The Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) is predominantly a hard charger that likes to have speed underneath it. But it's got just enough forgiveness that you can chill on it on ocassion if you're getting fatigued.
You could argue this board to fit in either the aggressive all-mountain category or the freeride category. In this review, I will take a look at the BSOD as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the BSOD a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Price: $749
Style: Freeride/Aggressive All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Mid-Stiff (6.5/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Mid-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 87.0/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Of the 27 current model freeride snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The BSOD ranked 10th out of 27
Overview of the BSOD’ Specs
Check out the tables for the BSOD’s specs and available sizes.
STYLE:
FREERIDE
PRICE:
$749 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
DIRECTIONAL HYBRID CAMBER
HYBRID Camber - Capita's "Alpine V1"
SHAPE:
setback stance:
Setback 20mm (0.8")
BASE:
Sintered - Capita's "HYPERDRIVE™ ADV XT BASE"
weight:
Felt a little lighter than normal
Camber Height:
4mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
156 | 256 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
159 | 259 | 140-200 | 63-90 |
162 | 262 | 150-210+ | 68-95+ |
157W | 264 | 140-200 | 63-90 |
161W | 267 | 150-210 | 68-95 |
165W | 270 | 160-220+ | 72-100+ |
169W | 274 | 170-230+ | 77-104+ |
Who is the BSOD Most Suited To?
The BSOD is best suited to the rider who wants to be able to charge hard and carve trenches on groomers and chew through crud, but who still wants to be able to take advantage of powder days, and doesn't want to have a separate board for it.
Would be a good one-board quiver for more aggressive riders, who mostly want to charge but doesn't want to necessarily have to be charging all the time - something with a little bit of forgiveness. And those who want to also use it on a powder day.
And would compliment a quiver very well, depending on what other boards you had. Could be part of a two board quiver (either with a freestyle/park board, an all-mountain freestyle board or a specialist powder board) or a multi-board quiver.
Not for beginners - and even a bit much for a lot of intermediate riders I would say. Particularly strong/athletic intermediate riders are likely the exception. But for most, I would recommend being at least advanced to consider this board.
BSOD DetailS
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the BSOD is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) 2025, 159cm (259mm waist width)
Date: March 6, 2024
Powder
Felt good in what we had that day. And specs suggest it should be really decent in deeper powder.
It has some rocker in the nose, with a more camber dominant tail, a directional shape, a 20mm setback and some subtle taper.
Carving
This thing was sick for carves! I found that it prefers higher speed, longer radius carves, but it can do any kind of carve you want.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: It's not super easy to turn or slash this board. It requires some energy from its rider. But it's also nothing that's impossibly difficult, but does require decent technique or else it wouldn't be too much fun.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It's not un-agile, but it's not super agile either. And at slower speeds, it does take some effort to get it changing edges. It finds it's sweet spot at higher speeds.
Catchiness: It's nothing I would call super catchy, but it's also something that you can't be too casual on. If you get it wrong it could punish you and catch an edge.
Speed
This board can handle a lot of speed and remain stable. Not quite as bullet proof as the Mega Death that I also rode on the same day, but that's comparing to a real bomber. The BSOD is nice and stable at speed and gave me confidence to really open it out. Good fast base glide too.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: Again, not quite as bullet proof as the Mega Death, but still handles crud really well. A little more chatter than the Mega Death, but nothing crazy.
Trees/Bumps: It's not effortless to get it weaving through trees, but with a bit of effort I found it did a good job and could get moving edge-to-edge fairly quickly. Just don't expect it to come super easy.
Jumps
If you're physically strong and an experienced jumper, you should enjoy this board for jumps.
Pop: It has some really decent pop, despite its camber not being that pronounced (4mm) but it does take some force to extract that pop. It doesn't come super easy - but when you can supply the necessary force, it gives back plenty.
Approach: Super stable on approach, when you need a good amount of speed for larger jumps. Decent enough agility for trickier approaches that require adjustments and speed checks, but stability is it's biggest asset on approaches.
Landing: Stomper! When you get it right, you can really stomp landings on this thing and I'm pretty sure there's no jump that you couldn't land with a solid stomp from - none that I'd be willing to hit anyway! It's not super forgiving if you get it a little wrong, but it's not the most unforgiving either.
Side-hits: Average. It's fine, but I prefer something with a bit more agility and easier access pop to be really good for side-hits, particularly those with tighter approaches.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Big jumps are its forte for sure. Fine for small jumps of course, but wouldn't be great for those just learning jumps, IMO. You want to be a confident jumper already.
Switch
It's not ultra directional, so switch felt pretty decent on this board. If you're switch isn't that dialed, you may find it a little challenging to ride switch, but otherwise it felt fine to me. Transitions were OK (easier than Mega Death) but they weren't super easy.
Spins
Decent enough. Good if you're going bigger and either don't need to generate too much of your own pop or you have the time to really lean into it, to get it's plentiful, but not super easy to extract, pop. But if you're looking to generate pop quickly and easily for smaller spins, it's not as good.
Setting up and landing switch is OK, but not ideal.
Not easy to finish your spin on the ground if you come up a little short on your rotations, can punish you for it. But it definitely won't overspin on you, if you really nail it.
Jibbing
Not the jibbing board for me. And I think even strong jibbers would opt for something else to take into the park.
Butters
There's some flex in the tip and tail, to get the press started. You've certainly got to apply a decent amount of force to get it to lock in, but once you do, it holds it well. Not easy, but not so stiff that it's impressable, you've just got to work for it.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4 | 20/25 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Jumps | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 87/100 |
The BSOD is hard charging freeride come aggressive all-mountain snowboard that lives in that world where it's first preference is to charge, but does have the ability to chill things out a bit, when you're feeling fatigued or find yourself in a tight spot or in a slow zone.
It's good enough in powder to be a reliable board for a powder day, but it's real strength lies in stability at speed and carving.
Not something that I would use for playful riding or ground tricks or in the park (apart from on jumps, particularly larger jumps) but for someone who likes to ride aggressive and wants to optimize speed and carving (but still have some forgiveness) above all else, this should be squarely on your short list.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
To learn more about the BSOD, or if you're ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below
To check out some other freeride snowboard options, or to see how the BSOD compares to others, check out our top rated freeride snowboards by clicking the button below.
Hey Nate, I posted this comment before, but it seems to have disappeared.
Looking at a 2026 BSOD. I’ve spent the last few seasons on a Yes Standard, and want to progress to something a little more freeride focused, and keep the standard for the days riding with the kids.
I’m 6 foot, 85kg, reasonably athletic (for a 40 y/o). I wear a size 11 ride lasso boot and run Union Force L bindings. Usually running +18/+21 front and -6/-3 back foot
I’m struggling to decide between the 159, 161W and 162. I don’t have a super aggressive carving style, but I do want to learn to push my carving further.
I figured the waist width of the 159 at 25.9 would still be OK for my Size 11 ride’s, and I worry that going to the 161W would be a more of a chore to turn? The 162 I imagine would be a good option too, tho I wonder whether it would be a difficult beast to tame?
opinions appreciated,
Dan
Hi Dan, thanks for reposting. We did some website updates and accidentally deleted some comments in the process. Yours must have been one of them.
The BSOD isn’t as wide as the waist makes it look. I measured the width-under-foot at 265mm at the back insert and 266mm at the front insert. So just a 6/7mm difference compared to the waist. Typical is around a 10mm difference. Could still be OK for 11s, but it’s pushing it, depending on how deep (how high an angle you get on the edge) you end up carving.
