Hello and welcome to my Capita DOA review.
In this review, I will take a look at the DOA as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the DOA a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: CAPiTA DOA (Defenders of Awesome) 2023
Price: $549
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (5.5/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 84.8/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 33 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the DOA's Specs
Check out the tables for the DOA's specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $549 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Chattery/Damp: |  |
Smooth/Snappy: |  |
Playful/Aggressive: |  |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber (Capita's "Resort V1 Profile") |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered (Capita's "Quantum Drive") |
Weight: | Light |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
148 | 244 | 90-150 | 40-68 |
150 | 246 | 100-150 | 45-68 |
152 | 248 | 110-150 | 50-68 |
154 | 250 | 120-180 | 54-81 |
156 | 252 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
158 | 254 | 140-200 | 63-90 |
160 | 257 | 160-220 | 72-100 |
162 | 259 | 180-240 | 82-110 |
164 | 261 | 190-245+ | 86-111+ |
151W | 255 | 110-150 | 49-68 |
153W | 256 | 120-180 | 54-81 |
155W | 258 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
157W | 260 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
159W | 261 | 140-200 | 63-90 |
161W | 262 | 160-220 | 72-100 |
163W | 263 | 170-230+ | 77-104+ |
* the 151W is a new size for the 2024 model. The 164 was a new size for the 2023 model.
Who is the DOA Best Suited To?
The DOA is best suited to someone who wants a light board with plenty of snap and pop and likes to hit a lot of jumps and/or sidehits, but still wants to be able to lay down carves on groomers and hit some decent speeds too.
It's on the more aggressive side, but not quite aggressive enough that I would have it in my aggressive all-mountain freestyle category. But still not for beginners and even low intermediate riders would struggle with this.
It might be an easier ride with a different structured base pattern - or a flat (unstructured base) because I think that did add to its reluctance to slash a turn.
Not for powder, really at all, IMO. Fine for shallow powder, but would be an effort in deep pow.
The DOA in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the DOA is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Capita DOA 2023, 156cm (252mm waist width)
Date: March 24, 2022
Conditions
Sunny with barely a cloud in the sky.
Temperature: 30°F (-1°C) in the morning, warming up to 36°F (2°C) in the afternoon.
24hr snow: 0" (0cm)
48hr snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 27" (69cm)
On groomer: Hard packed but not icy.
Off groomer: Icy and crunchy to start but softened up as the day went on.
Set up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 22" (560mm)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 262mm (10.32")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Tactical ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 6lbs 1oz (2760 grams)
Weight per cm: 17.69 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.59 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 200 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 models. The DOA is a good bit lighter than normal on the scales and on snow you really feel that lightness too.
Powder
None to test on this time I got on the DOA, but I've been on it enough over the years to know it's not going to excel in there. And the specs back that up. Centered, true twin with no real rocker to speak of in the profile.
Carving & Turning
Carving: You want to be carving on this board most of the time. It feels best when on edge. And it does carve well.
Ease of Turning/Slashing: Doesn't like to slash a turn. It wants to lock in and doesn't want to release the tail. This can make it feel catchy. Part of that is the structured base that it uses. I have heard from one person that giving it a grind and removing that structure does help to make it way easier to slash. Perhaps a different patterned structure would also help?
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Quite quick edge to edge, so long as you're using good technique and don't get off your game and try to skid.
Skids: Feels quite catchy when trying to skid turns.
Speed
This board has great glide, which is really nice when you get into those flat zones or slight uphills. The structure in the base helps here. Though I think I'd still rather be able to slash and have slightly less glide/acceleration.
At speed it's pretty stable too. Not top tier stable or anything - and you'd never expect that from a mid-flexing board, but still decent in terms of stability at speed.
Uneven Terrain
Crud: It doesn't get too bucked about but it does to some extent and it's pretty easy to catch an edge when trying to correct. But for the most part you can commit and be good in crud.
Bumps: Whilst it's pretty quick edge-to-edge, you've got to be really conscious of keeping it up on edge - when you start to try to slash around between the bumps, it can punish you. So if you want to be forced to have good technique, then it will help there. But also as I mentioned earlier, part of that un-slashability is in the base structure, which can be modified.
Jumps
Really fun board to hit jumps on overall. If it wasn't quite as locked in, I would give it 5/5, but for sidehits, I did wish sometimes I had a bit more slashability.
Pop: Great pop - and with the board feeling super light so you get full value for it. Most of the pop is easy access too.
Approach: Stable but can be difficult to speed check.
Landing: Really solid on landings.
Side-hits: Has great easy access pop - and is agile when you stay on edge. But would like to be able to be a little more lazy/casual on it at times.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Medium to Large is it's sweet spot, IMO.
Switch
Whilst transitioning to switch isn't perfect, once you're there it basically feels the same - naturally being a true twin.
Spins
Easy pop and light and rotates well. Only thing that doesn't make it perfect is that it can feel a little sketchy setting up for a spin in switch - well at least for me anyway.
Jibbing
Again, I think it would be better, but the setup for me is a little sketchy.
Butters
You've got to put a bit of weight behind it to get it to butter, but it's not too difficult to butter.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.8/100 |
Even though the price has gone up a little the last couple of years, it's still one of the best value for money boards going around.
And I would have loved it even more if not for the structure base pattern. It might work for some - and it may be the case that the particular pattern was ill-suited to the conditions we were riding - but I prefer a bit more slashability in this type of board.
That being said, this can be changed and I have heard of someone who ground the base and said it slashed way easier. And my turns/slashing score is based on the fact that this should fix that issue (if you want it fixed).
But even with that, this board was fun, so long as you kept on your game - it's really light and poppy and that makes it super fun for jumps in particular.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in the DOA, check out the links below for more info and availability.
If you want to check out some other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to see how the DOA compares to other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Capita DOA review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the DOA is capable of.
Capita DOA: 2018 Review
The DOA is the perfect board for anyone who likes to charge hard down the mountain but also wants to do some freestyle riding – both natural hits and in the park (particularly for jumps and not so much jibbing).
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the DOA is capable of.
Hi Nate,
I am 5’9, ~145 lbs and wear US10,5 – US11.
I am intermediate, riding at an angel 15-15 and am looking at DOA size 153W.
What do you think sizewise and what is your suggestion?
Thanks,
Hi Aneg
I think the 153W would be just right for your specs.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 154. There aren’t too many wider boards at this length and the 154 in this case would be too narrow. So, I think 153W would be the perfect size for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, how are you? I’ve changed my boots and board and I need your help
I weigh 78 kg, I’m 1.70 tall and my boot size is 9.5 us.
The boots are Vans infuse and I bought the capita doa size 154.
Will I have a problem with the width of the board with those size 9.5 boots?
Hi Augustin
I’m well thank you. Hope you’re doing well too.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157. However, 154 is in range, particularly for the DOA, which is something I feel you can size down for, particularly if you’re using it for a good portion of freestyle stuff and/or if you’re used to a board more around that size. It has a lot of effective edge vs overall length, so I think 154 is fine length-wise.
Now, I know that’s not what you were asking, but wanted to get that out first. You were more concerned about width.
Width-wise, you’re looking at about 260mm at the inserts of the 154 (assuming a stance width of around 22″ (560mm)). Which is typically in my experience enough width for 9.5s. And the Vans Infuse, in my experience, and Vans boots in general, tend to be relatively low profile in terms of their overall length. The infuse is quiet bulky around the ankle and heel, but in terms of length I’ve found them to be lower profile than the average boot. Let’s look at some numbers.
I measured the Infuse at 2.3cm above Mondo for the outer sole of the boot. But let’s even round that up to 2.5cm. A 9.5 has a mondo point of 27.5cm, so you’re boot is likely to be around 30cm in length. The width at inserts is 26cm. So, assuming you were to ride with your back insert at 0 degrees, you would be looking at 4cm of total overhang – or 2cm per edge (assuming perfect boot centering). I would be very comfortable with that amount of overhang. And the more of an angle your bindings are on, the less that overhang would get.
Long story short, you should be all good width-wise, IMO.
Hope this helps
Nate, how would you compare DOA vs Jones MT in terms of high speed stability and edge to edge carving? Which one would be better choice if I spend most of the time on groomers preferring edge to edge style at high speeds (but also riding switch, attacking side hits, jumps etc. on the groomers). It seems that these two boards are comparable, right?
Also about sizing – I am 179cm and weigh 70kg with large boots size (US13) . If I decided and order MT I would get 156W , in CAPITA there are 155W (25.8 waist) and 157W (26.0 waist) – which one would be better choice in your opinion for my sizing?
Hi Piotr
Thanks for your message.
In my experience I would say:
– Similar for carving performance overall. A different feel, but both good for carving
– DOA I’ve found to be a little more stable at speed, but not much in it
– DOA has a more technical feel and isn’t as compromising if your technique is off. Takes a bit more to slash turns and a little less fun if you want to get lazy and cruise vs the MT
– DOA great for jumps/sidehits. Really light and good pop. MT not far off though, it’s still really good for jumps/side-hits
– DOA a little better for switch too – though taking into account it’s more technical, you want to be fairly proficient riding switch, to enjoy it switch, IMO
Size-wise, I agree with 156W for the MT. For the DOA I’d be leaning 155W length-wise, but the width may not be enough for 13s. Even the 157W would be pushing it. In terms of width, for reference:
– MT 156W width at inserts, assuming a 22″ stance width – 271mm front insert and 272mm back insert
– DOA 155W width at inserts, assuming a 22″ stance width – 268mm both inserts
– DOA 157W width at inserts, assuming a 22″ stance width – 270mm both inserts
Even the 156W MT could be pushing it for width, depending on the profile of your boots, your binding angles and how hard you like to carve. Depending on those things, I think I’d still go 157W if you went DOA, to be safer, in terms of width.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Cheers from New Zealand and thanks for all the information and research you do.
I’m an advanced rider and I want to step up my game in the park, mostly medium and large jumps (no so much jibbing) and I also love to ride all mountain. So I’m looking for my next all mountain freestyle board.
I mainly ride resort, often in icy conditions, but also enjoy a bit of off tracks and powder in occasions (does not happen often though)
I ride a 156W Bataleon Global Warmer, with Burton L Cartel bindings and Burton size 12 boots.
I’m looking at a couple of boards: Capita DOA and Super DOA, Bataleon Evil Twin + and GNU RC C3, but not sure of which one would be the best to step up my park game.
Would you mind giving me an opinion on this one?
Cheers
Hi Nico
Thanks for your message.
Because you often ride icy conditions, I would be leaning GNU RC C3. It’s the best of those, IMO, in icy conditions, but it would also depend on if there’s a size that would suit you. If you’re not sure about sizing, then I’d be happy to give a suggestion, would just need your height and weight specs in addition to the info you’ve already given.
Any of those boards are likely to give you better all-mountain performance and better jump performance for bigger jumps, IMO, than the Global Warmer (based on specs, it’s not one that I’ve ridden).
Between the DOA/Super DOA, I’d be leaning Super DOA, given you’re an advanced rider and you’re looking mostly and medium and large jumps.
If you’re look for the most familiar feel, but just in a slightly stiffer package, then the Evil Twin would work too.
But again, it could depend on sizing as to which ends up being the best bet.
Hope this helps
Awesome feedback, thanks mate!
I do need some help with sizing, specially if I’m going to go with the GNU.
I’m 175cm tall and weight 72 kg. Also, my current binding set up is at 12° each of them. I believe my boot size being a 12 is the most limiting factor of them all.
Continuing with the questions, which of this boards is also good for me to keep doing butters and side tricks?
Is there any other board not in this list that you would recommend me getting for the park progression I’m after, and still be OK for all mountain and butters?
Thanks again Nate.
Cheers,
Nico
Hey Nico
Size-wise for the RC C3, I think you’d have to go to the 158 as anything else shorter would be too narrow. If they had the 155W, like they do for the Rider’s Choice (C2X version), then that would be ideal. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 157, but sizing down a little for this board would make sense, given it’s going to be something that you’ll be using a lot for freestyle. The 158W is still doable, but ideally something more like 154W-156W.
In terms of buttering, the RC C3 isn’t too bad. I’d call it a 3.5/5 for ease of pressing. So you’ve got to put a bit more weight into it to get it pressing, but once you can lock it in, it’s pretty good. Certainly likely to be a little more effort than your Global Warmer. The DOA similar for buttering and the Super DOA a little more effort again, being stiffer – but still doable – but more like a 3/5 in terms of ease. The Evil Twin going to be the easiest of the 4 to butter, I would say.
Certainly the plus side of the DOA/Super DOA is that they’ve got that 155W size. And the Evil Twin has a 156W.
Some other options that I think would work well for you:
– YES Greats: First one to spring to mind as it’s great in icy conditions, great all over the mountain (except in powder) and is a little easier to butter than the RC/DOA, in my experience. Whilst it doesn’t have any particular wide sizes, it’s as wide as a lot of wide boards, so should be wide enough in the 156
– There’s also a Bataleon Evil Twin+ – the “+” version is supposed to be a little stiffer, but it’s still nothing super stiff or anything.
– I haven’t ridden it yet, but the Rome Artifact Pro could be worth looking into (comes in a 155W)
Wow man, you gave me such great info there!
I really appreciate it.
Just read your YES Greats review and I believe I’m sold on that one, as it has the assymetry I was looking for in the GNU, and size wise is way more accesible to me. Awesome graphics too
I’ll let you know how it went in a couple of months, when the snow season starts on this part of the world.
Thanks again Nate.
All the best
You’re very welcome Nico. Look forward to hearing how you get on on the Greats, once you get a chance to get it out on the snow. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
I am US10.5 82kgs 187cm
I think DOA 158 fits me, but I have a reason to push for 156
I did CAD drawing of the board (156) based on the specs and placed my bare foot length (28.0cm) on the inserts (on reference stance)
its 9mm overhang at 15 degree and 15mm overhang at 9 degree (total of heel and toe extension over board edge on y-axis)
What do you think of these figures for DOA 156?
I use Burton SLX, I think this is kind of low-profile boot
FYI the board is 260mm width at inserts (for 156 size)
Hi Ismail
Thanks for your message.
With 10.5s, a 260mm width at inserts is borderline and it really depends on how you ride, your binding angles and the profile of your boots. With a 9mm total overhang (4.5mm per edge assuming perfect boot centering) and the low profile nature of your boots (I haven’t measured the SLX before, but given other Burton boots are consistently low profile, I imagine they would be the same). You’re probably looking at total overhang with boots of around 3.6cm or 1.8cm per edge assuming perfect boot centering. This is assuming the SLX have an outsole around 2.2cm longer than the Mondo. Unless you’re really getting deep in your carves, I imagine you would be fine with that overhang. And this sounds about as I would expect it (again assuming a 2.2cm longer outsole vs mondo) – with a 30.7cm outsole, the total overhang at inserts would be 4.7cm on a 0 degree angle and from what I’ve measured in the past a 15 degree angle tends to decrease overhang by roughly 1cm (will likely differ depending on board).
