Hello and welcome to my CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Kazu as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Kazu a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro 2021
Price: $629
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 88.5/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 32 men’s freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Kazu’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Kazu’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride |
Price: | $579 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Directional Hybrid Camber - CAPiTA's "Alpine V2 Profile" |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 0.5" (12.5mm) |
Base: | Sintered - CAPiTA's Hyperdrive base |
Weight: | Really Light |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
151 | 251 | 100-150 | 45-68 |
154 | 253 | 100-160 | 45-72 |
157 | 255 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
160 | 257 | 140-200+ | 63-90+ |
Who is the Kazu Most Suited To?
The Kazu is a great board for anyone who predominantly likes to ride powder when it's there and carve the groomers, when it's not. It's also something that's even better for those that like to send it in the powder, whether in the sidecountry or the backcountry - and a great board for riding trees.
Not for a beginner. You'll want to be a solid intermediate rider before riding this thing - but if you are, and the above description sounds like you, then this is a great choice.
The Kazu in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Kazu is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro 2021, 157cm (255mm waist width)
Date: February 25, 2020
Conditions: Lightly snowing picked up to moderate during testing. Some fresh over the prvious 48 hours too. Around 15cm I think.
Visibly wasn't bad though. Not 100% but 80-85%
-3°C (26.6°F) with wind. Feels about that. Cold but certainly not bone chilling cold
Off groomer some decent powder pockets in places. On groomer soft packed and quite cruddy
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 555mm (21.85″)
Stance Setback: Setback 12.5mm
Width at Inserts: 265mm (10.43") at front insert and 262mm (10.32") at back insert
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Salomon Lo-Fi
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2600g (5lbs 12oz)
Weight per cm: 16.56 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.36 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of around 80 boards that I've weighed in 2019, 2020 & 2021 models. The Kazu is one of the lightest boards I've weighed! Capita boards are typically light, and the Kazu is even lighter than the average Capita board. On snow it felt nice and light too.
Didn't feel quite as light as the "Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft" (which was heavier on the scales but felt lighter on the snow) but still felt really light on snow (light boards on the scales don't always feel light on snow and visa versa).
Damp or Chattery?
Right in the middle of the scale. Not ultra damp but definitely not chattery either.
Smooth or Snappy?
Again, right in the middle, but maybe just on the smooth side of the scale.
Powder
Felt really nice to ride in the powder I had. And that's no surprise, given the rocker in the nose, the taper and the little bit of a longer nose than tail, and little bit of setback. Not as surfy as something like the Ultralight Powder Snowcraft I rode on the same day, but fun nonetheless.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Really nice on a carve. For a board this good in powder, this is quite a precise carving board.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Nice and maneuverable at slower speeds. Has that rare ability to feel stable at speed, but still be quite agile at slower speeds.
Turning: Easy enough to initiate a turn and good energy/spring out of a turn. The more you put in the more you get back - but you don't have to put in your everything just to turn it. You can get a little casual on it.
Skidded Turns: Not super easy/forgiving of skidded turns, so definitely not for the beginner. But not catchy feeling either.
Speed
Nice and stable at speed. For all its other qualities it has a remarkable ability of having good stability at speed.
Uneven Terrain
Nimble enough to weave through bumps and forgiving enough to absorb them.
Good in crud too.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
This is one of the better freeride boards for jumps. So if you're looking for a freeride board, but don't want to sacrifice too much for jumps, this is definitely worth checking out.
Pop: Good pop which is relatively easy to access. When you put more in you get more out too. So you can access some with very little effort, but you can get more if you load it up.
Approach: A good balance of being stable for faster approaches but nimble enough for trickier approaches
Landing: Nice and solid on landings and has some forgiveness for when you get it a little wrong.
Side-hits: Good combination of pop and agility. It's not ultra agile, but decently agile, particularly for it's flex, and the combination makes it a fun option for sidehits on the way to that powder stash (or in that powder stash).
Small jumps/Big jumps: Small is OK, but comes to its sweet spot more with medium to large air.
Switch
It's definitely not something you can't ride switch, but not ideally suited to it either.
Spins
Good enough for getting spins around, and good pop for getting the air you need. Not amazing landing and taking off switch for 1s, 5s etc, but doable for sure.
Butters
Not the hardest I've tried to butter, but not super buttery either. At best 3/5, but maybe more 2.5/5.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.5/100 |
The Kazu is a great weapon for attacking the sidecountry, the trees and carving up the groomers in between. It's also one of those freeride boards that's also really good for jumps and handles uneven terrain really well.
It's a freeride/powder board with the versatility of an all-mountain board.
Versus something like the Navigator I rode on the same day, the Kazu has just that bit more bite, bit more precision - a little less surfy. And when you put the energy in, it gave it back - that's the same with any board, but versus the Navigator, and the average board, it had a higher ceiling of the energy you could get back. But you didn't have to put a ton of effort in just to get it to ride - you could still ride it a little casual when you felt like it.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Kazu, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
- US
- UK/EUROPE
If you want to check out some other freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Kazu compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Capita Kazu Kokubo review.
Hi Nate,
I am 5’7 and 150lbs, currently ride an Outerspace Living. My skills amped quite noticeably this season and was thinking to get a Kazu as a second board. Do you think this is a good complement to the Outerspace Living, or it would be more of an overlap?
Also, should I consider the 151 or 154cm length for the Kazu?
Ryan
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
The OSL and Kazu are quite different boards, so there’s not too much overlap there, IMO. They can work in a quiver and are complimentary to one another, IMO.
If you could let me know your boot size, that would help with sizing the Kazu, but it’s definitely between the 151 and 154. If you could also let me know the size of your OSL. Depending on that size, might lean one way or another on what to go with for the Kazu, to be the best compliment in the quiver. But boot size is also a very important consideration.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the amazing prompt response! My boot size is US8.5 Wide, and my OSL is 152.
Does the Kazu complement the the OSL mainly for powder days?
Ryan
Hi Ryan
I would probably go 151 with your boot size. The OSL 152 is quite narrow – and a good width for your boots. The Kazu in the 151 is wider, so you’re still looking at more surface area overall. In addition, the Kazu has more effective edge per overall length, so you’d actually be adding just over 2cm of effective edge on the 151 Kazu versus the 152 OSL. All that said, the 154 is doable. I would put you on roughly a 154 as your “standard all-mountain” size. The reason I would be leaning 151 is because of width and effective edge, but 154 still doable – on the bigger side, but if you were going to use it mostly as your powder board, then that size could certainly work as part of your quiver. If you were going to use it as a one-board quiver, I’d say 151 for sure – but as part of a multi board quiver the 154 is certainly doable.
Powder is one thing that the Kazu is better for, but it’s also better for carving and more stable at speed versus the OSL – so not just a powder day board – but it would be the board I’d take out on a powder day, if I had those 2 in my quiver, for sure. The OSL is a little easier of a ride and is better for riding, taking off and landing switch. It’s also easier for butters/presses and jibs.
Hi,
You give great good advices. I bought a capita doa and vans infuse based on your advice and they are perfect.
Now i want to buy a kazu kokubo or bataleon party wave.
My size is 168cm i weight arround 69kg and my shoes size is 8US in vans infuse.
What do you recommend between the two capita kazu and bataleon party wave and what sizes?
I was thinking 151 capita and 144 bataleon.
And which of the two? 🙂
What do you think?
Thank you,
Alex
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
For the Kazu, I would go 151 for sure.
I haven’t ridden the Bataleon Party Wave, so not sure about that one, but given the width on it, I think the 145 would be your best bet.
Between the two it’s hard to say which would be better given that I haven’t ridden the Party Wave. I’m assuming your purpose is to add a board to your quiver that would be for powder and off groomer stuff, to compliment your DOA?
The Party Wave looks pretty soft flexing based on the specs, but certainly designed for powder by the looks of it. I would say more powder specialized than the Kazu. Kazu good for powder, but also good on groomers. And you’re talking around 7/10 flex (a little stiffer than DOA) on the Kazu versus 4/10 flex (assuming the ratings are comparable) on the Party Wave – and you’re looking at a short/wide and more powder specialized option (IMO) in the party wave.
Hi again,
Yes i am looking for a quiver to compliment the DOA and be good in powder.
I was thinking also at party wave + but they only have 148 and in my opinion is to wide for me. My DOA is a 150 and some times i feel is too norrow.
Hi Alex
Yeah, I mean it’s supposed to be wide, but yeah, I think for that width you’d be better sizing down to the 145 (which they don’t have for the Party Wave+ by the looks). 148 is doable, but for your specs, I’d be looking to size down that extra bit. If it was between the Party Wave+ 148 and Kazu 151, I’d go Kazu 151. But the boards are quite different (from what I can tell) – even the + version looks like it’s softer than the Kazu – and the Party Wave is volume shifted.
Thank you beey much, you are great and you always give advices fast and good.
Already ordered kazu 151 and union atlas 2022 to replace my 2018 atlas.
Thank you and keep up the goot work 👍
You’re very welcome Alexandru. Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
Thanks for the great review!
A week ago my friend mentioned this board and since I was looking for my Ride Machete 162 replacement I decided to have a look at it and was charmed by its specs and reviews.
I’m 176 cm height, 75 kg (165 lbs) at the moment, 8US boots, currently Adidas Acerra 3st Adv. Yes, I know that my current board it too long for me, but I got used to it.
I mostly ride groomers at speed and off piste in trees. Sometime when I get a chance I travel to more powder-rich places, for cat skiing etc. Also I want to start doing at least some backcountry. But most of the time groomers and trees around (so one day it can be a lot of powder there, another – just packed snow after previous riders). I don’t feel I want few boards at the moment so am looking for one more or less universal board, and seems that Kazu fits the best.
So I ordered this board yesterday (157cm length) but still have some doubts about sizing. Specs are saying that recommended weight for 154cm – 43-72kg, so I ordered 157.
I’m going to ride it together with Union Atlas (which I also use currently and just ordered new ones).
Do you think I made a good choice in terms of the board itself, its size and bindings?
Their a lot it advance!
Hi Vladimir
Thanks for your message.
For how you describe your riding, I think the Kazu is a great choice.
In terms of sizing, I think you’ve made the right choice with the 157. I’d put you on around 157/158 for an all-mountain size. You can go a little longer for freeriding, but if that includes a fair amount of trees, then I wouldn’t go longer than that all-mountain size. There’s an argument you could go down to the 154, because of your boot size. Often sizing down for a board that’s a bit wide for your boots makes sense. However, in your case, I wouldn’t go to the 154, since you’re used to riding a 162. I also think it’s worth going shorter than what you’re currently on. Even though you’re used to the 162 now, I think it’s worth adjusting to that shorter size, that’s more inline with your specs. 160 would be going too big, IMO, even though your used to a 162. After a bit of an adjustment period, I think you’ll really like the Kazu in the 157 length.
The Atlas are a good match to the Kazu, IMO, so all good to stick with those, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thank you for such detailed answer, this really helps a lot! Looking forward to ride on the new Kazu 🙂
You’re very welcome Vladimir. Happy riding!
Hey,
currently looking at a Kazu Pro 2020/2021. Can’t decide which size. I am around 190lbs and my height is 5.11. I want the board as my main powder board. Guess the 160 would be fine for me but I prefer smaller boards so I am thinking about the 157. But scared it will not work for me in deep pow. Any suggestions?
Thx, Bernhard
Hi Bernhard
Thanks for your message.
I felt the 157 floated really well for me. Though in saying that, I didn’t have anything super deep to test in. And also I was 175lbs at the time of riding, so you’ve got a little bit of extra weight on it. 160 would certainly give better float, of course. I think it’s going to depend if you’re mainly going to be in open terrain powder or if you’re mainly going to be riding in trees on powder days. If in trees, I would probably err to the shorter option. If open terrain powder, then I would probably go 160.
If you could also let me know your boot size, just to confirm overall sizing suitability.
Hi, it depends… I prefer open terrain but here in my area there are more tree runs. So I guess 70% trees, 30% open terrain. My boot size is 10.
Thanks,
Bernhard
Hi Bernhard
Given you would be in trees more often, I would be leaning 157. 160 certainly isn’t wrong though and it would give you easier float for sure, and I think you’d appreciate when you were in that open terrain powder. 160 wouldn’t be too wide for 10s – particularly when you’re in powder, that width isn’t as noticeable (if it’s a little wide for you), but the width on the 157 is fine too, for 10s. Even though I don’t think the 160 would be a wrong choice, I would be leaning 157 – predominantly because of the 70% trees, but also because you mentioned previously that you prefer to err shorter.
Hey Nate, Im having a tough time deciding between the Kazu pro and the Yes Typo for this year as my daily all mountain driver. Im an intermediate/advanced level rider who prefers a nimble ride thats really quick edge to edge and good for short sharp/snappy turns. I spent the last two seasons riding the Custom flying V and Lib Orca, with the custom being my daily driver. I loved the turn initiation and response of the custom, but the edge hold wasn’t the best and it felt a little squirrely at high speeds. The orca on the other hand had great edge hold and felt a lot more stable at speeds, but really wasn’t as nimble and maneuverable as I’d want it to be. I’m looking for something that can sort of blend what I love about both of those boards into one, and have narrowed it down to the 155 Typo and 154 Kazu. I’m 5’10 180lbs and wear a size 10 burton Ion… Which board would you recommend for me?
Hi Tony
Thanks for your message.
In terms of purely for short sharp turns, the Typo would have it over the Kazu. Just a little easier to whip it around and part of that is being a softer flex. But it’s also not as good at high speeds. Both the Kazu and Typo are going to be more nimble than the Orca, in my experience. And the Kazu is actually quite nimble, particularly for it’s flex – and it has that nice balance of being stable at higher speeds, but still quite nimble at slower speeds (I found). Going with the 154 will mean it’s a little less stable at high speeds than I experienced it, but also more nimble than I experienced it (we have similar specs – 6’0″, 175lbs, size 10).
So if you really wanted to get out and out quickness in your turns, the Typo would be king there, but not going to get much better in terms of speed. It is going to be considerably better edge hold wise though. It’s much better in hard/icy conditions, IMO, than the Custom Flying V. But just may not get the kind of stability at speed you’d be seeking.
The Kazu, particularly in the 154 won’t be far off in terms of nimbleness, I would say, but would be more stable at high speeds. So I think that’s probably the better balance. Also kind of depends on what else you’re doing with your riding. E.g. the Typo is really easy to butter and easy for riding switch, so if those were things you were doing a lot, then there are some pluses there for the Typo over the Kazu. And if you’re in powder a bit, then going Kazu would give you an advantage over the Kazu (though if you were going to be keeping the Orca, you could use that for powder). But yeah, for the one board quiver, for what you’re describing, I would be leaning Kazu, but if you think you’d appreciate the extra little bit of agility from the Typo at the cost of stability at speed, then the Typo would certainly work too.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for the response! I think I may end up going Typo just because of how much I really appreciate that type of agility in a board. Either way I’m thinking of trying out new bindings this year as well. I’ve ridden burton malivitas for the past 5 or 6 years, but might try out the Union Atlas or strata, or even the jones mercury. Any insight on which would be best on the typo?
Hi Tony
I would go Strata from those options on the Typo. Mostly because I think they’re the best flex match. The Atlas and Mercury are getting on the stiff side for that board, IMO. Also I really like the Strata – the best board feel of those 3, but at the same time quite damp (though not as damp as the Mercury, which, like most NOW and Jones bindings, are super damp) – and just a great response but also something that rides slow well, in my experience. So yeah, I’d be looking at the Strata.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the insightful and detailed review. I think I’m going to give the Kazu 160 a try. I have size 11 ions and large Falcors. Stance is 22.5 +21/-9. do you think I can get away with the the 257 and still lean it over? mostly will be my Slackcountry board. Thanks for your response!
Oh and I’m 5’11 170-175
Hi Spencer
Thanks for your message.
It’s close. My biggest concern is that back insert. It’s going to be around 264mm at the back insert on the 160 (assuming a roughly 22″ stance width). The front insert will be around 267mm – and with that 21 degree angle, I don’t think you’ll have too many issues there with Burton Ions. But with 11s, I’d say, if you’re going to be carving fairly deep on it, with 11s, even low profile boots like the Ions, that you’d want around 270mm at the inserts, with an angle like 9 degrees. I think you get away with going a little narrower on your front foot because of that angle, but on that back foot, I think it’s a bit narrow.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your response and the Tech Nate!! I decided to go with the Kazu and hopefully i can make it work with the adjustable falcor heal cup. I let you know how it goes.
all the best
Spencer
You’re very welcome Spencer. Hope it works for you and look forward to hearing how you get on.
Hey Nate, I am planning to purchase a secondhand kazu 157 from offerup but I’m not sure if it would fit me right. I am 5’8″ and 170lbs. I wear a size 9 boot.
I’ve been riding for a few years now but have only been using rentals or friends’ boards and I finally think it’s about time that I get my own. I am looking for a board that is all mountain and I’m hoping this board is right for me. If you have any advice on bindings that would be helpful as well.
Cheers!
Hi Drey
Thanks for your message.
It could be right depending on a few things. The Kazu Kokubo is a board that you want to be a solid intermediate rider. You’ll want to have good technique and have a fair bit of experience. It’s hard to say how much riding you’ve had – as some might ride 100+ days a year and some only 1-2, but yeah, a higher-end intermediate level with solid technique.
