This list is for those that like their snowboarding hard, fast and uncompromising.
We have compiled what we think are the best 6 aggressive all-mountain snowboards currently on the market. This list has been update for the 2024-2025 season.
As is tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each board will receive a rating out of 100.
Category Stats
Of the 18 current model aggressive all-mountain snowboards that we tested:
OK, let's have a look at the top 6 for 2025!
#6: K2 Antidote
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating score: 87.0/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Starting off the list at #6, we have K2's Antidote snowboard.
The Antidote is a stiff, hard charging, take no prisoners board that allows you to push it to its limits without it even bending, let alone breaking.
If you like your board damp, smooth, stiff and aggressive, then you should have the Antidote squarely on your Radar.
Score Breakdown for the Antidote
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Carving | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Turns | 3 | 3/5 |
| Jumps | 3 | 9/15 |
| Powder | 3 | 9/15 |
| Crud | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 87/100 |
#5: GNU Forest Bailey 4 x 4
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating score: 88.1/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Next up we have the GNU Forest Bailey 4x4.
The 4 x 4 is the brainchild of Forest Bailey. It's the softest flexing on this list and, with a just stiffer than medium flex, it's not super aggressive. At least not when you don't want it to be.
But the C3 camber and sidecut of this board help to make it aggressive when you do want it. But it's something that you can get a bit more casual/lazy on, so you don't have to be charging on it all the time.
This jumping powerhouse of a board is on that cuff between all-mountain and aggressive all-mountain and is super versatile. But make no mistake that while it's not the most aggressive on this list, you can throw a lot at it and it won't cower away from it.
Score Breakdown for the Forest Bailey 4 x 4
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 | 20/25 |
| Carving | 4 | 16/20 |
| Turns | 4 | 4/5 |
| Jumps | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Powder | 3 | 9/15 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 4/5 |
| Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 88.1/100 |
#4: Rome Rene-Gade
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating score: 88.7/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
At #4 we have Rome's Rene-Gade.
The Rene-Gade is a stiff, damp aggressive snowboard that is most at home when bombing at high speeds and carving elbows deep.
You've got to input energy into this board to be able to tame it, but when you do, it gives back that energy tenfold and is something that you can throw the kitchen sink at and it will remain calm, stable and unaffected.
Score Breakdown for the Rene-Gade
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Carving | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Turns | 3 | 3/5 |
| Jumps | 4 | 12/15 |
| Powder | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Crud | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Trees | 3 | 3/5 |
| Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 88.7/100 |
#3: Capita Mega Merc
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating score: 91.0/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Once more like the Antidote (see #6 above) and Rene-Gade (see #4 above), the Mega Merc feels like it has mellowed out a touch, making it a slightly more well rounded ride.
But don't be fooled into think that it's suddenly become an easy going ride - this thing still needs an aggressive rider to be able to get the best out of it.
And the best it can give? Well, a ride that's not only stable and fast but also explosive, poppy and dynamic.
Score Breakdown for the Mega Merc
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 | 20/25 |
| Carving | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Jumps | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Powder | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91/100 |
#2: Burton Custom X
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating score: 91.0/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
The #2 snowboard on this list, the Burton Custom X has been a mainstay of this list - and for very good reason.
It has all the hallmarks of a good aggressive all-mountain board. It carves like a beast, bombs like a bullet train and
But on top of that, the evolution of this board has seen it develop some surprising slower speed prowess as well as a snappier feel than you'd think could come out of board this stiff and aggressive.
Score Breakdown for the Custom X
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Carving | 5 | 20/20 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Jumps | 4 | 12/15 |
| Powder | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91/100 |
#1: Slash ATV
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating score: 91.5/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Returning to the top of this list, after a couple of years of absence, we have our #1 board for 2025, the Slash ATV.
I couldn't ride the ATV for a couple of years - and there were significant enough changes that I was unable to update its review or keep it eligible for this list.
But I finally got back on it and dang, did this thing not disappoint. In fact I think it's gotten even better - and it was #1 the last time I rode it.
If carving is at all in your repertoire, then the ATV should be on your list. It's not the most aggressive on this list and if you're looking for something that has no ceiling in terms of speed or high speed carving, then you're probably better off looking at #2, #4 & #6.
But if you want something that's still aggressive and can still take a lot, but with a bit of forgiveness built in AND a carving feeling that will give you un-matchable thrills, then the ATV is a board I suggest you give a shot!
Score Breakdown for the ATV
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 | 20/25 |
| Carving | 5 | 20/20 |
| Turns | 4 | 4/5 |
| Jumps | 4 | 12/15 |
| Powder | 3 | 9/15 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 4/5 |
| Switch | 4 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91.5/100 |
Over To You
I hope this post has helped to narrow down the best aggressive all-mountain options for you.
Check out the links in the where to buy boxes (the ones with the flags) for prices, availability and more info on the boards. And the full review links for more details on how we experienced each board.
Hi Nate,
Fantastic review as always!
I’m looking to advance my riding and considering a completely new setup—would love your advice. Here’s a bit of background (apologies if it’s a bit long!):
I used to ride the Yes Jackpot (2015/16 – hybrid camber) with Burton Cartels (2015/16) and Salomon F3.0 boots (2012/13). Once I got used to it, I loved how easy it was to turn—super quick edge to edge at low/medium speeds. I could bomb confidently up to ~45 mph and still feel stable. I enjoy carving, though I don’t get super low/deep, but I can lay down decent pencil lines when I focus, especially with some forward lean on my bindings. My only gripes were that the Jackpot was slow on flats and not as great at carving as I’d like.
After reading TheGoodRide’s review, I picked up the Endeavor Pioneer, thinking it’d be a step up. I paired it with Adidas Tactical ADV’s and Salomon Holograms (2024/25). After a week on it, I didn’t find it any faster or better at carving—if anything, carving felt more difficult, and turn initiation seemed slower. The board also felt a bit too flexy and heavy, with less edge bite. Not sure if the new boots/bindings contributed, but the Adidas boots felt nice and firm in the lower boot/toe area, while the upper section had more flex, which might have negatively affected toe side response.
Now, I’m considering the Yes ADV to improve my carving while still allowing me to hit basic jumps/side hits (I’m a beginner in freestyle, mostly cruising, bombing, and carving the mountain). Do you think the ADV would be too much board for me, or manageable? My last two boards weren’t catchy at all (likely due to their freestyle nature), so I’m slightly concerned the ADV could be punishing if I’m not on my A-game.
To pair with the ADV, I’m looking at the Union Falcor and possibly the Vans Infuse (for a bit more stiffness than the Adidas Tacticals). Do you think this would be a solid setup for my style?
The Yes Greats Uninc also caught my eye—it seems like a fun all-mountain board, though a bit slower with less carving ability. If I went that route, what boots/bindings would you recommend?
I’d really appreciate any advice!
Cheers!
Hi Neil, thanks for your message.
Your experience with the Pioneer vs the Jackpot, even the older camrock versions, is what I would expect. The Pioneer, I found was a little < the Jackpot for both stability at speed and carving. This is comparing the ’20 Pioneer, so it’s not a recently updated review, but looking at the specs, it doesn’t look like it’s changed a lot since then.
When you say Yes ADV, I’m assuming you’re talking about the Slash ATV? With that assumption in mind, I think it would be a good step up for you and match your riding style well, based on what you’re describing. I wouldn’t say its catch-free, but it’s also not super catchy. The only time I really felt it wanting to catch was for very quick edge-to-edge turns (turns not carves) at slow speeds. Even with just moderate speeds under it that catchy feel was gone, in my experience and it wasn’t really bad when it was there for slow speed turns either. So, I don’t think that would be an issue for your level.
The Falcor would match really well with the ATV, IMO, so your good there, IMO – as would the Vans Infuse. The Tactical ADV would definitely work as well but the Infuse would be a slightly better match flex-wise and give you a bit more powder/support for carving/bombing, based on my experience. I would prioritize boots by best fitting being the most important, then flex, then everything else. So if the Infuse were to fit just as well or very close to just as well, then I’d go Infuse between them for that setup. But again, the Tactical ADV would work.
If you didn’t mean the Slash ATV, let me know what board you were referring to, and I can let you know what I think about it’s suitability.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I own three boards that you have reviewed. 2022 Rome Stalefish, 2023 Yes Standard Uninc, and 2023 Gnu 4×4. I didn’t get a chance to ride my Standard and 4×4 this season – both new and still in the sleeve. I know I have a lot of overlap, so debating about selling off one of unused decks. Keeping the Stalefish as my deep powder board, but which of the other two did you better? I can’t decide. First world problems.
Hey Neil
That is a high quality problem to have! It’s a tough call. You could flip a coin! But some things to consider:
– I found the 4 x 4 a little easier on turn initiations and slower speed turns – e.g. when in trees it responded quicker and with less effort required
– The Standard Uninc is better for riding swtich – it’s pretty close to a true twin and really feels like one on groomers
– Both are quite different to the Stalefish and both would work with it in a quiver, but if you wanted to have the biggest contrast possible, I would say the Standard Uninc is the slightly bigger contrast to the Stalefish
Sizing may also be a factor, if one is in a better size for you – or if one is in a more different size to the Stalefish, which could add contrast.
Hopefully this gives you some things to consider for your decision
Hey Nate,
Advanced level, 5’10, 165-168 lbs, 9.5 boots. Current main board is a Jones Mountain Twin 154. Went with that length because I wanted a more nimble, quick turning ride. Was looking to maybe add something a little longer and more aggressive to the quiver for harder carving and more aggressive riding. My local hill (Perfect North, Indiana) can get icy at times, so something that has decent icy performance would be nice. However, I also travel to better snow multiple times per season, so all-around performance is also necessary. I love my Mountain Twin, so I was looking really hard at the Ultra Mountain Twin 157 and a little less hard at the Aviator, as I have read that the Aviator doesn’t perform all that well on firm snow. Curious to see what your recommendations would be. Thanks.
Hey Matt
Thanks for your message.
Given you’ve got the Mountain Twin and assumably like it, I think the Ultra Mountain Twin would work, particularly if you go for the longer 157. The Aviator 2.0 would present a bigger contrast for your quiver, but not quite as all-round as the Ultra Mountain Twin, particularly not being as good in powder. I have found it to be decent in icy conditions. I would say fairly similar to the Ultra Mountain Twin. But if you’re going to be taking it in powder, at least some of the time, I would be leaning Ultra Mountain Twin.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the input Nate! I’ve read everything I can find on both boards, and I just can’t pull the trigger on one of them. I know this is more subjective, but which board did you have more “fun” on? And if you had to put yourself in my shoes (I have the 152 Wraith for learning tricks and 154 MT for nimble all around), which one would you go with for that third, more hard carving/charging board, 157 UMT or 156 Aviator 2.0?
Hi Matt
I would say I found the Aviator 2.0 more fun on groomers. For carving, bombing and side-hits, I would take it over the UMT, but it’s a close call. If I didn’t think I’d be in powder much when using it, I would likely go Aviator 2.0 and would be a nice contrast to the other boards in your quiver. But if I was going to see powder reasonably regularly on it, then I’d opt for the UMT, so I could take better advantage of powder, when I got it.
Awesome thank you! I spent close to two weeks out west riding this year, and even caught some powder days in Michigan. And I hope to up those numbers next year. So I went with the UMT. As you said they were a close call regarding their performance anyway, I feel pretty good about the decision. It’ll be nice to have that powder performance. I think we have already indirectly conversed about this, but my plan was to move my almost new Falcors over to the UMT, put my Stratas back on the MT, and a new pair of clearance Ultras on the Wraith. Agree?
Hey Matt
Apologies for the slow response. Hopefully this isn’t too late to help. Have been hectically running around testing gear and falling way behind here.
Whole heartedly agree with that binding setup for your quiver. That’s what I would do.
Hola Nate.
Conoces las tablas Ogasaca?
En caso de que las conozcas cual es tu opinión?
Gracias.
Hi Sergio
I have translated your message in google translate, I hope it is accurate enough.
I don’t have any experience with Ogasaca snowboards, unfortunately. In fact that’s the first I’ve heard about them. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Es una marca asiática.
Ta hago esta pregunta porque tengo el pie muy pequeño para mi peso y altura.
No encuentro marcas que fabriquen tablas estrechas.
Peso 75kg y mido 176 cm.
Ahora tengo una Vimana Clone y me gusta mucho. Pero no encuentro tablas similares estrechas.
Can you let me know your boot size?
8 EU perdona, se me olvido lo mas importante jajaja.
Me gustan tablas duras y direccionales.
Surfeo en España en donde no hay demasiados dias de polvo, sobre todo bajo por pista. Tengo el titulo de profesor de snowboard.
Hi Sergio
Going to assume you mean US8?
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157/158 for your height/weight specs. One thing you can do is size down the length to compensate for the fact the board will be wide for your feet. So, you could look at something around a 153-155, depending on the board, rather than going up to the 157/158 length. Based on what you’re describing, you could look at:
– Mega Merc 153
– Custom X 154
– Aviator 154
– Ultra MT 154
– Nitro Team or Team Pro 155
– Nidecker Thruster 153
– Rome Stale Crewzer 154
Or some that are more directional. Those were all Directional-Twin options (apart from the Thruster):
– Jones Flagship 154
– Burton Deep Thinker 154
– Lib Tech E-Jack Knife 154
– Nidecker Alpha APX 153
– Nitro Squash 153
– Salomon Highpath 153
Hey Nate,
I’m from China and I really like read your reviews. This is from a translation, which may not be accurate.
According to your recommendations, I feel that I have found the right snowboards for me.
My height is 176cm and my weight is 72kg. This season I bought Jones Stratos 159 AND Jones Ultra Mountain Twin 154W, I mainly carve, woods, powder, and a little jumps. I’m used to using wider boards ….
I am in Hemu and Keketuohai in Xinjiang. There is about 80-140cm deep powder. The maximum depth may exceed 200cm.
I’m looking for a swallowtail board again, or do you think stratos will be enough? I have never used stratos to powder…
Any recommendations will be awesome! Thank you!!
Hi Hayle
Thanks for your message.
The Stratos is well suited to powder, so I think it’s likely to be enough, especially in that size for your specs. There are boards that are more powder specialized for sure, but the Stratos should do a really good job in deeper powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Looking to buy my first board. Love hard charging groomers, weaving through groomed out tree runs, and powder when I can. I most recently rode the Ride Berzerker and really enjoyed it.
Right before the trip I was talking to someone who recommended the Berzerker and the Mega Marc for my riding type but I could only locate a Berzerker to demo. Would you also recommend the Mega Merc, the Berserker, or something else?
A size recommendation would be helpful too. 5’10” 170 (+/-5).
Thanks!
Hi Balakay
Thanks for your message. Please see my response to your other message on the Mega Merc review.
Hi Nate,
thanks for all your hard work and info on this side. Definitely helps a lot navigating the jungle of potential snowboards to buy!
