Hello and welcome to my Lib Tech EJack Knife review.
In this review, I will take a look at the E-Jack Knife as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the E-Jack Knife a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Lib Tech E-Jack Knife
Price: $599 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Mid-Firm (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 86.3/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 32 men’s freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the E-Jack Knife’s Specs
Check out the tables for the E-Jack Knife’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride |
Price: | $599 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker (but mostly camber - Lib Tech's C3 Camber) |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | 25mm (1") |
Base: | TNT (Eco Sublimated TNT Base) |
Weight: | Felt Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
154 | 251 | 120+ | 54+ |
157 | 253 | 130+ | 59+ |
159 | 254 | 140+ | 64+ |
159W | 264 | 150+ | 68+ |
162W | 265 | 150+ | 68+ |
* note that there was a 162 before the 2022 model
Who is the E-Jack Knife Most Suited To?
The EJack Knife is best suited to those that want to ride big, fast and deep – but also want to be able to express a bit of freestyle flavor when doing so. So, if you’re someone who likes to do a bit of freestyle in the backcountry…. If you’ve ever seen videos of Eric Jackson and your style is somewhat similar, then that’s the ideal candidate for this board.
But even just as a typical freeride board (without the freestyle element) it’s a great choice too, but an even better choice if you throw in a bit of freestyle.
Not for a beginner, at all. Advanced to expert riders only on this bad boy. Maybe a solid, high-end intermediate rider too.
And whilst it has that freestyle taste to it, still not something that’s versatile in the park, IMO. You could go and hit the big kickers in there for sure – but not ideal for anything else in there, IMO.The E-Jack Knife in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the E-Jack Knife is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Lib Tech E-Jack Knife 2019, 157 (253mm waist width)
Date: April 14, 2018
Conditions: With 27cm of fresh snow in the 24 hours prior it was the perfect day for testing freeride boards (which is what I mostly rode on the Saturday). Visibility (at least the part of the mountain where I was riding) was great. There was a bit of wind (which was surprisingly cold for April) but only noticed it on the chair lift. It was around -8 degrees with wind chill.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 610mm (24”)
Stance Setback: 25mm (1“)
Width at Inserts: 259mm (10.2”) at nose and 260mm at tail.
Flex
It’s rated as a 7/10 in terms of flex, and in the case of the E Jack Knife, I have to concur with that. That’s how it felt to me.
Powder
It felt pretty good in powder. And no real surprises there. It’s got a long, wide nose compared to the shorter, narrower tail, to help the tail sink and the nose float. And it’s also got a 25mm (1”) setback in its favor.
It’s never going to be as floaty as a board with a good bit of rocker in the camber profile, IMO, but for a board with very minimal rocker, it floated very well.
Carving & Turning
Really nice board to carve on. One of it’s biggest strengths and the thing I had the most fun doing on this board. Not quite as nice on a carve as the GNU Mullair, which I also rode on the same day, but it’s not really fair comparing carving against that thing!
Relatively agile and was pretty good in the trees, but just a touch behind the Mullair and Never Summer Chairman that I also rode that day.
Doable for skidded turns if you get off your game, but only forgiving of it to a certain extent. Definitely prefers to be up on an edge.
Speed
I felt I could really bomb with this board and it could handle a lot of speed without feeling shaky. Not quite to the extent of the Mullair and Chairman, but definitely something you can bomb with.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Uneven Terrain
It felt pretty good riding through crud and over uneven terrain.
Jumps
Felt more natural on jumps compared to what I feel from a lot of freeride boards. It’s got good pop and I didn’t feel like I had to really put in a huge effort to get it to pop – it had a more easily accessible pop than a lot of freeride boards.
And certainly stable on landings and no issues with stability at speed on approaches.
Switch
It’s not crazy to ride switch on, but it’s also not a natural switch rider, IMO.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
Overall, the EJack Knife is a super fun board for charging, powder and carving – and is a more natural jumper than most freeride boards. So, if you like to get a little freestyle on big mountain terrain, this is a great board – or even if you don’t, it’s still a great choice as a freeride option, IMO.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the E-Jack Knife, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the E-Jack Knife compares to other men’s freeride snowboards or want to check out some other options in that category, check out the next link.
