Hello and welcome to my Salomon Assassin Pro review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Assassin Pro as an aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Assassin Pro a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Note: The Assassin Pro underwent a significant re-tool for the 2025 model and we have been unable to get on a 2025 model, so far.
The changes are significant enough that we need to re-test the board before updating the review. So, this review is valid for the 2024 model, but not the 2025 model. We plan to re-test this board as soon as we can get our hand on one.
Overall Rating
Board: Salomon Assassin Pro
Price: $629 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 90.3/100
Compared to other Men’s Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 15 men’s aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Assassin Pro’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Assassin Pro’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $629 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber - Salomon's "Rock Out Camber" |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Very light |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 248 | 110-160 | 50-73 |
153 | 251 | 125-165 | 57-75 |
156 | 253 | 125-190 | 57-86 |
158W | 263 | 145-210 | 65-95 |
159 | 255 | 140-195 | 64-88 |
162 | 258 | 150-220 | 68-100 |
163W | 266 | 155-230 | 70-104 |
Who is the Assassin Pro Most Suited To?
The Assassin Pro is a great option for those who like to ride freestyle over the whole mountain and want to be able to interchange between doing so aggressively and riding it a little more casual at times. It can get aggressive but can be mellow too, depending on how you want to ride it.
But not mellow enough for beginners - intermediate and up no this board.
The Assassin Pro in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Assassin Pro is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Salomon Assassin Pro 2020, 156cm (253mm waist width)
Date: March 9, 2019
Conditions: Sunny with some clouds and perfect visibility.
Snow was well groomed and soft on top on groomers and soft but quite tracked off groomer (but there had been quite recent snowfall and still some untouched pockets).
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 262mm (10.32")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2650grams (5lb 13oz) - I didn't weight this one myself - just got this from Salomon
Weight per cm: 16.99 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.45 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of 51 boards that I've weighed in 2019 and 2020 models. The Assassin Pro, assuming that weight is fairly accurate is one of the lightest boards I've weighed. It also feels light on snow.
Powder
Since I rode the 2018 model, the Assassin has changed from a True Twin to a Directional Twin. So it's a little better in powder than it used to be. Still not epic for powder, but decent enough for this category of board.
Carving & Turning
Carving: You can definitely rail a carve on this and get aggressive on a carve.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It's something that you can ride slow too. It's not ultra nimble at slow speeds, but it's more nimble than you'd expect for how aggressively it carves and for its flex.
Skidded Turns: You can get away with them to an extent, but it's not an overly skiddy board. But definitely not catchy either.
Speed
You can really open this board out and it feels nice and stable at speed. Vs the Assassin, which I rode just before I rode the Assassin Pro, it felt like it held speed a little better.
Uneven Terrain
For going through bumps, it's fairly nimble so that works well - and it absorbs the bumps fairly well.
In crud, when your really charging in it, you can feel it. It's not what I would call an overly damp board, but it's there's some dampness there - it's a little damper than the Assassin.
Jumps
Overall, this board is sick for jumps!
Pop: Great pop and most of that pop is easy to access without having to really load it up - and gives a bit more again, when you do load it up. There's a bit more pop than the Assassin.
Approach: Nice and stable for bigger jumps but still nimble enough.
Landing: Really solid. Can stomp a landing on this thing for sure. But it's also not so rigid that there isn't any forgiveness for when you get it a little wrong.
Side-hits: Nimble enough, and great pop. Really fun for side hits.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Anything from XS to XL is great on this board. I didn't hit any XLs but I think it would be but certainly XS to L. Slightly more suited to Medium to Large jumps vs small jumps. A little better for larger jumps vs regular Assassin and not quite as good for smaller jumps.
Switch
It felt good to ride switch. It's directional twin not true twin, but you don't really notice it.
Spins
Great board to spin on - it's got pop, it lands and takes off switch well and it's super light. Getting the spin around was easy. It's not super flexy torsionally, but that doesn't seem to affect it too much. It's beefy enough to handle larger tricks too, but forgiving enough for smaller tricks.
Jibbing
Probably it's weakest point, but it's OK. I don't do anything fancy on jibs but I felt fine jibbing with it - and a more competent jibber would probably not have too many issues. But certainly not a jib specialist by any means.
Butters
A little more buttery than you would expect for it's flex. I think it's a little softer tip and tail than it is through the center - so I think that really helps to make this board easier to butter.
Flex
Whilst on paper this board is quite stiff, it feels a little mellower than it's rating. Part of that might be because it's light. Whatever it is, it's a little mellower than medium-stiff, but just above medium - and it felt less stiff than when I rode the 2018 model.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
Overall, the Assassin Pro is a mean deck! It's fun, snappy/poppy and something that you can still bomb with and get aggressive on a carve. But at the same time, it's not something that you can't ride slow.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’d like to learn more about the Assassin Pro, are ready to buy or want to research current prices or size availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Assassin Pro compares to other Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle snowboards or want to check out some other options, check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Salomon Assassin Pro review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Assassin Pro is capable of.
Hi Nate! Thank you for your awesome dedication to the snow riding!
I’m 5’8 and 164 lbs.
I’ve bee riding a Salomon Craft 156cm and I’m keen to buy the Assassin Pro.
Should I go for a shorter length considering that the AP is stiffer?
Cheers!
Hi Aaron, thanks for your message.
You could 153, if you wanted something that was still nimble and with reduced swing weight for spins and to take advantage of the extra pop of the Assassin Pro and to mellow it out a little bit. Note that going with a shorter size will make it feel less stiff than it will in a longer size, so if the reason for going shorter is because you don’t want it to be as stiff, you could go for the regular Assassin, if you wanted to keep that length. But there is an advantage to going shorter in the Assassin Pro if you do want that reduced swing weight, but you want that extra stiffness, so that it’s shorter but still able to handle speed. The 153 Assassin Pro would still be stiffer than the 156 Craft and the 156 Assassin, but more subtly so – but it would enable you to maintain as good a stability at speed but with a smaller size.
I would put your typical length at 156, so the 156 would be the size I’d typically say to go with, but the 153 is certainly within a good range for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the great review on the Assasin Pro. My specs are 5’8”, 185lbs, and size 10 boot. I love to bomb with the occasional side hit, park day, and switch riding. I’m trying to decide between the 156 and 159 since my specs are somewhere in between the two. I’m leaning towards the 159 for the added stability but I was wondering what you’d recommend.
Hi Johnny, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158, so you could go either way. Neither would be wrong but given it sounds like you’re looking to optimize stability over maneuverability, I would be leaning 159 as well. Width-wise, assuming you’ve got mondopoint 27 or up feet inside those 10s, there’s no reason to size down for width, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the honest and great review of this Assassin Pro. I look to Snowboarding Profiles often for snowboard knowledge and product reviews.
I know you have not reviewed the new 24/25 Assassin Pro yet, and I’m sure you will, but based on the specs being similar to the 23/24 version, I was wondering if you could help me out here.
I used to ride the 2018 Assassin Pro 160W paired with Burton Cartels and loved the package. Last year I went with both the Assassin 163W and Craft 162W… yeah I do like Salomon boards… Keeping the Craft out of the picture as it was too soft and playful for my style of boarding, just bombing down the mountain with some little side hits and not into the park or big jumps, I found the Assassin nice but not like the previous Assassin Pro which I loved for the aggressiveness and confidence. With all the sizing differences in the new Assassins over the last few years I was hoping you could give an opinion on what would be the best sizing for me. I was not sure if the 163W was 100% right for me but concerned about going none wide and short due to my riding preference.
I’m just over 6′ (184.5 CM) 215 Lbs (97KG) and wear an 11 boot. I have an athletic build with a more solid upper body. I’ll either be pairing the Assassin Pro with the Salomon Highlander or Hologram. Last year riding the Assassin and Craft I was about 25 Lbs heavier so maybe that’s why they felt a little too soft for me?
Thanks in advance,
Eric
Hey Eric, thanks for your message.
I think the Assassin Pro would be an improvement for you over the Assassin and Craft, given your riding style.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 163, but with 11s, you’re on the cuff between wide and regular width. Which typically makes wide boards a little too wide (depending on the board, some wide boards aren’t as wide). So while, I don’t think 163W was anything really big for you or anything, I think ideally, you would size the length down a little for a wider board. So, IMO, if you’re going wide for this board, a 160W/161W would be a better bet. Unfortunately, the next longest Assassin Pro is a 158W. That’s doable, but goes the other way a little bit, in terms of being on smaller side, with the 163W being on the bigger side. Both doable. But if you were able to fit on the 162 width-wise, which I’ll get into more detail about below, then that’s would what I’d lean towards.
Assuming a 22″ (560mm) stance, the 162 Assassin Pro is going to be around 267mm at the inserts. This is borderline for 11s, but can be OK, depending on the profile of the boots, your binding angles and how deep you like to carve.
Some boots are lower profile than others (i.e. shorter length for the same inner boot size), so if you could let me know what boots you’re riding, that would help.
If you’re riding with more angle on your bindings, then that reduces the overhang of your boots, so if you could also let me know your binding angles.
And finally if you could let me know how deep you like to carve – the more angle you tend to get on a carve, the greater the chances are for boot drag, so you can’t afford as much boot overhang, if you’re carving on a more extreme angle.