With 11 Lasso’s (assuming you’re referring to US11 size) I would expect them to be around 32cm for the outersole length. With a 6 degree back binding angle and assuming a 22″ (560mm) stance width, you’d be looking at around 5.2cm total overhang (or 2.6cm per edge, assuming perfect boot centering). You’d likely be OK if you’re not carving too deep, but if you are, you could risk boot drag there, IMO.
The 161W is likely to be around 273mm/274mm back/front insert width. I wouldn’t say that it’s too wide for your feet, but it’s on the wider side and with the length and width combined, maybe a little on the big side, but nothing huge for you, I wouldn’t imagine, unless you’re used to riding considerably smaller boards generally.
The 162 is likely to be around 268/269mm at the inserts, which while it doesn’t sound like much more than the 159, that’s a width I would personally be more comfortable with, with 11s.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 160, so as an all-rounder size, I would be looking at the 159, if you could get on it width-wise (which as we’ve discussed is borderline), but given this going to be your freeride board, and you’ll still have the Standard, going a little bigger isn’t necessarily a bad idea. I would be leaning 162 in this case, but you could do 161W as well. And even 159, if you don’t think you’ll be carving that deep. Given that you want to push your carving, I would be leaning for one of the bigger sizes.
What size Standard are you riding?
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the detailed response. I’m currently riding a 156 Standard. I originally wanted the 159, but i found a deal too good to pass up. I find the 56 a bit soft, considering I’m close to the end weight range, but it does work well for less demanding riding with the kids and messing about freestyle.
I think I will flip a coin between the 162 and 161W.
Thanks for your help!
Looking for a little advice, hope you can help:
Im a 5’9″, 190ish lbs, size 11 foot rider whos teedering on the edge between advanced and expert. Love getting up to speed and ripping deep carves on steeper groomers but my all time favorite is chutes/bowls, especially on good snow days. Been riding a LibTech Cold Brew for 7 years and have just come to outgrow it in some aspects. Occasional side country when its either lift accessed or an easy hike. Looking to venture into CAT skiing in the next year or so. Really don’t care about riding switch, jibbing of any kind, very occasional jumps and side hits when they’re available (just for air, no tricks). Really torn in this “freeride + All mountain” category. Have been thinking about a BSOD or a Mercury, was curious which of these you’d reccommend or if there are any other awesome boards you would recommend me to? Thinking I’d go either 156W Mercury of 157W BSOD. Thanks in advance for any help you can give!
Best,
Taylor
Hi Taylor, thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing I think the BSOD would work well. As would the Mercury, but I think the Mega Merc version would be a better bet for you. Between the BSOD and Mercury, I would say BSOD. Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around but I like your sizing at 157W for the BSOD, with size 11s – while the board won’t be too wide for you, it’s on the wider side for 11s, so sizing down a touch makes sense, IMO. And I’m sure you have picked up some sizing preferences along the way too.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I’m thinking about buying the 2025 black Snowboard of death. I weigh around 220 pounds now with an 11 1/2 size boot. I was thinking about getting the 162 mainly because it has a weight specification to be able to handle Over 210 pounds and the board comes plenty wide. What are your thoughts on this? I also plan on getting the same size for the mega death as well.
Hi Rasheed, thanks for your message.
I think the 162 should be spot on for you length-wise. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” right on 162 and the width should work too. Just note that it’s not quite as wide as it looks. The difference between it’s waist width and width-at-inserts isn’t as much as is typical. You’re looking at around a 269mm width at the back insert, assuming a 560mm (22″) stance width. If you’re riding with a fairly straight back binding angle (e.g. 0-6 degrees), like to carve low and/or have bulky boots, there could be some risk for boot drag. If you’re concerned about that, the 161W would also be a really good size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Perfect! Thanks. I think I’ll go with the 161W. This is my first time getting a board under my weight just wanted make sure the 10 to 15 lbs wouldn’t be a problem. Excited to try something more nimble.
You’re very welcome Rasheed. Hope it treats you well and hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate, love the site and it’s been helping me a lot in researching boards. I currently own a 154 Twinpig which I’ve been using a few seasons, but it doesn’t do great for carving and powder, especially at my weight so I’m looking at buying a more aggressive board to complement it as my second board. Would love to get your advice.
Weight: between 85-90 kg usually (185-200lbs)
Height: 177 cm ( 5’10)
Boots: US 11 Step on Photons but actually they are a little too big for me and will try to downsize to 10.5 or even 10 sometime soon ish
I rode a BSOD in 159 as a rental this season and loved it so it is currently at the top of my list. I’m an intermediate rider who is looking to level up to advanced and the main things I’m looking to work on are carving and jumping ( side hits and small/medium jumps). I ride in Japan mainly around Nagano and Niigata usually with a trip or two to Niseko. I love powder (when I can get it) and tree runs so looking for something that can also handle powder and trees and will just generally ride harder and faster than my Twinpig which I will keep for spring snow or when I feel like playing around.
That said, I had a few questions:
Do you think the BSOD is a good fit for me? Would you recommend any other boards? (I also rode the Hometown Hero and really loved that board too)
Do you have any insight into any changes on the 2025 model? I can get a good deal on a pre-order for next season’s model but I’m worried since people online say it changes a lot year to year.
What size would you recommend? The 159 I rode felt great but Capita’s recommended weight range seems to point to 162. The shop I usually go to suggested 162 may be too big for the resorts I ride as it won’t turn as quickly.
Sorry for the long post and really appreciate what you do.
Hey Zak
Thanks for your message.
I literally just rode the 2025 BSOD like 3 days ago, so it’s great timing asking about that one!
I think it would be a good step up for you and will definitely give you that extra speed and powder performance you’re looking for. Good for jumps too. It is a board that seems to change a lot. I found the 2025 model to be a little more mellow than more recent models. It’s still a hard charger, but just a little easier to ride slow and in trees. Previously I might have said to be weary of how it might go in trees, when there isn’t deepish powder, as it doesn’t perform as well in there, but the 2025 model was actually pretty decent. If you only ever ride trees when there’s powder, then you should have no issues with it. I wouldn’t say it’s the best ever in powder or anything, not a powder specialist, but it’s still really good and definitely above average in powder and certainly, IMO, a big step up from the Twinpig powder-wise.
I think it’s a board that suits your specs well too. With size 11 boots, it’s sometimes the case that regular width is too narrow and wide too wide, but the BSOD is quite wide in the regular widths, which could be right on for your boots, depending on a couple of things.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159/160. You could size up to 162, but given you want to ride trees and be hitting side-hits, I would be erring to 159. The 162 would give you better powder float and stability at speed, but I don’t think you’ll be lacking those things in this board in the 159 – and the 159 would give you better agility, be easier to extract the pop for side-hits, easier to ollie. The 162 would be a lot of board, especially coming from the 154 Twinpig and especially how you want to ride it. I know the biggest thing is gaining powder performance and speed, but I think you’ll already get that with the 159.
But just to be sure the 159 will be wide enough (the 162 should be no issues) if you could please let me know:
– boot brand/model (already have this)
– binding angles
– stance width
– how deep you like to carve or would like to carve
I can recommend other boards too, but given you’ve ridden this already and liked it, I think it would be a good bet for you. The Hometown Hero would certainly work as well. Likely in the 160, but would also have to check to make sure the back insert is wide enough (it’s similar at the back insert to the BSOD 159). The 160W is another possibility.
