Hello and welcome to my Bataleon Goliath Plus review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Goliath Plus as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Goliath Plus a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Bataleon Goliath Plus 2024
Price: $649
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 89.2/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 37 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Goliath Plus’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Goliath Plus’ specs and available sizes.
Specs
STYLE:
ALL-MOUNTAIN
PRICE:
$649
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
Full Camber - Bataleon's Medium Camber - but with the 3BT doesn't feel like traditional camber.
SHAPE:
setback stance:
Centered
BASE:
Sintered | Bataleon's "Ultra Glide S Base" 7000
weight:
Felt A LITTLE LIGHTER THAN normal
Camber Height:
9.5mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
156 | 254 | 147-191 | 67-87 |
158W | 265 | 161-205 | 73-93 |
159 | 256 | 165-209 | 75-95 |
161W | 267 | 174-218 | 79-99 |
164W | 270 | 187-231 | 85-105 |
Who is the Goliath Plus Most Suited To?
The Goliath Plus is most suited to someone looking for a do-it-all, one-board-quiver type board. It has a consequence free feel, but can still carve, ride fast and has good spring out of turns and good pop.
Most ideally suited to anyone with a bit of a freestyle edge to their all-mountain riding, but is capable anywhere, including being not bad in powder.
Not for beginners, but is a pretty friendly ride, so anyone intermediate and up should be comfortable (and enjoy!) riding this board.
Goliath Plus DetailS
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Goliath Plus is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Bataleon Goliath Plus 2024, 156cm (254mm waist width)
Date: March 30, 2023
Conditions
Perfect sunshine!
Temp: 1°C (34°F) and 0°C (32°F) with wind chill in the morning, though felt colder than that. 1°C (34°F) and -3°C (27°F) with wind chill in the afternoon. Wind was 10kph (6mph) SSE morning and 15kph (9mph) afternoon.
24hr snow: 0cm (0")
48hr snow: 0cm (0")
7 day snow: 20cm (8")
On groomer: Fairly icy to start in a lot of patches. Other spots hard but a few softer patches. As the day wore on things got progressively softer.
Off groomer: Crunchy/icy for the most part. Not a great day for getting off groomer.
Setup
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Front Insert: 265mm (10.43")
Width at Back Insert: 265mm (10.43")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Response ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2740grams (6lbs 1oz)
Weight per cm: 17.56 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.71 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 250 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models. It was lighter on the scales vs the average and felt lighter than normal on snow than the Goliath, which is marginally heavier on the scales, but the little bit of extra stiffness and dampness on the "+" model, likely accounted for why it didn't feel as light. But still felt lighter than normal on snow.
Introduction
I rode this board in the 2023 model but I wanted to ride it again for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Bataleon had made a few subtle tweaks for the 2024 model and secondly, I wanted to compare it directly to the regular Goliath, so I'll be referencing how it felt vs the regular Goliath quite a bit in this review.
Overall, it felt very similar to me to the 2023 model, but it was good to get a chance to test it against the regular Goliath. The 2023 model review is in a tab at the bottom of this review.
Powder
No powder to test in on the day, but based on feel and specs, it would likely be around average. It's got a slightly longer nose than tail but is twin in every other way, so not a lot going for powder there - but it does have the 3D shaping in the 3BT base, which helps.
Carving
Like most Bataleon boards, the engagement point on a carve is a little deeper into the carving motion than typical. It was pretty good on deeper/more aggressive carves.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: I found it really easy to turn and slash on, particularly for an all camber board. This is where that 3BT really comes into play nicely and really gives it a more forgiving feel than it would otherwise have. I felt it was just a touch more effort to initiate turns on vs the Goliath (non "+" version) but still nice and easy.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Nice and quick edge-to-edge at slower speeds. Again, maybe a touch less nimble than the non "+" Goliath, but only very subtly so.
Skidded Turns: Not catchy at all. Again, the 3BT is likely a big main reason for this.
Speed
It's decently stable at high speeds. Not an out and out bomber by any means, but you can ride it at decently high speeds without it getting too wobbly. Felt a bit more stable and could hold onto higher speed carves better than the regular Goliath.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: It handled crud well, like I remember it did in the previous year's model. It's a little damper than the regular Goliath and that helped it to handle crud better.
Trees/Bumps: Real decent in terms of edge-to-edge quickness and felt good riding through trees and weaving between bumps.
Jumps
So so good for jumps. A lot of fun!