I am an advanced rider after 8 years on the board now (level 6-7 according to your ranking) and am now looking for my next all mountain do anything board (except park, only do occasional small jumps). The board should have great carving capabilities, feel good on high speed runs down the slope but also allow for slow playful turns when desired and powder riding.
I do also, like probably most riders, enjoy riding powder through the woods or down relatively steep slopes a lot. So whenever there is an opportunity to ride powder, it would be great if the board could handle those conditions as well with ease. No real need for park performance aside from some nice pop for jumps from natural obstacles or anything on the side of the slope.
I am 184cm in hight, weight around 80Kg and have a 12(US)/46(EU) in boot size.
I was looking at the CAPITA Mercury (158W), CAPITA Mega Marc(158W), Lib Tech Golden Orca, Nitro Team or Burton Custom as potential boards after reading through your reviews and other articles.
What would be the ideal board in your opinion for my riding style and experience level from the bunch, or suggest a different one if you think there is a better fit out there?
Also what binding would you suggest to go with the board?
My old board is Nitro Addict Wide Gullwing, with which I started learning how to ride back in the day. It is time for an Upgrade haha.
Thanks for your input! I appreciate your work and time!
Best,
Mattis
Hi Mattis
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Mercury for what you’re describing. I think it’s got a really good balance for all the things you need. The Golden Orca is a possibility as well.
The only reason I’m not suggesting the Custom or the Team is that they’re not great for powder and it sounds like you’d want better powder performance than you might get from them. They’re doable in powder, but average. And the only reason I don’t suggest the Mega Merc is that it’s not that great for slow playful turns, which you also need.
The Mercury is a good balance between everything. Not quite as good at speed or for carving as the Mega Merc, but still good and better for slower riding. And better in powder than the Custom and Team, IMO.
The Golden Orca is more of a freeride board than an all-mountain board, IMO, however it is a little more “double ender” than the Orca and could work as an all-rounder, if you’re not riding park or switch that much. It’s still something that definitely prefers to be ridden fast though (recently got on it – haven’t put up a review yet, but rode it a couple of weeks ago). But I would say better at slow speeds than the Mega Merc still – but not as good at slower speeds as the other 3, IMO. Better than everything else in your list in powder though. If you wanted to prioritize more towards speed and powder, rather than slower speed stuff, then it’s doable, but if you want a true all-rounder, then I’d be leaning Mercury.
If you go with Mercury, I would be looking at something from the following binding-wise:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
In general I would look at something around 6/10 to 7/10 flex, so you could look at some from the following as well:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
But I would be leaning towards the All-Mountain Freeride list for your riding style with the Mercury.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thank you very much, that definitely helps a lot! I will go for the Mercury then coupled with an All-Mountain Freeride Binding.
Have a good week.
Best,
Mattis
You’re very welcome Mattis. Hope you have a good week too.
Hi Nate,
I have a similar offers for Yes Standard Uninc 156 and Nitro Team 159.
Which one would you recommend for intermediate to advance rider (175lbs, US10 boots).
Preferences:
– resort riding short and long edge to edge turns
– carving
– small side jumps
– speed
– sometimes icy conditions
– sometimes slow riding with kids
What bindings do you recommend?
Thank you
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
Both would work well for what you’re describing, IMO and those sizes are good equivalents to one another, IMO, so I don’t think you can make a wrong choice between them. The Standard Uninc is a little better in icy conditions, in my experience, so that might lean slightly that way. But if you could also let me know your height (weight and boot size definitely more important for sizing, but I still like to take height into account, for the leverage factor).
Hope this helps
Hi,
My height is 5’11.
Which one might be more forgiving in slow riding with kids?
I think I’ll take Yes Standard Uninc. Could you recommend me bindings with Slamback insert option?
Thanks
Hi Mike
Thanks for that. Yeah with your specs, I think 156 Standard Uninc and 159 Team are right on. Your height doesn’t change that (and suspected it wouldn’t but wanted to double check).
I think they’d both work in terms of slow riding with the kids, but if I had to choose I’d prob say Standard Uninc – but not much in it.
For bindings, I’d go with something around 6/10 to 7/10 flex to match well with the board and also not so stiff that you can’t ride em slow with your kids. Given you want the option to use the slambacks, nothing with a mini-disc. I would check the following:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Keeping in mind the Union Falcor, Union Strata, K2 Lien AT all use a mini-disc. The Katana also has a mini-disc, but they may fit on the slam backs – they have a mini-disc. Next time I get my hands on them (which is hopefully soon), will test it for sure, but they’re a maybe. See comment section on our Rome Cleaver review. Someone says they can fit, but someone also told me they messaged Rome and Rome said they wouldn’t fit, so I’m not sure!
Hi Nate,
thanks for answer and info about mini disc.
When I search options and availability my final two is Burton Cartel Reflex and Union Atlas. Both of them in M size. Is it good for US 10 boots?
Are these two useful for slamback on Standard Uninc?
Burton is 6 and Union 7 stiffness. Which do you think is better for me?
Thank you very much for your time and answers
Hi Mike
I’ve always had a good fit in M with both those bindings with 10s, so I would go M.
I would be leaning Atlas personally, as I would prefer to err slightly stiffer than board flex, rather than slightly softer. Both would definitely work, but I would be leaning Atlas.
Hey Nate!
You have recommended a couple boards for me in the past and they have all nailed it, but now I’m looking for a new one for next season! Right now I have a Yes Hybrid 2021 and it’s all I ride. You recommended a Jones Ultra Mountain Twin for a friend and I loved how easy it was going into turns, and ate up all conditions. I’m considering going that route but wanted to see what other recommendations you have.
My riding style is high speed groomers, small jumps, and mostly steep tree riding. Not looking for something to ride extremely fast down the steep runs, but something that can carve and turn really easy through trees. I’m 5’10 10 with a size 10.5 boot. Right now I have Union Falcors which is probably use on this board. Thanks in advance for the recommendation!!
Hi Taylor
Thanks for your message.
Given you’ve had experience with the UMT and liked it, that’s got to be a front runner. So I don’t want to throw too much into the mix. But based on what you’re describing, I think the GNU 4 x 4 could be a good match too.
Size-wise, if you’re looking for a suggestion, if you can confirm your weight, that’d be great.
The Falcors will pair well with the UMT or the GNU 4 x 4, IMO, so no issues there.
Hope this helps
Thanks again man! I’ve never been dissatisfied with your recommendations so will definitely have to demo the 4×4. Have you ridden the black snowboard of death? Based off what I’m reading, It may not have the same turn initiation I’m looking for, but may be worth demoing as well. I’m 150lbs. That’s made it tough looking for a wide board that works with my shoe size that isn’t too long. Thanks again!
Hey Taylor
Black Snowboard of Death is a really fun board when you get up to speed. It’s not so great for turn initiation at slower speeds though, which would be my biggest hesitation for when you’re in the trees.
The 4 x 4 may not work size-wise, just that the 157 may be a little too narrow. Though it could be doable, depending on binding angles, profile of your boots etc.
Generally size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 155. So for the UMT, I think the 154 or 157 could work – or the 156W. In terms of width, the 157 should be fine, and I’d be leaning that over the 156W, as for that board, I don’t think you need to go wide. The 154 is a little more borderline in terms of width. At a 22″ stance width, you’d be looking at around 263mm at the front insert and 264mm at back insert on the 154. 156W wouldn’t be wrong, but I’d be leaning 157 or 154 (if you think you’d be comfortable width-wise).
Hey Nate,
Thanks again for the help. I haven’t moved forward with a purchase yet, but wanted to ask about 1 more. I’ve been getting a lot of suggestions for a K2 board. Any feedback on their aggressive boards? Still leaning UMT but want to explore all options! Thanks
Hey Taylor
I haven’t ridden a lot of K2 boards recently. It’s a brand I have had trouble getting stuff to test from. I haven’t ridden it, but the Antidote is probably the kind of thing you’re looking for, if you don’t want to go too directional. Don’t know what the turn initiation would be like or how it would handle tight trees. Hard to say having not ridden it. If you wanted to go directional, then the Alchemist or Excavator could be worth looking at. But again, I haven’t ridden them, so I can’t give any first hand insights into how they ride. The Manifest Team might have also been one to look at but they discontinued it (unless you can find one somewhere). I didn’t get a chance to ride it but did get on the regular Manifest a while back. So yeah, unfortunately can’t be much help when it comes to K2’s more aggressive boards.
Hey Nate! Still trying to make a decision here. Looking at the 4×4 as you suggested and the UMT. What would you say has the better turn initiation?I promise you I’ll stop bothering you after this question lol. Also throw your favorite binding pairing with whatever board you pick! Im about 160lbs now if that makes a difference.
Hey Taylor.
I would say the 4 x 4 is a little better in terms of turn initiation. There’s not a lot in it though, the UMT isn’t bad in that sense. For bindings for the 4 x 4 I would personally look at something like the Katana, Falcor or Cartel X, or if you wanted to maximize turning experience but sacrifice some shock absorption, then I’d look at the Flux XF or Flux CV.
Great! So that answers my question on the boards, however, I’m a little confused on width at inserts. How are you finding this? You said the 4×4 may be a little narrow, but the waste width is actually wider than the UMT(at least on the site I’m seeing). I’m also interested in the K2 Passport or Antidote but I’m worried about the sizing there as well. The 4×4 is my top choice, but I ride a 0, 18 binding a lot which makes me worry.
Hi Taylor
Most brands don’t publish their width at inserts (though more are starting to do it now, which is good), but whenever I test a board I measure it at the inserts. The width at inserts vs its waist width isn’t uniform, so there can be quite a bit of difference between boards, particularly between brands. It also depends a lot on your stance width, since the wider the stance width the closer you are to the widest part of the board. And binding angles play a role too, because if you have bigger angles then you’ll have less overhang. Note that this isn’t linear though. The difference between 0 and 3 degrees isn’t as much as the difference between 3 and 6 degrees. It’s exponential the bigger the angles get. So, even if you were to go to a 3 degree angle it would make very little difference.
The UMT has a bigger difference between waist and inserts than average, so even though the waist is 254mm on the 157 vs 255mm on the 4 x 4 157, the width at inserts on the UMT (assuming a 22″ stance width) is 266mm front insert and 267mm back insert (or a 12mm difference on front and 13mm difference on back). The average is around a 10mm difference. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to measure the 4×4. One of the few I haven’t measured. However, typically with GNU/Lib Tech boards, they have a lower than average difference between waist and inserts. This is because their waist width is usually not as wide as the number suggests, as there is usually a magnetraction bump right where the waist is, which adds some width. The difference is usually 7-8mm on GNU boards. Unfortunately not sure what the exact difference is on the 4×4, but it’s likely to be around 2-4mm narrower on that back insert vs the UMT.
That said, I’d typically be fairly comfortable with a 10.5 on a 265mm insert width, which it could well be on the 4×4. Just with that zero degree angle, makes me less confident, particularly if you like to carve quite deep. Depending on the profile of your boot, you could be looking at around 5cm of total boot overhang, or around 2.5cm (1″) per edge, assuming perfect boot centering. I would personal be OK with this, but I wouldn’t want to have much more overhang than that.
Hey Nate
Thank you very much for your work here.
Really helpfull.
I really looking for a fast All Mountain Board, I love to ride hard.
I almost all the time ride with people with race skis.
I don’t ride Parks or any Freestyle anymore, bit i love to powder.
I currently ride a DC Space Echo and i love it, but i need a new one.
At first i wanted to buy the Capita Mega Merc but i read a lot that it is bad on ice, and we have a lot of Ice here.
What other options do i have?
Thank you very much
Hi Ivo
Given you love to ride powder (you’re not alone there!), I would actually look at the following:
>> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards
Some great options in there for bombing but also better in powder than most on this list. Pay attention to the score breakdowns to make sure it has the specs that you’re looking for.
Also note, I didn’t find the Mega Merc that bad on ice. It’s not something I’d put on the top tier of boards that are good in icy conditions, but I didn’t find it terrible in those conditions or anything. That said, if you’re looking to maximize icy edge hold, then there are better options.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thank you very much for your answer.
The problem is there isn’t much powder where i live in Switzerland.
It’s maybe 2-3 days a Year i can really Powder.
Most of the time i ride horrible icy pisten with artificial snow.
So the options would be the YES PICK YOUR LINE or the Mega Merc.
I’m just scared i buy a Board that is bad at bumps and icy conditions, because that is sadly what i have to ride the most.
I ride Snowboard since 17 years so i bring it down anyway, but it should make fun while doin it.
Hey Ivo
The PYL is better in icy conditions, IMO vs the Mega Merc, so if you’re looking to get the best you can in icy conditions, PYL is what I’d go with.
Hey Nate thanks so much for your website it really helps. I’m not sure if this is too hard to balance but I’m an advanced snowboarder who boards half the year between Australia and Japan. I like to bomb down groomers trying to get something that’s easy to carve and can go off piste in sometimes icy conditions in Australia. However ideally I need a board that won’t sink and drown in the powder of japan. I don’t really do park except for jumps so just need a stable landing. Ideally looking for an all round board that leans towards the aggressive side that will let me carve Australia but still have fun on the crazy powder days of Japan. so was thinking of the capita mercury, the Jones ultra mountain twin but if you have any other suggestions for the best all conditions aggressive leaning all mountain board if park is not a concern I would love to hear them. Thanks again for your help
Hi Jack
Thanks for your message.
I think something like the Mercury or Ultra Mountain Twin could work. But I would also check out this list. The boards in that list are a little more directional and have a tapered shape but aren’t so directional/tapered that it affects carving too much. That list is targeted to favor boards that are good for powder, carving and speed, predominantly. If you’re not really riding park and not really riding switch, then that list might be the go to, as you’ll get a bit of extra powder performance. Not as good for jumps, typically, but for straight airs in the park should be fine with them – and some better than others. Pay attention to the score breakdowns to see if there’s anything in there that you think might work. But Mercury/Mega Merc/Ultra Mountain Twin would definitely work.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I am riding for 16-17 years (I am 43 now), usually slopes and if the time and conditions are right, freeride (no freestyle, only couple jumps). I am 180cm, 79kg. For fun I have Lib Tech Banana 156, for splitboarding 162cm Pathron Gold and for carving and big powder days old 2007 Flow Solitude 169 (really good for fast speed carving, but stiff as fck because of titaniom X between binding and 4x lamination). But…for freeriding in culoirs the Solitude is huge, its not floating (stiff + camber) and in slow speed its a plank. Lib tech feels really short and soft, no backfoot stability. I would like to find some allrounder, for slopes and freerides, around 161-162cm. Thought about Capita Mega Merc or YES Standard or YES PYL. Any recomendation? Thank you!
Hi Lukáš
Thanks for your message.
I think I would be leaning PYL in the 162. It will give you better carving performance than the Standard and better powder performance than the Mega Merc. And given you’re not really doing any freestyle stuff, I think the PYL is your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thank you for the conformation, that was my number 1 as well. I’m really amazed by you work here, I am sending people from our small FB group to check this webpage. Have a nice day and enjoy holidays 🙂
You’re very welcome Lukáš. Hope you enjoy the holidays too and have an awesome season!
