 is, as it has less effective edge and isn’t as wide. But it’s still wider and overall has more surface area than the 153 Standard (with a similar effective edge), so I think it would still feel a bit bigger. We haven’t tested the PYL Uninc, but from what I know of it and based on specs, it’s not a mellow board. If you wanted an aggressive hard charger, then it would probably be a good option (again haven’t ridden it so couldn’t say for sure) but given you want something a little on the playful side, I don’t think it would be what you’re looking for.

          Reply

16. Diana says

    October 27, 2023 at 7:44 am

    Hi Nate,
    I’m looking to get a new board and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options. Currently I’ve got the same Burton board that I started on 13 years ago, which i think is a banana rocker board. I’d say I’m an intermediate level snowboarder, and I don’t usually ride all that aggressively. I think I’m looking for sort of a mellow all-mountain/free-ride type board. I never go in the park, just like to make my way down the mountain. My current board is okay, but I find at higher speeds it feels really unstable, and it’s not great on ice. I was looking for something directional cause I almost never ride switch, something that’s stable feeling at higher speeds, good on ice and decent in powder. I was looking at the Jones Stratos, or the Hel Yes but I’m wondering if they’re maybe a bit too advanced for me? Do you have any suggestions of women’s boards that might be good for me? Thank you!
    height 5’3″
    weight 155
    boot 8

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 27, 2023 at 8:44 am

      Hi Diana

      Thanks for your message. Based on what you’re describing, I think you’d likely find the Stratos a bit too stiff/aggressive. The Hel Yes should be doable, but the Hello is also an option if you want to go a little mellower. It would still give better edge-hold (I’m guessing you were on a Burton V-rocker) and should give you more stability at speed. Without knowing the full specs of your current board, it’s hard to say, but based on the profile, it’s highly likely you’d get a more stable feeling board. The Jones Twin Sister would also be a good option (kind of in between the Hel Yes and Hello in terms of how aggressive it feels).

      But if you wanted to go more directional you could also look at:

      – Jones Women’s Mind Expander
      – Jones Dream Weaver
      – Nidecker Odyssey

      Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 150, but given you like to ride more mellow, you could size down from that a bit. Something in that 146-149 range. But it would also depend on what you’re used to riding. I don’t want to go too much longer than what you’re used to. So, if you could let me know the size of your current board, then I can make a more accurate sizing suggestion, taking that into account. And would be happy to give specific sizing suggestions for the boards mentioned, once I have that info.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Diana says

        October 28, 2023 at 8:34 pm

        It looks like my current board is a 142. What do you think of something like the Never Summer Infinity for me? Or do you think that anything from Lib Tech would work?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          October 30, 2023 at 1:19 pm

          Hi Diana

          The Infinity could work. It’s more mellow than anything else we’ve discussed, so you won’t get as much of an increase in terms of stability at speed with it, IMO. If you size up to at least the 145, then you should at least get some extra stability (again without knowing your exact current board, hard to say for sure).

          From Lib Tech, given you want to keep it at least somewhat mellow and would prefer something more directional (which makes sense if you’re not riding switch or doing anything freestyle), I think the Cortado could work. It’s not a board we’ve tested, but on paper, it looks like it could work well. Because it’s a wider board, I wouldn’t go longer than the 145. But probably not shorter either, so I’d go 145 for that one.

          Reply

          • Diana says

            October 30, 2023 at 1:21 pm

            Thanks so much for your help!

          • Nate says

            October 30, 2023 at 1:42 pm

            You’re very welcome Diana. Hope you have a great season!

17. Fran says

    September 18, 2023 at 6:24 pm

    Hi Nate! I see you answer all comments so I’m crossing my fingers here hoping you answer mine too 🙂

    Next year it is going to be my second season, on my first one I rode 15 days where I really pushed myself, so I wouldn’t say I’m a beginner anymore.

    I’m looking for a first board around $ 400-500. An all mountain, but more oriented into powder than park. A rocker/camber/rocker would be nice, somewhat good pop and ease of turning.

    I found some deals in europe for: Bataleon the thunder, chaser and Salomon Assasin. The YES hybrid I liked it but it is a bit on the $ 500s side so I would like to see what I can find.

    Do you think I’m looking at the right ones? Can you suggest something around it? Thanks a lot

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 19, 2023 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Fran

      Thanks for your message.

      All 3 would be suitable as an intermediate rider, in my opinion. They all turn easily. The Chaser is definitely the most powder oriented and the Assassin the least powder oriented, with the Thunder in between.

      Note also that the Bataleon boards are technically all camber, but with the 3BT they don’t feel like all-camber.

      Sizing is important too, so make sure you have deals on something that is the right size for you. I would be happy to give my opinion on sizing, would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Fran says

        September 19, 2023 at 5:47 pm

        Thanks for answering!

        My sizes are 5’11” (180cm), 165lbs and use 9.5/10 boots.
        Since it is my first I want a board that can do all, except park (and preferring powpow). Good edge hold for icy conditions is also a good point to consider

        These are the deals I found nearby me:

        Bataleon Chaser (157/159) – $ 365
        Yes Hybrid (157) – $ 400
        Salomon Assasin (156/159) – $ 435
        Capita Navigator (161) – $ 440
        Bataleon Thunder (158) – $ 445
        Burton Skeleton Key (154/158) – $ 470

        After reading your reviews, I think the hybrid would be a good option. What do you think? Thanks again for the help <3

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 20, 2023 at 1:16 pm

          Hi Fran

          First of all, I have to correct what I said in my last reply. In my head I read Bataleon Cruiser, so when I said “The Chaser is definitely the most powder oriented” I was thinking “The cruiser is definitely the most powder oriented”. The Chaser will be OK in powder, but nothing amazing, IMO. So, to restate that, the Thunder would be the most powder oriented of the 3 you previously mentioned, with the Assassin maybe being a little better in powder than the Chaser but should be quite similar.

          The Chaser is going to be super easy to ride for you, but it’s the most beginner board there and it’s something you’ll likely grow out of pretty quickly, especially given you aren’t looking to ride park.

          The Hybrid and Skeleton Key are a little more advanced than the others, IMO. Still intermediate friendly, but they will be more challenging than the others, IMO, just to make you aware of that. Also size-wise, the Hybrid in a 157 is getting pretty big for your specs, because of it’s extra width.

          In terms of sizing, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158 for your specs, which assumes an advanced level, so I wouldn’t go longer than 158 at this stage.

          So, I would be debating between the:

          Assassin: 156
          Thunder: 158
          Skeleton Key: 154 (it’s nothing super wide but a little wider than the average board – and being a little more technical than the others, sizing down will also mellow it out a bit, so if you were to go Skeleton Key, that’s the size I would go with).

          Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

          Reply

18. Paul says

    August 11, 2023 at 6:19 am

    Hi, I’m silver yrs. intermediate freeride. My local small hill is icy and slushy. A few vacations to better powder/Sierra cement. On an Rossi LF1 156cm which I wish was 152. Large turn radius makes me not confident to 180 or side hits, or venture trees, but great on groomer carving. Not good for ice crusted chunder.
    155lbs, 5.6ft 9.5 size boot. active flexible dude.
    What do you recommend?
    Have a great end of summer.
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      August 11, 2023 at 11:19 am

      Hi Paul

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly in terms of size, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 154, and as an intermediate rider, you could err shorter than that, rather than longer, so I think going down to something in that 152/153 range would be a good bet, especially if you’re looking to get into 180s, sidehits and trees.

      With the assumption you still want some powder performance, but want something that can do ok with 180s and sidehits, I would look at something like the GNU Hyper or the Burton Deep Thinker (note that this is way more mellow than it used to be – our review currently is still for the older one, but I tested the 2024 model in the winter and our review will be updated to reflect this soon) from this list or you could go for a more all-mountain option, if you didn’t need it to be too good in powder.

      Some good all-mountain options include:

      – YES Standard
      – Jones Mountain Twin
      – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – YES Typo
      – Jones Mind Expander Twin

      I think you’d probably like something like the Bataleon Goliath or their new Thunderstorm, but they aren’t as good, IMO, in icy conditions as the other options mentioned.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Paul says

        August 12, 2023 at 5:29 am

        Thanks. I like the boards that blast through crusted. A little dampness is great too. I think that comes from a thicker board. IDK and camber.
        This helps me narrow the field quite a bit.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          August 12, 2023 at 11:27 am

          Hey Paul.

          Yeah I think camber can help a bit with smashing thorough chop. A bit of weight (as in heavier boards tend to smash through easier than lighter boards) and dampness definitely help.

          Reply

19. Alex says

    January 11, 2023 at 7:46 am

    Hey Nate – I wanted to ask for a few options that you feel might suit me well. I’m looking for a quiver of one that can handle the following well:

    – carving and slashing
    – has great pop
    – can handle powder with ease
    – can handle icy conditions as well
    – good speed
    – gets through chunder and chop
    – has sizing to accommodate 11.5 US boot
    – don’t care about butters, jibbing and park much. Maybe just to hit a couple jumps.
    – I’m advanced intermediate and progressing

    I currently have a Yes Greats but it can’t handle pow and really doesn’t have much pop, tbh. Carves and rides switch like a dream though.

    Thanks for your help and all that you do!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 11, 2023 at 11:41 am

      Hi Alex

      Thanks for your message.

      Assuming you’re not concerned about riding switch, there are some here that could work:

      – YES Hybrid: came to mind first, but not going to get any more pop out of it than with the Greats – otherwise could work
      – Skeleton Key: A little more pop, but not as good in icy conditions. Not terrible in icy conditions but a step down from the likes of the Greats, Hybrid and others here.
      – GNU Hyper: I wouldn’t say great pop, but decent enough – and has everything else you’re looking for, IMO
      – Lib Tech BRD: More pop than hyper, but takes a bit more “winding up”/muscling to extract the pop
      – Jones Mind Expander: Not quite as good icy conditions as the YES/Lib/GNU options, but still decent. Again though, pop isn’t what I would call great.
      – Lib Tech E-Jack Knife: A little stiffer than those on this list, but not by a huge amount. Good pop, in my experience. A little more effort to extract but when you wind it up it does give back a bit more. And would work well for everything else you’re describing, IMO.

      Hope this gives you more to go off

      Reply

      • Alex says

        January 12, 2023 at 10:16 am

        Thanks man! I love your list of choices, and will get me hunting and researching…the only one missing that I’m curious about is the Golden Orca. Any thoughts?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 13, 2023 at 12:13 pm

          Hi Alex

          I haven’t ridden the Golden Orca unfortunately, so can’t say anything based on experience.

          Assuming it’s similar to the OG Orca, there is some good pop there, from my experience, but you have to really give it some to extract it. It doesn’t come easy. Golden Orca could be similar but not necessarily. A little on the stiffer side I found – again Golden Orca may or not feel the same – though they are rated the same by Lib Tech. I found it was a bit slow edge-to-edge at slower speeds – wasn’t easy to do short sharp turns – felt better with a bit of speed under it. Not super easy to slash turns with. That said, some of that from the Orca is width. The Golden Orca is still volume shifted (short/wide) but not to the same extent as the Orca, so that may be less. It’s likely also lighter, which would help with whipping it around too.

          Reply

          • Alex says

            January 13, 2023 at 1:59 pm

            Thanks again, Nate! I really hope you get a chance to start testing some more Ride boards…Algorythym, Shadowban, etc. I think you’d have some new ‘best of’ candidates. Anyway, thanks again, and your site is better than ever!

          • Nate says

            January 14, 2023 at 12:04 pm

            Thanks Alex

            Definitely hope to get on some of those this winter!

20. Mattia says

    November 30, 2022 at 2:43 am

    Hi Nate,

    first of all, thanks a lot for all your great work reviewing all this gear! I’d like if possible to ask for your opinion and advice. I’m a tall 1.91m and heavy rider (93+kg), I like to ride mainly powder (I will go for those free rides and trees, looking for anything I can surf) and end up on the track only when there is not much powder around.

