Hello and welcome to my Burton Hometown Hero review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Hometown Hero as a mellow freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Hometown Hero a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other mellow freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero
Price: $659
Style: Mellow Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium bordering on medium-stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.8/100
Compared to other Men’s Mellow Freeride Boards
Out of the 33 men’s mellow freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Hometown Hero’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Hometown Hero’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride |
Price: | $659 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 40mm |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Felt Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
144 | 240 | 100-150 | 45-68 |
148 | 244 | 100-150 | 45-68 |
152 | 248 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
156 | 252 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
160 | 258 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
156W | 260 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
160W | 265 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
165W | 268 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
Who is the Hometown Hero Most Suited To?
The Hometown Hero is best suited to anyone looking for a freeride board that isn't overly stiff, but just that little bit stiffer than medium, but still very directional and oriented to riding in one direction and is still quite an aggressive ride.
And whilst being first and foremost something to carve and ride powder on, it's something that's also a good jumper.
Definitely not for the beginner and probably not even for an intermediate rider.
The Hometown Hero in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Hometown Hero is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Hometown Hero 2020, 156cm (252mm waist width)
Date: March 9, 2019
Conditions: Sunny with some clouds and perfect visibility.
Snow was well groomed and soft on top on groomers and soft but quite tracked off groomer (but there had been quite recent snowfall and still some untouched pockets).
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Setback 40mm
Width at Inserts: 263mm (10.35") at front insert and 262mm (10.31") at back insert
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Flex
Overall it's just a shade stiffer than medium. Feels stiffer than that tip and tail, but it softens up through the middle and isn't overly stiff torsionally.
Powder
Felt nice to ride on powder. I didn't have waist deep powder or anything like that, but what I did find, the Hometown Hero felt at home there.
With a rockered nose, a tapered shape and ample setback, it's designed to perform well in powder.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Fun to carve on and you can get quite a deep aggressive carve going on it. For some reason I didn't quite get the same on a carve as on the Skeleton Key. I was expecting it to be as good or better, but I slightly preferred the Skeleton Key.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It's pretty good in terms of slow speed maneuverability. It's not super agile, but it's pretty agile and strikes a good balance between being good on a fast, deep carve and being good in tight spaces at slower speeds.
Skidded Turns: You can, but it's not the most friendly board in terms of skidded turns or riding too casually.
Speed
It's not a speed demon, but it can handle a decent amount of speed for sure.
Uneven Terrain
It's nimble enough to navigate through bumpy terrain and is OK at going over the top of it, but felt the Skeleton Key was just that little bit better.
Good in crud, but again, I just preferred the Skeleton Key.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
For a freeide board it's really decent for jumps.
Pop: Good amount of pop. Quite similar to the Skeleton Key. A good bit off the Paramount, which I also rode that day, but decent enough. You've got to work a little to extract it, but don't have to work too hard.
Approach: Stable and with good maneuverability
Landing: Solid landings
Side-hits: Good, without being amazing. Decent pop and nimble enough.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Best for medium to large jumps, IMO
Switch
It's not made for riding switch, but you can do it for sure. It's a little better than the average freeride board for this, and was certainly better than the Skeleton Key.
Spins
OK for spins. Getting the spin around was fine, and there's decent pop. OK landing and taking off switch but not great.
Jibbing
Doable, but not ideal of course. Not what this board was made for.
Butters
It felt quite stiff in the tip and tail vs the overall flex of the board, which made butters quite hard. Not a great butterer.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.8/100 |
Overall, the Hometown Hero fits in the ever growing category of in between medium and stiff freeride boards. It's all round a nice ride and quite versatile for a board so directional. Nothing that I disliked about this board at all, but nothing that really stood out as amazing either.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Hometown Hero, 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 freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Hometown Hero compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hello Nate. Another great review. This is one of the boards I am considering. Looks close to a lot of freeriding that I do. Sounds like stiffness of the board looks like what I prefer. All of my years of riding I for some reason grew quite accustomed to stiff boards. Especially owning a few from Ride. What size on this board would work?? 181cm 200 lbs. 156cm or 160cm. Deep Thinker as I wrote before will still be a contender. Thanks again for another great review.
Hi Robert
I would go 160 for you for the Hometown Hero. Even though it’s on the wider side for your feet (got your boot size from a previous post) I think the 160 will still be the best option over the 156. And it’s nothing super wide or anything.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m deciding between 152 and 156 for the HTH. I’m 5’8 ~158lb and wears a size 9 boot. I was reading the comments and seem to me that 156 would fit me more, but since this is my first “aggressive” board I was thinking that if sizing down would make it more controllable, or do I just go for the 156 instead? Would love to know your advice on this, many thanks in advance!
Hi Dave, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 155, I would be leaning 152, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, with 9s, I would size down a touch and secondly, because I rode the 156 and didn’t find it felt small or anything and I’m 6’0″, 180lbs (185lbs at time of riding it) and size 10 boots. That doesn’t make the 156 wrong for you and I think you would be OK on, but I would be leaning 152 in this case. If there was a 154 or 153, I think that’s what I’d go with for you, but sizing up or down from there, I’d be erring down.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate! I think I’ll go for the 152 then.
I’m also always wondering about the “longer board is more stable at high speed and shorter board is better at turns” statement, for the hth, and other boards in general. At what speed do this distinction start to be more noticeable? I’m asking because my top speed is only on the high 20s mph and I don’t think will exceed ~30 mph any time soon. If the difference is not as noticeable in groomers, for example, then it seems like I could quite comfortably use shorter boards?
Hi Dave
I’d say it depends on the board and how different the sizing is. But certainly going to be less noticeable at sub 30mph than at something like 40-50mph. For the HTH, if you’re not going to be exceeding 30mph, I think the 152 should feel stable enough for you at those speeds.
I think the Hometown Hero is a little bit stiff snowboard, but the Malavita not. How did it feel to use with Malavita bindings? I have also Malavita bindigs (I have a freestyle board) and I don’t want to buy another bindings. Thank you.
Hi Lazlo
Thanks for your message. The Malavita’s went fine on the Hometown Hero. If you wanted to get fussy, slightly stiffer bindings would be more optimal, but they certainly work, in my experience.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you Nate.
You’re very welcome Laszlo. Happy riding!
Hi Nate, thanks for the review. What was your stance when you tried it in pow? I just got my HTH and I tried it in a 10cm pow and having it in the ref stance was more than enough for pow float. Didnt need to to burn my back leg at all.
I’m heading to the French alps next week so I’m wondering if I need to set it back even more or if I can comfortably use the ref stance. Lmk what you think!
Hi Dan, thanks for your message.
Apologies for the slow response. Was already behind with a lot of gear to test, then had some family dramas. Hope my response isn’t too late.
I rode it in reference stance and was fine in the powder we had that day. It wasn’t super deep powder or anything. If you’re expecting deep powder, it won’t hurt to set it back, but anything 20cm or less I don’t think you’d need to set it back further than reference.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I was hoping you could help me confirm my purchase of the right size board. I ordered a 160W HTH as it was the only size available for my length. The burton size finder suggested a 160W or a 160 to me. I am 6′, 205lbs, and size 11 boot. I was hoping that going with a 160W it would help a little more while floating in pow. My fear is the 160W will feel clunky and slow everywhere else. I like to incorporate more freestyle into my riding with side hits and jumps. I also have a 162 Skeleton Key I ride which I didn’t feel the width was an issue when I rode it just not a fan of the length and how soft it feels. Any advice would be appreciated!
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re good with the 160W. While with 11s, you may have gotten onto the 160, it would be borderline, depending on a few things.
Assuming a stance width of around 22″ (560mm) – which is reference on the 160 HTH, you’d be looking at around a 268mm width at the back insert. If you were riding with +15/-15 angles – or something similar, then you’d probably be fine. And even more chance of being good if you were in low profile boots. But in bulkier boots or a straight back binding angle (e.g. 0-3 degrees), there’s some risk for boot drag there, with 11s, IMO. Would also depend on how low you like to carve. If you like to get really low, then that reduces the amount of overhang you can get away with as well.
You might have been OK on it width-wise, depending on those things.
On the 160W, you’d be looking at around 275mm at the back insert – which should be plenty, regardless of those factors, but it’s also not anything that should feel super wide or anything, IMO.
Compared to the SK 162, size-wise, below for reference:
– Skeleton Key 162, 262mm waist, 272mm at front and back insert (taper cancels out setback in this case), 124.5cm effective edge (118.5cm contact length), 311.3/300.3 tip/tail width
– Burton HTH 160W, 265mm waist, 277mm at front and 275mm at back insert, 121.7cm effective edge (116cm contact length), 314.7/302.7 tip/tail width
So while you are looking at an overall wider board, you’re also dropping 2cm in total length (so probably quite similar in terms of overall surface area, so size in powder should be quite similar between them), but perhaps more noteworthy is that the HTH 160W is 2.8cm shorter in terms of effective edge, which should make it feel a little smaller overall on hard snow.
