Hello and welcome to my Niche Crux snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Crux as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Crux a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Niche Crux
Price: $529
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle (semi aggressive)
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 87.6/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 33 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Crux’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Crux’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle (semi-aggressive) |
Price: | $529 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber - But Mostly Camber |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 250 | not available | n/a |
153 | 252 | n/a | n/a |
156 | 254 | n/a | n/a |
159 | 256 | n/a | n/a |
Who is the Crux Most Suited To?
The Crux is a great option for anyone who wants to ride freestyle over the mountain and in the park, but also wants to be able to bomb and carve up the groomers too.
It's poppy, aggressive and stable, but in no way completely unforgiving.
Not suitable for a beginner, IMO, but for anyone solid intermediate and up, it's a good bet, if it fits your style.
The Crux in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Crux is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Niche Crux 2020, 156cm (254mm waist width)
Date: March 2, 2019
Conditions:
Bright blue skies. Groomers hard but not icy. A little cruddy in places.
Some light fresh off-groomer.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 540mm (21.3″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 265mm (10.4")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Powder
Form the little bit of powder I had, and based on the feel of the board overall and the specs, the Crux isn't the worst board for powder. But also average at best. Fine in the shallow powder I had, but get too much deeper and it would require a reasonable amount of effort to keep the nose afloat.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Really enjoyed this board on a carve. Just had such a satisfying carve to it. Really fun. Definitely preferred to carve over other turns. But wasn't bad with S turns either, but just preferred to carve on it.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Not bad in terms of maneuverability at slow speeds. Better than I expected given it's penchant for carving. A little easier to ride slow than the Story (which I also rode that day).
Skidded Turns: It felt like there could definitely be some consequence for skidded turns. Not the easiest to skid turns on. Prefers to rail the edge!
Speed
Felt really stable and controlled at speed. Carving at speed or flat basing I felt really comfortable opening this board out.
Uneven Terrain
It handled uneven terrain well. Damp enough without being ultra-damp and nimble enough to weave through too.
Jumps
The Crux is awesome on jumps! Really fun.
Pop: More pop than the Story and plenty more pop than my control board (Rossi One). Really good pop and most of it easily accessible.
Approach: Nice and stable on approaches to larger jumps, but also maneuverable enough for slower approaches for smaller jumps or for when you need to make adjustments to your line.
Landing: I found I could really stomp the landings on the Crux. It's one of those boards that wants you to own the landing - and when you do, it feels good.
Side-hits: Really liked it for side-hits. It's nimble enough for trickier approaches and nice and poppy.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: It covers the spectrum well, IMO. Probably ideal for medium to large, and maybe not as good for XL (not that I took it on one).
Switch
Great for riding switch. Whilst it's not a true twin, it felt like one. I had to double check my measurements to make sure that it wasn't actually a true twin.
Spins
Awesome for spins. It takes off and lands switch really well, it's poppy and it's easy to get the spin around.
Jibbing
It's OK on jibs. Not a jib master (and neither am I!) but it's doable for jibs. If you're a strong jibber, shouldn't have any issues, but not made for it either.
Butters
It's not ultra buttery, but you can definitely still butter it. I felt it was easier than the Story to butter, and about the same as my control board, but very slightly not quite as good.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.6/100 |
Overall, the Crux is a super fun, stomping beast. It's got some forgiveness to it, but that doesn't detract from it's ability to bomb.
It excels for jumps, spins, speed and carving - but it's not something you can't butter at the same time.
I had a blast on this board and wish I could have ridden it longer!
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Crux, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Crux compares to other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
Im 5’10, 220 lbs. Been looking at this board for something playful when I’m not on my other board that is more freeride minded. Given that the largest Crux is 159, should I be looking elsewhere for something larger? Do you think the flex is to flimsy for my weight? Your input is appreciated!
Hi Andy
Thanks for your message.
I think the 159 works for you for this board. Particularly if you’re looking for something more playful and if you’re looking for something more freestyle oriented. 159 is sizing down for you, but for something that you want to be more playful/more freestyle that’s a good thing, IMO. The 159 might feel a little softer than what I felt the 156 at, but I don’t think it will feel like a complete noodle or anything. Hard to say for sure, but I wouldn’t think you’d feel it any softer than 5/10 or maybe 4.5/10.
I found this board relatively aggressive in terms of the camber profile – it’s certainly not stiff, but it’s also not ultra-playful. But if it feels even softer to you – and if you’re used to/like something that’s predominantly camber.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, your the best!
You’re very welcome Andy. Thanks for visiting the site!
Just left a comment about the 159 max size on the Niche. May just go with the 162 Yes Ghost for better sizing. Thoughts?
Hi Dave
Yeah, as per my reply to your comment on the other post, I think the 159 Crux is going to be too small unfortunately. I think the 162 Ghost would be a good bet though.
Nate,
Now i’m more reviews and starting to wonder if if the Yes Ghost is the best board option. I do an even mix of bombing hills and finding hits on the side of the mountain and flying off rollers. Holding a rail in deep carves is a huge + but I don’t want something too bulky edge to edge. Is there anything else you would recommend more?
Hi Dave
If you wanted things a bit quicker edge-to-edge and not quite as wide, then the 159 Ghost would be an option too. It’s on the shorter side for your specs, so you would sacrifice some stability at speed, but would gain in terms of maneuverability. Another option would be the Assassin Pro in the 158W, if you were happy with that little bit of a speed sacrifice for going shorter. Or you could go 163W Assassin Pro if you wanted to go with more stability at speed but less in terms of maneuverability.
Thank you for all your help!!! Cannot find the assassin pro anywhere in my size. Previously, I bought the 2018 or 2019 gnu mullair 161W for last season. It’s never felt that great for my style. Thoughts on that board? Hoping the ghost won’t be similar
Hi David
The Ghost is a very different board to the Mullair. The Mullair is what I would call a freeride board. Not amazing for sidehits etc, IMO. The Ghost is easier to pop, softer flexing and is pretty close to a twin. The Mullair stiffer and much more directional. Also the Mullair has a hybrid rocker profile (rocker between the feet – allbeit fairly subtle rocker) versus the Ghosts all-camber profile. And overall very different feel to both boards, so I don’t think being too similar to the Mullair will be an issue, in my experience.
Hey Nate,
Appreciate all the time you take to review these boards, they’re crazy in depth. I’m currently looking for a new board after 10 years on my Ride DH. I’m stuck between the Salomon Assassin Pro, Burton Custom Camber, and then the Niche Crux/ Story (a little all over the place). I’m and advanced rider who likes to carve and board fast down the mountain, don’t usually find myself in the park, but I’d like something with enough flex/ pop for the side hits. Any advice?? I’m 6’0, 185lbs. with a 9.5 boot. Usually riding a 157. Appreciate your help!
Hi Parker
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think they’re all suitable. Maybe not the Story, unless you see a fair bit of powder and want something more directional.
For the other 3, they are certainly all options for what you’re describing, for sure. Some things that differ between them, that might help you separate them:
– The Assassin Pro and Crux are the better options in hard/icy conditions, IMO, if you get those often. The Custom Camber isn’t terrible, but not as good as those other 2, IMO. (The Story better on ice than any of them, IMO)
– The Crux is the softest flexing – I got a feel of around a 5.5/10, with the other 2 feeling more like 6.5/10 (the Story more like a 7/10).
– The Crux best for riding switch, followed by Assassin Pro, followed by Custom
– The Crux and Assassin Pro best for jumps, but the Custom not far behind at all – all 3 really good for jumps and sidehits.
– For carving and speed they’re all about equal, IMO.
Size-wise, if you have a preference for around 157, that’s certainly in your range for your specs, IMO. Purely based on specs and how you describe your riding, I would say 157-160, but if you have a preference for the shorter end of that scale, definitely go with that. For each of those, I would say:
– Crux 159 (but 156 definitely doable too)
– Custom Camber 158 (156 also doable)
– Assassin Pro 159 (but 156 doable for sure too, if you wanted to go shorter)
They’re all going to work well, IMO, for what you’re describing, but hopefully that helps to make a decision
Hi Nate! Thanks for all of your effort on reviews and advice.
I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed myself down to a Crux, and I’m down to dialing in the size. 9.5 boot, 185lbs, 6’2”. Stick between 156 and 159. Any thoughts? I know the 156 will be more maneuverable, and 159 a little more stable.
I was trying to go off of the advice you gave Jonathan for the EXACT same question (haha!), but I way 20lbs more, and didn’t know how much of a difference that would make.
Thank you!
Brian
Hi Brian
Thanks for your message.
I would probably go with the 159 for your specs, especially if you’re using it as your daily driver. If it was going to be predominantly for riding freestyle, then I would consider the 156 as an option, but as a one board to do it all for you, I’d go 159.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, loved you review… I narrowed it down to the crux I’m pretty sure but I just want a little reassurance lol. I’m 5’7.5 and only weigh about 110, I’m looking at the 150 as I am an intermediate-expert rider. My main thing is carving down groomers however I do enjoy the occasional side hit. I also ride mainly in the spring so at the end of the day there’s a good amount of slush, you think this is the right board for me?
Thank you so much!
Hi Gav
Thanks for your message.
There are a lot of boards that would work for what you’re describing for sure, but this would certainly be one of them that would be suitable, IMO.
Size-wise, I think ideally you could go shorter than 150 at your weight. But for this board the 150 is the most appropriate size.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thank you for all you awesome work!
I am a 55ish kg 172cm advanced female rider, who is looking for a new All-mountain board to challenge me and help me progress. I’m more of a go fast on groomers and hope for conditions to explore off-piste rather than a park rider. I want a solid stable camber. (I was hoping to get Arbor Swoon Camber) but just found a really good deal on the Niche Crux… 153cm, will I be mad to get it and struggle or will I be mad not to get it and have an awesome board?
p.s. I rode a friends Salomon Pulse 152cm over the weekend and I feel comfortable with the size.
Hi Gergana
Thanks for your message.
I would be a little hesitant to go with the Niche Crux 153 for a few reasons.
Size-wise, comparing it to the 152 Pulse has a few issues. Firstly, the Crux 153 has a good bit more effective edge (117.4cm) vs the 152 Pulse (114.5cm), so the Crux in that sense will likely feel bigger for you. Also the Crux is wider (which I’ll get to more on that later), which will also make it feel bigger. The Pulse is a soft flexing board, which makes it much easier to handle. It’s also got a much more friendly camber profile, which is mostly flat – not that much camber. Both of those thing also make it much friendlier ride. I’m not surprised, as an advanced rider that you had no issues with that board in that size – but the Crux in that size, even if it had the same effective edge and width, would be more board to handle for sure.
So for those reasons, I would be hesitant. I think otherwise it’s the type of board that could work for what you’re describing, but I just think the size would be too big overall. I think something around 148-150 ideally. The Niche Nightshade is the women’s model equivalent of the Crux, and I think the 149, depending on your boot size, would be a great size for you, and you would essentially be getting the same board but in a more suitable size, IMO. I know that it’s the Crux that you’ve found a good deal on, but my instinct is that it would be too big.
The last thing is if you could let me know your boot size. I’m guessing the Crux is probably too wide, but would know more when I had the boot size. And if you do look at the Nightshade (or Swoon Camber) we can make sure they appropriate width-wise too.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate, what would be the best size for an intermediate boarder of 1.80m and 75kg. I was thinking about the 159 to add a bit more stability, do you agree? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi Jonathan
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say it’s certainly between the 156 and 159 for you. As an intermediate rider, I would probably be leaning towards the 156, particularly as it’s a quite aggressive ride, but if you think you would prefer longer, then the 159 is certainly doable. 159 would be more stable at speed and give more float in powder, but be less maneuverable and more difficult when doing freestyle type stuff.