Pop: Maybe a touch harder to access the pop vs the regular Goliath but not by a significant amount. And when you wound it up, it gave back more total pop. Just a nice snappy board that responding easily to pop but had a bit more to give when you gave it more energy to work with.
Approach: A good balance between being stable on approach and easy to make any necessary corrections. A little more stable than the regular Goliath, so better suited than it to bigger jumps.
Landing: Strikes a great balance between being solid on landings but also being forgiving of errors.
Side-hits: So sick for side hits! Just the right combination of agility, easy pop and everything else you'd want for side hits.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Medium is it's sweet spot still, but no issues for larger jumps.
Switch
Easy transitions and feels pretty much the same riding in either direction. Really good for switch.
Spins
It's got a nice light feeling, it's got good easy pop and it sets up and lands well switch. Not quite as easy to setup for spins as the regular Goliath but still really good for it.
Jibbing
I felt pretty confident hitting jibs on this board. That non-catchy feeling helped, as well as good agility and easy pop. A little stiffer than I'd prefer for jibbing, but for an experienced jibber, it should do well.
Butters
Feels good to press with. It takes just a touch more weight/energy to press the tip/tail than the regular Goliath, but not by much. Feels pretty much the same tip and tail.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.0 | 9/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.2/100 |
The Goliath+ is a really fun, snappy, versatile board that can be playful when you want it to, but can handle more aggressive riding too. It's not an out and out aggressive bomber or anything, but strikes a nice middle ground that allows you to ride more casually/playfully but does have enough burliness to handle some speed and deeper carves.
It's great for freestyle oriented things too, like buttering, spinning etc and especially good for jumps and side-hits.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Goliath Plus, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Goliath Plus compares to other all-mountain snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
I am following your work for quite a while.
Thank you for all these really helpful and comparable reviews.
For the last 5 years I am riding a Völkl Prime chamber.
I told the guy in the shop that I wanted a board for mostly carving and everything between the slopes. So they sold me the Prime in 156W.
It handles carving and higher speed pretty decent. But in powder I need to pull as hard as possible to keep the nose floating. Same goes for all kinds of landings in uneven terrain.
Since I am 6’2″ (190cm) and weight 180 lbs (82kg) , sadly size 12 in snowboardboots (normally sice 10,5 in streetshoes). I am pretty shure that I ride a board which is simply to small for my height.
Thanks to your review I finally decided that I want to give Bataleon a shot.
I am looking for a board I can carve “speedy” with my ski friends. And also can have fun with mit snowboard friends as well. I ride for around 10 years now. Mostly I would describe my riding style as casually playing in the snow once or twice a year. Carving, powder, little jumps etc. what ever comes your way when your riding in and next to a resort.
Right now I am swinging between these Models Goliath + (more suitable to carving than the normal one, i suggest) or Thunderstorm, Beyond Medals. Which one would you recommend to me?
Since I already bought a board in the wrong size I would really look forward to a sizing advice from you 🙂
Thanks again for alle the great reviews – an absolute blast for my inner gear head.
Greetings from Germany!
Hi Sebastian
Thanks for your message.
Unless you think you’ll be riding switch a lot, I would be erring Thunderstorm over Goliath+, as it’s better in powder, and you’re looking for more float in powder. We haven’t tested the Beyond Medals, but by the looks of it, it’s a cross between the Goliath+ and Whatever. I would say it’s more similar to the Goliath+ than the Thunderstorm. Note that none of these boards are epic for highspeed carves, but both the Goliath+ and Thunderstorm can lay some pretty decent carves at moderately high speeds. The 3BT takes a little bit to get used to, but when you do, they can lay some pretty good carves. But their not what I would call high-speed carving beasts or anything. Just to be clear there. But really fun boards and good all-rounders, particularly the Goliath+ (in terms of do-it-all), but the Thunderstorm also really versatile, but just a little more leaning freeride/powder and less freestyle compared to the Goliath+.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160/161, so yeah, I would be looking at something a bit bigger. With 12s, you’ll need to go wide. But since your feet are maybe on the smaller side for wide boards (based on the fact that you wear 10.5 street shoes), I think sizing down a touch from 160/161 is a good idea. But I wouldn’t go as short as 156W, given your specs and how you like to ride. E.g. for the Goliath+ I would be leaning 158W rather than 161W. For the boards mentioned I would be looking at:
– Thunderstorm: 159W
– Goliath+: 158W (the 161W wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted to go longer, but I would be leaning 158W)
– Beyond Medals: 158W (again 161W doable)
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I have decided on the Goliath Plus, but I am not sure about sizing. I am 5’10 and change and weigh about 205lbs. I wear a size 11 Salomon Dialogue boot and ride with my bindings at +12/-12. I like to lift weights so I have a fair bit of muscle, but could probably lay off the beers and lose some weight haha. I am leaning towards the 159 because the jump up to 161W just seems huge in terms of waist width. I do like to ride trees sometimes so prefer my snowboard to be fairly quick edge to edge. Would I still be okay on the 161W, or should I go with the 159?
