Hello and welcome to my Capita Mercury review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Mercury as an all-mountain snowboard*.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Mercury a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
*previously I have had the Mercury in the aggressive all-mountain category, but it was always a toss up between the 2. I have decided that it is better suited in the all-mountain category.
Overall Rating
Board: Capita Mercury 2020
Price: $559 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 89.5/100
Compared to other All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 34 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Mercury's Specs
Check out the tables for the Mercury’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $559 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 12.5mm (0.5") |
Base: | Sintered (Hyperdrive) |
Weight: | Light |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
153 | 253 | 100-160 | 45-73 |
155 | 255 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
157 | 257 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
159 | 259 | 140-200 | 63-91 |
161 | 261 | 160-220+ | 72-100+ |
Who is the Mecury Most Suited To?
The Mercury is best for a high level intermediate and up rider who likes to ride aggressively but also wants something that can, at least to some extent, be ridden slow and something you can play around on a little bit.
It’s a fairly aggressive ride, but it’s also something that's not completely unforgiving at slow speeds, like some aggressive rides can be.
Even so, still certainly not for the beginner and even a lower level intermediate rider would have a bit of trouble with it.
If you like to bomb and carve and tear up the whole mountain in a relatively aggressive way but want a ride that's not completely unforgiving at slow speed and something that can handle powder pretty well, then the Mercury should be high on your list, IMO.
The Mercury in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Mercury is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Capita Mercury 159 (259mm waist)
Date: March 23, 2018
Conditions: Snowing! At times it was hail like snow. Really cold day with relatively strong winds at times. -12 degrees celcius with the wind. Visibility was pretty bad first thing in the morning but got better, though was never great.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 595mm (23.4″)
Stance Setback: Setback 12.5mm
Width at Inserts: 265mm at front insert 266mm at back insert
Weight: 2700grams (5lb 15oz)
Weight per cm: 16.98 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.21 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of 24 boards that I weighed. Like most Capita boards, the Mercury is really light.
Powder
The Mercury floats well in powder – and it’s no surprise, there’s a decent amount of rocker tip and tail (to go with a healthy dose of camber between and under the feet) which helps with float. It hasn’t got a huge setback (12.5mm back on the effective edge) but enough to help with float and it’s overall a reasonably wide board, which gives a bit of extra float. And the setback on the overall length of the board is more like 30mm.
Carving & Turning
This board is fun to carve on – it’s got a nice flex for carving and there’s plenty of camber in there and it just gives a nice smooth carve with good spring. I felt like I could get quite low into carves – and it was just a fun board to carve on.
Not the most forgiving of skidded turns but you can get away with them to an extent when you get off your game a little bit – but not the easiest board to skid your turns on – hence why I would recommend this for high-end intermediate and up riders.
Speed
It felt nice and damp and smooth at speed and felt really stable when getting up to higher speeds.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Uneven Terrain
The Mercury has a pretty damp feel (even though it’s rather light) and that helps to absorb some chatter – it’s also got the power to charge through the lumpy stuff out there. It’s not super-soft by any means, so it doesn’t hug the curves quite like a softer board when the terrain is undulating, but it has got some flex to it, so with the right technique it was fine in those areas.
Jumps
This is a super fun board for jumps and ollies. It’s got good pop and it’s really solid on landings. It’s great for larger jumps. I prefer something a little softer for smaller jumps, side-hits, 180s that kind of thing but could definitely still rock those, but for big air/straight air, air off rollers, lips etc this thing was gold.
Switch
It’s not the ideal board for riding switch, but it’s not bad either. And for most who only enter switch for short periods it’s fine. It doesn’t feel the same riding switch as your normal direction but it doesn’t feel too weird either.
Probably not something for learning switch on, if you’ve never gotten into it – as it’s not something to learn riding in general if you’re a beginner – but if you’re switch game is down, it does the job when you need it to.
Jibbing
Too stiff and too much camber for me for jibbing – not my kind of board for jibs, but for a really advanced jibber (which I am not!) it’s something that you could hit a few jibs with. For me this was a jump line board, when in the park.
Pipe
I didn’t get it into a pipe, but it’s got pretty good edge hold and it’s fast and aggressive – so I imagine it would go well in there. Usually I’d prefer a twin for the pipe but otherwise I think it would go pretty well in there.
Changes from the 2019 Model
The 2020 model now has a new Hyperdrive base to replace the Ultradrive base on the 2019 model. Other than that it’s the same board with a new graphic.
Changes from the 2018 Model
For the most part the 2019 model is the same as the 2018 model, except:
- The 30mm X-Arcs from the 2018 model were replaced with 25mm Amplitex Amplifiers for the 2019 model – don’t really understand what that means? Neither!
Changes from the 2017 Model
The 2018 is mostly the same board as the 2017 model. There have been a few tweaks with the most noticeable being the slightly softer flex and the new base.
- New “Ultradrive” Base
- Slightly more flexible (rated 7.5/10 for the 2017 model by Capita)
- Upgraded sidewalls
- Some other subtle things including their “holysheet” fibreglass and use of “magic bean” resin
But overall it’s pretty similar to the 2017 model.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
Overall the Mercury is a fun, lively, versatile board to ride and is great for anyone who wants to ride aggressive but wants something that’s not no-holds-barre aggressive – i.e. something that you can still slow down and play around with to an extent.
For the all-mountain rider who mostly wants to carve and charge but something that can jump and very occasionally hit the park with.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mercury, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Mercury compared to other all mountain boards or want to check out some other options, check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Capita Mercury review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Mercury is capable of.
It’s not the ideal board for riding switch, but it’s not bad either. And for most who only enter switch for short periods it’s fine. It doesn’t feel the same riding switch as your normal direction but it doesn’t feel too weird either.
Hey Nate,
Quick question. With my weight of 143 lbs., and wearing US mens boot size 8.5 would the 153 cm Capita Mercury with 253 mm waist width be too wide for me or would it still be good? On evo.com it says up to 10.5 boot size on the mercury 153 cm.
Hi Colton
The Mercury 153 is likely to be around 259mm at the inserts. The Mercury is one of the boards that sounds wider looking at the waist width than it is. There isn’t a big difference between the waist and the width at the inserts. So, whilst it’s still on the wide end of your range, it’s not as wide as it sounds. It’s a little wider than what the Team Gullwing 152 will be at the inserts (around 256mm) and similar to the Slash Brainstorm 151 at the inserts (around 258mm at the inserts). It’s a little longer and a little stiffer than the Brainstorm and has more effective edge than the Brainstorm – so it will feel bigger overall than the Brainstorm. Will also feel subtly bigger than the Gullwing too.
It’s doable for sure but just to make sure you have all the info, it will likely feel a little bigger than the other 2, and is a slightly more aggressive feeling board vs the other 2. The Brainstorm being the most playful of the 3 and the Team Gullwing in the middle. Not sure if you’re looking for something more playful, more aggressive or in between, but just to give you a feel for the boards.
Nate,
Love the content! I’m set on the 2020 Capita Mercury but can’t decide between 159 and 161. I’m 6’1, hover around 198 lbs, size 11 boots. I don’t do much park stuff but go for speed, carving, small jumps and powder. Thanks!
Hi Matthew
Thanks for your message.
Given your specs and how you like to ride, I would go 161 for you. I think that would be a great fit for you.
Hi Nate
Great work on the review site, it is very informative.
I am trying to decide on a new board and am looking at the 2020 Capita Mercury and Yes Typo. I am 5’11 and 80kg with a size 10.5 boot. I have been riding for years and would say I am at an advanced level. Ideally I wan’t a board that is fun and playful that can handle itself all over the mountain with a more freestyle oriented approach – including a few laps through the park (jumps and rails) from time to time.
I am concerned that the Mercury might be slightly too stiff. I think I can handle the stiffness, but am looking for a board to be playful at the same time.
I am in New Zealand, so we don’t get many powder days and often have hard icy conditions so need a board with decent edge hold. I am currently on a 159 TRS from 2012 which I find is a bit catchy and not super stable when playing around on it. It is good at speed but pretty average in powder.
Thoughts on the Mercury vs Typo or is there something else that might suit?
Thanks in advance.
Ben
Hi Ben
Based on what you’re describing, I think the Typo would be a great choice. Playful but stable too and good in hard/icy conditions. The Mercury is just a little better in powder vs the Typo, but it’s more aggressive, stiffer (like you say) and overall more freestyle oriented. I wouldn’t describe the Mercury as playful, but I would describe the Typo as playful – but without being overly soft or loose.
If you’re looking for playful all-mountain, that’s still good in powder, then something like the Slash Brainstorm is also a good option – though less freestyle oriented than the Typo, but better in powder. The Custom Flying V probably fits the bill too – though not as good in hard/icy conditions. Those 3 (Typo, Custom Flying V and Brainstorm) would be the most playful from my Top 10 All-Mountain list:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
sorry
‘than’
I thought the feeling more like losing control than catching on edge.
Because I could turn around, but fall on speed or something else.
Hi Wess
Thanks for your message.
Certainly not surprised that you felt the LTR as shaky and unstable at speed. It’s very much a beginner board “Learn to Ride” and not made to handle too much speed. Soft and yeah likely a lot of rocker going on. Not a board I’ve ever ridden but certainly not made to ride aggressively at all.
The Mercury would be a big jump from something like that. Much stiffer and more aggressive. It’s not the stiffest and most aggressive board going around that’s for sure, but compared to the LTR it is. Certainly a challenging ride for anyone less than solid intermediate. If you want the one and only board ever in your life you could certainly grow into it, but maybe not ideal for right now. But it sounds like you could certainly handle, and really benefit from, something with a bit more performance than a beginner, rental board like that. The only question is whether the Mercury would just be that one step too far?
You could also check out the following, to see if there’s something in there that sounds to your liking:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much
I still wonder that,
Every reviewers said the board is for experts or far from now or bringing some trouble to beginner to intermediate.
Because of what feature of this board?
too stiff to initiate a turn ?
too easy(effortless) to turn?
too fast? (accumulate speed easily?)
easily catch edge ?
need bend the board to turn ?
or anything else ?
sorry for bothering you
thank you
hard to balance?
Hi Wess
Mostly to do with a combination of the stiffness and the camber profile. The camber profile alone isn’t that technical, but combined with that slightly stiffer flex, makes it less forgiving of errors and less forgiving of skidded turns than other slightly softer boards. It’s certainly not an overly catchy board, or the most technical or stiffest etc going around but you want to have a decent technique to ride it well, and whilst it will skid a turn when you need it, it’s not the easiest. Certainly for a solid intermediate rider it should be fine though.
Thanks.
Due to I hope to play carving advance to more stable camber board with more decent jump.
And I also like to play switch with more butter tricks.
So I hope to find camber board with easy press profile, so I found this board with good press, because most stable camber boards are not easy to press.
I also found a low level all mountain board said easy to press, it’s DC ply .
Could you give some suggestion? Does that suit to me ?
Hi Wess
I don’t test DC boards, so not sure about that one. But I wouldn’t say that the Mercury is super easy to butter. Not the hardest ever, but also not that buttery.
For an all-mountain board, that is stable and is a hybrid camber profile, like the Mercury – and is easier to butter I would look at the following:
– Rossignol One LF
– YES Standard
– YES Typo
– YES Libre
– Slash Brainstorm
And these are all good intermediate level boards too. I would look at one of those, based on what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Dear Sir :
I am not quite sure what level I am.
I used to rent board (Burton LTR, soft maybe rocker? I think) in the past.
And in resent two years(about ten riding days) I started to watch lots of teaching video online.
Now I could use Burton LTR to do qucikly edge roll even little carving to grab edge on green groomed runs, adding some ollie or nollie on green runs. And I could use Burton LTR pressing through a little powder. And I could switch ride on green runs, too.
But when riding or carving on uneven terrain or red runs, I am easy to fall if I’m too aggressive turn(fast), I thought the feeling more like losing control then catching on edge, but I am not quite sure.
So I wondering that if I want to choose the ‘one’ and only one board in my life.
Does capita mercury snowboard suit for me ?
I saw this review said “this board it not for the beginner and even a lower level intermediate rider would have a bit of trouble with it”
Thanks man.
You’re doing a great job.
You’re very welcome CJ. Hope you have an awesome rest of your season!
Hi Nate,
Many thanks for your website and reviews – really, ‘re useful stuff.
I’m struggling to decide between Mercury 159 or 161. I’m 180cm, 72kg and wear Adidas Tactical 11.5 US size. I would go for 159 but is it wide enough for my boots?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Cheers
CJ
Hi CJ
Thanks for your message.
I agree that the 159 would be the better length for you, and that it’s only the width that would be the concern there. Here are some calculations that will hopefully help you to make that decision.
The Mercury 159 is 266mm (26.6cm) at the back insert.
I have measured a Tactical 12 in the past. It was 31.7cm long on the outersole – which is just 1.7cm longer than the Mondo. The Mondo on the 11.5 should be 29.5cm – and assuming the same level of reduced foot print, then the outersole on the 11.5 should be around 31.2cm.
That would mean a total overhang of 4.6cm (2.3cm on toe and 2.3cm on heel if boots perfectly centered). With some angle on your bindings, I think that would be perfectly fine – I would personally be comfortable with that. If you ride with a very straight back binding, then it’s more risky but still doable, especially if you were to put a little more overhang on the heel and a little less on the toe.
Usually I would say don’t risk it with an 11.5 on the 159 Mercury, but given how much the Tactical ADV is reduced (and if you want to be sure of the length of yours I would encourage you to measure it) you might just get away with it.
Also consider how hard you like to carve – if you like to get really high on your edges on your carves – like euro carves, and you have a fairly straight back binding angle, then it might still be too narrow.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I ended up going with the 155 Capita Mercury this year, although I really feel the drop in effective edge compared to my old board (156 Custom twin camber). I feel I can’t hold onto carves as long. I’m debating going up to the 157 mercury next year, do you think it would be decent with my size 9 imperial boots? If the ‘57 is too wide, would a Jones mountain twin be a close contender? Thanks (5’9 tall, 165-170lbs, ride groomers, naturals side hits/jumps, very minimal park).
Hi Pat
Thanks for your message.
A couple of things with going Mountain Twin.
1. The 157 MT has a very similar effective edge to the 155 Mercury – so if you’re feeling that, then you wouldn’t be gaining any effective edge back there.
2. The 157 MT has a 253mm waist vs the 257mm waist on the Mercury – but the Mercury has a much smaller difference between the width at waist and the width at inserts, so it’s going to be a similar width as the MT.
3. The MT has quite a wide reference stance, which you may not be comfortable with. You can always go narrower, but personally I don’t like to go too far off reference.
It sounds like you’re looking for something with a bit more effective edge vs overall length. You were also considering the DOA before. So, if you’re OK with a twin as opposed to something directional like the Mercury or MT, you could check out the following:
– YES Greats: 154 (119cm EE) – this is wider and even in the 154 it’s likely to be around 270mm at the inserts – sizing down would somewhat help with that extra width
– Capita Spring Break (which is being reinvented in 2020 as the Asymulator): 156 (120.2cm EE) – more effective edge than the Custom Twin for the same length – estimated width at inserts 262mm
– Never Summer Proto Type 2: 157 (122cm EE) – width at inserts = 260mm. But I would probably go 154 (119cm EE and roughly 258mm at inserts) for you for this board. THough note that it’s not a hybrid camber but rather a hybrid rocker.
For comparison:
– Burton Custom Twin 156 (119.5cm EE) – estimated width at inserts 259mm
– Capita Merury 155 (116.9cm EE) – estimated width at inserts 262mm
– Capita Mercury 157 (118.5cm EE) – estimated width at inserts 264mm
– Jones Mountain Twin 157 (117cm EE) – width at inserts 266mm (if you went a little narrower would be similar to Mercury 157, I would say)
If you want to go with something directional, then potentially:
– Capita Supernova 156 (120cm EE) – estimated 254mm at the waist – which i think would be a great width for 9s, IMO. There wasn’t a 2019 model, but it’s coming back for 2020
I’m sure there would be plenty of other options too, but hopefully this gets you started.
Hi Nate,
Read through the comments and you’re awesome for all the help and advice. I’m looking to replace/upgrade from my old 2012 Ride Antic board. I’m mainly skiing the lower Pennsylvania mountains (with occasional trips further NE, and out west) so its mainly the icecoast conditions.
I was originally looking at something like the ride warpig just b/c its something different, and those type of boards are becoming popular, but I feel like something like the mercury will give me better use overall due to the snow quality I’m on.
I’m 6’1, a 10.5 boot, and weigh about 215-220 now (hurt my back pretty good, and now that I’m good trying to drop some weight I gained back off) and I can board diamonds and some doubles (easier side of those) no problem. Mainly on groomers, some trees, some off, not really any park riding.
I do like to go fast (not mach speed), but I won’t necessarily completely just bomb a hill (unless its a smaller one). I also on days do like to just cruise down the mountain with some turns and just take my time to enjoy the ride kind of thing. You think this board will be able to handle that or is it a tad too aggressive?
Just trying to find something with the right balance as I cannot seem to find this board locally to try or even look at right now.
This ended up being longer than I thought, sorry about that and more repetitive to what some of the other questions are too.
Hi Tom
Thanks for your message.
I think the Mercury could work for what you’re describing. That or the Jones Explorer are good aggressive boards, that still allow you to slow things down and play around a bit, when you want to.
Size-wise, I would say 161, but if you were to drop a bit of weight, then the 159 would become an option – and 159 probably a slightly better size width-wise for your boots.
The Mercury is good in hard/icy conditions. I would say 4/5. Happy to give you some suggestions of what I would consider 5/5 hard/icy condition boards, if you’re looking to maximize that aspect.
Hope this helps
Awesome thanks for the advice. I’m in a last min decision between the capita mercury and the Jones explorer as is anyways.
I’ve read in the past that the mercury rides fast no matter what you do, it seems to have changed a bit this year? It seems from reviews to have softened up a decent bit this latest year compared to earlier years?
Also on some of the steeper hills for example I’ll take my time on the turns. Not stop, but won’t do the wider curves at a fast pace (this is more extra super steep groomed Diamonds or double Diamonds though). I ride with my wife and she’s not as good of a boarder yet, so just making sure that I can slow it down to keep some pace with her and not have to work super hard to keep it slow if you know what I mean.
Is the Jones more forgiving overall? Or do they ride about the same as the latest mercury?
And sure I’ll take a 1 or 2 suggestions for the hard/icy conditions. I’ve ridden the 2012 Ride Antic so long that I’m sure all the boards are an improvement as is.
Trying to make a final decision real quick as I’d like to get the board/bindings and get a few runs in before I head out to Jackson Hole soon.
Thanks again and you rock btw.
Hi Tom
Yeah the Mercury has certainly mellowed out a bit over the years. I would say the Explorer just subtly more forgiving, but there’s not much in it, IMO.
Yeah, likely than any option better than your old board for hard/icy, but here’s a couple of all-mountain options that I’ve found to be really good in hard/icy conditions:
~ YES Standard
~ Niche Story
~ Rossignol One LF
I think the Explorer and Mercury would be an improvement though and should be able to handle it (I haven’t ridden on the East Coast, so I couldn’t say for sure, but based on when I get Hard/Icy on the West).
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I am thinking to buy my first board, since I was rent until now.
As a brand, I think Capita is one of the best in technology, as I have red and told by friends.
Since, the most time for me for snowboarding used to be 2 to 3 times, I hopoe to make it 10 per year, The board I am going to buy I will keep it for many years. Probably I won’t buy another, since I am 37 years, so I want to buy I good one and an apropriate one for me.
I think I belong to the start of an intemediate rider, not a beginner any more. I most doing curving and from trick I am interested on switch and oli.
So from capital I like mercury 2019 (around 500 best price until now) and I have found last year warpspeed at a good discount around 330. What do you think about last year warpspeed? You think is going to be trouble for me?
I know that outspace livivng is more suitable for me right now, but I don’t want to say in few years why I did not buy a better one
As a size I think 161 is the apropriate one since I am 190cm, 95 kg, 11,5 us
Thank you in advance
Take care
Hi Christos
I agree that the Outerspace Living is probably more appropriate for right now, but the Mercury isn’t way off. It’ll take a bit more to handle initially, but should be OK.
I agree that the 161 is the best size for you.
I would choose the Mercury over the Warpspeed, for you.
Hope this helps
Love your review bud! I just left my local Evo shop here in Seattle and discussed new boards with a very knowledgeable sales guy. We narrowed down the the Mercury and the yes Standard. I like groomers, powder, off trail and the occasional jump. I’d like something fast and responsive, but don’t bomb down hills. Like to enjoy my runs and explore. I do want to feel completely connected to my board and responsive. I’m 6’2, athletic build and fluctuate between 185 and 195lbs depending on diet and intensity lifting. I’ll have an epic pass and want to settle in Denver. I want a high quality board that I will grow into and(intermediate currently) and wouldn’t have to buy again for years. Is the Mercury a good fit? And is 159 for more control the move or 161. Size 11.5 boots
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think those 2 would certainly be good options. The Mercury is a little more aggressive than the Standard and a little stiffer, IMO. But it’s still something you can ride more casually when you want to as well.
Size-wise for the Mercury, given your specs, athletic build and the fact you want the board for years to come, I would be leaning towards the 161. Also, there’s a question whether the 159 might be borderline too narrow for your boots. If you ride low profile boots and have +15/-15 binding angles, you might get away with it, but it would be pushing it a little, if you’re going to be railing carves at any point. It’s one of those boards that isn’t that much wider at the inserts vs the waist. The 159 that I rode was 266mm at the back insert and 267mm at the front insert. That, IMO, is pushing it for 11.5s. Even though the 161 is only a little wider, it gives you that little bit more leeway.
The 159 would certainly be more maneuverable, particularly at slow speeds, and would be a slightly softer flexing, slightly less aggressive feel. It’s not way off in terms of size for you, for sure, but I think weighing everything up that the 161 would be the way to go.
For the Standard, the 159 should be well wide enough (it’s the opposite at the inserts – which are wider than most vs the waist width) – and if you were to go Standard, I would probably be leaning towards that. The 162 would be doable – and if you said that you preferred to really bomb, then I would consider that closer, but based on what you’re describing, I would be leaning 159 for Standard vs the 162.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks so much man! This has definitely helped. I purchased the 159 Mercury before reading this response, but can definitely swap out if you truly feel the 161 is the better board. What would be the trade offs with 159 vs 161? To give you a little more info…I went with the Ride Insano boots(what do you think of those) in an 11.5. I also would like to know your thoughts on the binding choice. I’m on the fence about the Union Atlas vs the Falcors, both large 2020 models. With my Intermediate ability and ride style, do you think it’s worth moving up to Falcors or are the Atlas all I need? I want high quality and durability, and will have this set up for several years, but the Atlas are $70 cheaper for me and I’m not going pro. I’m 41yrs old, but I’m in good shape/lean. Don’t mind spending more, but will I even notice/is there a big difference?
Hi Sean
I’d say that my biggest concern with the 159 would be width. However, the Ride Insano are quite low profile, so that gives you some leeway for sure. If you’re not going to be riding super aggressively, then I’d say you’d get away with it, but certainly no guarantees there.
Aside from width, the main differences you’ll see between the 159 and 161 are:
1. The 159 will be more “agile” – particularly at slower speeds. So that makes it easier to control, and better in tight situations, like in trees. It will feel just a little less aggressive and little softer flexing vs the 161, but this will be quite subtle.
2. The 161 will be more stable at speed and float a little better in powder. It will feel subtly stiffer and subtly more aggressive.
So yeah, if you’re looking more for having that agility and control and aren’t going to be bombing that much, and can sacrifice slightly less float, I think you would be fine staying 159, assuming you’re comfortable with the width. And to begin with I think you’ll most likely like it more. It’s just whether the 161 will be better once you become more advanced. But if you’re not planning on really bombing at any stage, you’ll prob be good sticking with the 159.
The Insanos are stiffer than what I would have paired with that setup and for an intermediate level. But personally if I have anything that stiff in my setup, I’d prefer it to be boots over other parts.
In terms of bindings, the biggest difference I find between the Atlas and the Falcor is board feel. The Falcor has a mini-disc and it just reduces the dead spot underfoot. The Atlas don’t have terrible board feel at all, but just not the same level as the Falcor. Also, I find the Falcor is a little more responsive. But the Atlas is certainly enough in that sense for the Mercury. So, IMO, both will work well with the Mercury, just the Falcor will give you just a bit more in terms of response and board feel.
Hi, i currently ride a Burton process flying V 157 and looking for a true all mountain bord, i love riding that fluffy Pow when it comes but dont have the chances of riding it way to often, i love to hit the park,rails and do flatground tricks like big butters and such.
I am currently looking into the mercury since i like riding fast aswell but with the higher flex does it really work with those smaller jumps,side hits and butters like the Process does?
Hi Filip
Thanks for your message.
You can certainly do smaller jumps/side hits and can butter with it but less suitable for smaller jumps/hits/butters than a softer board. More tuned to larger jumps. But typically more flex also means more stability at speed, so there’s usually a trade off there.
Some options that are not quite as good at speed as the Mercury, but better for smaller jumps/side hits/butters, but a little better than the Flying V at speed, but not quite as good as the Flying V in powder are:
~ Capita Outerspace Living
~ YES Greats
~ Salomon Assassin
But these are more what I would consider all-mountain-freestyle.
Some options that are still more buttery than the Mercury, and a little better in powder than the 3 above and what I would consider “all-mountain”.
~ YES Standard
~ Never Summer West
~ Slash Brainstorm
Hope this helps
Hey dude
Just discovered this website, and its great!
I’m looking at a Mercury in a 157 (maybe) to replace my YES Jackpot 154 that I’ve been riding for the past 7-8 years. I also considered a Typo, but not totally sold yet.
At 5’8″ and 178 lbs I would put myself as a strong intermediate rider and like to ride fairly fast. Mainly groomed steeps, local off-piste, and an occasional lap of the park on the jump lines (not much of a jibber – apart from side hits at the edge of the piste).
My Jackpot has seen better days, and gets a bit lively at higher speeds, so looking for something I can hold a better carve on and stay stable at speed, but will still allow me to mess about a bit at lower speeds here and there.
Would love to hear your thoughts, thanks!
Hey man, been looking at a lot of your reviews. Love them. real thorough. Anyways ive narrowed it down to three boards. Burton FA, BSOD, and Mercury. cant decide.. I like to ride on and off piste, powder runs, bombing. Dont do any park, nor do i even like to have my feet leave the ground. (30 is too old to be getting hurt)
It looks like the last couple BSOD models pale in comparison to the new 2019. Have you gotten a chance to try it out? People really seem to love the Mercury as well. seems like a good all mountain board with a sick graphic. My roommate has the FA and swears by it. What direction do you think I should go?
Hi Dev
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards either FA or BSOD from what you’re describing, assuming a relatively advanced level of riding. Since you don’t like any park/freestyle, those would give you the most for other aspects, IMO. The Mercury would certainly also work well for your style, but I think you would just get that little more out of the other two.
It’s hard to say which one. The FA is more freeride oriented, with the BSOD still more freeride oriented than the Mercury but a little less so than the FA, if that makes sense.
The 2019 BSOD is a sick board (but I liked previous models too). I rode the 2019 BSOD and you can check out the review at the link below:
>>Capita BSOD Review
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for your reply!
You’re very welcome Dev. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate, I’m really interested in the Mercury for a nice do-it-all Vermont rider. My only question is about sizing. As a small dude (5’6”/125lb), I want to go for a 153. Do you think the 153 is wide enough for a size 10 boot?
Thanks
Hi Gil
Thanks for your message.
I agree that for the Mercury the 153 would be the best size for you. And width-wise it should be fine for 10s. I ride 10s and a waist width of 253mm is always wide enough, in my experience. The width at inserts on the 153 should be roughly 260mm – a lot of the boards I test and measure are close to this width so should be fine. I mean if you ride with a completely straight back foot, have boots with a large profile and like to carve really deep/low carves, then it’s possible to cause issues, but otherwise shouldn’t be any issues at all.
Also, I think you could ride a shorter size than that, so having the width not too wide is going to help with maneuverability.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, I am currently riding Lib Tech TRS and thinking to replace it with Capita Mercury. How would you compare these two boards. I really liked the TRS but want to find better carving board, mercury seems to have better profile then TRS.
Also, which size would you recommend for me I am 180cm tall and 90kg and riding TRS 159, do you think I should downsize to 157.
Hi Vladimir
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would say that the Mercury is a slightly better carver than the TRS and also better at speed and in powder. I would say the following:
Carving: Mercury = 4/5, TRS = 3.5/5
Powder: Mercury = 3.5/5, TRS = 2.5/5
Speed: Mercury = 4/5, TRS = 3/5
Size wise, I would the 159 is probably best. But in saying that the 157 could work too. The Mercury is a slightly wider than average board. If you’ve got size 10s or under, then I would consider the 157. But if you’ve got 10.5 to 11.5, then the 159 would be better, IMO. But even if you’re riding 10s, the 159 is an option for you. And you’ll get a bit of increase in effective edge, compared with the TRS if you go 159. If you go 157, effective edge will stay about the same.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for responding promtly. I am actually wearing size 9.
Sounds like I should stick with 159. How about stiffness between these two, I guess mercury is somewhat softer?
I know its personal matter but which board between these two was more fun to ride in your opinion?
Thank you again!
Hi Vladimir
Thanks for the extra info. I actually think the 157 would be a better option with that boot size. (that’s assuming US size 9 – if it’s UK size 9, then the 159 might be the better option, but both would still be on the table).
Even though Lib Tech rate the TRS in the 159 to be a 7/10, I would consider it softer feeling than that. I rode the 157, which is supposed to also have a 7/10 flex, but I felt it more at a 5/10 flex. The 159 perhaps more like 6/10 (but also depends on weight – I’m 185lbs) The Mercury, is rated by Capita as 7/10 also, and that to me was quite accurate riding the 159. Maybe just a touch softer at 6.5/10. But if you were riding the 157, then it might feel more like a 6/10 at 90KG.
It’s hard to say which is more fun to ride because it really depended on the area of riding. The Capita is certainly more fun in powder, IMO – and more fun to open out and ride fast on. Both are fun with carving but the TRS is more fun with normal turns and shorter/sharper turns, IMO. And the TRS more fun for jumps, spins, jibs, riding switch and a little better in uneven terrain. Also better in hard/icy snow. If it was puking and you gave me the choice, I would grab the Mercury. If I was riding big mountain, open terrain – areas where I could really open out, then again I would choose the Mercury. But if I was in a small resort with no fresh snow and wanted to hit the park and sidehits and just generally ride, then I’d take the TRS.
Hope this makes sense/helps with your decision
Awesome man, you rock.
Thank you!!
You’re very welcome Vladimir, Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi,
Great review. Hoping I could get some advice. My current board is a 2012 burton blunt and am looking to get something more aggressive but not overpowering. I’d say I’m an intermediate/advanced rider (180lbs, size 11US), mainly charging groomers and powder runs when I can, looking at the 159. I haven’t ridden a camber board before but thinking this could be a good option given the lifted tip/tail. If you have any other board suggestions that would be great too.
Thanks!
Hi Harry
Thanks for your message.
I think the Mercury would be a good option for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, it’s probably between the 157 and 159. But if you can also let me know your height, that would be great. Sizing is mostly about weight, but I like to take everything into consideration.
Also check out the following, if you did want to look at some other suitable options:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
And also the Jones Explorer would be a good option.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the response Nate,
I’m 6’1” so I think I’d lean towards the 159 rather than the 157. Also thanks for the additional recommendations, I’ll definitely take a look.
You’re very welcome Harry. Yeah, 159 sounds like the best bet.
Hi Nate! Very interesting review. I definitely need your advise!
I’m an intermediate rider who rides Burton Custom 2008 162cm…. since 2009 😉
Same board all my life 😀 I find it a very good board… however not really forgiving, and not that playful when it comes to buttering etc.
At first I was thinking about Bataleon Goliath. The 3BT seems like a cool option to take the freestyle skills to the next level. Now I’m also considering Capita Mercury… and few other boards (mostly hybrid cambers).
I am looking for something very versatile, to replace my Custom.
I ride mostly:
1. Normal riding, speeding, bit of carving.
2. Pow and off piste – whenever there is a possibility – I always go off piste here and there to have some fun.
3. Small jumping (not any huuuge kickers) and trying to learn some basic freestyle stuff ( no talent here ).
4. Almost no park (very rarely some basic boxes, no rails.
Would you say the new 2019 Capita Mercury could be a good choice for me?
I know it is pretty aggressive, but from what I read here and there… the 2019 is much more playful and mellow than the previous years.
How would you compare it to the old Burton Custom (classic camber)?
I am:
190cm / 6’2 – 6’3
78kg / 172lbs
boot 43 / 10
Thanks!
Hi Marcin
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t say that the Mercury is easy to butter but not hard either. It’s easier than the Burton Custom though. It’s also more forgiving in general. But again, not super forgiving. But overall I think it would suit what you’re describing if your main thing is carving, speed, powder and jumps. For general freestyle I wouldn’t say it would be the easiest to learn new stuff on. Not the hardest either, but not the easiest. But it could work if you’re wanting to still get something that’s quality in those other areas.
Size-wise, it’s something that’s on the wider size, so you can size down just a little, if you want and I would personally for this board. For you, I think the 159 would be your best size. And taking off a bit of length from your previous board would also help you in terms of learning some freestyle stuff.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Need help on size for the Mercury. Either 157 or 159. I’m 6’2″ 180lbs with US10 boots. Im upgrading from a 2016 Indoor Survival 158. I want something more aggressive with better float and this seems like a good fit. I love finding tree runs and jumping off anything I can find, but mostly just bomb groomers with friends. Thank you for the help and all the reviews you do.
Hi Nic
Thanks for your message.
Even if you were to go 157 for the Mercury it will be a good bit more aggressive than the 2016 indoor survival. The Mercury is stiffer, has camber (where the 2016 Indoor Survival was flat to rocker). The Mercury 157 also has a little more effective edge than the 158 Indoor Survival (2016 model) and the 159 has a good bit more.
Also, the Mercury is wider, so there’s more surface area (even on the 157) for better float in powder.
So either way you’ll get something more aggressive and better floating, even in the 157. But the 159 will give even more float in powder,be more aggressive and more stable at speed.
That was an elaborate way to say what you probably already know!
All that said, I think you would like the 157. I would personally go 157 for this board (6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots). Even though I’d normally go 159 for this type of board, having that little bit of extra width, I like to size down a little. And I think you’ll like that size more for jumps and certainly more for tree runs. If bombing is the most important thing, then the 159 is worth considering, but I would be leaning towards the 157 – and that’s still going to bomb better than your 158 Indoor Survival, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Wow you are fast to respond and this helps a ton. Thanks a lot man!
You’re very welcome Nic. Hope you have an awesome season this winter!
Hi there,
Tossing up between the 57, or the 59. I’m 182cm 77kg and 11us 32 boot. Leaning towards the 57 but the 59 is a bit better for my boot. What would you recommend?
Cheers and great review
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
Personally, I would go 157 for this board (183cm, 84kg, size 10 boot). But I would usually go 159 for this type of board – but being a little bit wider than the average board, I like to size down a little with this one. But I could definitely ride the 159 (I rode the 159 for the 2019 model in the spring and really enjoyed it) but I think I would get the 157 for this one (having now ridden the 155 and 159).
For you, being a little lighter, I think the 157 would definitely work for you too – but you also have longer boots – so downsizing for width isn’t really an issue for you.
In terms of fitting on the boards, width-wise, it depends on your binding angles – and the profile of the boots that you have. If you ride with something like +15/-15 or at least with a good bit of an angle on the back foot, then the 157 should be wide enough. But if you ride with a straighter back foot, the 159 might be the safer bet, width-wise. If you have low profile boots (recent Adidas, Vans, Burton and Ride are the lowest profile of the brands that I look at), then you would have more leeway on your binding angles to get on the 157.
I would say, if you can fit width-wise, then I would be leaning towards 157 for you – but you could certainly ride the 159 and if it’s a better fit width-wise, then that might be the best option.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for that, I think I will go the 157, I think 257 width will be ok, my 32 binary boa 2018 are not true most low profile but I think it will do.
Many thanks for your help.
Tim
You’re very welcome Tim. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
Hello, I am 6foot 200lbs and size 11 boots. Mainly for charging around groomers and no park. Would you recommend size 157 or 159. Thank you
Hi Remi
Thanks for your message.
I think the 159 would be your best bet, based on your specs and your preferred style of riding.
For this particular board, I would ride the 157 myself (6’0″, 185lbs size 10) but with that little bit more weight and slightly larger feet, I would go 159 for you. You could also ride the 161. I really enjoyed the 159, but I think for this board, the 157 would be more for me. But I also would want to be taking it into the park, at least occassionally, as well.
So I’d be weighing up 159 or 161 for you – but I think the 159 would work well for you.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your response. Also, I have got Burton Malavitas 2018 model, will this binding will handle this board well?
You’re very welcome Remi.
I actually rode the 2019 Mercury (review to be updated) with 2017 Malavitas (basically the same as 2018 Malavitas) – and I felt like they were a good match. So yeah, I reckon they handle the Mercury fine.
I’m between this one and the gnu riders choice. Any chance you can compare?
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
This is what I would say are the major differences between them:
1. They are two different types of boards, IMO. Though there are no hard lines between types – I would call the Mercury an all-mountain board, and one that’s on the aggressive side. The Rider’s Choice, I would consider all-mountain-freestyle. And probably right in the middle of playful and aggressive but certainly more playful than the Mercury, IMO.
2. The Mercury is a little stiffer – I’d say 6.5/10, with the Rider’s Choice more like 5/10
3. The Mercury has a setback of 12.5mm and a directional shape – whereas the RC is centered with a true twin shape (or asym true twin to be more precise). The RC is overall more setup for riding more freestyle and the Mercury more leaning towards freeride
4. The RC is better in hard/icy snow. The Mercury’s not bad, but the RC a little better
5. Whilst the RC is one of the better True Twin/Centered boards in powder, the Mercury is still a little better in powder
6. The Mercury is better for speed and carving
7. The RC is better for jumps, spins, riding switch, ground tricks and just anything more freestyle oriented. The Mercury isn’t awful in those areas but just not as good
8. The Mercury has camber under and between the feet, with rocker sections towards the contact points on tip and tail whereas the RC has rocker between the feet and then camber that starts under foot and continues to the contact points. Overall this just makes the Mercury feel more of a stable ride and gives the Rider’s Choice a little bit of a looser feel.
Those are the most obvious differences that I can think of. For more on the Rider’s Choice check out:
>>GNU Rider’s Choice Review
Hope this helps
Hi, Nate
Thanks for the great review. Plan to buy the 2019 model as my new gear. I’m 174cm tall, weigh around 77 Kg and with boot size US10. Not sure about if 155 or 157 is much suitable for me. Do you have any suggestion?
Thanks~
Hi Roger
Thanks for your message.
This is a board that I prefer to ride a little shorter than I usually would, just as its a little wider. So for me, I’d usually go with the 159 for this type of board (183cm, 84kg, US10) but I would go 157 for this board. For you, I’d usually say 157 (given a relatively advanced level), but for this board, with your boot size, I think the 155 would be the best fit. You could certainly get on with both sizes, but I’d be leaning towards 155 for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your advice~
If compare this one to outerspace living, which one would you recommend to intermediate level. Not often go into park, and want more focus on carving and some ground tricks. If on OSL, can you suggest the size also for 2019 model? Thanks
Hi Roger
I’d say the OSL is more intermediate suitable. You could ride the Mercury as a high-end intermediate rider, but its less suited to intermediate riders than the OSL, IMO. The OSL is a great intermediate level board. I would say however, that the Mercury is a better carver overall, but the OSL isn’t a bad carver either. The OSL will certainly be easier for learning ground tricks, IMO. In terms of size, I think the 156 would be the best fit for you, if you went OSL.
Hope this helps
i am too much intrested with this snowboard and jones mountain twin but which would be better dont know both so similar but which could be more fun posistive and negative parts can u tell with comparing them ?
Hi Sayat
Thanks for your message.
I would say the following are the major differences between the Mercury and the Mountain Twin (MT).
1. The Mercury is just slightly stiffer, though not by much, and slightly more aggressive than the MT
2. The Mercury has a 12.5mm setback and the MT a 20mm setback – so the MT is just a little more setback – but again, this isn’t a huge difference
4. The Mercury is a little better when it comes to carving and jumping but there’s really not much in it
5. The MT is a little better when it comes to powder, but again there’s not much in it, very similar
Otherwise they are very similar, IMO. There are more similarities than differences I would say but those would be the main differences, IMO. Very similar performance-wise. You can read more about my thoughts and ratings on the Mountain Twin at the link below.
>>Jones Mountain Twin Review
Hope this helps
Could you provide some binding suggestions for the board?
Hi Bryan
For the Mercury, I wouldn’t go any softer than a 6/10 flex or any stiffer than 8/10. So something in one of the following lists, would be a good bet, if they fall between that range.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hope this gives you some options, if you don’t have any of those available to you, or want some other options let me know, and I can list off a few more that would be suitable.
Thanks! Much appreciated
You’re very welcome Bryan!
Hi Nate,
Really having trouble deciding here.
5’9 – 5″10 / ~160lb
Current Setup: ’06 – ’07 Burton Custom X 158cm (Craigslist buy I chose over the Flying V from the same seller),
Style: I want to say Aggressive All Mountain, I’m typically the fastest amongst my friends on Blues (not usually riding blacks but can handle my own), no problem laying down carves, typically bouncing back and forth edge to edge on faster straights, and love taking jumps on the side hits along the trails. I stay out of the park as its not a big priority for me, but might take one or two runs through it with if friends are going in. Oh and I don’t usually ride switch unless it’s necessary to get me out of a hairy situation dodging people.
Location: Typically multiple runs per season in Vermont / Poconos, will take one trip per year probably to either Mont Tremblant / Denver.
I got to demo a Yes Basic awhile back, didn’t like the chatter it gave at higher speeds. I’m in the market for something new. Really love the stability and that the Burton gives and love bouncing back and forth and feeling the camber load / unload.
Trying to stay away from the NS Prototype 2’s as I’ve seen waay to many of them on the mountain. Leaning heavily towards Capita boards right now – DOA, Mercury, Outerspace, BSOD.
Not sure if I’m trying to replace my Burton with something similar without sacrificing the aggressiveness I’ve grown accustomed to, or complement it with a board that’s more playful.
My thoughts are the DOA would be on the most “playful” end of the spectrum if my Burton is on the other end being ‘Aggressive.” The Mercury sounds like it falls right in the middle there, maybe a 155 or 157?
Look forward to hearing from you, appreciate the time!
Best,
Clint
Hi Clint
Thanks for your message.
Certainly if you’re looking to replace the Custom X, then I would say the Mercury or the BSOD are the way to go over the DOA and Outerspace Living. But the opposite if you’re looking to compliment your quiver – then I would go with the DOA or Outerspace Living for sure.
I would actually say that the Outerspace Living is more playful than the DOA. The DOA is relatively aggressive, from my experience. The Outerspace Living on the other hand is quite easy going and playful. They’re both more freestyle oriented. The Outerspace Living is what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard and the DOA an aggressive all-mountain-freestyle.
For more options for aggressive all-mountain, if you’re looking to replace:
>>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards
If you’re looking to compliment:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
But yeah, if you’re going with Capita and want to replace, then Mercury or BSOD would be best from those you’ve listed, but also look at the Capita Supernova, which would be the closest to the Burton Custom X in the Capita line.
If you wanted to go for a full on freestyle/park board as a compliment, then the Capita Ultrafear, Horrorscope or Thunderstick are also options, but it sounds like you still want it a little bit all-mountain oriented, in which case, yeah Outerspace Living or DOA. There’s also the Indoor Survival and Outsiders, but I would take Outerspace living over indoor survival and DOA over outsiders.
In terms of size, I think something around 157, 158 is a good size for you for an all-mountain board. And since that’s the size you’re also used to, then that’s another reason to go for something around that. So, if replacing:
~ Mercury: 157
~ Supernova: 156 or 159 (there are pros and cons for both – I can go more into more detail for sizing for this if it’s something you’re interested in)
~ BSOD: 156 or 159 – but probably 156, because of the width
The Mercury 157 and BSOD (particularly in the 159) will be wider than what you’re used to with the Custom X 2007 (which had quite a narrow waist and quite narrow tip and tail). The Supernova is a narrower board and would be closer in width to the 2007 Custom X.
If going with a compliment like DOA or Outerspace, then I would size down a little bit:
~ DOA: 156 or 154 if you wanted a bigger contrast – you could definitely ride the 154, but it would be a case of how playful you wanted it (the 154 would be more playful). 156 for a more all-round ride.
~ Outerspace Living: 156 or 154 (same as above)
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi, thanks for the great reviews.
How would you compare this to the yes standard 2018/19?
My riding is mostly off piste/pow, a bit of carving on groomers and then also in the jump line of the park, a little bit of jibbing but not much. Looking for a quiver of one that can fit a 11.5us boot at around 158-160 (I think the 159 mercury would be ok with the width…)
Standard seemed very damp and the construction a bit heavy when I had a small session on it. It railed turns better than any board I’ve ridden though. I was recovering from an injury so didn’t really get to test it fully unfortunately.
Hi Jarod
I think both this and the Standard would do the job for what you’re describing.
In terms of width, I would say that the 159 Mercury would be fine for 11.5s but only if you ride with a reasonable angle on the back foot (e.g. 12-15 degrees). If you ride with a straighter back foot, then I think it would be pushing it for being too narrow. If you have low profile boots (e.g. recent Adidas, Burton, Vans or Ride boots), then you would get away with it with a straighter back foot.
The Standard in the 159, no problems at all with width there, regardless of binding angles for 11.5s, IMO.
The main differences between this and the Standard (and this is based on the 2018, as I haven’t ridden the 2019 yet – the 2019 is supposed to have a lighter core, that’s about all I know about it for now – should be getting my hands on it (and the YES 2019 Catalog) next week).
1. The Standard is wider – not only is it 263mm at the waist vs 259mm at the waist of the 159 Mercury, it’s also 310mm tip and tail vs 303mm on the Mercury. That plus the mid-bite (which makes the waist cinched in) means that the width at the inserts will be a good bit wider on the Standard vs the Mercury
2. The Mercury is a directional twin (has a longer nose than tail) whereas the Standard is a “directional volume twin” which is pretty close to being true twin, but has just a little bit more volume in the nose compared to the tail – but the length and width of the nose is the same as the length and width of the tail.
3. The Mercury is a little stiffer from my experience, but not by heaps. I would say Standard 6/10, Mercury 6.5/10.
They both have a hybrid camber profile (camber between and under the feet with rocker towards tip and tail).
Overall, I would say that the Standard is a little more freestyle oriented and the Mercury a little more freeride oriented, but both are what I would call “all-mountain” and can do a bit of everything. A few differences but performance-wise quite similar, IMO.
In terms of powder, I’d say the Standard in the slam back inserts is a little better but centered not quite as good as the Mercury.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Thanks that’s awesome info. I ride 15/-12 with burton boots so the mercury would probably be ok then width wise. The standard was one of my favourite boards I’ve had a go with and I loved it carving. I did find it a bit heavy/too damp for me though and picking up the mercury in the shop, it’s ridiculously light and seems like it would have a bit more livelyness. I have also ridden the capita warpspeed in a 157 before and the construction felt amazing (light and poppy, although a bit catchy edges). The other board I am considering is the DOA in probably a 158w, I’ve got a full blown pow board so that might be a good option as my 2nd board.