Nate,
Thanks for your response, it is a lot to think about to enjoy my ride even more than I already do, which is hard to believe. However, as you said above I have a range of options and any of them could work out. I have always ridden a wide board, except a K2 analog board from a long time ago which I didn’t enjoy at all, so I can’t say I know the difference between wide or reg.
80% of my riding is bombing down groomers. How deep do I carve? Deep enough that my fingers can touch the snow, but not deep enough for my elbows to be down regularly. But I can’t say exactly how much angle I’m carving at.
15% of my riding, being from Vancouver, is avoiding other people on the runs. 🙂
5% is me thinking I can hit small lips off the sides of the runs and make huge air, but it’s probably only a few cm. It still feels cool, okay!
As for my stance… I set it to the basic width but set my front to 15 and back to 12. I’m primarily a directional boarder who is still working on my switch riding and 180s. I just love being on the mountain and I’m getting too old to challenge myself. I know that the Assassin Pro seems like an aggressive board for my riding, but I have so much more confidence when I’m on my old one due to stability and control.
Another board I was thinking about getting is the Salomon Highpath in a 159W or 160 as well as the Assassin Pro 162 or 163W now.
Nate, thank you again for always replying to us folks. It’s great for everyone to read and get professional input. When I go to stores and ask questions about products, I find that sometimes I know more about the boards, boots, and bindings than the people I’m talking to.
Looking forward to your additional thoughts.
Thanks again,
Eric
Hi Eric
Apologies for the delay in response – I was already running late, then my computer decided to crap out and it’s been in the repair shop for a few days (and I’m just to accustomed to having 3 monitors to have various info on when replying to comments that my phone just felt to cumbersome to work with!)
On the Assassin Pro 162, you’d likely get away with it, depending on your boot profile, with that 12 degree back binding angle. But still pretty borderline and wide would be safer. And given you’ve always ridden wide, it’s probably the safer bet. The biggest advantage to going narrower, IMO, is that it makes it easier to apply pressure to the edges of the board. I’ve heard that bigger guys, like 200lbs+ don’t tend to have issues with wide boards though, even if they have like 10s – with more weight to apply pressure, it makes sense that the width wouldn’t have as much of an effect. So, that’s another reason, I’d say you’re good going wide. So yeah either the 163W Assassin Pro or 159W Highpath would be the safer bets, IMO.
Thank you and no worries, Nate 🙂
We all appreciate your reviews and replies to our questions.
I’m going with the safe bet of the Assassin Pro 163W paired Hologram Bindings.
May the snow be with us this year!
Eric
You’re very welcome Eric. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
And yes, may the snow be with us!
Hello Nate! thanks to your advice the assassin pro is my daily riding board fun… stable… fast from edge to edge… light… I’m in love with it. maybe not so much on powder days… but for that this year I tried the bateleon party wave + and I am delighted. I recommend you try it. I have read that the assassin pro brings some changes in 2025. Can you tell us something? will you do a review? thanks as always looking forward to reading you
Hi Javier
Glad you’re enjoying your Assassin Pro and Party Wave+!
Yeah, it sounds like the Assassin Pro got a pretty full on overhaul (subtly longer nose/tail, redesigned rocker sections, longer sidecut, wider contact points and 20mm setback). Unfortunately we were unable to get our hands on any 2025 Salomon gear in the winter. Will try to get my hands on one early winter. Might even buy one if I can’t get one from the Salomon rep to test. But if that’s the case, then review probably wouldn’t be available until mid to late December at the earliest.
thank you¡¡¡ 🙂
Hi Nate. I’m thinking about getting the 2025 model. Now I ride the 159 and I am very happy. But according to my specifications (1.88 cm.. 85 kilos and Photon 44’5 step on boot) what do you recommend? 159 or 162? thank you 🙂
Hi Javier.
I put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161, so while it’s slightly closer to the 162, if you are happy with 159, then I would go for the 159. My biggest concern with the 159 is the width, but if you haven’t had boot drag issues with your current 159, you should be OK. Otherwise, the 158W would be a great size for you too, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
It would be really useful if you started talking about board flex in both longitudinal stiffness and torsional stiffness. Manufacturer’s never provide more than a single stiffness number and I find torsional flex to be a big factor in the boards that I prefer.
Thanks!
Hi Jesse
Thanks for your message. I 100% agree that torsional flex can make a big difference. I have been focusing more on torsional flex in more recent reviews and have made a point to add it as a factor in the system I use when testing boards, so future reviews should provide more torsional flex commentary. And some of the more recent reviews already are. My flex ratings take into account overall flex feel, which takes into account torsional flex, because that has a big influence on overall flex feel. But I definitely get how it would be useful to comment on how a board feels for torsional and longitudinal stiffness separately, to give an idea on that.
Hi, thanks for all your helpful reviews on this site. I can’t decide if I should get this board in 156 or 159 or maybe even consider 158W. I’m 5’10”, 170 lbs, athletic build, size 10.5 US boot. I’m planning to use Burton Photon step on boots (size 10.5) with Burton step on re:flex bindings (size medium). Wondering what your thoughts are here? Thanks again!
Hi Mo
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158 for your specs. Assuming you’re quite an advanced rider, I would go with the 159, especially given you’re athletic.
Width-wise, the 159 is borderline with 10.5s, but because you’ll be in the Photon Step Ons, I think you’ll be fine, as they’re pretty low profile. Assuming a roughly 22″ stance width, I would put your total overhang at around 4.4cm (or 2.2cm per edge), which I would be very comfortable with. And that’s at a zero degree binding angle. Any angle over 3 degrees and you’ll start to reduce that overhang a little bit.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate.
Thank you for your awesome reviews 👌
I need a pair of bindings to match my 2023 Assassin pro 163w. As it is a very heavy board (Salomon says it weights 2950g, but it actually weights 3200g) I am looking for a very light binding. I dont want Falcors, because I dont like my highbacks overly stiff. What other options are out there, when you want 750-850g binding with 6-8 flex? Will the Ultras be too soft? What about Salomon district pro or highlander? Salomon says they weight about 850g, but for some reason I just dont trust them anymore 😁
-Antti
He Antti
Thanks for your message.
That’s really interesting. And now looking at it, I hadn’t personally weighed any Salomon boards until the 2024 models I got on last winter. Previously I had just tested them at demo days and didn’t get a chance to weigh them. I haven’t weighed the Assassin Pro in person, but certainly sounds like yours is heavier than what they have published it as.
However, from the 4 2024 Salomon models I weighed, the average weight per cm was 18.35g per cm. Which would suggest a 163 to be around 2995g. Though a wide is typically heavier than a regular width board, naturally. That said, 3 of the boards I weighed were wider boards, so I would expect the Assassin Pro to be closer to 3,020g, particularly considering the weight I found for the 156 Assassin Pro, as well. But this is a small sample size, so can’t take too much from that. But if it weighed in at 3,200g and was published as 3,200g that’s a pretty big difference. Wood cores do naturally vary in weight, but that’s a big difference. How did you weight it, out of curiosity?
I haven’t weighed the Highlander, but the District Pro 2024 that I weighed was 940g in the Medium. If you have to get in the large, then it would likely weigh a bit more than that. I always weight with the disc and screws in and Salomon is likely to weigh with the discs and screws not in. A disc and 4 screws typically weighs around 80-90g. So the Medium is probably around 850g without screws. I also weighed the Hologram Large, which was 980g – so probably around 890-900g without disc and screws.
The Ultra is softer than ideal for the Assassin Pro, IMO. I would go with something a little stiffer than it.
Apart from Burton Step Ons (which have the advantage of not having any straps, the lightest bindings I’ve tested in 2023 and 2024 models were the Union STR, Burton Cartel Re:Flex and NOW Drive Pro, which were all 860g, with disc and screws. The Drive Pro would be a good match to the Assassin Pro, IMO. And while it has, from my experience, a very similar overall flex to the Falcor, it’s high-back isn’t overly stiff. But overall flex feel for me was 7.5/10, which was the same as with the Falcor. So, if you wanted a softer overall feel, then the Cartel Re:Flex would work. Or the Cartel X Re:Flex – haven’t weighed it, but assuming it’s a similar weight, and it’s a bit stiffer – at 7/10 flex, which again, is a good flex match for the Assassin Pro, but a little softer than the Drive Pro and Falcor – and like the Drive Pro, it doesn’t have a stiff feeling high-back.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your quick response.
I weigh my gear with a handluggage scale that has 10g accuracy. But I double checked the Assassin pro also with an other digital scale and had same result.
Here is what I have discovered in the past few years. Hopefully this will be helpfull for someone. All bindings are the biggest size (L/XL) they have, and weight is with disc and screws.
Nitro team pro 2023 1000g
Rome 390 neon 2009 1100g
Bataleon Astro asym 2023 1060g
Union Force team 2023 1050g
Bataleon Blaster asym 2023 980g (tuned with Atom footbeds. Might be 10g less with originals🤷♂️)
New Union Force 1130g
Rome Vice 2022 1060g
Boards:
Lobster Stomper 2022 161w 3160g
Lobster creamer 2023 161w 3180g
Lobster creamer 2024 161w 3100g
Capita Mercury 2023 160w 2940g
Bataleon Beyond medals x 2024 161w 2990g
Capita Super doa 2024
158w 2800g. 161w 2900g
Salomon Assassin pro 2023 163w 3200g
Salomon Huck knife 2023 162 3060g
Capita D.o.a 2023 162 2850g
I think next I will try how my Blasters work with the Assassin pro. They have 6 flex and I have switched their kink ladders to straight ones, so they have a bit more ankle support then normally.
Addition to the previous post:
I just got a message from my friend who I asked to weigh his 2023 L size Falcors, and they weigh 965g with disc and screws. So as Bataleon blasters weigh 980g, there is no significant difference there. I just hope they are responsive enough, but luckily the Assassin is super easy from edge to edge 👍
Thanks Antti!
Some great info there. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful and good to know. Especially for me as I typically only weight Medium bindings. Sometimes L, but if that’s the case, then there’s usually an XL, so really grateful to get some weights for larger bindings.
Hi Nate,
thanks for the awesome review!
I would consider myself advanced.
I mostly enjoy going fast on the piste (~80%) and some light powder off piste (~20%).
I love hitting side hits but I don’t spend any time in the park and prefer to play on the mountain. Sometimes charge hard, sometimes more relaxed.
I’m 180cm and weigh 82kg.
Boots US 10.5
Size-wise I’m unsure between 158w and 162.
what would you recommend for me?
Hi Moritz
Thanks for your message.
I would actually say the 159 is probably your best bet if you’re looking for something that has a balance between everything, if it was going to be your only board.
I think the 158W is a little wide.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160. So the 162 wouldn’t be wrong by any means, and if you want to optimize for speed and powder, given those are your main things, then the 162 might be your best bet. But for doing everything, then I’d be leaning 159.
In terms of width for the 159, it should be OK. But if you’re riding with bulky boots and a pretty straight back binding angle (e.g. 0-6 degrees) then it might be pushing it width-wise.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi nate. I would consider myself somewhat advanced. I mostly enjoy going fast and ripping groomers but i am an all around guy as well. I was leaning towards getting the assasin pro. any thoughts? i also was wondering when those boards come out and if i should just wait till next year. do they come out in july? also for the bindings was looking between the holograms , quantom carbon and the highlander. was leaning towards hollagrams. any advice here good sir? thx so much for the time and help.
Hi Shawn
Thanks for your messages.
I haven’t had an extensive look at Salomon’s 2024 gear yet, but from a quick check the 2024 model doesn’t look to have changed – at least nothing significant. So if you can the 2023 model cheaper, then I think that’s your best bet. The main reason I would wait for the 2024 model, is if you can’t find your best size in the 2023 model. I would rather wait for the 2024 model to get your best size, rather than compromise on size to get the 2023 model. So, yeah, if you can find the 2023 model in your size, that’s what I’d do. If you can’t find it in your size, I’d wait for the 2024 model.
Typically I’ve found that most new models come out anywhere from July to September.
For bindings, I think the Highlander would be the best match to the Assassin Pro. The Hologram’s would work, but I think the Highlanders are a slightly better flex match – and I think they’d suit your riding style best too, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, love the page. I was thinking of getting the assasin pro but wanted to see if you thought it would be worth it for me to wait for next years model? what month do those usually come out? July? Also i was thinking of getting the hologram bindings. Should i get those or the quantom carbon or the highlander? im pretty adcanced and i mostly like to rip groomers for what its worth. overall thoughts on what i should do? thx so much fort he help man.
Hi Nate! In the PNW region, I am mostly into riding medium, to high-speed carving and bombing on groomers about 75% of the time and riding in some light powder off piste about 25% of the time. I don’t ride switch and I don’t go into the terrain park or do jumps.
Here are my specs:
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 175-180 lbs.
Boot Size: 8wide (Salomon Dialogue)
Boot Size: 8.5 (DC Judge)
I have an option to put one of these three binding on my 156 Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard.
1. Rome Katana
2. Bent Mental Transfer
3. Flux XF
Out of these three choices, what would be your #1 binding choice to put on my Assassin Pro based on my riding style?
I’ve read that a binding with a mini disc gives better board feel but since I don’t do any terrain park, freestyles, or butters, would I be better to have a binding that has a full size disc to get better performance and faster toe/heal response for carving? I have also considered a Union Atlas binding that has a full size disc.
Thanks,
Erik
Hi Erik
From those 3, I would go Flux XF. The only real downside of the XF is its shock absorption. If you’re not doing any jumps or anything, then that’s what I’d go with. Love the response from the XFs. The Katana would do a great job too, but if I had the choice for your riding style I’d go XF. I haven’t ridden the BMBW Transfer for 5-6 years, but from what I remember of them, I think they’d be too soft for the Assassin Pro and your riding style.
The Atlas would also be a solid choice.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Great. Thanks for you message and advice Nate.
Yes, this does help me to make a decision to go with the Flux XF.
Based on my specs, which size Assassin Pro do you think would work best for me, 156 or 159? I know typically a shorter board will be more nimble and the longer board will be more stable at speed. However, since you rode the 156, did it still seem plenty fast and stable and no need to go to the 159?
Thanks
Erik
Hi Erik
Like you say, going longer would give more stability at speed at the cost of some nimbleness, but I still found the 156 stable at speed, especially for the size, which is a bit shorter than I’d typically ride. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 157/158, however with your boot size, I would err shorter than that rather than longer, so if it was me with your specs, I’d go 156.
Hey Nate – Love the website. Looking to upgrade from the 156 Yes Libre I’ve had for awhile to something more advanced. I need a do it all.. like pushing groomers, trees some side hits but would like to start getting more aggressive with carves as well. After dealing with some pretty icy conditions on a recent trip to the alps, something that performs well in Ice would be appreciated as well. I’ve been leaning towards the Assassin Pro but also considering the Mountain Twin. Yes Standard also seems like a good choice. Wondering if my sizes push me one way or another… I’m 5’9 170 with 10.5 ruler boot. I also tend to keep a pretty narrow stance on my current board. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Patrick
Thanks for your message.
All possibilities for sure – and all a step up from the Libre. I would be leaning Assassin Pro or even Standard Uninc (an all camber version of the Standard) for a bigger step up in carving performance. Not quite as good for powder as Mountain Twin/Standard, so there’s that to consider, but given what you’re describing, I think they would work well. The Standard and Standard Uninc are a little better in icy conditions, IMO, but the Assassin Pro and MT are still decent in icy conditions. Another option I would add to that list, off the top of my head is the new GNU Forest Bailey 4 x 4. Plenty of other options that would work, but that was a standout from last winter for us.
Size-wise, I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 157/158. For the Standard or the Standard Uninc, I would go 156. A good idea to size down a little for how wide they are. Even with a 10.5 on a narrow stance it they will be wide enough in a 156. I think that size would work really well for your specs. The 159 would be a little too big, IMO, when combining both length and width.
For the MT, I would be looking at the 157. It’s not as wide as the Standard, but it is a little wider than average for a regular width board, even on a narrower stance. Now, I’m not sure how narrow your stance is, but the reference stance on the 157 is 600mm (23.6″) which is rather wide. I ride it at a 560mm (22″) stance width and it’s really good in that stance. Going much narrower though, I would hesitate a little. I think it’s still probably going to be wide enough at something like a 540mm stance width, but it’s getting quite far from reference. Doable, but something to think about. And if the narrower you are compared to that the less likely it is to work as well.
For the Assassin Pro I would be leaning 159 or even 158W, as the width on the 156 is borderline for your boot size, particularly if you’re riding a narrower stance. The 158W is getting a little on the big side, when taking into account length/width combined, so I would be leaning 159.
My instinct is Standard Uninc 156, with the Standard 156 being a good option if you wanted better powder at the sacrifice of a little carving performance. The Assassin Pro would be a good bet too in the 159, but put it third because not quite as good in icy conditions and I think the sizing of the Standard/Standard Uninc works a bit better. MT wouldn’t be a wrong choice, but would put it 4th in this particular case, because of it’s wider reference stance.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the response. You think I would be ok at 258 width for the 156? What are the key differences between the standard and uninc version?
Hi Patrick
Yeah, you should have plenty of leeway width-wise. The Standard/Standard Uninc are wider at the inserts than the waist suggests. And with 10.5s you’d typically be good with that waist width anyway. At a 550mm stance I measured the Uninc at around 273mm at the inserts. But even with a narrower stance than that you’re probably looking at at least 270mm, depending on how narrow you go, which is still plenty. I would say to go at least 265mm for 10.5s (and sometimes could go less, depending on factors such as boot profile and binding angles and style of riding) – and you would clear that easily with the Standard.
Main differences, IMO.
– The Standard a little better in powder
– Standard a little easier to press/for jibs
– Uninc marginally stiffer
– Uninc marginally better for speed
– Uninc a little better for jumps and carving
Hey!
I’d like to ask which size u recommend for the assassin. I am 1,74 m short, my weight is 75-76kg and my boots should be between 10.5 and 11. My feet are a bit wider. And which Salomon bindings would do you recommend? I also need new boots, do have a few recommendations?
Hi Flo
Thanks for your message.
I would say the 156 is perfect, in terms of length, but it’s borderline width-wise for your boots. If you were to end up in low profile 10.5s and had at least a 12 degree angle on your back foot and you’re not doing anything like eurocarving, then you’d be good width-wise, and in that case I’d go with the 156. But in an 11 or a bulkier 10.5 or a 10.5 with a flat back binding angle, then I think you’d have to go 158W. If there was a 156W or 155W, that’s what I would prefer to see for you, but the smallest wide size is the 158W.
In terms of boots and bindings, I would ideally try to match with a 5/10 to 6/10 flex, but 7/10 flex is still doable.
With your feet being a bit wider, assuming they’re not really wide, then the likes of Burton, Thirty-Two & DC tend to be mid-wide. If you have particularly wide feet, then a specific wide model would be the way to go. Some more info below and some lists to check out some options:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Wide Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Really appreciate your reviews, they led me to scoop a PYL 160W (185lbs, 12 boots) a few years ago, and man do I ever love that board. That said, I’m looking to add to the quiver with a board more suited to playing around on the mountain.
Im an aggressive rider who loves to charge, carve, rip through trees, and boost off side hits. The PYL is great for charging, but leaves a little to be desired with side hits/spins/switch.
Do you think the Assassin Pro would be a good complement and what I am looking for out of a second board, or is there something else you’d recommend?
Also currently using Union Atlas bindings (L). Should I get something softer for this second board?
Thanks again man, great work on this site!
Hi Sam
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, the Assassin Pro could work for sure. It’s not a huge amount softer than the PYL, IMO – just subtly so. But certainly better for sidehits/spins and switch. And can still charge and carve. If you wanted something more playful, then the Assassin would work, but if you still want a certain amount of aggressiveness/charge in your board, then the Assassin Pro could certainly work. Just don’t expect it to be too much softer than the PYLassuming you size to 158W – which is probably your best bet, given the use for it – and also given that you’d have to go up to 163W for the next wide size.
The Atlas would work with the Assassin Pro, IMO. But if you didn’t want to have to swap bindings between boards, you could go mildly softer, but I wouldn’t go softer than around 6/10 flex for the Assassin Pro. Given that it’ll get more freestyle use, if you were to get a second pair of bindings, I’d look for something with really good board feel. Some options in that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings (some in this are a little too soft)
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Pay attention to score breakdowns for that board feel.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate. Really appreciate that info.
Getting down to the wire here and I’m stuck between the assassin pro, Yes Standard (or Standard uninc), or the Mega Merc. Feels like a daunting decision as I want all of them haha.
Based on the riding style I listed above, which would you go with (knowing I always can use my PYL 160W on deeper days)? It’s hard for me to sacrifice riding fast, carving hard, weaving through trees, and popping/spinning off anything I can find. I very rarely spend any time in the park.
Thanks again!
Hi Sam
Based on what you’re describing and given you already have the 160W PYL in your quiver, I would be between the Standard Uninc and Assassin Pro. The Mega Merc is a little better in powder (which isn’t a bad thing, but you don’t need it) and less suitable (IMO) for trees and not quite as good for jumps/spins as those others. Also, I found it to be stiffer than the PYL. For riding fast and carving hard you would be happy with it, but based on everything and assessing your quiver, the Assassin Pro and Standard Uninc would be the better fit, IMO. The regular Standard is a little better than the Standard Uninc in terms of powder, but you don’t need it for that. It’s a little more easy going versus the Uninc version and given you still want to ride fairly aggressively I would be leaning Uninc over regular Standard. Standard probably a little quicker edge-to-edge for trees, but not much in it – overall I would be leaning Uninc over regular Standard.
Not a bad choice between the Assassin Pro and Standard Uninc, IMO, so you can’t go wrong there.
Hey Nate,
Love the review. Just wondering what size would best suit me
5’10, 92KG, Size 9 boot
Thanks mate!
Hi Stephen
I would go with the 159 with your specs. The 162 is also within range, but I’d be leaning 159.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I pretty set on getting this board (2023 version). I’m about 5’11-6ft and 145lbs. I’m leaning towards the 156 since I would mainly just use this to carve all over the mountain, hit some side hits here and there and just take it everywhere. Maybe some occasional park. would you recommend the 153 or 156. Also, would you said this board is pretty damp? I’m a little worried about that. I mainly ride a funsligner currently so anything is probably damper than that.
Hey Rob
It’s damper than the Funslinger (IMO) so you will get a bit more dampness. I wouldn’t say it’s super damp, but it’s about average. It’s a really light board, which typically stops them from being super damp, but it’s not un-damp or anything.
Size-wise it’s a tight call between those 2 sizes. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 155. If it was me, I would be leaning 153 because I prefer to err shorter than longer, but the 156 definitely works too. If you could also let me know your boot size to confirm, that would be great.
My boot size is 9. Along with the Funslinger, I have a powder board, so I am really looking that in-between board good for speed and going over crud, but still good for some pop/sidehits and even trees. If there’s another board you would recommend, let me know.
Hi Rob
I think the Assassin Pro is a good match for your quiver. You already have your board for powder days, so you don’t need it to excel there – and you already have your freestyle board. The Assassin Pro is good at speed but you can definitely still good for sidehits and trees too. I think it’s a really good compliment to your existing quiver. Size-wise, I would be leaning 153, given your boot size and the fact that you want to ride trees with it and sidehits.
However, if you could also let me know the sizes of your other boards, to make sure that makes sense with the rest of your quiver. 156 still isn’t wrong and could be that it makes more sense with the rest of your quiver.
Hi Nate
Thanks for the reviews. I’m looking to ride the Assassin Pro ’21 model with Burton Cartel bindings. Would they be too soft in your opinion?
Cheers
Hi Russel
Thanks for your message.
The Cartel’s could work on the Assassin Pro. I think ideally, I would go just a touch stiffer, but they’re not too far off, so I think they’d work. But I think the Cartel X would be the better match.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your reply Nate, helps greatly
You’re very welcome Russel.
Hi,
I mostly ride groomers, although choppy, and like to do some park. Would you recommend the assassin or the assassin pro?
Hi Dman
Thanks for your message.
I have created a new board recommendation form, which will help to get the detail needed to make a better recommendation, if you could please fill that out at the link below. It’ll take a few minutes to fill out, but will allow for a more accurate recommendation.
>>Snowboard Recommendation Request
Hi Nate,
Thanks a lot for your advice and reviews. It helps a lot!!!
All mountain rider, I like carving, switch and buttering(room for improvement… clearly!). I’m 170lbs, 6’1 and shoe size US 10.
– Knowing that my binding angles are -15 +15, does it make sense to go for the Assassin pro 158W?
– For the bindings, I understand that you recommend stiff ones. Do you think that Salomon hologram would be still ok? Or should I go for stiffer bindings like the Burton Cartel X?
Thank you and keep up with this amazing content!
Hi Pierre
Thanks for your message.
With US10 boots, I think you’ll find the 158W too wide. I would go for the 159. The 159 should be plenty wide, particularly with +15/-15 angles, but even with a straighter angle on the back foot, you should be fine with the width in 10s.
Ideally, I would go at least 6.5/10 flex for bindings on the Assassin Pro. The Cartel X would work well – or the Salomon Highlander, if you wanted to go Salomon. The Hologram just a little soft to be ideal, but that said, they would certainly do the job – they’re not far off, so wouldn’t be a wrong choice, IMO. Some other options:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Thanks for your reply Nate!
Last question please.
While deep carving do you think there is a risk to “boot-out” with the 159? Hitting your toes or heels into the snow when carving, which releases pressure from the edge and causes you to ‘boot-out’ and fall.
Hi Pierre
With those angles, so long as your boots aren’t too bulky, I would say you’d be fine. I’ve never had any boot-out issues for that width in 10s at those binding angles before personally.
Alright! Thanks a lot!
What would you say about 158w for 10.5 ? 😀
Hi Andy
Thanks for your message.
Would depend on your height/weight/ability/riding style as to whether the 158W would be an appropriate size overall. I would say the 153 and 156 are borderline too narrow for 10.5s, but could be ok depending on binding angles, boot profile etc. The 159 should be wide enough for 10.5s in most (but not all) cases, IMO. The 158W is on the wide side for 10.5s, but if the length of 158 was sizing down a little for you, then it could definitely work – and if you rode with a pretty flat back binding angle, that width could be the better choice versus the 159 or 156. But generally with a 10.5 (depending on other specs) I’d say 159 or if you’re typical length was more like 160/161, then sizing down to the 158W in terms of length, because of the extra width could also make sense. But hard to say without any other information what would be right for you.
Hope this helps
Nate
I bought a yes greats and I love it on smaller mountains but going to MT. Baker it just wasn’t cutting it. The board had a hard time holding speed. I wanted to know what size would work for me for the assassin pro. I’ll be doing side hits and medium jumps and of course bombing the Mountain every chance I get.
Size 8 K2 boundary boots
union strata bindings
Thanks again
Forgot to mention my weight 197 lbs
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 160 (also based on taking into account your height that you gave me in a previous comment from a different post). But with 8s, I would size down from that a little from that. Purely based on weight you could go to 162, but that’s getting on the big side for you, IMO. Given that you want to get more speed out of it, I would be leaning 159, though 156 would be doable. If you were looking to keep it more playful, then I’d err more to 156, but given you want to bomb with it, then 159 is better – and particularly if you’re looking to keep the Greats for more playful days, then I’d go 159.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Thank you so much for all your help!!!!