Hello Nate,
Greetings from Germany. First of all, I would like to say a big compliment. I’m really amazed at the level of professionalism this site has.
I can imagine that you have a lot to do, I would be very grateful if you could find the time to give me a recommendation for my new snowboard.
I like to drive fast, sometimes reaching 90 km/h. A good grip in the corners is very important to me. The snowboard should also look good on ice. It should give me the necessary security for fast descents. But I don’t always drive fast and sporty. After a long snowboarding day, I would like to ride a little more relaxed and like to jump over small hills that accumulate on the slopes at the end of the day.
What is also very important to me is that the snowboard slides well, especially on straight stretches without inclines. With my old board, I kept having to undo the bindings and hike to the next incline.
In the park, I usually only ride very small ramps and the occasional tube, but I’m not in the park 98% of the time.
Right next to the piste I like to ski in the powder.
I bought the new Clew quick-entry bindings for my new snowboard.
I would be very grateful for a recommendation.
Hi Marcel
Thanks for your message.
My instinct says go 4×4 but the Jones Aviator 2.0 and Ultra Mountain Twin would work well too. The 4x4s got great icy edge hold and is something that still works well when you want to slow it down and ride more casually/relaxed. It’s not going to give you as much stability at speed as something like the Wasteland Camber or the Custom X or Mega Merc, so you would sacrifice a little there. In terms of glide, it felt pretty normal, so you’re not going to get massive amounts of glide, from our experience, but it’s not going to lack glide either.
The upside of the UMT and Aviator 2.0 is that they do provide better glide, in our experience, but not quite as good in terms of icy edge hold.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey man, really appreciate this beautiful website that you built!
I’m scratching my head off trying to decide which board I should get. Would love some input from you!
My main interests/focus (mainly on groomers):
1. Getting more aggressive and going low on carves. I should mention that I am still learning to do this! I currently have a softer board (flex around 3-4) and I think I can carve well normally but not quite at the point of being able to “rub” the snow with my hands in each turn (not sure if this is being harder to do because the board is on the softer side?)
2. Being able to throw in some playful ground tricks while I carve.
^Based on the above, I ended up here in the “aggressive all-mountain boards” section.
Being said that, I don’t want a board that’s hyper carve-focused (i.e., kills my ability to do anything else). As I’m also planning to explore around the mountain. So, I’d also like the board to also be relatively well-rounded for other scenarios to have fun with my friends (e.g., traversing between trees, hitting the park occasionally, powder, etc.).
Currently, I’m deciding between mercury, mega merc, nidecker thruster, and GNU 4×4. Please feel free to throw in any other choices that you think might be a good fit for me!
I’m 6’0 and weigh around 187-190 lbs (I’m more on the muscular side as I’m a pretty hard-core gym rat, not sure if that matters at all in terms of snowboard size picking hahaha). I’m currently wearing a size 9-9.5 boot. Could you recommend me a snowboard and a size that could be a good fit for me? Thanks so much!!
Hi Yoyo
Thanks for your message.
I think the Mega Merc is going to be a little too much to balance between the carving and throwing in the more playful ground tricks, so that’s one I’d probably cross off. The regular Merc would be a good option though. The 4×4 is also a good bet, IMO. The Thruster could be doable. It’s doesn’t have a lot of playfulness for ground tricks, but it’s doable.
Another option that comes to mind is the Salomon Assassin Pro.
Size-wise for each, I would be looking at:
– 4×4: 160
– Mercury: 159
– Thruster: 159
– Assassin Pro: 159
Hope this helps
Hello Nate
I love your reviews and I need some advice, so you are the man to come to! I am buying a new board but it will will have to be a blind buy. I ride in Sweden with (usually with family) so powder is not really a thing anymore. At 51, the park is no longer for me, and I have to accept that groomers and the odd tree-run is me now. Switch is nice but not essential. So I am looking for a stiff but damp, traditional camber board that lays serious carves but can still wind up some pop. I have an Arbor A-Frame from 2006, she’s a missile but not overly playful, although I hear the 22/23 version is a good bit different. So my long list is: Arbor: A-Frame, Wasteland, Burton: Custom X, Jones Flagship. Appreciate some help in making the right call, or indeed any I may have missed. I recently tested a Jones Frontier – but I didn’t love it on icy steeps – and a Burton Custom, which I did like. Thanks mate.
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
I don’t have any experience with the 2006 A Frame but from what I gather the newer models are more forgiving than the older ones. The Wasteland is a nice board and nice and damp, in my experience. It’s better for switch than the A-Frame (which I know is not a biggie for you, but if you don’t need anything that’s going to be amazing in powder, then you might as well get the switch benefits) so I think the Wasteland if you go Arbor.
The Flagship isn’t what I would call traditional camber – it’s got rocker in the tip and a little in the tail, like the Frontier. It’s certainly not that similar to the Frontier, but given you’re looking for traditional camber and given how you felt about the Frontier, it’s probably safer to go with one of the others.
The Custom X is a beast for carving, in my experience and if you liked the Custom but like the idea of it being stiffer, then the Custom X could certainly work for you. It is traditional camber and you can definitely lay some serious carves on it. So, I’d be weighing up between the Custom X and the Wasteland and be leaning Custom X if you want to maximize carving. Both have a good bit of pop in them, but for both you do have to wind it up a bit to access it. Not super effortless pop or anything.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
You helped me find a board a couple years ago on here and it was a perfect fit from day 1! I’m trying to help a friend now and would love your advice.
He’s 6’ 165lbs, wears a 10.5 boot(Burton ruler) and currently has Burton mission bindings. He’s looking for an all mountain board that can ride switch, handle high speed riding, and work well in icy conditions and powder. I know that’s a hard combo, but assuming a good directional twin would work well? I’ve found a few, but the boot size always makes it harder. What would you suggest? Thanks!
Hi Taylor
A tough combination for sure, but definitely boards that can handle all that. The first board that springs to mind is the Ultra Mountain Twin. A lot of aggressive all-mountain boards aren’t great in powder, but the UMT is – and is good in icy condition. The other that makes a lot of sense is the Mega Merc. If he was happy to sacrifice a little in terms of powder but wanted something not quite as stiff, the GNU 4×4 would be a good bet.
Size-wise, I’d be leaning towards the 157s for both the UMT and Mega Merc. They’re both a little wider than the typical 157 regular width, but not ultra wide and I think would both work well for 10.5s. I mean if he rides with a flat back binding angle (i.e. 0-3 degrees), has really bulky boots and likes to eurcarve, then it might be pushing it width-wise, but given he want’s to ride switch, I’d say he’s not going to ride with too flat a back binding angle, so he should be good.
The 4×4 will be a little narrower at the inserts, so that one’s more risky in terms of boot drag.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I know this board isn’t on any of these lists, but I’m more than likely going to pull the trigger on the K2 Alchemist. I want to throw a pair of unions on it. Which ones would you recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
Having not ridden the Alchemist, I couldn’t say for sure of its flex. But if it’s as stiff as they say it is (9/10 flex), then I would put the Atlas FC on it. The Atlas Pro would also be a good bet, most likely.
Hi Nate wanted your input here. I am 5’9 size 9 boot 180lbs. I currently have a twin Yes Jackpot, Mega Mercury 157, bataleon fun kink 54 (2023), yes UnInc DCP 57 (2023) and just received the 2023 assassin pro 156. I figured the bataleon would be my new park/mess around board, Yes UnInc DCP as my main powder board and carver board, and the Salomon assassin pro be my new daily driver. I’m a little concerned as I heard the assassin pro doesn’t hold in ice well which isn’t a huge concern as I ride in Tahoe. I am an advanced aggressive rider so I figured the stiff flex of it would help me charge and I needed an all mph rain freestyle board. However the GNu 4×4 in the 157 has me intrigued to be my daily driver instead of the assassin pro, but I’m not sure how it would perform as my daily driver/all mountain freestyle board? Could you give me your thoughts on the assassin pro and 4×4 and what overlap I have on boards and if I could use the 4×4 as freestyle daily driver for everything or would it not be suited to that. I have also never ridden the assasin pro yet either and I have heard great things but also a few bad things.
Hi Danny
Thanks for your message.
I didn’t find the Assassin Pro too bad in icy conditions but the 4 x 4 is better in that sense.
I think you could use the 4×4 for all-mountain-freestyle. It’s not ideal for switch or 180s or anything because of it’s directional shape, but also not too bad either. Fraser who tested the 4×4 for me was ripping 360s on it and said he loved it for spins. Can handle 180s as well though. Butter pretty well too for a stiffer board, so definitely doable. Not going to be as easy for riding switch as the Assassin Pro, but great for jumps and I think it would work well as a daily driver. But I’m a big fan of the Assassin Pro as well, so there’s not a wrong choice there, IMO. But I would say the 4×4 is better in icy conditions, if you’re concerned about that.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
this ist Till from Germany. I’ve been following your reviews for quite a while now and you’ve become my absolute reference point when it comes to snowboarding, not just with your on point reviews but also with your qualitiy replies in the comment section.
So I thought I’d give it a try and ask for your advise:
quick facts: I’m 5’7 tall, 163lbs, and I’m an advanced rider.
I started out on a camber, Palmer honeycomb, 5 years ago I switched to my current board, the Salomon Ultimate Ride 155. Binding: Flow NX2, Northwave boots.
I don’t know which ‘character’ of a rider I am or which category of board is best for me, I guess it would be an ‘aggressive all mountain’ as I like to go hard, fast, all kind of carves where I need a great edge hold. At the same time, I got to like the playfulness of the salomon, doing quick 360 spins while I carve or doing switch riding whenever I feel like it. No park, no real jumps … oh yes, and it shouldn’t suck too much in powder.
Questions:
1. I need a new board (broke the salomon), so I got the mountain twin from a rental which I felt was better than the salomon… ran more stable, less chattering, 360 spins were even easier, BUT both struggle a bit when it comes to icy conditions.
So, refering to your list, what would you recommend:
Jones Ultra mountain twin (stiffer, better for me? a lot of reviewers prefer the normal MT, the UMT is said to be ‘dead’), or capita mega merc, jones aviator 2.0? I’m not sure whether I wanna go full camber again…I enjoy a bit of rocker but I need a good carving edge hold!
2. I wanna stick to rear entry bindings, I enjoy it. Any thoughts on the recent Flows? Do you know the SP bindings, mountain mulitentry? Which binding (SP or Flow) would you recommend for the board?
3. Boots: thought about Nitro chase BOA or Adidas ACERRA 3ST ADV BOA…. any thoughts or recommendations? I wanna go into BOA territory, maybe K2 thraxis?
Nate, I’m so sorry, way to much text, but I still appreciate your help, heaps.
Thanks for your reply, and the time and effort within.
Stay safe, please tell me, if I can do something, to show my appreciation.
best wishes till
Hi Till
Thanks for your message.
1. Given how you describe your riding, I think the UMT would be more suitable, though not sure how much better you’d find it in icy conditions – probably a touch better, but not worlds better. The Aviator 2.0 isn’t as good for powder, IMO, but it does give a bit more for harder carves and feels a little snappier. The Mega Merc is a beast – I think the only question mark there is icy conditions. It’s certainly not bad in those conditions, but I don’t think you’d feel it better than the MT
2. Given your style of riding and the boards you’re looking at, I would be looking at something at least 7/10 flex. So, that, IMO, includes the NX2. I haven’t ridden the NX2, but did ride the NX2-TM recently, which I felt at a 7/10 flex. You might want to go a little stiffer. Flux rate the NX2 at 8/10 flex. There’s also the NX2-CX which looks like it’s really stiff. If you still want to keep some playfulness, it might be a little too stiff. The Fuse Carbon is another option which is stiffer, but looks to be a little more forgiving than the NX2-CX. Note that I’ve only ridden the NX2-TM and Fenix-Plus in Flow bindings so far. I have just started testing them. Hoping to get on a couple more this season, but won’t get through most of their lineup until next season most likely. I haven’t tested any SP bindings. Another one to look out for (coming out for 22/23) is the Nidecker Supermatic, which is a rear ending binding like Flow, but doesn’t have cables – it’s still a rear-entry, rather than a step on/step in, but the highback is locked close with a heel mechanism that you step on to engage it. Was really interesting testing them and quite liked them.
3. I haven’t tested Nitro boots, but the Acerra would be a good choice if you want stiff, but just that little bit softer than the stiffest boots (8/10 flex by my feel) – and the Thraxis (9/10 flex by my feel) are really nice boots if you want that high end in terms of stiffness. Both are great boots, IMO, just depends how stiff you want to go.
Hope this helps
Definitely not expected, but much appreciated, if you wanted to contribute to the website you can go here.
Hi Nate,
I’m so sorry for this very late reply … the honest answer is: just after I wrote my comment, it felt ‘deleted’, couldn’t find it anywhere so I gave up on it and called it fate. Just today I stumbled across it and realized that you replied straight back, what a class act.
I took so much out of it, and will definately contribute to your site.
Just a last question, out of curiosity: why didn’t you recommend the Slash ATV, (in addition to the Jones UMT)? You seemed to be thrilled about it… I’m just asking, because I could get a good deal on it over here, so I was wondering… I could get another good deal for a Capita BSOD from 2021 (seems to have a good reputation as well), so thats somehow on my mind as well…
In case you don’t find the time to answer, will contribute anyway, so thank you so much for all your time and effort.
best wishes till
Hi Till
Main reason I didn’t include the ATV was that you were uncertain about going back to a full camber board. The BSOD is certainly an option. I would say it’s not any better than the Jones Mountain Twin in terms of edge hold in icy conditions when riding slower, but has this weird thing of having better edge hold when it’s ridden faster. Not sure how that works, but that’s the feel it gives. I think it would suit you’re riding style, but again, the only question mark would be edge hold.
If you wanted to go a little more freeride, but still more on the all-mountain side of freeride (like the BSOD is), and something that’s a step above in icy conditions compared to the other options we’ve looked at, you could look at the YES PYL or Lib Tech Ejack Knife.
With the Ejack Knife, you would be getting a less familiar feel with rocker between the feet, but it’s pretty subtle rocker.
The PYL would have a more familiar feel with the rocker outside the inserts.
Hope this helps and feel free to bounce any more ideas off me, or if you want to discuss sizing or anything like that.
Hey Nate,
first of all thanks a lot for your reviews and articles :-).
I am looking for a new board and don‘t have a clear view through this jungle of variety. Perhaps you could help me.
First of all I would need to know, if I am right here looking for an aggressive all mntn board?
I am 30 years old, riding for more than 20 years (advanced skills) and I besides normal days on prepared but also icy slopes, I love boarding on powder going in the backcountry and having fun there. Rarely I also go for some jumps in the park but in natural terrain I am often looking for small jumping opportunities. (not so skilled compared to riding).
The last years I was riding the Nitro team camber wide and was satisfied. But now I am looking for something new and better.:-) ah, I have really big feet (US 14), am 185cm and 85 kg.
I came across different boards sounding interesting for my naive view, perhaps you can give me guidance.