In terms of how you like to ride, this is what I would term a freeride board. For a freeride board, it’s really good for jumps and relatively versatile, but it’s still quite directional, so it’s not something that’s easy for riding switch. And it’s not easy to butter/press of jib with. If you’re not really into buttering or switch/spins, then I think this could work for you, so long as you’ve got a solid technique behind you.
Size-wise, for the Kazu, for your specs, it’s a debate between the 154 and 157. I would say 157 for sure, if it was a little narrower, or if you had size 10 boots. 154 is doable for you because of your boot size. But I think 157 works, even with 9’s, but it’s going to depend a little on how you want to ride it. If you want to make sure you’ve got good stability at speed and want to do some big carves and that kind of thing as your main stay, then I’d say 157 – even if you want to do a little bit of tree riding and slowing it down, side hits etc. But if your style is more geared towards doing lots of trees, sidehits and you don’t really bomb that much, then I’d be leaning more 154 for you. Also kind of depends on the size of the mountain you ride the most. If it’s a smaller resort, then I would err shorter. If it’s a bigger resort, with lots of opportunities to open out, then I would err longer.
Sizing can be very personal as you can see!
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I just bought the Kazu 157 online but I’m worried it might be a bit too big for me. I’m pairing it with Union Falcor M’s and Vans Infuse size 9 boot.
I’m 5’9 150lbs. And have been riding for a out 15 years. I love riding steep and deep but want something I can take in the trees and still hit the groomers when it gets Chowdary.
Do you think I should size down to the 154 before taking it out for a spin??
Thanks dude
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
As per my previous response, I think the 154 is the best size for your specs. I would personally go 154, if I had your specs. The Falcor and Infuse are, IMO, are a very good match to the Kazu and I think you’ll really enjoy that setup overall, but I would go 154 for the board, if it was me.
Hey Nate, not sure where my comment went. I’m a boot size 8, so top end of small bindings and the low end of medium bindings. Just started riding this season but have been progressing pretty well to blacks and moderate trees. Planning to keep my current Arbor Element rocker (154), so looking for something to compliment it. Thinking maybe use the Element as a powder board and then have the Kazu to take tree riding to the next level? Also wanting to get to carving. Planning to pair this board with either Burton Malavitas or Union Stratas.
Hi Tad
Got your other message (all messages are moderated before being published – I usually moderate them as I reply). I deleted that one as this one has the bindings info too.
I would go 151 for the Kazu. A couple of reasons.
a. it’s better suited to your boot size. Even the 151 is slightly wide for your boots, but sizing to 151 will help with maneuverability.
b. Speaking of maneuverability, the 151 is going to go better in the trees and since that’s a focus for you, I think it’s the better bet
c. The Kazu in the 151 is still going to be better for carving than the 153 Element Rocker – it’s just better suited to carving. And also the effective edge on the 151 Kazu is almost 3cm longer than on the 153 Element Rocker. So you’re still getting more effective edge, even with the shorter size
For bindings, I would go Strata on this board. Just because the Strata’s are a bit more responsive than the Malavita, in my experience, and the Kazu goes better with more responsive bindings, being a little on the stiffer side.
Thanks man! In regards to bindings, would the Cartels be more appropriate to compare with the Stratas? Any other bindings you would recommend to pair with the board?
Hi Tad
Yeah Cartel would be a more appropriate comparison to the Strata, IMO. I think the Cartel X would be an even better match for this board. And from Union, you could also look at the Falcor.
Thanks for your input Nate! Cheers!
You’re very welcome Tad. Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
Thanks a lot for the great reviews and your expertise.
I’m looking for a versatile board combining the following qualities:
– Floating in pow
– Stability at high speeds
– Ease of turning
Is Kazu Kokubo the best choice?
I’m advanced rider 174 cm, 76kg, US9 boots size
HI Kirill
Thanks for your message.
I think the Kazu strikes a nice balance between all those things – so I think it’s a good choice for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, it’s a tight call between the 154 and 157, but I would go 157. You could ride both, but I think that’s the best size for your specs and what you want out of the board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I’m looking into grabbing the Kazi because the BSOD from Capita is sold out in 156(I can only find it in 159)
I’m around 5’8 – 5’9 and weigh 150 lbs with a boot size of 8.5
What size do you think I should get for the KAZU KOKUBO PRO. Also do you think I would fit a 159 in BSOD? I’ve ridden the 156 the last 4 years
Thanks dude!
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
For the Kazu I would go 154 for you. IMO the 159 BSOD is too big for you. Even just on length it’s too long, IMO, but add to that being wide for your boots, it’s overall a good bit too big, if you ask me.