Thank you.
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161 and with 11s I’d typically say to go wide for most boards. Going to 159 is certainly not out of range for your specs, IMO and isn’t too much of a size down, especially given that you like to ride trees. The biggest question is whether it will be wide enough for you (more on that below).
The 161W is definitely doable and isn’t going to be something you’re likely to find slow edge-to-edge, IMO, but the 159 will be quicker edge-to-edge for sure. The 161W is, IMO, going to be a little on the wider side for your boots, so the combination of width and length is more at the upper end of your range, but still within a good range, particularly given that you workout – someone who is stronger than average can typically handle a longer board better than someone who is not as strong. So, the 161W would not be wrong and is still within range, it just depends if you’d prefer to be closer to the bottom end or top end of a good range.
In terms of fitting on the 159 Goliath+ width-wise, it’s a close call with 11s. In my experience with the Dialogue, it’s a pretty normal profile – so not too bulky but not overly low profile either. When I last measured one, it was around 3.1cm above the mondopoint of the boot. So with 11s (mondo 29), you’re looking at around a 32.1cm length boot.
The width at inserts of the 159 Goliath+ is about 267mm (or 26.7cm), assuming a 22″ (560mm) stance width. Which is a little wider at the inserts than a typical 159 regular width, which is in your favor.
That leaves you with around 5.4cm of total overhang (or 2.7cm heel edge, 2.7cm toe edge). That in itself would be pushing it, IMO. However, with +12/-12 angles, it does make it more doable. With a 12 degree angle, you will likely reduce your overhang by around 6mm (or .6cm). So that would reduce it to 4.8cm of total overhang (2.4cm per edge). That’s an amount I would be pretty comfortable with. It’s close to the limit of what I’d be comfortable with, but it’s doable, depending on how deep you like to carve. If you like to really lay your carves over (e.g. eurocarving, or similar but not quite), then it might still be a bit narrow, but if you’re not super aggressive with carving, then I think that’s doable. If it was possible, I would probably set it up, ideally, with 2.6cm heel overhang and 2.2cm toe overhang. But it may not be possible to get quite that accurate. I would be comfortable with 2.4cm on the toe, so if you can get perfect centering, then I think it still works (depending on your carving aggressiveness), but if you can’t get perfectly centered, then I would setup with a touch more overhang on the heel edge.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am debating between the Goliath and the Goliath+ as well as what’s the right size for me.
I am 5ft8” and 170-172lbs.
I mostly ride groomers (love my carves) and now spending more time on small to medium jumps and boxes.
I am learning board slide and trying to smooth out my 180s off a small to medium jump or knuckle.
Please recommend between the two boards (or if you have any else in mind) and the best size for me.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Sarmad
Thanks for your message. The Goliath+ is better for carving, IMO, when at higher speeds. For slower carves they even out, but Goliath+ better for higher speed carves – and for stability at speed in general. But the Goliath is going to be better for boxes/board slides, IMO. For jumps/180s etc, not sure I’d have a preference between them. So I think it comes down to whether you want to optimize it a little more for carving or a little more for jibbing. To note these are noticeable but fairly subtle differences, IMO, so I think both would certainly work for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, I think the 156 would be your best bet, for your specs. But if you could also let me know your boot size, to confirm.
Hope this helps with your decision
Really appreciate your response Nate!
My boot size is US 9.5.
Can you please also add a butter-ability, flat ground tricks (Ollie, nollie, side hits, etc) comparison between the two boards?
I was inclining towards Goliath+ but heard its stiffer flex is hard to maneuver for flat ground tricks.
Thanks a lot!
Hey Sarmad
It terms of butterability, the Goliath is just a touch easier, but I found it a pretty subtle difference between them.
