Hello and welcome to my Salomon Huck Knife review.
In this review I will take a look at the Huck Knife as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Huck Knife a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Salomon Huck Knife
Price: $449 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 79.8/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 27 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
- The average score was 80.9/100
- The highest score was 94.4/100 (see below)
- The lowest score was 69.7/100
- The average price was $486
- The Huck Knife ranked 15th out of 27
Overview of the Huck Knife’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Huck Knife’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
| Style | All-Mountain-Freestyle | Flex | Medium (5/10) |
| Ability Level | Intermediate to Advanced | Feel | Stable |
| Weight | Normal | Turn Initiation | Medium-Fast |
| Camber Profile | Hybrid Camber (but mostly camber - Salomon's "Quad Camber") | Shape | True Twin |
| Stance Setback | Centered | Edge-hold | Medium-snow |
| Price | $449 (USD) | Base | Sintered |
Sizing
| Size (Length) | 148 | 152 | 155 | 155W | 158 | 158W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 248 | 251 | 253 | 260 | 255 | 263 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 100-145 | 110-160 | 125-165 | 145-195 | 145-195 | 145-210 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 45-65 | 50-73 | 57-75 | 65-88 | 65-88 | 65-95 |
Who is the Huck Knife Most Suited to?
The Huck Knife is suited to anyone who wants to ride freestyle over the whole mountain but also wants to ride in the park.
The Huck Knife can lay down a decent carve too – so if you like to carve between popping off lips, ollying over rollers and buttering your way down the hill, then this might be your kind of board.
It’s an intermediate and up board so not really for beginners. You’d want to have a decent amount of mountain hours under your belt before riding this thing.
It’s also great for anyone wanting to save a few dollars – it’s a good bit cheaper than the average board in this category.
The Huck Knife in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Huck Knife is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Salomon Huck Knife 2017, 155cm (253mm waist width)
Date: April 9th, 2016
Conditions: Icy at the start of the day, but softened up in the afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky! It was the ideal day – in terms of the weather – apart from forgetting my sunscreen!
Bindings angles: +18/-9
Powder
Not heaps of the deep stuff the day I rode, but anything that I could get a floaty feel over top of felt ok on the Huck Knife. It’s never going to be a powder hound but it can survive in it.
There’s a bit of rocker in the tip and tail of this board and that definitely helps – though it is predominantly camber. It’s centered and a true twin shape which isn’t ideal for powder.
Carving and Turning
You can definitely lay down a good carve on this thing. I rode the Huck Knife mostly in the afternoon when it was a bit softer but parts of the hill that were still hard/icy it held its edge ok in a carve. And in the slushier parts it was even better. Definitely better in medium snow than icy snow.
In terms of standard turns it’s reasonably quick from edge to edge and quite maneuverable – it’s got a stable feel underfoot. It’s not a loose board by any means. It likes tight quick turns too.
Speed
It’s not a speed demon but it’s reasonably quick.
Provided you keep the sintered base waxed this thing will definitely be fine on any flat spots.
It also has a medium flex so that makes it quicker than if it had a soft flex. It doesn’t have a directional shape but overall it’s an averagely fast board – probably about right for how you’d typically want to ride it.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Let’s see what some others thought of the Huck Knife
Uneven Terrain
Like a lot of things with this board, it’s decent on uneven terrain. This board doesn’t really have any major weaknesses, nor any outstanding strengths – it’s got great all round properties.
Jumps
This board has plenty of camber underfoot and that really helps to give it some good pop. So popping off jumps, rollers, lips etc is really fun on this board. The camber between the feet is subtle but the camber directly under the feet is more exaggerated and that’s what really helps with the pop on this board.
Small to large jumps in the park are great too – it’s stable on landings and that’s helped by its camber profile and that medium flex – it’s forgiving enough – but also doesn’t curl up too much on landing the medium to large jumps as a slightly softer board might.
Switch
It felt pretty much as good as you would want a board to riding the other way.
It’s got a true twin shape and a centered stance so it wasn’t surprising that switch was easy – it’s also not an overly aggressive board – despite all that camber (the camber between the feet is quite subtle – directly under the feet more pronounced) so for those that aren’t that good at riding switch yet it’s relatively forgiving – but it’s not that un-aggressive either, so it’s not the best board for riding switch but it’s still pretty good.
Jibbing
The Huck Knife isn’t a jib specialist – but it’s certainly good for the part time jibber.