    I have a Burton Family Tree Hometown 165 W with the Burton Cartel, and I am buying a more dedicated board for those big powder days, the Burton Family Tree Pow Wrench 158. I’m in need to rebuy my boots, and as for my US 12 size, I’m looking for a smaller footprint one…

    Burton ION BOA or Burton Driver X? which would you suggest?

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 30, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Mattia

      Thanks for your message.

      The Pow Wrench is softer flexing than the Hometown Hero – it’s what I felt at around 5/10 flex. So I wouldn’t go as stiff as the Driver X on it. The Ion would work though, so between those 2 I would go Ion for the Pow Wrench for sure. The Ion will work well with the Hometown Hero too – and even for that the Driver X would be a little stiff, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

21. Matty Fin says

    November 29, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Hello Nate.
    Love the site and your guidance!
    So looking for a board for my intermediate skills – specifically for navigating bumps, moguls and choppy terrain. Quick turning and easy control is desired. Already have a powder board and a general cruiser.
    5’10”, 175 lbs, and size 10 boots (deadbolts).
    Thinking about Yes Standard 156, Bataleon Cruiser or Capita Navigator 158. Are these too soft.
    Thanks for any guidance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 30, 2022 at 10:52 am

      Hi Matty

      Thanks for your message.

      Not too soft, IMO. Softer boards tend to be easier for quick turning and easy control at slower speeds. So if you need something quick turning for bumps, moguls etc, then I would be more concerned about going too stiff. Stiffer boards do tend to do better at smashing through crud though. And as an intermediate rider, I wouldn’t go too stiff either. Given what you’re describing, I would be looking at either the Cruiser or the Navigator.

      Size-wise, depending on what else you have in your quiver, you could err a little smaller – which will also help with quick turns in tight spots. I would put your “standard all-mountain length at around 158/159, but you could size down from that. If you did go Standard, then the 156 would work – and you could even size that down to 153, to make it even more nimble. The Navigator is suitable in the 158 too, but you could also consider going down to the 155. For the Cruiser, being a wider board, I wouldn’t go longer than the 156. The 151 might be a little too small though, so probably 156 for that one.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Matty Fin says

        November 30, 2022 at 11:22 am

        Nate. You and your sight are awesome. It can be very overwhelming with so much product available, and limited days to board and “try out” equipment.

        Maybe I should stick to more freeriding(mellow) and all-mtn freeride – as I never do tricks or the park. Just exploring & turning…

        That being said, also looking at the K2 Passport, LibTech Dynamo or anything else…?
        I like the idea of the Passport 157.

        So generally, what is the difference felt for a board that is centered (standard) vs a setback stanced one?

        And finally, how big a deal is the taper in Non-Powder days.

        I would like to contribute to your sight/service if possible. Do you have a way to donate/sign up for service?

        Thanks Again!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 30, 2022 at 1:48 pm

          Hi Matty

          I haven’t ridden the Passport so can’t say much there. Based on specs, it looks to be a little stiffer than the likes of the Navigator or Cruiser but it’s doesn’t look to be super stiff or anything.

          The Dynamo is what I felt at a 6/10 flex. It’s pretty camber dominant but as far as C3 boards from Lib Tech go, the C3 felt more mellow than on some of their other models, when I rode it. So I think it’s still suitable for intermediate and for the type of riding you’re looking to do with it.

          A centered board makes it easier to ride switch, because it feels more or less the same riding in either direction. Some boards are centered but might still have a longer nose than tail, but that typically only comes into play in powder. So when a board says centered but it’s not a true twin, then what they’re referring to is that you’re “centered on effective edge”. Assuming it’s a twin flex, twin sidecut, which is typically the case when you’re centered on effective edge, then it should feel the same riding both directions. When you’re setback you have more sidecut in front of your front foot than you do behind your back foot. This makes it harder for riding switch, but better in powder – being further back on the board makes it easier to keep the nose above powder. I also prefer having a little bit of setback for carving, but still enjoy carving twins and centered stance boards. But all else being equal a bit of setback I find helps with carving.

          When it comes to taper, it depends on how much there is. A lot of taper can lead to the tail washing out when you’re trying to carve. Usually when the taper is fairly subtle I find this isn’t too much of an issue though. Also it makes riding switch harder.

          I appreciate the thought to contribute. You can contribute to the site through paypal here with half the proceeds going to POW – or you can also become a Patron here. I have literally just set up the Patron thing and I’m working on some extra benefits of becoming a patron, but it’s a slow process as it’s hard to find the time, but there will be some things developing there soon.

          Reply

22. chaz says

    November 19, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    Hi Nate

    I am considering a Bataleon Cruiser as a cheaper , possibly softer, version to a 2023 Mind Expander. There are not many reviews yet and I understand you may have a review coming soon. However judging by your scores for the Cruiser and comparing to the 2023 Mind Expander scores it looks like the cruiser is possibly a tad surfier and better through the trees which I am okay with and gives up a little in carving. Can you compare the two?

    I want to try a board with some 3d shaping as I have never tried it before. I have heard several times that Bataleon 3BT takes some time to get used to but for some reason I have never heard similar comments on other boards “Spoon tech” or 3d shaping in the nose/tail. Do you note any differences with the cruiser 3BT and Mind Expander spoon tech in the nose and tail?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 21, 2022 at 10:57 am

      Hi Chaz

      Thanks for your message.

      The 3BT does feel different to the likes of Jones’ Spoon Tech. Hard to describe it, but it feels more obvious that it’s there. I personally didn’t take long to get used to Bataleon’s 3BT, but I do ride a lot of different boards, so I think I adapt pretty quickly. But I think it probably does take a little bit more getting used to over something like spoon tech, just because it’s a more obvious feeling of it being there, if that makes sense. Didn’t take me long to get used to it and whilst it might take someone who doesn’t test as many boards a little longer, I don’t think it would be a crazy amount of time or anything.

      We will have Cruiser review coming out, but there’s a bit of back log right now, so I’m not sure when we’ll get it out. Though I could try and prioritize getting it out earlier.

      I would say their flex is pretty similar. If anything the Cruiser marginally stiffer. But the Cruiser is a little surfier but again pretty similar. Quite similar for trees. Note that we rode the Cruiser in a 156 and the Mind Expander in a 154, so that should be taken into account. The Cruiser 156 is also wider at the waist and wider at the back insert and the tail and nose vs the Mind Expander 154 – though a bit narrower at the front insert. But overall, the Cruiser 156 is not only a little longer but overall a little wider too. So size-for-size, the Cruiser would likely be a little better in trees – and likely feel a little softer than the Mind Expander too, as bigger boards tend to feel stiffer than their smaller equivalents.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Chaz says

        November 24, 2022 at 7:13 pm

        Thats great info. Thanks!

        I think im going to try the Cruiser. It sounds like what I’m after.
        I am a bigger dude so dont mind it being wider and/or longer. It will be a late season purchase so will wait for the review to drop.

        Cheers!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 25, 2022 at 1:48 pm

          You’re very welcome Chaz. Hope you have an awesome season!

          Reply

23. Carlos says

    August 8, 2022 at 2:07 am

    Hello Nate, one question. I am thinking in buying the yes hybrid, because i see that it really do it well in terms of speed, carving, powder, jumps, etc. (about 4) and it keeps a not extreme flex feel, i really love the powder and freeride, but i only take it 20% of the days i ride. If i buy a yes hybrid, am i buying something specific tool for powder? sacrificing the piste normal days, or is it really good too for this days without powder just inside the tracks? If i see the ratings, i can think that this board will be perfect for it, but i dont know if a “specific freeride board” could have deficiency in the 80% of no freeride days.
    I like jumps, ride in all the mountain and freeride, but i am not interested in slow park or freestyle.
    I am 187lb and 6,13 feet.
    Thank you so much! 🙂

    Reply

    • Nate says

      August 8, 2022 at 11:01 am

      Hi Carlos

      Thanks for your message.

      I found the Hybrid to be good on the groomed runs. It’s not great for riding switch, so it’s not particularly good for 180s and that type of thing, but I found it really good for straight air jumps and side hits. And it did well carving on groomed runs. Certainly not ideal for switch, spins and jibs (rails, boxes etc) but if you’re not doing this it should treat you fine on groomed runs, when there’s no powder around. Not something I would consider a powder specific board – but is very good in powder.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Carlos says

        August 24, 2022 at 9:39 am

        Thank you Nate, your comments, advices and reviews have been so important for me since i started snowboarding 3 years ago. I think that the yes hybrid will work perfect for me. Now I wonder what kind of snowboard bindings should i use with this board. I don’t know if something like the union strata will be really proper, or if it should be stiffer. What would you recommend me? About the size of the board, with the measures i gave you in the last comment, the 161 yes hybrid would be fine for me? Thank you! 🙂

        Reply

        • Nate says

          August 24, 2022 at 12:32 pm

          Hi Carlos

          Thanks for your message.

          I think the Strata could work on the Hybrid. Anything that’s at least a 6/10 flex and up to 8/10 would be what I’d look at. The Strata, by my feel, are a 6/10 flex, so that would work. Lots of options in that flex range, but the Strata would work, IMO. To check out more options check out:

          >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

          >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

          Note that some in that first list might be a little too soft.

          For sizing for the Hybrid could you also let me know your boot size. And also can you confirm when you say 6,13 feet, is that 6 foot 1 inch and a bit?

          Reply

          • Carlos says

            August 25, 2022 at 1:09 am

            The next season I am going to use the Adidas response 3mc in US12 or US12.5, not sure for the moment.

            187cm/85kg

          • Nate says

            August 25, 2022 at 10:17 am

            Thanks for the extra info Carlos.

            Yeah I think 161 would be your best bet. I would put your “standard length” at 161 and with 12 or 12.5 boots, you shouldn’t need to size down for the Hybrid. At your specs and smaller foot size, I would have gone down to 157, but with 12s you can stick with 161. 157 also wouldn’t be wrong (if you wanted a more maneuverable but less floaty/less stable at speed ride) but I’d be leaning 161 for you.

24. Dano says

    April 13, 2022 at 7:06 pm

    Aloha again!

    I wrote you recently on the Showstopper – Thank you for the quick reply. I want to buy a new board, but like so my any others torn on what to get. Your insight is truly a service to the sport, and I recommend your site to anyone that has a question about snowboard gear or setup.

    Once again, I’m 5-10, 165lbs, 10.5 boot (Photon) and have some newer Genesis EST’s. I consider myself an intermediate, who dabbles in trees and very rarely hit the park. I ride and ski Park City easily 45-60 days. I ride switch when I need to but not regularly, I’m not into big speed and like the option of quick side-to-side along with a carve. Currently have an old Process V Rocker and an older Niche Story. I love the Process because it’s so easy to drive/turn/stop despite the speed. The Niche I ride less because it does better at speed – I do not take it in trees.

    I want to possibly retire the Process and move on to something else as a Utah daily driver. I’m locked into buying Burton because of the EST’s and they will start discounting 21/22 beginning this week (I think). Initially I was sold on a Custom Flying V 158cm but now I am thinking the Show Stopper 154cm. Neither board is cheap.

    I realize these are different boards but the goal is the same. Do you have any thoughts before I pull the trigger??

    Again, big mahalo
    🤙🤙🍻

    Reply

    • Nate says

      April 16, 2022 at 5:05 pm

      Hi Dano

      Thanks for your message.

      I would say that the Custom Flying V is a little quicker edge to edge, though that said, the size difference will even that out. The Custom Flying V is a “looser” feel compared to the more precise feeling on the Show Stopper. The Show Stopper better on a carve and better at speed (though I think the Custom Flying V would be enough speed-wise, based on what you’re describing and being the longer length). The Custom Flying V, IMO, better in park and riding switch. Custom Flying V will be a closer feel, though certainly not the same, to your Process V Rocker.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

25. Ash says

    February 23, 2022 at 4:14 am

    Hey Nate,

    I was hoping you could make a recommendation or two for my first board purchase!
    I’m 170cm, 75KG (hopefully a bit less by next season), size 9 boot (US). Ridden about 15 days in total so probably on the intermediate side of beginner I guess….definitely need to work on my posture for my toes turns for sure.

    Conditions wise I’m based in Europe so could get powder, packed snow and likely some icey stuff. I ride mainly on the pistes and one day will ride the powder when I get some on a trip so want somethign that can handle that, I’m not interested in the park but I do like playing around a bit with butters and spins. I hired a pretty stiff board this season and really struggled with it at times although did enjoy the board a bit more at speed, last year boarding I did prefer a stable feeling more medium flex board.

    I’ve been looking at the lib tech terrain wrecker (maybe too aggressive rather than damp?), yes hybrid based on your reviews and the yes PLY (which again might be a bit much for me?) I’m not suck on any of them though so any recco’s would be awesome.

    Cheers!

    Reply

    • Ash says

      February 23, 2022 at 4:16 am

      Forgot to mention…..looking for something mellow but responsive turning I wonder if the hybrid might not be good for that in harder snow conditions?

      Reply

      • Nate says

        February 25, 2022 at 2:20 pm

        Hi Ash

        Thanks for your message.

        For how wide it is, the Hybrid isn’t too bad in terms of quick turns – and does well in hard conditions. That said, if you want something really quick turning, then looking at something else makes sense, but it’s certainly not an ocean liner to turn or anything. If you did go Hybrid, the 153 would be your best bet.

        The PYL isn’t mellow and, IMO, would be a bit too much of a stretch for your current level. An awesome board, but a bit too much right now, IMO).

        The Terrain Wrecker would definitely work – it’s on the slightly looser side of stable though, so if you’re really looking for that more stable feeling, then something more hybrid camber might be a safer bet. I really like the TW, but it does have that rocker between the feet which makes it on the looser side – fun if you want it, but if you don’t want it, then you’re better off looking at something hybrid camber, IMO.

        Something like the Capita Navigator, Jones Mountain Twin, Rossignol One, YES Standard, Slash Brainstorm would all work for what you’re describing. They’re all a bit of a stretch for your level, but doable and I think would suit what you’re describing well.

        Size-wise, I’d be looking at:

        – Standard: 153
        – Mountain Twin: 154
        – Navigator: 155
        – One: 156
        – Brainstorm: 154

        Hope this helps with your decision

        Reply

        • Ashley says

          April 26, 2022 at 9:16 am

          Thanks Nate, much appreciated. I actually ended up gong with the hybird 153 after getting an opportunity to test it and it suits me really well. 🙂

          Reply

          • Nate says

            April 26, 2022 at 3:49 pm

            Hi Ashley

            Thanks for the update. And awesome to hear that the Hybrid is working well for you!

26. Luis says

    February 21, 2022 at 9:45 am

    Hey Nate!

    I keep coming back to your site. Love it! ~4 years ago you helped me choose my current NS Snowtrooper 152: comment 9114

    Since then (despite COVID) I think I have improved: I can do all blues and start venturing on blacks. I would like your advice on whether it’s time to buy another board or if I can continue with the Snowtrooper.

    I’m still 5’6, 165lbs, wearing 32 double boa size 8.5

    These are my thoughts:
    -Don’t love that the trooper is very easy to spin whenever I try to do aggressive turns but I like that is forgivable/doesn’t catch edges
    -I’m becoming more of an all mountain freerider…don’t see myself hitting the rails any time soon (too old for that) but I want to eventually do some jumps around the mountain
    -A friend keeps saying that my current 152 is too small for me (I don’t think so?)
    -Saving for a bucket list powder improvement trip to Japan next season…

    I’m happy to continue with my Snowtrooper (and save money haha) but at the same time don’t want to limit my growth if there’s another board I can use for resort powder days but friendly enough to handle groomers with friends.

    I think the Snowtrooper + another one would be a good idea/cover all my needs or is it too soon to have two boards? I’m liking your review on the Yes Hybrid…what do you think?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 22, 2022 at 11:45 am

      Hi Luis

      Good to hear from you again.

      Never a bad idea having multiple decks in a quiver, IMO, if you can.

      Size-wise, as a more advanced rider than you were, you could go a little longer, but it’s nothing way off. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size as around 155/156, assuming an advanced level. With your boot size, sizing down a little bit from that, even at an advanced level, is a good idea. So I think 152 was spot on, initially and now you could go a little longer, but I would go super long. If you do go Hybrid 153 for sure. Being a wider board, you want to size down for it anyway. The 153 will be more like a 156/157. But as part of a quiver, particularly for powder days, I think it could work well. Would certainly give you more stability at speed and stronger, bigger carves and will give extra float in powder. So I think it would compliment the Snowtrooper well as your powder/freeride board. Will likely feel it less maneuverable and harder to learn things like jumps on, but you can always use your Snowtrooper for those things.

      I don’t think it’s 100% necessary to change or add a board to the quiver if you wanted to save money – but given that you’re finding it a bit wanting for aggressive turns and going to be seeing some more powder, then I think adding a board to the quiver would certainly be advantageous.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Luis says

        February 22, 2022 at 1:48 pm

        Thanks, Nate! Very insightful comments – appreciate it.

        If I do decide to pull the trigger on an additional friendly freeride powder board – is the Yes Hybrid the best option? What else do you think could be suitable for me?

        Also, when adding another board to the quiver, do you usually also buy another set of bindings or just change the ones you have as needed? (assuming money is not the factor here). Currently using Flow’s Fuse Hybrid.

        Thanks again.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          February 24, 2022 at 12:16 pm

          Hi Luis

          Thanks for your message.

          I think the Hybrid would work well. But if you wanted to check out some other options you could also look at >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards.

          In terms of getting an extra set of bindings, it’s always convenient to have it but not always necessary – if money wasn’t a factor, then I’d do it. If money is a factor, then it really depends on the boards in the quiver. If you have something super soft and something super stiff, then there wouldn’t be a set of bindings that would match both boards well, so in that case I’d go for two sets of bindings. In this case, I think the Flow Fuse should match the Hybrid fine and if you wanted to save money, it’s not necessary to have a second set of bindings.

          Reply

          • Luis says

            April 2, 2022 at 7:39 pm

            Hey Nate! Me again 🙂

            Had a chance to demo a NS Harpoon 152 today. Really liked it! Seems to be what I’m looking for: something more advanced and directional than the SnowTrooper but still surfy and fun.

            Snow was bad (slushy spring) but the board felt stable when gaining speed, turns were good, and was not bad to maneuver when I was tired and just wanted to cruise. If anything I think the bindings didn’t help (Union Falcor) — felt very stiff and responsive. First time riding with that type of bindings. I think I prefer softer bindings.

            So, the shop is offering me a nice discount and taking the rental money if I pull the trigger on the Harpoon 152

            With what you know about me (8.5 boots / 165lbs athletic / 5’6 height) and what I’m looking for (the mythical surfy board that is good for carving, groomers and pow):

            -Is the Harpoon a good option? If so – is 152 the right size? The other option is 148 but seems kinda small though I know this board should be sized down
            OR
            -Should I wait to demo more boards (LibTech BRD and Yes Hybrid in particlar) How would they compare to my experience today? I can’t take the Hybrid out of my head but haven’t found a shop that has it for demo!
            Thank you so much, Nate!

          • Nate says

            April 4, 2022 at 6:38 pm

            Hi Luis

            Good to hear from you again.

            Given how you describe your experience with the Harpoon, I think it’s a good bet. And I think 152 works. It’s sizing down already and I think it’s sizing down enough. The 148 might be sizing down a little too much. I think you could get away with it, if you wanted something super maneuverable and wasn’t worried about speed, but at that size, might not do you for speed as much as you’d like. You were 152 for Snowtrooper and that’s not a board to size down on – but as a beginner you would size down, as you did and that was a good size at the time, but now that you’ve progressed, you could go up to a 155/156 in a narrower width, so I think 152 should work well (and sounds like it did).

            I would say the Falcors aren’t like massively too stiff for the Harpoon, but they are on the stiffer side, so you could certainly go softer than them on it. 5/10 flex would be the softest I would go and ideally something around 6/10, in terms of bindings.

27. Dylan says

    February 15, 2022 at 10:52 am

    Hey Nate – love all the reviews and specifically this surfy freeride section, so thank you.

    I am looking to get a new daily driver / all mountain medium flex board. I am 6’3 190-195 lbs, 34 years old, been riding 20 years. Surf freeride style, Love big carves and turns + slash around on groomers and sides, not much park but enjoy small/medium jumps and boxes and chase powder as much as possible.

    Predominantly riding the 160 Korua dart lately so pretty well set for powder days and it excels in groomer carving. Ive read you haven’t tried one yet, really looking forward to read your review once you do! Really really love this thing but looking to compliment this with a goal of a 2 board travel quiver.
    Looking to compliment where the dart lacks, so tight tress, side hits, smaller jumps/boxes, little bit of switch riding ability, and lastly steeper bowls and bigger mountain ability if the opportunity arises when traveling. Powder is a plus but not the main focus ( I also have an older Burton 159 Branch manager)
    I know that’s a broad range so hopefully something that checks almost all the boxes. Some shapes Im choosing between, no particular order:

    Korua Otto 161
    Burton Skeleton key 158/162
    Burton show stopper 158/162
    Burton flight attendant 159W
    Jones Mountain twin 159W/162W
    Jones mind expander twin 158
    GNU Hyper 159W

    Would love to hear what you would recommend most, really value your insight.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 16, 2022 at 10:28 am

      Hi Dylan

      Thanks for your message.

      My first thought was the Hyper. It seems to tick most boxes – something that’s surfy feeling, medium flex, good for trees and jumps but can also carve and is OK for switch. You would have to get used to having rocker between the feet, compared to your other boards, but otherwise I think that would be a really good match. In that size too, it’s a little on the small side for your specs, so that will help with tight turns in trees. Not going to be a bomber at speed but can handle a little speed.

      The Skeleton Key and Show Stopper would also work well – they’re a more precise feel, versus surfy, IMO, but otherwise tick most boxes too.

      The Mind Expander is definitely surfy and would be great for powder, tight trees etc, but if you’re still wanting to carve a bit, I didn’t find it great for carving or speed. The 2023 Mind Expander is getting a new profile that is going to have some camber in it, so I’d say that will be a better carver, but the current model isn’t great for carving or speed, IMO.

      The Flight Attendant might be just on the stiff side for what you’re looking for – it’s not ultra stiff or anything but more mid-stiff by my feel – 7/10. The Show Stopper a little stiffer too but not quite as stiff as FA.

      The Mountain Twin would be a good option as well, IMO. It’s a really good all-rounder.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

      • Dylan says

        February 17, 2022 at 1:56 pm

        Thanks Nate. Very helpful insight. appreciate it

        Reply

        • Nate says

          February 18, 2022 at 12:14 pm

          You’re very welcome Dylan. Happy riding!

          Reply

28. Max says

    February 7, 2022 at 4:17 pm

    I’m torn between the yes pyl and the Jones Flagship. I’m in the pnw, advanced rider that hits fast groomers but mostly am looking for powder and trees. We do get ice crud periodically. What are your thoughts? I’m currently on the newest version of the burton step ons, size 11.5 and weigh 167. What size would you recommend. Thank you Max

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 8, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      Hi Max

      Thanks for your message.

      For fast groomers, I’d take the PYL and for carving but for powder and trees, I’d take the Flagship. But in saying that, the Flagship is good on a carve and bombing and the PYL is good in powder and trees – so I don’t think there’s a wrong choice there – but if there was anything you were looking to optimize more than the other.