Burton Custom X wide
Burton Flight Attendant wide
Nitro Team Pro wide / Nitro Suprateam wide
Capita Black snowboard of death
any other board ? 🙂
Your answer would help me a lot!
Chris
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing a board from this list could definitely work. I have the Team camber in this category (all be it a little less aggressive than those that made the list this year). But I think Freeride boards would be a slightly better match to what you’re describing, particularly if you want to get a little better powder performance than some of these. From your list the Flight Attendant and BSOD (freeride bordering on aggressive all-mountain) are what I would consider freeride and the Team Pro, Supra Team and Custom X aggressive all-mountain. For more freeride options also check out >>my top 10 Freeride snowboards.
I haven’t ridden the Team Pro or Suprateam, but the rest would be a little stiffer and a little more aggressive than the Team Camber. Particularly the Custom X, which is the stiffest of those options, IMO – around 9/10 flex by my feel. The BSOD, Flight Attendant more like 7/10 flex. The Team Camber, by my feel, more like 6/10 flex. The Suprateam looks like it’s stiffer than the Team, but the Team Pro is rated the same as the Team by Nitro – not sure in reality if it’s any different, having not ridden it.
Size-wise, I’d say something around 161W. I’m guessing you were probably on the 162W or 159W Team?
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks a lot!
Totally forgot:
At the moment I am riding the Nitro Team with 165wide, but agreeing totally with you that few cm less would be perfect.
Based on your (fantastic) feedback, I adjusted my list of favorites to the following:
– BSOD
– Flight Attendant
– Jones (Ultra ?) Flagship? –> Do you have your experience with this one and how would to rate the fit with my requirements.
Which one of these above is most capable also for speed and icy steep slopes?
Thanks a lot!
Chris
Hi Chris
I’d say the Flight Attendant and BSOD are the most stable at speed, but the Flagship isn’t far off and is the better board in icy conditions, IMO. I haven’t ridden the Ultra Flagship, but I assume it’s stiffer (and maybe even lighter – but that would be saying something as the Flagship is a really light board). Having not ridden it, I couldn’t say how much stiffer, but I imagine it would be at least as stable at speed as the BSOD and Flight Attendant. But if the flex rating by Jones is accurate, it’s one seriously stiff board, by the sounds of it. That said, I would be surprised if it was as stiff as what I would consider 10/10.
Size-wise, I think the 162W for the Flagship/Ultra Flagship and Flight Attendant and 161W for the BSOD.
Thanks, you & your support is really great!
I decided on the BSOD, thinking that’s the perfect fit for my requirements.
Additionally I found a great bargain (200€ cheaper than everywhere else), but unfortunately this board is 165W.
Do you think the difference of 4cm will be huge for me / very noticable?
(remembering: 185cm/6,1ft; 86 kg)
Best regards
Christoph
Hi Chris
165W is getting a little on the big side for your specs, IMO. That said, you were riding the Team at 165W, so it’s a size you’re used to, so I think it’s doable. The BSOD is more board than the Team, IMO, so it’s going to be quite a beast at 165W for you, IMO. If you’re planning on predominantly bombing with it and riding open terrain powder, then I think it’s doable. It’s not going to strike the same kind of balance between bombing and riding it slower/more casual, and for those side hits as the 161W would, IMO though. I don’t imagine it will be easy or that fun to ride slower in that size for your specs.
Love the comments and I’m looking to get a new board.
I used to be an advanced rider but am now turning 50, so I’ve toned it down a little. I mostly ride with skiers who do double blues and blacks. East coast hard packed and icy for the most part. There is little powder and when there is some good snow it gets pushed around fast. My buddies like to charge the mountain and I will t take a few trips to the park for some medium hits. Never much into rails or boxes.
I was looking at the Jones Ultra Mountain twin or the Lib tech TR Pro.
What are your thoughts on a board and size? I’m 6,1 and 200 lbs with 13 boots.
Thanks.
Hi AJ
Thanks for your message.
I think both would suit what you’re describing, but I would be leaning Ultra Mountain Twin (UMT), just because it’s a board I prefer to the T Rice Pro.
Size-wise, I would weighing up between the 162W and 165W. Because you’ve toned it down a bit, I think the 162W would be the best bet – and would still be big enough to charge, but be a bit more manageable in the park. If I had your specs, I would go 162W. But 165W isn’t out of range, depending on how much you wanted to prioritize stability at speed (longer will be more stable at speed).
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I consider myself an intermediate rider, no park, rarely ride switch as I just like to cruise and make a lot of turns (I’m 49). For the past few years, I’ve been riding a Burton Custom Flying V. However, I live on the east coast where we get a lot of hard-packed snow. The Flying V is awesome in soft snow but loses a lot of its luster in harder conditions. Do you think jumping to the Custom camber version would be too big a jump? I’m not limiting myself to Burton but I can get a decent discount on them. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
-Denny
Hi Denny
Thanks for your message.
I don’t think the Custom Camber would be too much of a jump. You’d have to get used to it, would take some adjustment, but if you’re a solid intermediate rider, I don’t think you’d have too many issues, assuming you got the appropriate size. You would see better performance in harder snow, but still not amazing in icy conditions, but definitely better going from the Flying V to camber. Something like the Skeleton Key would also be suitable, if you’re not really riding any switch, but if you’re also not really going off the groomers, then there’s less benefit to going Skeleton Key. That said, it’s still a good groomer board.
Certainly other options if you wanted something that was a step above in terms of performance in hard/icy conditions, but the Custom Camber is definitely an improvement there over the Flying V.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Awesome site! I’ve been in the market for a new snowboard and am struggling to decide on which to get. I’ve narrowed my search down to an aggressive all mountain board which is how I ended up here.
I consider myself a high intermediate/low advanced boarder which seems to be a tricky spot to be in when it comes to getting a board. I’ve only been boarding for 5-6 years (in my early 20s), but I’ve been improving a ton every season. I’ve hit some difficult terrain as well up in Whistler and actually went on a trip with a friend to the Alps in Switzerland this last year.
One of the reasons I’m not comfortable calling myself an advanced rider is because I’m not too comfortable in powder yet. The only time I’ve really been in DEEP pow was when I went to Whistler and we got absolutely dumped on. It was a lot of fun but I was definitely struggling and am looking to get more experience with pow going forward.
Aside from that, I also tend to skid some turns still, but mainly when I’m trying to adjust my speed after bombing. At slower speeds I’m definitely comfortable carving.
In summary, I’m looking for a board that can grow with me as I still have a lot to learn, but I am 100% out of the beginner/intermediate territory. I’m also decently athletic, was a 3 sport athlete back in the day and have runners legs — so I’d like to think I can make up for my lack of experience on an advanced board with some sheer strength. Also, I tend to stay away from the terrain parks but now that I’m more comfortable on a board I don’t want something that would be terrible to hit a jump or two with.
I was thinking of grabbing the Jones Ultra Mountain Twin. Do you think this would be a good fit? It seems like one of the more well rounded boards on this list. I’ve steered away from some of the others as it seems they’re closer to expert level after reading your reviews, but if you have any other suggestions for a board you think would fit that aren’t on this list that’d be awesome.
Thanks in advance if you do get a chance to respond!
Hi Jon
Thanks for your message.
I think the Ultra Mountain Twin would be a good bet for what you’re describing. I think you’d probably be fine on the likes of the Team, Supernova and ATV as well, but the UME is a solid choice and gives you a little more powder performance than others here. Assuming you get the right size, I think the UME would be a good bet. If you’re not sure of the best size or want a second opinion, I would be happy to give my opinion on sizing. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
I really appreciate your site, reviews and input. I’m having a little paralysis-by-analysis and would appreciate a little feedback. I’m looking for a new board and I’ve narrowed it down to a handful.
About me:
35 years
5’ 11’’
165lbs
Size 9 boot
Current boards: Rossignol One Mag and Rossignol XV Split
I live in Utah and I’d consider myself to be an expert level rider. There’s nowhere on the mountain I’m not fully confident in riding. I’m not a park rat anymore, but I still enjoy some hot laps through the park on occasion. I’m looking to replace the One Mag, the top sheet is splitting. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s been a great board. I’ll use the XV split for backcountry and powder days and the new board for resort riding. I like to ride fast and aggressively, but I’m also teaching two kids how to ride, so I spend a fair amount of time chaperoning them down the mountain.
Here’s my (not so) short list:
Niche Crux
Jones Ultra Mountain Twin
Neversummer Protosythesis
Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Yes Greats
Solomon Ultimate Ride
Rossignol One LF
Do you have any thoughts or opinions? Thank you!
Hi Bryce
Thanks for your message.
That’s a killer short list for sure. Some sick boards there and I think you’d have a great time on any of those. But given what you’re describing and that you already have the XV Split in your quiver, and as a good balance between charging and teaching the kids, I would be leaning:
– Crux
– Proto Synthesis
– Greats
– Jones Ultra Mountain Twin – definitely doable, and if you weren’t teaching the kids as well, I would be more inclined for this one, and still not a wrong choice by any means
– Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker – I think you would really appreciate this teaching the kids, but might not find it aggressive enough – it’s a really fun board, and it’s not un-aggressive, but less aggressive than anything else here
– Solomon Ultimate Ride – the 2020 and older versions would be more appropriate, but this became more freeride oriented for the 2021 model. Still not out of the question, but it’s also bordering on being a bit too much for when teaching kids.
– Rossignol One LF – it’s what you know, so it’s not a wrong choice either, but I would be leaning more twin, if you’re not going to be using this board for powder. And also, this board is less aggressive, IMO than something like the Crux, Proto Synthesis and Greats. Not by a lot but by a little. A little more aggressive than the Terrain Wrecker, but still not that aggressive.
That’s my reasoning behind those choices anyway.
Also note that the Proto Synthesis and Greats aren’t that aggressive either, but they’re on the aggressive side of the middle of the scale, if that makes sense. The Crux is a little more aggressive again than those 2. The most aggressive on this list, IMO, are the Ultra Mountain Twin and the Ultimate Ride, but looking at the Crux, Proto and Greats, just in terms of getting a balance between aggressive and slow riding with kids.
Hope this helps with your decision. Also happy to give sizing recommendations if you wanted one.
Thanks for your input Nate! I walked into my local shop to see what they had available, hoping they had one of your recommendations, and they had a Rossignol Juggernaut 155 on sale. It wasn’t on my list (clearly), but after looking it up I thought it fit the bill and the price was right, so I pulled the trigger. Definitely not disappointed! From what I gather it’s in the same realm as the Ultra Mountain Twin and has managed great with the kids so far. I didn’t see a review from you on it, so if you ever get the chance I definitely recommend giving it a try.
Hi Bryce
Thanks for the update. I haven’t tried the Juggernaut but was hoping to this season. This gives me even more reason to try to get my hands on one!
morning. top notch site. really amazing. figured id ask. i’m an older rider, 52 years old, 10.5 foot, strong on the board, 160 pounds, . i dont hit the parks or tricks at all, just a love carving and grooving, like to hit the edges when fresh powder is around. mostly east coast riding so you end up with a lot of groomer days. i have an 2007 ish arbor crossbow in a 158 which i really dig, but its old. i bought a arbor annex in 162 a bit longer, and man, its just brutal on me, i just cant get it to flex enough. amazingly fast on edge, but very chattery over rough stuff and just whallops my legs end of day. i gave it to my 21 year old son who handles it quite well.
was trying to find something more suitable. was thinking assassin pro . seems like its an all mountain type board but a bit more compliant, softer and wont beat me up so bad.
thanks in advance
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Annex but it’s supposed to be quite stiff, and in a 162 it’s going to feel even stiffer for your weight. When a board is too big for your weight it will feel stiffer than it should and if it’s on the small side for your weight it will feel softer than it should. So I think part of the problem is the size. At 160lbs, I’d say 162 is too big for you.
The Assassin Pro isn’t super soft by any means, but it’s just on the stiffer side of medium (6.5/10 by my feel). In the right size, I think it could definitely work for you. I would be happy to give a sizing opinion. If you could just let me know your length. Weight, boot size, and riding style more important for sizing, but I still like to take height into account. But I would probably say 156. But potentially 158W or 159. I will think about it more once I know your height. If you could also let me know the binding angles you typically ride and the brand and model of your boots, so I can think about the width and whether it’s going to be wide enough in the regular width options. Also if you could let me know how deep you like to carve – like how aggressively you lean into a carve.
Also, for more on the Assassin Pro check out:
>>Salomon Assassin Pro Review
Hope this helps
Hello,
I was lookin to get your input.
I’m a bigger snowboarder 6’0 280 and i wouldn’t say I’m advanced park wise but when it comes to groomers or powder or trees I’m all good for it. I ride mostly keystone and During the day I’m usually with the kiddos so I’m not ripping it as crazy but at night groomers are only open so thats when we rip it. I currently ride a Rome cross rocket 156 ,small I know but I wanna size up anyways it was a board I’ve had for a long time. I like a stiff setup my bindings are stuff and I have ride tridents so also stuff. I’m stuck between a yes PYL or the burton custom X. Any thoughts?
Hi Zach
Thanks for your message.
A couple of things to consider.
a. the Custom X is noticeably stiffer than the PYL. PYL isn’t soft by any means – but around 7/10, 7.5/10 for stiffness on the PYL versus 9/10 on the Custom X, from my feel. So if you want to go for the stiffer setup, the Custom X is the one.
b. For purely charging/carving up the groomers, particularly if you’re looking stiff, the Custom X is the way to go; but
c. The PYL would be easier for riding more casually with the kids
d. PYL better off groomer and in powder, so, IMO, a better option for when you’re in the trees and in powder
Size-wise, I would be looking more like 165+ based on your specs and how you describe your riding. Since you’re used to a 156, you could go a little shorter, if you think it would be too much to get used to going up that much.
So for the PYL I would say 164W or 165, depending on boot size and for the Custom X 166W if boot size warrants going wide or 162. There isn’t a longer Custom X option that isn’t wide. The 162W Custom X, if boot size warrants a wide board, could also be an option, if you didn’t want to size up too much from what you’re used to.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Great site, love the content and your way of breaking the boards into different categories. Definitely makes it easier to sort through. I’m out of touch with the market offerings and was quickly overwhelmed when trying to dive back in.
I’ve got a question for you relating to choosing the right board for my style. I’m an old school charger who has been out of the game for a while. I’d say I’ve only been getting in around 5-6 days a season but I picked up a pass this year and will be riding regularly again.
Back in my 20’s I was sending 60′ tables and spinning 7’s, now as I’m nearing my 40th birthday in a few months, I’m more of an aggressive all-mountain/freerider and haven’t had the desire to hit a park for quite some time.
I live in BC and my local mountain is known for having some of the steepest terrain around in the upper mountain. I’m comfortable stomping the 20-30′ cliffs and sending the chutes that litter our upper mountain zone and then charging through the lower mountains played out and icy groomers at mach speeds, riding both regular and switch, boosting every side hit and spinning every cat track on the way back to the lift.