HTH a little stiffer than the SK. Nothing seriosuly stiff or anything, but does give you a little more stiffness.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thank you for the beautiful review.
I am uncertain between buying a HTH 156w or a 160.
I am 183cm tall, 75-76kg without clothes, ION boots US 10.5, Malavita bindings (front+18/15, rear -3/-6).
Find my size from Burton gives me between a 156 or a 156w. The regular 156 I think is too narrow.
I mainly take it to go in powder, from open mountain runs to narrow tree runs.
I already own a HTH X splitboard 158 and a Burton Stun Gun 158 and have always been comfortable with that size.
What do you think?
Thank you very much,
Andrea.
Hi Andrea
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158/159, so you could go either way, but I’d be leaning 156W. With the 156W being a little wider than ideal for your boots, but sizing down from that a little, I think that size would work well. The 160 would work as well, but it’s not actually that much narrower than the 156W. I think in open mountain powder, you’d like both fairly similarly in an average amount of powder – and in really deep powder, you’d likely prefer the 160. But in narrow trees, I think the 156W would be more noticeably better. If you value float in deep powder more than agility in tight trees, then the 160 might be worth a go, but otherwise, I’d be leaning 156W.
Note too, that I would say that the 156W is closer in relative size to the Stun Gun 158, looking at all the specs:
– Stun Gun 158, 258mm waist, 308mm tip width, 293mm tail width, 119.5cm effective edge (112cm contact length)
– HTH 156W,260mm waist, 308.2mm tip, 296.2mm tail, 117.3cm effective edge (112cm contact length)
It’s 2cm shorter in overall length, but it’s also a little wider overall. It has 2cm less effective edge – so most of that difference in length is in effective edge, so I would say that the HTH 156W probably feels smaller on hard snow and probably a little smaller in powder too, but not by much at all, I would say, very close.
Whereas:
– HTH 160, 258mm waist, 307.7mm tip, 295.7mm tail, 121.7cm
Would feel noticeably bigger, IMO. It has 2cm of overall length on the 158 Stun Gun, and is overall a touch wider as well and has 2.2cm more effective edge. If you want a slightly bigger feel, then this is a good bet. But if not, I would be erring the 156W.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thank you very much for your advice!
It was very helpful, especially the comparison with the Stun Gun.
I will take the 156W.
Bye!
Andrea
You’re very welcome Andrea. Hope you have a great rest of your season and hope the new board treats you well!
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the review.
I am considering getting a hometown hero for backcountry snowboarding. I remember when I used the yes standard 149 for BC it became a little too twitchy maybe because the gear I had to carry. Would the HTH 152 a good choice for me? I also bought the 148 Huck knife and felt a bit twitchy recently maybe because I gained some weight at about 150 lbs now. A more pronounced camber profile from Huckknife rides effortlessly in gnarly moguls while the standard is a bit slower. How will HTH perform in moguls quick turns? Or should I get the standard uninc? I saw that you gave it a very good score for it and with slam back inserts it might do pretty well in BC too?
Hi Herrick
Thanks for your message. Can you also let me know your height and boot size. While weight and boot size are more important, I still like to take height into account. As you most likely would have gotten the Huck Knife in a shorter size to use more for park and/or all-mountain freestyle, it’s likely you’ll want to go longer with your freeride/backcountry board, so the 152 HTH is likely to be a good size, but if you could let me know those other things that would be great.
With the slam back inserts the Standard Uninc could be doable, but it’s more of a resort/all-rounder board, and still not going to be amazing in powder, even in slam backs. Will be OK, but HTH a bit better for powder, IMO. Will certainly be more stable than the regular Standard and the Huck Knife, IMO – even in the same size.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the message.
I am about 5′ 8″ and deeluxe boot size 7.5. Yeah Im using a Huck Knife 148cm. It is very good on moguls surprisingly better than the Standard perhaps because of the shorter length, mostly camber, regular width?
I used the warca 148cm on powder but I had trouble keeping the nose up because the stance is quite centred. Its worse than standard on slam backs. Anyway thats why I am looking for a board like HTH. I am using this HTH mostly in Japan for the trees/BC will it perform well on quick turns? (I use the standard mostly in Whistler)
Hi Herrick
Apologies for the slow response, was travelling overseas and haven’t had the chance to get to your message until now.
At 5’8″ and 150lbs, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 154. But given the width is on the wide side for your boots, I would size down from that, rather than up. But sizing to the 152 should be enough of a size down, particularly considering you have the 148 Huck Knife and 149 Standard (you did mention the size of your Huck Knife in your previous comment, I must have missed that initially!).
I would say the two biggest things that make the Huck Knife better in moguls is the width and the flex. It’s a little softer flexing flexing torsionally – not by a whole lot but a little and I find torsional flex plays a role in how quick you can go edge-to-edge, particularly at slower speeds. And a wider width always makes it slower to change edges, in my experience, unless you have a considerably shorter width. The regular Standard in Slam Backs is pretty decent in powder. But the HTH, particularly in the 152, should give you more powder performance on top of that.
At the 152 size, you’re not likely to get quicker turns than the Huck Knife in 148, but should be quicker turning than the 149 Standard. If you were to go 148 HTH, you would get quicker turning, but you would sacrifice float – to a point that it would be similar to the Standard.
Hi Nate,
I’m 182cm, 78kg, US11 boots, and I have been hesitating for a few days between the HTH 156w and the 160w.
I am an advanced to expert rider, I have been riding for 25 years.
With my weight the Burton “find my size” recommends the 156w, but I’m afraid I will find it too short, not stable enough, I have been riding a Lib Tech TRS 162 for 10 years. What would you advise? Should I go for the 160w? Or will it be too stiff? I did not mention it but I feel the 160 will be just a tad too narrow.
Thanks!
Hi Gerald
Thanks for your message.
Close call. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159. So I think 160W is well within range. But being on the wider side for your boots, the combination of width/length makes it a little on the bigger end of your range. That said, if you’ve been riding a 162, I don’t think it’s going to feel too big.
The 160 is close to being wide enough for 11s. It’s around 268mm at the back insert, which would be good for a lot of riders, IMO, but it’s borderline. If you have low profile boots and not too straight a back binding angle (e.g. more than 6 degrees), then you could be OK. But it also depends on how deep you like to carve. If you like to get really deep in your carves, then you’d want both of those things to be in your favor – and even then, if you were eurocarving or the likes might still be a little narrow. But if you weren’t that aggressive with carves, then I think it would be wide enough.
Note that the 160 HTH will be wider at the inserts than the 162 TRS (I looked specs of the 2013 model) – particularly given that the TRS (at least the more recent ones that I’ve measured) tend to have less difference between waist width and insert width. So, if you’ve never had any boot drag issues on the 162 TRS, then you’re even less likely to have them on the 160 HTH.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the quick response, it does help.
You are right, the 160 might be just wide enough. I could do -9 on the back foot. Might get this one.
For the shoes I went half a size up this year, always felt my previous boots, US10.5, a bit too small, and I have not tried yet the TRS with them. That is why I wanted a larger board.
Wish the 160 was the same width as the 156w. But yeah just a few millimetres…
Would there be other boards, with about the same characteristics as the HTH, all-mountain freeride, directional, that you would recommend?
Thanks again
Hi Gerald
Some you could consider:
– Burton Deep Thinker 160W – or the 160 should be around 269mm at the back insert, so you’d probably good to go 160 on that too.
– Burton Skeleton Key 158 – same 268mm at back insert as HTH
– YES PYL 160W – around 268mm at back insert (not wide for a wide size)
– Rome Ravine 162 – around 271mm at back insert
– GNU Banked Country 160W – 273mm at back insert
Thanks Nate! A lot to look at
You’re very welcome Gerald. Let me know if you have any questions about any of those.
Hi Nate, I’m 177cm 70kg US8 boots. I wondering if size 152 or 156 would be more suitable for me? I’m going to Niseko next January and will be bringing only one board. Other boards I’m looking at include:
Jones Mind Expander
Yes Hybrid
Capita Navigator
Burton Skeleton Key
Burton Gril Master
I believe these are all boards that would be suitable for the terrain at Niseko, only problem is I’m worried that a lot of these boards are too wide for my size 8 boots. Other option is I take my Ride Shadowban all mountain board but I don’t know how that would perform in powder conditions. It’s also my first time going to Japan so I’m not too familar with the snow conditions. Love to hear your thoughts on which board is most suitable for my situation and sizing and if there might be other boards more appropriate. Cheers!
Hey Danny
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 156. But because of your boot size, ideally I would size down a bit from that. That said, if this was going to be used mostly in powder, then you could certainly ride the Hometown Hero at 156. Going to 152 is going to reduce float, because it’s on the smaller side for your weight and in powder your boot size won’t affect that much, if at all. But I get it that you’ll want something that also feels good on groomers, as you’ll only be taking one board – and I think the 156 will feel quite big for you on groomers, because of the width vs your foot size.
Another option is the GNU Hyper 154. It’s a good in between size that should work well on both groomer and in powder for you. You’re looking at around 258mm at the back insert and 257mm at the front insert on the Hyper 154. So, it’s actually a little narrower than the Hometown Hero (156, being 262mm back insert and 263mm front insert and 152 being more like the Hyper – around 258mm back insert and 259mm front insert). It’s a little wider at the tail than the 152 HTH, but it’s the same at the tail as the 156HTH. At the tip it’s the same as the 152 and a reasonable amount narrower than the 156. So, you’d be looking at something right in between those sizes and a board that would be good for those conditions, IMO.
The Navigator could be doable, but you’re looking at a similar size in the 155 to the HTH 156. A little smaller overall, so an option. I think the 151 is getting a bit small for your weight for powder. The Hybrid, IMO, is going to be too big, I would want to size down in length further than the 153 to compensate for its extra width. The Gril Master isn’t something we’ve ridden but I think it’s a little too big as well. The 155 gets relatively wide and the 150 too small. The Skeleton Key also a little wide in the 154, which is the size I’d go, but it does have a bit of extra width there. The Mind Expander also probably too wide. The 154 isn’t overly wide at the back insert (262mm) but gets super wide at front insert (282mm).
We haven’t tested the Shadowban. However, we did test it’s predecessor, the Wild Life, and I don’t think it’s changed a whole lot from that. I found it really decent in powder – and its more directional than some consider it. Some call it a directional twin, but I’d call it more directional. It’s not tapered, which is why I like to distinguish between directional and tapered directional. Taper does help in powder, so it will never be top tier in powder. But, IMO, it’s better than the average all-mountain board in powder. It has a pretty typical all-mountain setback (20mm) and doesn’t have taper, but it does have a directional camber profile, that has more rocker in the nose than the tail, which helps to sink the tail and float the nose. Most all-mountain boards have a twin camber profile, rather than a directional camber profile. There are some, like the Jones Frontier and Bataleon Thunderstorm that are more directional, but most boards like this also have taper. So you could probably take your Shadowban and be OK to be honest. If you wanted to go with something more powder specialized, you could look at something else, but I think it will do the job. Might have to work a little harder in really deep powder, versus a more powder oriented board, but otherwise, I think it will be OK. You could also set your bindings back further on deeper days, to get a little more float.
I’m guessing your Shadowban is 154?
But yeah, long story short, I would either go Hyper 154 or just take your Shadowban.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate for the massive help. Correct my Shadowban is 154. Unfortunately, I’m unable to find last years Hyper on discount in 154. What do you think about Jones Stratos in 153 or the Burton Deepthinker 154; would these boards be suitable for both groomers and powder and more importantly width wise?
Hey Danny
The Stratos and Deep Thinker are both good for both groomers and powder, in my experience. The Stratos is a heavier/stiffer board, in my experience (7.5/10 flex by my feel), with the Deep Thinker (2023 model and 2024 model) being lighter/softer (6/10 flex by my feel).
Width wise, I would expect, assuming a 22″ stance width:
– Deep Thinker 154: 261mm back insert | 262mm front insert
– Stratos 153: 262mm back insert | 263mm front insert
Hey Nate,
I’m currently trying to decide on my next board and hoping you can help. I’ve been riding mid(ish)-flex true twins (Endeavor BOD and Ranger) but looking to get something a little more solid and directional that will be better for big mountain / big line riding. Ideally want something that is still fun for sidehits, natural features, groomers and occasional jump line but can handle speed, steeper lines (black and double black) and trees well. Predominantly riding Whistler, Baker and Revy if I’m lucky.
I fortunately get good discounts with Salomon and Burton so looking to keep within those brands. I’ve been eyeing up the Burton HTH and Custom Camber, and Salomon Assassin Pro, Sick Stick and Highpath. Any recommendations/preferences (doesn’t need to be limited to the ones I’ve mentioned)? If it helps I’m 5’10” and 140-ish lbs.
Thanks so much for all your work!
Sam
Hey Samuel
Thanks for your message.
I think you’ve got a decent list there, with some boards that will definitely be stiffer and better for what you’re looking to use them for than you’re current boards, IMO, but without going super stiff, which you might find too stiff at your weight (though sizing will account for most of that – but I still think you won’t want to go ultra stiff).
If you went with something like the Custom or Assassin Pro, they would be more directional than your twins, but they’re not that directional. Not to say that I’d write them off, but just an fyi. Between the Assassin Pro and Highpath, I’d be leaning Highpath in your case, particularly if you do want to go more directional. We haven’t tested the Sick Stick, so can’t say much there but on paper, I think it would work. It’s the most directional, along with the HTH, but if you weren’t going to be doing anything switch, it could work.
The Hometown Hero would be a good option for what you’re describing, IMO. But I would personally go with the Deep Thinker over it, if it was me. A lighter snappier board, in my experience and better in trees. It’s not quite as stiff as the others you’ve listed, so you may want to go stiffer, but if you’re OK going not quite as stiff, I’d add this one into the mix. Not quite as directional as the HTH (less taper and less setback) but still directional and more directional than the likes of the Assassin Pro and Custom. You could throw the SKeleton Key in the mix too – again more of a 6/10 flex vs the 6.5/10 to 7/10 flex of the other options you listed, but if that’s not an issue, then that’s another potential.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Appreciate the blog and input. I am an intermediate rider that likes to ride fast hitting mostly groomers and the trees when there is powder. I rarely ride switch or go into the park. I am 6’0, 175lbs with size 12 boots (Burton Imperials). I run a 0 degree back binding. I was looking at the HTH paired with either the Genesis or Cartel X bindings. From the Board specs it looks like the best option would be a 156W based on my weight and boot? what are your thoughts. Recently I have been riding an Arbor Element Camber 160W which is okay but I feel requires a lot of work to get it a good edge.
Hi Greg
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159/160, which makes the 160W probably the best option based on your specs. But if you’re feeling like the 160W Element Camber is a bit big, then the 156W is within range. I think you’d certainly prefer the 156W in trees, but in terms of stability at speed, you’d be sacrificing a little vs the 160W.
Width-wise, the 156W may be doable, but there’s a chance it’s not wide enough. With Imperial 12s, you’re looking at around a 32.6cm total boot length (based on how I measured the Imperial). The Hometown Hero in the 160W will be around 27.0cm at the back insert, which would leave you with a 5.6cm total overhang (assuming a 22″ stance width), with that zero degree angle, or 2.8cm per edge, assuming perfect boot centering. If you’re not carving super deep, I think you get away with that, but I’d try to stay under 2.5cm per edge in overhang. The 160W would give you more like 27.5cm at the back inset, which would give you more room width-wise.
Note that I would predict the 160W Element Camber to be around 27.6cm at the inserts (estimated based on measuring a different size), so if you’ve had no issues with boot drag on that, then the 160W Hometown Hero should be no problem, but not sure about the 156W. Note also that Burton boots tend to have more toe bevel than other boots, which does help.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate,
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the 160W might be the best bet based on my shoe size. I was a little nervous based on being at the lower end of the weight range called out in the specs. You do not think that should be an issue?
What are your thoughts on the Cartel X versus the Genesis bindings? You rate both pretty highly. I was looking at the Genesis and Cartel X’s, are they about the same stiffness? Is there a lot of difference other than the heel hammock.
Last question, I have a son 5’3 and weights 90lbs who is a decent boarder. He does not hit the park much. There is a 140 HTH I was looking at versus a 140 Jones Prodigy. At his weight is the HTH going to be a little too stiff? Any opinion comparing those two?
Thanks again for the help and input it is really appreciated.
Greg
Hi Greg
Every company seems to be quite different with how they do their flex ratings. For most the weight’s overlap a bit more than with Burton’s. I wouldn’t worry too much about that. But again, if you feel like the 160W Element Camber (which is a little softer flexing, in my experience) was a little big, then you’ll likely find the 160W HTH a little big. In which case, the 156W might be the better bet. There would be more risk in terms of boot drag, though.
I would personally put the Cartel X on the HTH. The Cartel X is a little stiffer than the Genesis, IMO and the Cartel X would be a better flex match for the HTH, IMO.
I certainly don’t specialize in kids boards, so don’t quote me on this as I’m just going off specs, but I think the kids HTH is supposed to be softer than the adults version, which is typical of kids boards. The Prodigy looks to be softer, again based on specs. But it’s hard to tell how much difference there would be without actually testing them, as flex ratings aren’t universal across brands. Based on specs I would say that the Prodigy would be the easier ride, but if your son’s a decent rider, he may have no issues with the HTH. It’s hard to say whether he would find it too stiff at his weight, without having tested them for flex, unfortunately.
Hey Nate – Been on your site a lot recently as I shop for my first new board in 15+ years (!!) I saw that you’ve been helping some folks out in the comments, so figured I’d try my luck. I’m riding a 2002 Burton Michi which I absolutely love and TBH I’m overwhelmed w/ the task of replacing it. I’ve been riding forever (Safari 1988!), home mountain is in VT, can ride just about anything (hello from Jackson Hole), looking for best all-mountain freestyle board I can find, but something I can also still ride when I’m with my little kids. I’m demo’ing the Free Thinker and the Territory Manager today (based on your reviews, thx) but wishing they had a Custom or a Hometown Hero to take out (sadly they don’t). The Blossom calls to me, but my big air days are over. Would love to hear your thoughts for how to replace the Michi!
Hi Dennis
Thanks for your message.
I have no experience with the Michi, so can’t give a direct comparison. Couldn’t find much about it either, but sounds like it’s more directional (looks from pictures like there’s quite a bit of taper). What I would consider more of a freeride board. But I could have that wrong as I couldn’t find heaps about it. Sounds like it was quite stiff, so you probably don’t want to go too soft. The Free Thinker, HTH and Custom are what I would call around a 6.5/10 flex and the Territory Manager and Blossom around 7/10, so none of them are overly soft. But not too stiff either.
I wouldn’t consider the hometown hero or territory manager all-mountain-freestyle either, but you could certainly use them that way, particularly if you’re used to using the Michi that way (assuming I have the specs right for that one). My guess would be Blossom, if you want something twin but stiffer, but will be interesting to hear what you think of the Free Thinker and Territory Manager.
Hey hey — thx for the feedback! I really wish I could get my hands on a Blossom to demo… TBH I was a little underwhelmed w/ what Jackson Hole had as a demo selection.
Free Thinker 157 — Way too soft. Super chattery in bumps. I felt like I couldn’t “drive” it. I actively disliked this board..
Territory Manager 161 — Loved how wide this board was, but was still too soft/chattery in bumps. Fun on the groomers, too much work in the bumps/trees. (We didn’t have any fresh snow, sadly)
Straight Chuter 159 – I could drive this like the Michi (btw, I guess I never thought of the Michi as stiff, bit apparently it’s prob an 8/10?) but this was so far from a freestyle board that it just felt wrong. Stance was set really far back, not a fun board to ride switch.
… would be curious to get your thoughts on the Custom vs. the Blossom? Whenever I think of “park” boards I think soft/rails… but maybe I have that wrong? Maybe the Q is: “what is the directional version of the Blossom?”
Thanks again with your help with this!
Hi Dennis
The Blossom is certainly stiffer than the Free Thinker (part of the reason you would have found the Free Thinker as soft as you did was sizing – shorter boards, all else being equal feel softer, but it is also def softer than the Blossom regardless), but a little softer than the Straight Chuter. I wouldn’t call the Blossom a park board – it’s what I would call an aggressive all-mountain freestyle board. Some boards that are a little stiffer I could consider park boards, but they would still be no more than mid-flex and would be more suited to jump line than jib line in park. But Blossom aggressive all-mountain freestyle. The Custom I would say is a little softer than the Blossom but not by much.
But given that you liked the Straight Chuter for flex but don’t want something as directional, then I think your best bet is actually the Custom X. Like the Custom it’s directional twin – so not a true twin, but pretty twin feeling – with just a little more nose than tail and subtly setbcack. But it’s stiffer. I think of the Straight Chuter as the freeride/directional Custom X. Based on everything you’re describing, Custom X is the way I’d go for you.
Size-wise, not sure what you’re used to or your specs, but happy to give a sizing suggestion, if you’re unsure. Would just need your height, weight & boot size and the size of your Michi.
Hey thx again for this –– Michi is a 161 and I’m 5’8 @ 170lb. Size 10 boots.
Just so I have it straight:
Blossom = twin
Custom = directional twin (meaning tip is longer than tail?)
Custom X = directional twin
And re: stiffness,
Most stiff == Custom X <– Blossom <– Custom (least stiff)?
Bummed I can't find a local spot to demo these.
-d
Hi Dennis
Yes Blossom is True Twin and Custom and Custom X are directional twin. The most common directional twin is a board with a slightly longer nose than tail – and they typically have a small setback stance too. But I would call a directional twin anything that has something that makes it not true twin. So it might have a twin outline but be setback on effective edge in it’s reference stance. Or it might be twin and even centered on effective edge, but have a slightly longer nose than tail. Or it might be even have a slightly directional camber profile or flex pattern. But as opposed to directional or tapered directional, it wouldn’t be like directional flex, directional camber profile, directional sidecut, directional shape (longer nose than tail) and in the case of a tapered directional have a narrower tail vs nose width. In the case of the Custom/Custom X, the nose is a little longer than the tail and the board is subtly setback (12.5mm) on effective edge.
And yeah, in terms of stiffness, it goes Custom X (8/10), Blossom (7/10) and Custom (6.5/10), in my experience.
Hi Nate, great reviews on this site, it’s been a really great resource! I currently ride an old Gnu Riders Choice 2012 model at 154 length, and am considering switching to the Hometown Hero, and wanted to know your thoughts. I am 5’6″ 140 lbs. I mainly ride groomers, flat cat tracks, powder, trees and some moguls, and I don’t do jumps or tricks. I ride in the Lake Tahoe area. The RC does most things really well, it’s been a great board despite being more than 10 years old.
Things I wished it did better:
– I feel it’s a little long when trying to maneuver around trees
– the board seems to have a lot of swing weight when trying to do a sharp turn on moguls
– the nose would occasionally dive when doing a turn in powder
– the board seems to have a mind of its own when riding one footed and trying to put my back foot in the step-in bindings (I heard it’s because of the camber / rocker / camber profile)
Does it make sense to get the HTH based on what I wrote? Will the HTH be better in any of the areas that I mentioned, or am I just better off sticking with my RC? I’m probably looking at a HTH in size 148.
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message. Generally speaking I think the Hometown Hero would work well for the kind of riding you’re describing. To comment on your more specific things:
Things I wished it did better:
– I feel it’s a little long when trying to maneuver around trees: If you go 148 HTH, I imagine you’ll feel an improvement here.
– the board seems to have a lot of swing weight when trying to do a sharp turn on moguls: Size for size, I wouldn’t say the HTH is necessarily better when it comes to sharp turns in moguls than the more recent RCs – that said, I haven’t ridden the 2012 model. But if you’re sizing to the 148 in the HTH from the 154 RC, then you that should make quite a big difference.
– the nose would occasionally dive when doing a turn in powder: Yeah, RC is OK in powder, but not as good as HTH, IMO. Given that you’d be sizing down quite a bit, the reduction in surface area will have a negative affect on float, but the HTH is more setup for powder, so overall prob still going to be better in powder – or at very least as good – and with the wider, rockered nose and narrower shorter tail, you should be less likely to nose dive.
– the board seems to have a mind of its own when riding one footed and trying to put my back foot in the step-in bindings (I heard it’s because of the camber / rocker / camber profile): Yeah, Hybrid Rockers tend to be much looser one footing it. Having that rocker between the feet can make one footing harder for sure. So you’d get a more stable feeling one-footing in the HTH, in my experience. And probably even more so with the 2012 RC, which was a little more rocker dominant than more recent models.
So yeah, I think you’ll see improvement in most or all of those areas. Size-wise, I do feel like the RC is on the big side for you. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 151. So the 148 would be sizing down a little but still well within a good range for you. Given you’ve been used to longer, it might feel small to start with. Though that said, with the rocker dominant 2012 RC, you’ll likely feel close to as much edge on the 148 HTH.
Hope this helps
Thanks, for the really detailed reply, Nate! This is really helpful, and I really appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Nick. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
Looking to get your input on what size should I opt for with the HTH.
I’m 5’5, 120 lbs and US size 8 (M) currently riding a Yes Basic 149.
Debating on whether I should go for the 148 or 152.
I intend to ride a little bit of everything as I reside in the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks!
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 148. I would put your “standard all-mountain size” at around 147 – and given you want to use it for a bit of everything, I think the 148 should be just right. The 152 will be long and on the wide side for your specs, IMO. The 148 should be a very good size for you. The only way I’d even look at any other size in this board, is if you were used to riding something considerably longer or considerably shorter, but given you’re used to a 149 in your Basic, I think the 148 is spot on.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Been looking at the HTH 22/23 and I would appreciate your option with sizing.
I am 5’9 1/2”, 170lbs, 26 Mondo / 8US boot and like to ride a mixture of terrain.
After seeing the board width at the inserts of 263/262mm and also a reference stance of 560mm, I have started considering the 152 over the 156. However at my weight and height I feel the 152 could be a bit small, especially in the deep stuff.
I ride +15/-6 stance angles which could put my feet about 3mm away from the edge toe and heel on my front foot. However I prefer a 21” (530mm) stance width which could help a fraction…
Anyway, great review with some detailed info that isn’t found anywhere else.
Cheers,
drumbull
Hi Drumbull
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call. But I’d be leaning 156. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 158. So going to 156 you would be erring a little shorter, which should compensate somewhat for the fact it’s on the wide side for your boots. Going to a 530mm stance width will also help to temper that width. Still on the wide side, but hopefully that subtle size down should be enough to help keep it maneuverable enough.
The 152 wouldn’t be wrong, but it’s on the smaller side for your height/weight specs. It would certainly be the easier to maneuver option but would be at the sacrifice of float in powder and stability at speed.
If there was a 154!
But I think the 156 should work for you, however, if you really value maneuverability over speed/powder, then the 152 might be the better option.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the advice.
I‘ve ridden a 154 Burton Custom before. So yeah, makes sense with the effective edge etc for my height.
Cheers
You’re very welcome drumbull. Happy riding!
Hi Nate, what awesome reviews!
Thanks for taking the time to steer us all in the right direction.
Im on an old Burton Custom X 160, which I ride directional with an a forward angled stance as I love carving to tie in my surfing and skating.
Threw down for Step In setup but realized I need to upgrade my board even though it has life in it.
Never ridden anything else and thought I might not be on the right board for my style of riding and the HTH caught my eye.
Im pretty much on East Coast mountains from NY to VT with an occasional trip out west.
Im an old guy and just enjoy fun runs on everything from groomers to diamonds.
Want something that carves, handles some ice but has a surfer/skate feel.
im about 155lbs and 6ft so was thinking a 156 HTH.
Any thoughts if its a good fit for me or do you think something else could be better suited.
Much appreciate
J
Hi Julien
Thanks for your message.
I think the Hometown Hero could work. It’s something that still carves well, but is going to be a bit more mellow than the likes of the Custom X, so easier to get surfy on it. Size-wise, I think 156 would be spot on for your height/weight, IMO but if you could also let me know your boot size, to confirm.
I own this board and it is amazing, have put it through some damge by riding low tide and hitting rocks. When i get a new board i was wondering if i get another HTH or if I get something else. I love everything about this board especially how fast i can make turns but curious if the Berzerker, Deep Thinker, Flagship, or PYL will do all the same things but be better in bumpy/choppy snow? I love when a board soaks up vibrations to make those conditions more fun, riding Squaw Valley mostly KT22/Headwall, double blacks but just small/medium sized hucks.
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I’d personally take either the PYL or Flagship over the HTH. But I’d take HTH over the Deep Thinker or Berzerker. That said, given that you know you like this board, the safer bet would be to get another HTH. Given you know it and know you like it, there’s more risk in going with something else – but if you did, I’d be lookin at either Flagship or PYL, if it was me.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate! Hey I’m 6’3″, 195 lbs and wear a size 13. I like to ride in the in powder and in trees when its available. Will I be good to go with the 160W?
Hi Nathan
Thanks for your message.
I think it could work for you. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” closer to 162, but going down to 160 isn’t dropping too much. And it will help in the trees going a little smaller (though it will mean a little less float in powder).
Width-wise would be my only real question. With 13s, if you’re carving really deep, have a back binding angle that’s quite flat (i.e. 0-6 degrees) or you’ve got bulky boots, then it could still be borderline too narrow, even in the wide version. But if you’ve got relatively low profile boots and aren’t doing anything like eurocarving and have a bit more of an angle on your back binding, then I think you’d be good on it. Personal experience will give you a clue as well. If you’ve ridden similarly widthed boards in the past and having had boot drag issues, then you should be good.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Bought it last night and now reading this. Bought the Burton Moto Boa boots as well, not sure if they are considered low profile. They have same board in 165W but I thought this was too big since I was riding a 159 prior. Also doubt I will be doing any Eurocarving.
Thank you for your feedback!
Hi Nathan
The Moto are low profile, so you should be good there. Note that the Moto are softer than what’s ideal for the Hometown Hero, IMO. Not that they won’t work, but would be more optimal to have something a little stiff to match with that board, IMO.
Did not consider this. Will return boot and get some that are more stiff. You are the man! thanks.
Hey Nate, tnx for the review.
What do you think about the hometwon hero with rome crux 2019 bindings (size large) and k2 maysis 2019 (size 10.5 us)?
about me:
weight: 110-120 kg
Level: Intermediate – advanced
Preferences:
Im looking for a board mostly for cruising on piste (not deep carving) and mellow offpiste.
Do you think i need a wide board (according to my boots and biniding size?
If you do, the 160W will be good for my size?
Do you suggest different board?
Tnx a lot
Hi Mo
I think the Hometown Hero could work for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, I would say going longer for your weight would be better, but if you could also let me know your height, that would be great. Weight and boot/foot size are the most important sizing factors, IMO, but I still like to take height into account as leverage is still a factor.
In terms of width, I think you’d be fine on the 160 in terms of your boot size. Even with the K2 Maysis, which are bulkier boots, I think you could still go 160 regular width. However, I think it’s probably a bit small overall. Going 160W, the board will be on the wide side for your feet, but sizing down to a length that’s shorter than you probably should be on would compensate for that, so I think the 160W is a size that could work for you. But yeah, if you could also let me know your height to confirm.
Tnx for the quick answer.
My height is 6’1.
For the last 20 years Im riding burton canyon camber (2002 model) 168cm long.
Now, Im looking for more mellow ride & easy to turn, the canyon is a rocket and really hard to turn, forcing me to slow down (it is really fast board) on the steep and put a lot of effort on the turn (Im 43 years old, not 20 anymore😅), instead of cruising and carving freely.
Another thing i forgot, i dont do park at all, no jumps of any kind, no swich.
I hope you can narrow it to the right size now you know my height.
Please feel free to suggest different board if you think.
Tnx a lot for your advice.
Hi Mo
I would put your “standard length” at closer to 166. So 160 is sizing down quite a bit. But I think if you went with the wide version, that would add back enough stability, that it’s doable – and should be much easier turner than your 168 Canyon, but not be overly small. If you’re sticking with Burton boards, you could look at the Flight Attendant in 162 or the Deep Thinker in 160W or even something like the Custom in 162.
Hey Nate, tnx again.
Im not sticking to burton.
It will be great if you can suggest other options.
Hi Mo
Some others to consider, in addition to the Burton options already mentioned:
– Arbor Crosscut 162
– Capita Navigator 164
– Jones Frontier 165
– Jones Mind Expander 162
– Salomon Super 8 (163 or 166)
– YES PYL 162
Hello Nate! What’s your opinion on Hometown Hero vs Jones Mountain Twin?
Hi Eric
Thanks for your message.
Both are different feeling boards with different strengths and weaknesses and really depends on how you ride as to which would be the better bet for you.
The Hometown Hero is a more locked in kind of feeling vs the Mountain Twin which I would term stable (thinking about it like a scale from really loose to really locked in and stable being right in the middle – see graphic in the specs table).
Some performance differences, IMO:
– Hometown Hero a little better in powder, at speed, for bigger/deeper carves
– MT better for jumps, riding switch, butters and a little easier to ride/turn overall – I found it a little better for trees
– Hometown Hero a touch stiffer but not by much
– Hometown Hero has a little more total pop, but not by much. But you’ve got to work harder to extract that pop – to wind it up. The Mountain Twin still has decent overall pop and it’s easier to access.
– The Hometown Hero a little more aggressive feeling overall – a board that feels better when you ride it a little more aggressively. Not super aggressive, but more so than the MT. The MT isn’t super playful or anything, it’s right in the middle of aggressive and playful, IMO.
That’s not exhaustive but some things to think about, depending on what you want the board to do. The Mountain Twin more of a “do-it-all” type board, if you have some freestyle in your repertoire – and want that middle of the road feeling in terms of playful/aggressive, then the Mountain Twin would be your better bet. But if you don’t really ride freestyle and want a board that can handle a bit more of an aggressive style (without being super aggressive) then the Hometown Hero is likely the better option for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your input and expertise! I decided the hometown Hero is more my ride style. Can you recommend a board size for me? I’m 5’4, 150lbs, 7.5 size boots
Hi Eric
It’s between the 148 and 152. I would be leaning 152 in this case – as it’s better to err longer with a Freeride board. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 152. However, the 152 is a little wider than ideal for your boot size, so in that case I’d size down a bit – but then sizing up again because it’s a freeride board, puts the 152 about right. The 148 is doable though, if you wanted to sacrifice some stability at speed and float in powder for better agility at slower speeds (and better for things like butters and spins etc, but I’m guessing those aren’t a big part of your riding). My instinct in this case is that the 152 will be your best bet.
But without knowing too much about your style couldn’t say for sure. If you’re more about riding trees and want more agility at slower speeds, don’t bomb that much or at all and/or don’t really see deep powder, then that could change the answer.
Hey nice review, Thanks.
I’m a 150 lbs advanced rider riding a process Flying V 152 + Malavita (M) + Imperial (9) mostly on the east coast, but as I’m transitioning from freestyle more towards freeride, I’m looking for a new board that will hold an edge a bit better on carves, will float better in deeper snow, but still be able to take the occasional park lap and spins off side hits as well as switch riding and buttering both on groomers and in powder.
I’m very interested in the 152 HTH (as I demoed the 156 in Whistler and like it), but wondering which would be a better fit between HTH 152 vs Skeleton Key 150 vs Process PurePop 152
Hi Minh
Thanks for your message.
The Process PurePop will be the best for when your doing spins, riding switch and buttering, but not as good for carving as the HTH and Skeleton Key (SK), IMO. Also to note that it will be worse for powder, IMO, than your current Process Flying V. You could still ride the occasional park lap with the HTH and SK, but not going to be as good, but certainly can. And whilst they won’t ride switch as well, you can still ride switch on them. The SK butters a little easier than the HTH.
Given that you’re looking to go more freeride, I would say it’s between the HTH and SK. The Process PurePop is just as freestyle, if not more, oriented as the Process Flying V. If your park/switch/buttering is only very occasional with this board, then going SK or HTH makes the most sense if you’re looking to get better carving, edge hold, speed and float. Between the SK and HTH, the HTH is a little stiffer and going to represent the bigger difference to your current board. That said, the SK is still a very different board to it. If you wanted to keep things still quite mellow, but in a directional freeride board, then the SK is your best bet. If you want to go a little more aggressive/stiff, then the HTH (it’s still not ultra aggressive/stiff or anything, but more so than the SK).
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the detailed reply Nate.
I think I’ll go with the HTH because I was able to butter, switch and spin the 156 when I demoed it, and it wasn’t even the proper size for me. I reckon the 152 will be easier (whenever it’ll be back in stock at a good deal). But yes definitely stiffer than my process, which I occasionally overpress.
I do however like the looseness/playfulness of my current board, which I’ll lose on with either the HTH and SK. I don’t recall the HTH being so locked in/catchy as some reviews seem to say. You could still focus on exploring the terrain rather than on your riding technique to avoid catching an edge.
Your thoughts?
Hi Minh
Yeah the 152 will be easier to butter and spin than you found the 156, so if you found the 156 was OK, it’ll be even better on the 152. Not to a point that you’ll over press it though, I wouldn’t say.
I would say the HTH is semi-locked in, but it’s not super locked in – and whilst it’s not the most uncatchy board going around, it’s not super catchy or anything either. Less playful than the Process Flying V for sure, but not the stiffest/least playful board going around. Also, the 152 will feel a little more playful compared to the 156.
Perfect thanks a lot! Plus I got a crazy deal from my local Burton store!
You’re very welcome Minh. Awesome that you nabbed a good deal on it!
First, I just want to say thank you for what you do here! It’s amazing how you respond to all these questions.
Two-part question, 160 vs 156 and is there better choice board? flagship maybe?
I’m an old guy getting back into the sport after 7 years off. My only board is a 20-year-old ride timeless. It’s a very stiff cambered board (as far as I know). It’s the only board I have ever ridden in my 20 years at it. I’m looking at the HTH at the recommendation of the local shop here. They have me at the 160 but when I went to the burton “find my size”, they come up with 156.
I’m 175, 6 feet even. Size 10 boot. I’m riding east coast (hard packed, icy conditions). Just groomers and a guy that loves to carve and occasionally go fast to keep up with my ski buddy. When I’m by myself, I like to slow down a bit and enjoy the hill… No park, no jumps not much switch.
Is the HTH a good fit for this old guy? lol
Hi Jack
Thanks for your message.
I think the HTH is a good option for what you’re describing. The Timeless is a very stiff board, but it would have softened up a bit over 20 years (or 13 years if you haven’t been riding for 7). But still going to be very stiff. The HTH isn’t super soft, so you’re not looking at a crazy adjustment, but you might appreciate the little bit more forgiving nature of it in comparison, especially as you get back into it after a break. And should be less fatiguing by the end of the day. But given you don’t ride park and want to carve and go fast sometimes, I think the HTH fits what you’re describing well, if you’re happy to go for something less stiff and more forgiving.
Tough call on the sizing. I would put you on around a 159 as your “standard all-mountain” size. So 160 is closer to that for sure, but it’s also getting on the wider side, so the width/length combination is getting on the bigger side. The 156 is on the small side though not far off, but borderline. That said, I liked the 156 – and I’m similar specs. I think if stability at speed and float in powder are more important to you than maneuverability and ease of ride, particularly maneuverability at slower speeds, then I’d be leaning 160. If the other way around, then I’d go 156.
Flagship could definitely work too. It’s a little stiffer than the HTH, but still softer/more forgiving than the Commissioner for sure. I think the 158 would work really well size wise – as a good middle ground between being more forgiving/agile but also good and stable at speed. You could certainly also ride the Flagship in the 161, if you wanted to optimize speed/powder a little more but my instinct says 158.
What’s the size of your Commissioner?
By Commissioner you mean Timeless correct? I stood it next to the 160 HTH and it was just about the same size. Maybe a hair shorter. Well, it turns out they only have the 156 in the wide version (HTH)… It looks like they have the Flagship and Custom in 158. So, it’s the 160 or look at the other two options. Being I’m old, hip replacement, etc…, I should be slowing down a little, but you know how it is. 🙂
Do you think the longer length (160 vs 156) would provide more stability/edge control in the hard pack/icy conditions as well? We are having a bad winter so far so it’s mostly the ‘man made’ stuff… Hopefully that will change soon. Jack…
P.S. Thanks again for taking the time to help out…
Maybe I’m over thinking this? if I did the math correct, the 160 is 1.58 inch longer and .23 of inch wider… I’ll just pack on a few more burgers before I ride again… LOL…
Hi Jack
Yes you have the Math right 🙂
But that much can make more difference than you might think, in my experience.
Hi Jack
Sorry, yes, I mean Timeless. The Commissioner is the board in Ride’s line that took over from the Timeless (not the same board, but similar). I often get them confused in my head because of that!
The Custom is an option, if you’re not really seeing any significant powder very often. If you do still want some decent powder performance, then I’d be leaning more to 160 HTH or 158 Flagship.
I certainly think the 160 HTH is doable for you and if you’re not really looking to ride slow or any freestyle too often – and if it’s not much in terms of size over your Timeless, then I think it’s still going to be a little more forgiving than your timeless. But I also think the 158 Flagship would be a good bet for you as well. Don’t think there’s a wrong choice there.
Thanks man! You are awesome! Thanks for what you do!
You’re very welcome Jack. Happy riding!
Hey,
I am in between skeleton key and HTH. sizing is 158 in the key but im looking at 156/w or 160. I am 6′ 170 expert rider. like riding tight trees in pow, hard charging, quick transition, and tons of tracked out terrain wind lips etc. looking all mtn with focus on pow. size 11/11.5 photon boots. im thinking medium binding cartel x or malavita.
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I think I’d be leaning HTH, just to give you that little bit of extra stiffness, given your ability level. Size-wise 156 would be too narrow for your boots, IMO. The 160 should be good width wise in 11 Photon’s, depending on binding angles. But if you were in 11.5s, it’s probably still too narrow, IMO. The 156W is on the shorter side for your specs, but it’s doable if you’re happy to sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed for some extra maneuverability. A good width for your boots, IMO.
If you did go Skeleton Key, which is certainly an option, if you think you’d prefer a softer flexing board, the 158 is also borderline in terms of width. Similar in width to the 160 HTH (268mm at inserts). Even with 11s it could be pushing it, if you ride with a relatively straight back binding angle. And probably too narrow for 11.5s.
If you go HTH, then I’d go Cartel X for sure – it’s a better flex match, IMO. If you go SK, then both would work, but I’d be leaning Malavita in that case. But you could certainly still ride the SK with the Cartel X.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
6’4″ 250 pounds. Typically ride a 163 wide stiff old Rome flag board. Similar ride to the custom X. Should I size up to the 165 wide, or down to the 160 wide? Typically like to ride fast, some switch, air if needed, once in a while powder.
Hi Kerry
Thanks for your message.
For your specs and how you describe your riding, I would go up to the 165W. The HTH is likely not going to feel as burly as your old board, so you’re not going to feel that extra length that much – and if you went down to 160W, I think you’d notice a big loss in terms of stability at speed versus your old board. So yeah, long story short, I’d go to the 165W for sure.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate – if I’m an intermediate rider should I worry about getting the hometown hero? People keep on saying it’s for advanced to expert so I’m worried I won’t have a good time on it. For reference I ride a yes typo now and I’ve ridden a yes PYL.
Hi Aaron
I think if you’re an upper intermediate rider, you’d get away with it. But if you’re more mid to low intermediate, if that makes sense, then it’s pushing it a bit. That said, if you were fine on the PYL, then you would be fine on the HTH, IMO – it’s certainly no more advanced than the PYL – probably slightly less so.
Sizing would be worth thinking about too. If you think it could be on the limit for you ability-wise, sizing appropriately will make sure it’s alright. Sizing is always important but even more so, if it’s borderline too advanced. You certainly wouldn’t want to go too big, which would make it harder to handle.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the response Nate. I ended up buying a 160W HTH. For reference I ride a 159W yes typo.
Just for other peoples benefit if they had the same worries as me with the HTH labelled as advanced. I rode it this weekend and the first 2 runs was a bit sketchy as I was figuring out the board but after that man it was a ton of fun, way more lively and harder charging than the yes typo. I think what makes it more advanced perhaps is that it is pretty catchy if you are going slow, it turns really fast and has a lot of spring out of turns so if you don’t have good balance it can throw you off and it wants to go really fast so if you don’t want or can’t handle that then look elsewhere.
Not sure why I was so apprehensive about the advanced label but I’m super happy with the board, very lively turning and carving and stable at speed.
Hi Aaron
Thanks for the follow up and your insights into the board. Awesome that you’re enjoying it and appreciate your helpful take on it.
Hi Nate, how would you compare the hometown hero to the Burton custom or Flying V?
Hi Jordan
Thanks for your message.
Hometown Hero (HTH) and Custom (camber) have a very similar flex. The Custom Flying V feels a little softer. Camber profile is similar on the HTH and Custom Camber as well – with the HTH being predominantly camber, but with rocker in the nose – the Custom Camber being all camber. The Flying V Custom very different camber profile – which is a much looser feel and has a lot of rocker (rocker between the feet, camber under the feet, then rocker again towards tip and tail).
So HTH is much more similar to the Custom than the Custom Flying V.
But there are a lot of differences – namely:
– the rocker in the nose
– the fact that it’s tapered directional versus the Camber’s directional twin,
– different effective length compared to overall length and contact length to overall length (both more on the Custom)
– different sidecut and other things.
In reality, this makes the HTH better in powder and the Custom better for riding switch – and better for jumps, spins etc.
But for speed and carving, very similar. Not exactly the same feel, but similar performance-wise in those areas.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate!
I have a Yes PYL 2019 in 160 wide and would like to buy a Hometown Hero. Burton recommends 156 wide for my weight. My weight is 180 lbs. I’m a bit worried because of my US 11.5 boot size. Boots are Burton SLX. What size would you recommend? 156W or go up one size? Malavita EST or Cartel X EST would be your choosen bindings to pair with HTH?
Thanks!
Hi Gabor
Thanks for your message.
If you could also let me know your height, that would be great. Weight and boot size are more important, but I still like to take everything into account. Also, if you could let me know roughly how/where you like to ride. Aggressive? Casual? In between? Like to ride fast? Trees? Powder? Whatever you can tell me about your riding would help.
In terms of bindings, I would personally put the Cartel X on the HTH – I think they’re the slightly better flex match. Malavita works on it for sure, but if I was to choose between those, I’d go Cartel X.
Thanks for xour reply!
I’’m 6’2. Riding style is not too aggressive but I kike to go fast. I’m 45. Getting older. Hahaha
I’m mainly a resort rider, 75% groomers 25% pow or trees. It depends on the conditions.
Hi Gabor
Thanks for the extra details.
I think the 160W is probably a more pure size for your specs, but the 156W could work depending.
The width of the 156W should be fine, particularly if you had no issues on the 160W PYL. 160W PYL roughly 272mm at the front insert and 270mm at the back insert. The HTH 156W roughly 271mm at the front insert and 270mm at the back – and that’s based on a 575mm (22.6″) stance on the PYL and a 560mm (22″) stance on the HTH. So given the stance width the 156W HTH is probably marginally wider at the back insert and similar at the front.
Going 156W HTH would mean you were dropping a little in terms of effective edge versus the 160W PYL, but not as much as the overall length suggests. The HTH 156W has an EE of 117.3cm versus the 119cm on the PYL – i.e. has more effective versus overall length than the PYL. The 160W HTH has a 121.7cm effective edge – so noticeably more than the 160W PYL. All else being equal, this would typically translate to the 160W HTH feeling a little longer than the 160W PYL (all else isn’t equal and there are other factors, but that’s one worth mentioning).
It’s a tough call, because if you were looking to go no bigger than your 160W PYL, then the 160W HTH, IMO, is a touch bigger overall – it’s also wider. But the 156W is going smaller – not drastically but noticeably smaller.
If you were using this to replace your 160W PYL, then I’d be leaning 160W HTH, given that you like to ride fast, particularly if you only venture into trees when there’s powder.
If you planned to keep the PYL, then I’d be leaning 156W HTH – to give you that smaller, more nimble ride for trees in your quiver.
Hope this gives you more to go off. Apologies that it wasn’t a more definitive answer, you’re really on the cusp, so it’s a tough call, for sure.
Hi Nate!
Is the 160W much stiffer than 156W. I’ve found a local shop that has 160W only, so I can’t compare them.
Hi Gabor
Hard to say for sure. But very roughly speaking, I would guestimate that the extra length would feel around 7/10, potentially up to 7.5, but certainly no more, and more likely 7/10, compared to the 156W a 6.5/10 by my feel. That’s pretty rough though, but that would be my estimate.
Hi Nate
Would be happy to hear your thoughts on sizing for HTH, I’m 5’6, 7.5US boots (Burton Photon), and 165-170lbs.
From Burton specs both 156 and 152 seem to work, I’m leaning towards the 156 for better float and stability, but unsure how much 156 would impact maneuverability versus float with 152. I mainly ride in groomers, powder / ungroomed slopes , and between trees.
Which size from your experience might work the best for me?
Thanks for the great review!
Hi Mor
Thanks for your message.
Purely looking at length, I think you could happily ride this board up to 156 – and if the width was good for your boots, then I would be leaning 156. But with 7.5s, it’s going to be wide – and the combination of the length and width make the 156 too big, IMO. I think the 152 would work best. It’s sizing down a little bit, but it’s still wide for your boots – so the overall size is better, IMO. I think you’d feel that lack of maneuverability with the 156, mostly because of the width, and certainly the combination of the width and length. And in trees, my instinct is that it wouldn’t be great. Of course the 156 would give more float and stability, but in this case, I think the trade off is more in your favor going 152.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! Going with 152 make sense.
Currently I ride Yes Typo 152 (2018) which is 250mm in waist and 259mm at ref inserts thanks to the underbite, binding angels +18/-3. How do you think the 152 HTH compares to the Typo 152 in maneuverability, stability and float?
Also, would it better to go with a different board? like Yes PYL which is 250mm at waist but with underbites (though sidecut is different)
Hi Mor
The HTH in the 152 will be around 259mm at the front insert and 258mm at the back insert, so very similar in width to the 152 Typo.
In terms of float and stability, the 152 HTH will be superior there, IMO, versus the 152 Typo. In terms of maneuverability, the Typo would have it over the HTH, but it’s a very easily maneuverable board, IMO.
The PYL 156 is around 262mm at the front insert and 260mm at the back insert. You could, but I’d say it’s still borderline on the too big side. And you’re looking at going stiffer than the HTH as well, with the PYL (which might be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preferences).
Hi,
Here I am also considering this board. It will be a choice between a custom camber and this one I think.
I have been riding +/- 27 years about 2 weeks per year. A little park (but getting less and less), mostly groomers but jump into the powder whenever it is available although I do not go on large powder hikes anymore.
Currently riding a custom V rocker 151 (yes a full rocker) and while it is great for tricks, and also performs in powder (the float is great) I am missing control when I push the board hard on more packed snow.
Based on the review and comments here it seems I should push towards the hometown hero, as I will be keeping my custom V rocker. Or should I go Skeleton Key?
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
I think between the Custom Camber and Hometown Hero that I would go Hometown Hero, because it will give you that better float in powder. That said, if you’re keeping your Custom V Rocker and think that you wouldn’t really be riding powder on the Custom Camber (i.e. on powder days, you’d take out your V Rocker), then the Custom Camber definitely works – it’s a little better in the park than the Hometown Hero, IMO. Custom Camber is fine for shallow powder. But if you think you’ll be getting the new board in moderate powder as well, then I’d go Hometown Hero for sure. Even if you didn’t think you’d ride that much powder, you could still consider the Hometown Hero, as it would represent the bigger difference to the Custom V Rocker.
Between the Hometown Hero and Skeleton Key, I think it depends on whether you want to keep things mellower or a little more aggressive. The Hometown Hero isn’t ultra aggressive, but it is a little stiffer/burlier than the Skeleton Key, which has quite a mellow flex. Again, if you’re thinking the bigger difference, then the Hometown Hero is probably a bigger difference to the Custom V rocker, but that’s really getting nit picky, because the Skeleton Key will feel very different to the V Rocker.
Hope this helps
Whats going on Nate!
Been eyeing this board for a while now and was thinking of getting this over the flight attendant. What size board do you think I should get? I’m about 5’9 and 160lbs and my burton boot size is a 10.
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Anthony
Thanks for your message.
I’d go 156 for you, for sure. 152 too small, 160 too long and 156W too wide. 156 spot on, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate.
I found your website when starting searching for a new board.
I’ve narrowed my choices to HTH or Custom Camber. I’m inclined to HTH because of powder capability.
I’m 5’7, 170lbs, boot 9.
I consider myself an intermediate rider. Don’t ride parks and very little switch riding.
I like to carve on groomings and love powder days.
Don’t leave close by a mountain, so my season is something between 15-30 days.