      Size-wise, if you could also let me know your height, that would be great. Whilst weight and boot size are certainly more important factors than height, height still counts to some degree, IMO. I would say probably:

      – PYL: 160W
      – Flagship: 159W

      But if you could let me know your height, just to confirm. I can’t see them changing, but like to take everything into account.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Max says

        February 8, 2022 at 1:37 pm

        Nate,
        5’11”
        Thank you!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          February 9, 2022 at 12:43 pm

          Hi Max

          Thanks for the extra info. Yeah those sizes would be your best bet, IMO. Didn’t think it would change it, but always like to make sure. Happy riding!

          Reply

          • Max Coleman says

            March 13, 2022 at 1:18 pm

            Nate,
            I went with a 159w flagship and unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t maneuver it quite how I wanted edge to edge (I’m wondering if it’s the width). I guess in hindsight I want something that turns quicker. It’s for sale now and I’m looking at a burton hometown hero or flight attendant. It looks like the FA would be wide enough at a 159 without going wide and the hh would be a 156w or the 160. The 160 though says weight 180 whereas I way about 170. What are your thoughts? 5’11” 170lbs, burton photon step ons size 11. Oh I can’t tell if my message went through on your fa review.please disregard if it did

          • Max Coleman says

            March 13, 2022 at 1:31 pm

            Nate,
            Sorry just to add. I’m also considering the show stopper. Size and board recommendations would be fantastic. Also, if you noticed from my very first post I went from an 11.5 to an 11 with the burton step on photon (I went to a wide and it’s made a world of difference). Thank you again!

          • Nate says

            March 14, 2022 at 12:22 pm

            Hi Max

            I got your message on the FA review as well, but have deleted it and will answer here.

            Quite possibly the width. With the Flagship it’s especially wide at the front insert – around 280mm on the 159W I would predict. At the back insert it’s not as wide though – more like 275mm – which for 11.5s is good. But potentially a little wider overall than you prefer. With 11s, you can certainly err narrower and narrower does typically translate to quicker edge to edge (all else being equal – as other things play a role in that as well).

            With the FA, it’s borderline in the 159 as to whether it’s wide enough. It could be doable, but it’s close. I would predict it’s around 26.6cm at the back insert and with Photon Step Ons in 11, I would predict them to be around 31.4cm on the outsole. That leaves total overhang at 4.8cm – or 2.4cm overhang per edge (toe and heel) assuming perfect centering. This is assuming a roughly 22″ (560mm) stance width. If you’re really pushing the carves deep (e.g. eurocarves) then you’ll likely want a bit less overhang than that. But if you’re not doing eurocarving or anything, and preferably have some angle on your back binding (which reduces the amount of overhang), then I think you could get away with it. Burton boots have a good toe bevel on them too, so that helps as well. But certainly no guarantees you won’t get boot drag. I have ridden boards as narrow as 256mm at the inserts without issue, with 10s – kind of the equivalent of riding 266mm with 11s. That’s in low profile boots and +15/-15 binding angles.

            If you wanted to size down a bit for better maneuverability you could go to the 156W Hometown Hero – and it’s going to be a good width for 11s, IMO. But you do sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed for going shorter. I wouldn’t be too worried about the weight recommendations on the 160 – it would be a good length for you, IMO. Only slightly narrower than the 156W – and a little wider than the 159 FA. Again, it’s close to being too narrow, but you probably get away with it, depending on binding angles and carving.

          • Max says

            March 15, 2022 at 8:21 am

            And last , your recommendations??

          • Nate says

            March 15, 2022 at 11:24 am

            Hi Max

            If you want the quicker turning at the sacrifice of some stability at speed, versus what you experienced with the Flagship, then I would be leaning 154 Show Stopper or 156W Hometown Hero. If you want just a little better in terms agility, but maintaining that stability at speed, then I’d be looking 158 Show Stopper or FA 159 (if you think you’ll get away with it width-wise – it’s really borderline).

          • Max says

            March 15, 2022 at 5:19 pm

            After reading your answers I went with the Show Stopper 158. I should be able to get on it a couple times before the years out. It seems to be a good fit, quick turning, stable at speed and it looks to be a monster in the best deep conditions😎. I recommend this site to friends all the time. I hope it’s a much better fit for me than the Jones flagship (I actually think that board would have been great if I wouldn’t have had to gone wide). Sincerely thank you for your time and effort responding to all my questions!

          • Nate says

            March 16, 2022 at 5:59 pm

            You’re very welcome Max. Let me know how you get on with the Showstopper, if you think of it at the time.

          • Max says

            April 7, 2022 at 10:02 pm

            Nate, I’m almost embarrassed to write you again. The showstopper didn’t go through. Long story short I’m not sure if it was a scam or if they ran out of inventory. I have finally been reimbursed. I’ve figured out my boot comfort issue and am riding a K2 maysis 10.5 wide. I’m back to square one. I really think my issue with the Jones flagship 159w is it was just too wide for my boot size. They have 2 of the 2022 pyl’s 160w. At a really good price My understanding is they’re not nearly as wide as the FS and I think my 10.5 k2s would probably fit well. The other option is the flight attendant, the 159w seems really wide though. Thank you so much!

          • Nate says

            April 8, 2022 at 8:50 pm

            Hi Max

            Awesome to hear that you’ve figured out the boot comfort issue. That’s an important one to get sorted.

            PYL 160W vs Flagship 159W vs Flight Attendant in terms of width”

            PYL: 270mm back insert, 272mm front insert, 260mm waist
            Flagship: 275mm back insert, 280mm front insert, 263mm waist
            FA: 273mm back insert, 274mm front insert, 264mm waist

            So, the PYL is quite a bit narrower than the Flagship and narrower than the FA too. Note that the 2022 PYL is stiffer than the Showstopper, and stiffer than the Flagship as well, in my experience. The 2023 PYL gets softened up a bit. The Hometown Hero is also worth looking into – the 160 should be wide enough for 10.5s (even K2 10.5s, which tend to be a longer profile, but even so should be OK) – it’s around 268mm at the inserts.

          • Max Coleman says

            April 22, 2022 at 8:31 pm

            Nate, I just wanted to say thank you. I bought the Yes PYL and was able to take it out over the last 2 days. It’s amazing, pretty much what I though the Flagship would be. It’s a blast to turn and wants to go fast. I love it. I learned an incredible amount. I think ultimately the difference was how well the board fit me width wise. Crazy I initially never would have thought one board would work better for me than another due to that. Thank you for your time and replys. This board will last me for years to come. Plus the art on the top sheet is incredible! Thank you again.

          • Nate says

            April 25, 2022 at 4:03 pm

            Hi Max

            Thanks for the update and you’re very welcome. Awesome to hear that the PYL is treating you well. Yeah, there’s definitely some things that don’t seem like they would make much difference that actually do really change a ride.

        • Max says

          March 14, 2022 at 1:16 pm

          And what size for the show stopper. Thank you!

          Reply

          • Nate says

            March 15, 2022 at 11:20 am

            My apologies, forget to mention the Show Stopper.

            Size-wise for the Show Stopper, I would say most likely 158. It is around 276mm at the inserts, so on the wider side. As wide at the back as the Flagship but not as wide at the front. I found the Show Stopper really nice and agile – but I did ride the 154 (6’0″, 175lbs, 9.5 boots) – but with bigger feet, I would have happily ridden the 158. 154 is an option for you, if you wanted to have that better maneuverability – and it’s wide enough for your boots, for sure – I still found it good at speed, even in the 154, but in saying that you’d still be sacrificing stability at speed, if you went down to 154 (and powder float).

    • Max says

      April 8, 2022 at 6:11 am

      So with all that with the FA what’s your size recommendation and the the pyl am I right that it’s not overly wide on the 160w with my 10.5 wide maysis boots? Also, binding recommendation for the pyl? Thank you once again, I promise you won’t hear from me for at least a year😂.

      Reply

      • Nate says

        April 8, 2022 at 9:15 pm

        Hi Max

        Given you found the 159W Flagship too wide, the 159W FA is possibly too wide as well, though not as wide as the Flagship 159W. And yes, as per my last reply, the 160W PYL is narrower than both and think it would be a good width for your boots. The 159 FA is a borderline possibility now that you’re in 10.5 boots. It’s around 265mm at the inserts, which is the narrowest I would go. Given K2 boots have a longer than average outsole, that’s the main reason I would be hesitating on that size. The 160 Hometown Hero comes into play though, now that you’re in 10.5 boots, which is more like 268mm at inserts.

        Bindings for PYL, I’d go with something at least 7/10 flex, and preferably more like 8/10 to 9/10 flex. Some options to consider:

        >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

        >>Top 5 Freeride Bindings

        Reply

29. Todd says

    January 21, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    Hi Nate,

    I am in need of a new board, and have been quite intrigued by the snowsurf style of riding. I have been looking for a while, but came across this post in my search. I see a could boards here that might qualify what I’m looking for, but thought I’d see if you have any other suggestions. I have been looking closely at the Korua Dart Plus and the the Stranda Shorty, among others.

    About me:

    I’m a big guy, 6 ft 235lbs
    Size 9 boot
    50 yrs old, been riding 29 years

    Currently own:
    Arbor A-Frame 2015 model 166 (looking to replace)
    Never Summer Ripsaw 162
    Charlie Slasher Capita 164 (in the process of selling as I don’t like it)
    A couple older Rossi levitation freeride rock boards I rarely ride unless its low tide.

    What I like to ride:

    I like groomers, prefer to do medium size S turns/moderately high speed, with the occasional slash/skid. I also like powder, and ride in medium spaced trees and semi-open bowls. My home resorts are Brundage Mtn and Tamarack ID, although I usually take 1-2 trips a year. I would say turning/carving it the most important thing I’m looking for. Something stable, good edge to hold on the harder turns, but also able to make some smaller surfier lines, too. While powder is secondary, I’d still like something that rides better than what I currently have. Float is important, along with minimal back leg fatigue.

    My issues are:

    1. The older A-Frame is a stiff board, which in hard turning fast snow it does fairly well… however, transition to smaller turns and/or slow speed can be a challenging and quite bouncy/chattering. The Ripsaw I own does a pretty good job with that (smaller carving turns/faster turning radius) but not as good at holding an edge in longer carves, and is poor in powder (slow). I also think it might be a bit short for me at 162, but I do appreciate that it’s much more maneuverable than the 166 A-Frame.

    I’m finding myself getting bored with the same old stuff. That’s why the general idea of snow-surf style riding is appealing to me. In particular, the medium to big carving (medium to large A turns)… but also something that can throw a few nice smaller radius turns in there, too…. good float/turning in powder… and a more fluid, softer ride.

    I’ve been reading through this thread, but at 18 pages, it is a little overwhelming. I’ve also looked pretty hard at the Korua boards, and in particular the Dart/Dart Plus. The Dart Plus seemed like the better board for what I’m looking for, but only 1 store online had it, but it’s in the UK and does not currently ship to the US.

    Bottom Line:
    The biggest issue I think I’m having is finding a board that will do what I think I want, AND fitting me. Being 235 lbs with a size 9 boot can be tough to find a good compromise. Many longer boards are also assuming I have huge feet, and are very wide.

    Thanks for any advice!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 23, 2022 at 6:27 pm

      Hi Todd

      Thanks for your message.

      Unfortunately I don’t currently test Korua, so I can’t comment on the Dart or Dart Plus, but I’ve heard good things and would love to test them, if I can get my hands on one. Also know very little about Stranda snowboards.

      Given that you seem to want something that’s good for both bigger carves and shorter turns – and something that’s a little surfy, I think the following could work:

      – Burton Skeleton Key 162 – wide for your boots, but most are going to be at the longer lengths, like you say, but taking into account sizing down the length a little bit, I think this could work. It’s not a “surfy feel” overall as such, but you could get some surfy turns on it

      – Endeavor Scout 160 – but it’s sizing down a bit more.

      – YES Hybrid 161 – it’s rather wide, but given you’d be sizing down, it could work too.

      If you did want to got more surfy, then the Hyperkyarve 160 could work – though it’s quite small for you – and it’s not that wide, so sizing down to 160 might be too much.

      If you did go with Korua Dart, I’d probably go 160, given how wide it is.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

    • Chris says

      January 29, 2022 at 7:27 am

      Checkout the Never Summer Harpoon

      Reply

30. Jb says

    January 21, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    Really love your reviews, but not having Korua boards in the category is a total miss. 🙁

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 23, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      Hi JB

      Thanks for your message.

      Unfortunately haven’t tested any Korua boards yet. Would love to – and really trying to source some for this winter – and have done in the past, but have proved hard to get my hands on. I’ve heard good things, so I’m dying to test them, but haven’t to date.

      Reply

      • Jb says

        January 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm

        They’ve gotta send you one! You’ve got one of the best reviews sites ever- so it’s a miss on Korua’s part, not yours 😉

        Reply

31. Matt says

    December 10, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Hey! Amazing reviews and replies thank you.

    I was just about to buy a Harpoon, and was tossing up between that, the Jones Stratus and the Arbor Single (which led me to your site) – but now I feel like im back to the drawing board.

    Im 5’9″, 185lb, and am an intermediate to Advanced rider.

    I am a bit of a powder hound, but also spend a lot of time on groomers with beginner/intermediate/less adventurous friends.

    I’ve always ridden park (nitro t1 wide) or all mountain boards (neversummer proto) and looking for my first directional pow slayer for trees and a fair few drops and side hits.

    I also like a 180 and a 540 where I can so need some switch functionality.

    Does my perfect board exist?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 11, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Matt

      Thanks for your message.

      Not sure your perfect board exists, because of your need for both directional and switch, but a close to 2 board quiver would exist. But if you can sacrifice something in terms of switch (whilst still not being hopeless in terms of switch), then something like the Hybrid or GNU Hyperkyarve are worth looking at. Two boards that I think fit well to what you’re describing.

      And they’re both something you don’t have to charge on all the time – like you can muck around on groomers with your friends all good on them, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Matt says

        December 12, 2021 at 9:35 am

        Sure does! Im going to demo the Yes board this week. Did the Harpoon not worth a mention for you?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 13, 2021 at 2:29 pm

          Hi Matt

          Harpoon worth a mention for sure, but since you were already considering it I didn’t mention it. And I personally preferred the other 2, but Harpoon worth considering too.

          Reply

32. Hunter says

    November 20, 2021 at 8:51 am

    Hey Nate,

    Deciding between the flight attendant and showstopper. Leaning towards the show stopper… only thing that’s holding me towards the flight attendant is that a lot of the reviews say it’s good for side hits, natural features…. do you feel like the show stopper is more than capable in this area as well?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 20, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Hunter

      Thanks for your messages.

      I’d say very similar in terms of sidehits/natural features. The Showstopper was fine in that area. Just as good as the Flight Attendant, IMO. i.e. not ideal, but can definitely have fun on either of them hitting those.

      I’d say between them, the FA is a little stiffer and a little more stable at speed, when you really open it out. The Showstopper is still good at speed though – just not quite as good. But it’s better in trees, IMO.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

      • Hunter says

        November 21, 2021 at 11:03 am

        That’s the answer I needed. Thank you sir.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 22, 2021 at 10:25 am

          You’re very welcome Hunter. Hope you have an awesome season!

          Reply

33. Kenny says

    November 13, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    Did you ride the Show Stopper in 158?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Kenny

      Thanks for your message. I rode it in the 154.

      Reply

      • Hunter says

        November 20, 2021 at 8:47 am

        Nate, I love your reviews! I am choosing between the flight attendant and show stopper. What would you recommend? Looking for all mountain, side country, steep and deep, side hits/ natural features

        I’m leaning towards show stopper but there aren’t a ton of reviews other than yours! Like the idea of it having a little more flex.

        Reply

34. Patrick says

    November 11, 2021 at 8:56 pm

    Hey Nate – I purchased a Niche Maelstrom and haven’t ridden it yet. I consider myself an advanced/expert level rider, so I don’t have any worries that I can’t handle the board, but I’m wondering if something like the Show Stopper would be a better option. I definitely want to be able to charge aggressively, but I like to ride in the trees the majority of my time. What are your thoughts?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 12, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Hi Patrick

      Thanks for your message.

      Personally I preferred the Show Stopper in the trees. More maneuverable, particularly when riding slower for those tighter sections. The Maelstrom better for really opening it out bombing and high speed carves, IMO. But the Show Stopper not bad there. If you’re in the trees a majority of the time, then the Show Stopper would be the board I’d choose personally.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

35. Tim says

    November 7, 2021 at 1:46 am

    Hi Nate

    What size show stopper have you reviewed.158? The hype seems real on this one. I think I’ll get.

    Cheers
    Tim

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 8, 2021 at 10:56 am

      Hi Tim

      I actually rode the 154. It’s relatively wide (260mm waist, 271mm at inserts). The 158 wouldn’t also be in range, but on the bigger side for what I like, when combining length and width. 154 on the slightly smaller side for me and 158 slightly on the bigger side for me – and personally I prefer to err smaller, particularly when looking at the width of the 158 (265mm waist, 276mm inserts). I really liked (as you can tell!) the 154.

      Reply

36. johnnyutah says

    November 4, 2021 at 10:54 am

    I go on a cat trip to BC annually. I’m looking for a powder board specific for this trip (I have resort / in bounds boards). Looking for something with a surfy feel. Could you provide some recs please? I was thinking the Jones Mind Expander.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 5, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Hi Johnny

      Thanks for your message.

      The Mind Expander would definitely be an option, IMO. One of the Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft would also work well. Another worth considering is the Burton Pow Wrench.

      Haven’t had a chance to get on them yet, but the Jones Storm Chaser and maybe even the Hovercraft would be worth checking out too.

      Reply

37. Tony says

    October 28, 2021 at 7:30 am

    Hi Nate
    Warpig, u no like? Or just not good enough to make the list.
    As always thx and u da man.
    Thx
    Tony

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 28, 2021 at 10:34 am

      Hey Tony

      Thanks for your message.

      Yeah, I wasn’t a big fan of the Warpig, to be honest. I didn’t hate it by any means, but it didn’t excite me either. It is in this category, but yeah, wasn’t good enough to make the list, from my experience with it. That said, I haven’t ridden it since 2017 (2018 model), so really need to revisit it.

      Reply

38. Jay says

    October 11, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Nice 2022 list! It seems you’re using kind of the same language to describe the Burton Show Stopper and Yes Hybrid. How’d you compare the 2 of them for an intermediate to advanced rider? I’m guessing the Burton Show Stopper is a little less forgiving because of the profile?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 12, 2021 at 11:08 am

      Hi Jay

      Thanks for your message.

      Yeah, I think that’s pretty accurate. The Show Stopper is a little more locked in – and just a little less forgiving. But it’s not super technical or overly catchy or anything. But yeah, I would say the Hybrid is a subtly easier going ride. But both are suitable, IMO, for an intermediate to advanced rider.

      Reply

39. Philippe Roy says

    October 4, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    Hello!

    Awesome new top 10! 😀

    How would you compare the Show stopper vs the Salomon HPS Taka Nakai? I am interested in both but the width of.the Show stopper is stopping (no pun intended!) me.

    As I weight about 220lbs, I am on the 161cm for the Salomon HPS and on the 162cm for the ST. However, I wear 9.5 US ( Vans Infuse). the Salomon HPS seems to be a mid wide while the ST looks way more into a wide board.

    In terms of fit, I think the Salomon HPS is probably better. Any opinions? Analysis paralysis over here. Planning to put K2 Lien AT.

    The spec seems similar in terms of flex and behaviour, hence my questions.

    Looking to :

    Carve in hard snow
    Be Forgiving (3 smalls kids with me!)
    Powder
    Trees

    East coast.

    Best regards,
    Philippe

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 5, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Hi Phillipe

      Thanks for your message.

      I haven’t ridden the HPS Taka Nakai, unfortunately, so can’t give you any first hand insight.

      In terms of sizing, the Show Stopper does look to be wider for sure, so with 9.5s, I agree that the 161 Taka Nakai is likely a better size for you versus the 162 Show Stopper. Given how wide the Show Stopper is for 9.5 boots, you could potentially size down to the 158. It’s getting a little short for your weight – and I know it’s outside Burton’s weight recommendations, but even in the 158 the Show Stopper is wide for your boots, but sizing down that length will help to make it more maneuverable for the likes of trees and will be more forgiving and easier to ride slow. Won’t float as well in powder, which would be the biggest down fall of sizing down – and won’t be as stable at speed.

      I rode the 154 and it’s the size I would go with for me. For reference, I weighed 175lbs when I rode it.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

      • Philippe Roy says

        October 5, 2021 at 12:11 pm

        Thanks! Yes, it dows help. 🙂

        We previously had a discussion about the GNU ES and the Yes PYL. Discarded them because the PYL seems too stiff for my need and the ES was rather “meh”. So, thanks for all our discussions 🙂

        I think I’m gonna go for the HPS Taka. I’m not too sure about sizing down since the flex of the show stopper is considered “flexy”. This would accentuate that aspect vs HPS 161, which is also medium flex, but designed for my weight (well, the range is rather large, but it at least cover my weight). If the ST was stiffer, I would have been more open for a sizing down.

        For bindings, I’m looking at :

        K2 Lien AT
        Rome Vice
        Salomon District HPS

        Looking for a bindings that would complement the flex of the Taka. No worry if you don’t have a suggestion, I’m just throwing that here for the sake of exhaustivity 🙂

        Reply

        • Nate says

          October 6, 2021 at 9:53 am

          Hi Philippe

          I think that’s sound reasoning.

          Both the Lien AT and District HPS would be a good match for the board, IMO, based on stated flex of the board. I haven’t tested the Vice, so I couldn’t say there. I think something in that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range would work well with the board (assumptions about actual flex of the board) and your specs.

          Reply

          • Philippe Roy says

            October 6, 2021 at 10:18 am

            Thanks!

            Happy riding 😀

          • Nate says

            October 7, 2021 at 9:55 am

            You’re very welcome Philippe. You too!

40. Michael De Souza says

    September 28, 2021 at 8:43 am

    Hey Matt,

    Looking for some valuable advice / guidance! I went with your recommendation back in 2020, and bought a Yes standard 159. Loving the board so far, but would love to get onto a directional board, as I never ride switch. Plus something that is a fast turning, stable at speed board as well.

    39 years old, ride mostly groomers but would like to start adventuring into the trees (kids keep asking). Weight is normally between 180 and 190, about 5 foot 9, and 11.5 US boot size. I’d say I’m an intermediate rider.

    I’ve been scrolling through your site for a while now and think i have narrowed it sown to a few choices. Just want your option on them and size recommendations based on my physical specs.

    Jones Frontier, i was thinking in the 161W

    Yes Hybrid, in the 157. Is this board different enough from the Standard?

    Lib Tech Dynamo, kinda torn between the 156W and 159W.

    What would be the pros and cons of each board? Stability is important to me at speed, but the board needs to be maneuverable at slow speeds as well (started filming my kids with a GoPro last winter)

    As always thanks for the insight.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 28, 2021 at 11:02 am

      Hi Michael

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly, the Hybrid is quite different from the Standard. You’re looking at a similar flex feel, and a similar camber profile feel (similar but not the same) – and you always get a certain familiarity with boards from the same brand. However, there’s enough different about it that they certainly compliment each other in a quiver, IMO. The Hybrid is very directional. I think the 157 would be a good size. It’s a little wider than the Standard, so you’d be good to size down a touch. I think that would be the perfect size for your specs/how you describe your riding. If you’re looking for the closest thing to a tapered directional Standard out of the options you’ve described then this is it – but it’s certainly not exactly just a tapered directional standard. It’s probably the safest bet though, given that you already know and like the Standard.