You’re very welcome Stephen. Thanks for using the site.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for being of such a good help to so many people. I’ve commented a couple of months ago as well and your reply really helped out, but due to travelling I haven’t bought a board yet. I’m now stuck between 3 options, the Salomon Assassin PRO, Yes Standard, Jones Mountain Twin.
I’m looking for an all mountain board that can do it all, some info that might help:
– I’m an intermediate to advanced rider
– I mostly ride on groomers, a bit off piste, between trees (so I want good turn initiation), a bit of powder (nothing too deep though). I like to freestyle a lot and do some side hits and jumps (medium). You won’t find me in the park much though
– I want the board to hold up at speed, it can be a bit aggressive as well for carving
– Though very important as well is that it’s playful, as I like to do some freestyle.
– My stats are 5″11 (180cm), 170lbs (77kg), boot size around 10 (maybe 10.5). Not 100% sure about boot size though because I don’t have boots yet either. In cm’s my foot is around 27,5 so I could also need a smaller boot.
Which board would you think fit best? And which sizes would be best for each board?
Many thanks!
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
I think all would work well for what you’re looking for, so I don’t think there’s a bad decision. Some things to consider, in order of best/most to least.
Playfulness
-MT
-Standard
-Assassin Pro
Carving
-Assassin Pro
-Standard
-MT
Speed
-Assassin Pro
-Standard
-MT
Switch
-Standard
-Assassin Pro
-MT
Jumps
-Assassin Pro
– Standard/MT
Powder
MT
Standard
Assassin Pro
Butters
MT/Standard
Assassin Pro
Again, I don’t think any of them would be wrong, but hopefully that helps a bit.
Size-wise, I would go:
MT: 157 – 160 would work as well, but given you like to freestyle a lot, I’d go 157
Standard: 156
Assassin Pro: 159 – but if you wanted to err more playful, then 156 is also an option
In terms of boots, I would guess that for most brands you’ll be a 10. Technically with a 27.5cm foot, that would put you in a 27.5 Mondo, which is a 9.5, but in reality, I’ve found that’s seldom the case. I have 27.3cm feet and there are a couple of brands I ride in 9.5, but most in 10s. Some brands I can happily ride a 10.5, if it’s for testing purposes, but would likely pack out a bit too much for me in the long run. I’ve based those sizings on a size 10, because I think that’s the most likely for you, in most brands.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
That’s great info, really helpful. Thank you so much.
I think I’m leaning Assassin Pro, but then going 156 to make at a bit more playful. Though I also think they’re all great options so maybe I’ll just see for which one I can get the best deal.
Do you also know what kind of bindings would fit these boards well? Haven’t really looked into bindings that much yet but I know its important to get a pair that fit the board. I’m not looking for anything special here, just something that works best for the board. Would it be different ones for each board, or could it be the same for all? Also could something like the flex of the bindings, for example, make the board more playful all around?
Many thanks again!
Hi Jeremy
For bindings, I would try to match the flex of the bindings to the board fairly closely. With those boards all having similar flex (the Assassin Pro a little stiffer), something around that 6/10 to 7/10 range would be a good bet, but you could go up to 8/10 on the Assassin Pro if you wanted. I wouldn’t go too soft on any of those – with a binding that’s too soft it can sometimes not have enough power to drive a stiffer board than it, if that makes sense. On the flip side a binding too stiff for a board can end up making it feel a bit twitchy – and whilst it can often make a board more “carvy” for lack of a better term, it can also make things harder to manage at slower speeds. So, for the MT and Standard, I would go either 6/10 or 7/10 for flex. And for the Assassin Pro, I think you’d get away with 6/10 flex as well, but would be leaning more to 7/10 and could go up to as stiff as 8/10.
Some good options, IMO, in that flex range:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
There will be some in those lists outside of that range, so check the details in there.
Hey Nate, I was wondering about sizing with the board I’m 6’0 and 180-185 area and a size 9 boots should I do the 156 or 159
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message. Assuming a rather advanced level, I’d say go 159, if you’re going to be using it for do-it-all. Like if you want to ride it fast, sometimes powder, carving etc with some freestyle, then I’d say 159. But if you were going to be predominantly riding it freestyle/park, with the other things secondary, then I’d be leaning 156.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Great website and content, incredibly helpful!
I’d appreciate your opinion and advice. I’m an intermediate/advanced rider who spends most of the day bombing groomers and carving but am interested in getting more into tree runs. I hit the jump line but don’t do much buttering or jibbing and never go in the pipe. Looking for a quiver of one and have narrowed it down to yes standard or assassin pro and I want something I can grow with and keep for a while. I like the standard for the versatility and that it handles ice well (ride mostly in the northeast) but fear it won’t be good enough for bombing. The assassin pro looks good but I’m concerned about sizing. I’m 6’1” 175 lbs, size 11 (burton ion) and ride at +15/-12 angles. Any advice you have between the boards and around sizing would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Scott
Thanks for your message.
Standard will give you a little more for powder, if you make use of those slam back inserts, but overall for what you’re describing (particularly if you’re not getting much powder?), I’d be leaning Assassin Pro – as it will give you more for bombing/carving and is a little better for jumps, IMO. The Standard is easier to butter, but not by that much, and if you’re not doing that much of it, then that’s not a biggie.
Size-wise, for the Assassin Pro, I think the 159 would be great, if it was wide enough, but it’s borderline. It’s around 264mm at the inserts, which is narrower than I’d typically recommend for 11s, particularly if you’re going to be carving quite deep. The Ion (low profile) boots and binding angles, help but no guarantees. If you were willing to risk it, I think that size would be ideal. For reference, your Ion’s are likely around 31.3cm long (based on 10s I’ve measured for the Ion), which would give you overall overhang of 4.9cm (or roughly 2.5cm on heel and toe, with perfect boot centering). With your binding angles, that overhang would be a little less. So I think it’s doable but no guarantees. If you didn’t want to risk that, then the 158W would be your best bet.
For the Standard I’d go 159. The 156 would be wide enough, IMO (roughly 270mm at inserts), but going to 156 would be sizing down – and I’d only do that if it was wide for your boots – but it’s just right for your boots. So I would go 159, if you went Standard – it’s on the wider end of your range with 11s, but still in range, and I think that length would work better for you and how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, very helpful!
Which size assassin pro (158w vs 159) would be better for trees? Or would the difference be negligible?
-Scott
Hi Scott
For trees, I would personally prefer the 159. In my experience narrower boards are typically quicker edge to edge. I find a little delay with wider boards – that’s coming from a size 10 though, keep in mind. But yeah, shorter boards will be more maneuverable as well, but taking off 1cm, in my experience, won’t make up for the width in terms of agility. If it was 159 vs 156W/155W then I’d say the difference would be negligible. With 11s it’s likely a slightly different experience. I still think you’d find the 159 more maneuverable than the 158W, but the difference might be unnoticeable sooner – i.e. with a 157W it might be more unnoticeable and getting down to a 155W/156W, you might find it more maneuverable. That’s a guess, but that’s what I would imagine being the case.
Happy holidays Nate! You mentioned you recommend the Pro for larger jumps vs smaller. Would there be an issue with smaller jumps? Im getting this one because like to point down at high speed, but still like to do some Ollies and jump small ramps. Nothing too risk because I’m over 40.
Thanks !
Hi RJ
Thanks for your message – and apologies for the slow response – have been on vacation with the family, so a bit behind and trying to catch up now!
No issues with riding smaller jumps on this board. It’s something that’s good for bigger jumps as it’s nice and stable at speed for faster approaches and solid on landings – so it’s kind of more tilted towards larger jumps, but still all good for small jumps. And it’s not something that’s super unforgiving of errors on landings – but it’s not quite as forgiving as something like the softer Assassin. But particularly if you can already confidently hit those smaller jumps and ollies, it’s all good. It’s more for those learning jumps it can have that slightly less forgiveness for when you get it wrong. But it’s only subtly that way, and it sounds like you’re not attempting jumps for the first time, so you should be all good.
Hope this helps
Thanks!! Happy 2022
You’re very welcome RJ. Happy 2022!
Hi Nate!
Trying to decide between Assassin and Assassin Pro based on skill level. I ride all-mountain freestyle, and some park. I would say I’m a strong intermediate rider at this point. I want to find one board that is good for my style, and will also “grow” with me as I grow as a rider.
From reviews I’ve read, it seems like the Pro might be slightly aggressive for me at this point in time. However, I love the idea of getting some more of that pop with the Pro. Also (not super important but still a thing–I love the Pro artwork).
My question is, will the Pro be a mistake for me, or would it be workable as I progress, and end up being a great fit?
Would also love sizing recommendation. I am 6’0, 175-180 pounds, and wear size 10.5-11 boots.
Thank you so much!
Hi Conner
Thanks for your message.
If you’re a higher-end intermediate rider, I think it’s going to be fine for your skill level. I think the biggest question then is how you want to be riding.
If you’re aiming towards a more playful style – lots of butters, jibs etc and not really wanting to really bomb at high speeds (Assassin can handle a good bit of speed, but if you really want to bomb, the Pro can handle more), then I’d say go Assassin, if you’re advanced enough for the Pro.