Hope this helps with your decision
Oh wow. Thank you for the really detailed response. It really helps a lot!
Glad to hear that the new model will ride better in the trees (yes, I only tend to ride trees when there is powder) and also easier to ride slow, but do you think it is significantly different when riding faster or more aggressively? Just wary as I liked this year’s board.
I will go to a demo event in a couple weeks and am hoping I will have a chance to ride it then. Just in case if you do have other boards you think are good, let me know and I’ll see if I can ride them at the event as well. The HH I rode was actually a 156 and still found that fun but maybe I’ll try the sizes you mentioned.
For your questions:
My boot is a Burton Photon Step On in 11 US, but like I said it is a little big for me (my feet measure around like 28.4 cm) and I get some heel lift and sliding despite trying many remedies. I will try to downsize next season to maybe 10.5 or even 10. Hopefully I can get into a shop to try the Nitro step on boots and if the Darkseid fits me well I might grab those (I don’t really like the ankle strap on the Photons)
I ride +15, -15 width around 59 cm (one insert outwards on either side of my 154 Twinpig) but since I won’t be on a twin anymore I might play around with these angles.
Since I am not very experienced with carving, I am more concerned right now with getting nice clean lines and linking carves rather than getting really deep on my carves. Maybe this might change as I level up but right now I don’t think I will be getting super deep.
Thanks again for your help. Really appreciate it!
Hey Zak
Apologies for the slow response, have been out testing a bunch of gear lately and running behind on these replies. I think you should be fine on the 159 in your Photon 11s, given the extra info. And if you get into smaller boots, then of course you’ll be fine – though a 10.5 bulkier boot is likely a similar size to the Photon Step On 11, but that would still be fine, IMO.
The BSOD is still great for carving and riding fast, so I don’t think you’d have any issues there. I would check out this list for some other options that will suit what you’re looking for.
I just ordered the 165W BSOD 2024, I’m show 13, ~245lb at 6″1. I like to carve, go fast, side hits, occasional park. I stressed a lot about the size maybe being too small or too big but I’b just rented a 159 last weekend and so I think I’ll be fine. What do you think, is the 165W just right or should I have gotten the 169?
Hi Cleo
Thanks for your message. IMO, the 165W is just right for you, particularly given you like to hit side hits and the occasional park session. It’s still going to be big enough for you to ride fast and carve on, IMO. It’s a board that really likes speed. The 169W wouldn’t necessarily have been wrong, but I think the 165W is the better bet for you, given the style you’re describing.
Hi Nate,
Love this forum!
I have decided getting this year BSOD
I am 182cm, 78kg, boots US11, and I am hesitating between the 162 and the 161w.
I was first kind of decided for the 161w but I then thought the 162 might be OK.
What do you think, is the 162 large enough for US11 boots (Vans Infuse)? I usually ride +15 -6.
Cheers!
Hi Thierry
Thanks for your message. Yeah, I think you should be good on the 162 width-wise, and I think that’s the better size for you, with 11s. The 162 would be around 272mm at the back insert, which is as wide as a lot of wide boards, and a good width for 11s, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you!!
What about the 157w? Seems another option.
Regarding powder floating, which one do you think would be better, the 162 or the 157w?
I am just afraid the 162 might be too long, that it will be less nimble
Thanks
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your answer.
I would really like to have your thought about the 157w, I now think for sure the 161w is too big, but I feel the 157w could be fine. I am just afraid the 162 will be harder to ride, too rigid.
Or do you think I will really lose in stability at speed and maybe powder float with the 157?
I am really indecisive 😉 sorry.
Thank you!
Hi Thierry
I think the 157W could work for you, for sure. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159 and with the 157W being a little wider for 11s, I think it would work fine. Width as well as length makes for a less nimble board as well, so often going wide can make it less nimble, depending on how much you size down. However in this case, because the difference in width between the 162 and 157W is very little, the 157W will be a lot more agile. But yeah, definitely a size that works for your specs, IMO.
Thank you Nate! I really appreciate your feedback.
You’re very welcome Thierry. Hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate!
Wondering if you think skate tech would be a good paining for the BSOD. And if so, which binding? I am looking at the NOW Drive / Drive CX, or something from Jones. Curious as to your thoughts regarding stiffness between different bindings, how that might match up, and also whether skate tech would be a positive thing here.
Thanks!
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message. Yeah, I reckon Skate Tech could work with the BSOD. NOW/Jones bindings tend to be good at driving a board pretty hard and that’s something that tends to work well on the BSOD, in my experience. If you’re not looking to use it to do a lot of freestyle stuff, like butters, ollies, jibs etc, then I think one of those would be a good bet.
From NOW, I would go with the Drive Pro. They should be a really good match to the BSOD, IMO. The Drive would work for sure, but I think the Drive Pro would be more optimal. We haven’t tested the Drive CX, but based on flex ratings, it looks to be really stiff. Could go with the BSOD, but may even be too stiff for it. If you already know that you like really stiff bindings, then maybe, but otherwise, I would be leaning Drive Pro.
From Jones, I’d go Mercury. The Apollo is a possibility, but again, might be a little too stiff, depending on your preferences. I mean if you’re really going hard bombing and laying down deep carves all day and don’t really care how they feel at slower speeds, and you’ve ridden and liked stiff bindings in the past, the Apollo would be doable. If not, you could find them a little stiff. Also to note, if you’re a bigger guy, then you’re more likely to get along well with stiffer bindings (more force being applied means they likely wouldn’t feel as stiff), if you’re a smaller guy, then you’re much less likely to like them. If you’re pretty average size-wise, I’d still be leaning going a little softer for the BSOD, unless you already have a preference for super stiff bindings and are charging most of the time.
Hope this helps with your decision
Would the union atlas do well with this board or would you recommend going stiffer? Thank you, Max
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
The Atlas would be a good match, IMO. I feel the Atlas at 7/10 flex, so I think it’s a really good flex match. That said, you could go stiffer as well with this board – e.g. Union Atlas Pro. I wouldn’t go softer than the Atlas on it, but they are a good match and should work well, IMO.
Hope this helps
Sorry to ask again but I’m really struggling on making a decision for bindings. Would the falcors be stiffer yet be a little better for butters and pop? Thoughts on the bataleon full wraps or asyms? Or am I overthinking and the atlas’s will be fine ? Basically I charge but do high speed butters and would like to utilize all the pop too. I know I over think this stuff.
Hey Max.
Good to think about this stuff, IMO, make sure you get the best setup for you. The Falcor, IMO are a touch stiffer than the Atlas – and they are better for butters and pop, in my experience, so it sounds like that’s the way you should go. Note the difference in response feel between them as well – the Falcor, in my experience, has a snappier, springier type response vs a more even, consistent, smooth response that you get from the Atlas. If that more smooth response is what you think you’d prefer, then the Atlas (or Atlas Pro) might be your better bet, even if you get a little less pop/buttering, depending on whether your response feel or your board feel is more important to you. Hope that makes sense.
Also, do you have a patreon or is there somewhere to donate for your help?
Hey Max
Yes, we have a Patreon. You can check it out here. Or you can make one off contributions if you have pay pal here (half of all contributions go to POW). Thanks for considering supporting the site!
Hi Nate, I want to buy the BSOD for this season, but I can’t quite decide between 159 and 162. What would you recommend for US shoe size 10, 6.2 in height, and 203lbs without equipment?