I might have to wait for reviews or see if I can find a ’19 standard to have a look at, if it’s supposed to be lighter now that is very interesting… My mate has a yes PYL and it was ridiculously light so they must know how to do it.
Hi Jarod
I got my hands on a 2019 Standard (currently demoing YES & Jones boards) and it’s definitely lighter than the 2018 model. And lively is something that this board is! At least that’s what I found. More so than the 2018 model. I had a blast on this board. In fact the YES boards I’ve ridden so far have really impressed me. I’m also trying to weight boards as much as possible this year as I demo them and the Standard 156 came in at 2880 grams, which is roughly average. Of the 14 boards I’ve weighed so far, the average weight is 18.76 grams per cm (obviously longer boards will weight more, so I work out their weight per cm). The Standard 156 is 18.46g/cm – so a little lighter than the average (small sample size of 14 boards so far). For more perspective, the lightest I’ve weighed is is 17.45g/cm and the heaviest was 20.63g/cm. But I haven’t weighed any Capita boards yet, and I do remember feeling like the Mercury and Outerspace Living in particular felt super light for the 2018 models, so I’m really interested to see what their actual weight is. I rode the PYL 159 yesterday (another sick board!) and that was 2900 grams – 18.24g/cm – so a little lighter than the Standard.
Other boards that I thought felt really light last season (as light as the Mercury and Outerspace Living) were the Assassin 2018 and the Assassin Pro 2018. I haven’t ridden the 2019 versions yet, and haven’t weighed them personally but I do have the weight stats for them from Salomon. The Assassin 158 is supposed to be 2880 grams – 18.23g/cm – similar to the PYL and the Assassin Pro 158 is supposed to be only 2700 grams – which would be 17.09g/cm. I suspect that the Outerspace Living and Mercury would be somewhere in the 17s range.
Anyway, hope that gives you some perspective on the weight of the Standard. But yeah, overall definitely felt lively to ride and lighter to ride than the 2018 model. I don’t have any weight info for the 2018 model, so I’m not sure how much weight it’s dropped, but a reasonable amount I suspect, just from feel.
Also, I’ve been measuring the width at inserts for the boards I’ve been testing (something else that’s not published). The Standard 156 is 270mm wide at the reference points. It has a 258mm waist. This is a bigger difference waist to inserts than anything else I’ve measured and that’s due to the mid-bite. Based on the same ratio, the 159 (with a 263mm waist) would be 275mm at the inserts.
With Burton 11.5s and your angles, I would say you’d want minimum 266mm at the inserts – so the Standard 159 would certainly be fine. I haven’t ridden the 2019 Mercury yet (but hope to get my hands on it sometime in the next couple of weeks) but I’d say it would be at least 266mm at the inserts (but can’t say for sure yet).
That’s probably more info than you needed! But I’m a sucker for this stuff! Hope it gives you more to go off, anyway.
Amazing info!
That’s really interesting stuff, I think weighing the boards is really useful for reviewing. I know personally I have bought a couple without seeing them and they have been pretty heavy when I received them.
Good to hear the standard is a little lights and more lively, I think that might end up near the top of my list then, as everything else about last years model I really liked.
Thanks again for the great info, will be very interested to read some more 2019 reviews!
You’re very welcome Jarod.
I was always interested in the weights too – and whilst I always thought about how heavy they felt, it’s not that accurate to go by feel. I always note how heavy I feel they are before weighing them (in comparison to other boards), and I’m usually right, but not always.
I guess for me it’s going to come down to the mercury 161, standard 159, and jones MT /UMT 161w. I think at 6′ 186lbs 11.5us boot those sizes are right?
Any advice on how to make the call? All of those boards sell out super fast in Aus so it’s hard to go and see them all in person.
Hi Jarod
It’s a tough choice – they’re all good options!
I’d say this:
1. The Mercury is probably the most freeride oriented.
2. The Standard is the most freestyle oriented.
3. The Mountain Twin/Ultra Mountain Twin are in the middle in terms of freestyle/freeride – But all 3 are definitely do-it-all, that’s just where I’d see
4. The Ultra Mountain Twin is quite stiff for the 2019 model, stiffer than in the past, IMO. Jones are rating it 9/10 in terms of flex (which is higher than they rate the Flagship). I’d still say it’s not that stiff, but certainly felt quite stiff – 8/10 probably. The Standard is 6/10 (from my feel, though YES rates it 7/10). The Mountain Twin is 7/10 according to Jones, but again, I’d say closer to 6/10. The Mercury is 7/10 according to Capita, and I think that’s pretty close – but maybe just a touch softer than that – like a 6.5/10.
5. The Standard and Mercury feel livelier/snappier than the Mountain Twin/Ultra Mountain Twin, from the feeling I got from them – and since that was something you mentioned in a previous comment, that could be one factor.
Hopefully that gives you a little more to go off. All great options, IMO, so you can’t really go too wrong there.
Hey Nate,
Looking to replace my 2014 Salomon Time Machine 162. I’d like something similar but with just a little more flex. The Time Machine is 258mm wide, which seems to land right in the middle of the two boards at the top of the list right now, this Mercury 161 or the Yes Typo 161… Which of these two is going to give me the same charging ability in the back-country but a bit more flexy for those groomer days? I’m 5’10” 172lbs, size 9 boot, with a ducked stance about 23″.
Hi Brian
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Time Machine but from everything I’ve read about it, it sounds like it has a mid-flex. So I’d say the Mercury will likely feel actually feel stiffer flexing than it. If you’re looking for something with more flex, then the Typo is the way to go. Also, the Typo would be a more suitable width for size 9s.
Personally, I’d prefer the Mercury for the backcountry over the Typo, but since you want something more flexy, then I’d say Typo – and the Typo is something you can ride in the backcountry but it’s certainly not made strictly for the backcountry – but it is a versatile board, so if you’re wanting it as a one-board quiver, then definitely an option. And either the Mercury or the Typo would go out well in that size for you. I would ordinarily put you on more like a 159 for your specs (though there’s certainly personal preference involved for deciding on length too) for an all-mountain board like the Typo or Mercury – so adding those extra couple of centimeters makes either more backcountry-able.
This is assuming by “a little more flex” you mean more flexible and not stiffer? If you’re looking for softer flexing, then the Typo, if you’re looking for something a little stiffer, then the Mercury.
Hope this helps
If I’m looking for a relatively aggressive but still catch free ride (RCR profile mainly) and I’m currently looking at this board along with the Jones Explorer. I want something that can carve really well while having enough float for pow days (while still being able to handle some east coast variable conditions). They both seem to be pretty balanced overall, but I can’t decide which way to go.
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
Yeah that’s a tough one. Both sound like they would suit you well. If you could let me know your specs (height, weight and boot size), we could look at sizing and see if one or the other has a better size for you – that might be the deciding factor.