The Goliath is a little easier to do flat ground tricks with. Again, it’s a fairly subtle difference, but a little more noticeable than the difference in butterability. The pop in the Goliath isn’t quite as much as the Goliath +, in my experience. However, the pop is a little easier to extract with the Goliath. And in terms of setting up for those tricks, particularly if you’re looking at a tricky/narrow approach to a side-hit or the likes, then the Goliath is a little more agile, particularly at slower speeds, so has that little more maneuverability when riding slower, which can make setting up for ground tricks easier.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for such a helpful review.
Have you tested this year’s Hometown Hero? How do you think the Goliath + compares? I saw your existing review was for the 2020 model. My understanding is that HHR is an intermediate board, and Goliath + is for more advanced, and so I’m interested in you’re experience with the boards that indicates it might be the other way around.
I’m an intermediate rider, looking for my first board, in Japan (so more powdery). All Mountain Freestyle. Wanting to work on my mid-jumps & side-hits.
I’m also a bit concerned about the size guide on Bataleon’s website, with 156 being the smallest for individuals 67kg-87kg. I’m about 59kg :S Do you think that’s an issue?
Thanks!
Hi Jonathan
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say the Hometown Hero is for a more advanced rider than the Goliath Plus, personally. The Goliath Plus is a little easier to ride and less consequence when getting lazy/poor technique. That was my experience. I didn’t ride the 2024 model of the Hometown Hero, but there haven’t been a lot of chances since the 2020 model. A couple of small things, so should ride similarly.
In terms of powder, the Hometown Hero is better, IMO, but for mid size jumps and size-hits, I’d personally prefer the Goliath+.
If you wanted to go a little easier to ride from there, you could look at the Goliath (non-plus version), which is a little softer flexing and comes in a 153. I suspect the 156 will be too big for your size, but if you could also let me know your height and boot size. Weight is the most important factor for length sizing, but I like to take everything into account.
Hope this helps
Hi there Nate,
how is the edge hold on icy snow compared to jones mountain twin? Is it significantly worse, or how is the difference? Goliath does not have any magnetraction or something right? Cannot decide between these two:)
Thank youu)
Kind Regards
Stanley
Hi Stanley
Thanks for your message. MT is better, IMO. But the Goliath isn’t terrible, but it was enough for me to notice vs something like the MT. I would say noticeable but not massively significant.
Hope this helps.
Hi Nate great article as always.
Would you mind if I ask for your help. I am at the stage of buying new snowboard and have a hard time deciding what size and board will fit me best.
I am considering two boards: Bataleon Goliath Plus or Jones Mountain Twin
My weight is 82kg (180lbs) Height 176cm (5.8ft) boot size 43 (US 10)
I am mostly riding resort and leaning toward freeride
I was told that for Bataleon Goliath Plus I should go with 156 and for Jones Mountain Twin 160. I wonder where this difference come from
Thank you for your help
Hi Andrzej
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t personally size them that far apart. I mean, if you had one board with way less effective edge and really long tip/tail vs the other that had really small tip/tail, or if one of them was like a wider board, then you might size down a bit and have more of that kind of size discrepancy, but these two boards aren’t that different in terms of their shape or affective edge or anything. IMO, both the 156 and 159 Goliath Plus and the 157 and 160 MT are possibilities, but if you were to err smaller on one, I would do so for the other. i.e. If you were looking to err smaller, then I’d go either Goliath Plus 156 or MT 157. And if you wanted to err longer, then it would be Goliath Plus 159 or MT 160. I’d never make a choice between them between the 156 and 160. I think the only reason someone would suggest that is the weight recommendations for each board, but I would take those with a grain of salt.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158, so you could go either way. I personally prefer to err smaller, so if it was me, I’d be looking at the 156 Goliath Plus or 157 MT, but the 159/160 wouldn’t be wrong either, particularly if you were wanting to optimize more towards stability at speed and float in powder over maneuverability. I like to ride trees a lot and like to do a lot of side hits and laps through the park, so I like to err a little smaller. If I had to choose for you I’d say go 156 Goliath Plus or 157 MT, but it certainly wouldn’t be wrong to go with the longer options.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your help 🙂
You’re very welcome Andrzej.
Hi Nate, I’m writing to you from Italy. Thanks for the reviews I go to the track 80% I weigh 85 kilos and I’m 195 tall
boot 12
intermediate level +
Is this the right board for me?
thanks and good snow
Hi Alberto
Thanks for your message.