I’m an athletic 230lbs and prefer a really stiff setup. Boots and bindings are always the lightest and stiffest I can find and I’ve tried some of the newer board tech but haven’t found anything that can support my weight while stomping a big drop other than a camber board.
I love the Custom X, it ticks a lot of the boxes for me except as I drop into the steeper pow lines. When I snapped my Custom X, I picked up a Yes PYL and found that I really enjoyed the extra float in the pow but it leaves me missing the aggressive pop and hard cutting ability of the X. I also don’t really enjoy the strange sensation of the PYL’s three different sidecut radiuses. I’ll lean into a hard carve and all of a sudden the board transitions to the next radius and throws me off.
So I’ve just snapped my PYL (yes it’s a trend that goes all the way back to my young years) I’m looking for a unicorn that has all of the aggression of the Custom X but adds the float in the pow of the Yes PYL.
Does it exist? ha ha. Seems like you’ve tried enough of what’s out there to know if my unicorn is real or not!
Thanks in advance!
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
It just so happens that Burton put out a new board this year called the Straight Chuter. It’s similar to the Custom X, but tapered and with a rockered nose. Something that you probably want to ride in a longer size, because there’s a lot of nose on the board, outside the contact points – so less effective edge compared to overall length – e.g. the 162 Straight Chuter has the same effective edge as the 158 Custom X.
So there would be too things to consider with this board a. whether you want that much taper (18mm) and b. whether there’s a size that would work for you. If you can tick those boxes, then I think it’s a really good option.
Another board worth checking out is the Niche Maelstrom. I think this would work really well for what you’re describing too.
The Ride Commissioner also comes to mind. I haven’t ridden it but I rode it’s predecessor (the Ride Timeless), which was really stiff – but also well suited to powder.
The last one I can think of is the Jones Ultra Flagship. I haven’t ridden it, but it’s supposed to be a stiffer Flagship.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Im currently struggling a bit of finding the right board for me. I have a worn-out Mercury in my quiver that I´d like to replace sometime. Last year I bought a Lib Tech Orca 159 but lost 20 kg since. So my specs are size 10.5 boots and 200 lbs… As of that, I´m pretty sure that i will not be able to have fun on the orca and i´m trying to sell it, since i already had some struggle to fight the boards own mind last year. Overall I was fine with the orca but I was SUPER exhausted everyday and I think my focused shifted a bit…
We only have two weeks in the mountains and we have to take the conditions as they come. And my main concern with the orca was that it drained the energy out of me when the groomers were messed up (icy and moguls) and the carvability wasn´t as prime as many reviews pointed out. So my profile is:
Advanced (Black groomers are no problem)
95% groomers
5% Pow (I think i would ride any board in pow)
I am mainly going pretty fast and carve but also like cruising, giving zero fucks about parks (bad knees), but looking for a board that isn´t sucking the life out of my legs at the end of a day on bad groomers.
Because many Boards that are focused on carving tend to struggle a lot with worn out groomers. We are mainly doing tours, meaning exploring the resort.
Do you have any recommendations? I´m leaning towards the PYL, but it´s pretty damn expensive
Thanks in Advance buddy
Hi Danny
Thanks for your message.
In my experience on these boards, I would say that the Team, Supernova and ATV, from this list are the kind of boards you can rip aggressively, but aren’t too bad on your legs by the end of the day. The PYL also fits that description too. You could also check out:
>> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards
But one of those 4 would work well, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
thanks for the Reply and recommendations 🙂 I will look into these Snowboards 🙂
You’re very welcome Danny. If you can think of it at the time, would be interested to hear what you go with and how you find it. Happy riding!
Hey! So I just bought the Ultra Mountain twin 2019-2020. I am an experienced rider with the intent of going really fast and hard in the whole mountain while also sending some good jumps with some basic tricks (e.g backflip, 180’s, 360’s). I am worried that this board will not be able to perform as well within the slopes as it will outside. My last board was a Lib Tech Skate Banana which was fun but it couldn’t allow me to go as fast as I wanted and it was also not giving me that extra stability in jumps and in speedy tracks. Do you believe I made the right choice?
Hi Sergios
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I think the UMT will be a really good fit, assuming you get it in a good size for you. I think what you described is exactly what you would want the UMT for. Jones videos typically show backcountry shots – it’s their thing – but this is predominantly an inbounds board, predominantly a resort board. You can definitely take it out of bounds, but it’s not certainly not specifically made for that.
Hope this helps
So Im looking to buy a new board, I love going through trees, and great pop is super important to me. I had the DC focus (which was my first board) and now im looking for an upgrade. I think i lean more towards free ride than freestyle and would place myself as in-between intermediate and advanced. im 5″10 and 62 KG, any suggestions?
Hi Salomon
Thanks for your message.
When it comes to pop, how much importance do you place on how easy it is to extract the pop? I find some boards have really good pop, but you’ve got to really load it up to extract it, whereas other boards might have a little less pop but you get more pop out of it for less effort. If you want easier pop (but still a little more available if you put a bit more in), then something like the Nitro Team Camber or Capita Supernova from this list are good options -and the ATV isn’t far off when it comes to ease of access, and you get a bit more out of it with a bit more effort. If you want even more pop but know that you have to work for it, then the Custom X has plenty. Also check out the Full Reviews to get more on how I felt in terms of pop and maneuverability.
You could also check out something from the following:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Though they are more freestyle focused. Another option that nearly made that list is the Capita SuperDOA, which is really poppy.
Or another one that used to be in that list, but is now more freeride oriented, is the Salomon Ultimate Ride. I haven’t ridden it since it got it’s new shape, but the old Ultimate Ride was very poppy, so if it’s just the shape that’s changed, that’s another option.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great article. I have been renewing my setup which I have been riding since about 2000. I now have the K2 Thraxis, Burton Cartels, but still have my Burton Custom 162 from about 2000. I am about 80kg 6′ set my bindings at -15 +15. I generally describe my riding as charging down the hill doing small carves but pointing downhill most of the time, I would say I am high intermediate to advanced on a good day. I am working on “proper” carving but not there yet. My kids are very good skiers and I have to go fast to keep up with them only really on groomed runs pretty much only backs. I like to ride switch and really like a directional twin, I don’t ride switch that much only front leg gets tired. I would like to stay with a camber board or mild hybrid and was looking at the ATV either the 159W or the 161, leaning towards the 159W, but I am starting to think it might be a bit too extreme for me. I am thinking about the Jones Frontier 162 or the K2 Manifest 160W but am concerned that I will outgrow them too quickly. The Salomon Assassin Pro also looks interesting. Any thoughts would be apreciated.
Hi Duncan
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think this type of board is certainly where you want to be looking. But like you say it’s just whether or not the ATV is just that little step too far. That said, whilst it’s a very aggressive board when you want it to be, it’s not completely unforgiving, so it could be doable for you. The Frontier is certainly less board to manage. Could almost be not aggressive enough for what you’re describing. The Assassin Pro is still aggressive but that little bit more forgiving vs the ATV, so that’s certainly an option. The Manifest is also less aggressive than the ATV, but still can get quite aggressive on it. It’s not a board I liked that much, to be honest, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t.
Hard to say for sure if something like the ATV would be too advanced, but I would be leaning towards it being fine for you. The main reason is that you’re used to a 2000 Custom. I haven’t ridden anything from that era, but from what I hear boards from back then tended to be stiffer, more “plank of wood” like. And it would definitely have been all camber, so it’s not like you would have to get used to that on the ATV. The ATV is certainly stiffer than the modern day Custom, but not sure if it would be vs the 2000 Custom. Of course yours will most likely be considerably softer than when you first bought it in 2000.
Size-wise, I think that 159-161 range in terms of length is a good way to go for you. In terms of whether you needed to go wide, I’m not sure, but if you could let me know your boot size, I could give you my opinion on that. If you were to go Frontier, then the 162 is a good bet. It’s something you can ride a little longer.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Nate,
Thanks for your quick response. I meant to say that I am a size 11 in the Thraxis. My old custom is not that stiff anymore, compared to a new Burton custom camber 156W I tried on a demo day, a month ago. Turning was great on the new custom but i did not feel comfortable at speed. My old board definitely throws you out of a turn to you drop your weight on it. I pretty much discounted out the manifest after reading a couple more reviews a but saw that the K2 Broadcast 158W (waist 263mm, the regular boards are too narrow) seemed to be be suited to what I was looking for. I am 45 but in reasonable shape and not looking for something to different from what I am used too, I do have some concerns about riding a board shorter than 159. Frontier 162 does looks nice. I ride at on the east coast (Mont-Tremblant) it can be pretty icy here. I am would rather buy the Frontier or the ATV but the Assassin Pro is a better deal here at the moment, Broadcast is even cheaper. It is a tricky decision. Thanks for your input and great website.
Hi Duncan
Thanks for the extra info.
Yeah I would say go for the 159W if you were to go ATV, with 11 Thraxis. I think that would actually be a really good width for your boots – it’s not an overly wide wide board. The 161 would be pushing it, in terms of being too narrow, IMO.
The Frontier is wider at the inserts vs the waist width vs the ATV, so I think width-wise you’d be fine on the 162.
For the Assassin Pro, if you were to go 162, I’d say that would be wide enough too.
My estimations for width at inserts for those boards are:
ATV 159W – 269mm front insert, 270mm back insert
Frontier 162 – 270mm front insert, 273mm back insert (that’s at it’s reference stance which is quite narrow, if you were to say ride it at a 22″ stance instead, then I’d take a couple of mm off there)
Assassin Pro 162 – 268mm front and back inserts
Not sure about the older Custom, but for reference, the 2020 Custom 158W would be roughly 272mm at inserts.
I haven’t ridden the Broadcast, so I can’t say much there. But yeah, length-wise it’s getting on the small side. That said, it does have quite a lot of effective edge vs overall length, so there’s that in it’s favor.
Nate,
I greatly appreciate your help. I just bought the Assassin Pro 162. It was too much of a good deal, $100 cheaper than the Frontier and $140 cheaper than the ATV Slash, which is crazy since all the boards have the same retail price. I also prefer the idea of stability at speed of a longer 162 than riding the Slash 159W. The Frontier is a stunning board, but it looks like the Assassin is a bit more aggressive, which is I am looking for. I hope to ride the board next weekend, and will let you know how I get on. I found out my Custom was from 2003, waist is an incredibly skinny 249mm, which in reality was too narrow.
Thanks so much for your help, without out it, I would not have been so confident with the purchase and could have ended up with the wrong sized board.
Last thing – How come the Assassin Pro didn’t make it into the top 6 from your reviews it looks like it should be in there.
You’re very welcome Duncan and congrats on your new board!
Yeah Assassin Pro is in the aggressive all-mountain freestyle list – as you noted in your other comment. It’s something that’s kind of in between all-mountain freestyle and all-mountain, so it could potentially make this list if I changed categories, but it’s right in between categories, IMO, so I had to choose one. The main reason I went for the aggressive all-mountain-freestyle category is because it has a centered reference stance.
Just realized the Assassin Pro is in the Aggressive All Mountain FreeStyle section so delete the end of my last comment.
Hi Nate,
I finally got to test out my Assassin Pro, so far so good. The biggest problem last weekend was me: I was shocked how much of my technique I had lost since last winter. By the afternoon of the second day, it was coming back though. The board is great, turns really nice, stiff and stable at speed. Thanks again for your recommendation. Your site is amazing I don’t think there is anywhere else people can get such good information and recommendations.
Duncan
Hi Duncan
Thanks so much for your feedback and glad to hear the board is going well for you. Always a bit of an adjustment to a new board – and to a new season too! Happy riding and hope you have an awesome rest of your season!
hello nate ,can you tell what the differences between burton custom x and amplid pentaquark would be? who do you think would be better? I go mostly on the road and so I want to know which would be faster but also stable at high speeds and which feels better at low speeds?
Hi Adrian
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I’ve never ridden any Amplid boards, so I couldn’t give you any first hand comparison there. It looks to be in the same kind of league, based on specs – stiff, lots of camber etc, but without having ridden it, I don’t know how it would go vs the Custom X
Thanks for the reply .thanks for the answer, you would recommend something better than custom x for speed and stability but be a little better and at low speeds. do you want to know that I’m just going to the resort?
Hi Adrian
Thanks for your message.
I can’t think of anything that’s better than Custom X for speed/stability that would be better for slower speeds. Those two things aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but typically a board that performs better at higher speeds will sacrifice slower speed performance – at least to some degree. I can think of boards that are close to as good at high speeds that are better at slower speeds, but not one that’re better at high speeds and at lower speeds.
What boards would you say are almost as good at high speeds but better at lower speeds than the Custom X? I have a 2015 Custom Camber now and was thinking about stepping up to the X. I ride mostly VT, PA, MA mountains with an occasional trip up to Canada. I was also thinking about the Superpig but wondered if a traditional length was just better than sizing down with the volume shift boards for overall stability.
Hi Wayne
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Slash ATV and Billy Goat fit what you’re describing. Not quite as good at high speeds as the Custom X, but pretty close – and better at slower speed, IMO. I haven’t ridden the Superpig yet, so not sure how that would compare.
Hope this helps
hello nate ,what would be the difference between burton custom x and Endeavour Alpha ?
Hi Catalin
Thanks for your message.
There are quite a few differences technically, but in terms of performance, I would say that the Custom X is a little better in terms of riding powder, and a little better for switch, but not a huge difference there. There is definitely a different feel to the 2 boards, but both awesome for charging and carving. The Custom X a touch stiffer, but both really quite stiff.
If you want the technical differences I can run them off for you, but those are the main performance differences, IMO.
Hope this helps
hello nate, who do you think is faster and more stable? and which can do better at low speeds?
Hi Catalin
Very little in it in terms of speed/stability. But if I had to choose, I would say the Custom X, but only by a hair. I would say the Alpha is better for slower speeds – still prefers higher speeds over lower speeds, but better at slower speeds than the Custom X, IMO.
tanks nate @
Hi Nate,
Great reviews! In my search for an aggressive all-mountain board I came across the Korua Otto. Have you had a chance to ride one of those? I’m curious as to how it stacks up against the list above, specifically the Slash ATV. Judging by the stats, I’m a little concerned about the width of the Korua (309mm – 268mm – 309mm at tip – waist – tail) with my size 10 boot.
Any thoughts?
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with Korua boards, so I can’t give you much. But, IMO, that’s too wide for 10s. I ride 10s and wouldn’t ride a board that wide, unless I was seriously sizing down in length. I take it it’s the 161 that you’re looking at and I’m guessing that’s not sizing down for you?
Thanks for the quick response! Yes, I was looking at the 161, but based solely on width, I started considering the 157, because it seems to be more standard widths. I’ve seen another review of this board and they claimed that in spite of the width “it works”. But I just can’t reconcile that and don’t feel like dropping $500 to see. So I think I’m gonna consider some of the other all-mountain suggestions to find both length and width that make sense.
I appreciate you taking the time to help myself and all the others.
You’re very welcome Jason. Hope you have an awesome season and let me know if you have any questions about other boards.
Hey Nate ,
I am 25 yr Veteran Rider. 6”2 150pd 10 Boot. I love charging hard and fast sometimes hitting jump and natural hits, not really euro carving but that quick edge to edge mini carve I love love, I have riding the older 05 06 Custom X and now want a Really Good Solid Upgrade compared to the X. Something that’s faster , lighter , more damp and more responsive. Which board(s) would you recommend ? I usually ride here (Icy East). Please help Thanks !!
Hi Danny
Thanks for your message.
In terms of response, I found the Custom X responded well, when you rode it fast and hard, but not so much when you were riding a little slower. So, if you’re looking for that quicker edge to edge at slower speeds, then there’s certainly some better options in that respect (it of course also depends on the bindings and boots – the Custom X is a rather stiff board and requires stiff, responsive bindings and boots, IMO).
In particular, from this list, the Slash ATV and Capita Supernova are quicker edge-to-edge. In terms of being lighter and more damp – the Supernova is really light but not ultra damp. It’s not un-damp, but it’s not hugely damp either. Typically with lighter means less damp – so you’ve gotta either sacrifice one for the other or find a middle ground. The ATV I haven’t weighed, but it doesn’t feel heavy on snow – but I would still say heavier than the Supernova for sure. But also a little damper too. The ATV, IMO, is better in hard/icy conditions than both the Custom X and Supernova, so everything combined, I would be leaning towards ATV for you.
The new Custom X is also likely to be lighter than the 05/06 model too.
Now, I haven’t ridden any of the Mystery boards, or anything ultra expensive like that or like the Jones Project X, so I don’t know if they would be any better, but that’s only if you have a massive budget!
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your reply brother. Yea I was looking at the Slash ATV and the Aurora ? With that twin camber design ? Your super correct on the bindings and boot part. However this year I sold my Ions and my Union Atlas in which that was my set up all along X, ION , Atlas. This year I have the Union Falcors paired with a Adidas Accera ADV Boot. Hmm I’m thinking maybe a newer Custom X could be suitable to my riding style ? Someone recommended me the Capita Mercury and the Nitro Highlander ? I want your opinion first , thanks a bunch !!
Hey
I haven’t ridden the Highlander, so can’t really say about that one. The Mercury definitely a good board. It’s a little softer flexing than the others you’re considering – still not overly soft (6.5/10 by my feel). But it’s definitely light – and I’d say it would do the job. It’s not quite as aggressive as the likes of the ATV or Custom X, but you can still get pretty aggressive on it at times. Again not ultra damp, but damp enough.
Also, I haven’t ridden the Aurora, so I’m not sure how that compares either.
Honestly I forgot to tell you this I did so much research and found a company in Austria that makes pretty good boards so We did some emailing and I ended purchasing a Pentaquark. First time this year went up to Killington and kind you I did a nice loving Dominator Fx66 Race Hot Wax Job prior to using it .. but I was not impressed board felt too wide and at 159 with 9.0 side cut still was like a custom X maybe just alittle better carving action and dampening that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong I love the custom x like you said especially when you flying and your makin those quick edge to carves jumping of kickers thing is a beast. My only question is ATV , Aurora or New Custom X. No go on the Nova need the best tech )) even maybe a Brian Iguchi Pro Camber ? I heard that’s a really good board but more for pow right ? Let me know thanks man !!
Hi Danny
Thanks for the extra info.
Yeah the Brian Iguchi Pro has some things about it that are more suited to powder, but I wouldn’t say it’s purely a powder board by any means. I’ve only ridden the rocker version, but based on what I’ve ridden with other Arbor camber boards (they usually come in both rocker and camber) I’d say that the camber version is a better carver, more pop and not as good for powder. But also Arbor’s camber isn’t as aggressive as most camber. Their “system” camber is a more mellow take on camber, so if that sounds like your thing, then that could be an option. But if you prefer the more aggressive traditional camber, then it might not be.
In terms of the Pentaquark, do you know what the width is? Getting the size right for your new deck is also important. And what size is your current Custom X?
Hey Brother thanks for all the info I appreciate it man. The Pentaquark width is 260 which was literally 10mm wider than my 05 160cm X I literally had a advantage to a duck feet setup to avoid toe drag, I had just made it with a 10 Size boot.
Someone told me that the newer Xs are a lot less stiffer than the old ones ? However it seems like the X got alittle wider it’s at 254 now even for a 158cm.
After many research and your info I’m down to 2 boards Newer X or ATV… If you were me and was in the same situation I am my riding style which board would you pick ? Couple things I love about the x is that you are in total control when going fast , super quick edge to edge and the pop is so equal and damp. Still somewhat average on ice I never washed out before. The question is X or ATV. Also when all this research started back in August literally the first 5 people i talked too explaining them then situation.. they said go with a Kazu Pro ? I was alittle apprehend by that
because the Kazu is more pow oriented however the some reviewers shops and riders i talked to they said yes it would slay in Pow however it’s still a monster charger on groomers as well, but I did hear Kazu rode the X then made his own board. Thanks again !!
Hi Danny
Yeah the newer X got a little wider, overall. I don’t know about softer flexing – maybe compared to 05/06, but it’s still a very stiff board, IMO. The ATV is also pretty stiff, but just that bit more forgiving.
The Kazu Pro is definitely more powder oriented than the likes of the X and ATV, but they’re not wrong, it does rip groomers too. I wouldn’t say it’s in the same realm in terms of stiffness as the Custom X though. More like 6.5/10 flex, by my feel – but I rode a shorter size last time I rode it (154) but have ridden the 157 too previously. Not quite to the same level in terms of carving or stability at speed either, but the Custom X is high on that ladder so that says more about the X than the Kazu. The Kazu I would consider 4.5/5 for speed and 4/5 for carving. But it is super light (as most high-end Capita boards are) and quick edge-to-edge for sure. Super fun in trees. More maneuverable at slower speeds vs the X. I’d say good pop without being epic, but certainly good – and overall great for jumps (approach landing, everything). Not the best for switch take off/landing, but doable.
But yeah Kazu certainly more directional than the X or ATV and more suited for powder than those 2, but does rip groomers too. Kazu is a mildly wider than average board, but not super wide by any means – and the width at the back insert is less than it is on the front insert, because of the taper.
If you were to stick with a 160 length, you’d be looking at around 264mm at the front insert and around 261.5mm on the back insert (257mm at the waist). At a guess I would say the Custom X 05/06, would be roughly 259mm at the inserts (but I haven’t measured anything going back that far so would just be a guess. You could double check for yourself. Make sure to measure on the base side not the top sheet – outside of metal edge to outside of metal edge). From what you’re saying it sounds like the Pentaquark felt a little wide and your 2006 X is too narrow – so I think it would give you a nice middle ground. The same could be said for the new Custom X. If you were to go 158, then it would be roughly 263mm at the inserts. The 162 would be roughly 265mm at the inserts. The ATV in the 158 is 262mm at the inserts (that’s the size I rode for the 2020 model) and in 161 would be roughly 264mm at inserts. So width-wise any of those options, you’re getting something a little wider overall than your X, but still narrower than the Pentaquark.
Personally I would be leaning towards either Kazu, if you’re willing to sacrifice a little in terms of carving and are happy to go with something with a taper, and gain a bit more in terms of maneuverability at slower speeds or ATV to get a kind of middle ground between the X and Kazu, in terms of carving, maneuverability and to get a little more edge-hold in harder conditions – and if you’re looking to stay for a more directional twin shape. That said, I don’t think there is a bad decision here at all. As going with the new X is definitely not a bad move either. But that’s where I’d be leaning.
hi danny, couldn’t you tell us more about the amp, is it faster and more stable than custom x?
Hi,
I al 1.8 m tal, 74 kg foot size 10 US
Want to go for jones flagship 2018 model
Should i go for a 158 of 159 wilde
70 pct of the time in piste.
Been bording for 10 years
Thx
Peter
Hi Peter
I would go 158 for you.
The width at inserts on the 2019 Flagship 158 (I didn’t ride the 2018 but those 2 models have the same dimensions, it’s just the 2020 that has different dimensions) are 263mm at the back insert and 260mm at the front insert. Since your binding angle on your back foot is likely to be the same or at a lesser angle, having more width at the back insert is a good thing. But yeah in general, I don’t think you would have any issues with the width of the 158. If you have quite long profile boots, a very straight back binding angle and like to carve really high on your edges, then I might consider the 159W but otherwise, I would go with the 158.
Hope this helps with your decision
hello nate which snowboard is more stable and faster between burton custom x and jones flagship? I want you to know that I never go to powder, never off piste ,
Hi Catalin
If you’re not going in powder and just want to charge fast and carve hard, then the Custom X is better for that. It’s more stable at speed, IMO. The Flagship is also very stable at speed but not to the same extent (though I’m talking the 2020 Flagship – the 2019 and earlier Flagships were pretty close to the Custom X in terms of stability at speed). I would say the Flagship has better glide. The base on the flagship just glides super well. But in terms of out and out speed, in terms of stability, if you’re not riding powder, then I’d go Custom X. Especially so, comparing 2020 models.
Hope this helps
thanks for the reply, you do a wonderful thing with this site, it is the gold mine for snowboard lovers, I tend to buy custom x, I have 173 cm height and a weight of 80 kg, what size would you recommend for Burton custom x? would you recommend a site to buy this snowboard /?
Hi Catalin
For you, I would go for the 158, assuming boot-size of US10 or less. If it’s more like 10.5, then it’s on the cuff, and if you’re on US11s or up, I would go 158W. If you’re in the US or Canada, then check out the links at the end of my Burton Custom X Review.
Or if you’re in Europe you could check out:
>>Burton Custom X at Blue-Tomato.com
Hi Nate,
I’ve been looking at your site for a while now and love the content and in depth breakdown you provide for snowboarders of all levels.
I’ve been snowboarding for a couple of seasons now and absolutely love it and was considering getting a board since I want to progress my riding. I spoke with a few guys at local shops (I’m from Australia btw) and they were mentioning some intermediate boards that they thought would be good starting boards, like the Jones Frontier (previously explorer).
Just wanted to get your views around whether you think this board is a good board to progress on and whether you think the learning curve would be too steep or whether it’s a good board to ride on for a higher level beginner/intermediate.
Also, I’m 173cms and weigh 68kgs (150 pounds) and have a us size 9 shoe. Would you be able to recommend a suitable pairing of bindings and boots if I were to purchase the Jones Frontier.
Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin
Thanks for your message.
Whilst the Frontier/Explorer isn’t the worst option for high-end beginners – and whilst it’s the least aggressive of the boards on this list, for sure, it’s also not what I would call the ideal choice. I would say more for solid intermediate and up. I rode the Frontier 2020 (it’s the same as the previous Explorer but I hadn’t rode the Explorer for a couple of seasons, so I wanted to get back on it) and whilst I wouldn’t say it’s overly catchy, it’s not the most un-catchy either. So yeah, not the worst choice, but a steeper learning curve than some other options for sure. For more on what I thought of the Explorer check out the following (haven’t published my Frontier review as yet).
>>Jones Explorer Review
If you did go for the Explorer, I would go with the 152. I would say around 155 is a good all-mountain length for you, once you’re at a more advanced level, but as a high-end beginner, 152 would be the most suitable – and the width would be good on the 152 for 9s too.
For some other options, if you decide not to go with the Frontier:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
The Slash ATV is the bomb on East Coast ice. Holds a better edge than any board I’ve owned, Lib Darker, Yes PYL, and better than the Custom X in my opinion. Their version of Magnetraction called Ultimate Traction is the best, you can’t really feel it but it’s there when you need it. It pairs great with the Burton Genesis X bindings.
Hi Phil
Thanks for your input. Great to get an East Coast perspective
Hi Nate I am 6’1” 230pounds size 11
I am currently deciding between the Custom X 166w or the Jones Carbon Flagship 165w .
I was previously riding the XV 168w and loved it. Specially the reverse flex profile. Actually didn’t think it was stiff at all, maybe because of my weight.
From what I can tell they are quite similar, with the difference that the Custom X would go a bit better for carving and the Flagship better in Pow?
Now if I do 70% Carving and 30% Freeride would the Custom X be appropriate or should I go for the Flagship? I do only occasionally get to Freeride but when I go I go hard and steep and I like to have a board that can handle it really well.
I also like my boards to be super responsive and enjoy eurocarving the other 70% of the time when there is no pow to Freeride. I especially like really really good edge hold on icy and hard snow. I don’t skid turns. Always on edge 😉
Would be great if you could let me know if you think I should go for the Custom X or the Carbon Flagship or if you have any other board in mind that you could suggest.
Thanks
Hi Suebo
Thanks for your message.
Because it sounds like you do like to get out into the pow whenever possible, I think the Carbon Flagship would be better overall. Especially the 2019 model. The 2020 model is a little different – it now has more taper and is more powder oriented and less carvy. So, if you’re looking at the 2020 model, just something to keep in mind. That said, it’s still not something that doesn’t carve well – but just not as aggressive carving as the 2019 model. Also note this is all based on the Flagship and not Carbon Flagship, as I haven’t ridden the Carbon model. So the Carbon is likely to be stiffer and a little more aggressive than the regular flagship.
I would personally go for the Carbon Flagship for what you’re describing. The Custom X is a carving machine, so, IMO, you wouldn’t be getting as good a carver, but still a good carver and all-round more suited to what you’re describing.
Another option would be the Burton Flight Attendant. A little softer flexing (and to me a little softer than the XV) but to me a better carver than flagship – not far off the Custom X in terms of carving but with better off-groomer pedigree.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Really informative site. Like most people am contacting you as am in a bit of a purchasing dilemma!
I am a good intermediate to advanced rider, I used to ride a Burton Custom with Cartel bindings (2006 model), but have been renting recently after wearing it out.
I was planning on just buying another Custom and Cartels, but then started reading some reviews which seem to imply that the Custom has fallen behind some of the competition a bit recently.
From your categories, my priorities are Carving,Speed,Powder and uneven terrain (ski friends keep dragging me into moguls!). I don’t really do park and do some occasional jumps off terrain and a little bit of switch which I want to improve.
I am 6’2 and 75kgs (probably 80 with gear on). I am wearing Flow Talon boots (size US 11).
Reading from your site, sounds like my options still are
1. A Burton Custom
2. Yes Standard (though seems harder to source in the UK)
3. Jones Mountain Twin
4. Jones Explorer.
What do you think would be best for me?
I really like the cartel bindings from previously, so almost certainly would buy the reflex version of those, would you recommend large?
Many thanks
Jon
Hi Jon
Thanks for your message.
I think those are really good options based on what you’re describing. You could look at something a little more freeride if you wanted, but since you want to improve on your switch I think going all-mountain is a good call.
Personally I don’t find the Custom (or anything that’s all camber really) that good in powder. It’s doable, but if you’re in powder a lot, then you might appreciate something like the Standard, Mountain Twin or Explorer vs the Custom. But if you’re not in powder that much, or if you’re happy with how the Custom goes in powder, then otherwise, the Custom still certainly an option.
The Standard is pretty hard to source anyway at the moment. It’s a board that tends to sell out before the end of the season.
Size-wise, I would say the following:
– Custom: 158 or 158W
– Mountain Twin: 157 or 158W
– Explorer: 159 or 161W (this is a board that is best ridden a bit longer)
– Standard: 156 (this is a board that is best ridden a bit shorter – depending on boot size – but with 11s, at your specs, the 156 would be the best bet)
But….
What you’re used to also comes into the sizes as well. If you’re used to something considerably longer or shorter, then take that into account as well.
As for width, with 11s you’re kind of on the cuff. If you ride with +15/-15 angles or similar, then you might be able to get on the regular width options. Also, if you’re used to riding regular width and you’ve never encountered any issues, then that’s something else to take into account.
So, if you can let me know the size of your old Custom – and what you’ve been renting, that would be helpful and maybe we need to adjust those sizes.
For Cartels, with Flow 11s, I would go for Large.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, I’m a medium level rider who likes carving very much. I was looking for a very fast and extreme board to improve my carving technique, when I came across your review. I liked so much your description of the Slash Atv that I decided to buy it. I’ve tried it on the Etna volcano in Sicily, and I’m really impressed about the lack of speed limits of this board, thanks to its stiffness. It’s really a beast. It knows only one speed: the maximum. And what about carving? It really slash the snow. I’m very happy of it. Thank you very much for your precious advices.
Hi Gianni
Thanks for your message.
You’re very welcome and glad I could help you find your board – and awesome that you’re digging the ATV! A fun board for sure.
Hey, Nate. Thanks for all this awesome feedback. I’m an old fat guy now but been a snowboarder for over 20 years. I wouldnt call myself and expert by any means but i’d feel comfortable saying i’m a hardcore veteran at being intermediate. Live in Midwest which means i ride 90% of my season on groomers/choppy groomers and i stay away from jumps and the park. I do one trip a year to Salt Lake. I’m currently riding a Jones Explorer with the burton step ons and love it. My question to you. Is it a benefit to have multiple boards? For someone like me that rides midwest and doesn’t have a lot of condition variance other than fresh groomed and chop is there any benefit other than having one board to bomb and another to carve? And maybe just wanting another toy? lol
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
– love it!
Never any harm in having more boards! But seriously, probably not that necessary if you’re not using them for hugely different purposes. In saying that, there’s nothing stopping you from getting another board, if you just want another toy, of course. And to get a different feeling board, but yeah, not a huge amount of benefit from it, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I’m struggling a bit choosing the right snowboard as I usually spend half of the time on manmade snow (hard / icy / groomers or chopped groomers), and half of the time on backcountry / powder as in Niseko. No Park but sometime tube.
I read lots of your reviews, which are super helpful! It seems to me Yes PYL and Burton Flight Attendant are better than Burton Custom X / Yes Standard in such conditions. But I’m open to others as well. Which is your top pick? And for your top pick, what length should I choose? (My height 5’8, weight 150lbs, shoe size 9.5)
Your thoughts and insights would be very helpful!
Hi Ray
Thanks for your message.
Given that need something that’s good in icy conditions and good in powder, I would go for the PYL. The Standard would also work, but the PYL is better in powder. The Flight Attendant is better in powder, but not as good in hard/icy conditions (not bad, but not as good as Standard/PYL, IMO).
For the PYL, the 156 would be the best size for you, IMO. And a really good size for you for that board, IMO.
Hope this helps
Nate
Need a bit of advice on a new board. I am 51 years young and currently riding my trusty Arbor 163w Round House, full chamber , width waist is 262, machine. I groom and powder ride when I can, around 10 to 15x time a year. No pipe, moguls, or parks. I am an advanced rider, 6 ft, 205lb with size 12 burtons. I have been looking at and arbor, custom wide, or lib Tec trs hp or hot knife.
Your thoughts and insights would be very helpful
Hi Todd
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking to stay full camber and aggressive, then the Brian Iguchi Camber or Coda Camber would be good Arbor options.
The Hot Knife is basically also all camber (some very subtle rocker between the feet). It’s softer flexing than something like the Arbor boards mentioned above. The TRS has more rocker in the profile, so a looser, more playful feel. The Hot Knife isn’t great in powder, IMO, but neither are the Coda Camber or TRS, compared to other boards. The Iguchi Camber a little better but still not great – but if you don’t see powder that much, should be fine.
Powder-wise
Iguchi – 3/5
TRS – 2.5/5
Coda Camber – 2/5
Hot Knife – 2/5
Size-wise, sticking with something around that 161 – 163 range is a good idea, IMO. But
For some other options, check out:
>> My Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
Or if you were wanting to check out something a little more forgiving/playful, check out:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
writing from germany and very glad I found your page.
Been on a Bataleon Goliath and Gnu Zoid the last years and looking for a new set-up after selling them.
I’m 6’4 and 189 lbs and I am mainly riding groomers (90%) and powder (10%). No Park. I am snowboarding since 16 years and would rate me as an high-end intermediate to advanced rider.
As most of my friends are skiing I am looking for a an aggressive all-mountain board, which I can charge but one that isn’t too exhausting. I have good offers for the Jones Explorer 161w, the Jones Mountain Twin 161w and 164w and the Ultra Mountain Twin 161w and 164w.
As the 2019 UMT seems to be stiffer (9/10) than the last years models and we often have very slushy snow on spring afternoons I have some doubts, if it might be too stiff and catchy for me.
Would you say, that the Explorer might be the best or a good option regarding quick edge to edge, stability at high speed and forgivingness?
Another question: I own a pair of Photon Boas and looking for matching and responding bindings for one of the boards above.
Have been thinking about the Burton Cartel, Genesis X and Now Drive. Which one would you recommend?
Thanks in advance and greetings from bavaria!
Stefan
Hi Stefan
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I think the Explorer would be your best option. The Mountain Twin would also work, but I would be leaning towards the Explorer. The Ultra Mountain Twin is quite a stiff board now, and might be more fatiguing than you are wanting it to be. So, I would go for the Explorer.
Size-wise, I think the 164W would be the best size for you for the Explorer. If you were to go UMT, then the 161W might be the better option as that would negate some of the stiff-ness. And the Mountain Twin would be a weight up between 161W and 164W. But the Explorer is something that is better ridden a little longer (due to less effective edge compared to overall length), so I would prefer to see you on the 164W for that model. The 161W would certainly be doable for you, so it’s still an option.
The 161W Explorer would be a more forgiving ride and more maneuverable at slower speeds but won’t be as stable at speed or float as well in powder as the 164W.
In terms of bindings, I would take a look at the following, which would be a good match for the Explorer, IMO.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
But the Cartel’s would still certainly work for it too (the Genesis X are on that list). I don’t test NOW bindings currently, so I couldn’t say with those, but the flex rating, assuming it’s accurate would be fine.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you very, very much!
Unfortunately my local dealer only can get me the Explorer 161w, the 164w is sold out.
The Mountain Twin would be available in 161w and 164w.
So, in this case, would you recommend to go with the shorter 161w Explorer or switch to the MT (161w or 164w).
Thanks in advance!
Hi Stefan
I would go with the Mountain Twin in the 161W or 164W vs the Explorer in the 161W for you.
Between the 161W Mountain Twin and the 164W Mountain Twin, it’s a tight call, but I would be leaning towards 161W, but both would work. The main reason I would be leaning towards 161W is that you’re on groomers 90% of the time. If you were in powder/backcountry more often, then the 164W would become more appealing.
Thank you so much!
One last question:
Yesterday I went to the shop to order the MT 161w and got told, that my local dealer got some new Jones Flagships in several lengths.
Would this be a better option than the Mountain Twin, as it should be less stiff than last years Flagships and I won’t be in the park?
Thanks!
Hi Stefan
The Flagship is still quite a stiff board – as stiff as previous years by my feel (and according to Jones’ specs). They’ve made the core a little lighter but as far as I know it’s not any softer. When they changed factories (which I think was between 2016 and 2017) it became a little more forgiving. But the 2019 model vs 2018 model hasn’t softened, in my experience. It’s very similar in terms of stiffness to the Ultra Mountain Twin.
So, apart from that stiffness, it would certainly be suitable for you, but since it sounds like you don’t want something too stiff, then that would be the one thing.
Thanks so much for the quick reply Nate!
The SLX are actually pretty compact compared to any other Salomon boot. I also have a pair of DriverXs I use on real ice days(we get plenty on the ice coast:(
The PYL is a 260 waist width which still provides quite a bit of overhang. I’m pretty entranced by a super wide board now because deep carves are what I’ve been working of for years and bootout and toe and heel drag have always been my nemesis; I’ve never had an issue getting edge to edge super fast on anything. Donek spec’d me at a 157 and a 285 waist width. I’m going to head out to Colorado and demo a board the first week of January and will report back then. I’m also hoping to find a PYL to demo, or something similar, while there.
Thanks again for all you do. This site is the wiki of Snowboarding!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Hey Jeremy
You’re very welcome.
Yeah would be awesome to hear how you go on the Donek. That sounds really wide, so I’m very interested to hear what you think.
Hi Nate,
I’m currently riding a 2015 Rossi XV Magtek 163. I’m 43 175lbs 5’9” been riding 18 years, skiing 38. I use Salomon SLX 10s and Flow NX2-GT bindings. My favorite thing to on the mountain is carve and play on groomers. Last year, as I’ve gotten even deeper into the carves, toe and heel drag, and even full boot out, has become an issue. I’ve been looking for something wider than the XV. Don’t get me wrong, for east coast riding, the XV has been great and so can Force good carves with it, but I need something better.
I’ve ridden the CustomX plenty of times. Great carves but still not very wide. Also sucks switch or butters. In your lineup, I’m leaning towards the PYL. I have to ask: what do you think about Donek boards? I follow Ryan Knapton and he seems to swear by his custom setup.
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think the PYL would work really well for you. If you’re looking for extra width, then the 160W is probably the best bet – and I think that’s a good length for your specs too. You would have to get used to less effective edge, compared to the 163 XV, but otherwise I think that size would suit you well, given that you’re having boot drag issues. And I would be surprised if that wasn’t wide enough to counter those issues.
The other thing, is to go for a more low profile boot, which would give you more leeway. I haven’t heard of the Salomon SLX, but Salomon boots in general tend to have a longer outersole than the average boot. If you looked at something from Adidas, Vans, Burton or Ride, that would give you a bit more leeway – and might even work with your current board, depending on the what the outersole of the SLX is like. But if you want to keep the boots the same, I imagine the 160W PYL should still be wide enough – and a board that sounds like it would suit your purposes well.
I haven’t had any experience with Donek boards – but the idea of a custom setup is one I like. To get things just right for your specs. But I can’t comment on the quality of Donek boards, or which one might suit you best.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m glad that I found this article. It helped me a lot in choosing the right snowboard.
I bought Jones Explorer. Now I’m trying to find right bindings that will fit it.
I’m considering between Union Strata and Union Falcor (again thanks to your other reviews).
Union Strata has similar flex but maybe according to my inclinations towards carving and freeride I should choose Union Falcor.
To be honest I will be riding mostly on groomers this season but still will be trying to do some freeriding (which I haven’t been doing before). Still I’ll be trying to carve more aggressively. Maybe I need more responsive bindings or maybe Strata is enough for me.
I would be extremely grateful for your opinion.
Neverthless, you’re doing great job – you’re site is a great source of snowboard knowledge for me. Keep on going 🙂
Hi Maciej
Thanks for your message.
Both the Strata and the Falcor would work for sure. The Falcor is more responsive and stiffer but still has great board feel. The Strata is still got really good response but just a little more forgiving/surfy. The Falcor certainly the more aggressive option. So, from what you’re describing, both would work but leaning towards the Falcor.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
i read a lot of information from this site. Your work is awesome.
I have little problem in these days.
I bought Burton Custom X – ver. 2018 for 400 EUR few week ago. I think its perfect price for new one.
Today (black friday) i see that one shop has good action for Yes Standard and Jones Mountain Twin 2019 both for 400 EUR. I was looking for these two but one of our shop had good price for Burton.
Im from Europe. My height is 173cm and weight 85kg. Im advanced snowboarder ridiging for 10 years. Usually i ride slope and a little of powder in High Tatras or Alps. Slope is sometimes icy.
I would like to know your opinion on these 3 snowboard, which one is good for me but i already bought Burton – i always can sell it 🙂
Thanks for your opinion.
Good luck
Hi Andrej
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the YES Standard would be the best of the 3 in terms of hard/icy conditions. But the Custom X is one of the better Burton boards in hard conditions, IMO. And the Mountain Twin is decent too. If you like the idea of a quite stiff camber dominant board, that is going to be great for hard charging, riding fast and carving and decent in powder, but not really that good for slowing down and playing around with, then I would stick with the Custom X.
But if you’re more looking for an all-rounder that can do a bit of everything. And that you can slow down and ride casually when you feel for it, then the Standard and Mountain Twin are going to be better options.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
Very good review, indeed. I already have a Salomon Super 8 for the powder days and was tempted by the Capita Supernova for carving/charging down on icy groomers. Unfortunately, for 18/19 Capita has not released Supernova and the 17/18 model is a rare find here in Europe. What board would you recommend if I were looking for the characteristics of the Supernova? Thanks,
Hi Abel
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, no Supernova for 18/19.
I would say that the ATV and Custom X would be close equivalents. Certainly not exactly, but they have similar flex and camber profiles. In terms of sidecut & effective edge, the Custom X is more similar than the ATV, which has a tighter side-cut and less effective edge (compared to overall length). So yeah, I would say one of those 2, would be the closest equivalent at the moment.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great review and great feedback. I think it is getting rare to see reviewer answering people’s question so diligently.
Currently, I am looking for a board for daily uses, mostly carving and small jump, no park.
I live on the east coast, so I need something to deal with the ice pack here.
I am choosing between Yes PYL, Yes Optimistic and Jones Flagship. I am an intermediate rider trying to perfect my carving skills. Which one would you recommend or what are your thoughts?
Hi Robert
Out of those 3, I would choose the PYL. The main reasons are that:
1. I think it’s the best for jumps out of the 3
2. It’s the most suited to an intermediate level out of the 3
3. It’s the best in icy conditions out of the 3
In saying that, it’s still at the upper end for an intermediate level. But the Flagship and partcularly the Optimistic are less suitable for intermediate. I would say that the PYL is appropriate for a high-end intermediate rider who is bordering on advanced. For the other two I would suggest being already at an advanced level.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge here! I’ve learned a lot from your reviews and comments.
I am about to by a board that can ride switch , send it side ways and take my freestyle out of the slope (doing stuff on back country) . Also, i am intermediate to advanced rider. I am more to Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, am i see the rigth board ?
Hi George
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, the Ultra Mountain Twin would work for that for sure, IMO. Also the Jones Explorer and Capita Mercury (UMT if you want something stiffer and the Explorer and Mercury for slightly less stiff options).
Or you could look at something like the Capita Kazu Kokubo – not as competent at switch (but close) and better in powder – and designed to be freestyle in backcountry.
Not the only options of course, but all options that would work for that purpose, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge here! I’ve learned a lot from your reviews and comments.
I’m picking up my ‘old’ hobby after several years with small kids and would like to renew my gear. I’m 47 years, 6’2″ (188 cm) tall, 180 lbs (81 kg). I would regard my self as an advanced snowboard rider, but out of shape now after many years with family life.
My current board is a Salomon 550 freeride board from 2000, 164 cm long. It’s still really good, but chatter a bit at high speeds. I would really like a board for speed, carving, the occational small jumps on the side of the tracks, and the occational powder. No half pipe or park here. Oftentimes the conditions will be icy snow. I was torn between all-mountain and aggressive all-mountain boards, also looking into freeride boards. I considered the Rossignol One, but that would leave with a wide board (shoe size US 10/10.5), so now I’m not sure anymore.
What would your suggestions for me be?
Hi Per-Chr
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of length, I think something around 161, 162 would be a good length for you. You could still go for something up to 164 if you wanted, but you could down size a little as well.
For the Rossi One, the longest non-wide is 159 unfortunately. That certainly wouldn’t be excessively small for you by any means, but on the small side, especially if you’re used to a 164. Width-wise, assuming you got into 10s for your boots, you would fit on the Rossignol One – and even with 10.5s you might be ok, depending on binding angles. If you ride with angles like +15/-15 or something with a reasonable angle on the back foot, then even 10.5s would be fine on something like the One 159. But I’m guessing you’d prefer to go longer than that.
I think something like the Jones Explorer 162 would be a good option – it’s kind of in between an all-mountain and aggressive all-mountain. In hard/icy conditions it’s good but not as good as something like the Rossi One (I’d say 4/5 in hard conditions, compared to 5/5 for Rossi One).
The Slash ATV 161, GNU Billy Goat 162 would also be good options – and again I’d say 4/5 in terms of hard/icy conditions – but more aggressive than the Explorer.
And of course if you wanted to stick with Salomon – the Man’s Board 162 (which I would also say 4/5 in hard/icy conditions).
Going more all-mountain, the Mountain Twin, Never Summer West and Slash Brainstorm would all work too – just a little softer flexing/more playful in terms of both flex and camber profiles.
For Freeride, the YES PYL would be a great choice – great in hard/icy conditions too. Better than most freeride boards for side-hits as well, in my experience. The Rossignol XV is great in those conditions and another good option. The Never Summer Chairman and Jones Flaghip are also good in hard/icy, IMO (4/5) but not quite as good as YES PYL and Rossi XV.
Hope this gives you more info to go off and let me know if you want to know more to narrow your options down
Thanks a lot Nate! Yes you’re guessing right, – I prefer going longer than 159 so the Rossi One is off my list. My reason for bying a new board is that I want to ride faster and enjoy carving (and quick edge to edge turning, – not switching) more than I feel mye current board allows me. But it’s really hard to estimate what I’ll get as I only have one reference (the Salamon 550) with no specs about stiffness etc. I know it has a 4000 sintered base and is a high end directional board, and that it’s described as “easy, quick, responsive, snappy, suited for light, technical finesse riders”. I still enjoy the board, but it lags behind in the speed/carving department, so my dream board would be a stick that blended the qualities of my Salomon whith better stability and speed capabilities. Do you still think Jones Explorer tics the boxes for me? As I understand, it will be forgiving at lower speeds (compared to the Flagship among others), which is a good thing for me as I also will be cruising alongside my kids some of the time.
I also find myself being drawn to the Yes PYL. This is the side of me that wants to ride alone in my own (fast) pace, to press and charge hard. On the other hand, I don’t want a dedicated bomber either.
Thanks again for helping me narrow my options down further.
Hi Per-Chr.
In my experience, the Explorer is one of those boards that can ride aggressively but is also something that’s more forgiving at slower speeds. Not to the point that a soft beginner board or freestyle type board is, but more so than others with similar flex and camber.
I would say that the PYL is quicker edge-to-edge than the Explorer but the Explorer isn’t bad in that department, it’s just that the PYL is really up there as one of the quickest responding boards I’ve ridden. It’s really nimble (compared to other boards of its type, it was the best I rode going through tight trees) given it’s flex and for a stiffer freeride board, it’s something that’s not too tricky when riding slower – not as forgiving at slower speeds as the Explorer but not too far off either.
Thanks again! I know you haven’t reviewed it, but how does the Yes Optimistic fit in here? I have trouble finding PYL and Explorer around here, but have a chance to pick up an Optimistic 2019 157 demo for half of full price.
Hi Per-Chr
The Optimistic is certainly quite aggressive and is quick edge to edge. It’s stiffer than the PYL but it’s something you ride shorter than you normally would. It’s a short/wide (so wider but shorter than normal). Something that I really like for the trees. So yeah, given that you’re used to a 164, and I’d say 161, 162 is a good way to go, for the Optimistic, the 157 would be a good way to go.
Hi Nate
I’m an ex competitive surfer with 40yrs experience in the water, so I totally realize board selection is a personal thing (I’m sure you’ll agree). Reason I’m saying this is that I have my eye on the T.Rice pro as a all round pow/groomer/all mountain charger, yet it’s not on the list and judging from product reviews elsewhere, it’s the bees knees of all mountain boards. I read a review of the board on another website where one person said he sold his whole quiver except for his Custom X and uses the Pro almost exclusively.
Apologies if you’ve already reviewed/included the T.Rice Pro elsewhere on the site.
Hi Don
Yeah – board selection is a personal thing. But one reason it’s not in this list is that I categorize it as an aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle board.
And the main reason it didn’t make that list for me, is just that I found it a lot of effort to get turns going quickly on it. Edge-to-edge was a bit of an effort to get going quickly and it felt a bit heavy on snow to me. Now, like you say it’s an individual thing and I have heard others rave about it. Overall, I enjoyed the ride but that was the one thing that held it back for me. But I think I would have preferred the 155 (I rode the 157) – and even though I would normally go 157, 158 for this type of board, the T Rice Pro is a little wider, and I think the 155 would have been a better size for me on balance – and that would make it feel lighter/quicker edge-to-edge. Others might also be more athletic than me in terms of leg/core strength, power to weight ratio, that kind of thing, which makes a difference too.
You can read more in my review of the T Rice Pro at the link below if you’d like:
>>Lib Tech T Rice Pro Review
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate. Yip, I’ve heard it’s not the easiest board to ride. You’re super fortunate to ride all these boards and make comparisons. Problem for people like me is I do 3 weeks in Europe once a year and there’s very few to no demo’s. Would be magic to try various boards like you do, not so much to assist in making the right purchase, but to get the most out of snowboarding. Gonna read your T Rice pro review, thanks again.
You’re very welcome Don.
Would be interested to hear what you end up going with.
Nate,
I just stumbled across your site and am really enjoying your reviews and insights. Quick stats: 5’10”, 175lbs, size 10 Salomon Malamutes, Burton CO2 bindings, been riding for 20+ years.
I’m looking at retiring my 2011 NS Heritage (158) at the end of this season, and am hoping to grab a new board when they go on sale. That board has been really fun and works well for my riding style. I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to a NS West or a Jones Explorer (159s), but am open to suggestions. I’m looking for any additional advice you could give that you haven’t already covered in your (very detailed) reviews. I’m on the west coast, and ride Mammoth for the most part, but make trips out to CO, UT, etc every other year or so. I pretty much ride everything except park, but prefer steep and deep (who doesn’t) and trees, and am always down to pack my snowshoes and hike. I also ride switch groomers a bunch when I’m cruising with the wife, so my board needs to be at least competent switch. Last thing, I have no cartilage left in my lead knee, so a damp board that helps eliminate some chunder is a definite plus.
Thanks in advance.
Leif
Hi Leif
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re bang on in terms of those boards for how you ride and 159 is the size I would recommend for both for you as well. Though the Explorer does ride a little shorter, so that’s something you could consider going to the 162 for, but the 159 would work as well.
In terms of dampness, I wouldn’t say that either were considerably damp – but they’re also not chattery either. They’re somewhere in the middle, IMO. Another option – also in the 159 – is the Rossignol One. I found this to be a little damper than you’re average all-mountain board and otherwise suits your needs.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thanks for the info. Im quite a heavy rider (230 pounds). Plus I like to Ride rocks, trees, street and all mountain/park. What would be a Tough agressive board to your opinion.
Thanks have a good winter!
Hi Ben
I can’t really comment on what’s a tough board. I don’t typically get to ride anything long enough to test durability – but you’re looking for aggressive then I’d say the top 3 on this list – but also based on what you’re describing, I would also check out the list at the link below. They might be even more suited to your style.
~ Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Just checking to see if this post will go up
Hi Justin
It’s up – but all comments are moderated, so are checked before being published on site. I have answered your other comment in the other post – Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards – let me know if you didn’t get the response and I can copy over what I wrote there.
My trusted Burton Triumph has finally asked to be hung up. I’m considering both the Custom X and Flight Attendant as a replacement. Most of my time is spent off the groomers finding hops and enjoying the mountain…No parks, but I do love the last stretch home on the chopped up groomer. Any preferences?
Hey Josh
I would say Flight Attendant for you. The main reason I say that is that I found it better on choppy groomers. Also, it’s better in powder and if you’re off the groomers a lot, then I’m guessing you ride in powder a reasonable amount.
The Flight Attendant is equal on most things with the Custom X but better in powder and better on choppy snow. The Custom does have a bit better edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. That would be the only thing it has over the Flight Attendant (IMO). I rate both boards highly but if you’re going to be in powder a bit, then Flight Attendant. If you’re going to be in hard/icy conditions a lot and not that much powder, then I’d go Custom X, instead.
Hope this helps.
Hello! I found deals on the 2016 Slash ATV. Looks like a great board. I cant decide between a 158 or 161. I currently have a k2 Zep 2007 161 (still rockin this awesome thing) and i love it, but its been put through the wringer. I bought a Burton Flight attendant (162) to replace it last season, but i am not thrilled with it. Its too much freeride and not enough an aggressive mtn charger which won’t flinch on anything. Any recommendations for an ATV 158 vs 161 or am i overthinking this? I’m 180lb, 5’10. I ride pretty agressively and am looking for a nimble ride which can handle it all. Thanks!
Hi Lance
If I was you I would go for the 158cm with your specs. For a freeride board I think 161cm would be ok – and it would still be ok for the ATV – but I would personally prefer the 158 (I’m 6’0″, 185lbs). But I do tend to like boards that I’m at the top end of the weight recommendations for. So said another way, I like my boards a little bit shorter than what I would term my “standard size” – though it also depends on the type of board.
For me, my “standard size” for an all-mountain board is 160cm to 161cm but I prefer around 158cm to 159cm for an all-mountain board. For a freeride board I would go as long as 161 and for a freestyle board I’d go as short as 155cm.
For you I would put your standard “all-mountain” size at 159cm. In which case the 158cm is pretty close. But if you prefer to go slightly longer then the 161cm definitely isn’t out of range.
The other reason I say 158cm is that you mention the word nimble.
The 158cm will feel more nimble/maneuverable and be a bit quicker edge-to-edge.
The 161cm will have better float in powder & more stability at speed.
So it’s really a weigh up between which you want more – quicker maneuverability or more stability at speed (of course that’s not to say that the 161 won’t be maneuverable and that the 158 won’t be stable at speed – this is just relative to each other).
Hope this novel has given you more info to go off!
Wow! This is very helpful. Thank you so much for your reply and keep on shredding and reporting on gear! There is so much gear out there these days and it takes someone who can actually ride and test the gear out get a re-liable source of info. Thank you.
Hi Lance
You’re very welcome. Glad I could help. Hope you have an awesome season!
Ive been riding the custom x for about 10 yrs now (25yr veteran rider). I love going olympic style fast mostly groomers icy east , natural hips jumps etc.. im the guy whos all dressed in black and has his hands tied behind his back leaning forward and just bombing it super super quick tiny itsy edge to edge .. now what would be the next level deck for a guy like me
1. Slash ATV/Aurora ? Or same lines of the CX
2. Jones carbon flagship
3. Amplid UNW8, in which i was leaning towards the most if not just get another x if theres not anything lighter faster quicker edge to edge and can handle chunder better ice better..
Any recommendations will be awesome !!
Hey Dab
I’m not really familiar with Amplid but I can give you my opinion on the rest.
I’d say they’re all of equal ability when it comes to hard/icy conditions. So you’ll get in those conditions what you get out of the Custom X roughly speaking – which is pretty good.
Judging by the fact that it sounds like you are typically in hard/icy conditions on the groomers a lot I would say the Carbon Flagship would be the least suitable – it’s still good at carving but sacrifices a little bit of carving ability to be better in the powder. The others are better for carving but not as good powder-wise.
In term of speed from edge-to-edge, the Custom X and the ATV would be the fastest, IMO. So I’d say the ATV and the Custom X are your best bets. With the Custom X probably a bit better for powder and the ATV better with jumps and for riding switch if you ever do that kind of thing.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Hi Nate,
I’m really tearing my hair between the top 2, an ATV or The Standard, I’ve looked into a lot of freeriding boards such as the Yes PYL and even some medium flex boards like the Ride Helix. I’m looking for a board that will be able to hold its own in steep icy and hard snow conditions as well as being playful enough to hop off the occasional kicker or maybe even pipe. I tend to put a lot of power into riding and carve mostly groomers and the odd patches of choppy pow. I am also not that tall/heavy at 5’6″ and 65Kgs, I know that the 2016 Standard has changed a lot since the 2015 but it still seems like you get a lot more tech in the ATV than The Standard even though it’s considerably less expensive. What do you think are the main differences between the top two and what would you possibly recommend for a slightly lighter rider? Also would a 158cm be manageable or would it have to be a 156cm board? Also would I be able to adventure a little with these boards too or would the ATV/Standard just be too aggressive for choppy uneven pow?
Hey Kynan
Thanks for visiting. There’s very little between the top 2 (hence I scored them the same). When I demoed the 2017 versions recently I did slightly prefer the ATV – but still not a lot in it (and different conditions on different days can affect this too). And you’re probably looking at the 2016 models.
I felt the Standard is slightly better (but not by much in powder) and part of that is down to small rocker sections at tip and tail. It’s technically a hybrid rocker camber as opposed to the ATV’s full camber – but really the Standard only has a moderate and short section of rocker.
The ATV is just that better at speed and with carving. And to me these are two of the really important factors in an aggressive board.
Both boards will definitely serve your need for hitting the occasional kicker and for riding the pipe.
Neither will be great in powder but you could still take them out into the backcountry. But if you’re going to be doing that a lot then a freeride deck would be a better option – or even something like the Slash Brainstorm, Jones Flagship or Niche Story.
I don’t think wither would necessarily be better or worse for a lighter rider.
In terms of size I would definitely say go for the 156cm over the 158cm. I’d even say the 154cm might be your best bet but certainly 156 over the 158. 158cm would be too long for you in my opinion.
Hope this helps.