Pipe
I didn’t take it into a pipe but I think it would be decent based on feel and specs.
It’s got a stiff enough flex for the pipe and it’s got a centered stance on a true twin shape – a bit more edge-hold would make it better in the pipe.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The 2017, 2018 & 2019 models of this board are all very similar.
Changes from the 2016 Model
The Huck Knife is brand new. The 2017 model is the first incarnation of this board. Though it is essentially replacing the Sabotage which is not in the Salomon line-up this year. The Huck Knife is slightly different to the Sabotage though – it’s not just a name change.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Jumps: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Jibbing: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Carving: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Powder: | 2.0 | 4/10 |
| Speed: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Pipe: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 79.8/100 |
I’m not a big fan of the graphic on this board (something that doesn’t personally come into my decision making though) but otherwise it’s a solid all-mountain-freestyle deck that really is an all-rounder. You can ride freestyle anywhere, and also lay down a good carve when you want to. You can take it pretty much anywhere on the mountain too.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Huck Knife, are ready to buy or just want to research current prices, check out the links below.
If you want to check out other all-mountain-freestyle decks or compare the Huck Knife to others, check out the next link.
>>My Top 5 Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
How can you not give a true twin board a 5/5 rating for switch riding? It makes no sense, as it is exactly the same as riding it regular. What would make it better? Exactly what features does a board that you rate 5/5 for switch have? Centered stance? Twin Shape? Twin Flex? Maybe you need to get better at switch riding, or not use arbitrary numbers…..
“It felt pretty much as good as you would want a board to riding the other way.” and also “it’s not the best board for riding switch but it’s still pretty good.”
Hi Serious Question
Here is your serious answer.
True twin (which assumes twin flex) and a centered stance is definitely good for riding switch. Almost perfect – but I actually prefer an asymmetrical twin for switch riding. An asym twin makes riding more natural on the heel edge, whether you are riding in your natural direction or your switch direction, in my opinion. Not everyone likes asym – but this is my take on it – so it’s not just arbitrary numbers.
Also I can’t assume that everyone can ride switch perfectly so the rating also takes into account how easy it is to ride switch. If it’s an aggressive board and therefore more difficult to ride switch for those that aren’t expert at it – then it’s not going to get a full rating.
So yes, there are boards that I rate 5/5 for switch but not this particular board. If you an expert at riding switch, then it won’t be an issue for you. But this review is for everyone not just for you.
Hope this answers your question
How does it compared to the Sabotage? Want to find a replacement for my Sabotage. If this is not a good one, which can be?
Thank you
Hey
I’d say that the Huck Knife is the closest thing to the Sabotage. When I requested the Sabotage to demo last year they said they weren’t doing the Sabotage for 2017 but try the Huck Knife instead. I couldn’t say for sure without really testing them head to head on the same day – but I think they are very similar rides. Both Hybrid Camber (but mostly camber really) and both true twins with a centered stance. Both similar if not the same in terms of flex.
They’re similar but not the same. The Huck Knife is a little wider (in ratio to length) than the Sabotage and it’s got slightly less effective edge (in ratio to length) and a deeper sidecut (in ration to length). So they are a bit different but I’d say that the Huck Knife is the most similar board to the Sabotage that I know of.
The Salomon Villan is also quite similar.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Just wandering how this board (or the 2018 version if its any different) would stack up against the 2018 Burton Process Flying V or vice versa?
Ive read/watched a lot of reviews on each board and have come to the conclusion that the Burton is a little softer and a little less stable on groomers due to the larger rocker area between the feet.
I am tossing up between the two boards and am not sure which way to go. I would class myself as an intermediate boarder who likes a bit of everything. Park (still very new to the park but learning), groomers, bit of back country and who doesn’t love playing in powder.
Which board would you say is the better out of the two?
Cheers
Hi Brendan
This is how I’d compare these two boards. The first table is for the specs of the board and the second table is how I rate both boards side by side.
I think overall that the Process Flying V would be your better bet. You’re going to loose a little when it comes to speed and carving compared to the Huck Knife and when it comes to edge-hold in harder snow, whilst neither are great, the Huck Knife would be the better there I would say.
But overall the Process Flying V is going to be better in powder (partly because of the extra rocker in the profile and partly because of the setback stance) and is also going to be better on jibs which will make them easier to learn when in the park. There’s not much in it but overall on balance, given that you like to do a bit of everything, the Flying V is, IMO, a more do-it-all kind of board.