The Goliath+ is a good all-round board and should work well for your level. With 80% groomers (on piste) I think it would work well. If you’re other 20% is in powder, it’s not super strong there, if it’s in the park, it’s good in the park too.
Size-wise, I’d be looking at the 161W for your specs.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello, tell me please, I can’t decide, I like to just ride, 40% just ride, 30% carving, 20% snow, 10% freestyle. There was a choice between Goliath+ and Rome SDS. What is better to choose?Weight 70 kg, height 177cm
20% powder*
Hi Sergey
Thanks for your message.
Which Rome board were you were looking at?
Size-wise for the Goliath+, I would be looking at 156 for you, but if you could also let me know your boot size, to confirm. And if you can let me know which Rome board you’re referring to.
Hello Nate! Sorry, I forgot to write that I wanted Ravine Select, but now I have also looked at National. But I’m leaning towards Ravine Select, Goliath+. Boot size 9us. Unfortunately, Goliath+ is only available in 159. Ravine Select 158, 162.
National 156, 158.
Hi Sergey
Thanks for the extra info.
Goliath+ would be better in 156 for your specs, IMO, though the 159 isn’t crazy big for you or anything – but I’d only go that long, if you’re used to riding boards around that length and have liked that size in the past.
The Ravine Select is really quite a different board to the Goliath +, significantly stiffer, way more directional. Completely different category of board, IMO. Better for powder than the Goliath+ and better for high speed carves. Batter in terms of stability at speed. But a more challenging ride for sure – and something that doesn’t like to be ridden slow all that much. For when you want to get casual and just ride, it’s not as suitable as something like the Goliath+. If you are looking for that real bomber of a board and aren’t too worried about it’s ability to ride at slower speeds or too worried how well it does for your 10% freestyle time, then it could work in the 158. But I suspect you want something more of a do it all that you can ride slow sometimes. 40% just ride to me doesn’t like 40% bomb the groomers, but I could have misinterpreted that.
I haven’t ridden the National, so I can’t say from experience, but I like the 156 size for you. 158 doable as well, depending on what you’ve ridden in the past. On paper the National sounds like it could work. Not as stiff as the Ravine Select and more directional twin. I would predict (again haven’t ridden it) that it would be better for when you want to ride more casual and when you’re doing your freestyle stuff versus the Ravine Select – but should still be good for everything else you’re doing. Not quite as much of a bomber, carver or powder board as the Ravine Select, but more of an all-rounder than Ravine Select, by the looks of it.
Sorry for writing so many messages, because I thought moderation was deleting them, I didn’t understand the site.
Thanks a lot for your help! You really helped me decide, I used to ride on a snowboard flex 4, 156, and I still think to try national or ravine select, since only 180 360 is of interest from freestyle.
Thanks again for helping me choose, Nate! Have a great season and lots of snow!
Hey Sergey. Hope you have a grat season with lots of snow too!
Hey Nate,
Thanks for all the time, effort, and detail you put in your reviews, so helpful! I’m debating between the Goliath and Goliath +. I spend the day in-between the slopes and trees. All-mountain in general, not park. Looking everywhere I can’t find the weight difference between these two, is a lot? I haven’t bought a new board in a long time, so either would be much lighter than my current board. Thanks!
Hey Stu
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t tested or weighed the Goliath, only the Goliath Plus, so not sure what the difference is. Having not ridden the regular Goliath I couldn’t say for sure, but it’s likely to be softer flexing and not quite as good for carves or speed but likely feels a little more playful. The Goliath Plus is supposed to be lighter too, of course, but how much lighter, I’m not sure.
How would this board compare to the Assassin pro compare to this board? Coming from having used an 05 Forum Destroyer the past 18 years, I’m sure whatever I ride will be different.
Hey Sal
Thanks for your message.
Has a different overall feel, particularly with that 3BT, but they’re not super different. But some differences include:
– Assassin Pro a little stiffer (I felt it at 6.5/10 vs Goliath+ at 6/10)
– Assassin Pro a little better on a big high speed carve and when it comes to stability at high speeds in general
– I found the Goliath + a little better in trees
– The Goliath + a little easier to butter/press
– Both really good for jumps and couldn’t pick between them
– Goliath + just a little less catchy. But that’s not to say that the Assassin Pro feels catchy or anything, but is a little less forgiving when you get lazy and skid out your turns.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Looking for a new board this year and debating between Goliath+, the Capita Mega Mercury, and also the Bataleon Thunder. I need a do anything board for All-Mountain, that can handle groomers, trees/pow, and the park. What would you suggest? Is this stiffer than the mega merc?