Hey Dominik
Thanks for your message. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 162. However the BSOD is wider than normal – and you’d be looking at around 270mm at the front insert and 271mm at the back insert (assuming a 23″ stance width), which is on the wide side for 10s. I would personally be inclined to size down to the 159. But the 162 isn’t out of range or anything. I think it will come down to how you want to ride it. If you want to optimize powder float, stability at speed, stability in crud, then I would go 162. If you want it to feel a little more agile and easier to manage when riding it slower and want to be better for side hits and trees and popping some ollies etc (while still being fairly stable at speed and decent float, given that this board is more inclined to that side of things, but when I see better for agility etc, just mellowing it out a little and making it a touch easier to ride slow etc), then I would go 159.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate! Your site is such an amazing resource! I’m going into my 30th season and looking to possibly switch things up as I’m tired of the slower bases on Mervin boards. Love the ride, hate the lack of speed. I’m stuck between a 157/160 Kazu, 159 BSOD, or 159 Lib Rig.
My home mountain is Taos. So looking for something that can handle steep and gnarly chutes, trees, and the carve groomers all in the same day. Speedy base is necessary for when I make it out to Wolf Creek for deep low angle pow.
For reference I’ve been splitting my riding between a 153 Orca, 159 Dynamo, and 159 Jamie Lynn. All are 22-23 models. Im looking for something to replace the Dynamo and Lynn that can lay trenches, is still nimble in steep trees, playful for side hits, and can handle steep and fast chutes. Dynamo is a bit too soft and slow although fun as hell and that C3 allows for those skate like turns in trees. Lynn is also fun for charging but that TNT base just doesn’t cut it for me.
I think I’m leaning BSOD, but the Kazu and Lib Rig seem to have more of that fun factor. And for the Kazu I think I’d want a 160, but worried about nimbleness in trees due to stiffness. I found the the 159 Jamie Lynn to be a bit of a chore in the trees for that reason.
I have nowhere near me to demo or see any of them in person so I’d really appreciate any insights you can provide about your time riding the 157/160 Kazu, 159 BSOD, and 159 Lib Rig.
190-195lbs, 5’ 11”, US 9.5 SLX boots
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
It’s a close call, but I’d be leaning Kazu, just because I feel it’s the better of the 3 in terms of being nimble in trees, in my experience. The BSOD doesn’t feel as nimble when it’s being ridden at slower speeds. The Lig Rig in between. This is comparing BSOD and Lib Rig in 159 vs Kazu in 157, so some of that is length, but I still feel it would be a little more nimble in the 160. That said, the Kazu in 157 does have pretty much the same effective edge as the BSOD in 159, so I think the 157 could work for you in that board. You would be sacrificing a little in terms of stability at speed and float in powder vs going with the 160, but gain that extra bit of nimbleness.
Note also however, that the BSOD is a wider board than the Kazu, so even thought the effective edges are similar between the 157 Kazu and 159 BSOD, the 160 Kazu is still going to feel the closer equivalent to the 159 BSOD, IMO, size-wise, so going 157 you would be sizing down a little in this case.
Given how you’ve felt the Jamie Lynn in trees, I’m leaning towards the Kazu in the 157, but just note you would be sacrificing a little in terms of speed.
Given your riding style and that you want a fast base, I would also consider the Jones Flagship.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decsision
I love my Kazu but just picked up the BSOD for ’24 because the Kazu is not nimble in the POW. It is very slow edge to edge in Pow because of the sidecut. Crushes longer carves but the quick carves are very sluggish (only really an issue in Pow). I’m 6’1″ 175 and I got the 157 but it didn’t float as well as I’d like in the Pow either. Other than those 2 things its’s a a SUPER fun board and I loved it everywhere else on the mountain.
Hi Nate!
I currently ride a Yes Typo 155 for switch/moguls/generally silly stuff, and a Korua Cafe Racer 159 for carving/pow. I’m thinking of picking up a currently on sales Capita BSOD. To be honest, I want it simply for the graphics; the next year version is too ugly so it’s now or never. My questions are:
#1 Should I even get it? Is there a niche it can fill between the Typo and the Cafe Racer?
#2 What size should I get, 156 or 159? I’m 5’9, 165 lbs after dinner and boots 8 US. I can get the 159 for $100 cheaper, but I’m afraid it might be too big for my tiny feet.
I’m an advanced rider that likes carving hard on all conditions with both quick and drawn-out turns. When not carving, I like cruising, switching and going down moguls. Try to go powpow whenever I can, so maybe 5 times a year at best. Almost zero park/tricks, though might do a few ollies here and there to get out of tight spots.
Thanks!
Hi Wayne
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Cafe Racer, but from what I know of it, I’m not sure there’d be a lot of point having the BSOD in your quiver, unless you’re wanting to really replace the Typo. The BSOD certainly is more “double-ender” than the Cafe Racer, but for pow it’s not likely to be an improvement. The one area where I think it would be better than the Cafe Racer is for bombing. Cafe Racer looks more mid-flex based on specs – and the BSOD is a bit stiffer than that. If you were looking to add a stiffer board, it could work. It is in some ways in between the 2 boards, in terms of being more directional than the Typo and less directional than the Cafe Racer, but then on the other side of the Cafe Racer in terms of flex.
But for what you’re describing, I think you’ve got it covered with the two boards you have, so it does seem a touch unnecessary, IMO (a little hypocritical of me though as I have a bunch of unnecessary boards!).
I would probably be leaning 156 for you if you were to go with it.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much! That really helps. I’m surprised you think the BSOD will be stiffer than the CR, as I feel like riding a door on the CR. I’ll probably get the 156 as you recommended. What do you think about the bindings for this board, Rome Cleaver vs Nitro Phantom Carver?
Hi Wayne
I really liked the Rome Cleaver and think they’d be a really good match to the BSOD. I haven’t tested the Nitro Phantom Carver, so not sure, but on paper, they look like they’d be a good match.
Like I said, I haven’t ridden the CR, so not sure how stiff it is. Was just going off what I saw from the specs. Quite possible that it’s stiffer or similar to the BSOD in reality.
Thank you Nate. I appreciate your inputs!
You’re very welcome Wayne. Happy riding!
Hi Nate
I’m really impressed with your detailed responses to all these questions!
I’m 6’8″, about 220lb and US size 15 boot.
My current board is a Bataleon Whatever. I’ve not been snowboarding all that long, but as my son is progressing very quickly we’ve ended up having multiple Alp holidays for the past few years. Consequently, my knowledge base is quite low and I’m not sure what would be considered Intermediate Vs Advanced!
I will usually pass a lot more people down pistes than will pass me (therefore faster than average). I am comfortable on all piste grades including the ungroomed blacks. We like to seek off-piste wherever we can. I don’t ride park much unless my son bullies me into it.
I find my centre of gravity to be my biggest challenge! When going slower it doesn’t take much weight shift to catch an edge on a ski track, less of an issue when going fast as the edge tends to just crash through tracks.
I’ve found an end of season 22/23 169w BSOB, but will it be too much board for me? I would imagine keeping the Bataleon alongside a new board so that I can choose the right weapon for conditions and/or the route we are taking that day.
I’ll be riding Burton Photon Boots with Step-On bindings.
Many thanks
Mark
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message. I think the BSOD would be a really good compliment to the Whatever in a quiver. It is the kind of board that you’ll have to be more aggressive with to get the best out of it. And it is the kind of board that prefers to be ridden fast than slow. It will be “more” board than the Whatever for sure, but for speed, carving and powder, it will treat you well. It’s not the easiest board to ride slow, would be the only question mark, given what you’re describing. The 169W should be a really good size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, I pushed the button!
I also found your ability level, and I’m somewhere between 6 and 7. I had to Google “down weighted turns” and I think I’m doing them – it feels a bit like when pumping at a skatepark. I probably need a lesson or two to finesse my technique and push on
Thanks for the advice.
You’re very welcome Mark. Hope it treats you well. And yeah, down unweighted turns quite like that. Hadn’t thought about it that way, but I’d say pretty similar technique going on there.
Hi, can you give me a recommendation on which bindings to put on the BSOD 157 wide, I have not step on Genesis and the Union Force.
I love riding both types but curious if the force would be a bit more responsive.
5’ 10”
200 lbs
Size 11
Thanks
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Step On Genesis. I find them a little stiffer and more responsive for stiffer boards. The Force would work on the BSOD, but I would be leaning Step On Genesis for that board – just to drive it a bit harder. I find the BSOD is the kind of board that needs something that can drive it pretty hard. I’m not a fan of step on for freestyle stuff – butters, ollies, etc, but if you’re not doing anything like on the board and looking for high speed response predominantly then I’d lean Genesis Step On.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi,
Im a 110 kg , 185 cm high . Boots size 12. Intermediate to expert rider who loves to carve hard and fast.
Please could you help me decide should I go size 169w or 165w.
Hi Luka
Thanks for your message.
The 169W wouldn’t be wrong at all, but I’d be leaning 165W for what you’re describing. But that’s making an assumption that you mean intermediate to advanced and that maybe you don’t want to have to ride it hard and fast all the time. If you mean advanced to expert and you pretty much ride hard and fast all the time, then I’d be more inclined to lean to 169W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks 4 the advice.
I went with 165w. 😁
You’re very welcome Luka. Hope it treats you well and hope you have an awesome season!
Union Atlas FC or Atlas pro with this board?
Aggressive rider with 30 yrs under my belt (+ an additional 10 on skis). 152lbs, 5’6″, picking up a 159cm BSOD next week.
Most days spent either on resorts making everything my playground at the fastest pace possible (rails, cliff drops, rollers, side pow out of bounds pow, groomers, beer bellies, etc. No longer really hitting the big booters, everything else just as hard as 2 decades ago though.
Nearly as many days also spent Cat riding (“expert terrain”) 2m+ snowpack boot packing, snow shoeing & riding up on snowmobiles for the freshest, deepest & steepest lines.
So, would the Pro be better for this board for the flex that more closely matches the flex of this board & highback rotation? Or would the FC be better for the responsiveness & stability (& obviously less likelihood of heel lift at the limit)?
Hi Darth
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Atlas Pro yet, but based on the Atlas and Atlas FC, I think the Pro would be a really good match to the BSOD. But I’d personally put the Atlas FC on it for what you’re describing, if you can stomach the extra dollars. But I would say that the Atlas Pro would still be a really good match.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Can you compare lib tech brd 2022 to capita bsod 2023. I know that they both are different construction but they are in the similar am/fr cathegory. I consder changing my brd which I rode last season to new bsod and I am wondering what I can expect i terms of riding experience.
Many thanks
Hi Kamil
Thanks for your message.
The BRD and BSOD are similar in the sense that they’re used for similar things. However there are quite a few differences between them.
In terms of profile, both are camber dominant, but the BRD has a little rocker between the feet and camber underfoot and to tip and tail. The BSOD on the other hand has camber between the feet and under the feet, but rocker just before the nose (some subtle rocker just before the tail too, but not much there). So they’re camber profiles give them a different feel.
The BSOD is a little stiffer than the BRD. Not by a huge amount but it is still enough to notice. The BSOD is also a little lighter. Again, there’s not a huge difference in weight though.
The BRD is a lot more directional – it’s got quite a lot of taper and a fairly big setback stance too. The BSOD on the other hand only has very subtle taper and a more subtle setback. So whilst I would say you can make a really good argument that the BSOD is more aggressive all-mountain than freeride, the BRD is more firmly in the freeride category – all be it not as stiff as a typical traditional freeride board.
When it comes to performance, I’d say the BSOD is better for hard charging/big mountain high speed carves, that kind of thing – though not much in it. With the BRD being the slightly more forgiving ride at slower speeds. The BRD a little better in powder too, IMO, courtesy of how directional it is, even if it does have limited rocker in the profile. For jumps and switch, the BSOD is the better board, IMO. The BRD better in icy conditions, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate, many thanks for your help! Now I have yes basic Decade (not regular basic but basic on steroids) and Lib Brd. I am looking for something a bit more aggresive than decade, but not so FR oriented as brd (to bomb groomers, carve, but also cruise sometimes (cannot bomb all the time:), no park). So I am looking for aggresive am/fr board. I am leaning to bsod 2023. What is your opinion? will that board meet my expectations? I just have doubt if bsod does not kill me? I have heard some opinions that it is very demanding board however 2023 model seems to be more forgiving than last year one. I managed with brd easily so what do you think? Will I survive in bsod?
Hi Kamil
I think the BSOD would work. It is more demanding than the BRD, but given that you want something more aggressive then it could work. It’s not the easiest board to manager when riding at slower speeds – that’s the only thing to consider but I think you’d be fine with it, based on what you’re describing. For something that’s easier to manage at slower speeds but still more aggressive than Basic Decade and less freeride than the BRD, you could look at the GNU 4×4, Burton Custom, Rome Stale Crewzer or Nitro Team (camber). Not going to give you quite the same stability at speed as the BSOD and certainly not as good in powder, but still good at speed and easier to cruise with, IMO. But as I said, I think the BSOD could still work for what you’re describing.
Hello Nate,
Good job for your reviews, I enjoy reading them and they are instructives.
I’m looking to buy a new board and I would like to have your thoughts on the board and sizes that would fit with me. I’m 6’2.5” and weigh between 195-215 lbs. My bootsize is 12 and I have K2 thraxis. I’m an advanced rider from the eastcoast and I like to go fast and carve on groomers but as soon as there is powder (on piste or in trees) that’s where I will be. I like drops and side hits and I ride a little bit switch but moslty before of after some spins. I only hit the park for medium jumps and not very often.
I’m considering the lib tech ejack knife (162W) and the capita BSOD(?). I also looked at the gnu banked country, but sizewise I’m not sure it could fit my specs. I actually ride a lib tech dark knife (164W) but it’s old and I would like a board a little bit more powder friendly.
I would like to have your suggestions for which sizes could be good for me and perhaps for another board that I haven’t thought about.
Thank you very much!
Gab
Hi Gab
Thanks for your message.
Both of those boards would suit what you’re describing really well, IMO. Size-wise, taking a mid-point for weight of 205lbs, I think the 162W for the Ejack Knife would be spot on. For the BSOD, I would go 161W. The Banked Country would also be a good choice – size-wise the 160W would be the only suitable size, IMO, and I think it would certainly work in that size, but the sizing for the Ejack Knife and BSOD a little better, IMO.
If you wanted more options, you could also check out the following:
>> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards
But as you’ll see, all 3 of these are on that list.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your quick answer.
About the BSOD I was wondering if the 162 would also fit for me considering I like to carve. It says it has a waist width of 26.2 cm. Is it too narrow for my boot size 12 and that is why you suggested the 161W? My binding angles are +15/-9.
I never used the ejack nor the BSOD. I guess both boards are a lot alike but if you had to pick out differences what would they be?
Thank you!
Hi Gab
The BSOD 162 will be roughly 271mm at the back insert, assuming a roughly 23″ (585mm) stance width. Which is borderline for 12s. Add to that that the Thraxis aren’t really low profile, and I think it’s probably too narrow, given that you like to carve. You’d be looking at a total overhang of around 6.1cm (3.05cm per edge) on your back foot – the 9 degree angle will shave some of that off, but will still be more overhang than ideal for carving. So yeah, I think the 161W is the better bet.
Certainly some differences between the 2, including the following:
– Ejack Knife better in hard/icy conditions
– BSOD a little better for speed/carving, IMO, but not much in it
– Ejack Knife a little easier to turn/slash at slower speeds
– Different feel/personality – whilst I found both to be semi-locked in feeling, they weren’t the same feeling. The subtle rocker between the feet in the Ejack Knife’s C3 profile you can feel. It’s subtle but you can still feel it a little.
– BSOD, typical of Capita feels lighter
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
That’s exactly what I was looking for! Thank you very much for taking the time to give me such a complete answer!
Gab
You’re very welcome Gab. Thanks for using the site.
Hi Nate
Confused with my new BSOD 161W stance width and bindings installation. Reference stance marked on the topsheet, but it is 60 cm between and it looks too wide even for my 6’2” height. My stance width usually 57-58 cm and I can’t understand how to mount Union Atlas bindings and stay centered, because to have my normal stance I should move either front or back binding to the nearest next inserts, so I lost center in this case. The only solution I see is to shift both binding to the center when mounting both at reference points and using long hole in the mounting disk. Before I have used this holes only to move binding from one edge to another, but not to move along the board and not sure if it’s ok..Any suggest, please?
Hi Sergey
Thanks for your message.
If I understand what your asking correctly, you want to have a 57-58cm stance but you want to stay with the same amount of setback as the reference stance?
Assuming that’s the case you should be able to achieve that or something close with the Atlas, assuming you run the disc horizontally. If you run the disk vertically (which hopefully you shouldn’t have to do, as you can use the heel cup adjustment on the Atlas to get your boots centered in terms of heel and toe overhang), then you can only go in by increments of 2cm for each binding. In this case, if you moved both bindings in one set of holes, then you would end up with a 56cm stance.
But running the disc horizontally, should allow you to move each binding in 1cm each. If I’m understanding correctly, I think your concern is that to position the binding in your desired stance width, you need to have two of the screws on one end of the disc and the other 2 screws not completely at the other end – so the screws not fully centered. I wouldn’t worry about that. The discs are designed to be able to that. I don’t have a universal Union disc with me here right now, so I can’t do a setup and send you a picture of what I mean, otherwise I would, but hopefully this has cleared things up a little bit.
Nate,
Looking to get a new board for the season and am having a difficult time narrowing one down. I’ve been ridding off and on for the last 20 years and currently ride a 2009 Ride Yukon 164W. I’m 6’ 0”, 185 lbs, and wear a 12.5 boot, which no one makes, so either a 12 or 13 depending on the brand. I would consider myself an advanced rider, destroy blues, hang on single blacks, and try to keep on up, usually last, on doubles. I ride primarily in the PNW, WA and BC. I would consider my riding style all mountain/ freeride. I look for the powder, bomb and carve piste, will do a tree run and small jumps here and there. I’m not a park rider and rarely ride switch.
Looking for a board that meets the criteria. Primarily been looking at Capita (BSOD, Mercury, and Mega Mercury) and Jones (Frontier and Flagship). Possibly even the Yes Standard. Not sure if the BSOD, Mega, and Flagship are too aggressive or if they’d fit me just right.
Any advice will be helpful., thanks!
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
All would be suitable for what you’re describing, so you’ve done your research. Some things that will hopefully help make your decision:
Order of most aggressive to least, in my experience:
– Mega Merc
– BSOD
– Flagship (if you were looking at an older flagship (2019 or earlier), then it would be above at least the BSOD, but it mellowed out a bit for 2020 and on models)
– Mercury
– Frontier
– Standard
Even the Standard isn’t ultra playful or anything (it’s what I’d call right in the middle of an aggressive to playful scale), but from how you describe your riding you don’t want to go too playful.
Best in powder order (IMO):
– Flagship
– BSOD/Frontier
– Mercury/Mega Merc
– Standard
Best for hard carves:
– Mega Merc
– Flagship/BSOD/Mercury
– Frontier
– Standard
Best for stability at speed:
– Mega Merc/BSOD
– Flagship/Mercury
– Standard
– Frontier
Best for trees:
– Flagship/Standard/Frontier
– Mercury
– BSOD
– Mega Merc
Jumps
– Standard
– BSOD
– Mercury
– Flagship
– Frontier/Mega Merc
Switch (not that it’s a big concern for you)
– Standard
– Mercury/Mega Merc
– BSOD/Frontier
– Flagship
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Appreciate your help and the detailed breakdown, very helpful! Leaning toward the BSOD.
Do you believe this board needs to always be ridden hard, or can you take it on a few slower laps with the family? Debating between a 161W and 165W, thoughts? Any binding recommendations? Considering the Union Force, Strata, and Falcons.
Thanks!
Hi Jeremy
To an extent you can. But it certainly performs at its best when riding hard. It’s not something that’s horrible riding slow, but it’s also not great riding slow, IMO. In terms of riding slower, the same order as I had for most aggressive to most playful applies for how they perform hard and slow.
Size-wise, I would go 161W. 165W is getting pretty big for your specs, IMO. Given that you’re coming from a 164W, you’d probably be OK with it, but based on specs, I’d say 161W for sure. Also, 161W versus 165W will be easier to ride slower with the family.
In terms of bindings, I would go Falcor from those 3. They’re the best flex-match, IMO, of those 3. And all round really nice bindings, IMO (Strata are too and Force are really decent, particularly for the price, but don’t match the BSOD as well)
Nate,
Would you recommend any other bindings for the board or do you think the Falcors are the best bet?
Thanks again!
Hi Jeremy
The Falcors are a good option. I’d say anything with at least a 7/10 flex and up to 9/10 flex at the stiffest. Given you’re looking to ride slower with the Family at times, I’d say 7/10 to 8/10 in terms of flex, so the Falcor fits that nicely and is all round a really nice binding, IMO. But if you wanted other options, there are others that would also be suitable. Check out the following, if you wanted to check out some other suitable options, within that range (note that some in the following lists will be a little stiffer or a little softer):
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hi Nate,
I’ve heard that the new 21/22 BSOD is a lot stiffer than the 20/21. Some have said that the new Mega merc is closer to the 20/21 BSOD than the new 21/22 BSOD.
What are your thoughts?
Hi Timo
Thanks for your message.
To me the Mega Merc was stiffer than the 20/21 BSOD. I felt the 20/21 BSOD at 7/10 flex and the Mega Merc more like 8/10 flex (that’s 159 BSOD versus 157 Mega Merc). So I’m certainly surprised to hear someone consider the Mega Merc the same as the BSOD 20/21. Perhaps they rode the 20/21 BSOD in a length considerably longer than they rode the Mega Merc (bigger boards tend to feel stiffer, given the same sized rider), but even then, I rode a slightly longer BSOD 20/21 than the Mega Merc I rode.
I didn’t test the 21/22 BSOD. Didn’t look like they’d changed anything too significantly (and I can’t retest every board, so I focus on new boards and boards that look like they’ve had significant changes). And Capita didn’t change their flex rating for it (though that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not stiffer). The changes to the core sounded minimal (still the FC Hover Core and still with the same Carbon rods, but those rods seem to be placed differently within the core). Really didn’t sound like anything significant, but that’s not to say that it stiffened up a bit, but I’d be surprised if it was fundamentally a lot stiffer.