Hey Nate,
Appreciate all the reviews. Helped me last year decide on my first new board in twenty five years. The lib box knife (151). Just grabbed the orca (150) as well.
Thinking about the EJack and Dynamo as kind of that middle space between the two. Knew what I was getting into with the box knife for my freestyle/small mountain east coast board. Orca for pow days.
Grew up on a full camber Burton Code from 2000s (totally firm plank, lol) and looking to recreate that for an all mountain board that likes to carve with modern tech. Love the c3 and magnetraction on the box knife but couldn’t push it like I wanted. Found the box knife was out gunned when I went west this year. Too soft and didn’t have the responsiveness I wanted from it to really dig into a carve.
155lbs, 5’6″, 9.5 boot.
Leaning EJack and if so, 154 or 157? Would love your insights.
Hi Chris
For what you want I would definitely go Ejack Knife over the Dynamo. Whilst the Dynamo will give you more in terms of speed/carving and be stiffer versus the Box Knife, the Ejack Knife gives you another level again in those areas, and from what you’re saying, that’s what you’re looking for.
Size-wise, I think 154 is bang on, in terms of your all-mountain size, so I would be leaning that way. 157 doable but stretching it. For reference I would say the Orca in the 150 would be about the equivalent of roughly a 154/155 Ejack Knife.
Hope this helps
Appreciate it. And that totally makes sense. Helps confirm my gut of the EJack.
I want this board to be able to really throw it at a mountain out West when I want and stay pretty unique from the other boards in my quiver.
Sizing works too. I thought the 157 was going to stiffen it up more than my weight can really get into it. Also helps to know I sized my orca right too!
Thanks again.
Hi Nate,
I need some advice, I’m hesitating between EJack Knife and Terrain Wrecker.
I’m 176cm, size 9,5, Most of the time I ride groomers and uneven terrain (70:30). Never in the park. I believe I’m a high-end intermediate to advanced rider (snowboarding since 2005). Looking for a stable but not unforgiving board. What would be your advice?
Cheers,
Zlati
BTW I’m considering Orca as well
Hi Zlati
Thanks for your messages.
Between the Ejack Knife and the Terrain Wrecker, the Ejack Knife is the more stable of the two and the Terrain Wrecker the more forgiving. The Terrain Wrecker I found to be quite playful. It’s not awful at speed, but it’s more playful than it is aggressive and it’s on the looser side – not ultra loose or anything, but it’s not super stable either. The Ejack Knife still has some forgiveness to it though – it’s not like it’s completely unforgiving or anything. My instinct for what you’re describing, particularly as it doesn’t sound like you’re doing anything freestyle, would be the Ejack Knife.
The Orca, in my experience is a little less forgiving than the Ejack Knife – and for what you’re describing, I would say the Ejack Knife would be better – I would consider it the better board for groomers – and since you’re there a lot, I would be leaning Ejack Knife – the Orca is better for powder, but the Ejack Knife isn’t bad there – and unless you’re riding a lot of powder, I would be leaning Ejack Knife.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
it helped me a lot (confirming my initial choice ;-)). I’ll try my new Ejack knife next week 😉
Cheers,
Zlati
Hi Zlati
Glad it helped with your decision. Hope it treats you well! If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
this board is insane 😉 I can’t believe how big is the difference with my old Jamie Lynn banana.
Two days on it and I love it. Super stable, aggressive, stiff, easy to control … it’s 100% fun.
My setup:
ejack knife 159
Burton ION 9,5
Burton Genesis
groomers and uneven terrain (50:50)
Hi Zlati
Thanks for the update – really good to hear that you’re having a blast on it. Brings back memories and makes me want to ride it again!
Hi Nate, my english is not that good…i hope you’ll understand me. I’m considering a lib tech Ejack 2022. I’m 6″, 185 and have size 12 boots. I love agressive freeride in the trees but i now have young kids so i often ride groomers and preferably side hits. Do you think it’s a good board for me and what size do you think would be best for me. I hesitate between 159w and 162w.
Thanks!
Hi Francois
Thanks for your message – and your English is fine. I understand everything you are saying.