But if you like to really open out and bomb, or want to be, and that’s more important to you than being playful, then the Pro will suit you best, IMO. They’re not worlds apart in terms of how they ride, but the Pro is certainly a little stiffer and more aggressive.
But yeah based on level, and assuming you want a ride that can handle a bit more in terms of speed, better on high speed carves and want that little boost in terms of pop (who doesn’t!), then the Pro should work well, IMO.
Size-wise, I’d say 158W. With 10.5 boots, you might just get away with the 159, but it would depend on binding angles and boots (how low profile they are), as to whether I’d say it was risky or not. With 11s, it would be risky, in terms of boot drag. But I think the 158W should work well for you (in either Assassin or Assassin Pro).
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Thank you so much. So helpful. Would you say basically the same thing between the DOA and the Super DOA?
Ultimately, I’m trying to decide between these four (or if Ride has a board that suits what I’m after). I never said specifically what kind of riding I like to do. Definitely searching for an all-mountain freestyle board. Love to hit all the natural jumps and things on runs as much as I can, and spend some time in the park, want the all mountain capability as well.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.
Hi Conner
Yeah similar thoughts between the DOA and Super DOA as between the Assassin and Assassin Pro, but not the same differences, in my experiences.
E.g. the DOA and Super DOA are closer in flex, by my feel. I felt the DOA at 6/10 and the Super DOA at 6.5/10, so not as big of a difference as I felt between the Assassin (5/10) and Assassin Pro (6.5/10).
Also the DOA, in my experience doesn’t give you the butterability of the Assassin and didn’t really find it easier to butter than the Super DOA.
The Super DOA does give you more pop though and is lighter than the DOA (though the DOA itself is pretty light already). And the DOA better/easier for jibs over the Super DOA. For more differences you can check out the reviews as well.
Hey Nate , I was looking at the assassin pro as I usually ride very all mountain and like to switch around between having fun in the park ,side hits and trees and also getting good carves on the steeper hills and just seeing how much I can go .I think at some point I’d like to ride more powder and hopefully I’d be able to do that but it would probably be only about 20% of what I do . I’m about 5’8” and 153 lbs . I have size 10/10.5 boots. Do you think the 153 or 156 would be better ?
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
I think 153 is just right for you in terms of length for this board. Width-wise, it could be pushing it being too narrow for 10.5s. I think with 10s you’d probably be fine, depending on binding angles and how low profile your boots are. You might even get away with the 153 width-wise with 10.5s, if you have 10.5s, if you have low profile boots and depending on angles. If you could let me know the brand/model of your boots and your typical binding angles, that would help determine if the width is going to be doable.
Hope this helps
They’re lower end burton boots (I’m going to be upgrading them for next year hopefully) and my angles atm are +15/-9 .
Hi Michael
With Burton boots and those angles, I think you’d be fine if they’re 10s. If they’re 10.5s, then it’s tighter. Hard to say for sure. Might be pushing it, but might be fine. If you’re confident you can get into 10s (assuming they’re relatively low profile 10s), then I’d be quite confident width-wise on the 153 with those angles, if it was me.
Hey Nate sorry to bother you again . Your reviews and advice have been super helpful. I’m starting to lean towards the 156 but I don’t know if it’ll become a lot harder to maneuver . I’m only leaning towards that for more freedom in boot selection and since I seem to be closer to the top end of the weight range of the 153 and wanna leave room in case I gain some weight . What do you think ?
Hey Nate just wanted to say your content and reviews have been super helpful. I’m starting to lean towards the 156 since im about 155lbs and want to give myself flexibility in boot choices, stance options and risk of future weight gain. considering all of this would the 156 be too much to handle and make me lose out on slow speed maneuverablity or would it be okay? Also, the fact that the effective edge on this board in the 153 seems to be shorter than what im currently riding is worrying me a little but idk if its a big deal. Anyways keep up the great work !!
Hi Michael
No bother at all man (oh and I got your other messages – they just have to be moderated before being published, which is why you probably couldn’t see them – deleted the ones that didn’t contain any new information, just for tidiness).
I think 156 is definitely doable. I would put you on 155 as an all-mountain size, so both 153 and 156 definitely in your wheel house. I typically err a little shorter for all-mountain-freestyle boards, so I was leaning 153, but 156 is certainly doable.
Not going to give you heaps of leeway in terms of width, but will give you a little more leeway. What you would likely feel between the 153 and 156 are that the 156 will feel a little stiffer, a little harder to butter, a little harder to maneuver at slower speeds, but give you more stability at speed, better float in powder and give you a little more room boot-wise.
If the 156 is a similar effective edge to what you’re riding now, then you shouldn’t feel it being too big. And yeah, if you were to put on weight, then the 156 would probably become the better fit, depending on how much weight you were to put on.
Great reviews! These have really helped me to narrow down my snowboard choices.
I am leaning towards Assassin Pro, but I am afraid that I am little bit between sizes.
I am intermediate rider and I’ll mostly ride groomers and occasionally off-piste. Slopes in here are quite short, so I am not planning to bomb these, and I want somewhat playful board to do it all in resorts. Still, I want a board that can handle some speed if necessary.
I am 6’3″ tall, 180 lbs and using US 11 boots. I’ve been thinking about sizes 158W, 162 and 163W.
158W. Considering my height this can feel little short. However, it is in the weight range and I think that width is good for US 11.
162. Somewhere in the middle but width 258mm can be on the lower side for 11s even though I am not much of a carver.
163W. Width 266mm and length seems little big and I am worrying that it will loose its playfulness.
What would you think? I hope you can give me some advice since you have ridden the board.
Thank you!
Hi Juho
Thanks for your message.
Given that you’re on a smaller mountain with short laps, I would say that 158W would work well. Weight is really the most important thing for length sizing. I like to take height into account, but weight is definitely more important. The 162 would also work. I think it would be just wide enough, especially if you don’t lean low into your carves. So if you wanted to go longer and narrower, I think the 162 is certainly an option. If you’re used to riding more around that 162 length, then that’s something to consider as well.
One more thing, though, if you’re looking for something relatively playful, the Assassin Pro is relatively aggressive. It’s not ultra-un-playful, if that makes sense, but it’s not super playful either. I would also consider the regular Assassin, if you’re looking for more playful, particularly if you’re on a smaller mountain.
Hope this helps
I want to thank you for your help. I eventually bought the Assassin Pro and I really love it on bigger mountains. As you stated, it’s not super playful and that’s why I am looking for a park board as my second board.
I would like to have a board that’s floaty and that I can use to do ground tricks, butter and hit the side hits. I am not planning to hit any big jumps or rails anytime soon. So maybe the rocker board is way to go but I am not sure if I could get away with something like Salomon rocket camber too?
I’ve been thinking following boards:
Capita Scott Stevens Pro (157 will be a tight fit with US11 boot)
Salomon Villain Wide
Salomon Huck Knife Wide
I would appreciate if you could share some of your thoughts on this one too.
Thank you!
Hi Juho
Thanks for your message.
Glad you’re enjoying the Assassin Pro – and I definitely get it, if you’re wanting something more playful to compliment it in your quiver.
If you’re not looking to get big air and want to do mostly butters, ground tricks and side hits, then I think the Scott Stevens Pro could work really well (the biggest question mark is width, more on that in a second). It would offer a really good compliment to your Assassin Pro, IMO.
The Villain is also an option. I haven’t ridden it so I can’t say from experience how it would compare to the Assassin Pro, but it is likely to be noticeably more playful. Unlikely to be as playful as the Scott Steven’s Pro though.
The Huck Knife is a little more aggressive. To me it’s in between the Assassin and Assassin Pro. It is softer flexing than the Assassin Pro, for sure, but it’s got a more aggressive camber profile. If you’re looking to go really playful, as something really different to the Assassin Pro, then it might not fit that bill perfectly.
From Salomon, you could look at the Sleepwalker. Again, I haven’t ridden it, but everything in the specs says it’s going to be nice and playful.
If you wanted other options you could also check this freestyle list out
In terms of the width of the Scott Steven’s Pro. With 11s, it’s pushing it. The 157 is likely around 266mm at the inserts. It’s narrower than I’d typically recommend for 11s, but if you’re going to be riding with freestyle binding angles, like +15/-15 or similar, aren’t going to be doing any really deep carving with the board, then I think you get away with it. If you have low profile boots, that would really help too.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Command you for an awesome website! Your reviews and comments have been really helpful in my search for the right stick.
I am looking for an All Mountain Freestyle / Aggressive board. I’m an intermediate rider, see the mountain as a playground, always on a look out for something to jump/drop off, doing it all with a good measure of speed. To add to that, I’m looking to ride the park a bit more, and slowing things down a bit.
Based on your reviews, I have short listed Jones Mountain Twin, Lib Box Knife and maybe even the TRice Pro, Salomon Assassin/Pro, Never Summer Proto Type/ Synthesis. I have to admit, my head starts spinning when I try to figure out suitable model and corresponding size based on my specs: 190lbs, 12 boot size, 6’4”. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. And if you think that there is a board that I’m overlooking then please let me know.
Many thanks!
Hi Seb
Thanks for your message.
I think that’s a good list. The Mountain Twin and Box Knife not overly aggressive – and the Assassin not super aggressive either. Still suitable, but if you want to go more aggressive, then Assassin Pro a good choice. The Proto Synthesis a little more aggressive than Box Knife/Mountain Twin but still not super aggressive either, in my experience.
So I think I would be leaning Assassin Pro from that list. I did find T Rice Pro quite aggressive, but overall didn’t like it that much. Some swear by and others, myself included, not really a fan of it.
Size-wise, I think around 159-161 for your specs for an all-mountain freestyle board. And wide for your specs. That puts you right in between for the Assassin Pro, unfortunately. If you felt you wanted a little longer, then 163W, but I think I would be leaning 158W if you did end up going Assassin Pro. For other options, check out:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, love your informative reviews and was thinking maybe you can help me out. I am very interested in both the Assassin and the Assasin Pro but I’m afraid my specs might not be so compatible. I am 5’8” 155 pounds size 11 boot. I wanted the 156 but don’t want any toe/heel drag. And I feel the 158W would be too hard to maneuver for me but maybe not? Do you think I’d fit right on either one of these sizes? Or do you have any other board recommendations that are similar to the assassin or Assasin pro but maybe a little wider for an 11 boot? For reference I am a fairly advanced intermediate looking for an all mountain board than can handle speed and hard carves, but will also be playful to butter around and pop off of side hits. Also has to be able to handle both ice and powder. (I will use this mostly on the east coast but will be making a trip out west this year). Thank you!
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, unfortunately I do think the 156 will be too narrow for 11s, particularly as your looking to do hard carves. Otherwise, both boards would fit what you’re describing well. And yeah, I think the 158W is getting too big. Certainly if they had like a 155W, then I think that would work well, but unfortunately not.
Some options that are worth checking out for what you’re describing, and should work well size-wise too:
– GNU Finest 155W
– GNU Rider’s Choice 155W
– Never Summer Proto Synthesis 154X
– Salomon Huck Knife 155W
– Salomon Huck Knife Pro 155W
– YES Ghost 153 or 156
– YES Greats 154 or 156
There are reviews for most of those on this site, if you wanted to check those out to see what you think.
deciding between assassin pro or the capita asymulator, thoughts?
if it helps im 5’8, 150lbs, use size 9 32 tm-two and usually ride hardpark snow of ontario. and any binding reco’s? I was considering flux DS, cartels, malavitas or union strata
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I would say that the Assassin is slightly better in hard/icy conditions. Not a lot in it, but just a little better there. Apart from that there are some subtle performance differences. The Assassin is a little more stable at speed and just a touch better for powder, with the Asymulator just a little better for spins, switch and jibs. Both very similar for carving, turning, buttering and in uneven terrain.
Size-wise, I would say 154 for the Asymulator and 153 for the Assassin. The Assassin 153 is marginally narrower than the 154 Asymulator, but only very subtly, but if I had to choose size-wise, I’d say the Assassin is a slightly better size for your specs. But that’s definitely not a deal breaker, both those sizes would work IMO, but if you needed a deal breaker. That said, the 152 Asymulator would also work and would depend on some things – like 152 would be better if you valued maneuverability at slower speeds over stability at high speeds and if you rode quite a lot of freestyle and/or trees. The other thing to consider is what you’re used to riding. Like if you’re used to riding something considerably longer or shorter than 153/154, then you should take that into account too.
For bindings, any of the bindings you’ve mentioned would match well with either board. They’re a good flex match and would work well, IMO, and they’re all good quality bindings. Seems like you’ve done your research on those?
Hope this helps
Nate, thanks for your very long and detailed response. I am coming from a 153 bataleon whatever (loved the TBT) with union forces. Ive tried cartels and malavitas, malavitas are superb but I am interested in new stuff and flux has always interested me. I have found demo Flux DS for $150 off the 2021 models. They are about $50 cheaper than cartels and $120 cheaper than malavitas. so thinking about picking those up.
Nothing is wrong with my bataleon and it does quite well in powder and I can switch back to that for those days.
seems like I cant go wrong with either board guess it will depend on price and availability.
Hi James
The DS are good bindings, I own a pair (ex demos as well!). They were my first test bindings. They’re solid and can’t go wrong with them, IMO. The new ones have a better strap now too (really like Flux’s waffle strap) compared to the model I have.
Based on your size of the Bataleon Whatever, and the more I think about it, the more I would be leaning towards the 152 for the Asymulator (still 153 for the Assassin). 154 would still work, but I’m more leaning 152 now.
Hi Nate,
Just found your site recently and I appreciate all the info and detail you go into with your reviews! It has been certainly given me more good info with which to make a decision!
I am 6′ tall, 220lbs, and I have US10.5 K2 Maysis boots. I am going to try use the Flow NX2 Hybrid bindings (because I hate bending over my gut to strap in lol). I want a board that is all mountain but also good to let me start doing more park runs.
I have been looking at the Capita Mercury 161, the Super DOA 161W, and the Salomon Assassin Pro 163W. I have concerns about maneuverability with those lengths, but that’s where my weight puts me. What thoughts or recommendations do you have about those boards or others?
Or the the Yes Greats?
Hi Roy
Thanks for your messages.
Size-wise, for an all-mountain board, at an advanced level of riding, I’d say something around 163, 164 for your specs. However, there are other factors to consider. If you consider yourself at more of an intermediate level, then sizing down a little is a good idea. And given that you’re wanting to do more park runs, I think you can go a little shorter. Given that you’re looking for all-mountain and not purely park, I wouldn’t take off too much length though.
Another factor, however, is the width. With 10.5 boots you’re kind of on the cuff between wide and regular. If you go too wide that can certainly affect maneuverability. With something a little wider than ideal, you can size down a bit in terms of length to get some of that maneuverability back. So, there’s a few things to consider in terms of size, beyond just the weight recommendations, IMO.
That said, I think the Mercury in 161 would be a good size. It’s not overly wide, but wide enough for your boots, IMO.
The Super DOA 161W is a little wider, but still not super-wide, so I think that’s also doable in that size.
The Assassin Pro 163W is wider again, and I think in terms of the combination of width and length, you might find that size has some maneuverability issues for you. I would go 162 instead for the Assassin Pro. Would be a little narrower than the options above, but I think you would still get on it width-wise and overall a better length/width combination for what you’re specs/how you’re describing your riding, IMO.
The Greats, would have to be the 159, because the longest it gets, but I think that would work. It’s certainly on the shorter side for you, but it’s also quite wide, so sizing down a little bit makes sense. If you like the idea of going shorter, then that’s certainly an option.
In terms of which board you go for, I think it will partly depend on whether you’ll be seeing much powder, particularly deeper powder, in which case, the Mercury is the best of the 4, IMO, followed by the Assassin Pro, followed by the Greats, followed by the Super DOA.
If no powder, or if you only really see shallow powder, then they’re all options for sure. All can certainly be taken in the park. The better options in the park are the Greats, Super DOA and Assassin Pro, IMO, but the Mercury still can certainly take in the park.
For reference in terms of width, these are the estimated width at inserts for those sizes:
– Mercury 161: 270mm at back insert, 268mm at front inserts
– Super DOA 161W: 272mm at both inserts
– Assassin Pro 163W: 275mm at both inserts
– Assassin Pro 162: 267mm at both inserts
– Greats 159: 276mm at both inserts
Hope this helps with your decision
Been on the Burton SK for a couple years now and had some fun with it. Looking for something maybe a tad stiffer that charges a little harder and more suitable for some jumps and side hits. I pretty much enjoy the entire mountain though. I’m torn between 3 boards really: Salomon Assassin Pro, Burton Deep Thinker, and the Burton FA. Any recommendations or pros and cons I should be aware of with those 3 boards? Thanks Nate.
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
From those 3, I would be looking at the Assassin Pro. The Deep Thinker and FA are both stiffer and will charge harder than the SK but they’re not that well suited to jumps and side-hits, IMO, certainly not to the extent that the Assassin Pro is. The Deep Thinker and FA are what I would call freeride boards, like the SK, but they’re stiffer and slightly less directional – but still very directional. The Assassin Pro on the other hand is what I would call aggressive all-mountain-freestyle and fits you’re description vs the SK well, and is a good compliment to the SK (assuming you were going to keep both).
The biggest downside of the Assassin Pro versus the Deep Thinker and FA (and SK) is that it’s not as good in powder. It’s still better than a lot of boards in its category in powder, but a step down from those 3, IMO.
You could also check out more aggressive all mountain freestyle boards here:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
But I think the Assassin Pro would be a great option for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
been loving your reviews and insights on snowboarding, i’ve been looking for a one-board-quiver and i had my eye on the assassin pro.. im 6″2″, 154 lbs, and 11.5 boot size, im looking for a board that can carve hard, pop, charge a bit, but still be nimble and fun at slow speeds to ride with newer friends..
I’m thinking about getting the 158w, which i’m a bit on the lower side of the suggested weight range, I read your article about flex, and i am athletic but i am skinny, do you think it’ll be too stiff for me?
Hi Din
Thanks for your message.
I think the Assassin Pro fits your description very well. It’s got you covered for everything you mention, IMO. As long as you’re not all day, everyday in deep powder or doing a lot of boxes/rails etc in the park, the Assassin Pro is very versatile, and definitely cover carving, pop and still being fine at slower speeds.
Definitely get your hesitation, in terms of being at the lower end of the recommended weight range. However, I do think the 158W would be your best bet. Particularly if you’re looking to hard carve, with 11.5 boots, you’ll definitely want to go wide – and having some good length helps with hard carves too. Of course, you’ve got to temper that with not going so long that you loose all maneuverability at slow speeds, which understandably is what concerns you with that length and how the stiffer flex and that kind of length will affect that. I think maybe ideally something around a 156W, if it came in one, might be ideal, but I think the 158W is your best bet of the available sizes.
In terms of flex, it will likely feel a little stiffer than what I felt it at, given where you are in the weight range. But I don’t think it would feel too much more than 7/10, max 7.5/10 flex, I would say. For hard carves and stability at speed, that stiffer flex certainly helps. But it also can make things harder for slowing down and messing around at slower speeds.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much for the reply Nate! really appreciate your feedback, it did help me a lot being more certain about going with the pro.
just wanna ask you for advice for one more thing before I seal the deal..
I wanna understand more your viewpoint on how it will affect me if it being a bit stiffer for me will affect my riding at slower speed and in what way it will make things harder, will I be able to enjoy riding with newer friends / friends who are starting out you believe?
Hi Din
I found the Assassin Pro quite nimble at slower speeds, especially for a stiffer board. But in general, all else being equal, a stiffer board tends to be more cumbersome at slower speeds, as can a longer board. I find that if it’s too long or too stiff that you find yourself having to put more effort than you should to throw the board around, when riding slower. The Assassin Pro is likely to feel stiffer to you, than it did to me, which means you probably won’t feel it as nimble at slower speeds as I did. But I still think it will work for you in that scenario. Like I say, I think something more like 156W would be more ideal, but I think the 158W would certainly work, but will be just that little bit harder work than it would be if you had it in a shorter length. Hard to say how much you’ll feel that compared to what I got out of the board, but likely to be to some extent.
Hey Nate- I really appreciate you insights on gear…. always informative. I’m looking to get the Salomon Assassin Pro but I’m stuck between getting a 159 or 162. I’m 190lbs,, size 10.5 shoe, and 5’9″. I’m freerider that loves to ride switch and hitting side hits all day. I don’t spend anytime in the park and prefer to play on the mountain and charge hard. I enjoy speed. I also love riding moguls and trees. Do you think a radius of 8.1 and an effective edge of 1230 on the 162cm is too much for tight situations? Is the 159cm enough to hold it’s edge and feel stable when charging? – Thanks
Hi Rick
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards 159 for you. I think that’s about right for your specs and I would say that it should be fine in terms of stability and edge hold when charging. I rode the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots) and even in the 156 found it good when charging. Now, I’d probably go with the 159 if I were to buy it, particularly if I was going to be riding it the way you describe your riding. But I think the 159 is going to be enough in terms of charging, but going to work better for trees, side hits & moguls. The 162 would of course be more stable at speed, but I think the 159 would be enough for your specs and I think the sacrifice in terms of charging would be less going with the 159 vs the sacrifice in terms of maneuverability going for the 162, for your specs.
In terms of width, the 159 is on the narrow side of what I would consider for 10.5s, but within range, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Solid advice once again Nate! “The sacrifice in terms of charging would be less going with the 159 vs the sacrifice in terms of maneuverability going for the 162.” that sums it up for me. – Thanks
You’re very welcome Rick. Hope you have an awesome season!
I picked up the 159 and enjoying it. Thanks again Nate!!!
Hi Rick
Thanks for the update and glad you’re enjoying your new board!
Hi Nate,
I’m Aaron from Italy and I must say that your website is my first reference for reviews and hints on snowboarding. I’m about to get a new all mountain-freestyle board with hybrid camber… Actually I’ve been looking for a camber-rocker-camber (isn’t your favorite?) as I think it’d be more playful than the rocker-camber-rocker considering also I am not a powder lover… I found both the Rome Factory and Reverb at a good price, which have the C-R-C construction. Then I found the Salomon Craft at the same price, which has the Rock Out Camber (R-C-R) just like the Assassin (Pro). Having now a dilemma on which would be the best board/brand/camber among the mentioned boards, I’d appreciate your thoughts about it…
Cheers and keep up the amazing job!
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
I actually really like both the camber-rocker-camber (hybrid rocker) and the rocker-camber-rocker (hybrid camber) but both do have a different feel for sure. Hybrid rocker profiles tend to produce a looser, more playful feel and the hybrid camber a more stable feel bordering on a locked in feel, depending on how much camber is there. So yeah, either can work, but if you think you like the sound of that looser/more playful feel, then go with hybrid rocker.
I don’t currently demo Rome boards so I can’t say much about them but from what I’ve heard, their hybrid rocker profile, on recent boards is quite camber dominant with just a little rocker between the feet – but I can’t confirm this.
Some other all-mountain-freestyle options which come to mind, with a hybrid rocker profile are the GNU Rider’s Choice, Never Summer Proto Type Two and Lib Tech TRS. Not sure what price you can get these for at the moment though – whether you can find a past year’s model in your size. 2 of these made my top 5 all-mountain freestyle list with the TRS not far off. This list is going to be updated soon and the TRS might make the 2019 list.
Hope this helps
Have you got on the 19 yet?
Hi Jarod
Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to ride the 19 yet.
Can you comment on the stiffness of the Assassin vs the Pro? Is the pro still playful enough to butter and press at times? Thanks!
Hi Chris
To me the Assassin feels medium but on the softer side of medium – I would say 4.5/10, it’s just that little bit softer than pure medium. The Assassin Pro on the other hand, is more on the stiffer end of medium – around 6/10 I would say, bordering on 6.5. There is definitely a noticeable difference.
The Assassin is definitely easier to butter/press but it is still doable on the Assassin. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, you’ve got to put more into it, but it’s doable – the rocker tip and tail help for butters, IMO. But yeah, that extra stiffness makes it a little more challenging to butter with.
Hope this helps
Great. Thanks for the detailed reply. I ride hard and fast, all-mountain freestyle, and prefer jumps to rails in the park. It’s difficult to find a stiffer board with some press-ability to suit my frantic style. I got my hands on the Assassin for the first time today. The flex was very linear, but felt on the soft side of medium as you had mentioned. I’ll be buying the Pro, blindly with confidence. Thanks again.
You’re welcome Chris – hope you enjoy the Assassin Pro and have an awesome season on it!
Nate,
Thanks to your help, I wanted to reply again to give your readers some perspective after I spent an unreasonable amount of time debating between the assassin and the assassin pro.
I am 195lbs, 6’2″, lived in Tahoe for 11 years spending 60+ days on the slopes per year (advanced – expert). I ride aggressive, fast, yet playful, all-mountain freestyle with a significant amount of time in the park, 80/20 jumps/jibs. I was raised on traditional camber boards, tried the rocker hybrid and never fell in love.
I debated between the 160W Assassin and Assassin Pro, and was actually able to touch them both in store. (When sizing: notice that the effective edge of these boards is shorter thanks to the rocker tip and tail). I went with the assassin pro.
I haven’t ridden it yet (of course I strapped in on the living room floor). I am certain of this: it’s going to require more effort and precision than the regular assassin. The Pro felt noticeably less forgiving (and you’re right about the stiffness of them both). If I weren’t feeling ambitious about this season I would have bought the regular assassin because it had almost the same snap as the pro with a softer, forgiving flex and didn’t feel sloppy or loose at all. They both feel similar to traditional camber, but quickly sit down flat between feet. Both boards stiffness is mostly linear from binding to binding (maybe a hair softer in the middle), then softens a little between binding and tip, with a marked rebound in the tip and tail (you can really feel the carbon stringers).
Since I am yet to ride the board, my assessment is hearsay. As an experienced rider, the Assassin Pro feels like it’s going to make you work harder, potentially with a big reward.
My first impression, don’t bother with the Pro unless you’re advanced and ride hard. If you want an all mountain board to butter around at slow speed, you’re beginner -intermediate, or don’t ride super fast: the regular Assassin will be more than adequate. Websites are trying to sell advertising to visitors, so they tell you what you want to hear; the pro is stiff and not especially forgiving.
I’ll keep you posted if something changes after the snow falls, but I’m confident in my first impression just jumping around in the living room. Hopefully I won’t regret the decision to get the pro!
Hi Chris
Thanks heaps for your feedback, really appreciate it! Look forward to hearing what you think once you get it out on snow.
Hey do you have a review on the gnu headspace?
Hi Tristan
No review on the Headspace unfortunately – not a board that I’ve had the chance to ride.
Previously I would have considered the Headspace predominantly a jib board, based on specs – but the 2017 and 2018 models now have C3 camber (where it used to have BTX) – so basically it was practically all rocker before, but it’s now practically all camber – so it’s a big change. It will likely have a much more aggressive personality now – probably not as good for jibs as it was, and certainly not as playful, but likely better in terms of speed & carving – but it’s still freestyle oriented – but just less jib specific than it used to be. But yeah, I don’t have first hand experience with it, so I couldn’t say for sure.