Thanks for your feedback. My perception about a stiffer 21/22 BSOD was based on Angrysnowboarder’s review on youtube.
You’re very welcome Timo.
I checked it out and he seems pretty adamant. Definitely not what I would have expected with the stated changes. Makes me want to ride it again for sure though. Then again, after reading his Mega Merc review he found that thing to be just above medium, which definitely differs from the feel I got from it. Looks he also rode the 157 when it came to the Mega Merc and he’s got a bit of weight on me (200lbs versus 175lbs), so I’m not surprised he felt the Mega Merc softer than what I did in that size. But very surprised how stiff he felt the BSOD, given he rode the 156.
I guess I can’t really go wrong with any of them. 🙂 Thanks for your thoughts.
You’re very welcome Timo. Yeah, both are great boards, so if they’re suited to how you like to ride, can’t go wrong for sure.
At the moment it’s possible to ask questions about snowboards right in the Capita web-site. So I’ve asked is BSOD 21/22 stiffer than 20/21, and the answer from officials “Nope! A little lighter core and a new placement of the Forged Carbon (under core).”
Thanks Sergey! Much appreciated.
Hey!
I have a mercury and love it for an all rounder and my endeavor archetype for pow and carving grooomers. wondering if I should get this board , been riding for ten years and ride a lot of pow.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for your message.
I think you would love this board, for sure, but the biggest question is whether it’s redundant in that quiver. If you’re happy to have multiple boards and some that are quite similar, then go for it. But if you’re looking for a practical compliment to your quiver, it’s questionable. It’s kind of in between the Mercury and Archetype. Obviously a different feel, but in terms of what you’d want it for. It would be a great option if you were looking for something in between the Mercury and Archetype to replace both boards. Gives a little more for powder than the Mercury, but it’s more of an all-rounder and less directional than the Archetype.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hey! 🙂 thanks so much for the review,
Question: So I bought this board and I love it its freakin fast and it feels more forgiving than the 2019 model that I own, but I fell like I can’t relax on it or just cruise always with my friends it feels more like I either bomb it and wait for my friends at the base or just stop every 30 seconds to wait for them to catch up, Is that the feeling u get when u ride it? like there’s no chill…
What board would u recommend for cruising and chilling with friends? Pref Capita or any board I guess:) thank you for reading haha
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Yeah it’s not a super chill board. Certainly more for charging hard on – the kind of board that feels best when charging for sure. When you put energy in you get rewarded, but if you don’t put the energy in (i.e. want to ride it casually) it doesn’t respond in the same way.
From Capita for chilling and cruising, I’d look at the Outerspace Living. Or if you wanted to go even more playful and more freestyle focused, then the Scott Steven’s Pro. Or if you wanted something more directional, then the Navigator. But for just cruising the groomers, I’d go Outerspace Living.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
could you please help me to decide between 162, 161w and 165w Capita BSOD 20/21 for 13US boot size and 220 lbs rider? Really suffer with my GNU Billy Goat 165 2014 at the uneven terrain conditions, so looking for a board with more relaxed behavior, but also will be glad not to sink in the rare powder day couple times a year. Previously I don’t have a lot problems withboot dragging with GNU regular waist 255, but intend to improve carving skills in future. So I am looking for an fast and responsive all-mountain board but more relaxed and better powder ready then billy goat.
Could you also please clarify regarding Capita Death Grip technology, if this something like local magne edge points at the waist, or something different?
Hi Sergey
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards the 161W for you. I think with 13s that extra width is needed, particularly if you’re going to be working on your carving. You could certainly ride 165W as well, but since you mention you’re after something more relaxed, I think the 161W will give you that something a bit more relaxed versus your 165 Billy Goat, particularly given you’re going wider with the 161W Billy Goat. The BSOD isn’t as aggressive as the Billy Goat, but it is a board you can still get quite aggressive on. In the 165W, I don’t know if you would find it that much more relaxed versus the Billy Goat.
Death Grip, as I understand it, is pretty much how you’re describing it. Essentially a magnetration bump around the waist of the board. Capita describe it as “a point of contact to maintain control throughout the turn” but I would say it’s biggest advantage of it is that point of contact for control in hard/icy conditions.
Hope this helps
In the review you say: “This is definitely not for beginners – this is an advanced rider’s board only.” What does this mean exactly? I’ve snowboarded for 20 years and I’m now looking to retire my Burton Custom 2009.
So I am just wondering whether they’ve put so much tech in these new boards that I’d have a hard time keeping up.
Hi Timo
Thanks for your message.
Having been riding for 20 years and coming off a 2009 Custom, I don’t think you’d have any issues with this board.
For beginners, having a board that’s too stiff or with too much camber it’s much harder to learn on, much harder to control the board. But for an experienced rider like yourself, I don’t think you’d have any issues. I haven’t ridden a Custom from that far back, but comparting to the new Custom’s the BSOD is only mildly stiffer and has less camber. Assuming the 2009 Custom isn’t too dissimilar, I can’t imagine you’d have any issues riding this board.
Hope this helps
Similar question, riding off and on for about 20 years on a pretty stiff, heavy board I bought from a local manufacturer, Gordo Snowboards. It was actually probably way too big for me when I first bought it tbh. Being from the Midwest I’m not super comfortable in the back country because we don’t have any but when I get out in the mountains once a year or so I like to carve pretty hard and will usually top out around 40+ mph on big runs. Noticed last year’s BSOD is on clearance at REI, would this board work for me or would I be miserable? Also looking at the Yes Standard, Typo, and the Capita Mercury. Thanks.
Hi Carter
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think you would be fine on the BSOD. Assuming you get it in the right size, I don’t think it would be too much board for you or anything and I think it would be well suited to your style. If you wanted something a little more easy going, the Mercury is 1/2 a step more casual, and then another 1/2 step down to Standard and then down again to Typo, which is pretty playful. I probably wouldn’t go down to the Typo for your riding, but the Mercury and Standard are options if you wanted to go a little easier going. But the BSOD isn’t like the stiffest, most aggressive ride out there either – you want to have solid technique to ride it, but if you do, it gives back.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
so i am looking at this years BSOD, i am deciding between the 159 and 161w, i currently ride burton small footprint boots size 11, and usually weigh between 185-190 lbs. i really want to improve my carving and be more aggressive this year. most days are spent in New England and 1 trip west, hopefully big sky this year. any suggestion on which size i should look into? thanks for the help!
Hi Carmine
Thanks for your message.
The BSOD is relatively wide at the inserts in the regular widths – the 159 is 268mm at the back insert, which is wide for a regular width 159 (and wide at the waist – 259mm for a 159 regular). So, it’s definitely close. If you ride with a straight back binding angle – like 0 degrees, 3 degrees or something like that – and want to carve aggressively, as it sounds like you do, then it might be pushing it. But otherwise, I think you get away with it on this particular board with Burton 11s.
I would almost go 162 before you went 161W. The 161W is quite wide and not much shorter than the 162. But the 162 is a little wider than the 159, so if you were worried about the 159 being too short or too narrow, then I would probably look at the 162 before the 161W. But I think the 159 could work for you, if that’s the length you’re more leaning towards – again, depending on how low you want to get on those carves and depending on binding angles.
Hope this helps with your decision
What bindings would go well with this board?
Hi Jordan
Thanks for your message.
For the BSOD, I would be looking at something around a 7/10 flex, or thereabouts. Check out the following for some good options, that would work well with the BSOD, IMO:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I just bought this the other week and had a day on it yesterday.159(almost got the 56 but needed the extra width, probably would have been ok though but this is mainly for charging) spring conditions so hard then soft. i had a lot of fun with this! it carved very well and i felt was not bad at slow speeds. like slightly forgiving if it needed to be. definitely rewards you the more you push it. i found it quite damp(might have been conditions) but still quite lively. Great pop, like awesome jump board i thought. probably the best pop ive felt on a board and quite easy to obtain. i found it matches well with the asymulator for a two board quiver. 4.5/5 for me.Carves hard, reasonably playful not too stiff and the pop is amazing. only thing is i got a small core shot on first day!.
Cheers Nate
Hey Tim
Thanks for your insight and feedback on the BSOD. Love getting this kind of feedback on how others found boards. Sounds like a killer quiver to me! Shame about the core shot – hope it’s not too bad.
Hi Nate, I’m thinking to buy the BSOD or the PYL. I Like speed and powder and I’m a Capita fan. After reading your comments I have the doubt. Which one would you recommend me? Thanks
Hi Carlos
Thanks for your message.
The PYL is my personal favorite freeride board, but the BSOD is an awesome board itself. I don’t think you could go wrong with either. And really the only reason the BSOD didn’t make any of my top 10 lists, is that it doesn’t fit neatly into any category. It’s kind of in between freeride and all-mountain.
I would say that the PYL, in my experience, was a little better for carving and in powder but only by a little bit. And there both as good as each other at speed, IMO.
Overall, I prefer the PYL, but I think you would really enjoy the BSOD too. The other thing is to think about sizing. If there’s a size of one or the other that suits you better then that might be the best tie breaker. If you could let me know your height, weight & boot size and also your current board’s model and size. Then I can give you my opinion as to whether there’s a size of PYL or BSOD that would better suit you.
Hope this helps
How does this compare to the gold member?
Hi Justin
I haven’t ridden the Gold Member, unfortunately, so I can’t give you any personal insight.
But spec-wise and based on other Lib Tech boards I’ve ridden with the C2X camber profile, I would say:
1. They would be very different feeling boards – the C2X profile is a looser feeling profile to what the BSOD has. So it would be a more surfy feeling ride. The BSOD is more stable feeling, bordering on locked-in
2. Sounds like they would be a similar flex based on Lib Tech’s flex rating
3. The BSOD is a little more directional – with directional camber and a directional shape. The Gold Member is more directional-twin.
4. Overall, I would say that the Gold Member is squarely all-mountain/aggressive all-mountain, whereas the BSOD I would class as freeride with an all-mountain-ish feel to it. These are only labels but can sometimes help. I imagine the BSOD would be better in powder, anyhow.
That’s a few differences anyway. Without having ridden the Gold Member though, I couldn’t say for sure.
Awesome! Sounds like a super fun ride. My plan is to size up to a 59 for deep days and use my mercury 57 as my daily driver. Not to mention that graphic is rad
Hey Justin. Yeah definitely a fun ride – and a sick graphic, for sure! Good idea to size up, if you already have a 57 Mercury, so you’ve got that contrast in your quiver for those pow days.
I think you may need to review this one on the snow. Complete redesign. Updating numbers isn’t going to give you the picture based on specs.
Hi Danny
Definitely agree, and the new ratings are to be taken with a grain of salt for that reason. I tried (and kept trying) to get hold of a 2018 BSOD to demo but didn’t get a chance. Will be hoping to get on the 2019 model this season.
I’ve ridden a lot of freeride boards, and this by far exceeded my expectations, and has been one of the few boards I’ve purchased twice.
That said, I had some comments on the ratings.
Speed – this is the fastest board I have ridden, and I’ve ridden the Burton Flight Attendant and Custom x, Arbor Iguchi, All NS decks, Ride Highlife, K2 Turbo dream, Yes Pick Your Line, etc etc. this board is the fastest. If you didn’t feel it was, it was likely because it isn’t the dampest board, but that is rider level, not actual speed of the board. The core is thin and light, and built that way.
Carving – The rebound in this board is insane. I can generate as much power through the carve us a Custom X
Powder – there isn’t a huge difference between this board and the Charlie Slasher. It’s gotta be a 5. Every other free ride board I’ve ridden lacks the ability to float that this one has. The combo of the taper, setback, flex, and nose shape make it so.
I feel like you sold the board short because you rode it on a sloppy slushy day, which in turn caused user error. Riding a thin core, powder hound in mush mounds and rain is certainly going to take away from a board with a core this thin. If you want a resin loaded tank to feel more comfortable, sure, this board would be average. Personally, the pop, edge hold, float, and speed of this board made it elite for me. The Flight Attendant and Pick Your Line are just planks in comparison. Just feel you left this board short.
Hi Pete
Thanks for your comments. Great to hear another rider’s opinion on this board.
In terms of the speed rating, I did find this board fast – but my speed rating also takes stability at speed into account and it didn’t feel like it had the stability at speed of other boards that I’ve ridden. But as you say I probably didn’t have the ideal conditions for this board.
I hope to have the chance to ride this board again this winter and maybe my ratings will change if I get it in different conditions. Though my ratings do take into account reviews from others as well, because I know that my experience is only one experience. But we’ll see when I get a chance to ride this board again.
Glad you really like this board. I did too – this is still a high rating for me and I did enjoy riding it. In general the Capita boards I’ve ridden have all been great. Hope to get the chance to ride this board in different conditions and see if I have the same excitement that you have experienced on it.
I think you’ll find that it does in better conditions. This is one of those special boards that’s capable of so much due to the flex and shape.
You didn’t address powder however. I read your NS reviews, which scored higher. Question. How does a board with taper, setback, large nose, and a flat tail, not float better than a board with rocker between the bindings and camber outside the bindings?
Again, you need to ride this board in proper conditions to review it. The Capita BSOD is up there with pow specific boards. It has to be rated higher than center reverse NS boards. And that is where core and dampness have nothing to do with float – in a powder field.
Again, don’t understand how you scored this one…
Thanks again for your input Pete.
I did rate this board as 4.5/5 in powder. Now I might up this to 5/5 if I feel that it performs as well as others I’ve taken in powder, the next time I ride it. But to be honest 4.5/5 is still a very high rating for powder. There’s not much between a 4.5 and a 5.
Those specs are all very well and I see your point, but it’s not just about the specs of a board that I base my ratings on – it’s also about how the board feels.
But I take your points and I am always happy to change my ratings when I ride the next seasons board and feel that they warrant changing.
How stiff is it compare to the Turbo Dream?
Hi Jim
Thanks for your message.
The Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) is rated as a 6.5/10 and I would say that is about. It’s softer tip and tail and stiffer between the feet – so maybe a 7/10 between the feet and a 6/10, or maybe slightly less even, tip and tail.
The Turbo Dream is rated as a 5/10 and again, I would say that’s pretty accurate – certainly no stiffer than that. Maybe feels 4.5-ish. It’s a pretty laid back easy to ride kind of deck, and that can make it feel a little softer than it’s rating but I’d say 5 is pretty accurate.
So, not heaps in it but I would say that the BSOD is definitely a notch stiffer – it’s soft compared to your average freeride deck for sure – but still a bit stiffer than your average all-mountain.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate!