Comments

1. joyce says

   August 28, 2015 at 11:59 pm

   Wow I learned a lot about snowboards in your post I’m not a snow boarder but want to try it at some point in my life. Never thought there was different snow boards for different things like styles and the stuff you talked about. definitely learnt a thing or two from your site thanks.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     August 29, 2015 at 1:06 am

     Hey Joyce

     Thanks for stopping by. Glad you liked the post. I think you should definitely take up snowboarding – haven’t met anyone that’s regretted it so far!

     But I would start with a snowboard that is specifically good for a beginner – same applies for bindings and boots. Check out the posts below to get off to a great start with the right gear for getting going.

     >>How to choose a beginner snowboard

     >>How to choose beginner snowboard boots

     >>How to choose beginner snowboard bindings

     Also check out some of the posts in the gear advice menu above for more tips for beginners and getting setup.

     Reply

2. Frangelo says

   August 29, 2015 at 12:08 am

   Thank you for this most informative blog on snowboarding.. You sure cover a lot, its a very comprehensive and beneficial site for people interested in this sport. I particularly liked your reminder to wear waterproof clothing. Its something many people forget about and it is such a basic need when out in the snow. And when did Butt pads become popular? I didn’t really know about these. I do now and I think its great…

   Reply

   • Nate says

     August 29, 2015 at 1:13 am

     ha ha! You must have been reading my safety equipment post – i don’t know if butt pads are popular as such but they do exist. Never tried one myself but I do know a guy who wore one when he was just starting out snowboarding.

     If your someone who thinks that falling on your butt a lot would put you off or hinder your learning process then definitely go for the butt pad but not an essential piece of equipment.

     Thanks for visiting and I’m glad you like the site. Oh yeah and waterproof clothing def super important as you say.

     Reply

3. Ankie says

   February 12, 2018 at 3:25 pm

   Hi Nate,

   Thanks for your amazing blog! I’m looking for advise and was hoping for your help. I’m now riding the all mountain Nitro Mystique 146, but it is time to step up the game. I’m looking for a new board and can’t pick between the Jones Twin Sister and the Yes Hel Yes (size around 150). I’m in my fifth year (6 weeks) of snowboarding now and being lucky to have good snowboarders around me teaching me the fine arts of riding. The guys are snowboarding for years and love to go as fast.
   Naturally I think I am more the type of snowboarder who plays around, learning switch and doing technical stuf/little tricks (just started with ollies). But I still have to learn basically everything in this field. During the holidays I’m always the slowest in the group, which means I spend most of my time improving my speed and carving. They don’t mind waiting for me, but improving my skills on speed would be nice.
   Naturally I’m a very technical sporter , enthusiastically puzzeling my way through tougher situations. With speed I can get scared, mainly when there is ice.
   To finish the story, there is just one thing for sure. When there is fresh pow you will always find me between the pistes, the guys can wait!
   I have the feeling the 2 boards are very similar where the Jones Twin Sister is slightly more freestyle and the Yes Hell Yes is slightly better on ice. Feeling more confident on the ice would help me a lot in confidence in speed, but I would also love to start developing myself slowly in the freestyle area. Where there is fresh snow I forget everything and just go for the pow.

   Do you have any advise on which board to choose and what size would be good? (I am 1.68 high and have a very thin light build). You would help me a lot!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     February 13, 2018 at 1:38 pm

     Hi Ankie

     Thanks for your message.

     I would say that the Hel Yes is a little stiffer flexing and a little more of an “aggressive ride” overall. It’s going to be a little better in terms of carving but both will be very similar in powder – probably the Hel Yes slightly better for speed and a little bit better in icy conditions too – the Twin Sister is pretty good there, but not quite as good as the Hel Yes.

     The Twin Sister will be a better option overall for freestyle stuff. But the Hel Yes isn’t bad for riding switch or for jumps – the equal of the Twin Sister there – except that the Twin Sister will be easier for learning jumps and better for small jumps, where the Hel Yes is better for larger jumps. The Twin Sister would be an easier board to butter with and better for jibs.

     So for developing your freestyle game, the Twin Sister will be easier to do that on – and it’s not far behind the Hel Yes in terms of carving and speed. And though not quite as good in icy conditions, is still not bad.

     For the Powder, I would say they are very similar so you can’t really go wrong there.

     In terms of size, I would say, if you have a light build then probably sticking to around that 146 size would be a good idea, but it’s hard to say without an exact figure in terms of weight. Both boards have a 149, and if you really wanted to go longer that’s an option – and it would give you more float in powder, and a little more stability at speed going longer – but you will have better agility at slower speeds on the 146, and it’ll also be easier in general for learning freestyle type stuff on the 146.

     But if you can give me a more exact figure in terms of your weight, I can give a more accurate size recommendation – but my feeling is to go with 146 – with 149 an option if you really wanted to go longer – then 149 but I wouldn’t go longer than that.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Ankie says

       February 14, 2018 at 11:19 am

       Hi Nate,

       Thanks for the quick reply! You definitely helped me a lot!
       Your comment on the difference in big or small jumps or big or small turns made me decide to go for the Jones. As a girl I think I’m allowed to say that for the Yes Hell Yes it breaks my hard to not go riding the prettiest snowboard I’ve ever seen :p. But the Jones will suit me better.

       I found a scale so I got all information for you now:
       Length: 168 (cm)
       Weight: 54,7 (kg)
       Foot size: 39 (eu size)

       I checked out your article about snowboard length compared to weight and length. Since Jones does not offer advice on this. You have a good feeling, the table said to for a 146. I wanted to size up to get a better flow in powder and better hold on ice. But forgot that the turns will be easier with a shorter board. With this extra information. Do you still advice to go for the 146? (Just to be a 100% sure).
       Thanks to your help I will have my new snowboard in time for the next holiday. Thanks a lot!

       Reply

       • Nate says

         February 14, 2018 at 3:04 pm

         Hi Ankie

         Yeah sometimes it’s hard to not buy the best looking option! But usually it’s a good decision if something else is more suitable.

         I think the 146 is the best option for you. You’ll get a little more float in powder and stability at speed from the 149, but on balance I think the 146 is better for you overall. And just based on the Mystique’s specs (Nitro isn’t a brand I test so just based on specs) – I’d say that the Twin Sister will have better float even in the same length – and it’s a little wider overall too, which will help with float.

         You wouldn’t be completely wrong with the 149, but I think the 146 is the better option overall.

         Reply

4. Kial says

   March 6, 2018 at 2:26 pm

   Hi Nate

   I would love some of your expert advice on a Never Summer board size for my next purchase.

   I am definitely going to get the NS Snowtrooper as it seems to be the perfect all mountain board for me, and I did my initial beginner learning on a NS Evo (which was back in 2011) I was a proper beginner at the time, so I couldn’t tell you how I found the board, other than the fact that it was easy to manoeuvre and I didn’t catch my edges after I started riding it! Not even sure what size I had! I was just starting to get the hang of some buttering and I’d like to have a playful board where I could develop those skills.

   I’m 5’10 and 85kg and US9.5 … the Snowtrooper 159 board seems like it would be the right size for my weight but would the 156 be a better option in your opinion? also there is the width to consider

   I’m not a good enough rider that I would be bombing down the hills at max speed, just want something easy to progress from beginner to intermediate and something really cruisy and playful

   I know that the 159 will have slightly more stability at speeds (as I progress) but I’m completely torn between which size would be suitable for my stats…if you say 156, that’s the one I will get!

   Your help is really appreciated on this!

   Thanks

   Reply

   • Nate says

     March 7, 2018 at 10:01 am

     Hi Kial

     I agree that the Snowtrooper is a good option for you, based on what you’re describing.

     In terms of size, it’s a close call between the 156 and the 159. I think either size would work for you, but I’m leaning towards the 156. At an advanced level, I would say that the 159 would be the best length for you for sure – but as a beginner going on intermediate, I think the 156 would work just that little bit better, especially given that you want to develop things like buttering.

     I think the 156 will be a slightly better width for 9.5s too – though there’s not too much difference in the width between the 2 sizes, but it’s another small thing leaning towards the 156.

     The last thing that leans me slightly towards the 156 is that the effective edge on the Snowtrooper 156 is reasonably long for a 156. So the 156cm has a 120cm effective edge, which is longer than the average 156 – so it will feel a little longer because of that.

     Pros and cons to both – the 159 will be better in powder, better when riding fast and when putting in big carves. But the 156 will be better for butters, jibs, more agile (especially at slower speeds) and more playful generally. The 159 would still be quite playful, as this is quite a playful board but you’d get just a bit more in terms of playfulness out of the 156. The 156 will be easier to ride overall.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

5. Dan says

   April 3, 2018 at 3:50 pm

   Hi Nate,

   I came across this article whilst researching my next board. I’m a solid intermediate rider that loves carving turns and hitting the pow when mother nature turns it on but also have to live with hard pack and ice. I’m not a park rat, too old for that, so from what I’ve looked at I have a short list. They are the Capita Mercury, Jones Explorer, Rossi Templar or do I go more aggressive and get a Rossi One LF or Jones Mountain twin?

   I’m 5’10 and 168lbs and I wear size 10 boots. I have my existing 2 year old Burton Cartel bindings to use also. This board will probably have to last 3-4 seasons. I’d like to know your thoughts?

   Reply

   • Nate says

     April 4, 2018 at 11:00 am

     Hi Dan

     Thanks for your message.

     In my experience the Mercury and Explorer feel more aggressive (though still not super-aggressive) than the Rossi One & Jones MT. But any of those options would be suitable for what you’re describing, IMO. The Templar is a little more playful than the rest, IMO. But still stable and all-mountain oriented.

     If you haven’t already, check out:

     >>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards

     >>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards

     For hard/icy conditions, I would say:

     Capita Mercury: 4/5
     Jones Explorer: 4/5
     Jones MT: 4/5
     Rossi Templar: 5/5
     Rossi One: 5/5

     In terms of length, I would say something around 157 to 159 would be a good length to go with. But what you’re used to riding and personal preference plays a part there too.

     Width-wise, for your boot size I would say to look at something in the range of 247mm to 257mm in terms of waist width, if you ride with a reasonably angled back binding (i.e. 12-15 degrees) and between 254mm to 259mm at the waist, if you ride with a fairly straight back binding angle (i.e. 0-3 degrees). Add a couple of mms if you like to carve deep and take off a couple off mm if you have low profile boots (e.g. recent Adidas, Burton, Ride and Vans).

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Dan says

       April 4, 2018 at 5:59 pm

       Thanks heaps Nate.

       I’m leaning towards the Templar or Mountain Twin. Probably the Templar seeing as it’s a little more forgiving and slightly better on the hard pack. I’ll be in North America in January so I’ll be keen to pick up a board then. I’ll be interested in what the reviews of the 2019 models are like before that time.

       Reply

       • Nate says

         April 5, 2018 at 11:24 am

         You’re very welcome Dan.

         Let me know if you have any more questions before your trip and watch this space for some 2019 reviews.

         Reply

         • Dan says

           May 16, 2018 at 7:09 pm

           Hi again Nate,

           Plans have changed and I’m looking to get a board this Australian season. The Rossignol boards are hard to find at the moment but there is plenty of 2019 Jones and Yes boards. So my question is if I had to pull the trigger what would be best, the MT or the Typo or the Basic. Is the Standard too much board for intermediate? Also, what size do you think would be good in those boards? I was looking at a 156 in the One LF.

           Cheers,

           Dan.

         • Dan says

           May 17, 2018 at 1:36 am

           Hi again Nate.

           My plans have changed and it looks like I’ll be getting my board before I go. There aren’t many places that stock the Rossi boards here in Australia. There are many that stock the 2019 Jones and Yes. With that in mind I’m thinking of going the Yes Typo in a 155 or 158? The other choices are the Standard (maybe too aggressive for me) or the Jones MT which I mentioned before. I have also looked at the Capita DOA instead of the Mercury. What do you think?

         • Nate says

           May 17, 2018 at 3:08 pm

           Hi Dan

           Thanks for your message.

           Looking at your past messages and what you’re after, I don’t think the DOA would be that suitable for what you want. It’s more freestyle oriented and isn’t great for powder. Also not great in hard/icy conditions. Not as good as the Mercury, IMO. And though it’s softer flexing than the Mercury, it’s still quite aggressive – quite an aggressive camber profile. I think the Outerspace Living would be a better alternative if you wanted to go Capita (more like the Mercury but softer, a true twin and a centered stance) but again, it’s not the greatest in hard/icy and more freestyle oriented than all-mountain, IMO.

           >>Capita DOA Review

           I wouldn’t say that the Standard was too aggressive. I would describe it as lively, but not necessarily aggressive. I would call it intermediate suitable too. Probably would want to be solid intermediate, which it sounds like you are. You can read more about my 2018 review at the link below:

           >>YES Standard Review

           Size-wise, it would be a weigh up between the 156 or the 153. I would be leaning towards 153 for you. It’s the kind of board that I find is good to size down a bit for. You’d also be fine with the 156 though. I prefer the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10).

           The Typo would also work, IMO. It’s a more traditionally shaped board, so size-wise, I would say 158cm would be the best choice, but if you think you prefer shorter boards, then the 155 is definitely still an option. The 155 would be the more easy going length, but would also lose a little in terms of powder and stability at speed. But the Typo is more easy going in general than the Standard.

           >>YES Typo Review

           The Mountain Twin is also still a good option. A board that’s very consistent across all terrain, IMO. Size-wise, I think the 157 would be the best option for you. You could also ride the 154, you would certainly get away with that, IMO, but I think the 157 would be slightly more suitable, taking everything into account.

           >>Jones Mountain Twin Review

           Hope this helps

6. Dan says

   May 19, 2018 at 3:26 pm

   Hi Nate,

   Thanks for all of that. You’re a legend. After looking into it I really like the Typo. I’m thinking of going the 155 to keep it a little playful.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     May 20, 2018 at 10:08 am

     Hi Dan

     You’re very welcome. Yeah certainly if you want to keep things playful, then 155 is a good bet. If you think of it once your season starts, let me know how you get on.

     Reply

7. Zavier Huebner says

   September 18, 2018 at 12:54 pm

   What would be a good board for like a free rider but will occasionally go off jumps and enjoys a softer flex like a 4-5.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     September 19, 2018 at 10:09 am

     Hi Zavier

     Thanks for your message.

     You could check out the following:

     >>Ride Wild Life (softer flexing – around a 5/10 – all-mountain, but with a freeride feel)

     >>Jones Explorer (not a 4 or 5/10 flex – more like a 6.5/10 – but a little softer flexing and would otherwise be a good freeride option and work with jumps)

     >>Rossignol One LF (6/10 flex, bordering on 5.5 – not strictly a freeride board but works for freeriding)

     >>Jones Mountain Twin (6/10 flex – not strictly a freeride board but works for freeriding)

     Some other options that I think would fit what you’re describing – but boards that I haven’t ridden, so I couldn’t say for sure.

     >>GNU HyperKyarve: GNU say 6/10 flex but based on other GNU boards, I’d say it would be more like 5/10.

     >>Salomon Super 8: Mid flexing board that is more freeride than all-mountain

     >>Burton Ripcord: Though it’s probably too soft – more of a 2/10 flex – and more for beginners – and prob not that great over jumps

     Jones Mind Expander: Though more of a specialist powder board, that’s ok when the powder’s not there, from what I can tell. Probably not the best jumper. But sounds great for riding trees and riding powder.