      The Frontier would suit what you’re describing for sure. And I agree with the size in the 161W for that board. The Frontier is what I would describe as almost halfway between an all-mountain board and a freeride board. In some ways it’s less different to the Standard than the Hybrid is, in the fact that it’s not as directional as the Hybrid (no taper – and difference between nose and tail length not as big a difference). But in other ways, it will have a different feel, being a different brand and Jones boards just have a different feel to them – so you would be getting that difference there. But in a quiver, I would say that whilst it still works with the Standard, that it’s not as big a difference as the Hybrid is.

      The Dynamo is another that’s kind of in between all-mountain and freeride. It’s got some taper, but it’s more subtle than on the Hybrid – and it’s not as set back. It is however a bigger difference in terms of feel with it’s C3 camber profile. It’s got a predominantly camber feel still, but there’s rocker in the middle – and whilst subtle, have that rocker between the feet makes for quite a different feel to hybrid camber. That and being a different brand and naturally having a different feel anyway. Again, it certainly works in a quiver with the Standard all be it not being at opposite ends of the spectrum. Size-wise, I’d say 159W. It’s a similar width at inserts to the Standard 159. I think it’s your best bet in that size. I don’t think the 156W would necessarily be wrong, but you’d sacrifice some stability at speed and float in powder, whilst gaining some better maneuverability at slower speeds.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Mike says

        September 29, 2021 at 6:05 pm

        Thanks for the super fast reply!

        I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Hybrid and the Dynamo, mainly due to the fact they offer something more different than the Standard.

        How would you say these 2 compare, is one more “fun” than the other? I live in eastern Canada so no POW, but do plan to start heading out west once a year with the family as the kids get older. The deck will mainly be used on groomers, but want the best one for being nimble to turn under the trees and stable at feel. I still skid turns so something that will allow this would definably be appreciated.

        Any information you can share to help me choose one over the other will be greatly appreciated!

        As always thanks for the great advice.

        Mike

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 30, 2021 at 3:23 pm

          Hi Mike

          For what you’re describing, I wouldn’t say there’s a wrong choice. Both are good in hard/icy conditions (though I’d say the Hybrid just a little better there, in my experience), neither are really punishing of skidded turns and both going to be quite similar in terms of being nimble, IMO (assuming 157 Hybrid versus 159W Dynamo). In those sizes, I would say Hybrid going to be a little better for powder for when you do get it. If you were to size down to the 156W Dynamo, then I’d say that would be more nimble than the 157 Hybrid and, of course, the 159W Dynamo. Both have a pretty stable feel.

          Not sure that’s helped you decide at all! But hopefully it gives you something more to go off

          Reply

          • Mike says

            October 13, 2021 at 1:35 pm

            Hey Nate,

            As we’ve been going back and forth the shop I was about to order the 2021 Hybrid from just went out of stock 🙁 !!! So the search continues to try and find a 2021 model (color will match my current bindings) lol

            Would you say the Hybrid is a more advanced board compared to the standard? And between the 2 does one feel more aggressive than the other (better at speed, faster/quicker turning)?

            As always, your input is appreciated and invaluable!

          • Nate says

            October 14, 2021 at 10:42 am

            Hi Mike

            Hate it when that happens!

            I would say that the Hybrid is a slightly more advanced board. There’s not a lot in it. They feel like a similar flex to me. The Hybrid is a little more camber dominant. That little bit of extra rocker in the Standard makes it just a little more forgiving. So, yeah Hybrid a subtly more advanced board, IMO.

            For the same reason’s I would say the Hybrid is a little more aggressive, but again subtly, and nothing overly aggressive or anything. Both very similar to me in terms of speed and agility. If I had to choose, I’d say Hybrid a hair better at speed and Standard a hair better in terms of short/sharp turns, but really nothing in it. And it would also depend on how you sized each board as well.

41. Drew says

    August 31, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    Hey Nate – I’ve been riding for 3 years now, 1 year on a season rental and the last two on a 2019 Capita Outerspace Living. Purchasing a new board this year and looking for something that’s more in the all-mountain and/or freeride category. I’m 5’9/165 with size 9 boots.

    I’m somewhere on the intermediate spectrum, I’m comfortable on any blue and most blacks other than super tight tree runs. I spend my days cruising groomers and getting into gladed areas if the snow is good. Zero interest in the park. Live in Colorado and do all of my riding here.

    Looking for something a little less chattery at high speeds and a more advanced board in general that will force me to get better. Everyone I ride with is advanced so I’m looking for a board that’s faster on groomers and better in powder than my outerspace living. The hybrid is currently my top choice, and also considering the United Shapes Cadet, Ride Warpig, Jones Stratos and Jones Hovercraft. I know the last 3 are probably more advanced boards but I’m considering getting something that I can grow into as I improve, even if it might be a tougher transition than it seems like the Yes Hybrid would be.

    Any advice would be appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 1, 2021 at 10:45 am

      Hi Drew

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the Hybrid would be a good step up from the Outerspace Living and give you more in terms of stability at speed and powder, for sure, without being too much of a leap. Note that the Hybrid is a wider board and you would need to size down to the 153 with your specs.

      I’ve never ridden anything United Shapes, so I can’t really comment on that, but the Warpig isn’t that advanced. I think it’s intermediate friendly. But keep in mind that it’s also something that’s particularly wide, so you would need to size down. Probably even more so than the Hybrid. I would say 151 is the best bet for the Warpig for your specs. In my experience I would go Hybrid over Warpig – but that said, I haven’t ridden the Warpig since the 2018 model. But not as good for speed, IMO.

      The Stratos and Hovercraft are certainly a bigger step up. My biggest concern there would be maneuverability in the trees. They’re going to be harder work in there. If you were to go with one of those I would say 156 for the Statos and the Hovercraft is a tough one – the 156 feels a bit big and the 152 a bit small.

      I would also consider the Navigator (155) and Hyperkyarve (157) – boards that you’d easily be able to step up to, but would still give you a step up from the OSL or even the Skeleton Key (154).

      Also check out >>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards – they’re more do it all and less freeride focused, but could be something that stands out for you in there (focus on the score breakdowns to see what might suit) – and if you really did want to step things up even more then there’s also >> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards. But I would be inclined to stick with something that’s more of a 1 step up than 3 steps up. But if you did really want to take that extra leap, there’s some good options in there.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Drew says

        September 2, 2021 at 3:31 pm

        Thanks for the advice!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 3, 2021 at 11:26 am

          You’re very welcome Drew. Thanks for visiting!

          Reply

42. Tim says

    June 27, 2021 at 4:26 am

    I love this board. Got the 157 uninc and I wish I’d bought one earlier when I was travelling.
    Perfect size for me. Found it was just all over great for everything. Great at slow speeds, but still can carve great at speed. Nose a lil flappy at speeds but nothing major. Plus a great platform to butter.
    Holds a great edge and is great when traversing.
    Once again best board for me of 2021. I’ve ridden the capita kazu 57(great board too) burton hometown 56w and yes basic rdm uninc 56w. All great boards I will keep
    But hybrid was the most Stoke.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      June 28, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Hi Tim

      Thanks for your input – and awesome that you’re stoked on the Hybrid. Love that board. Might try and get back on it again next winter!

      Reply

43. Henry Style says

    March 16, 2021 at 10:09 am

    Hi Nate! Thank you for providing useful information and for spreading the stoke! I’m pretty close to purchase and I’m choosing between the Gnu Hyperkyarve and the Gnu Mullair/Essential service. I’m an good–>advanced rider and I like a board that can go fast and carves on groomers, sends it on rollers and floats in powder and can handle a drop to pow landing. I don’t spend too much time in the park but I do like to hit the occasional park jump and play around with butters when the angle of the slopes doesn’t allow for speed 😉

    Most important is high speed carving and float in powder.

    Thanks in advance!
    /M

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 16, 2021 at 11:18 am

      Hi Henry

      Thanks for your message.

      The Hyperkyarve is a little easier to butter and a little easier to ride at slower speeds, but all round for what you’re describing, particularly that your most important thing is high speed carving and powder, I would go Mullair/Essential Service. In terms of powder, they’re fairly similar. If I had to say, I’d say the Hyperkyarve a little better in powder. But the Mullair/ES very noticeably a better carver and better at high speed, IMO. So based on what you’re describing I’d say Mullair/ES for sure.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

44. Matthew Ulbin says

    March 14, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Hey Nate!
    First of all thank you for reviews and taking the time to answer everyone’s questions.
    I currently ride a 157CM Libtech TRS.I am 5 10′ 175lbs with 11.5 boots. I was looking for a directional board that can handle east coast ice,carve well,turn fast in and out of trees and handle powder on our annual out west trip.

    I have been dead set on the Yes Pick Your Line .I feel like it checks all of the boxes above. But now I’ve come across your review of the Yes Hybrid. A softer shorter Wide board sounds fun . Compared to the PYL which one is a better carver and what board has better edge hold for ice?What board is better in pow?
    If you have time could you do a quick comparison of the two boards.
    I’m thinking the 157cm for the Hybrid and a 161W for the PYL
    THANKS

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 15, 2021 at 11:19 am

      Hi Matthew

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly, I think size-wise, you’re spot on with 157 for the Hybrid and 160W for the PYL, for you specs.

      In terms of carving, the PYL has it over the Hybrid, IMO. Hybrid still a good carver though, but PYL a little better, IMO.

      For powder, it’s a close call, but I’d say Hybrid is the better powder board.

      I would say no difference for hard/icy conditions. Both very good in that area, IMO.

      In terms of quick turns in trees, I’d say probably the PYL a little better in that respect, but when you take into account sizing 157 on the Hybrid and 160W on the PYL, there’s not a lot in it, I would say. The 157 Hybrid is still wider than the 160W PYL (at waist, at inserts and at contact points), but sizing down to 157 really helps to gain back any maneuverability lost by the extra width.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply

      • Matthew Ulbin says

        March 15, 2021 at 1:16 pm

        Thanks, I think I’m leaning towards the PYL. I agree it may handle better in the steep runs weaving in and out of mogels.I’m thinking it will turn faster then the Hybrid. I’m starting to see some the reviews on the Hybrid that say it’s slow to turn . Now this may be a result of a people with small boots and a wide board. 🤷‍♂️

        Reply

        • Nate says

          March 16, 2021 at 10:42 am

          Hi Matthew

          Yeah I think that’s partly small boots on a wide board for sure. And I don’t have the biggest feet (US10s) but I didn’t find it overly slow to turn personally, but the PYL is a quicker turner still.

          Reply

45. Matt says

    March 1, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Hi Nate…Thanks for providing all the info on your site. Very helpful, as I am in the market to upgrade my board. Been riding for about five years on what I believe to be a beginner LTD Raider board. It has served me well, but am ready to see if a new board can help me improve and take my skills to another level. Based on your article, I would consider myself an intermediate rider. I spend most of my time on groomers, though do enjoy trying to keep up with my friends in the powder and through the trees when we get fresh snow. My primary goal is to improve linking turns at higher speed and learning how to carve. I have no interest in the park or riding switch. This is why I am looking at your list of “Surfy Freeride Snowboards.”

    The following boards seem they might be a good fit. Curious if you agree and which one or two you recommend the most. I chose these three because I figure it’s best that I purchase a board that is “stable” and “versatile,” yet is “directional” at the same time. BTW…I live in CA, so many days are spent riding the “Sierra cement.”

    1. YES Hybrid: This board if very highly rated and checks off most of the categories. One question I have is that it’s described as a “short wide.” Does this matter if I am used to riding a standard board?

    2. Lib Tech Dynamo: I like the idea that this board feels like “an all-mountain board, yet is directional.” Maybe the best of both worlds and a good transition for me?

    3. Endeavor Scout: I like the price and seems that this board might work, too. But wonder if this board is good for daily use? Could be wrong but seems more geared for powder and just OK for groomers.

    Thanks in advance for any feedback you might offer on these boards. And, by all means, let me know if you think there are any other boards better suited for me. Size of board and any suggestions on bindings would also be helpful. Should probably mention that I am 52, about 5″11,” 190 lbs, and 10 1/2 – 11 shoe size.

    Matt

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 2, 2021 at 11:55 am

      Hi Matt

      Thanks for your message.

      YES Hybrid: I think this could definitely work, in the right size. It is a short/wide, so you’d need to down size in terms of length – and will take some getting used to if you’re not used to short/wide, but could certainly work for what you’re describing. Size-wise, I would go 157 probably for your specs. The 153 would be doable too, if you really wanted to optimize for trees and faster edge-to-edge transitions (at the sacrifice of stability at speed and float in powder – though the 153 would still be good in powder with your specs, IMO).

      Dynamo: This would definitely work too. I’d say go 159 for this one. With 10.5s, you should be all good with the 159 regular width. If you end up 11s, it would be pushing it being too narrow though. With 11s, you might need to go 159W.

      Scout: It is geared towards powder for sure, but surprised me how good it felt on groomers, particularly carving, so I think this could definitely work too. Size-wise though, is the biggest question mark. The 160 or 156? The 160 would be the better length and with 11s would be well wide enough. It’s just a question of whether it’s too big overall when taking into account length and width. The 156 is around 268mm at the back insert, which should be OK, but if you’re riding with quite a straight back binding angle and in 11s, then it might be pushing it. With 10.5s, you’d likely be fine on the 156. Then the question becomes whether the 156 is marginally too small overall.

      You could also check out all-mountain options like these, if you wanted or something like the Jones Frontier, but the 3 you mentioned would certainly work for what you’re describing, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Matt says

        March 2, 2021 at 11:24 pm

        Hi Nate…Thanks for your quick response. Information is extremely helpful. I had a few quick follow-up questions, if you don’t mind. Would really appreciate your feedback.

        So, think I will rule out the YES Hybrid and Endeavor Scout. Sound like great boards, but maybe not best suited for me as a “daily user.” I am still really interested in the Lib Tech Dynamo. But wonder if the hybrid rocker profile might cause any issues, if I am not used to riding on that type of board. I see that it is “camber dominant,” so maybe it doesn’t matter all that much?

        Second, you really piqued my interest with the Jones Frontier. I read your review and seems like this could be the right board for me. Given my specs, would you recommend the 162? Even thought the board “rides a bit longer,” I feel that the 164W or 165 might be too big.

        Last, I read a few comments on your site regarding the Capita Navigator and Mercury boards. Both seem like they could be a fit, though I’d probably lean towards the Navigator given my interest in exploring freeriding. Be interested in hearing your thoughts on these two boards and how they compare with the Dynamo and Frontier. Suggestion on size appreciated, too.

        Specs again are:
        – 5′ 11″
        – 190 lbs
        – 10 1/2 – 11 shoe

        Thanks, Nate!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          March 3, 2021 at 4:19 pm

          Hi Matt

          You don’t notice the rocker that much on the Dynamo. It’s mostly camber with just very subtle rocker. It’s there and you can feel it but it still has a stable feel to it overall. Doesn’t feel loose or anything, which hybrid rocker can feel sometimes. It doesn’t feel locked-in like full camber can sometimes, but I would say it’s right in the middle with a stable feel. If you were still concerned, the Frontier and Navigator are really good options, if you think you’d prefer Hybrid Camber instead.

          Yeah, I would go 162 if you went Frontier. That’s going a little longer. Not need to go as long as 165 for your specs, IMO. And 162 should be wide enough, even if you end up in 11 boots, IMO.

          Navigator would definitely fit what you’re describing. And from what you’re describing, I would also go Navigator over Mercury for you. Size-wise, I would be leaning towards the 161 – and that would be wide enough for 11s too. The 158 is a possibility for sure though, if you wanted to keep things shorter. Wide enough for 10.5s for sure, but borderline for 11s in the 158.

          Reply

          • Matt says

            March 3, 2021 at 5:36 pm

            Awesome, thanks Nate! Think I’m going to go with the Frontier. See a 162 and 161W online. Much difference? Promise, last question 🙂

          • Nate says

            March 4, 2021 at 11:22 am

            Hi Matt

            I would go 162 for you. It’s a wider board than it looks just based on waist width (the 161 is around 270mm at the back insert and 273mm at the front insert) and I think it’s just right for 11s and 10.5s. The 162W getting a little wide even for 11s. Size-wise, the 162 is your best bet, IMO.

46. Daniel says

    February 22, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    Nate,

    Awesome site. Lots of great information but could use some advice. I have been riding on and off for about 20 years with about 15 of that being on my current set up. I find that my riding style has evolved to include more groomers but am not opposed to going back country and riding in powder, I stay away from the park. I want to start riding more frequently but need a new board to get me going in that direction, boots and bindings will be a need too, but I want to start with the board and go from there. My specs are:

    5’-10”
    190 lbs
    Size 10 boot

    What would you recommend for someone trying to get back on the mountain?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 23, 2021 at 1:38 pm

      Hi Daniel

      Thanks for your message.

      I think something from this list will work, if you’re not looking to ride switch at all, want something not too stiff, and given you like to ride groomer and off-groomer/backcountry. Given that it sounds like you’ll be riding a fair bit on groomers, there are some here that are more powder specialized that I probably wouldn’t go for, like the Mind Expander and Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft.

      The rest I think will be suitable. They’re all a little different. This list is the most eclectic of everything I have. I think one thing to decide is it you think you’d like a surfier, looser kind of ride or a more precise one. Once you decide that, then you could look at the “feel” listed under each board, to get an idea of what might suit you better. And also pay attention to the score breakdowns to see what you feel will work well for your riding style.

      Size-wise, I’d say around 158-160, but it also depends on the board. I would be happy to give my sizing opinion on individual boards, if you are able to narrow down your list to 2 or 3.

      You could also check out the following:

      >>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards

      If you wanted something with a less directional feel.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Daniel says

        March 20, 2021 at 3:35 pm

        Nate,

        I appreciate your input. My current board is a Palmer Honeycircle 161 and I ride with Burton 3D step in bindings boots and it has worked well for me but definitely time for an upgrade.

        Looking for something with a more stable/locked in feel that is good with carving and turning, I have grown out of my park/freestyle phase so jumping is not important. I don’t ride switch much, except when I need to due to the terrain. I want something that will be able to handle all conditions between powdery/soft conditions to icy. Based on your reviews below are the boards that appear to meet what I am looking for.

        Yes Hybrid 161
        Lib Tech EJack 159
        Yes Pick Your Line 159

        I am curious what your thoughts are and if you feel I am looking at the right type of board and what type of bindings and boots you think I should look at too. I am not committed to sticking to with step ins. Appreciate any additional input you have.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          March 22, 2021 at 2:34 pm

          Hi Daniel

          I think those options are really good for what you’re describing. For the Hybrid though, I would look at sizing to the 157. It’s a really wide board and with 10s, the 161 would be too big overall, IMO. I think the 157 would work well though. The Hybrid is the softer flexing of the 3 (I felt it around 6/10 flex). The Ejack Knife around 7/10 flex and the PYL 7.5/10 bordering on 7/10. So would depend on how stiff you wanted to go.

          For the PYL you could also go 162. It’s the kind of board you can ride a little longer. The 159 works too, and if you wanted to have a more mellow feeling to the flex, then erring shorter would give you that.

          The Ejack Knife I’d probably go 159. But 162 isn’t out of range either.

          In terms of boots and bindings I would try to match the board for flex or err a little stiffer. So if you ended up with the Hybrid, then something 6/10 or 7/10 flex. If the other 2, then something 7/10 to 8/10 would be good, but you could even go stiffer if you really wanted that stiffer boot/binding setup.

          Some options:

          >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

          >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

          >>Top 5 Freeride Bindings

          Reply

47. Cole says

    February 4, 2021 at 10:03 am

    Hey Nate, found this website and it has been really helpful in trying to find a new setup. I am recently getting back into riding after taking a break for about 8 years and looking to update my ride. I’m currently riding a 156 Fourm Delvin Walsh Twin head that’s about 20 years old lol. My current stats are 5’11, 175, with size 11.5-12 boots. I’d say that I’m a good intermediate/low end expert rider and most of my riding these days is mostly cruising with my family and a occasional trip through the park when not with them to hit a few jumps, but nothing crazy. Almost 40 and not trying to hurt myself like I did when I was young. Most of my riding is in CA if that helps. On a side note, most likely will be going to the Burton Step on’s. Basically I’m open to all suggestions and just trying to find a board that will suit me well for the next 5-10 years or so. Also curious to know if you think I should go to a wider board or not giving my boot size? Some of the boards I’ve had my eye on so far are:

    Arbor Coda Rocker 157MW
    Arbor Westmark Camber 157MW
    Arbor Element Camber 156
    Burton Deep thinker 157W
    Burton Custom Camber 158W or Flying V 158W
    Lib Tech Cold Brew 157

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 5, 2021 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Cole

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly, in terms of sizing, I would go wide with 11.5-12s. Length-wise, I think you’re good around that 156-159 range, so length-wise, I think everything there looks good.

      For the Arbor options, I think going camber is probably a good idea for you a. because you’re at a level where you’ll appreciate the camber and won’t have any issues riding it and b. if you’re board is 20 years old, then you’re definitely used to riding camber

      The Westmark Camber is more freestyle oriented, so not as suitable to your style, IMO. But the 157W would be a good size. 156 Element Camber going to be too narrow, IMO. I think the Element Camber would certainly work for you though, but just for sizing. The Coda Camber or Shiloh Camber would work well, but you’d have to go to 160MW to get something wide enough, which is getting on the longer side for you, IMO. It’s not undoable, but getting to the bigger end of your range. May not be as good for cruising with the family or for the jumps.

      Burton Deep Thinker 157W a good size. This is a stiffer more aggressive board and not as suitable for jumps, IMO. But doable if you’re not spending that much time with jumps. The biggest question I’d have with this one is if it’s a bit too much board – i.e. not as easy to ride slow when riding with the family.

      Burton Custom Camber 158W would be a good choice, IMO. The Flying V I think you would likely find too loose. But if you like the idea of a loose feeling board, then it’s certainly an option (which would also bring the Coda Rocker 157MW back into play).

      Lib Tech Cold Brew – I haven’t ridden it, but based on other similar Lib Tech boards, I’d say it’s on the looser side. Not as much as something like the Custom Flying V, but there’s more rocker than camber in the feel with the C2 camber. If you’re good with something a little surfier/looser, then this would work, but I would go to the 158W.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

48. Jeff says

    December 16, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    Hey Nate,
    You helped me pick a board a couple years ago after getting back on the horse after an injury. Thank YOU! Now I’m looking for your opinion on an upgrade or an addition.

    I’m 5’8” 155-160lbs with size 9s. I went with a 2017 Ride Wildlife in 155. I’m now looking for something more powder specific that can still charge but will still be nimble enough in the trees. I’ve got a couple used boards on the radar in a 2017 Burton Landlord, and 2018 Skeleton Key both in in 154. I also am considering the Flight Attendant 156 and Jones Hovercraft 156. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 17, 2020 at 11:26 am

      Hi Jeff

      Good to hear from you again.

      Firstly, I think the Hovercraft in the 156 is probably on the too big side. It’s quite a wide board and something you want to size down for unless you have a longer foot/boot size. For your specs, with the combination of length and width, I think the 156 would be too long.

      The other boards would work and sizing would work too, IMO. I haven’t ridden the Landlord but what I know of it/specs etc, I think it would likely be the most nimble of the 3 Burton options there – largely because it’s narrower and shorter than the Flight Attendant and sounds like it’s a surfier, slightly softer flexing feel. So I think that would likely be the most nimble option for you. The Skeleton Key 154 I think is a good size. It’s a little wider, but sizing down a little to the 154 it would work. It’s also a softer more easy going ride than the Flight Attendant. The Flight Attendant isn’t ultra stiff by any means – but it’s more like 7/10, compared to the Skeleton Key’s 5.5/10. Size wise, the FA is narrower than the SK, so going 156 is a good bet for your specs, IMO, assuming a relatively advanced level.

      I think between the 3, it depends if you want something more carvy, a little more aggressive and better stability at speed (Flight Attendant) or a slightly more relaxed, slightlier surfier feel (SK & Landlord). All 3 will be more precise/locked-in feeling than the Wildlife, IMO. But the SK & Landlord a little less so than the Flight Attendant.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Jeff says

        December 20, 2020 at 7:34 pm

        Thanks for getting back to me Nate! Do you have any other recommendations for a more powder oriented board that will have good float and be fun charging in the powder as well as being nimble in the trees? Do any boards blend those well? What would you ride for that?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 22, 2020 at 1:35 pm

          Hi Jeff

          Yeah definitely some boards blend that well. First boards that come to mind:

          – YES PYL
          – Capita Kazu
          – Capita Navigator
          – GNU Mullair
          – Never Summer Westbound

          These boards will let you charge, but I also found to be nimble at slower speeds, and good float in powder.

          Reply

49. Peter says

    December 1, 2020 at 4:54 am

    Hi Nat,
    I really appreciate what you do – please don’t stop & I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

    I want to share one of my concerns…
    I’m willing to buy a board which bombs the slope, going well on uneven terrain, but also has a good flow on pow. After reading this post I’m close to choose YES Hybrid, but still thinking of Mervin boards and it’s Magne Traction technology…
    And here is the concern: basing on your experience – does Magne Traction really makes that big difference when carving and riding on icy slopes/uneven terrain?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 1, 2020 at 11:14 am

      Hi Peter

      Thanks for your message.

      I do find that magnetraction does improve edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. It’s certainly not the only factor – there are other things – like a board with more camber tends to have better edgehold in hard/icy conditions over a board with more rocker (all else being equal) – and of course how sharp the edges of the board are – and the edge bevel also play a bit part. But in my experience magnetraction makes a difference. However, that said, YES boards with Mid-Bite and Underbite tend to work well in hard/icy conditions too.

      If I had to say, all else being equal on a board, then maybe magnetraction slightly more edgehold in icy conditions, but there’s not a lot in it, IMO – and I wouldn’t use it as deal breaker, unless you really need a tie breaker between two boards. Like, if you were like, I like these two boards equally, and these two boards are the perfect size/dimensions for me, then you could use it as a final tie breaker, but otherwise wouldn’t put too much on it. Certainly if you need good edge-hold in ice, then are some boards I wouldn’t look at, but between YES and Mervin it’s not a big difference, IMO.

      Also, keep in mind that not all Mervin boards are the same in terms of edge-hold in icy conditions. For example, I found the Hybrid better in icy conditions than the GNU Hyperkyarve. I think part of that is just that the Hybrid has more camber.

      Anyway, hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

50. Petter Alatalo says

    November 28, 2020 at 8:52 am

    hi Nate:)

    current board Burton Flightattendant 162w
    height 185cm
    weight 117kg

    problem. I feel it gives away way to easily on hard and icy snow

    im an old experienced rider , snowboard used to be my life and I have done a fair bit of competitions and so on. even tho im now a fat and old dad I do really know how to ride.

    before the attendant I used to ride a Burton supermodel 162 and I really liked it. however that was not only twenty years ago I am now also almost 40 kg heavier. so I haven’t been riding much in a long time. But im trying to get back in the saddle again, mostly riding with my son. I like to ride fast and make long and tight carves. maybe hit some powder if I find it. hit side edges and so on.. Now looking for a new board

    but the attendant gives away to easily, I don’t know if the problem is the construction of the board with its taperd tail or its just the board thats to short for my old and fat bodyweight.

    all the sizcharts I’ve seen online sugests boards 166-170. maybe im living in denial but do I really need that long board?
    I’ve been thinking about the Burton custom x 166 w
    or the hometown hero 165 w.

    or jones flagship 165w . but since I have Burton channel bindings I rather not switch them out im pretty stuck with Burton.

    or do you think I need an even longer board?

    best regards from the very north of Sweden.
    Petter

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 29, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Petter

      Thanks for your message.

      I think going longer is going to be a good idea. I don’t think you need to go as long as 170 though. But I would size up to around 164-166. If you think that Taper is playing a role, then I would be leaning towards the Custom X 166W – as the Hometown Hero and Flagship both have more taper than the Flight Attendant.

      If you wanted to keep a bit of taper, there are some other options that grip better in hard/icy snow. I think Custom X would work for what you’re describing, but if you wanted some other options in a more tapered shape but with better hard/icy conditions grip, I would be happy to give some examples.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

51. Jason says

    November 2, 2020 at 10:21 am

    Hey Nate!
    I can’t explain how crucial this site has been in helping me find the right board! Really appreciate all the work you’ve done here.

    I have narrowed down my options to Burton Flight Attendant or Skeleton key (open to other Burton recs! )

    Context:
    – Typically ride west coast (will be living in Tahoe, trips to Jackson / Big Sky)
    – I am coming from a Burton Custom Twin flying V from 2017.
    – Absolutely love the pop and appreciate some of the forgiveness but the board is super chattery at high speeds. I rarely ride switch anymore aside from the occasional 180.
    – I think its time to move toward something more directional. I want something for all mountain.

    Riding style:
    – I love side hits/popping off rollers or anything haha
    – Not much park but will probably hit jumps mainly straight airs with a grab and the occasional spin.
    – A lot of fast riding, I would say I do more riding straight with skidded turns than I do big carves.
    – I will definitely do some hiking this year.

    H / W:
    – I am 6ft
    – but weigh like ~140
    – So I fear that the FA at 156 will be too much board for me and the 152 will be too short.

    Both seem like great boards but I feel stuck in the middle. The skeleton key is seems to be too soft while the FA seems too stiff. I fear I’ll loose agility with the FA in tighter trees / moguls. But I fear that the skeleton key will be too playful and not stable enough (and potentially not as poppy).

    I am planning on keeping the old custom twin (but still for the sake of traveling think I would like to find a solid all around board). Sorry for the long question, I cant thank you enough!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 3, 2020 at 10:12 am

      Hi Jason

      Thanks for your message.

      Definitely understand your concerns and how you want to get it right.

      The Skeleton Key is pretty stable for it’s flex – and it’s not super soft. So I wouldn’t be too worried about it’s stability at speed. And the FA isn’t super stiff either. Although if you were to go 156, it would feel stiffer at your weight than what I would feel it, so if you are concerned about it being too stiff, I would be a little wary of going 156. The Skeleton Key in a 154 is also likely to feel a little stiffer than 5.5, IMO. Not by much, but maybe more like a 6/10 for you. So, from that respect, I would be leaning towards 154 Skeleton Key over 156 FA. The 152 FA I think would be doable – on the shorter end for you. I would predict that would feel more like a 7/10 for you in that size. But I would be concerned about width for that size. If you could let me know your boot size, that would really help for sizing.

      The Hometown Hero is another option from Burton that might suit what you’re describing too – and has a flex in between the FA and Skeleton Key (by my feel).

      But yeah if you can let me know your boot size, that would be great.

      Reply

      • Jason says

        November 4, 2020 at 10:34 am

        Thank you for the fast reply!

        My current boot size is 11.5 and I have the Malavita Bindings.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 5, 2020 at 11:54 am

          Hi Jason

          With 11.5s, the 152 and 156 FA are going to be too narrow for you, IMO. If you’re coming from a narrow board (not sure what size your Custom Twin is), and you’re confident on something that narrow, then you might be OK, but otherwise, they are definitely on the narrow side, IMO. The 159W FA is going to be too big, so there’s not really a suitable size for the FA, IMO.

          The Skeleton Key is a wider board, so the 154 Skeleton Key would give you a bit more leeway there. But it’s still borderline for 11.5s. Again, if you’re coming from something relatively narrow and are comfortable with it, then it might be doable – more doable than the FA, IMO. For reference the 154 Skeleton Key will be roughly 266mm at the inserts versus the FA 156 at around 258mm at the inserts.

          For the Hometown Hero, the 156W would be a good width, IMO. The length works too. On the bigger side, but being slightly softer than the FA, might be OK and might be good to have a longer board in the quiver. What size Custom Twin do you have?

          Reply

52. Colton says

    October 28, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Hey Nate, I have snowboarded the past few seasons on some big old board I bought for $50 in Canada… it’s done me well up in BC and other places I’ve been, but now I just moved to Flagstaff, AZ and will be riding like 2-5 days a week… I’m not quite sure what to get but when you say “surfy”, it sounds up my alley… maybe you could provide some guidance/clarity? I am not a speed demon. Ideally, I’d live next to the beach and surf every day, but Snowboarding is the next best thing (maybe even better after my first true season?)… I like to just cruise, lay down some big carves, have fun and focus on style… these boards look good, but I don’t want to get on something that’s too technical and I find myself catching an edge and eating crap often.

    Any guidance you have would be much appreciated.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 29, 2020 at 12:39 pm

      Hi Colton

      Thanks for your message.

      If you’re looking to ride predominantly in one direction (i.e. not riding switch a lot) and aren’t really going to be doing a lot of freestyle stuff (park etc), and you want something that’s a little more mellow than a stiff freeride board, then this is the right place to be, IMO. Like I mentioned at the top of the list – the term “surfy” is perhaps not fully accurate in this case – it’s more like “easy going, softer” freeride boards – but that doesn’t really have a ring to it! I’m thinking of changing it to “mellow” freeride boards, as someone has suggested.

      But since you are looking for something surfy, there are some on this list that certainly do have a nice surfy feel to them. And typically anything surfy feeling isn’t going to be catchy. For each board I’ve listed a “feel” for them, to note if they’re more surfy/loose, or more locked-in/precise. Check those out to get an idea of what might suit you. The Hyperkyarve was the board that first sprung to mind as I read through your message. It’s very easy going and has that surfy feel to it. The Jones Mind Expander is another good surfy option. As is the Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft, but it’s more powder specialized and really a quiver board, that you’d usually get in addition to another board.

      Size is important too. I would be happy to give you my opinion on size if you wanted it. I would just need your height, weight and boot size. I already have how you like to ride and your rough ability level (which also come into sizing.

      Reply

53. Chip says

    October 3, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Nice list. Since some of the boards aren’t that surfy you could call it “mellow freeride”… Something that may fit in this category, which I am interested in, is the Lib Tech BRD (solid). Have you had a chance to ride it? Seems like it would be fun in moderate powder and have decent performance without being too demanding. Any thoughts on this board? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 4, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      Hi Chip

      Thanks for the suggestion. I might change it to “mellow”. Will let it simmer and see.

      I haven’t ridden the BRD unfortunately, but I agree, based on specs and my experience with other similar Lib Tech boards, that it would likely be a good fit for this category. Hard to say how it would feel in real life, but with Lib Tech rating it 6 or 7 in flex, depending on size, and (IMO anyway) since they’re boards are often a little softer flexing, by me feel, than their ratings, it’s likely to be around 6/10 flex, I’d say – so yeah. It does have the C3 camber, but then so does the Dynamo, which is mellow, despite the C3 camber. Will have to try to get on it this season.

      Reply