I think the E Jack Knife should work for you. It’s aggressive enough that when you get the chance to, you can ride it aggressively, but it’s not unforgivingly aggressive or anything so you’ll still be able to ride it slower/more casually with your kids.
Given that you will be riding with your kids and that you’ll be riding trees as well, I’d be leaning 159W. If you were riding aggressively all the time, then the 162W would probably work, but given everything you’re describing, I’d be leaning 159W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
awesome stuff as always. Did you already get the chance to test the new Jones Aviator 2.0 and compare it to the Ejack Knife ? I´m thinking about replacing my old Burton Custom and thought about those two. I really like the camber feeling. Mostly carving groomers with side hits and not that much powder. Not much park either.
I’m 5’9 and 175-180lbs with 9.5 boots. Thinking about Ejack 157 or Aviator 2.0 158.
Thanks
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
I literally have the Aviator 2.0 sitting next to me, ready to be tested. Just waiting for enough snow to give it a proper test. Getting plenty of snowfall where I am right now, so it’s not far off. But at this moment haven’t tested it so can’t compare yet.
A couple of things I can tell you, is that the Aviator has a really good bow of camber – I measured it at 9.5mm (unweighted) at it’s most pronounced point, which is higher than most. I can’t wait to get it out and see what that feels like!
Size-wise you’re right on, IMO, with 157 Ejack and 158 Aviator. One thing to note is that the Aviator is a little bigger overall, not just the extra cm of overall length, but a little more effective edge (I would say, but I’m not sure exactly the effective edge of the Ejack Knife – note that Lib Tech only publishes contact length and not effective edge, which are very different things) – and the Aviator is wider (268mm at back insert, 266mm at front at a 600mm stance width – Ejack Knife 260mm at back and 259mm at front, with a similar stance width). But not wide enough that I would size down to the 154 – it’s doable, but I’d still say 158. But I’ll know more once I’ve ridden it (I have the 158 here).
I can let you know when I ride the Aviator if you like, but it may not be soon enough to make your decision, depending on how soon you want to decide. I’m hoping to ride it before Christmas.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thank you so much for your answer. That hefty bow of camber is really interesting. Probably one reason why everyone praises the drive and pop of the Aviator.
I’m really looking forward to your first impression!
Thx again
Hi Nate,
Did you have time to test Aviator 2.0 as well and compare it to E-Knife?
I have same doubts – thinking to choose between Ejack Knife 2022. and Aviator.
Intermediate rider here, who used to ride mostly groomers and powder. Lately, because of lack of time, I can not chase fresh snow, so this year I rode only groomers.
Since I am stuck to groomers, I am getting into some freestyle (but not in the park), doing jumps and side hits where ever I can. Therefore, I need some poppy, stable, twinnish, camber board. Also, doing often a lot of carve butters on groomers, so I don’t want super stiff board.
I am 6 feet tall, 180 lbs, 10.5 shoe size.
Would you recommend to me E-knife 159 or Aviator 2.0 159?
Or maybe some other board you have in mind based on your experience?
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
Given how you describe your riding, something a little softer flexing would likely be better. I would be leaning more 5/10 to 6/10 flex for what you’re describing, unless you really want to be bombing really fast as well. The Aviator 2.0 is poppy and stable for sure, but for side hits and carve butters there are better options. But you can check out my Aviator 2.0 review here, if you want to see what I thought of it. If you think you want to err on the stiffer side, then it could definitely work, but otherwise I’d go a little softer for what you’re after.
Some options to consider:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Note that there’s a variety in there and some may be a looser feel than what you’re after, but check out the individual reviews and score breakdowns to see if there’s anything that looks right for you.
Hope this helps
Nate,
Tnx a lot for quick answer.
Your website was very helpful to me since day 1 on the board, I learned a lot about gear, as well as snowboard in general.
Keep up!
Best wishes from Serbia,
You’re very welcome Michael. Thanks for using the site.
Hey Nate,
You are the man for taking the time to answer all of these questions so I really appreciate it.
having a little of bit of a hard time choosing between the 157 and the 159 ejack knife.
I am 5’11 / 175 /size 9 , love to bomb hills so I appreciate the stability , love tree runs also and want something that will hopefully plow thorough uneven terrain. I’m afraid the 159 will be too stiff /hard to maneuver or the 157 be to unstable if im trying to bomb. Im overthingking it for sure lol. Thanks in advanced.
Hi Chimmy
Thanks for your message.
Both sizes are definitely doable for you, so I don’t think you can make a terrible choice in this case. The 157 will offer you more maneuverability in the trees – and in general easier maneuverability at slower speeds, but will sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed and float in powder. So there’s certainly a trade off. The 157 won’t be super unstable for your specs though. It won’t bomb as well as the 159, but it’s not going to get super squirrelly or anything like that. It’s a pretty stable board. I rode the 157 and was 185lbs at the time of riding this one and found that it was good at speed.
Similarly the 159 won’t be like a tank to maneuver with your specs, but it will be more effort to maneuver than the 157 and feel subtly stiffer. My instinct says 157, mostly because of your boot size. I think with 10s, I’d be leaning 159. The 159 (or 157) aren’t wide for 9s, IMO, they’re in a good range. But they’re at the wider end of that good range, and given you’re wanting that maneuverability for trees, that’s what I’m leaning towards. But ultimately, I think it depends on which you want to optimize it for the most – trees or bombing. But as I said, neither size will be terrible for the other factor, so I don’t think you can make a bad choice.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m 6,0 and 185 lbs. I think about the Ejack 2021 in 159 or 162.
Mostly of the time i like to ride fast groomers and also like ice, but depends on the conditions. When there is a good powder, i go there or to the woods and a few times I try the park.
Im riding since 22 years and would say i’m pretty advanced. Until now i ride a 2008 salomon pulse 163.
So what do you recommend.
Thanks
Ondrej
Hi Ondrej
Thanks for your message.
Can you also let me know your boot size? Boot size important for sizing as well.
Thanks for answering 🙂 my boots are 9.5.
Hi Ondrej
Thanks for the extra info.
I would be leaning 159, typically. I think that’s a good all round size. If you were in powder a lot and never in the trees or park, then I think 162 for sure. Given that you’re on a 163 in your current board, the 162 is more tempting. Both should be all good for your boot size – and neither are so wide for your boots that sizing down makes sense.
If you’re time in the park and trees is pretty limited and bombing groomers is your predominant go-to and you value stability at speed over maneuverability at slower speeds, then I would be leaning 162. If you think you’ll be spending more time in trees/park and value maneuverability over stability (noting that you’ll be getting more stability than the Pulse regardless of size, IMO), then 159.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Trank you very much, helles me a lot 😊
You’re very welcome Ondrej. Happy riding!
Hi. I’m considering the Ejack Knife – do most of my riding in the east coast and want a board that handles the ice well. I’m unsure what size to get. I’m 5’8, size 8.5 boot, and around 185 lbs or so. 154? 157? Thanks!
Hi KT
Thanks for your message.
Tight call on this one. I think the 157 (or even 159) would be a more pure length for your specs for this board. But it will be on the wide side for your boots, IMO. The 154 would still be on the wider end of your ideal range, but would be sizing down, so I think that would work. But being a more freeride board, you can go a little bigger, so I’m inclined to lean towards 157, particularly if you’re going to be mostly bombing, carving and finding pow. If you’re doing anything freestyle or ride a lot of trees, I would seriously consider the 154.
Hope this helps
Thanks. Any particular board with magna traction or serrated edges, etc that would would recommend for a daily east coast driver? Thx.
Hi KT
Would depend what you’re wanting to do as a daily driver. Any freestyle? Trees? Do you want it to still be able to handle powder OK? Ride much switch? Some good all-round options:
– Arbor Coda camber 156 (or Shiloh Camber or Wasteland Camber, depending on how stiff you wanted to go)
– Jones Mountain Twin 157 (or Ultra Mountain Twin, depending on how stiff)
– Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 157 (a more playful option)
– GNU 4 156
– Jones Aviator 156
– Niche Story 156
– Rossignol One LF 156
– YES Standard 156 (or potentially even 153)
If you weren’t expecting anything from it in powder and ride switch/freestyle quite a bit, there would a bunch more options. Also, if you never really ride switch or freestyle, then something like the ejack knife or other freeride options would also be a good bet.
Sorry that’s a lot of options! – but there are a lot of options that would work for what you’re describing.
Nate, thanks!. I don’t really ride switch – just directional and mostly carving down the trails/groomers, though am planning a Utah trip for next season, so something that works decent in powder would be a plus, though thinking of getting an Orca also (see below). I’m leaning towards a lib tech or gnu with a C3 camber. Any thoughts on the Dynamo or anti-gravity? Dynamo seems to be well reviewed. And how do those two compare to the Ejack? My buddy (experienced rider) just got an Ejack and thought it was stiff and not the easiest in and out of turns (the turn initiation wasn’t that easy and edge to edge was tough).
Also, on another note, thinking of also adding an Orca. Do you think a 150 or 153 for me? Thx.
Hi KT
Thanks for the extra info.
Yeah E-Jack Knife is on the stiffer side and more advanced for sure. But I didn’t find it ultra-stiff. The Dynamo and Anti-gravity are more easy going though, particularly the Dynamo. I found the Dynamo particularly easy to turn and felt it at around a 5.5/10 flex (the Antigravity a little more technical to ride I felt and a little stiffer – more like 6.5/10). But yeah both a little softer flexing and easier turning (particularly the Dynamo) but not quite as hard charging in terms of big carves and bombing, IMO. But I think they’d work well for what you’re describing as a Daily Driver.
Size-wise, I think the 156 for the Dynamo or Antigravity. You could ride 159 for your height/weight specs, but taking boot size into account, I think the 156 is the sweet spot for you for those boards.
For the Orca I’d probably go to 150. It’s something you want to size down quite a lot for. And for how wide it is with 8.5s, I’d be quite aggressive with sizing down for it. I rode the 153 (6’0″, 175lbs, size 10 boots) and I would consider trying 150 next time. Note that I found the Orca (Orca 153 versus Ejack Knife 157) to be stiffer and harder to turn than the Ejack Knife – just so you know in case you’re weary of boards that are too stiff. Going to 150, rather than 153, would mellow it out a bit though and you’d likely feel it softer than that at that size and also would be more maneuverable in the 150. For more on how I got on with the Orca check out my review on it.
Nate, thanks! Your thoughts and advice are invaluable. Thanks for taking the time. One more question. How does the Dynamo compare to the Rossi One LF? Should I be considering that as well (I know you mentioned it initially) and what size should I be thinking? 153 or 156?
Hi KT
Yeah, the Rossi One LF definitely an option. It’s an easy turning board that’s good in hard/icy conditions and still good at speed and in powder. I’d say the biggest downside is that it lacks a little in terms of pop. I’d say it’s just marginally stiffer (6/10) than the Dynamo but not by a lot. The camber profile is quite different – it’s camber between the feet and rocker towards tip and tail. The camber on the Rossi One only goes to have way under the bindings, and that’s when the rocker starts. So the rocker starts quite early – which is likely one of the reasons it lacks a little in terms of pop, but it’s a good all-round board and something that would suit what you’re describing, IMO.
Size-wise, I’d say 156 for the One.
Hey, Nate!
Looking for some input… In the need of a new board, and I’m torn on what to get. I’ve narrowed it down to:
2020 Lib Tech Dynamo 159
2020 Lib Tech EJack Knife 157 or 159
I’m about 6’1”, 170lbs with 10.5 boot.
My park days are pretty much over, more into finding a good stash, if it be in the trees or hike a head wall for. If there are some natural hits along the way, I’ll usually attack them.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
The Ejack Knife is a bit stiffer and more aggressive of a board. The Dynamo a little more easy going. So depending on what you want in that respect. I wouldn’t say the Dynamo is ultra playful but more so than he Ejack Knife. If you’re wanting to really bomb hard, then I would say that the Ejack Knife is the better board. But if you want things a little more casual then the Dynamo might be better – a little more forgiving.
Size-wise, the 159 Ejack Knife might be bordering on too narrow for 10.5s, depending on a few things – like how deep you like to lean into carves, binding angles and how low profile your boots are. With the right combination of those things, you’d probably be fine, but it’s borderline. The Dynamo 159 is a little wider, so I think you’d be OK there. For reference, the Ejack Knife 159 is roughly 260mm at the back insert and 261mm at the front insert, with the Dynamo like 265mm. Length-wise, I think both the 157 and 159 Ejack Knife would work, if the width works (the 157 is a very similar width). I would probably be leaning 157 for you, if you were able to live with the width.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate –
Trying to decide on a 2nd board because you just can’t have 1! My current daily driver now is the Weston Range which I’m enjoying. I like the sound of the EJack and am also looking at the Solomon Assassin which seems sort of similar-ish to the Range. Looking for something Free-ridey and different so maybe the EJac?. I also love the fish graphics on this board as I’m too like Eric am a fisherman! I’m about 5’11 and 215+ so thinking of the 162. Thoughts?
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Since you’re looking for something more freeridey, then I would be leaning more Ejack than Assassin Pro, like you say. I don’t know the Weston Range that well, but from a quick look, I would say that the Range is more freeride oriented than the Assassin Pro, so you would actually be going more to the freestyle end of the spectrum if you went Assassin Pro. Weston Range isn’t what I would consider freeride though – more all-mountain (do-it-all). The Ejack Knife certainly more freeride oriented than the Range, IMO.
Size-wise, I think the 162 would be your best bet, depending on boot size. As in assuming you don’t need to go wide.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the reviews Nate. Narrowing my search down to the ejack, yes standard, capita mercury, and Salomon assassin pro… probably in that order. Love trees, bombing, side hits, and obviously lots of powder. Need something that holds an edge with minimal chatter at high speeds but nimble enough for the trees. I know I can’t really go wrong with any of them but would you have a preference?
Hi Derek
Ejack Knife best in terms of chatter at high speeds, IMO. And nimble enough for trees too. The Assassin Pro OK in powder, but least so in this list. Sidehits Assassin Pro and Standard the best, IMO. I would be leaning Ejack Knife or Standard from what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi, my husband and I are buying our son his first snowboard. He is 18 years old, 5’6″ and a half-ish, weighs roughly 125 lbs and size 8 boot. He has been riding for almost 10 years so he definitely is an intermediate to advanced rider. The question we have is what size board would you recommend. My husband was leaning towards the 157″ but I keep wondering if we should go with the 154″. We want him to be able to grow into it but not so much in height most likely just weight. He is an easy rider, likes to do a little freestyle but looking to progress into everything. Any advise is appreciated!
Hi
Thanks for your message.
Definitely understand the idea of wanting something to grow into so you don’t have to buy another board too soon, but going too far with that will end up meaning a board that’s likely just not that fun to ride and can also affect confidence and technique if it’s too far off from the ideal size. At 125lbs currently, even as an advanced rider, I would say more like 149-151 for a more freeride board like this, so even going to 154 is leaving room to grow into it. In fact, the 154 would still be suitable up to 160lbs assuming a similar height. So yeah, definitely wouldn’t go 157 in this case, if it was me. 154 is already leaving room to grow.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thanks for the review. Am 5’8, 145 lbs, size 8 shoe, am thinking between size 154 and 157, what are your thoughts? I guess 154 will be ideal, but I am afraid of sacrificing pow performance :/ Would like to use ejack mainly for tree runs, carving, pow and icy conditions.
Hi Eduard
I would 100% go 154, if I was you. For your specs, I think the powder performance is going to be fine. Sure, the 157 would be even better in powder, and if you were going to just be in wide open powder terrain all the time, then it would be an option for sure. But I think the sacrifice in agility for riding trees and just in general would be easily greater than the sacrifice in powder performance in this case. And in this case you’re not going to be sacrificing that much in terms of powder anyway. So yeah, if it was me, I’d go 154 for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks mate! Pulled the trigger on 154! You are totally correct, better to keep it versatile, and if I don’t like the pow performance, which I highly doubt from what I’ve heard so far, maybe someday I’ll grab a separate pow board. Thanks for help!
You’re very welcome Eduard. Thanks for visiting. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow
Hi Eduard,
My husband and I are looking to get our 18 year old son this board and he has similiar specs as you. Have you had a chance to ride it? If so, any tips?
Hi O’Field’s,
the 154 is a perfect size for me and many thanks to Nate again for helping with the correct decision.
Had ridden it 4 times already, and this thing is a real beast, it carves like a dream, has a great pop for jumps, is pretty comfortable for switch riding after getting used to it, was good in pow. Am still struggling with it in trees, so I feel like with 157 it would be a disaster for me. All in all this thing exceeded my expectations and I love it.
Just one thing, it’s way too aggressive and very fast, and I’d think twice before buying it for a 18 yo kid.
Thanks for your input Eduard. Much appreciated.
Great review/reviews. I am 6’ 185lbs 10 boot… Currently on a T Rice Pro HP 157. Looking at the E Jack and The PYL. Advanced rider that sticks to trees, pow days, natural booters and groomers when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Any size suggestions for those 2 boards. Spoke with a shop gut and he suggested a 162 for the E Jack…. seems big??
Hi King of The North (you just used that name, so that I had to say it right!)
Thanks for your message.
You could certainly ride both at 162, but I would be weighing up between the 159 and 162 in your case. You’re basically the same specs as me, and I prefer the 159 for both. I don’t generally like riding anything much longer than 160. I have gotten on with a couple of 161s and 162s, but for both these boards I like them in the 159. I rode the Ejack in the 157, which I still really liked in that size, but I would go 159 if I was to buy it.
But your certainly within the range to go up to the 162. I would say that you would certainly prefer the 159s for riding trees and for natural booters – and in some cases for the groomers. The 162s would give you a bit more in terms of stability at speed and float in powder – at the expense of some maneuverability.
I would be leaning towards 159 for you, mainly because I think it would be a better balance for incorporating trees and sidehits as well as groomers and powder – but also because you’re used to a 157 and I think you would likely find the 162 feeling too big.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Keep up the good work!
I’m trying to decide between the Ejack 157 and the Müllair 159. I’m 6’ 165lbs size US9.5 boot. I ride everything and like to go fast. Not so much rails but will hit jumps in the park sometimes. Otherwise carving and of course pow if there is some. I ride a lot of different mountains in the Alps and like to explore the resort and sidecountry. Basically I’m looking for a mostly camber freeride board that I can still get air off jumps and side hits on. I demoed the Mullair for a few runs and it was super fun but very demanding due to the flex, particularly in the tail. I’m looking for something similar but a tiny bit less stiff, both end to end and torsionally. I can’t size down on the Mullair as it becomes really narrow. Did you notice much difference between the Ejack and the Mullair? I see you rode both on the same day in the sizes I’m looking at.
Thanks!
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
There’s not a massive difference in terms of flex there, but I did find the Ejack just a touch softer flexing than the Mullair. Not sure if that had anything to do with being that slight bit shorter – though they do have a similar effective edge. But yeah, flex difference was subtle but noticeable for sure. I preferred the Ejack for jumps too – I found the pop was a bit more accessible vs the Mullair, which I found you had to wind up more (which is typical of a stiffer board). I did prefer the Mullair for carves and found it a little more stable at speed.
So yeah if you’re looking for something significantly softer, then the Ejack knife isn’t it, but if you just want to take off a little in terms of how stiff it feels, then I think it would be a great option for what you’re describing.
Just quickly, if you’re looking to go more significantly softer, you could look into the Lib Tech Dynamo or GNU Antigravity – I haven’t ridden either yet, but based on specs, they would work, if you wanted to go another step softer but still go with the C3 Camber.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks! I’ll take a look at the Dynamo and the Antigravity but I have a feeling they might be too soft. I might also go for the Ejack Knife in a 154 size. Do you think it could work?
Hi Kevin
I think the 157 is the more appropriate size for you all round. But the 154 would be doable for your weight – and should be still wide enough for your boot size. It would be on the narrow end for your boots, but you’re prob just OK. What boots do you own? If you have low profile boots, then that would make it even more likely to be safe on the 154.
You would certainly find the 154 slightly softer flexing vs the 157, and a little more maneuverable (and personally I like a little shorter for side-hits, jumps etc, but only to a point. I don’t like to go so small that my landing platform ends up feeling too small), but you would sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed and float in powder.
Hi trying to decide between ejack 2019, or capitA bsod 5’8 185lbs size 9 boot. Have only ridden Flying V and banana rocker and flat (90’s) want something good in pow and trees as I am going to Revy next year also like buttering and a few park laps (switch)
Hi Ollie
Thanks for your message.
Both the E Jack Knife and BSOD are what I would consider freeride boards bordering on all-mountain boards, so in that sense they have their similarities. They are both better for jumps and switch than the average freeride board, but still not super amazing in those areas. Both as good in powder, IMO, with the BSOD a little better at speed and the E Jack Knife a little better on a carve. I just preferred the BSOD in trees but it’s pretty close.
Both are average in terms of buttering – neither easy to butter on but both have some butterability.
The E Jack Knife is better in hard/icy conditions, IMO.
The BSOD has a higher quality base on it, IMO.
Very little in it, IMO.
Size-wise, I would be weighing up between the 156 and 159 for the BSOD and the 157 and 159 for the E Jack Knife. And leaning towards the 156 for BSOD and 157 for E Jack Knife. But this is generally what the advantages of going shorter or longer would be.
156/157 better for trees, more nimble at slower speeds, better in the park, more buttery
159 more stability at speed, better float in powder, better for long arcing carves.
Since you mention trees, buttering and getting into the park – I think going shorter would be better suited, and these boards are already good for speed, carving and powder – so you would get a better all-round board for what you’re describing going with the shorter options, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate, I’m having the toughest time choosing a snowboard and am hoping you can help me. I’m an experienced aggressive all-mountain (and a little bit of freestyle). I’m 5’9 and 176lbs with 9.5 boot. My home mountains are Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood with occasional back-country. I’m looking for a 1 board quiver killer for resort days, powder, carving groomers and side-hits and jumps. I like speed and hard carving as well as pow-butters. And have only ridden camber boards in my lifetime. I’m thinking directional or directional twin for powder floating. Here are the contenders:
Lib Tech: TRS 157
Lib Tech: Ejack Knife 157
Jones: Explorer 159
Yes: Standard 157
GNU: Mullair
United Shapes: Explorer 156
K2: Manifest
Any input would help. Thanks for the amazing site and content.
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
Apart from the last 2 on the list (which I’m not familiar with, so don’t have an opinion on either way), I think you’ve narrowed down a good list.
The TRS, IMO, isn’t that good in powder or at speed, compared to the others there, so may not be as suitable. That’s my experience with it anyway. A great board, but maybe not quite for what you’re describing.
The Standard is probably the least aggressive of those, IMO, though it’s not overly playful either. Kind of middle of the road in terms of aggressiveness. I still think it would be a fun board for what you’re describing, but if you’re looking for a more aggressive ride, then the Ejack Knife or Mullair might be better. The Explorer is a little more aggressive than the Standard, IMO, but not as aggressive as the other E-Jack and Mullair.
My instinct for you would be either the E-Jack Knife or Mullair. They’ve both got some subtle rocker between the feet, but it’s really not that noticeable, they are both definitely camber dominant, in my experience.
I would be leaning towards the E-Jack Knife, just because I like the 157 size for you. For the Mullair, the 159 would certainly work, but I like the sounds of the 157 Ejack Knife for you. The 159 for the Explorer would be the best size if that’s what you went with (it’s something that’s best ridden a little longer) – and for the Standard it would be 156 (something best ridden a little shorter, IMO).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. I think I will go with the Ejack Knife based on your recommendation. I’m so glad I found your site. Thanks for everything that you do for us snowboarders!
You’re very welcome Justin. If you think of it at the time, I’d love to hear how you get on with the Ejkack Knife, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Hope you have an awesome season!
I’m 6ft,160 and have size 11 boots. What size would be best for me?
Hi Brandys
Thanks for your message.
I would say 159W for you. The Ejack Knife isn’t that wide at the inserts vs the waist. I would predict the 159W to be around 271mm at the inserts – which would work for your boot size. The 157 (which I rode and which I would probably recommend apart from boot size), is 260mm at the inserts. It’s doable but quite risky, IMO, with 11s. If there was a 157W, I’d say that would be ideal for you.
Hope this helps with your decision