My question is, since the board will be my all around, is it worthy to go with the HTH even if I don’t get many powder days?
thank you
Hi Marcelo
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would be leaning HTH, even if you don’t get many powder days. The biggest advantage of going Custom over HTH would be if you were riding switch and park more – then you could sacrifice on the powder. But given that you don’t really do those things, the HTH makes the most sense, IMO.
Size-wise, I think the 156 would be your best size.
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate.
Will order today
You’re very welcome Marcelo. Thanks for visiting the site! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nate, great review! I would like to get a help with choosing sizes on the HTH. I’m 6ft and 155 lbs with 9.5 boot size(with adidas Tactical adv). I just got a Burton custom 154W for park and all mountain, but I’m interested in HTH as well. Do you think it’s gonna be too much overlap? I was looking at size 156 and 160, 156 might fit my spec better but I’m afraid it’s gonna be too similar to my custom. What do you think? I would mainly use HTH for freeride, carving and powder. Thanks in advance!
Hi Brandon
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of overlap, there will be some. But the boards are different enough and have strengths and weaknesses in different places, that they could work together. They’re a similar flex (by my feel), but the Custom Camber should feel slightly softer flexing given you’ll be riding it in the smaller size. But they’ll be fairly close flex-wise, IMO. The camber profile is similar-ish, with both being quite camber dominant, but the Hometown Hero, of course having a more directional camber profile and has that rocker in the nose that the Custom doesn’t have.
The shape is very different though. The Hometown Hero has a good amount of taper and much more setback. And the nose is longer than the tail as well, so setback on the overall length of the board is even more than the setback on effective edge (setback is always measured by how far the board is setback along the effective edge, rather than the overall length of the board – so the 40mm setback on the Hometown Hero and 12.5mm on the Custom is referring to the setback on effective edge). And plenty of other differences too (e.g. sidecut, effective edge to contact length ratio, etc). So they’re not going to feel overly similar, besides the camber and the flex.
The Hometown Hero will give you considerably better powder performance, IMO.
Size-wise, I think 156 is your best bet. It’s true, like you say, that the 160 would make it even more different to the Custom in 154W, but I think it’s just getting a bit too big for your specs. If you were going to be predominantly riding it in open terrain powder, then it’s doable, but I just think it’s not going to be a lot of fun trying to maneuver that size in tighter spaces, with your specs. If you think you will be predominantly using it for big mountain powder kind of thing, then I think 160 is an option, but otherwise, I’d stick with 156.
Hope this helps
Thank you for the reply Nate!
i have one more question regarding the board width. I ride with angles of 18 and 0, would i be okay with the overhang? i’m not too sure how wide the regular 156 is at the inserts, but i tend to go pretty deep when carving. i used to have a Custom X 156 which has same waist width of HTH 156 and i recall the Custom X was a bit narrow but, that was few years ago. I should be good with regular 156 even with my 0 angle at the back foot right?
Hi Brandon
I think you should be OK with 9.5 Tactical ADVs, but no guarantees. I measured the HTH as 262mm at the back insert – which is the insert of biggest concern for you with that zero degree angle. Custom X 156 would have been similar (assuming you’re talking 2018 or more recent model – the 2017 and earlier models were narrower). So if you felt you had issues on the 156 Custom X, you’re not going any wider on the HTH. Did you have the Tactical ADVs back then?
At a zero degree angle, I would predict you have about 3.1cm of total overhang (outersole of the Tactical ADV 9.5 being around 29.3cm and the width at inserts on the HTH being 26.2cm). That’s an overhang that typically wouldn’t cause any boot drag issues, but no guarantees of course, particularly if you had issues with the same setup on your Custom X.
i had 2016 model Custom X i believe, with 9.5 Burton Photon. would i be okay if i get my angle at -6 on my back foot? and if i have to choose between 156W and 160 for a wider option, i would be better off 156W right? i really appreciate your input.
Hi Brandon
The 2016 model Custom X had a 248mm waist in the 156. Likely around a 258mm width at inserts. With 262mm on the HTH I really think you’ll be fine. 4mm doesn’t sound like a huge difference, but when it comes to the angle you can carve out without toe drag, it does make a real difference. Also, whilst the Photon are low profile, the Tactical ADV are more low profile. The Photon I measured was 2.6cm longer than mondo, whilst the Tactical ADVs I’ve measured have come in at 1.7cm and 1.8cm longer than mondo. The Photon’s do have a steeper toe bevel on them, which helps them to be more low profile, but overall, I’d still say the Tactical ADV are more low profile. But even if you were to consider them the same, that extra width versus the Custom X should make the difference.
If you were comfortable with a 6 degree angle on your back foot, that would make some difference. Not a huge amount, but if you wanted that little bit more leeway. But I think you should be fine even at 0 deg.
If you had to choose a wider option, then yeah I’d say probably 156W – but I don’t think you have to choose a wider option.
Thanks Nate! Yes, I forgot to mentioned, my riding angles are +13/-13, I tried with -8 on my rear foot but did not like it… Also I am not an aggressive curve riders…
I have been riding a Burton Custom 158w a few years ago and liked it, however when I switched to narrower boards it felt so different so more lively (not sure if it is only because of the narrower boards, as they were also slights smaller and softer). Therefore my main concern is that if I go with the 156w I will sacrifice a response and liveliness and gain some additional weight.
Hi Jaka
With those bindings angles and if you’re not super aggressive on your carves, then I think you will be fine on the 156 and that’s the one I would choose for you.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for you input! By super aggressive we are talking about Eurocarving and such things?
Hi Jaka
Yeah like eurocarving
Great, thanks Nate! Anyway, how very different would the feeling be between riding a 156 or a 156w? Since I’m on the borderline and I’m not a beginner, would I even feel that I need to put more effort to it? I wish I could try this by my self to see how differently they really are.
Hi Jaka
I personally notice the difference quite a bit between regular width and wide widths. Just takes more energy to initiate a turn on a wide board I find – which can be fatiguing and also can start to affect your technique – and also can cause slower edge-to-edge transition. If I size down, in terms of length, a wider board, then I find that helps. But this is only true because on a wide board my feet are well inside the edges of the board. For someone with longer feet, a wide board is fine, as they can apply that pressure to the edges more easily. Given that you’re in 10.5s, assuming your feet are longer than mine, you wouldn’t notice it quite as much, but probably still to some extent. I always try to get on the narrower option if possible – so long as it’s not so narrow that it will cause boot drag.
Gotcha 🙂 Yes my feet are bigger, in fact my longer foot is 28.4 mm long (the leading one) and if I am assuming that the HH 156W is 270 mm wide at the inserts and with my riding angles that means I would have 6 mm of bare foot overhang, compared to the HH 156 where I would have 14 mm of bare foot overhang. Are my calculations on point? 🙂 So how much overhang is that sweet spot? From your previous comments I am guessing as much as possible 🙂
Hi Jaka
In terms of foot overhang you can’t really have too much, but there’s a limit with how much boot overhang. If your boots were the same length as your feet, you could have as much as 40-50mm foot overhang total (20-25mm toe, 20-25mm heel). But you don’t want too much boot overhang, so that’s where it’s limited.
With your feet being 284mm long and the width at the back insert roughly 270mm long you should have around 14mm total overhang (7mm heel and 7mm toe, if perfectly centered) – if using a zero binding angle. With more angle, that number would come down but only subtly. With the 156 you’d have 22mm of total foot overhang (11mm heel, 11mm toe), again assuming a zero binding angle. With angle that number would come down again too.
So yeah really the sweet spot is to have your feet reach the edges or with some overhang, without your boots having too much overhang, IMO. I think you get away with both. However, with 284mm feet, I would be leaning towards the 156W – since you’ve already got plenty of leverage on the edges (wouldn’t notice that much from 3-4mm once you’re already over the edges) but it would give you more leeway in terms of boot drag.
Thank you Nate! I will try to find a good deal on the 156w, otherwise I will go with the 156.
Thank you again 🙏🏻
You’re very welcome Jaka. Happy riding!
Hey Nate, one more question. 156 or 156W for Burton Photon 10.5 US boots and Malavita M bindings?
Hi Jaka
It’s borderline. I was happy with 10s on the 156. As per my reply to your comment on another post, I think the Vans Aura’s that I rode this board with have a similar amount of reduced footprint to the Photon Boas. So I would certainly be comfortable in Photon 10s. 10.5s are borderline and would depend on a couple of things.
Firstly binding angles. i.e. if you ride with quite a straight back binding angle (like 0 degrees, 3 degrees, that kind of thing), then that would certainly lean me more towards the 156W
Secondly how hard you like to carve. If you like to really get high on those edges, then that gives you more chance for boot drag. If you like to really rail your carves, then I would be leaning more 156W.
But if you like to carve, but not super aggressively and you have angles like +15/-15, that kind of thing, then I think you get away with the 156. Otherwise, I would probably go 156W.
For reference, you’re looking at roughly 5.1cm total overhang (roughly 2.6cm heel and 2.5cm toe, with even boot centering) at a 0 degree angle on the back foot.
Hope this helps.