At a 9 degree angle, you would be increasing that total overhang to 4.2cm (according to your numbers) – around 2.1cm per edge. That’s still OK, if you don’t tend to carve too deep, but if you’re really railing your carves, it’s getting more borderline.
In terms of length, I think the 158 is probably the better length for your specs, but the 156 is certainly in range – and if you’re OK with sacrificing a little stability at speed and float in powder to gain more maneuverability and an easier board to butter/spin etc, then it’s certainly doable.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you Nate for valuable comments
Indeed the SLX boots are exactly 30.7cm (2.2cm outersole) as you guessed
One concern, US10.5 boots with union L-size bindings, heel cup max forwarded, i cant center the boots
hanging is a lot more on heel side rather than the toe side
With boots on, Its like 23mm heel hanging and 4mm toe hanging (on a board with 273mm width at inserts at 15degree)
So when we have 261mm width at inserts (DOA 156), it will be 29mm heel hanging 10mm toe hanging
I think this is doable considering i dont carve that much but is on the borderline
Hi Ismail
Depending on which Union bindings you have, you may be able to improve that centering a little more. If it’s something with the Universal Disc – like the Force or Atlas, then you should be able to turn the binding disc and run it vertical. It will mean less stance width adjustability, but if you can still find a stance width you’re comfortable with, with the disc vertical, then you should be able to mount the bindings a little closer to the toe edge. If they’re something with the mini-disc, then you wouldn’t be able to do that. But yeah 29mm heel edge is borderline, but if you’re not carving super deep, it should still be OK. Particularly because it’s the heel edge. Most can get lower into a carve on the toe side, so if there’s going to be more overhang on one edge, it’s better off being the heel edge. That said, if you can achieve better centering, it’s worth doing.
Hi Nate. Could you help me with choise of snowboard? I’m 170cm, 65kg, size 8 US (32 zephyr premium) boots and bindings angle is 15.
I choose between Capita Doa (152 or 154), Capita OSL (152 or 154), and, also there is Jones Twin sister (152) with great price.
I use snowboard mainly on resort(often with hard snow) and focused on middle speed carving, little jumps and little bit butter.
What deck and what size will be better for me, for you opinion?
Thanks in advance
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
All 3 of those boards will do well for what you’re describing, IMO, if you don’t think you’ll be riding powder at all on it. If you do want it to be also pretty good in powder, then I would be weighing up between the OSL and Twin Sister, which are better in powder than the DOA. The Twin Sister, IMO, is better for hard/icy snow than the other 2.
Size-wise, I think 152 is just right for you, so that’s the size I’d choose for all 3. The OSL, being the narrowest, is probably going to feel the most nimble with your boot size. But that said, they are all suitable width-wise. But if I had to choose, I’d be leaning OSL 152 or Twin Sister 152 for your boot size. Also note that the DOA comes with this notched base (last I rode it anyway), which is good for glide, but not so good (IMO) for slashing your turns – but this can easily be changed by getting a base grind.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Thank you for a quick answer. And one more question – what bindings will be better for this boards? Think about union bindings: force, strata or atlas spring break
Hi Alex
I would go Force or Strata for those boards. The Atlas is doable as well, but I think the Force and Strata are better flex matches. Between the Strata and the Force, the Strata has better board feel and shock absorption, IMO, and provides a more explosive, springy kind of response versus the Force, which has more of a smooth, consistent response. Between the response feel, some people prefer that smoother response, some prefer a more explosive response. Personally I prefer the feel of the Strata, but some prefer the Force’s feel.
Hi Nate!
I bought new set for this season: OSL 152 and union strata (size M). And I have one more question. Flex rating of the board – 5, bindings – 6, my boots – 32 zephyr premium spring break, have a flex rating 4. Is my boots will be working well with this set, or better upgrade boots for more stiffer?
Thanks in advance
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Ideally, I would go with stiffer boots. But those will certainly work. If they’re in good condition still and you find that they fit really well, you could certainly keep using those with that setup. If you’re not riding over aggressively/bombing hard all the time, then I think you get away with those boots, at least for now. When it does come time when you need to replace them because they’re wearing out, then I would go a little stiffer for that setup. If you find that they don’t fit as well as you like or they’re getting pretty worn out and were thinking of replacing them anyway, then yeah it’s a good bet, but otherwise I’d keep wearing them for a bit, because they’ll do for that setup, even if they’re not perfect.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, nice review as always. I’m 6’0”, 160 lbs, with burton size 9 boots. I’m getting into a bit more freestyle and riding switch, and thinking abt getting a DOA. Wondering what would be a good size for me. Thanks!
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message and apologies for the slow reply. Behind at the moment – flat out busy!
I would be looking 156, if you were going to be using it as your daily driver that errs more freestyle. If you were going to be using it as your freestyle specific board in your quiver, you could even size down to the 154.
Hope this helps
Hey guys, just got my DOA 21/22 and wanted to share one surprise that stunned me – THE BOARD DOESN’T WANT TO TURN! I should have probably understood this from the review when you write the board “locks”, I could just never see how much and what it actually means until I got it. The reason is it has a sort of micro-channels going over whole base from nose to tail, and they just lock the board going straight. If you just push hard on the edge and do a carve, that’s ok, but if you think about these funny, surf-like slides where you quickly turn the board to slow down and then revert back without rotating the shoulders, then forget them, the board won’t let you.
I actually never realised how much I do them, until I suddenly couldn’t. My previous board was some 6yrs old K2 FastPlant, so not sure if this behaviour is something common with boards nowadays, or whether it’s something unique here. I also understand it is probably beneficial when a pro approaches a stone-frozen kicker in high-speed and needs the board to keep going straight while he’s executing his all-body moving multi-cork crazyness.. I can see all this, but still..
I am regular Joe, riding for 20+ years, buying DOA for riding a resort when there is some fresh snow on the slopes and taking small-medium lines in park. I took it out to ride slopes with some 10cm fresh snow, and after 3 hours I was so annoyed I went back home. Seriously, it was so different and stuck, I couldn’t even ride switch on regular slope! Just wanted to turn and the board didn’t and I fell on my bum several times. I felt like if I started riding 3 days ago, so frustrating. Like when you tighten trucks on a skateboard so much you cannot actually turn.
So the next day I took it to a ski-service and let them grind and rebuild the whole base to get rid of these micro-channels. And hooray, I got my surfy feeling back, even better than on my old board, it just skids like I imagined, so I am happy in the end.
I am just wondering if I am the only one feeling this way. Also now when I saw the huge difference it made, I am wondering how much this locking would help when riding park. There must be a benefit, otherwise they probably wouldn’t do it.. but I didn’t even dare taking it to park when I had trouble riding straight slope.
I don’t know, maybe when you focus on big air you just go straight, then pull off the trick and stomp the landing.. so you don’t even talk about “riding” in terms of turning and enjoying the ride itself, similarly with frozen half-pipe, I don’t know. But the board is advertised as all-resort freestyle weapon, so I would kind of expect that even riding it will be fun. It is for me, in the end so I am happy I got it, but the first feelings were mixed at least.
Hope this helps someone, cheers.
Hi Ziki
Thanks for your message. Your insights are much appreciated. Glad it turned out well for you in the end and sorry it didn’t start so well.
I’m personally not a fan of that base construction either and I’ve seen it on other boards too (not just Capita boards – and not all Capita boards have it either). I find just giving it a fresh wax diminishes that “channel” feel, so I usually give them a wax when they’re like that. But I’ve certainly never felt it to the extent that you’re describing. I’ve definitely felt what you’re describing, but to a more subtle level. Certainly a board that encourages you to ride more on edge and carve, rather than skidding turns, but yeah, the experience your describing is more to the extreme than I’ve experienced. So maybe the base you got had particularly deep channels or something? Not sure. Anyway, glad to hear your enjoying the board now and the base rebuild fixed the issue for you.
I’m sure this will definitely be helpful for others reading it, so thanks for sharing.
Hey Nate,
thanks for the answer, glad I am not getting mad and you see my point. Indeed the conditions with fresh snow and still snowing could have made the locking feel stronger, I could even hear the ‘woooosh’ sound everytime when turning as the snow was going in an angle to the base and the channels were pushing against that turn.
I can imagine on an icy slope it wouldn’t make that much difference, but I don’t like that kind of conditions anyway. I go riding on days when there is some fresh powder on top that you can spray around and have fun, so there was just no point waiting for an icy day to confirm this. Even park I prefer when the snow is a softer, not hard as a concrete so I guess I will be fine. Anyway, thanks for your site, super helpful, keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing this! I too have the EXACT same problem and thought I was the only one. I bought a 21/22 Capita DOA based on all the accolades. I just wanted a quiver board that could do a little bit everything, I’m not the type that owns multiple boards. I consider myself on the higher end of intermediate. Borderline between intermediate and advanced.
I was super frustrated as well with not being able to turn the board at will. Even felt like I was going to catch a edge a few times. As you said, I felt like I was learning how to snowboard again. It was a truly humbling experience. I chalked it up to growing pains of a new board and thought after a few more days under my belt, I’d get the hang of it.
I did get more used to it by the 3rd day with it, but I was never fully comfortable. With my previous 2 boards, I felt like I had complete mastery over them. I eventually cut my losses and sold the board used. Such a bummer too, because aside from the difficulty in turning and the feeling that I’d catch an edge, I loved all the other aspects of the board (light, snappy/poppy, perfect medium flex, stable at speeds and chunder, etc).
Great idea on having the base redone, I should have done that too.
Hi Ziki you are definitely not alone with this issue. To keep it short, Capita’s super aggressive base structure works very well in warm / natural snow conditions, if you are based in a region with cold and hardpacked snow, then you will have those turning issues as mentioned, because coarse structure is simply not suited for these conditions. It took me almost a week of experimenting and research to find the same solution. Grind the base till nothing of the structure is left and regrind some new, super thin structures and the board starts to fly again.
And again to answer your question, the benefit of this base structure is simply to make this board faster and more agile, but it only works in the right conditions and works against you the colder/more hardpacked it gets.
Hello Nate, first of all thanks for your time by sharing all this information.
It got me thinking about whether or not I made the right decision. Your validation would really solidify my confidence here!
So I’m 6’0, 180lbs, size 10.5 US boots and have my bindings angle at 9.
I went ahead and bought the 158cm DOA. Please tell me I won’t catch any heavy toe drags Nate!
Cheers!
Hi Leester
Thanks for your message.
It’s a close call with 10.5s. With a 9 degree angle, you might be alright depending on a couple of things.
1. How deep do you like to carve – are you pretty aggressive/deep (e.g. eurocarving) or more casual? Or in between?
2. What boots do you have? If your boots are low profile, it would certainly help.
Nate, thanks so much for the quick reply.
1) I like to lay out some euro carves every now and then. I haven’t had any issues on my first run going down double black but haven’t had the courage to do euro carves on the DOA yet.
2) I’m sporting the Nidecker Ranger.
Hi Leester
Thanks for the extra info.
I haven’t tested any Nidecker boots to date, so I’m not sure how low profile they are. Would be very interested to hear how you get on with euro carves on it.
Hi Nate.
I’m trying to pick between the DOA and the Burton Custom. One of my main considerations is how much pop I will get out of the board. It seems like the DOA has a little more pop than the Custom. Exactly how much pop will I lose if I go with the Custom instead of the DOA? Is it insignificant or will I definitely notice it?
Also, if I were to get the Custom, would you recommend the camber or flying-v to be closer to the DOA’s hybrid profile? I am high-end intermediate and I ride all mountain / freestyle and some park.
Finally, I am thinking of going 158cm for either board. I am 6’0, about 180 lbs and have size 10.5 – 11 US boot.
Hi Conner
Thanks for your message.
I would say the DOA has a little more pop and I can notice it, but I wouldn’t say it’s a massive difference. I think the DOA’s pop is easier to access more of it. Put another way – you get a lot of pop out of the DOA with not much effort. The Custom still gives a good amount of pop without effort, but not quite as much as the DOA. With both boards, you can get even more pop when you really load it up. Hope that makes sense.
The Custom Camber is definitely closer in profile to DOA than the Custom Flying V.
Size-wise, I think 158s will work with 10.5s, but if you end up in 11s, I would be looking more at 157W for the DOA and 158W for the Custom. Depending on binding angles and how low profile or bulky the boot is, you could still consider the wide sizes with 10.5s.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m choosing between Capita DoA 148 and Nitro Team Pro 149 as an all-mountain board. Both of them have relatively narrow waist width 244mm which is important to me (US7, 136 lbs). No jib, no powder. Side hits, groomers, butters, 360’s and ollies. Which one do you think fits better?
Thank you
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
Tough call. I think both would definitely work for what you’re describing, given you’re not looking to ride powder with this board. And both in good sizes, I reckon.
IMO, the Team Pro would be better for carving and a touch better at speed too probably (I’ve only ridden the Team and not the Team Pro, so this is making some assumptions). For butters both fairly similar, I would say (again based on the Team non-pro) and for ollies quite similar too – but maybe just give that to the DOA. Though the Team Pro is supposed to have a bit more pop than the regular Team, so that might even out. For sidehits again it’s pretty close, and I’d probably edge the DOA on that, but again the Team Pro, if it has more pop, would be pretty even. 360s probably the DOA, mostly because it’s lighter. For 180s for sure, because it’s a little better switch, but for 360s, not too far off each other, I wouldn’t think. I would give it to the Team Pro in terms of edge hold in hard/icy conditions over the DOA.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you, Nate
In terms of flex, how would you compare Nitro’s 7 and Capita’s 5.5? Build quality?
Hi Max
It somewhat depends on the board. With Capita I know that their flex ratings are based on the core only. So it doesn’t take into account the glass and additives or anything.
But specifically in the case of the DOA, it feels like a 6 to me. The Team Camber felt more like a 6/10 to me than a 7. So, to me they’re a very similar flex. The Team Pro is rated by Nitro the same as the Team, but I’m not sure if it’s actually stiffer in reality or not. It’s claimed to be poppier, so I don’t know it that comes with more stiffness as well? The main differences I can see in specs is the base (which shouldn’t add any stiffness) and the Diamond Band (carbon stringers). The Diamond Band might well make it feel a little stiffer – but hard to know for sure, without having ridden it.
Build quality I would say is similar.
Just bought my son a Captiva DOA 159W snowboard and wondering what you would consider to recommend as the best bindings for board. He is a size 11/12 foot. Thanks. He’s an experienced snowboarder freestyle type I would say. Thanks.
Hi Lisa
Thanks for your message.
I would go with something 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex. Given his freestyle leanings, I would try to get something with good board feel and shock absorption. Check out the following for some options. Pay attention to the score breakdowns to see what you think might work best.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Your reviews are excellent but the comment section is out of this world good! Thank you for answering regularly and concisely!
I also have a doubt regarding size. I am 195-210, size 10.5 Nortwave Legends, and I just can not make up my mind should I go 160 regular or 159W? I ride groomers, moguls, want to work on my switch and jumps, which is why I am buying DOA. Park is not interesting to me, but carving is and with 265mm width old Rossignol I have never put any thought in a wash out. I am not deep lay down on track carver and to be honest I do not know how deep I go because I have never made any video of such a thing to check.
The waist width difference between 160 and 159w is 0.4 and between noses 0.3. Is that difference so big that it can make a difference in riding style? It looks so insignificant but than again I don’t have an experience with it.
Hi Marko
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think your in the right place in terms of length – and it’s definitely the width that’s the question mark here.
Whilst it doesn’t sound like much at all, that small width difference, can definitely make a difference to the feel of the ride. 0.3 and .4 doesn’t sound like much, but it is a difference that you would notice. Compared to the difference some boards have between regular and wide options, it is less for sure. So, of course the difference in feel will be less significant, but you would notice the difference.
You’re looking at around 265mm in terms of the width at inserts on the 160. That’s the minimum I would go with for 10.5s, but it’s still in a good range for 10.5s, just at the narrowest end of that good range, IMO. Which means you should be good, but no guarantees. If you’re riding with +15/-15 binding angles (and if you’re going to working on switch with this board, that’s not a bad idea) or similar and you’re not carving super deep, then I think you should be fine with that width. I don’t test Northwave boots, so I don’t know how bulky they are. If they’re super bulky boots, then it may be more risky.
The 159W is likely around 269mm at the inserts, which is also within a good range for 10.5s, IMO. So it’s not something that’s going to be too wide for you, IMO. It reduces the chance of boot drag further and would allow you to have bulkier boots or a straighter back foot binding angle – or the ability to do deeper carves, if you were looking to do that.
The 160 is going to be a little more agile, a little easier to turn, particularly for quicker turns, particularly at slower speeds. But with 10.5s, the 159W isn’t going to be a boat for you to turn or anything.
Given that you’re used to a 265mm waist width board, I don’t think you’ll find the 159W DOA too wide and it’s probably the safer bet in terms of boot drag.
Personally I would go 160 if I was in your boots (excuse the pun!), just because I value that maneuverability and haven’t experienced drag on anything 260mm+ (at the inserts) with 10s. And for some boots, I ride 10.5s and I haven’t had issue with boot drag then either. So I’d be confident personally on the narrower 160 – and because I prefer a narrower width that’s what I would go with. But since you’re used to wider and since the 159W DOA isn’t super wide for a wide board, I don’t think you’d have problems with it.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you for these details! You have helped me enormosly! Now I have a starting point in deciding, even with different brands.
Hi Nate!
Love the site and reviews…. extremely helpful. Need your two cents here. I have been looking at the Capita DOA or GNU RC3 for minimal park but mostly all around resort board. Older rider who learned late in life. The reason I am considering the DOA is I have a Burton Custom, and I get tired of being punished (thrown to the ground) if I am not on. I am not the best carver, I skid my turns yet.
Having said that, do I get lessons and then the Burton Custom becomes a board I like because I learn to ride camber correctly or should I consider another camber profile? I do like camber and how it locks in but man I hate being punished and it’s always the same areas on the hill. Would hate to sell the board and regret it as many really like it.
Appreciated your opinion.
Hi Shredad
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the DOA is a little more forgiving on skidded turns than the Custom Camber for sure. But it’s still not super forgiving of them. I think the RC C3 is a similar level of forgiving of skidded turns as the DOA. Even though that rocker in the middle is subtle it does help a little taking away some of the consequence. But again, not super forgiving of skidded turns, but similar to the DOA and a little more forgiving than the Custom Camber.
I always recommend lessons, no matter what level of riding or how long you’ve been riding, so yeah definitely a good idea to take lessons. But doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t still want to be lazy at times afterwards. But will certainly help with getting that carving better and make the Custom a more fun board to ride for sure, and help to limit the edge catching. So, yeah definitely recommend lessons, if you can, but doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t change boards. Snowboarding should be fun for sure, and if you can get a board that makes it more fun for you, then that’s never a bad thing. Not every board is for everyone, that’s for sure. Some like full camber, some hate it – and some are OK with it, but still prefer a more hybrid profile.
My instinct is that you’d appreciate something more forgiving, even after lessons, but also that lessons are always a good idea, regardless.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! How would you compare CAPiTA DOA vs the never summer Proto slinger? Which is better for explosive jumps and side hits? Which is better all mountain?
Both boards have enthusiasts that swear the same hype!
Hi JD
Thanks for your message.
Both boards are great for jumps and side-hits, but have a bit of a different personality on them. The Proto Slinger has super easy to access pop – as in, you don’t have to put much into at all and you get plenty out. The DOAs pop isn’t hard to access by any means, but it’s not as easy to access – as in, you’ve got to put a little more effort in to get it out. When you do put that effort in the DOA maybe has a touch more pop overall than the Proto Slinger, but Proto Slinger still has really good overall pop. Proto Slinger is a more easily maneuverable board, and that coupled with that super easy pop, makes it the pick for me personally for side-hits. For small jumps in the park, both are really good and if I had to pick I’d prob still go Proto Slinger. When the jumps get bigger though, I’d give it to the DOA. The PS is fine on bigger jumps, but the DOA has a more stable approach for faster approaches and more stable landing platform overall, IMO.
The Proto Slinger is a softer board, really buttery too. I would say 3.5/10. The DOA not super stiff, but I feel it at around 6/10 bordering on 5.5/10. I hear from others who feel it softer than that, but that’s where I feel it – and I’m not sure if those who feel it softer have only had experience on stiffer boards, so they’re comparison is only based on that. But to me it’s 6/10.
For all-mountain, I would say DOA, but it kind of depends on the feel you’re looking for. The DOA is more stable at speed, so if you’re looking to bomb a lot, then it’s probably the better option. Both are similar for carving, though with different personalities. The DOA is a little more for bigger arcing carves – and can lay a nice carve. The Proto Slinger is a little more snappy/springy in it’s carves. It prefers a smaller radius, sharper carve – and doesn’t perform as well in high speed carves. For turning in general, the PS is a little more maneuverable at slower speeds.
Neither are great in powder.
PS a good bit more buttery.
PS a little better edge hold in hard/icy conditions, IMO.
Hope this helps
That’s really helpful, Nate! I’m grateful for the thorough & intentional reviews, and I feel like you should be getting paid as a consultant to so many of us who lean on you for expert advice. I’d be happy to donate to your site.
You’re very welcome Jay. And thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.
Hey Nate,
thank you for this great review for the Capita DOA.
I already had an eye on the Capita DOA two seasons before but now I finally got one.
Can‘t wait to test it and hope that the pandemic will be over soon.
However I still have a question.
I am riding the Ride Lasso Boot (US 10/28cm) on a Union Contact Pro binding in size „M“ and I am a bit uncertain wheter this setup will fit with the DOA in 156. I am in doubt that the board could be to narrow with the waist width of 25.2 cm. After all the outer dimension of the Ride Lasso is in the length 31cm. Most of the time I am riding in the park and my binding angles are about 12/15. Unfortunately I cannot test ist by myself at the moment. This is why I would be glad wheter you can take away my fears.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.
Greetings from Germany
Thomas
Hi Thomas
Thanks for your message.
It’s borderline, but I think it’s probably OK. I have always ridden the DOA with 10s, but lower profile (30.3cm outersole). That certainly makes a difference, but with 12/15 angles, I think you’ll probably be fine. If you’re laying deep carves, like eurocarving, that kind of thing, then you might have issues, but otherwise, I think you should be OK.
Hope this helps
Thank you for the quick answer.
Do you think the DOA in 155 wide would better suit to me then?
I am 178 cm and about 83 kg and if I am not in the park I am doing some butters and deep carving turns.
Hi Thomas
Yeah, if you’re doing deep carves, and your boots are 31cm outersole length, then I think going 155W or 157W is a good idea. Given that you’re riding in the park most of the time, then I think 155W would be good. 155W isn’t that wide for a wide board either, so you’re not going to feel it being too wide, I wouldn’t think.
Note that the 157W is probably more the all-mountain size I would go for, for you, and it would be better for big carves and speed, but the main reason I would be leaning 155W is because you spend a lot of time in the park.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking at a few different boards to buy but can you tell me what size I would want to get for the DOA? I’m 5’7, 145-150lbs, size 7 boots. Would I go for the 150?
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think 150 is a good way to go, if you’re going to be using this as something for a bit of everything on the mountain. I think 152 is probably the length, I would suggest, assuming a relatively advanced level, but with size 7 boots, I would size down a little to make up for the fact that it’s a little on the wide side for your feet. So, I think the 150 would be the sweet spot in this case. If you were going to be riding predominantly freestyle/park on this board, I would go for the 148.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the reply. I’d say I’m high-end intermediate or so. Do you think getting the Super DOA in a 152 would be an issue? Seeing as that’s the smallest size for that board.
Hi Aaron
Like with my other reply on the Skate Banana post, I think ideally you’d size down a little from the 152, just because of the width. Length at 152 is all good, IMO, but the 152 Super DOA is going to be wide for your boots. If there was a 150 it would still be wide for your boots, but sizing down that little bit helps to compensate a bit.
Ok. Sorry for all the questions. I hadn’t ridden for about 10 years before this year. Probably haven’t bought a board in about 15 years, so things are a little different these days it seems haha. I was looking at your article on board widths based on foot size. I feel like I’m not understanding part of it. I normally ride with binding angles +15, -15. Looking at the chart that has the heading “When Back Binding is at 15 degrees,” is it saying the max waist width I should look for with a size 7 boot is 238mm? That seems small so I feel like I’m not looking at it right. I guess what I want to know is what is the max waist width that would be recommended for my size 7 boots? Then I won’t have to keep bugging you haha. I know the 150 DOA you recommended has a waist width of 246mm. Is that about the max I should go? And would that change depending on the type of riding? Like if I bought the 152 skate banana (waist width 252mm) strictly for powder, would that be appropriate?Thanks again.
Hi Aaron
With your feet roughly 24.5cm your feet, on a 15 degree angle, would be inside the edges of most boards with around a 238mm waist width (which would be roughly 243mm-253mm at the inserts). Using the waist width is a pretty rough way to do it, but there isn’t much alternative when insert widths aren’t published. So, that 238mm is pretty rough, but a quick guide. I don’t know any men’s boards with waist widths that small – and going with a length 150+, you’re unlikely to get a waist width that small. Which is why in your case it’s a good idea to go a little shorter than what would otherwise probably be your best length. If there was a board with a narrower width around that 152-154 range, I think that length would be better for you, but looking a bit shorter compensates for a board that might be a little too wide for your feet. Women’s boards tend to be narrower, so if you were happy to consider those options, that’s an option too, but sizing down a little does help if a board is a little too wide. So with the DOA 150, the width is still a bit wide for your feet, ideally, but sizing down a little helps to compensate for that (in terms of maneuverability).
If you’re riding strictly in powder, then the width doesn’t matter as much – and that extra width would help with float, but I still wouldn’t go too wide, without sizing down. Also, if you were to get a powder specific board, I would go with something more powder oriented.
You could look at the Burton Sensei 151 and the Capita Outerspace Living 150 or 152, which are both some of the narrower options I’ve seen.
Or for more something more freeride/powder oriented, the Burton Flight Attendant 152 or Lib Tech Dynamo 150.
Ok thanks alot for your detailed responses. I was looking at the outerspace living as well. It will probably be that or the 150 DOA that you recommended. Time to make a decision. Thanks again.
You’re very welcome Aaron. If you think of it at the time let me know what you go with and how you get on once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
I found a 2014 154 cm doa for a good price, thinking of pulling the trigger, I’m 140 lb with size 10.5 dc control boots, medium binding, and advanced rider looking to use it for primarily park,
Is the 154 a good size? Ideally the 153w would be a great fit but just looking for a secondary board to mess around on.
Thanks
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
I agree that ideally you’d go 153W, but if you’re not going to be using it to do any deep carves with, I think you get away with it. Note though that it is going to be narrow for your boots, so if you do do any big carves, you’re likely to get boot drag.
Hi Nate,
I’m currently trying to decide between the capita doa and the outerspace living boards. I’d say I’m around intermediate level, and most slopes I hit near me are usually a little more on the hard packed/groomed side. They both seem like solid options, but which would be better for someone who’s trying to really start hitting the park, while also not giving up too much for all mountain carving? This would be my only board going forward, so hoping to get one that I can still use for most days.
I also don’t know which size would fit best. I’m 5’10, 180lbs with size 11.5 Ride Lasso boots.
Know its a huge request, appreciate it!
Thanks!!
Hi Scott
Thanks for your message.
I think the Outerspace Living (OSL) is the easier option for starting out in the park for sure. But the DOA is more poppy and better for jumps, IMO. But for jibs, I would actually prefer the OSL. For carving, I don’t think you lose anything going to the OSL. They’re as good as each other for carving, IMO. The DOA a little more in terms of speed, but not that much in it. I preferred the OSL for tighter shorter/sharper turns. Also, if you’re going to be buttering, I found the OSL more buttery than the DOA.
Size-wise, based on your specs and how you describe your riding, I would go 157W for you, for either board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I just recently saw your reviews while searching for some ratings for several boards..
My trouble: I learned snowboarding 2 years ago and was on the slope for about 20 days in total. My first board was lent from a friend (don’t remember the name), my second board was from a local used sale and is a Nitro Prime 58 (maybe? Can’t find any other name on it..). I am currently riding on the Nitro and want to upgrade.
After a bit of research I guess what I am looking for is a true twin, hybrid camber because it seems to hit my preferences best..
Anyway, I am searching for a board which is pretty much an all mountain freestyler. I did not much in the park yet, but my future plans would be to improve my riding in general, hit the park more often, do some butters, spins, lower jumps, middle jumps, maybe a bit of jibbing and so on – most of the time still on the regular slopes. Currently I have quite a few difficulties in riding switch in general – which is also a point which I want to focus in improving for landing jumps and so on.
At the moment my two favorites are the YES Basic and die capita DOA (open for any other suggestions aswell!!).
In general I think the YES would be the better choice for me concerning my skill level and my riding style (yes/no?), but I am a little bit concerned about the carving / speed on the YES overall.