Hope this helps
Can’t decide between the huck knife, doa and outsiders for all mountain freestyle
Hi Dave
I personally like the DOA the best out of those 3. They’re all reasonably aggressive all-mountain freestyle boards – with the Huck Knife probably being the most playful – but still on the more aggressive side compared to the average all-mountain-freestyle deck – if that makes sense. So if you’re looking for a hard charging all-mountain-freestyle deck, then these fit that category and the DOA is the best at doing that in my opinion.
I’ve classified the DOA and Outsiders as “aggressive all-mountain-freestyle” and the Huck Knife as “all-mountain-freestyle” but I was close to classifying the Huck Knife as aggressive all-mountain-freestyle – so it’s similar in that sense.
Also, the Huck Knife would be the softer flexing of the 3, but not by much – I’d say 5/10 for Huck Knife and 5.5/10 for DOA and 6/10 for Outsiders.
Also, just so you’re aware, these boards aren’t really suitable for beginners – so you’ll want to be a solid intermediate rider or up to ride these boards.
So, yeah, I’d say DOA assuming you like to charge hard but still ride freestyle and that you’re a more advanced rider. But also check out the following for more details, so you can see which might suit you the best.
~ Capita DOA Review
~ Capita Outsiders Review
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks, Nate! I’ll either pick up the doa or the huck knife. I will test them out and see which one I like better. What board size should I get, I am 6’4, 208 pounds and 12 us shoe size. I was thinking of getting the 158w for both boards. Pair it with union force bindings and 32 lashed, 32 zephyr or dc mutiny. Still can’t decide on the boot haha. Would the vans hi standard be good for the huck knife or is it too soft?
Hi Dave
For your size I would size up to the 161W for the DOA. Huck Knife the 158W is the largest option and only option that will suit your boot size. You could try 158W on DOA as well, but I think that’s getting pretty small for your specs – but if you’ve ridden longer and shorter boards and prefer something around that 158 length, then personal preference does come into it – but generally speaking I think the 161W would be a better length for you.
Unfortunately, I think the Vans Hi-Standard would be a bit soft for either board. You’ll want something a bit more responsive. Union Force are a good option in terms of bindings though. I think the Lashed, Zephyr or Mutiny would be a better match – probably with the Mutiny being the best option, just, if they fit well, but if the Thirty Two options fit your feet better, then go with them.
Hope this answers your questions
Ok, just one more question. I do prefer shorter boards but the maximum rider weight for the 158w doa is 190 pounds. Can I get away with riding it or should I go for the 161w which fits into my weight range?
Hi Dave
You could probably get away with the 158W. It will probably just feel like the board is a little softer flexing than it would if you were in the weight range. How much it changes the flex feel is hard to say, but it will feel softer than for someone who was within the weight range. If you prefer and are used to riding more in that 158 range, then that should be fine – since most boards in that 158 range don’t typically have a weight recommendation over 200lbs (with the Huck Knife being one of the exceptions of course). But those weight recommendations are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules – but yeah, if you’re used to riding that size, then you’re likely riding outside of the weight recs anyway.
Hi Nate
Thanks for your detailed review, I’m thinking of purchasing this board very soon as I’m fining my 2016 rome agent rocker(camber) too stiff and the lacks playfulness that I’m looking for. Could you recommend a size for me ? I’m 6ft 85kg size 10UK shoe. According the chart both 155W and 158 would fit, they also do a 158W. (my current board is 158W)
Thanks .
Hi Stuart
I think the 158 or 158W would be the best sizes for you, depending on your binding angles. If you have something like +15/-15 (i.e. with a reasonable angle on your back foot), then you should be able to get on the 158 width-wise. But if you have a straighter back foot, then the 158W would be the better option.
The 155W is doable but that’s getting quite short for your specs. That said, it would be quite playful at that length. But I think the 158 would be a better balance for you. If you were using the Huck Knife as your playful, park board – that kind of thing, and had a longer board for other riding, then the 155W would probably then be the preference. So, if you were planning on keeping your Agent rocker, then the 155W becomes more appealing – but if this is going to be your only board, then the 158 or 158W (depending on binding angles) is going to be the better bet, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks very much for your detailed reply. Although I think I want the 155mw I think your right about stepping up to the 158. I ride +12/-9 atm working towards +15/-15. My local store does not have any MW in stock but does have the 158 so I’ll take my boots and try it for size. Thanks again
You’re very welcome Stuart. Good idea to take your boots in to see how it looks.