Hope this helps
Hi! I’m looking to get this but not sure the right size for me. I’m 5’7 and light weight 135lb, size US 8. Is the 151 the best option for me?
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, 151 for your specs, for sure, IMO. I think that would be a good size. Anything longer too big, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks! your info/advices here on this site are really helpful. Learnt a lot from you.
You’re very welcome Steve. Thanks for visiting. Happy riding!
Hey man, I’m the same height as Steve, but about 142lbs. Been riding a 153 Arbor Element rocker as my first board. Should I go with a 151 or 154?
Hi Tad
It’s a close call between the two. And which one is better, IMO, is going to depend on your boot size. And also how you want to ride the board and your ability level. Are you wanting to ride fast a lot, hit powder a lot? Ride trees? If you can describe how you’ll be riding this board mostly, your rough ability level, and your boot size, that will help to decide between the two sizes.
I’m looking into picking up this board for riding in powder and trees and i wanted to know what size I should get. I have a 10 1/2 boot and weight 172lb. My last board was a 2017 Ride Manic, and i want something more maneuverable, so im leaning towards 154. Would this work?
Hi Noah
Thanks for your message.
If you’re riding a lot of trees it could work for sure. Will certainly be more maneuverable in the 154, but also won’t float as well in powder in the smaller size so there’s that trade off.
If you could also let me know your height (weight and foot/boot size are more important factors, but I still like to take height into account as well) – and also the size of your Manic, that would also help.
Width-wise on the 154, with 10.5 boots, it’s pushing it a little. It’s on the narrower side for that boot size. If you’re really leaning into carves and have not much angle on your back foot (e.g. 0 degrees, 3 degrees etc) and/or don’t have low profile boots, then it might be pushing it width-wise. It’s doable under certain scenarios, but under others it would be more risky. If you could let me know your typical binding angles and the make/model (and year if you know) of your boots) and how hard you like to lean into carves, that would help too.
Picked this up the other day, love the top sheet (and base of course) but the top sheet is awesome up close. Kazu atlas Bindings look sick with it. Can’t wait to ride it. Only 7 months ha!
Hey Tim
Awesome that you got the board now! Yeah, I love the graphic on this board too.
I would say come to the Northern Hemisphere so you can get on it now – but travel is pretty hard these days!
Hey Nate,
Currently on a NS West. Looking for something that can offer me a different feel and shape. I would say I’m an advanced rider. I spend most of my time in sidecountry, some groomers, and trees. Not a lot of park but would like to be able to hit jumps and side hits. I’m in Seattle so mostly on cascade concrete, some heavy powder days.
Do you think the kazu pro would fit my needs or do you have any other recommendations? Size recommendations would also be helpful too. I’m 5’8″, 150, size 8.5 boot. Thanks for your help.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the Kazu would fit what you’re describing really well. This is one of the better freeride boards for jumps, IMO, and it’s got you covered in sidecountry and trees for sure – and still really good on groomers.
Size-wise, I think it’s a debate between the 154 and 151. I think 154 is the pure size length-wise for your specs, but the 151 would offer some advantages, particularly with 8.5 boots. I would say the 154 is on the wider end of the range for 8.5s. It’s certainly not massively wide or out of range, IMO, but it’s at the wider end of that range – as is the 151. Sizing down to the 151 would give you some pros and cons, i.e:
– 151 would give you more maneuverability in tight spaces at slower speeds (like in technical trees)
– But it wouldn’t float as well in powder and will be less stable at speed
I think I would be leaning towards the 154 for you, but the 151 is an option – and I think it depends on what you want to maximize between maneuverability or float/speed.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! Super helpful, will be keeping and eye out for a 154 then.
You’re very welcome Chris. Happy riding!
Hi Nate
I was wondering if I can get your thoughts on some boards I’m struggling to decide between, I’m 5′ 10″, 160lb, boots size 9-9.5. The boards I’m looking at are Capita Kazu, Arbor Bryan Iguchi pro camber, Burton flightier attendant, Lib tech BRD C3. I ride a little bit of backcountry, mostly sidecountry to groomers, pow, trees, some jumps no jibs and I like a decent amount of speed. Do you have any insight in comparing these boards and any suggestions?
Hi Bryce
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Lib Tech BRD, but I’d say it would be suitable for what you’re describing, but give any more than that on that one.
For carving and speed, I would say Flight Attendant (FA) over the Kazu and Iguchi Pro Camber. For powder Kazu and FA over the Iguchi. For uneven Terrain, I’d take the Kazu over the other 2. For jumps, Kazu over the other 2 as well. Kazu for trees for me too. I think based on what you’re describing, I would be leaning Kazu out of those 3. The other 2 would certainly be suitable for what you’re describing, but I’d be leaning Kazu.
Size-wise, I would go 157 for Kazu, 156 for FA and 156 for Iguchi, for you. Unless you have strong preferences for riding shorter or longer than that. Got to take preferences into account, but purely based on specs and riding style, those are the sizes I would be looking at for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi nate , I recently purchased some of the atlas Kazu pros and an now considering the board to go with them. 157 would be my size.
262 at front insert is that the first holes or at the reference point? it’s 265 back foot insert? Just checking as usually it’s wider on the front inserts when there’s taper? Sorry I’m just trying to weigh up if it’s worth getting being wide enough. Which I think it is.
Cheers
Tim
Hi Tim
Thanks for the message – and for pointing out my mistake! I had those inserts figures reversed. You’re correct that typically with taper the back insert is narrower. Unless there’s a really big setback, and then the back insert can sometimes be wider or the same, even on a tapered board. But the Kazu only has a moderate setback, so you were right to question that. And I just double checked my notes and 262mm was definitely the back insert and 265mm the front insert. I will correct on the review now. And those measurements are taken at reference stance.
Width-wise, I think you should be alright with 262mm on the back insert with 10.5 Tactical ADVs. With longer profile 10.5s, it could be pushing it, depending on bindings angles and riding style, but I think you’ll be fine in the Tactical ADVs.
Hey Nate, awesome review! I am just over 5”10 and 168 lbs, I am curious on which size would be best suited to me?
Thanks
Hi Mitchell
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call between the 154 and 157. If you could let me know your boot size, that would really help.
Hi Nate,
So I’ve been looking into getting a board and I am more of an All-Mountain rider but Kazu really caught my eye. I know your review is from a Freeride standpoint but how does it hold up as an All-Mountain board? The reason I ask is the board really sticks out to me but I don’t ride in crazy powder conditions. Thanks for your time.
Hi Denis
Thanks for your message.
Stands up really well as an all-mountain board, IMO. It’s a good ride on groomers and still good for jumps. The biggest thing is whether you like to ride switch much or not. It’s not something that you can’t ride switch, but it’s less suitable for riding switch than all-mountain boards – and it’s not great of butters, or setting up/landing switch for spins, that kind of thing. If those things aren’t something you’re that worried about, then it would work well as a daily driver, all-mountain board, IMO.
Hope this helps
I’m 5’9” , 175lbs with a size 9 boot size. Would you recommend the 154 or the 157? Also I’m thinking about the union Force bindings with this board. Would love to get your opinion on the size and binding recommendations. Thank you!
Hi Denis
I’ve ridden the Kazu in both the 154 and 157 and liked both and kind of torn between the 2 for myself as well, but I think ultimately I would go 157. Testing the 154 I was 185lbs and testing the 157 I was 175lbs – so actually lighter when I tested the longer board. But I didn’t mind the 154 at all, even at 185lbs. Note that this is at 6’0″, and with a size 10 boot.
For you, it’s a really tough call, but I think just with boot size, I would be ever so slightly leaning towards the 154 for you. Just note that at 154, with your specs, it might feel subtly more maneuverable, subtly softer flexing, subtly less stable at speed, compared to how I felt the 157, but not to the same extent as I would feel the 154 compared to the 157 (hope that makes sense!). i.e. what I mean is that the difference I would feel in those factors on the 154 would be more pronounced (less subtle) in comparison to how I felt the 157.
But yeah, long story short, I am slightly leaning 154 for you.
If you do go 154, then I think the Force would work well as bindings. If you go 157, then maybe something a little stiffer to better drive the 157 which will feel a little bigger/stiffer feeling. Something like the Atlas or Falcor, if you were going Union – and lots of other options too, if you wanted them. But yeah, if you go 154, I think the Force would work fine (or the Strata).
Hi Mate. I have UK 11 size boots (Vans Infuse 29cm mondo) and I was thinking of buying Kazu Kokubo Pro 154 (waist 25.3 cm). Do you think that should I buy it or to look for another wider powder board ?
US11 sorry
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message – and for the correction. With UK11s definitely too narrow, IMO.
With US11s, it’s still probably too narrow, IMO. The width at the back insert on the 154 is around 260mm. Something I am certainly comfortable with with US10s, but not sure I would be with US11s. I’ve ridden as narrow as 255mm at the waist with US10s and didn’t run into any issues, but 260mm on 10s would be roughly the equivalent of 250mm on US11s. The Infuse are low profile, so that does help (only 2.3cm on the outersole versus mondo on the pair that I measured). So for your 11s, I would expect the outersole to be roughly 31.3cm. That’s going to mean around 5.3cm total overhang on the back insert (or 2.65cm per edge if your boot are perfectly centered), with a zero degree binding angle. A bit more angle on the binding gives you a bit more leeway. Certainly on the toe edge, I wouldn’t want to go any more than 2.5cm overhang max, and even then I’d prefer it to be less.
I don’t think it’s undoable, but it’s definitely borderline. One other thing is how you ride. If you like to get deep in your carves, that makes it less doable. I think it’s possible that you get away with it – especially if you were to center your boots so that you had mildly more overhang on your heel edge, but it’s pushing it a little. And if you’re riding it in softer snow, then there’s more chance of drag too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, you rip. This board seems to be wait I am looking for, but I wear 11.5 boots, 5´11 height and 176kg. You think the Kazu 160 x 257 waist could fit my boots with no drag?
Hi Alan
It would be risky, IMO. WIth 11.5s, you’re likely to have a boot length around 32.5cm and the width at inserts on the Kazu I would estimate to be around 26.3cm at the back insert. That’s total overhang of 6.2cm (3.1cm per toe and heel edge with perfect centering). With a bit more of an angle on your back foot, that would reduce a little. It’s more overhang than ideal, IMO. If you have low profile boots and ride with a reasonable angle on your back foot, and aren’t doing any super aggressive carves (like euro carves), then you’d likely be fine, but otherwise, there would likely be risk of boot drag.
Hope this helps
Dear Nate, I am 176cm (5’8″) and 67kg (148 lbs) and not a particularly powerful rider (long thin legs). I wanted a board more focus for mostly Japow and some all mountain. Would you recommend the Mercury 155cm or the Kazu? And which size for the Kazu? 151? 154? Thank you very much!
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
I think the Kazu would be better for Japow. Also it’s maybe a little softer flexing. On paper Capita rates Kazu 6.5/10 and the Mercury 7/10 for flex. The Mercury by my feel is more like a 6.5/10. The Kazu feels stiffer in hand to flex – more like a 7/10, but on snow felt more 6.5/10 or even 6/10.
So, flex-wise (going with the fact that a little softer means it should be easier to power if you don’t have that much power) the Kazu might also be a little better. Overall, I would go Kazu for you, based on what you’re describing.
Size-wise, you’re on track with 154 or 151. Both would work but there are pros and cons to both sizes.
The 151 would be more maneuverable and easier to power than the 154.
The 154 would offer better float in powder, better stability at speed and better for long wide carves.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much Nate, you are a legend!
You’re very welcome Jeremy. Hope you have an awesome season!
You are the best. Cheers.
You’re very welcome Mike. Hope you’re having/continue to have an awesome season!
Hi,
great review! How would you compare it with the 2018 Kazu, some say a bit stiffer so even more in the all-mountain direction, making it even more interesting. Thoughts on that?
Hi Tim
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to ride the 2018 model, so I couldn’t say for sure – but they are supposed to have stiffened it up marginally. Capita rates the 2018 model 6.5/10 and they rated the 2017 model 6/10 (which I would say was pretty accurate). So yeah, supposed to be a little bit stiffer but I couldn’t say for sure.
Ok thanks Nate!
Still haven’t tried the 2018 one dude?
Hi Mike
No, unfortunately haven’t had a chance to ride the 2018 model yet.
Hi Nate,
From your experience from the previous model, what will be the best size ( for 2018 model) for height 165cm and weight 70kg in order to float easily in pow but also carve through the trees and play in the park a little?
Hi Mike
I’d say the 151cm would be the best size for your specs. I would put you on around a 152 for an all-mountain board – and 153, 154 for a more freeride/powder oriented board. However, this is the kind of board, IMO, that you go a little shorter for. And for the trees and the park the 151 is going to be a much better size for you, IMO than the 154. And even though the 154 would float better in powder, I’d say the 151 would do a good job for your specs – and certainly better than other boards that aren’t as oriented for powder as this one (it’s got a big wide nose (296mm – which is rather wide for a 151) that’s rockered up and a narrower tail, and it’s camber right back to the tail – this board is designed to sink the tail and raise the nose).
But yeah, long story short, I’d definitely say 151 for you.
Hope this helps