Also I am struggling if I should take a 156W, 159W (on the YES) or no wide at all. My “specs” are:
– heigth: 184 cm
– weigth: 75 kg
– shoe size EU44 / US11 (I guess)
Would you favor the DOA, the YES or maybe even an other one for me?
Would you favor wide or non wide?
Thank you in advance!!
Cheers
Hi Moe
Thanks for your message.
I agree, from what you’re describing that an all-mtn-freestyle board is a good way to go. The DOA might work, but could also potentially be a bit of a step up. Totally get you’re concerns with the Basic for speed/carving though. Between those 2, I think I would still be leaning to the basic for what you’re describing, but there are other options too. Like with YES, you could look at the YES Typo to give you a little more. From Capita I would probably be looking more at the Outerspace Living for you, which I think would work really well. Some other options to consider, check out:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Size-wise, I would be looking in the range 156-158, in terms of length.
Width-wise, it really depends on the board whether to go wide or regular, with US11s. With Euro to US conversions it’s unfortunately not that universal. In some brands a 44 translates to a US11, in others to a US10.5 and in others still a US10. Do you have boots already? If so, what brand do you have?
If it is a US11, then I would go wide for the Basic (or Typo) – so 156W makes the most sense there, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
first of all, thank you for your reply. I appreciate that you put so much effort in answering all the questions (and so fast aswell)!!
Thank you for your suggestions. I quickly checked them on your page.
As I saw, the YES Typo is a directional twin (instead of true twin). Isn’t that kind of influencing riding switch and so on? To be honest, 5 mm setback does not seem much to me but will this be noticeable?
Also one quick question: The profile is a 2-4-2 hybrid camber (typo). What is the difference to an 4-4-4 hybrid camber (basic).
The OSL seems to be very little bit “better” in most of the specs (compared to the Typo) but not performing so well in hard / icy conditions. Being in Austria / Germany / Switzerland most of the time, I think I will hit few slopes with icy cond. from time to time.. how does this “weakness” of the OSL show?
Concerning the width: I have the Ride Lasso Boots. I don’t know if you know them.. but they are an US10.5 / EU44. I hate this US / EU conversion :):).
So for the Typo / OSL wide or not 🙂 What’s your opinion?
I was struggling between Basic and DOA, now I am struggling between Typo and OSL :):) This is pain. :P.
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Moe
Yeah Typo isn’t true twin, but it’s very close to being. In terms of riding switch, it’s very subtle. Unlikely you’ll really notice it. Very subtly not as good for switch, very subtly better in powder with that 5mm setback.
Yeah the 2-4-2 on the Typo gives it a more camber dominant feel versus the Basic, but it’s still nothing that’s too hard to ride or anything – still a very easy going board.
Typo is very good in icy conditions. The OSL not so much. It’s not terrible, especially if you keep the edges sharpened, but not as good as something like the Typo. The Typo you’re just less likely to loose an edge and wipe out when it gets icy.
With a 10.5 Lasso, I think you should be fine on the 158 Typo. The 155 might be pushing it, but I think the 158 would be a good size for you anyway, so I don’t think you should have any issues there. For the OSL, should be all good on the 158 too. The 156 is probably doable too, but pushing it width-wise, but I don’t think you’d have any issues on the 158.
Hi Nate,
I am unsure about the boot overhang on the Capita DOA.
The Salomon Dialogue Dual Boar US11/44EU are my good for that board. They measure around 32cm lenth tho.
– The DOA 155W has a waistwidth of 258mm and around 268mm at the inserts.
320mm – 268mm = 52mm total overhang.
The DOA 157W has a waistwidth of 260mm and around 270mm at the inserts.
320mm – 270mm = 50mm total overhang.
Isn’t that a bit too much?
I dont know how much you could subtract because of 15+/15.
Do you think I should worry and get a wider board?
And should it be the 155W or 157W for park? (6’5 and 170lbs) I am leaning to the 157W atm.
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Hi Hendrik
You could go to 155W for park, if it’s predominantly park and you’re mostly small to medium jumps and jibs. If you’re mostly medium to large jumps that kind of thing, then I’d probably lean towards 157W.
In terms of width, I wouldn’t be too worried about the width there. I’ve often run at around that 50mm total overhang with no issues. If you’re going to be using it mostly in park and not going to be hanging any Eurocarves on it or anything, I don’t think there should be any issues. I ran this board with a little less overhang than that – around 45mm total overhang, but I still don’t think I would have had any issues with 5mm more – I’ve ridden boards with 5mm several times. If you can, I would try to get more overhang on the heel than the toe – so that the toe is getting less than 25mm. But also with the +15/-15 angles, that’s going to give you a little more leeway too.
Hi Nate, I’m looking for a camber board so I’m able to carve turns more easily and I’m unsure what to pick between the Capita DOA and Outerspace Living. Both are available at my local shop in several sizes, the guys there recommended a size 154 in both and seemed to favor the DOA. I’m 5’10”, 160lbs, size 9-9.5 boots and currently ride a 2020 Arbor Formula Rocker in 155W with Union Flite Pro bindings at 9/9.
For some context, last season was my first season but I’ve progressed pretty well. I can link turns and carve and ride a bit of switch. I’ve not ventured into the park much but would like to. I would say my riding style is all mountain freestyle and my ability is at the lower end of intermediate. I ride exclusively on the east coast, with conditions that go from slushy to icy pretty often.
Can you give me some insight on what I should choose?
Hi Josh
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning to Outerspace Living (OSL) for you. The DOA is a more aggressive ride, IMO, and whilst I would say it’s still intermediate friendly, it’s more like high-end intermediate and up, in my books. The OSL on the other hand is a really good option for that low-end intermediate and up level. I think it would be an easier progression. They’re both all-mountain freestyle boards and I think both would suit the style you’re describing, but I just think the OSL will be better for your progression, personally.
Size-wise, I agree that 154 would be a good size for either. Certainly for the DOA that’s what I would go. For the OSL, the 156 is an option. If you were at a more advanced level, I would recommend the 156, but as low-intermediate, the 154 is likely the better choice.
Hope this helps
Hi I was just wondering what board I should get. I am an intermediate rider that likes bomb groomers and jump high. I also need the board in wide. I’m wondering if you have any recommendations?
Hi Simon
Thanks for your message.
A lot of boards fit that bill. The DOA is one of them. Some others you might want to look into.
– Burton Paramount
– Lib Tech TRS
– Never Summer Proto Synthesis
– Salomon Assassin Pro or Assassin
– YES Greats
– YES Ghost
That’s just looking at some all-mountain-freestyle options, which sounds like they would fit what you’re describing. Happy to help you narrow down your options and to give a sizing opinion, if you need one (would just need your height, weight and boot size).
More options if you were to look at all mountain options too, but I think those would work for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I can’t decide between the Union Contact Pro and the Union Strata for my 155W DOA.
(The 2021 Contact Pro has the same Ankle strap as the 2020 Strata tho)
It will be mainly used in the park and for some all-mountain freestyle from time to time.
My second board is the Jones Flagship 162W with Flux XV coming soon, so I have the agressive hard charging covered.
Hi Hendrik
I would go for the Strata on the DOA. Even with it being your more mellow/park/freestyle option, I would still go Strata. Mainly because it’s a better flex match for the DOA, IMO. And I’ve ridden the DOA with a few different bindings, and I’ve always preferred it with stiffer bindings over softer ones. The new ankle strap on the Contact Pros is a nice upgrade for sure, but in terms of matching the DOA, I would personally go Strata. The Contact Pro wouldn’t be wrong on it, but I think the Strata works better, based on previous experience on the DOA.
Thanks!
Would it be an option to go with the Union Falcor for both boards? (The DOA and the Flagship)
Or would that be too much stiffness for the DOA for park?
Would save me some money compared to buying Union Strata AND Flux XV 😀
Hi Hendrik
I would be happy having the Falcor on the DOA, generally speaking. If you were going to be using the DOA predominantly for the park, then you might find it stiffer than ideal. It would partially depend on what you were wanting to do in the park. If you were going to be doing a lot of jibs, then maybe too stiff. If you were going to be mostly hitting jumps, then I think the Falcor would work.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking to buy a new board and I’m torn between the DOA and the twinpig. I’m looking to ride all-mountain freestyle with maybe less powder because I don’t get much where I am. I’m a intermediate rider looking to progress in buttering, jibs, and jumps, but also taking the board up the mountain to carve it down. Thanks for your reviews and help.
Hi Liang Li
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Twin Pig, so I couldn’t say for sure, but this is what I would predict, based on what I know of the Twin Pig and it’s specs:
– The Twin Pig is likely easier to butter and looks to be slightly softer flexing than the DOA. I’d say it’s likely better for jibs. For jumps, I’d say it’s potentially easier to learn small to medium jumps on than the DOA, but overall for jumps, particularly bigger jumps, DOA is probably better. Even though you don’t get much of it, just as an FYI, the Twin Pig is probably a little better in powder – but neither are going to be great powder boards.
– The DOA is likely a little better for speed/carving.
Again, this is all guesswork, because I haven’t ridden the Twinpig, but those are what I think are likely to be the case.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the review! I’m bying a new board and I think DOA is the right board for me. Or can you recommend Jones MT? I go for all mountain and some park and freestyle stuff. Wondering about the right size for me: 6’0″ (183cm), 170-175lbs (80kg), shoes size is 11-11,5. Thank you!
Hi Kimmo
Thanks for your message.
DOA and MT would both work for what you’re describing. If you ride powder relatively regularly then I would be leaning MT but otherwise both are good options, IMO.
Size-wise, for your specs/how you describe your riding, I would go:
– MT: 159W (though 156W would be doable too, but if you’re predominantly all-mountain with just a little freestyle, then I’d go 159)
– DOA: 157W (159W also but it’s a board that you can ride a little shorter – so I would say 157W is the closer equivalent size to the 159W MT – the 155W even doable, if you were more freestyle focused, but I think 157W is the best bet)
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the helpful reviews!!
I was thinking to buy Capita DOA 2021 for the coming snow season, but I am not sure what size to buy. My weight is around 69-71 kg, height is 173 cm and I have Burton boots in size 9. What size would you recommend for me, 152 or 154? This is going to be my go-to board for all mountain riding, but I’d also like to use it for carving and freestyle.
Any suggestion is much appreciated!
Hi Steven
Thanks for your message.
Both sizes would definitely work and those are the sizes I would be debating between for you as well. I would be leaning towards the 154. If you were going to using it predominantly for freestyle, then I’d say 152, but for all-round riding, I would say 154 for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, great review as always. I was looking to buy a DOA from REI (cuz their 1 year refund policy) but they only sell 148 and 152. I’m 5’6″, 135lbs, size 9 boots. I mainly ride all mountain but I’m looking to improve my skills in the park. Would 148 or 152 work for me? Thanks
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise I would be leaning towards the 148 for you, particularly as you’re looking to improve your skills in the park. I don’t think 152 would feel gigantic or anything, but between those lengths, I would be leaning 148 for you. However, width-wise, the 148 is pushing it being too narrow with 9s. You probably get away with it, if you’re riding with something like +15/-15 binding angles and your boots are low profile.
Ideally I think the 150 is probably the best size for you (I know it’s always the in between size!) – just giving you that little bit more in terms of width. A 1 year return policy is good. I’m pretty sure evo does a 1 year return, not sure about others – but you could check them out and see what their policy is and if they have the 150. If you do go REI, then I would go 148 if you have low profile boots and if you ride something like +15/-15. If not, then I would go 152.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
First of all i want to tell you that i really love the work that you do!
I have two years experience, i was using a non name brand board which i bought from a friend. Most part of the time i ride regular slopes form time to time hit the park and some freeride when possible, also tried some tricks. Now i want to buy a new board to use it for the next 3-4 years. I like the Capita DOA in top o all the other boards that i’ve checked but still searching for other boards to compare with. The other boards o have on my shortlist: Capita OL, Jones Mountain Twin(not sure about magne-traction) and also took a look at Never Summer Proto Type2 ( but its a little pricy).
Which one do you recommend from 4 boards above? Do you have another suggestion for me?
I am 1.90m and have 90kg. ( plan to lose weight until the start of the next season)
Thank you. Thank you for your work!
Hi Laur
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards the Mountain Twin, mostly because it’s the most diverse. Since you mention that you freeride when possible, then it’s going to be the best on that list for that – but is still good for riding regular groomers and the park too. Capita OSL would probably be my next choice in terms of versatility. Bu yeah, I’d be leaning towards the Mountain Twin for you. You could also check out the following, which are in the same category as the Mountain Twin, but the Mountain Twin is a solid choice, IMO.
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Size-wise, for the Mountain Twin, right now I’d say either 162 or 161W, depending on boot size. If you lost weight, it would depend on how much you lost. Those sizes may or may not remain your best bets.
Hope this helps
My boot size is 10US. Should i go for wide or not? Also do you think that 158 or 160 will be too small if i get a really good discount at any of those sizes.
Thank you!
Hi Laur
Thanks for the extra info.
With 10s, I personally wouldn’t go wide. I ride 10s and very seldom like wide boards. I would stick to the regular width if I was you.
I think the 160 is definitely doable for you. Right now I think 162 is probably the more optimal, with 160 doable. If you were to drop say 5kg, then it’s a close call, and any more weight off than that and the 160 starts becoming more optimal. That’s roughly speaking of course. It’s not an exact science or anything.
Hi Nate,
With this hard times i decided to take my time and do more research.
I found a really good deal $300 for a Capita OSL which i really like.
But stumbled across :
1. Salomon Assassin Pro for $400.
2. Gnu Rider’s Choice for $370.
What do you think?
Also i want to buy Union Strata bindings but i am a little confused about which size i should go because I am 10US and i am kinda between. Right now i have M/L bindings.
Thank you so much!
Hi Laur
Firstly, in terms of the Strata, I would go with Medium, if you have 10s for sure. I ride 10s and always prefer medium Union’s. Also the footbed on the Strata is quite long, even on the Medium. I haven’t measured the Large, but I imagine it’s even longer, which would have the potential of being too long for a non-wide board – and also could make it harder to center in 10s. So yeah I’d go Medium for sure with the Strata.
The OSL for $300 is a good deal, and I think it’s a board that would work well for you.
The Assassin Pro could be bordering on feeling too stiff, depending on your ability level and how stiff you like your board. It’s a sick board for sure, and for $400 is a great deal, but I would just make sure that you feel it’s not too stiff for you.
The Rider’s Choice could definitely work too – and again for $370 it’s a great deal.
I don’t think you could go wrong with either the OSL or Rider’s Choice but I would think more about the Assassin Pro (certainly the Assassin would be in the same league as the OSL and Rider’s Choice).
Between the OSL & Rider’s Choice, I prefer the Rider’s Choice personally, but I would also think about how you like the feel of your ride. The Rider’s Choice is a slightly looser feeling deck vs the OSL, which is more stable. The RC isn’t super loose, but a little on the looser side.
Hi Nate, like Laur already said – great work! I really like your reviews you do a great job for the rest of us.
Actually I am looking for a all- mountain board to upgrade my ridding to the next level and also to go to the park. I’m riding for 3 Years, mainly on Piste but also in the backlands off piste. My height is 1,89m, I weigh 85kg, with a UK13/EU47 boot and actually riding a 1,65W Board.
My favourite actually is the DOA because of the “go anywhere – do anything” Slogan but I could not decide between the Nitro Team Gullwing 2020..
Like mentioned before, looking for a board to improve my riding on and also off-piste in freestyle and park terrain.
Please help 😀
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Niels
Thanks for your message.
I don’t find the DOA that great in powder – and since you want something that will go anywhere, do anything, I would lean towards the Team Gullwing in your case. It covers all the bases really well. You can check out my review of the Team Gullwing here or for other all-mountain options, check out:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
The DOA is an all-mountain-freestyle board, IMO, and it’s not that an all-mountain-freestyle board is necessarily wrong for you, but if you’re looking to go off piste and are going to be in powder there, then I think all-mountain is the better way to go as they typically perform better in powder.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, the review is very good and useful. I am struggling the length of the board if my body weight is 59kg and 172cm tall with us9.5 shoes. I am more into the all mountain free-riding style with doing a little bit of tricks sometimes. Which size of the board would be good fit for me? 150 or 152cm board ? Thank you
Nicholas
Hi Nicholas
Thanks for your message.
Both sizes would work for sure – and those are the 2 that I would be weighing between for you. I would be leaning towards the 152, mostly because you describe your riding as more all-mountain freeride oriented. If it was more freestyle oriented, then I’d say 150 for sure. The 152 gives you a little bit more leeway in terms of width too. I think the 150 would be wide enough for your boots, but it’s on the narrower size. The 152 isn’t that much wider, of course, but gives you just a little more leeway for deeper carves.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much. I have one more struggling between DOA 2020 and Capita Outerspace Living. I read the comment on OL is also very good too. A board that can cover all type of riding style. But what will you choose if you were me? If I go for Outerspace Living 152cm, is the board wide enough for my boots?
Fyi – have snowboarding experience for 4 years and have a salmon super eight 154cm 2016
Hi Nicholas
The OSL is a little more of an all-rounder. A little better in powder. It’s still on the freestyle side of things, still true twin, centered. But just a little better in powder vs the DOA.
But the 152 OSL would be pushing being too narrow for your boots, IMO. It would be risky. You’d probably be fine on the 154 width-wise, but not sure if you wanted to go that long with this board.
Do you plan on keeping the 154 Super 8 and having a two board quiver? Or will this board replace your Super 8?
Thank you nate! Prob getting a new board to replace super eight!
Thanks Nicholas
Then yeah I’d still say 152 for the DOA. 154 is you wanted to go OSL (just because of width). The DOA is quite a different board compared to the Super 8. Not that similar at all.
Actually I’m planning to get something that is not similar to super eight as well. Is it DOA performing differently comparing with DOA?
hello,
thanks for your work! This site is very useful!
i’m looking for new snowboard after 4years of practice. 90% in well prepared terrain. Mainly butters, small/medium jumps on slope or small kickers. No jibs or urban. I’m 211lbs(96kg), 5’11 (182m) and boots 12US. Do you think DOA will be good choice? i don’t know if 158W or 161W would be better?
From my point of view only Lib Tech TRS is alternative (because of price): whats your opinion?
Hi Michal
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I think an all-mountain-freestyle board is definitely the way to go and the DOA is certainly an option (as is the TRS). Between the DOA and TRS, I would consider the terrain you usually ride. If it’s often hard/icy, then I would go with the TRS. But if it’s usually softer than that, then the DOA is right up there. If you wanted to consider others you could also check out:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
But one of those would certainly work for what you’re describing.
Size-wise for the DOA, I would say, based on your specs and on the style of riding you’re describing, that the 158W would be the best bet. The 161W is certainly an option for you, but given that your riding style sounds like it’s mostly focused on freestyle stuff (jumps, butters etc) then I would be leaning towards the 161W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Dear Nate,
Thanks for the amazing review. You might be tired while giving lots of recommendations but let me ask once again 🙂 I’m 5’10 and 160 lbs with 42,5 shoe size (the thing is I have 10,5 US burton ion which is amazingly fit my shoes). My aim is to hit generally all mountain and learn freestyle tricks and try some park maybe (as long as if I have a chance to find it near my location). According to specs, it is more doable for me to go for 154-156. But can’t decide which works better for me. In nearest shop, there is only 156 which makes me think to buy 156. Thanks in advance.
Hi Can
Thanks for your message. Assuming a relatively advanced skill level, I think the 156 would be a good choice, and would give you a bit more leeway width-wise. With 10.5s it’s borderline on width on those sizes. Given that you have quite low profile boots, I’d say you’d be fine on either, but the 156 does give you just that little bit more leeway. However, if you’re more of a high-end beginner to low end intermediate rider, I think the 154 would be the more appropriate length for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi nate awesome review im looking to purchase a super doa im 5’9 around 185 pounds problem im having is my boot size im normally a US 10/44uk medium bindings. But i just picked up burtons step ons us size 11/44uk
Large bindings. I want to use my step ons on the doa i ride +15/-15 and +12/-12 sometimes i ride mostly resorts 60% all mountain 40%park looking to ride more park and progression cant decide on super doa size 156,158 or158w
I currently ride 157 technine lm pro goonies (park board) size 10 boot M bindings and my daily driver 158 Lamar cranium everything board they are both roughly 6-8 years old lol thanks.
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message.
Because you’re now in 11s, I think the 158W is your best bet. And it’s not massively wide either. I would say around 270mm at the inserts (based on measuring another size), which isn’t hugely wide for a wide board. I think the 156 and 158 would be pushing it too narrow for 11s. You might get away with it, but I think the 158W is a safer bet, and like I say not super wide either. The other option is to go 155W (roughly 268mm at inserts) – if you wanted to have something more freestyle oriented, and wanted to size down a bit to compensate going a little wider than you’re perhaps used to.
But just note that going 155W vs 158W you will gain maneuverability, be better for freestyle but loose a bit in terms of stability at speed and float in powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’ve read all the reviews on here and it seems a very tough call. 5”10” 160LB 9boot and thinking 156. I’m wanting more all mountain over freestyle. Thoughts?
Hi Tony
Thanks for your message.
Yeah for this board, I would say 156. Or possibly 154, but since you’re thinking more all-mountain over freestyle, then I think the 156 would work best.
In terms of the board, if you’re looking for something more all-mountain, then I think going for an all-mountain board is probably your best bet – they can certainly still be ridden freestyle. They’re what I consider “do-it-all” kinds of boards. The DOA is certainly versatile, but if you’re mostly all-mountain, then I think I would be leaning towards an all-mountain board, especially if you want something decent in powder. If you haven’t already you can check out:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
But yeah, if you’re already decided on DOA, and don’t really need something freestyle, then I’d go 156 for you, assuming a relatively advanced level of riding, given that you’re more all-mountain than freestyle.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m having a tough time deciding between the DOA and the Westmark camber. I charge groomers and side hits 50% of the day and ride park for the remaining 50%. I like to ride as fast as possible and find as many side hits and tree routes as I can finding my way down the mountain. Is there anything that really stands out between these boards? Any insights into durability and shelf-life?
Also, I’m 6’2 and 190lbs and I’m thinking about the 156 for both but I’m having trouble deciding whether I want to sacrifice the speed and carving benefits of a 158. Currently, I’m riding a forum destroyer double dog, but I can’t wait to get a camber board with a little more stiffness!
Hi Cole
Thanks for your message.
Both would certainly be suitable for what you’re describing. I would say that the DOA is a little better at speed vs the Westmark, and feels a little stiffer on snow overall (even though it’s the other way around according to their ratings). The Westmark is a little more buttery too, but not by heaps, but if you were buttering quite a bit, then that’s one thing to consider.
Size-wise, I definitely get your dilemma. For speed, certainly going longer is preferable, and then in the park a little shorter, but I would still be leaning towards 158 for you, as I think that’s already a bit of a sizing down for your specs. That’s for the DOA. For the Westmark Camber, I think the 156 would actually work. It’s got more effective edge than even the 158 DOA, so for that board, I think 156 would be fine. In terms of width, can you let me know your boot size, just in case going wide makes sense. Though if your current board isn’t wide and you’ve never had any boot out issues, then that’s a good clue that you won’t need to go wide.
And trying not to throw a spanner in the works, but just want to make sure you have all the options available, you could also check out the following:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Thanks for the great info!
I’ve always been attracted to the hype around the DOA but I think the playability/snappiness combination of the Westmark is winning me over the snappiness/speed aspects of the DOA. I’m not worried about the preciseness of the DOA per se, but the uprise fenders of the Westmark look like loads of fun. For a well-rounded quiver of one, the Westmark seems to have a better package for me. I like buttering at high speeds (not always successfully) so I am looking forward to the uprise fenders on the Westmark but I’m also a little afraid of washing out at high speeds; did you find many issues there?
My boot size is 10.5. I was alright on the double dog for boot drag, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I have considered the wider board options for landing stability, but I don’t think I want to trade off the extra weight if I don’t have to.
This site is quality by the way!
Hi Cole
Sounds like good reasoning to me.
I didn’t find the Westmark washy. I did find there was a bit of chatter at higher speeds. It’s not a bomber, but it can handle speed pretty well. Just don’t expect it to be ultra-damp or anything.
Yeah I would go regular width. The 156 is 264mm at the inserts – so it’s relatively wide at the inserts compared with waist width. It’s on the narrower side for 10.5s, but should be fine, particularly if you never had any issues on the Double Dog.
Hi Nate,
I would like to buy a new snowboard. Currently I have the GNU Carbon credit 156 and before I had other boards.
I’m not sure about my next snowboard, I would like to buy the Capita super DOA 156 or Lib Tech T Rice Pro HP 155. I didn’t find a review for capita super doa in your site in order to compare.
I like speed, carver, jumps and powder.
In your opinion, what is the best choose? Do you a feedback about a Super DOA?
Thanks
Hi Nuno
Thanks for your message.
I did ride the Super DOA in March, but I just haven’t had a chance to publish the review yet. I would say vs the T Rice Pro:
Speed: T Rice Pro 4/5 | Super DOA 4/5
Carving/Turns: T Rice Pro 3/5 | Super DOA 4/5
Jumps: T Rice Pro 4/5 | Super DOA 4/5
Powder: T Rice Pro 3/5 | Super DOA 2/5
So I’d take the T Rice Pro over the Super DOA for powder but the Super DOA over the T Rice Pro for carving. They’re both a very similar flex, IMO (both 7/10).
The Super DOA is a mostly camber board – with camber underfoot and some flat sections towards tip and tail (and a tiny bit of rocker). The T Rice Pro is rocker between the feet and camber underfoot and towards tip and tail. So in that sense, the T Rice Pro will have a more similar feel to the Carbon Credit (all be it with more camber than the Carbon Credit has and of course being significantly stiffer).
Both would be a significant improvement in terms of speed and carving, especially vs the Carbon Credit.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision. Hopefully I’ll have the Super DOA review out in not too long.
Hi Nate,
Thank you very much for your help. Do you think that t Rice is nice to jump?
Nuno
Hi Nuno
Yeah it’s a good board for jumps. A couple of things to note though.
1. It’s got plenty of pop but that pop is going to take a bit more to “load up” than with something like your Carbon Credit. Overall will have more pop, just that it will take more effort to extract that pop.
2. It’s, IMO, more suited to medium to large jumps vs smaller jumps. Which I often find the case with stiffer boards
Hi nate
I’m looking for a second board. I’m already at 5 seasons with my first board an all mountain nitro board. I was looking for a more freestyle board so i can have fun on the resort, parks,… but don’t want to fall behind on the group. I stumbled upon this board and you’re review and now i’m not sure what to pick. My length is 1,70 m and i weight around 85.
Hope you can help me
thanks in advance
Tibeaux
Hi Tibeaux
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise for the DOA, given your specs and that you want something that focuses more on freestyle (but still want to keep up on the groomers) and you have an all-mountain board in your quiver already, then I would say go 156. I think that size would be a good balance between groomers and park/freestyle for your specs. Assuming a solid intermediate to advanced ability level. But if you could also let me know your boot size, just to make sure the width will work on that size.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate! I can’t decide between 158 and 160. I am 182 cm and weight is between 90-94kg. I ride trees, groomers and side hits so I pretty much play all around the resort.
What size would you suggest for me?
Hi Bigboipat
Thanks for your message.
Those are the 2 sizes I would be weighing up for you for this board as well. Usually I would say go 160 – or anything from 160-163. But this is the kind of board, depending on style, that you can go a little shorter with. I would weight up this way. What’s more important to you.
a. Stability at speed, float in powder, hard carving; or
b. maneuverability at slower speeds, buttering, jumps etc
If a. then go with 160, if b. then go with 158.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate, been reading your reviews for my next aggressive all mountain snowboard. Was hoping you have ridden or have thoughts about the Signal Disruptor 2020. It’s either the DOA or the Disruptor. Some background about me, this coming season will be my 2nd season – I currently have 15/16 days under my belt. I can ride down blues and blue-blacks (Mammoth) decent. I started with a 159 Salomon Sight but immediately upgraded to the TRicePro 157 after 4 days. I felt that the TRicePro definitely helped me get better and more comfortable on the slopes – although I think it does hide my flaws being a what I can describe as a forgiving board. I’m now looking for a second board, primarily camber that I plan to learn more with jumps and spending more time in the park. Thank you in advance. Victor
Hi Victor
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately, I haven’t ridden the Signal Disruptor, so I can’t say much about it, except based on specs. It looks like a very aggressive, technical ride. Certainly what I would class Aggressive-All-Mountain-Freestyle – the same as what I categorize the DOA, but the DOA isn’t (looking at the specs of the Disruptor) isn’t as aggressive. The DOA is the kind of board that I would say is on the border of aggressive all-mtn freestyle and all-mtn-freestyle whereas the Disruptor looks quite aggressive. Maybe not in terms of flex but certainly in terms of it’s camber profile.
Certainly an advanced level board. Usually I wouldn’t recommend something that advanced for someone in just their second season – and with just 15/16 days, but if you find the T Rice Pro forgiving, then you might be fine with it.
For some other options also check out:
https://snowboardingprofiles.com/top-5-aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle-snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you Nate, I appreciate the response
Will you recommend the DOA as a second board for me to learn with? I did some more reading and research and the other 2 boards that came up were the Dinosaurs Will Die Kwon, as well as the Ride TwinPig. From a seasoned veteran yourself, what might you suggest for me?
Hi Victor
I think you’d probably be fine on the DOA. I would say it’s for an upper intermediate rider and up. Which wouldn’t usually be a 15/16 day rider. But in your case it sounds like you’ve progressed quickly, so I’d say you’d be fine.
I don’t demo DWD boards, so I can’t say much about the Kwon, but looks to be a similar type of board – being mostly camber, mid-flex and twin/centered. And looks like it’s slightly on the aggressive side, without being uber-aggressive. So yeah aggressive-all-mtn-free probably, which it sounds like you’re looking for. But like I say, not a board I’ve ridden.
The Twin Pig looks to be more of a mellow ride (I haven’t ridden it though), but I have ridden other Ride boards. But looking at the specs and my experience with other ride boards, it looks to be a more easy going ride than the others you’re looking at. Still all-mountain freestyle, but more mellow than aggressive I would say.
Just so we’re on the same page – when you say second board – are you looking for something to replace your T Rice Pro or are you looking for something to add to your quiver to compliment it? Also are you looking to focus on freestyle elements, like a mix of groomers with carving and some freestyle/park riding? Are you looking to explore off-groomer at all? Just so I can get more of an idea of the type of riding your doing/aiming to do.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking to add a second board to my quiver to kinda compliment the TRicePro. My goal this coming season is to learn butters, boxes, and small jumps (maybe midsized jumps if I get good at it) and of course the mix of carving on groomers. I’m trying find a good board now that I can grow into – trying to avoid the same costly mistake with the Salomon Sight.
Hi Victor
I think the DOA could work then, but not sure it’s the ideal option. I mean, all of these boards are in the kind of category as the T Rice Pro. They will feel quite different, but still that centered, twin, mid to mid-stiff flex, kind of thing. Something like the DOA with camber underfoot certainly feels quite different but not the same kind of contrast as having an all-mountain/freeride board with a park/freestyle board in the quiver. The T Rice Pro to me is a little stiffer flexing – it does have a relatively mellow camber profile, but I was surprised you found it forgiving overall.
Usually I would say, go softer, and more park oriented for what you’re describing, and that would at least give more of a contrast to the T Rice Pro. And going camber underfoot, to give you that point of difference as well, but since you find the T Rice forgiving, it throws me off a little in that sense.
So, I think going camber underfoot is definitely something you want to try, by the sounds of it. But you could still maybe go for more of a park board. Since you’re looking to learn butters and boxes and small jumps, I still wouldn’t go too stiff flexing for that purpose – so something softer flexing – which you can definitely still ride in the park when you’re more advanced, especially for the jib line. But since you’re worried about grow into, then something that’s got a relatively camber dominant profile. Which does then, often make boxes and butters a little trickier to start with. I’m just weary of going too advanced, as the “grow into” mentality can also back fire a little, in my experience. If you go too advanced, then you can develop a crude technique.
So, taking everything into account – I like the sounds of the YES Jackpot. It’s not too soft – almost bordering on medium, but softer than the DOA, and more buttery and better on jibs too. It’s got enough camber and is certainly something you can ride as an advanced park board, and can carve with it on the groomers too. I think it would be a good middle ground between being too playful and too aggressive. And it has that Hybrid Camber profile to contrast the T Rice Pro’s hybrid rocker.
Something like the Kilroy Process (renamed the Kilroy Twin for the 2020 model) is also an option (soft but full camber) – but not quite as buttery as Jackpot and trickier on boxes/other jibs – and a little more technical/aggressive overall.
You can check out this:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
and
>>YES Jackpot Review
Note that the 2020 Jackpot is a little different (and a little improved, IMO). I rode the 2020 model, but haven’t updated that review yet.
But yeah, in any case, just because of your goals, I think ideally something a little more buttery/jib friendly than something like the DOA or Signal Disruptor. The Twin Pig might fit that bill – and maybe the KWON, but I’m not really sure about those having not ridden them.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
I’m very much a beginner (only 2 months of snowboarding), still learning how to do ollies etc. but I’d like to get my first board to learn with. I’m 178cm and 72kg and so far have only been riding a board that was 151cm.
I have my eyes on the Capita OL 2019 and Capita DOA 2019. Please can you advise what length and which board you’d recommend for me as a beginner? I love the look of the DOA though a little concerned it 1) may be too tough to learn with 2) may be too stiff.
I have a trip to Japan – Nozawa Onsen in Feb and want to use the board there too, but I mostly ride in an indoor ski park where the “snow” is quite hard and icy.
Thanks a lot for your help,
Tom
Hi Tom
Thanks for your message.
I would go OL as a beginner. The DOA is a little aggressive for a beginner, IMO. And it will serve you a little better in powder in Japan too. But mostly just a better option for your level, IMO. Size-wise, I would be looking to size up a bit from the 151 – something around 154, 155 would be a good for you, as a beginner, but not complete beginner, IMO. So, for the OL, that would be the 154 for the OL – or 155W, depending on boot size. If you can let me know your boot size, I can advise what I think is the best width-wise.
In terms of hard/icy conditions, the OL and DOA aren’t bad in those conditions but not not ideal either. Doable but there are boards that grip better in those conditions.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks so much for the quick reply! I usually wear a boot size 42.5 (funny as my normal shoe size is 41!). I totally get your point and agree, just hoping I will be able to get my hands on the OL as it’s really tough to find the 2019 online. Or maybe I will just wait for the OL 2020 release later this year.
Best,
Tom
You’re very welcome Tom – and apologies for slow reply – on vacation with limited internet.
You should be fine on the 154 OL, with 42.5 boots, IMO.
Hope you can find the 2019 OL, but yeah, if not, there’s always the 2020.
Hey Nate,
I’m looking to buy the Capita DOA now that it’s on sale but I don’t know what size I should get. I’m 6’0, 175 lbs and wear a size 10.5 boot. Right now I’m between the 156 and the 158 but I’m worried the 158 would be too big for riding park. I’d say I ride a good combination of all-mountain and park but more-so all-mountain. I’m trying to progress in the park and, with that, start doing more technical tricks. Do you think the 158 would hurt my progression in the park? Do you think the 156 hold up on groomers and going off trails?
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tough call, because I think the 156 will be better for progression in the park and the 158 better for over the rest of the mountain. If I bought this board (similar specs – 6’0, 185lbs, size 10 boot), I would go 158 if I was riding predominantly all-mountain, but I would still take that size in the park for sure. But if I was getting it predominantly for park progression, then I’d go 156 – and still also take it over the rest of the mountain – would still hold up there for you, IMO. I rode the 156 and still liked it outside the park for sure. So, I think it comes down to which area you want the board to be best for. If you’re willing to sacrifice a little in terms of the rest of the mountain, to make your park progression easier, then I’d go 156. But if you want this to be your daily driver and you’ll mostly be riding outside the park, then 158 is probably the better bet, all be it slightly less suitable for park progression.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi, i’m able to get a good price on a 2019 156 and I’m about 150lbs but I’m 5’4. would this be too big a board? i’m an advanced rider and i’m coming from a 2016 152cm DOA.
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t go longer than 152 for your specs for the DOA, if I was you. IMO the 156 is going to be too big, even as an advanced rider. For the DOA, I would say that the 150 or 152 would be your best sizes.
Hope this helps with your decision
I had the good fortune of winning the choice between a 156 or a 158W in this board, and this article helped me to come to a decision, so I appreciate the responses here!
at 6’1″ 185lbs and size 11/11.5 boot it was a close call, especially with my stance typically around +12/-12.
Settled on the 158W and stoked to rip it!
Hi Dave
Awesome that you won this board! Nice One!
I agree with your sizing decision, think the 158W is the right size for you for this board. Happy ripping!
Hi Nate,
Great review.
I’ve been looking at the Capita DOA.
I’m 5’9”, 65kg and have a size 11US/10UK boot.
I want something I can use on the mountain but also have fun doing freestyle.
What would you recommend? Would a 152 suit or be too short?
Look forward to your reply.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I think the 152 would be a good length for you for the DOA, but I feel it would be too narrow for 11US/10UK boots, unfortunately. If you were really set on the DOA, then the 155W would be the better option, IMO, as there’s a high chance of boot drag with 11s on the 152, IMO. The 155W is bigger than ideal for you, for this board though, IMO. But it would still be the better option. Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of boards under 155 that are wide enough for 11s that I can think of.
One that I think would suit what you’re describing really well – and should be wide enough, is the YES Greats 151. It’s 253mm at the waist, but since it has “mid-bite” it’s wider at the inserts than most with similar waists. Based on measuring other sizes of the Greats, I would predict that the width at inserts of the 151 is around 267mm, which should be wide enough for your boots, assuming you ride with +15-15 angles of similar (and something like this is recommended for a board like the Greats, which is an asym). It’s definitely one you can ride all over the mountain but still play around with it, riding freestyle.
There’s the Capita Ultrafear 153W which would be a good size, IMO, but it’s more of a park specialist.
So yeah, I would be going either Capita DOA 155W, if you’re comfortable with that length, or 151 Greats.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Trying to decide on DOA, Outerspace Living or Yes Basic, the Yes mainly for icy hard snow in the New England area. I’m 5’11 and a 9.5 boot and weight fluctuating at 175-180 ish. I want one board to go all over the mountain, if I want to hit some jumps, fine, go down some blues and greens no problem, goof around in the park, sure. I’ve not been on a board in some time and the last one I rented was a Head with FLOCK, some marketing mumbo jumbo for flat in the middle, rocker in tip tail. My last board was a Burton that was just camber and I was fine with that. Anyways the bindings I’m looking at are either union force or the now’s, size medium for either. I’m just not sure what to go with cause everyone has an opinion and I know riding style is subjective, but any other ways to approach including best size would help!
Hi Mitty
Thanks for your message.
Thanks for your message. If you’re riding in hard/icy conditions a lot, then I would go for YES Basic over the others, just for that better edge-hold. It’s not a hard charger or a hard carver, but if your style is more playful/casual, as it sounds like it might be, then I think that board would work for you. If you wanted a bit more board in terms of speed and carving, but still suitable for the other things you’re describing, then you could up that to the YES Typo, or better yet, YES Greats. Also, great in hard/icy conditions but a bit more board. But yeah, if it’s between those, I would go YES Basic for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, taking into account your specs and style of riding, the 158 would be your best bet for the Basic or Typo, in my opinion. If you wanted them really playful, then you could get away with the 155 too. For the Greats, 156 would be better, IMO. For the DOA, I’d say 156 too, but you could also ride the 158, but I’d be leaning 156 for that board. For the Outerspace Living I would say 158 is best, but you could also ride the 156 if you really wanted.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, I’m looking at getting the DOA this year and was hoping to get a good opinion on sizing. I’m 5’11, about 185 pounds, and have a barefoot length of 27.5cm which is a size 9.5 boot. I’m looking to use the board in the park or just casually on the mountain. Would a 156 or 158 board be the ideal size to use with medium Union Strata bindings? I just want to make sure that I get the width right and don’t need a wide board to avoid overhang because I’ve heard these boards run a little narrow. Thank you.
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
With 9.5s I wouldn’t go wide for this board.
Length-wise, I would be leaning towards 156 for you. 158 is probably more purely your size based on specs without taking anything else into account. But taking into account that you’ll be spending a good amount of time in the park and your time on the rest of the mountain will be casual, I would be leaning towards 156.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thank you for the great reviews!!
I hope you can help me, my weight is 77 kg, height 174 cm and my boots are size 10 US.
I m not sure what size of DOA to buy? 154 or 156?
Thanks
Hi Damir
Thanks for your message.
Both lengths would work both with pros and cons.
The 156 would give you more leeway width-wise. With the 156 you should get on it regardless of binding angle with 10s. On the 154, you would want to have at least a bit of angle on your back binding angle, or it might be a bit narrow.
The 156 would be better if you’re an advanced rider and want to be able to ride it fast, really rail your carves and have slightly better float in powder (though it’s not a great powder board anyway).
The 154 would be better for trees, freestyle, provide more maneuverability at slower speeds and better if you’re more of an intermediate, rather than advanced rider.
Hope this helps with your decision
Tnx,
I got my 154 😀
Awesome! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
Hi!
I’m due for a new board since the one I currently own is the 2010 k2 brigade. I have been looking at the DOA for quite some time now and was wondering if I should get it. I’m more of an all-mountain snowboarder (dont think i will hit the park anymore, maybe a few small jumps here and there but nothing too big). Will you still recommend this board? I was something that I can play around with and carve decently well. Or is there any other board you would recommend for me?
Hi Andy
Thanks for your message.
The DOA could work for what you’re describing, if you don’t see much powder, or don’t tend to go off-groomer into deeper powder. It’s a relatively aggressive ride, but you can play around with it a bit. If you think you will be heading off groomer a little more, then something like the following:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
But if not, here are some other options, if you decided not to go with the DOA.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello,
5 foot 10, 78kgs, U.S 8.5 would like to ride all mountain and some big jumps in the park, should I go 154 or 156?
Thanks, Pete 🙂
Hi Pete
Thanks for your message.
For your specs and what you’re describing I would be leaning towards the 156. The 154 is certainly doable for your specs though (and a little better for your boot size) – if you were more freestyle focused, I would be more leaning towards the 154, but if you’re more focused on riding the mountain, then 156. But it’s a close call.
Hope this helps
Hello I just brought a new DOA 156 and have yet to ride it, I am 5,10 and about 165-170 pounds with size 8.5 U.S boots. I want this board to freestyle all around the mountain and in the park. I live in Whistler I have been riding 157 ultra fear all mountain last year(too big for park) and a 152 k2 www in the park (which I actually thought was a little short) I wasnt sure to go for the 154 or 156 and went for the 156 on reading the reviews about people sizing down on this board im wondering if I should go and swop it for a 154 before I take it our the packaging?! I appreciate all your help! 🙂
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
Usually I would say 156 for you for this board, but definitely a toss up between 156 and 154. In some ways I’m leaning towards 154, since you say that you found the 157 Ultra Fear too big for the park. Also I think the 154 would be better for 8.5 boots.
That said, the Ultrafear 157 has an effective edge (EE) of 120cm, vs the 156 DOA with an EE of 117.4. That would certainly make the Ultra Fear feel bigger than what the 1cm difference would suggest. For park riding on the Ultrafear I would be more leaning towards 153 for you. The WWW 152 in comparison has an EE of 114.2cm. The 154 DOA has an EE of 115.8cm. So whether you go 154 DOA or 156 DOA, you’ll still have something a little longer (in terms of effective edge) as the WWW and shorter than the Ultrafear.
Also, the Ultrafear 157, is a little wider than the DOA 156, which would also make it feel bigger – and the width of the Ultrafear 157 is quite wide for 8.5s too. So the 156 DOA should feel smaller than just the 1cm for that reason too (in addition to the EE). The WWW 152 is a very similar width to the 154 DOA.
The DOA is a little stiffer than the Ultrafear, so in that sense it’s more board to handle than the Ultrafear, but not heaps stiffer.
So, I think both sizes will work well for what you’re describing, and even the 156 DOA should feel smaller for the park. Based on everything I would be leaning towards the 154, largely down to width, and that you are wanting to ride mostly freestyle (be it over the mountain or in the park). But really both would work. If you were say, going to keep the 152 WWW for the park, then I would say go 156. If you were going to keep the Ultrafear, then I would say definitely 154.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate,
I’m looking at several all-mountain freestyle board that will help me progress into doing jumps, and some park with the overall goal of treating the mountain like a park. Should I look at the DOA as an option or go more by your more all-mountain freestyle top list? Also, if I were to go with the DOA would my Union Contact Pro with TM2 be a good fit? I personally like stiff boots but willing to change for the right feel. Lastly, I’m 5’11 165lbs – 154 or 156? Many thanks!
Hi YG
Thanks for your message.
The DOA is certainly an option. It’s something I consider a little more aggressive, so I have it in the following category:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Not the most aggressive all-mountain freestyle boards out there, but on the more aggressive side.
But if you’re just getting into the park/freestyle, then something a little less aggressive would probably be a good idea.
If you did still want to go DOA, I would pair it with slightly stiffer bindings than the Contact Pro. I’ve found the DOA to be more enjoyable with stiffer bindings – more like 6/10 or 7/10 in terms of flex. And that would match better all round with the TM-2s.
Size-wise, it’s a tough call between those two sizes, but I would be leaning towards the 156. The 154 would make things easier for learning freestyle stuff though.
For most of the boards on the all-mountain-freestyle list:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
The Contact Pros would work, but ideally still something around 5/10 in terms of flex and up to 6/10. The following lists have some great options in that flex range.
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
The TM-2s are probably stiffer than I’d usually go for those boards, but going slightly stiffer with the boots (particularly if that’s your preference) is the one part of the setup that I’m usually happier to go a little stiffer for. Certainly I would rather go for a stiffer boot, compared to board, than a softer boot compared to board.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
Thank you for the great reviews !
I currently own a 2018 DOA (154). I ride all Mountain and I like my board to be on the playful side. I spend about 30% of the time in the Park.
I am 82kg (180 pounds) and 173 cm (5ft 6) boot size 10.5 (K2 Maysis).
Prior to the DOA I owned a a 15 year old lib tech (what a difference)
. Last year when I bought the board I left my old 2002 burton mission bindings on the DOA.
This year I would like to buy some new bindings. I have red a lot of positive reviews on the burton genesis but wanted to ask you how it would pair with DOA? I am after so,etching comfortable and versatile.
I red a lot of people are using the union force with that board and are happy with the set up.
Thank you in advance for your reply
Hi Ted
Thanks for your message.
The Genesis would certainly work with the DOA. I’ve ridden the DOA with a couple of different pairs of bindings over the years, and I’ve preferred it with slightly stiffer, more responsive bindings. So usually I would say to go with something like 6/10 or 7/10 flex for it. But the Genesis are pretty versatile in the fact that they adapt well to a wide range of boards, in terms of flex. So I think they would certainly work – and are extremely comfortable, IMO.
The Force certainly a good option too – not as good in terms of comfort or board feel as the Genesis but a little more responsive (and a great price for the bindings that they are).
So one of those would certainly work but if you were wanting to check out some other options, also check out:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your kind and detailed reply
I am still in doubt though 🙂 hahah too bad we can t try it first :)’
You’re very welcome Ted. Never an easy decision! Certainly helps when you can try first. If in doubt, I would go for something like the Strata, Cartel or Lien AT. A little more response than the Genesis and at a more reasonable price.
Hi. Awesome review! I’m thinking about getting the DOA. I’m 5’6 and 150-160lbs. What size would you recommend? I’ll be riding all mountain with some park. Wanting to start hitting jumps this year lol. Thanks.
Hi James
I would be weighing up between 150 & 152. 154 would also work, but I think the 150 or 152 would be better options for your specs/what you’re describing. If I had to choose between those I’d say 152. If you could also let me know your boot size as well, just to make sure that the width is suitable for you as well – and it could also help determine what the best size would be.
Hope this helps
Hi and thanks for the quick response! My boot size is 8 so no issues there. I was really leaning toward the 152 but went with the 154 based on weight. I’ve been riding a 156 Palmer classic with K2 clicker boots/bindings my whole life lmao. I picked up some Union Strata bindings and Burton Swath boots. Its going to be a big difference. Can’t wait! Thanks!
Now I’m thinking I might want to exchange it for the 152 lol. I’m currently at 160lbs and figured with the 154 I’ll always be in the suggested range. With you saying it has a longer effective edge and is a stiffer mid flex board I’m sure I would be ok on the 152 even though it’s only rated up to 150lbs
Hi James
Yeah I think you’d definitely be OK with the 152. It’s what I would be leaning towards for you, for this board. If you think you’ll be adding weight in the near future, then the 154 isn’t a bad choice either, but at 160lbs and if you think you’ll be at around that or less, then I’d go 152, if it was me with the same specs.
And yeah, with 8s, you’ll be good on either option.
Hey Nate
Thanks again! I just went and exchanged for the 152. Good call. I can’t wait to get out there!
You’re very welcome James. Hope you have an awesome season and a great time on your new deck!
Hi Nate,
I was hoping you could recommend a DOA size, as well as a mercury size for me. 5’9 , 165 lb, size 9 boot, all mountain rider. Coming off of a Custom twin camber 156, looking for a hybrid camber dominant profile as my next board. Thank you in advance.
Hi Pat
Thanks for your message.
For the Mercury, I would be looking at the 155. Whilst it drops a little in effective edge compared to the 156 Custom Twin, it’s a wider board, and with 9s, I wouldn’t go longer than 155 for that board. Even the 153 would be wider than the 156 Custom Twin, but it’s probably dropping too much effective edge and getting a bit too short.
For the DOA, it’s a tough choice between the 154 and 156. Again, you would be dropping effective edge, but it’s not as wide a board. So, the 156 becomes more appealing. But this is the kind of board I personally like to ride a little shorter, but also for me, it’s a board that I would ride predominantly freestyle. So as an all-mountain board, the 156 becomes more appealing. A tough call on that one.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you Nate, appreciate the help!
You’re very welcome Pat. Hope you have an awesome season!
hi nate,
i am hagi from munich/germany and i have read a lot reviews on our site. i like how detailed they are! good job mate! thank you
i am 40yrs old, 178cm “(s/t)all” with 8.5 boot size (nitro team tls) and a weigh around 77kg. i would rate myself as an advanced rider. i don’t do parks or massiv jumps. soulsurfing the resorts and sidehits is my fav. Thing.
last season i received the BSoD 159 (17/18) with a burton malavita as birthday gift (best friends ever!). i really love this deck to ride the whole mountain with my best mate. we do a lot off-piste & backcountry stuff. I would say its like 33.3% groomers, 33.3% off-piste and 33.3% backcountry…it depends on conditions. but the BSoD is perfect for this type of riding.
but there is a other side…i am father of 2 kids and we are a lot in the mountains. they are (still) skiing (beginner & intermediate level) and the BSoD is a bit too harsh for cruising around the resort with the kids. so i thought of getting a second more playful board. i have learned snowboarding on pure camber boards so i don’t want a soft rocker-flat-freestyle board because i still want this kind of edge control. i owned a burton flying v and i hated it
so my plan is to get me a DOA 154 with the union falcor for resort days with the kids/family
what do you think? i would like to know if the 154 maybe is to short and i should go with the 156?
board brand and bindings are fixed because i have a good connection to capita and union and i get an awesome price
would love to read your opinion on this (Y)
thank you and all best from home of the beer
cheers
hagi
Hi Hagi
Thanks for your message.
I think the 154 would work for your specs. And would be a good width for your boots too. If the DOA was going to be your only board, then I would say go for the 156. But as part of a quiver with the 159 BSOD, I think the 154 would work well.
I think the Outerspace Living would also suit what you’re describing, so that’s another option.
Binding-wise, the Falcor would be a good match with the DOA, IMO. You could also go Strata, but personally I’ve had the best time on the DOA (have ridden 3 different year’s models of it now), on a stiffer binding, so I think the Falcor would be the slightly better option. If you were to go with the Outerspace Living, then the Strata would be the best option, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi,
I m 166 cm tall,with 9US boots in Burton or 32 TM3 in 59.8kg, would like to have 148 size, would it coz the toe drag, or ok for me not sizing up, thanks a lot!
Hi MY
I agree that the 148 is the best length for your specs.
In terms of width, I would say that you would be fine with 9’s if you have binding angles like +15/-15 – or at least a decent amount of angle on the back foot. If you ride with a very straight back foot, then it would risk being too narrow. With 32 boots, they are more or less in the middle in terms of footprint reduction, or just slightly better – not bad but not amazing. But yeah, I think as long as you don’t ride with like a 0-6 degree angle on the back foot, I would imagine you’d be fine.
Hope this helps
Dear NATE,
REALLY thank for your advice for my board size, usually, i use +15 -15 as goofy ride for me, some times may to +15 -12, seems still ok with DOA 244mm width?
Also could you provide me the actually measure of board length/ height ( while it leans on the wall) for 148 & 150 size? Its kind of post office length limitation in my home town.
I really appreciated your deep analysis of board width , and i followed the opinions for choosing my board.
Finally, is that 150cm for better all mountain than just 148cm? if i have some buttering and switch with all mountain on 148, would it be OK, and without toe drag for my US9 ( burton photon boots). Besides, if i m on 32 TM 3 ,is that better into 150 size?
P.S. i m the person keen on 148 size. thanks and bother again for you, Nate.
Hi MY
With those binding angles, I would say you should be fine on the 148 DOA width-wise.
Between the 148 and 150, I think the 148 would be the better length. The 150 doable for you, but for your specs, the 148 is a better length, IMO. The 148 is already a good all-mountain length for you, IMO.
In terms of standing up length, boards are usually a little shorter standing up than their length – as the length is measured along the contour of the board. But not usually by that much. I would say the 148 would be roughly 147cm, and the 150 around 149cm standing up.
Hope this helps
Dear NATE,
you are really solving my problem, you are a great great specialist for Snowboarding area. thank a lot. you do lots of help my selection.
its would be another similar reply as my PC just get down at the moment please be accepted the repeated msg.
Nate,
Forget to ask for your advice in binding match, would it be ok for matching binding in force Atlas and Nitro Phantom for the DOA?
or any other binding you would recommend for matching DOA?
Thanks.
MY
Hi MY
The Force would certainly work for the DOA, but I would be leaning towards the Atlas over the Force. Just because I’ve preferred the DOA with slightly stiffer bindings in the past. So the Force is definitely a good flex match (6/10 by my feel and DOA also 6/10 by my feel). The Atlas is more like 7/10 flex, but for the DOA, I like bindings that are a little stiffer flexing.
I don’t currently test Nitro gear, so I shouldn’t say for sure, but the flex rating looks like it’s around a 7/10 flex, so it should be a good match.
Otherwise, anything 6/10 or 7/10 flex, from one of the following two lists would be a good match, IMO.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hello
Great review! I currently have a 2013 Jones Mountain Twin 157. I am thinking about buying a 2019 Capita DOA 156.
What would be the main differences you think? Iride 80% on groomers, 15% park, 5% powder.
What worries me is that some call it “aggressive” I am not quite sure how this translates versus my Mountain Twin.
Thanks
JT
Hi Jean-Thomas
Thanks for your message.
There are quite a few differences between these two. These are what I would say are the main ones.
1. The DOA has a more aggressive camber profile. It’s mostly camber with some flat areas towards the contact points. It’s still not traditional camber aggressive but a little more aggressive than the Mountain Twin
2. They’re pretty similar in terms of flex but the Mountain Twin is a little stiffer. I would say Mountain Twin 6/10 and DOA 5.5/10. Being slightly softer tempers some of the extra aggressiveness from the camber profile but only subtly.
3. The DOA is more freestyle oriented, IMO. It’s all-mountain-freestyle, whereas the Mountain Twin is what I would categorize as all-mountain. The DOA is a true twin centered board, whereas the Mountain Twin is a directional twin with a 20mm setback stance.
4. The DOA is better for jumps, riding/landing switch, where the Mountain Twin is considerably better in powder, IMO. There both similar when it comes to stability at speed and carving.
5. A number of other things like sidecut, width, effective edge are also a little different – though they are actually quite similar between the 156 DOA and 157 Mountain Twin. So there’s not too much difference there.
Note that this is comparing more recent Mountain Twins than the 2013 model, so there may be some differences there.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Hi i am in the market for a new snowboard and am leaning towards this one, i am 6’1 tall and around 170-175 pounds. with a 9.5US boot. i like to ride the a bit of the whole moutain, groomers, pow, tree lines, and i am starting to venture into the park a little more. this will be my only my second season riding but i am comfortable on the blue and black diamonds. my board i have now is a used rossignol angus 162 with a 22 set back stance.
Hi Blake
Thanks for your message.
For your specs for this board, usually I would go with the 156. But I know this would be sizing down a lot from what you’re used to. It’s the kind of board that you want to ride shorter than something like the Angus, but whether that’s going too short for you. So, the 158 is probably the safer bet. But I would still go 158 over 160, and you could, if you wanted go for the 156, just know that it will take some adjusting as you would be dropping a lot of length, including effective edge and you would be dropping powder performance for sure. The 156 would be a great size for the park and for the trees, but in terms of stability at speed and float in powder, the 158 would be better, and just because you’re used to 162 is probably the better choice, IMO.
Hope this helps (and that I didn’t repeat myself too much!)
Nice review! What size would fit me the most?
Height: 6’1
Weight: 175lbs.
Boot size: 13 (burton)
Thanks!
Hi Strato
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I would say for your specs, for this board, that 158 would be best.
So that would mean 158W. But even though that’s a wide board, it would be pushing it too narrow, IMO, for 13s. Even Burton 13s, which are low profile, and even with +15/-15 binding angles, I would try to look for something at least 264mm at the waist. If you are willing to risk it in terms of width, then I would go 158W.
If you’re concerned about width, then you could look at something like the Nitro Team 159W or Nitro Magnum 159, which are wider boards. Not quite the same type of board though, more all-mountain. But if you’re set on the DOA, then the 158W or if you wanted a little bit more room for width, then 161W. Also, if you’ve ridden similar widthed boards, with no drag issues, then you could make a call based on that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Great review Nate. What size would be best suitable for me ?
Height: 6’3
Weight: 210lbs.
Boot Size: 11 (brand thirtytwo)
Hi Brad
I would be debating between the 160 and 161W. I think you would fit fine on the 160 width-wise depending on your binding angles, if you didn’t want to go wide. But if you ride with a really straight back foot, then I think it’s going to be too narrow. But if you ride with binding angles like +15/-15 or similar – something that has a reasonable angle on the back foot, then you should be OK on the 160 width-wise. But if you ride with a straighter back foot, then the 161W would be the safer bet. You could go 161W anyway, if you wanted. It wouldn’t be super wide for your boots, and some people like a bit of extra width. So the 161W is an option regardless, but if you would prefer something narrower, then the 160 is an option, depending on your binding angles, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi looking at getting this board. Which size would you recommend me. I’m 5’7 and currently weigh 62kg but usually between 62-65kg, size 8boots. I mostly do all mountain. But wanna get into jumps, not interested in rails.
Hi Phillip
Thanks for your message.
I think the 150 would be the best size for you. If you were predominantly using it for riding freestyle, then you could even go down the 148, but if you’re mostly riding the mountain, then I think the 150 would be a good size for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Loved the review.
I’m trying to decide which size DOA to get. The purpose would be mostly all mountain, with some park thrown in. I am 176cm, and 71kgs. I wear a size 10.5 boot. I’m thinking either the 155w, or the 156. Previously I have been riding a 158, but am thinking I want something a bit sportier… but I don’t really want to loose that stability at speed either. Do you think the 156 would be a big drop off in confidence at speed?
What do you think?
Thanks!
Kevin
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
I think something around 155, 156 would be a better size for your specs and in terms of stability at speed, I don’t think you’ll loose too much there, given your specs. Also, depending on the 158 you’re riding now, the DOA 156 might even have a similar effective edge.
Between the 155W and 156 I think it really depends on your binding angles. If you tend to ride with something like a +15/-15, i.e. a reasonable angle on your back foot, then I would go for the 156. But if you ride with anything straighter on the back foot (i.e. less than 12 degrees on the back foot), then I’d go 155W. I think that would be the safer bet width-wise.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hi Nate
Thanks for the great reviews!
I have decided to go ahead with the DOA but not sure about sizing. I do ride all mountain and I like the board to be playful.
I am 173cm 81kg and boot size 10.5 . Would a 154 or 155w suit better and why ?
Thank you for your kind help
Hi Ted
Thanks for your message.
In terms of length, I would put you roughly on a 157-158 for an all-mountain size, but it’s a good idea to go a little shorter for an all-mountain-freestyle board, IMO. Also, if you want it to feel more playful then going down in size helps with that too. So something around 154, 155 should work well for you.
In terms of width, you might be able to squeeze into the 154, but probably only safely if you have +15/-15 angles and low profile boots. I think the 155W would be a better width for 10.5 boots, IMO. Definitely the safer bet. And I think the 155 length would be a good length.
So, IMO, go with 155W
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thank you very much for your kind help and detailed answer
I wish you a happy new year
Ted
You’re very welcome Ted. And happy new year and happy riding to you!
I am 6 ft, 180 lbs doing intermediate all-mountain riding. I have a pair of US size 11 Burton Photon boots. What size would be good for me? Currently looking at the 158W. Would that work, or would it be better to get regular version?
Hi Jim
I’d say that the 158W is probably a good size for you. But it would also depend on your binding angles. If you ride with something like a +15/-15, something like that with a bit of angle on the back foot – then you should be able to get on the 158 regular width. But if you have a straighter angle on your back foot – then the 158W would be the better bet.
Keep in mind that this is quite an aggressive board – if that suits your style, then it should be fine as an intermediate rider – but otherwise I would say it’s a board for a more advanced rider.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the review! Wondering about the right size for me: 5’8″, 170-175lbs, shoes size 8-8.5. Thanks!
Hi Mike
For this board I would say either 156 or 154. Usually I would say around 157 for you in terms of length. But I preferred to go shorter than normal with this board – just because it’s quite aggressive and has a long effective edge for it’s length.
And I would even be leaning towards 154cm for you. This is probably shorter than what you’re used to but I think it would be a better width for your boots and probably the better length. I would usually go 158cm myself for an all-mountain-freestyle board (6’0″ 180lbs-185lbs) but I found the 156cm for this board I preferred more. So for you, maybe 154 but 156 would definitely be doable too.
It would depend on your ability too – if you are more an intermediate level, then 154 is even more appealing. If you’re more advanced then that would swing things closer to 156 again.
I also found that I preferred a slightly stiffer than medium-flexing binding on this board. I’ve ridden it with a 5/10 flexing binding and an 8/10 flexing binding and preferred the stiffer binding. Definitely still good on a 5/10 flexing binding but I think better with a little stiffer – especially if you were to go with the 156.
Hope this gives you some help with your decision
Hi Nate!
Awesome reviews, I really appreciate the time you’ve put into this. Making a decision on a new board is never simple but I appreciate the detailed reviews, really helpful. Anyways I’m stuck on the sizing of the DOA. I’m 210lbs and 6 foot maybe 6’1, would the 158W be fine for me? I want to charge, go fast, hit any lip I see especially in the park and occasionally ride through the trees and powder when I have the opportunity. I know it’s an aggressive board but with the 158w will it still be semi-playful and maneuverable say for butters, jibs, going between trees, fast surfy carves? I want an emphasis on park board but something that can handle anything you throw at it. Is the DOA my best option or should I look at the Outerspace living? I ride hard and fast but I want to get better at switch, jibs/boxes and spins mainly while being able to ride through pow without getting stuck. Any advice on making a decision?
Hi Casedawg
Thanks for the message.
I’d usually size you closer to a 163 or thereabouts. Sizing down to the 158 would certainly give you a bit more flex out of the board for butters, would help in the trees and would make it easier on jibs. But you’d loose out in terms of powder, speed and carving.
The Outerspace Living is a more easy going ride and isn’t as good for carving or at speed – but it is better in powder – and it’s easier to butter and would be slightly easier on jibs. If you we’re an experienced jibber, then I’d say it wouldn’t matter, but I think the Outerspace will be easier to jib with for a less experienced jibber. I’d say it’s a little easier for riding switch too – just because it’s less aggressive.
So you’d have to sacrifice something either way. If you went Outerspace Living I’d say go with the 160cm. My only thing would be whether it would be wide enough. What’s your boot size?
If the Outerspace Living is wide enough, then it’s a tough call but I’d maybe be leaning slightly towards Outerspace Living just for the powder. The DOA is already not great in powder and sizing down would make it even more difficult in powder. If powder is something that you rarely see, then that might not be a deal-breaker. It’s certainly not like you can’t ride the DOA in powder – it just requires more effort and you’re more likely to get stuck in it.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
want to buy the DOA, but not sure wich size. The 155W or the 158. Problem is that i have shoes nummbers 11 to my heigt cm 173 cm. What would you say?
Thanks, Michael
Hi Michael
Can you let me know your weight. Height plays a part in your choice of length but weight is even more important. If you can let me know your weight, then I can recommend what I think is the right size for you.
Hi, this is probably the best review I’ve read on this board.
I’m also asking about sizing on it. I’m 188cm, size 10 boots and around 76kg and I’m deciding between the 156 and 158 model of the DOA.
I’m aa experienced rider riding mostly the small local hill with small to medium sized jumps, butters in the pist and park/jibb riding in general.
I’ve been on the Capita Indoor Living (56) for a couple of seasons but after testing my friends camber board I want to get back to a (mostly) camber board again to get some more pop and precision.
Any suggestions would be greatly appritiated.
Hi Mikael
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call between the 2 sizes. I would say 158cm would be the way to go for you but you could definitely ride the 156, and since you are used to a 156 that wouldn’t feel foreign to you. Also, because you are going to a more camber dominant, more aggressive ride, staying at 156 will still feel different.
Also, since you’re riding on a small hill and you sound like you are riding mostly freestyle, then going smaller is definitely an option.
If you were going no an all mountain or freeride board, I would say 160-162 would be a better length, but this is a board that you can size down on – and for your style or riding, sizing down is also a good idea. So, I wouldn’t go longer than the 158 – but it’s just a weigh up between that and the 156.
The 158 would give more float in powder (which doesn’t sound like that’s a big issue?) and a bit more stability at speed, and better for carving. The 156 will be more agile, better for jibs (IMO), better for trees (IMO) and better for butters and spins. For straight air, either would be fine.
Your boots will work will either size fine width-wise.
I liked the 156 (183cm, 83kg, size 10) for this board. But slightly different specs – your stance width is likely to be wider than mine.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Hi Nate,
Great review!
I want to buy Capita DOA, but confused with sizing which I should go. I know that DOA has quite big effective edge relatively to length from tip to tail, so it means that I can go to shorter board that I usually ride.
I’m 182 cm and 84 kg. I want to use this deck mainly on resort and focused on jumps, butter and carving. What size should I choose?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Scroller
I would say either the 156cm or the 158cm and actually leaning towards a 156cm. Whilst, I would normally definitely recommend the 158cm for your specs for this type of board, I am leaning towards the 156cm because that’s the size that I rode and I loved it. I am roughly the same specs as you (183cm, 83kg-ish).
I would say it is down to that longer effective edge that this board felt right at the 156cm size. Now that said, this is the only size I’ve ridden this board in – but I think, for me that this is bang on for this board.
Now, I have a boot size of US10. If you have an US11 or up then moving to the 155W or 158W would be the better options. If you’ve got US10.5s you should be fine on the regular width but it would be on the narrow side. In that case you could probably go either regular or wide.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks a lot for reply and advice! I will pick up 156 cm.
You’re very welcome Scroller. Hope you enjoy your new board and the rest of the season!
Hello Nate, first of all thanks for your time by sharing all this information,
What do you think about this board but from last year? 15/16?
and what do you think about the rossignol jibsaw? have you tried it? I couldn’t find any information about it here. I heard it’s a pretty good board for freestyle
Kind regards, Eze
Hi Eze
I didn’t demo the 2015/16 model of the DOA so I can’t say for sure but as far as I know the 2015/16 model wasn’t too much different from the 2016 model – a few tweaks from what I hear but not any major changes.
I haven’t ridden the Jibsaw but from what I hear it’s a decent freestyle board but it’s in a different category, IMO. The DOA is an aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle board whereas the Jibsaw is more of a park/freestyle board. It’s softer flexing and has a less aggressive camber profile and sounds like a more playful kind of ride, in comparison to the DOA.
Hope this helps
Yeah that’s helpful, thanks! I know it’s another type of board but since I was asking here about the DOA I thought asking for both haha
Hi Eze
You’re very welcome. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
Super review, I am 184cm height but only 70Kgs weight and sz 11 in boots; I usually ride 158/159W boards. What size would you recommend and works the 155W to small for me? Thanks you!
Hi Julien
I don’t think the 155W would necessarily be too small for you. Your weight would suit that board and the width is spot on for a size 11 (IMO).
The DOA also does have a greater contact length compared with similar length boards – mostly because of the Camber dominant profile. Also, I rode the 156 and loved that size (where I would normally be 157 to 158 for this type of board.
I think the weigh up for you would be between the 155W, the 158W and the 158 (I think you could squeeze on this width – though it would be pushing the narrow side). So probably between the 155W and the 158W.
When weighing this up consider the following:
The longer length will help for better float in powder and more stability at speed (though this board isn’t really meant for powder anyway).
The shorter length will be more maneuverable/nimble and will be easier to spin.
I would be leaning towards the 155W but the 158W would be doable too.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Hi Nate, i was reading your DoA review and I want to ask if you tested the Capita Outerspace Living and how do you rate it vs DoA.
Many reviewers say the Outerspace has higher values then DoA in Powder, uneven terrain and carving!
Hi Mark
The Outerspace Living was one of those boards that I really wanted to test last season but didn’t get a chance to. Hoping for it to be one of the first that I test when the 2018 boards are ready for demoing.
But based on the specs and from what I’ve heard from others I would say this – with the Caveat that I haven’t actually ridden the Outerspace Living.
The Outerspace living is a more playful/less aggressive board.
Carving ability would be pretty similar from what I can tell.
I would say that the Outerspace Living would do better in uneven terrain because of that more playful feel.
The Outerspace Living has more Rocker in the Profile, so I would say that it would perform a little better in powder. That said, they’re both true twin, centered stance board so neither are ideally suited to powder.
The DOA is probably a little better at speed and just all round a bit more of an aggressive feel to it – a slightly more aggressive side cut and definitely a more aggressive camber profile and has more effective edge – as a ratio of length to effective edge.
Like I say, I haven’t ridden that Outerspace Living but I’d say that it outperforms the DOA in some areas and not in others. But they’re two boards that will have quite a different feel/personality.
Hope this gives you something more to go off.
Nice review! Whats your height/weight?
Thanks Mike
I’m 6’0″ (183cm) and 185lbs ish (83kg)
Hi Nate, I think this is the board I’m going to go for based on your review. What boots and bindings would you recommend to go with it? I will do 95% of my snowboarding in Utah and I like to ride fast and hard and jump off everything possible, cliffs, jumps, nailing rollers as fast as possible, I don’t go snowboarding for the parks but if there’s a park I love hitting the big jumps and throwing down a few flips but I like just riding super hard and really enjoy riding switch as well which I plan to focus on quite a bit this year. I’m 5’10” 200lbs and size 10 1/2″ foot. Any advice would be appreciated 🙂
Hey Jordan
I think you’ll really love the DOA for the type of riding you like to do.
Because you like to ride aggressive then bindings and boots that are on the stiff side is a good idea. But because you are still doing some freestyle type things, all be it aggressively, I wouldn’t for something super-stiff. Something mid-stiff would be a good option.
I’m actually just working on a post for that type of bindings right now but I haven’t published it yet. But based on that post I would say any one of the following would be good choices.
~ Ride Capo
~ Union Ultra FC (I rode this with the DOA and it was a killer combo!)
~ Union T.Rice (a bit more affordable than the Ultra FC but still practically just as awesome)
~ Burton Genesis X (this is the stiffer version of Burton’s Genesis bindings – their stiff but still flex nicely with the board)
I’ll post a link to that post here once it’s finished and published.
For boots check out the list at the link below. I think any of these would go well with the DOA/your style of riding.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Boots
Hope this helps – let me know if you’d like my opinion on size for you, if you aren’t sure of what size to go for