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
Goliath Plus not stiffer than the Mega Merc, in my experience. I felt the Goliath + at a 6/10 flex and the Mega Merc at more like 7.5/10. For trees I found the Mega Merc to be quite hard work. It gets there and can be relatively quick edge-to-edge but it requires quite a bit of effort compared to the likes of the Goliath +. Also, depending on what your park riding looks like, it may be a bit stiff for that too. If you’re predominantly going big, then the Mega Merc will work well, but if you’re hitting smaller stuff and doing any boxes/rails etc, then it’s not as good as something like the Goliath +, IMO.
The Thunder is a similar flex to the Goliath + but I’d say a hair softer (5.5/10 flex) but it’s more directional. Better for powder than this, but not as good for park or switch. Both good in the trees, IMO.
I’d be leaning Goliath Plus for what you’re describing, and I’d go Thunder second. The Mega Merc is a great board, but it’s more aggressive. It’s better for speed and big carves but less fun for park and trees, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Would the YES Standard Uninc be better than all of the above options? I keep tossing around these 4 boards and cant make a choice. When in the park, I dont really hit many rails any more maybe the occasional. As for sizing would you suggest the 161W or 158W? I have a size 12 boot and I am 6’2″ 200lbs.
Hi Mike
The Standard Uninc would definitely work for what you’re describing. It’s a touch stiffer again vs the Goliath Plus (in my experience) but not by much (6.5/10 by my feel). But yeah certainly suitable. Wouldn’t say it’s necessarily the better option, but it’s as good an option as the Goliath, IMO.
Size-wise, for the Goliath Plus I would be leaning 161W. I think it’s the better all-mountain length for you. The 158W a little on the small side for your specs. Not undoable, but the 161W the better size, IMO.
Thanks for all your help!
You’re very welcome Mike. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate,
Appreciate all the detail in all your reviews. Really helps us make decisions on our rides!
I’m having a hard time choosing an all-mountain board. I picked up a ’23 Super D.O.A. this summer but after seeing reviews on the Goliath+ I’m starting to get buyer’s remorse. Essentially, I want a board that can absolutely do it all from Park to Pow and everything in between. Just a great daily driver. I spend 50% of my time on groomers 40% in park and everything else is Pow/trees/backcountry. Even though, I don’t spend a lot of time in pow, I want something that can handle float pretty well.
I like something that’s pressable for flat ground tricks, but don’t mind having to work a little for it (just not too stiff). I like hitting jumps the most, from side hits to medium/Large jumps so need a board that pops.
Between the Super DOA or Goliath+, where would you lean towards? I haven’t ridden my SDOA yet, but may want to change before I put any snow under it.
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Super D.O.A has a little more pop – and being lighter you get full value for it. But overall I liked them equally for jumps and sidehits. I found the Goliath + easier to press, but the Super D.O.A is certainly something you can still press with a little effort. The Goliath + is better in pow, IMO, so overall I’d be leaning Goliath+ given what you’re after, mostly based on the extra float in powder. It’s still not a powder king or anything, but a little better than the SDOA, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
It does Nate thanks for the detail. I also have a relatively big boot at 11 and the 158W is wider in the G+ than the SDOA which is something I didn’t consider when buying. So I’m also leaning towards the G+ now.
Hey Alex
Yeah, the 158W Goliath + is a little wider than the Super DOA 158W (both at waist and at inserts). But I’d say that the 158W Super DOA should be fine width-wise for a majority of scenarios with 11s. I mean if you’re ripping eurocarves in bulky profile 11s with a flat back binding angle, then there could be issues, but otherwise, it should be wide enough.
Hey Nate,
Been considering purchasing a bataleon board but hear a lot of pros and cons with the 3bt. Do you find that it feels edgeless at times or that you need to push weight down between your knees for the edge to grip?
Hi Colton
Thanks for your message.
I have found Bataleon really easy to slash a turn on – really effortless and catch-free – in that situation they do feel a bit edgeless. But you can engage the edge and carve – it’s just not as effortless. You’ve got to lean into it a little deeper. Because the boards are full camber, when you do find that edge, they feel nice on a carve, but that 3BT does make it harder to find that edge – but it’s still there, just takes a little to get used to and takes a little more to engage it. Hope that makes sense.