     Those are the ones I can think of off hand with a softer flex, but still mostly freeride. There are certainly others, so if you can’t find something that you like the sound of among that lot, let me know and I can dig deeper.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

8. Oli says

   October 3, 2018 at 6:55 am

   Hi Nate,

   Question for you. I’m looking at getting the DC Ply ’19 & just wondering what you think which bindings would be a good fit for it. So far I’m looking at the Fix Truce, I’ve read & been told good things and looks good value without breaking the bank. Have also been looking into Union as well, nothing in particular though as I’m not too savvy in matching boards to bindings and for the most part just seems to be similar descriptions to the untrained eye. Considering the all-round good reviews for the Truce (especially from a mate of mine who really rates them) that’s where I’m leaning towards; but it’d be cool to read your opinion on it

   Cheers,

   Oli

   Reply

   • Nate says

     October 3, 2018 at 10:59 am

     Hi Oli

     I don’t test Fix bindings, so I couldn’t say for sure. I also don’t test DC boards. But based on specs the Fix Truce should be a good match to DC Ply – both the boards and bindings are rated as a 6/10. In my experience flex ratings aren’t universal from different brands, and since I haven’t ridden either I couldn’t say how close they are, but I’d say they’re probably a good match.

     If you did go Union, then the Union Strata would be your best bet, IMO. But the Force would also be a solid choice for that board (assuming 6/10 is a fairly comparable flex) and are the cheaper option.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

9. Sophie says

   December 8, 2018 at 7:44 pm

   Hi Nate,

   Similar question to some previous but I am also currently tossing up between the Jones twin sister and Hel Yes women’s 2018/9 boards.

   I live in Australia but go to Japan or elsewhere on a yearly basis to find the pow we miss over here. I’m an intermediate/advanced rider and would love an all mountain board that is versatile so that although I don’t spend much time in the park I’d still like the opportunity to do so! I’m 165cm and 67kg.

   Thanks again for your help!
   Sophie

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 9, 2018 at 10:49 am

     Hi Sophie

     Thanks for your message.

     I think you’re looking in the right place for sure. Both of those boards are really versatile and both would be a good choice. I would say that the Twin Sister is subtly better in powder and the Hel Yes subtly better for jumps. The Hel Yes marginally more of an aggressive ride, but again, not by a massive amount.

     The Hel Yes a little better in hard/icy conditions, which i hear are quite common in Australia. But the Twin Sister is pretty good there too. To put a number on it, for hard/icy, I would say Hel Yes 5/5 vs Twin Sister 4/5.

     Size-wise, I would say 149 for both – assuming you are at a relatively advanced level. But you could certainly ride the 146s, and they would become more appealing if you considered yourself more of an intermediate rider. But also, what you’re used to in terms of length comes into it too. So if you’re used to riding significantly longer or shorter we can reconsider that.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

10. Trevor says

    January 1, 2019 at 2:17 pm

    Hi nate

    I got a never summer SL-R 2011 161 as my first board. I am 166cm 176lbs and. Uk 8 shoe. I was told it was a 158 but when I got home and found it was a 161. I will be riding mountain in Scotland. I am a beginner never snowboarded before but skated surfed for years. Just like to fined out if this board will be ok

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 2, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Trevor

      Thanks for your message.

      In my opinion 161 would be too long for you. Ideally I would be looking at a 151 to 153 range for your specs as a beginner. So quite a bit too long, IMO. At a more advanced level, something around 156 would be good, but it’s a good idea to go a little shorter as a beginner.

      The SL-R itself (based on specs as it’s something that I haven’t ridden) isn’t the ideal beginner board (at any size), but doable (I’d say an intermediate level board). But at 161, I think it would be a difficult board to learn on.

      Hope this helps (even if it’s not the answer you were hoping for)

      Reply