Hi Nate
One question.
I picked up the Huck Knife recently.
The Huck Knife’s features represent my riding style 100%.
I’m looking for bindings at the moment. I’m in between the Union Force, Contact Pro and the Salomon District. I’ve read somewhere that the Force might be too stiff for the board and Contact Pro would be a better fit.
Which one would you recommend out these 3? Would you say here it only comes down to what’s appealing to my eyes?
Currently they are almost the same price in my region (Central EU).
Hi Armin
There are a few differences between those bindings.
I would say that the Contact Pros are the best match. I don’t know that the Force would be miles too stiff but probably on the stiffer side. But the main reason I would go Contact Pro’s over the Force for this particular board is board feel. The Contact Pros flex much more naturally with the board (mainly because they have a mini-disc) and personally I like to have that board feel when riding this kind of board. The Contact Pro is also a good flex match – the Huck Knife is a medium flex but probably just on the softer side of medium – maybe a 4.5/10 – the Contact Pros are a 4/10.
The District would also work in terms of flex (4/10) but they don’t have as good a board feel as the Contact Pro, IMO.
The District does have a bit more in terms of ankle support compared to the Contact Pros – the contact pros have a looser more surfy feel in that sense – but they’re still quite responsive, especially for their flex – more responsive than the Districts, I would say.
In terms of shock absorption, the Contact Pros are better too – more cushy – the Force and District about the same in that respect.
If you want to check out more details, check out the reviews below:
~ Salomon District Review (this is reviewing them as beginner bindings, but they are also good as freestyle bindings)
~ Union Contact Pro Review
~ Union Force Review
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Im looking to snag some end of season deals and am looking for a board that I can spend the day in the park with. Being 5’11” 180 with a size 11.5 boot, I have my Proto Type 2 for all mountain charging and park laps, but would now like something more park oriented.
I like jumps but am limited to smaller ones (40 footers) and butters are my thing, but would also like to Jib a little more. (Unsure of stiffness and stability to go with)
I have been eyeing up the:
Funslinger, Huck Knife, Ultimate Ride, Space Case, Scott Stevens Pro and the Villain.
So in addition to my Proto Type 2 (158w), in your opinion, what would be a fitting park board for my goals?
Thanks Nate!
Cheers
Hi Kai
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of size, since you will have it as your dedicated park board, I think it’s a good idea to size down a bit, and there’s no real downside to doing that since you have your PT2 for the rest of the mountain. So something around 154 to 156 would be a good range to look at, IMO. With 11.5s, that might narrow down your options in itself, if you do decide to go for that kind of length.
First one I would cross off would be the Ultimate Ride – it’s not a board I’ve actually ridden, but based on the specs, I would say it’s a little on the stiff side to be a dedicated park board. Probably a little aggressive too, and not something, by the looks of it, that would be easier to butter or jib. But again, that’s just based on specs. The Huck Knife would be a better Salomon option, IMO. The 155W.
The Funslinger would be a great choice for what you’re describing, IMO. Great for butters and jibs. The 154X would be a great size too and make it different enough from your Proto Type 2. The one potential downside (and maybe it could also be an upside) is that it’s kind of like a softer, shorter Proto Type Two – all though it does have a bit of a different shape as well – it’s a little narrower overall, per length.
The Scott Steven’s Pro isn’t one that I’ve ridden but I have ridden the Ultrafear (2017 model), which is very similar. This would also be a great choice and would be a great size in the 155W, IMO. The Ultrafear is a jib machine – but definitely good for butters and really fun for smaller jumps – not as good on the larger ones – but it sounds like you won’t be on them anyway.
I haven’t ridden the Villain, so I couldn’t say for sure there but I suspect not as good for butters or jibs as the Funslinger and Scott Stevens Pro.
I would be leaning towards Funslinger 154X or Scott Stevens Pro/Ultrafear 155W – actually maybe only the Ultrafear comes in the 155W.
Oh yeah, the Space Case too – I would say not as easy to butter as the Funslinger or Ultrafear and not quite as good on jibs. More of a medium flex (whereas Funslinger/Ultrafear more medium-soft). But a sick board in the park none-the-less, but something that’s best for jumps – and can tackle those big jumps really well. So for your particular situation, I’d still say Funslinger/Ultrafear/Scott Stevens Pro (if it comes in the 155W).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision