Hello and welcome to my Salomon Huck Knife snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Huck Knife as a 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 freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Salomon Huck Knife
Price: $529
Style: Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (6/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 83.7/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Boards
Of the 33 current model freestyle snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Huck Knife ranked 18th out of 33
OVERVIEW OF THE Huck Knife’S SPECS
Check out the tables for the Huck Knife’s specs and available sizes.
SPECS
STYLE:
FREESTYLE
PRICE:
$529 - BUYING OPTIONS
$499 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
HYBRID CAMBER
HYBRID Camber - Salomon's "Quad Camber". Very subtle rocker - close to full camber.
SHAPE:
setback stance:
Centered
BASE:
Sintered
weight:
Felt normal
Camber Height:
6mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
149 | 248 | 100-145 | 45-65 |
153 | 253 | 110-155 | 50-70 |
156 | 255 | 120-165 | 55-75 |
156W | 262 | 175-240 | 80-110 |
159 | 257 | 145-200 | 65-90 |
159W | 264 | 200-275 | 90-125 |
162 | 260 | 200-275 | 90-125 |
Who is the Huck Knife Best Suited To?
The Huck Knife is best suited to an experienced park rider who wants to be able to hit bigger jumps/features, as well as more moderate ones, but the ability to go big. And one that also carves well and feels stable at speed.
Not for beginners. It's not super catchy or anything, but it's not catch-free. Not completely forgiving if you don't ride it confidently and technically well.
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 2024, 156 (255mm waist width)
Date: April 3, 2023
Conditions:
Sunny. Some clouds, but very few.
Temperature was -4°C (25°F) and same with wind in morning. -3°C (27°F) and -6°C (21°F) in the afternoon. 5kph (3mph) westerly morning. 10kph (6mph) westerly in afternoon.
24 hour snow: 0" (0cm)
48 hour snow: 16" (40cm)
7 day snow: 24" (60cm)
On groomer: Real nice! Soft packed but not sticky or slow or anything. Just really nice.
Off groomer: Really nice too! Super fun to be off today. Not what I'd call epic fresh pow or anything but good leftovers.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 263mm (10.4")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Response ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Control Board for Control Laps: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Weight: 2980grams (6lb 9oz)
Weight per cm: 19.10 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.71 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 250 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 models. So the Huck Knife was a little heavier than average on snow, but felt normal on snow.
Powder
We had some good leftover powder to test in. The Huck Knife felt pretty sinky in it. It handled it OK as it wasn't super deep or anything. But could tell by how it felt that it would struggle in deeper powder - and even in what we had was getting that back leg burn.
And the specs don't suggest it would be good either -with very subtle rocker in the profile and being a centered stance, true twin.
Carving & Turning
Carving: For a predominantly park board, the Huck Knife could lay down some good carves. The predominantly camber profile and a flex that's stiffer than most park boards, helps here for sure.
Turning: It's not an effortless turner, but still nice and easy to initiate turns on and slash the tail out.
Maneuverability at Slow Speeds: Pretty agile edge to edge. Felt good for short/sharp turns at slower speeds.
Catchiness: I wouldn't describe it as catchy. It's not the most catch-free ride you'll ever experience, but it wasn't super catchy or anything.
Speed
Pretty stable at speed. Not an out and out bomber but decently fast and decently stable when at moderately high speeds.
Uneven Terrain
Crud: It's not super damp but it's not super chattery. It handled crud decently well without being amazing.
Trees/Bumps: Decent edge-to-edge quickness so always going to be OK when no powder in trees. Not as good when powder in trees.
Let's Break this Text up with a video
Jumps
Real good!
Pop: Really good pop and its pretty easy to access most of it. You've got to put a bit of effort in to access it but you don't have to put everything into it. When you put more in you get more back though.
Approach: Nice and stable and pretty good in terms of making adjustments and doing speed checks when you need to.
Landing: Stomper. Some mild catchiness on speed check after landing jump but nothing crazy.
Side-hits: Really fun. Not the perfect side hit board but still really good.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Really well suited to larger jumps, but just as good for medium/small jumps.
Switch
Really good for riding switch. Transitions weren't completely catch-free feeling, but decent enough.
Spins
Great pop and does well setting up and landing switch.
Jibbing
Decent. Not my ideal jib board - I prefer something a little more consequence free and softer/more playful, but decent and if you're a confident jibber, it should do well for you.
Butters
It doesn't take too much effort to press the tip and tail. And naturally, being a true twin, the tip/tail feel the same, so you get that consistency between tip/tail. Can lock in nicely.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 12/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.7/100 |
The Huck Knife's biggest weakness is powder, which is typical of a predominantly park board.
It's biggest strength is jumps, particularly bigger jumps and it's ability on groomers, when you don't want to be in the park or no your way to the park. It can lay down decent carves and has decent stability at speed 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 some other freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Huck Knife compares to other freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hey Nate,
I’m an intermediate rider in NJ so I do have to deal with firmer/icy conditions. I’m 6’0 160lbs and size 13 boot.
I would say I’m an intermediate all-mountain rider and want to transition to a board that can keep up with my friends on the mountain while being freestyle-oriented enough for side hits, butters, small-medium jumps, and smaller park features. I’m definitely an intermediate rider, but in the park I’m a complete beginner, only hitting a few boxes in my life. Powder riding is not important because I’m in NJ and we get no powder.
I’ve done a lot of research and I’m torn between the huck knife and capita outerspace living (Which I could get for 25% off right now). Your recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Evan, thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Huck Knife for you, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I feel it has better edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. And secondly because it’s a little better for the freestyle side of things. Previously I would have said that the Outerspace Living would have been the easier option to get into freestyle on, but the most recent model didn’t feel as easy going as previous models. I wouldn’t say the Huck Knife would be the easiest to get started with freestyle on, but given that you also want something that keep up as well, you’ll have to compromise on it being super easy to get started in freestyle on anyway.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 158. For the Huck Knife, I’d be looking at the 156W and for the OSL the 157W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the help. Are there any other snowboards that you think would be better for me?
Hi Evan
Firstly, I’d look into the YES Greats in the 156, particularly given you’re on the East Coast. It’s my go-to for icy conditions and would fit what you’re looking for well. The Rome Agent Pro would also be worth looking into as well – the Agent (non pro) could also be an option. Would be easier to progress in freestyle on than the Agent Pro, but also less stable at speed, so there’d be a trade-off there.
A couple of other boards that I think would work well for you, that I’ve tested recently, but are new for 25/26, so not out yet, unless they have an early release this season (which sometimes they do), are the YES Sender, the GNU Upgrade and the Lib Tech dPr. Unless they have early releases you’d have to wait for them for next season though.
Hi Nate,
I think I’m an advanced beginner, if not a bit immediate. I started boarding 3 years ago and wanted to buy a new board. Until now I had a Salomon Ace from 2011 (162W). According to my research it’s already a freestyle board. I also started with the board. Now it’s time to buy a new board. I find the Huck Knife very visually appealing, but I am unsure whether it is the right choice for me and which size would be the right one.
I’m more into all-mountain than park, but I’m still interested in freestyle on the slopes. Something like driving switch and doing one or two jumps, but I don’t want to miss out on good carving and speeds of up to 60-70kmh. I weigh 95kg (198lbs) and am 180cm (5’9″) tall. My boat size is 10.5. Do you think that a 159 HK would be the right choice for me or would another board be better suited? Or even another board better suited to my use would be suitable.
Many thanks for your response
Hi Micha
The Huck Knife is more freestyle oriented, but it can carve decently and handle a decent amount of speed. I wouldn’t say it’s beginner friendly, but it’s intermediate friendly, IMO. So, it might be a bit of a stretch if you’re beginner bordering intermediate, but you might be OK. It’s fairly stable at speed and can do 60-70kph. It did start to feel a bit wobbly at that kind of speed for me, but it holds on. To get a beginner/intermediate friendly board that can also handle those speeds is a bit of balancing act.
So, I think it’s doable. But some other options here, here and here that you might want to check out too.
Hope this helps
Dear nate, I always read your reviews, keep up the good work you are a great contribution to world snowboarding
I just had the opportunity to buy a Huck 2023 pocket knife at a fairly affordable price, I am from Chile and it is difficult to find the model here, but I have wanted to try it for several years, I am a rider of 170 cm and 70kg in weight and size 9.5 of boots. I also have a fix nation M, I bought the huck knife 2023 148cm, before I had a capita doa 2018 measuring 150cm and both are similar so those 2 cm less I think I would like them more since I am a fan of butter, side hit and jumps medium. What do you think about the fact that the 2023 model is said to be more rigid than previous models? I saw that this still makes it more stable but less playful, what do you think about the 2023 model and its compatibility with my equipment? This is the first time I have ridden a small board.
Saludos De Chile !!! 😀
Hi CM, thanks for your message.
The Huck Knife isn’t the most playful freestyle board. It’s stiffer than a lot of freestyle/park boards. But it’s still nothing that’s super stiff or really unplayful or anything. It’s on the more aggressive side for a freestyle/park board. But in the 148, I don’t think you’d have any trouble buttering it. The tip and tail still have a good bit of flex in them. I felt the 156 at a 5.5/10 flex. 156 is a pretty typical size for me, in terms of this kind of board. But for an all-mountain board, I’d be more around a 160. I would put your “all-mountain size” at around 155. So where I went down around 4cm from my all-mountain size, you would be going down 7cm from your all-mountain size – which means that it will likely feel softer and more playful than how I felt the 156.
Another thing to note is that the Huck Knife doesn’t feel any stiffer or less playful than the DOA to me (both in 156), so if you found the DOA 150 was fine in terms of its flex/playfulness, then you’re likely to find the Huck Knife 148 to be just a touch softer and more playful than the 150 DOA.
Hope this helps
Hi! Nate I’m looking for the best length for my Huck Knife and nirto team pro. I am 188cm tall and weigh 88kg boots size US10.5 binding angle 15 -15 80% in the park
Hi Gilbert
Thanks for your message.
Thanks for your message. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161/162, but given that you’ll be riding this 80% in the park, I would size it down to the 159. With 10.5s and +15/-15 binding angles, the 159 should be wide enough for your boots, so you don’t need to go wide in this case, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Busting my brain trying to decide my size. I’m 5’8 and used to ride a Burton process 155 as an all mountain board. I weighed 165 at this time. I then purchased a volume shifted ride warpig at 148. I now want to get my first park board. I’m not too crazy for big jumps but love side hits, rails, boxes etc and want to get better at buttering. I’m stuck between a 153 and a 149 for the 2025 huck knife. Also to call out I’m down to about 150-153 pounds. I feel like my current all mountain size is a 153 so wondering if it’s okay to go down to the 149. The weight chart on the board specs does not agree so lol. Also, will I survive in powder and deeper snow in the 149 if I take it out there.
Nash
Hey Nash, thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 154. Since this is going to be your park/freestyle board, I would size it down a bit – and sizing down by 5cm, if it’s going to be your dedicated park/freestyle board – and particularly if you’re not going to be going for big air, is fine to size down, IMO. But if you could also let me know your boot size, that would be great, to confirm that it would be suitable. I wouldn’t worry too much about their weight recommendations. Especially when you look at their weight range for the 156W compared to the 156. I’m a believer in having a wide board in the same length be no a heavier weight range, but not that much difference! It may be a typo, it’s that far out (I just went to the Salomon website to update the weight recommendations for this board). In any case a 149, so long as it works for your boots, isn’t too small for you specs for a park/freestyle board, IMO.
In terms of taking it in powder, it wouldn’t be an easy time, IMO. It’s not a great board for powder to begin with – and if you’re sizing it down, then that’s going to reduce it’s powder capabilities even further. Sizing for powder is the opposite – you want to go bigger (or at least more surface area – so that could be longer or wider – overall bigger) – so pretty tricky to get the sizing right for something you want to be your park and powder board. Anything is doable in powder, but this in a 149 for you will be a serious back leg burner, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi !
I’m 183 cm / 74 kg / and just bought salomon lace sj boa in 43.5 Euro
I’ve been riding for nearly 7 years on a GNU carbon credit 156 but i don’t find it stable enough mostly in terms of pop/landing and I don’t know if it mainly comes from the rocker profile or the rather narrow witdh of this board (25 cm for my 156 version).
Now I want to buy a 2024 huck knife as a daily driver (50% park, 50% groomers) mostly to learn basic spins and grabs in the park but I dont know which board size is better, so what would you recommend ?
Also, would you recommend M or L union strata/ultra bindings ?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Anthony
Thanks for your message. I think the 156 would be your best bet. The Carbon Credit isn’t the best for solid landings, mostly because of the predominantly rocker profile and softer flex. The Huck Knife is predominantly camber and a little stiffer. You should, from my experience, get significantly more in terms of both pop and in terms of being able to stomp your landings more.
With your boot size, it’s right in between for Union bindings. I haven’t had 10.5s (US equivalent of Salomon EU43.5s) in Medium Unions, so it’s hard to say for sure. I’ve had 10s and they’ve fit no problem, so I think you’d be OK in the M, but no guarantees. I’d go M if you could, but the L would probably be the safer bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thx Nate for your help 🙂
I still can’t decide between a 156 or 159 huck knife (or maybe Jones tweaker).
As you pointed out, 156 could be the best bet in terms of playfullness which I like, but I dont know if M bindings (L could be too big on a 156 board?) would fit my new Salomon launch boa EU43,5…
As far as my former nitro phantom Medium are concerned, they seem slightly too small for my salomon launch…
Hi Anthony
If you went Union Strata, then the L might be a bit big for the 156, but you shouldn’t have any problem with the Ultra L on the 156 Huck Knife, IMO. It’s not as long in the baseplate/footbed as the Strata is. While I haven’t measured the L version, the M has a 23.8cm footbed and 23.6cm at the baseplate. Not sure what the L is but it’s only likely to be max 2cm longer, which, even if it’s that much, should still fit.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the detailed information. I have some questions regarding snowboard selection. I am 6 feet and 170 lbs, with a boot size of 28.5cm. I’m looking for an all-mountain or all-mountain freestyle board. I consider myself to be at a low-intermediate level. Most of the time, I ride on groomer slopes, but I plan to try out the park in the future. I might also attempt some carving, potentially not at very high speeds, so I’m looking for a versatile board.
If I were to purchase the Huck Knife, what length should I go for? Is 156w or 159w more suitable for me? I’ve tried the 159w, and initially found it a bit challenging to control, but after a day of riding, it felt okay. Considering that I plan to try out the park in the future, would the 156w provide better control and more fun?
I also have the option to buy a used Bataleon Goliath in 158w. Since I often ride on groomed slopes where the snow conditions may be icy, would the Bataleon 3BT technology make me more prone to slipping?
Apart from the two mentioned boards, do you have any other recommendations?
Thanks,
Hi Walter
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159. However if you’re going to go wide, then I would go to the 156W, particularly as you’re going to want to progress in the park later. With mondo 28.5cm boots, you’re right on the cuff between regular and wide, so the 159W is going to be wide for your boots. The combination of length and width makes it a little too big to be ideal, IMO.
But depending on your boots (how low profile they are), your binding angles, and how deep you intend to carve, you might be alright on the 159 regular width too. If it’s between the 159W and 156W I would be leaning 156W.
I would say the Huck Knife is a little better in hard/icy conditions, but the Goliath isn’t terrible in those conditions, in my experience – but also not high-end icy edge-hold either.
If you wanted to check out some other options, you could also look at the following:
>>Our top 10 All Mountain snowboards
>>Our top 10 All-Mountain-Freestyle snowboards
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for your response and advice. There’s one more thing I forgot to mention—I’ve already purchased a size L Union Strata, and I’ve noticed that its footbed is quite long. The baseplate measures 25.4cm, and the footbed is 27.3cm. That’s why I’m considering getting a wider board.
If I go for the 159 Huck Knife with a 257mm waist, would it be too narrow, causing the bindings to overhang? (My snowboard boots are Nitro Team with a shell length of approximately 31cm.)
Would it be more suitable for me to use the M size Strata instead?
Thanks again,
Hey Walter
Yeah, the Strata has one of the longest footbeds I’ve measured in the M, so I suspected the L would be quite long.
For the 159 Huck Knife, you’d be looking at around 265mm at the inserts, assuming a 22″ stance width. So you would be getting a bit of footbed overhang, though since the footbed is higher, I don’t think 4mm each side would be an issue. The only thing is how well you’d be able to center the bindings, so that the footbed/baseplate was even towards the heel side and toe side, while at the same time getting fairly even boot overhang too. Because the Strata does have a moveable heel cup, you might be able to get it in a good position. But there isn’t any gas pedal extension (though you’d want gas pedal reduction in this case most likely as your overhang is more likely to be too much on the toe side) and you can’t run the mini-disc vertically, so you can’t get extra centering options with that. It’s hard to say.
With 15 degree binding angles, for example, that would reduce your overall overhang by around 10mm and make it more likely to fit them on.
But yeah a little bit of footbed overhang should be OK and you shouldn’t get any baseplate overhang. So, would depend on how well you could work out centering with both boots and bindings.
With 31cm boots I would be pretty comfortable with their overhang, you’d be looking at around 4.5cm of total overhang or 2.25cm per edge, assuming perfect boot centering. That could be reduced to around 1.75cm per edge with a 15 degree angle. So I think you’d be good in terms of boot overhang.
In terms of getting 28.5s in an M Union binding, it’s close. I have had 10s that have maxed out the M and for those particular boots probably wouldn’t have gotten a 10.5 in them. But they were 31cm in length, so would have been more like 31.5cm in the 10.5. So you may be able to get the Nitro Team 10.5s in there. But no guarantees.
Hi Nate,
I am 5’9″ and 165lb, Look for a board for Butter, Park, Jumps specific. I’ve snowboarding for more than 100 days , but pretty new to the Butter, Park and Jump. Can do easy tricks, ride extra small or small features in Park, can do straight air on small jumps. I am a Salomon fan so looking at the Huck knife, not sure what size should I go for this board since they removed 155 this year, I think 153 should works fine since looks like the 153 have pretty similar effective edge as last year version 155, but one concern on that is the recommend weight from Salomon is 50-70kg which is around 110-155lb. but for 156 looks like pretty similar effective edge as last year 158 version, I think that’s too long for me since I am new on park. Can you please advice which length should I get?
Hi ZT
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157/158. But as this is going to your board specifically for park/freestyle, I would size down to the 153 and I wouldn’t worry too much about being a little over the weight recommendations. It’s going to be easier to butter, pop, spin, ollie and jib on the smaller board. The 156 would give you a little more of a stable platform for landings and faster approaches to bigger jumps, but I think the best bet, particularly as a newer park rider, would be the 153. And like you have pointed out, the 153 has pretty much the same effective edge as the 2023 model’s 155 and the 156 is pretty much the same as 2023 model’s 158. So I would be leaning 153.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I would like to purchase the Salomon Huck Knife 22/23.
But I’m a bit confused. I skated Salomon Pulse 156 before. and I’m 174cm tall and weigh 85kg. Based on my height, it seems like I should have purchased the 155, or even shorter. But based on my weight, it seems like I should go with the 158.
Based on previous experience , I’m about 30% in the park and the rest of the time I’ll be focusing on all-mountain skating.
Which snowboard do you think would be a better fit for me?
Hi Bai
Thanks for your message.
Both sizes are in range for you. Can you let me know your boot size as well. If the board is on the wider side for your boots, then it’s likely that the 155 will be the better bet, so knowing your boot size would help to make a more accurate recommendation.
Hi Nate,
Thanks a lot for ur reply.
i have a 10 Boot from Nitro sentinel tls.
Thanks.
Hi Bai
It’s a close call between the 155 and 158. The 158 would be the closest to your all-mountain size, IMO, but given you’re riding in the park as well, you might like the 155 more. If you like to ride fast and carve hard and see a bit of powder, when you’re not in the park, then I think the 158 is the best way to go. But if you ride with more of a freestyle flair and don’t tend to bomb too fast or anything, when not in the park, then I would be leaning 155.
Hey Nate,
thanks a lot for ur nice answer.
Thats helps me a lot!!
You’re very welcome Bai. Hope you have a great season!
Nice review! Waiting for your putting your hand on the Huck Knife Pro.
Hey Vincent
Would love to give the Huck Knife Pro a spin. I got on the new ’24 Huck Knife this winter, but didn’t get a chance to get on the Huck Knife Pro yet unfortunately.
Hello, Nate.
I am a newbie snowboarder and a friend gave me a 153cm salomon Huck knife . Do you think as a newbie can use it? Also what bindings do you recommend to go with it. Please recommend a few. will the union ultra and nitro team/team PRO fit it?
Hi Sai
Thanks for your message.
It’s not something I would typically recommend for a new snowboarder. It’s quite camber dominant, which beginners can often find catchy. And while it’s not super stiff or anything, it’s still stiffer than I’d typically recommend for a beginner. If it’s small for your specs, then that would make it more manageable (smaller boards tend to be easier to turn and if your weight is high for the board size, then the flex will feel comparatively softer). If you wanted to let me know your height, weight and boot size, I can let you know if it’s small for your specs or not, but even if it is, it’s not something I would recommend for a new snowboarder.
Hope this helps
Hey nate,
I have a 149 standard and a 148 warca 63-64kg. now trying to get a park board i have recently demoed huck knife, doa and artifact pro which one do you recommend? it seems to me huck knife is the most playful perhaps i needed more time to extract the good bits from artifact pro/ doa too.
Also according to the chart it seems i should be getting 153 (2024 version) it says 50-70kg there.
Any opinions would be nice thanks!
Hi Herrick
Thanks for your message.
Given that you’re looking for a park board (and assuming you’re looking for a playful one, rather than looking to go big all the time), I would go with what feels the most playful to you. If I was going with a park specific board, I would be leaning Huck Knife over DOA. I haven’t ridden the Artifact Pro yet so can’t really say there – the regular Artifact is likely to be more playful as it’s rated as softer flexing.
Size-wise, even though you don’t necessarily need to size down as much as you would for wider boards like the Standard and Warca, I wouldn’t ride it as long as 153. Particularly given that it’s still going to be wide for your boots. Looking back on past comments it looks like your 5’8″ and have 8.5 boots. At 64kg, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 152. But if this is going to be your dedicated park board, I would size down from that. And if it’s going to still be wide for your boots, I’d size down a little more. Sounds like the Huck Knife is changing for the 2024 model, so I’m not sure what sizings they are offering, but I’d be leaning more 148, if it was the ’23 model. And generally I’d be looking at going 150 or less.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate!
Yeah this will probably be my park specific board but when I am in whistler often times I ride with friends all over the place and I would find jumps everywhere whenever I can as well.
So I also tried HK pro as well and it seems it would handle the speed a bit better. I think it pop about the same as HK but its not as easy to get the ollie since its stiffer. Is 149 going to be ok too because the width is similar to that of standard? Pro is even lighter than HK alone. The weight range for 149 and 153 are 45-65 and 50-70 so I got confused…
Hi Herrick
I think the 149 would be your best bet. I haven’t seen the specs for the 2024 model yet, but even if it’s the same waist as the Standard 149, it’s likely to not be quite as wide – as the Standard is wider than the waist would suggest (because of the mid-bite). Whilst brand weight recommendations can be useful as a guide, I wouldn’t use them as the be all end all of sizing. They don’t take into account boot size, height, ability level or style you’re looking to use the board for. Being towards the top of that weight range feels right to me for your overall specs and use purpose.
I had the Salomon Hucknife for one month, the top layer delaminated. Put the board for warranty, Salomon declined to replace or fix the board. Would not recommend any Salomon snowboards due to their bad quality and service.
Hi Nate,
looking for a park board that is for replacing my NS protolsinger 2021. This is my 2nd season, I guess I gave a hard time for the protoslinger to practice a lot of jibbing and almost 80 days in this season, which cause a tiny crack on the edge already. Therefore, I’m looking for a board that is more durable.
I mainly to jibbing but would like to progress from medium jump to large jump as well.
Riding tree is also my favourite on powder day but I don’t think more than 10 days in a season.
Which one is best suited for me? Huck knife, huck knife pro, Nitro T1 or something else?
Should I pair up with Rome Katana or Union Strata?
Thanks!!
Hi Bosco
Thanks for your message.
Pretty hard to find a park board that’s also good in powder, unless you go for a predominantly rocker board – which will then still be not great in powder, but better than something that’s more camber dominated. Something like the Lib Tech Skate Banana would work for that – and is also great for jibbing, IMO, but it’s not going to be as good for medium to large jumps.
Can’t say for sure in terms of durability, as I don’t have boards for long enough to test for durability. I do own the Proto Slinger – 2021 model also, but I’ve only ridden it around 8 days – it’s not my main board. It’s held up fine so far (I use it predominantly in the park), but I haven’t ridden it a lot. The Huck Knife , IMO, is harder to jib with. It might be more durable, but really hard to say. Huck Knife Pro would be harder again to jib with – likely more durable but hard to say. For bigger jumps the Huck Knife and Huck Knife Pro are probably a little better. But for medium jumps no better than Proto Slinger – and I’d personally prefer the Proto Slinger on smaller jumps and side hits. For powder, Huck Knife and Huck Knife Pro aren’t really going to be any better IMO. I haven’t ridden the Nitro T1, so not sure there.
What you pair in terms of bindings would depend on the board you ended up getting. For the Huck Knife Pro, I’d probably go Katana but for the Huck Knife leaning more to the Strata.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Just checking out your review of the Huck Knife 2022 and was planning to buy it for the end of this season. I have an old Rossi Templar 2017 that I’ve been learning with but would say I’m intermediate at this point. I’ve been learning butters, jumps and parks this season so looking for an upgrade. Would you recommend the Huck Knife? There’s not alot of pow or long runs where I live so I try to make the most of the short runs. I’m 5’11 and 175lbs, would you recommend 155cm or 158cm? My old board has been 158cm which I got used to for spins and tricks. Thanks in advance!
Hi Jkwan
Thanks for your message.
I think the Huck Knife could work for sure. It’s a little bit of a step up from the Templar, which sounds like you want – and it’s more freestyle focused, which also sounds like it will suit, particularly if you’re not getting a lot of powder runs. If your main focus is freestyle and you’re not really building up speed, then I think the 155 could work. But I would put your “standard all-mountain size” at around 159, so I think 158 is the more pure “do-it-all” size for your specs. And if you’re used to 158 and are fine with it for spins, tricks etc, then 158 is probably what I would be leaning to. But the 155 wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted to err on the more playful, butter, tricks etc side of things. If you could also let me know your boot size, just to confirm (i.e. if your boots were like 8s or something, then makes more sense to size down to the 155).
Hope this helps
Hi, just wondering if this board would be suited for me and if I would get the 155w or the 155. I’m 175lbs and 5’ 9” with 10.5 boots, I like to ride in the trees, occasionally ride the park hitting small – medium jumps and am always on the look out for side hits. I ride powder when it’s about but also like to go off the trail building kickers into powder for a good trick session. I currently have a 151 warpig so that’s suited for powder days so a more playful board would be nice to have.
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
Apart from powder, I think the Huck Knife would work well for what you’re describing. But if you’ve got the Warpig for deeper powder, the Huck Knife should be fine if it’s only moderate powder. But will be hard work, IMO, in deeper powder keeping that nose from diving.
Size-wise, it’s a close call between 155 and 155W. Can you let me know the boots you have and the binding angles you’d likely be riding the Huck Knife with?
Hey Nate was wondering if the 148cm or 152cm huck knife would suit me best. I am 5’5 140-145 lbs. Usually 135ish Lbs. I am an intermediate- advanced rider that likes to hit the terrain park and just a little bit of everything. My last board was a 150cm. Thanks!
Hi Joey
I think I would be leaning 148 if you were predominantly leaning freestyle. If more all-round, then I’d probably still lean 148 at 135lbs. At 145lbs, that’d probably tilt the scales towards the 152, if using as an all-rounder.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all your reviews man! I’m an upper intermediate rider who has been riding mainly bombing and carving groomers for the past 10 years. Currently on a Jones Stratos that I love. However, I’m teaching my little daughter to snowboard and ride with her often on easier, flatter terrain and need to go slower, so I’m looking for a board to do that. Do you think the Huck Knife would make a good “dad board” that would allow me to cruise with her and butter around a bit, or should I go with the Assassin? Thanks man!
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
I would probably go Assassin, just because it’s a little easier going, IMO. They’re a similar flex, but the Assassin has an easier going camber profile. I think both would work and would both be easier to ride slow and butter around, but the Assassin just that little more suited, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I am 5’9 180 (trying to get down to 160-170) size 10 boot and am deciding between a 152 and 155. I tried a 155 YES. basic and felt like it was too long, wide and heavy. It was hard to hold a press (esp on the nose and to do butter nose rolls) and spin. I can’t fully get my hips over the nose or tail on presses, so I think it’s too long. I got the basic since I thought it would be great to work on butters and play around with it but ended up sending it back (mainly because of the length and I want to go for a sintered base). I have a 152 full camber all mountain freestyle board with a 248 waist that’s is stiffer than the basic and it’s easier to spin. It still feels stable at speed and I can press it even though it has a stiffer nose and tail without rocker. I want a board for park and jumps that is easy to lay into a press and easy to spin and throw around but still stable enough for stomping landings. I’m not trying to bomb runs; any speed would just be for approaches. So I want to get the 152, especially since I love my 152 that I have (it’s just under 152). Am I thinking about this right?
Also, I am deciding between the Name Dropper and the Huck Knife. Do you have any thoughts on the two for what I am doing? I am leaning Huck Knife since it seems like my full camber board that I love but with twin tips, centered and probably a little softer. But the Name Dropper has the off axis tech and hollowed core. and it seems great for presses, but I don’t know if it will be too much flex for jumps. I just don’t know and can’t demo where I live. Do you have any thoughts between the two for park and jumps?
I am thinking Malavitas (reflex or EST) for the Name Dropper and Union Stratas for the Huck Knife.
Hi Rayan
Thanks for your message.
Definitely surprised that you found the Basic hard to press. I rode the 158 (6’0″, 185lbs at the time, size 10 boots) and found that really buttery. But it is relative too. And shorter boards are considerably easier to butter. So, given that you’re used to a much shorter board, that’s your reference point – and even a stiffer board that’s shorter, depending on how much shorter and how much shorter, can sometimes be easier to butter. Though I’m still surprised that the 155 Basic compared to a 152 stiffer board was harder to press. Certainly for spinning shorter is almost always easier to spin.
Anyway, between the Name Dropper and Huck Knife the Name Dropper is certainly easier to press, in my experience, but the Huck Knife is still pretty buttery and probably offers you a better balance for both jumps and butters. If I was going Burton, for what you’re describing, I would probably actually look at the Kilroy Twin, which isn’t as buttery as the Name Dropper, IMO, but still pretty buttery, but definitely better for jumps.
Typically I would say 152 too short for you, even at 170, but given that that’s a size that you’re used to and that you’re looking at this board being a freestyle/park specialist, then I think something around 151-153 works in this case.
For what you’re describing, between the Huck Knife and Name Dropper, I would go Huck Knife. You could also check out:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
But I think the Huck Knife 152 would work for what your describing. I think the 155 would be better if you were using it more as an all-mountain-freestyle deck. But for what you’re describing and your experience with shorter boards, I think 152 in this case sounds like the way to go.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for getting back to me. The Basic is definitely buttery, and I could really feel that when pressing at a standstill, but I felt like it was harder for me to lock into a press and hold it than I expected (mainly when nose pressing, tail presses felt great). Maybe my shorter board isn’t easier to press necessarily, but I expected the Basic would be a lot easier to press, but they feel kind of the same. And the 155 Basic felt harder to spin for sure. My 152 camber is a light board that’s narrower and shorter, so I think the Basic being a heavier board and being longer made the difference when spinning more noticeable.
Also, I like stomping landings on my 152 camber board more than the 155 Basic because of the more aggressive camber on it. The Basic’s camber is pretty mild, and the icy and hard pack conditions here make the landings on the Basic feel like a plank. So wanting more camber, a faster base and a lighter board is why I didn’t go with the 152 Basic and instead decided to go with a different board.
Thanks, this was exactly what I was thinking about the Name Dropper. Great as a jib board and for presses, but not as good for jumps. I looked at the Kilroy Twin too, but the Huck Knife is my pick between the two. Do you think it makes sense to have both the 151 Name Dropper and 152 Huck Knife in the quiver, or are they too similar? The Name Dropper just looks like it would be a ton of fun to play around with, but if they’re too similar, then it’s not worth it.
And do you think the 152 Huck Knife will still work for medium jumps? Once I progress to large jumps and pipe, I am planning to get a different deck for that, so I don’t need the board I get now to be great for larger jumps. But I do want it to be solid for small and medium jumps. Eventually, I want to have a quiver with a park/jib board, a large jump/pipe board, and a powder board. Whatever board I get right now would fit in my quiver as the park/jib board, so I don’t need it to be great at anything else.
Thanks a lot, I will definitely go with the 152 Huck Knife then.
Hi Rayan
Makes sense, thanks for the further details.
I think the Huck Knife in the 152 would be fine on Medium jumps. Maybe not so much for large, but I think you’ll be good on medium. And yeah certainly more camber on the Huck Knife than the YES Basic.
Name Dropper and Huck Knife aren’t that similar, IMO. The Name Dropper softer, more playful. Maybe 155 Huck Knife and 151 Name Dropper might be a better mix, but 152 Huck Knife and 151 Name Dropper would still certainly be different enough, IMO.
Hey Nate, hope all is well. Thanks for the help last season. I ended up getting the 152 huck knife. I found out my Jeenyus is a 154, so I was off on that. I started riding park last season and want to focus on that this season (jumps and jibs). Do you think the 152 huck knife would still work for that? I wish I got the 155 knowing now that my Jeenyus was a 154 and the 152 does feel small. I’m just under 5’10 and I’m still in the 180s. Do you think it’s worth getting a 155?
I was looking at the Ride Kink, Nitro T1 and Salomon Villain in a 155 if I get a new board. The kink seems like it would be better shorter though since it’s a jib/street board, and the T1 and Villain would be better both on jumps and out of the park.
What do you think about those or should I just stick with the 152 HK? Thanks again.
Hi Rayan
As a dedicated park board, 152 is doable, but certainly on the smaller end of the spectrum. If you were going to be focusing largely on jibs and butters, then I think it would work in that size. If you’re looking to take on bigger jumps, then I think going to 155 is preferable, to give you that more solid landing platform – and more stability for the faster approach that you need for bigger jumps.
You’ve caught me in an unfamiliar situation – I haven’t ridden either the Kink, T1 or Villain. Not often that happens! But yeah, I would say that the Kink is the softest option of those 3, so likely not as good outside the park as the other 2. But if you’re finding 152 too small and looking for something for hitting bigger jumps on, then it’s probably going to be too soft for what you want, particularly if you were to go 151. Making the assumption that you’re looking to hit bigger jumps, you may not want to go too soft. So probably the T1 and Villain in the 155 more suitable, making that assumption.
Hey Nate, just wondering I’m 5’ 11” 165 lbs and a size 10 boot what do you think is best for me a 152 or 155 really considering this board
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
I would be going 155 for you in almost every scenario. I think that would be a really good size for you, for this board. I’d only go 152 if you were pretty much exclusively riding it in the park and were mostly doing boxes/rails etc and small jumps in there. Otherwise 155 for sure, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I really like your reviews. I’m a 50 yr old former college athlete (so think of myself still as pretty athletic) who’s 5’11 and 160 pounds. I ride mostly in Utah so snow conditions are usually good. I’m mostly into carving, long and quick turns, and finding spots in trees and powder. I’d like to expand my riding to do more than that though. I watch better riders flip and pop their boards seemingly with ease and then transition into some really nice carving. I follow my kids into the park and do a little jumping and may hit an occasional box but not much in terms of other park obstacles. I’ve been riding the same 160 Ride board for 15 years and would like to upgrade. I wonder if you could share your thoughts.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for your message.
Since you’re looking for performance both in powder and park, and everything in between by the sounds, then I think an all-mountain board is the way to go. Something like the Huck Knife not as good in powder – but would go well in the park. For some great all-mountain options check out:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Either that or go with a double board quiver – something more park specialized and more powder/tree focused. If that’s too much investment or if you just wouldn’t be bothered changing boards depending on the days, then I think all-mountain is the way to go.
Size-wise, I think you should try going a little shorter. 15 years ago you were probably told to size based on something like “between your nose and chin” kind of thing. These days it’s more about weight and boot size – and your ability and style of riding. I’d be looking at something more like 157, 158. If you want more park performance – and better in trees you could even potentially go a little shorter than that. Given you like to ride powder I wouldn’t go too much shorter, but you could potentially look at 155-158, depending on whether you want to give more priority to stability at speed/float in powder (going longer) versus park/tree (going shorter).
Hope this helps and if you narrow down a few options, let me know, and I would be happy to give specific sizing opinions for individual boards.
Hi Nate!
Your reviews are awesome and have been very helpful! I was wondering if you could provide a snowboard recommendation for me. I’ve been snowboarding off on about 5 years and I think I consider myself intermediate level. I can link turns on blue, but not really carve, I guess. I bought a season pass this year and am committing to get my skill level up to carve with confidence and speed and maybe go on a black. The only board I’ve ever owned was a 2012 Burton Blunt and found it okay–don’t have anything else to compare it to. I have a voucher to spend on Salomon and based on your reviews, I’ve narrowed it down to the Assassin, Assassin Pro or a Huck Knife. But I also was wondering what your thoughts are on the Villain and the Ultimate Ride and Super 8. I want to have this board for the next 5 years and maybe aim more towards freeriding in the future.
For sizing, I’m 5’9″ and 185lbs with size 10 boots.
Thanks in advance for your insight!
Hi Jer
Thanks for your message.
I think the Assassin is what I would go with for you. The Villain is quite freestyle focused and so is the Huck Knife – and the Huck Knife is a little more aggressive. The Assassin Pro, Ultimate Ride and Super 8 are probably a little above your current skill level and will likely make your progression slower/less fun. The Ultimate Ride (at least the 2021 version, the 2020 and earlier models were more freestyle oriented) and Super 8 are the more freeride oriented boards, the Villain and Huck Knife more freestyle with the Assassin and Assassin Pro in the middle.
Even though you’re eyeing more freeride in the future, I think the Ultimate Ride and Super 8 are less appropriate in terms of advancing your skill level. The Assassin is a good middle ground – should be good for your progression and it’s very versatile. That’s the way I would go for you.
Size-wise, I think the 156 is the way to go. 159 is definitely doable. But I would be leaning 156.
Hope this helps
Thanks so much, Nate!! Assassin 156 it is! Any chance you have a suggestion on Salomon bindings as well? I’ll still have a good amount of my voucher to get the Highlander bindings, but if you have another suggestion based on my board selection and skill level, please let me know.
Thanks again!
Hi Jer
The Highlander works for the Assassin, IMO. I’d say the Hologram is a more pure match, flex-wise, and more intermediate level too. So probably Hologram ideally, but the Highlander would work too.
Hi Nate,
Thanks again for your recommendation on the Assassin–I’m loving it so far! I’m thinking of getting the Salomon Dancehaul for powder days. What size would you recommend? I’m 5-9, 185 lbs, size 10 boot. Plan to just transfer over my Hologram bindings between these two boards unless you suggest different bindings.
Thanks again!
Hi Jer
Awesome to hear that you’re loving the Assassin!
I haven’t ridden the Dancehaul, but for sizing, I would say go 152. It’s a “volume shifted” board and quite wide. Definitely something I would say to size down for. I think 152 would be a good size for you.
Based on the specs of the board, I think the Hologram would work fine on the Dancehaul.
Hey Nate
This question might be a bit out of place but I was looking at the Grom boards as I’m about 5’0 and about 45kg. I had a few people tell me the Huck knife (135) and the Gypsy Grom (133) aren’t that much different from each other. Wanted to know if there’s a big difference between the two and if you’d recommend one over the other. I normally ride a 143 Jones Twin Sister but recently used an old 134 Burton Nugget and really appreciate the smaller size of the board even though it’s meant to ride longer. Would say I’m a high intermediate rider and am looking to spend more time in the park.
Hi Jo
Thanks for your message.
In terms of size, I’m not too surprised you appreciated the 134 Nugget vs 143 Twin Sister. Generally speaking I would say something around 138cm for your specs, at an advanced level. So anything around 137 to 139 for an all-mountain board. And you could take off some length at an intermediate level. For a more freestyle focused board like the Huck Knife or Gypsy (and considering you’re looking to spend more time in the park), you could certainly go shorter than that range. And given you liked the feel of the 134, then something around that could work well.
I don’t deal much with Grom boards, but looking at the Huck Knife Grom and Gypsy Grom, they look quite similar, but not exactly the same. The Gypsy (women’s) is a closer equivalent to the men’s Villian than the Huck Knife. The Huck Knife is a little more camber dominant and overall a little more aggressive than the Gypsy/Villain. But there are a lot of similarities too.
The Nugget looks to be a really easy going board, so the Gypsy is likely to be closer to the Nugget than the Huck Knife – though it’s still more technical/precise than the Nugget – but somewhere in between the Nugget and the Huck Knife. I think being a high end intermediate rider though, that you could certainly ride both – and I think you would appreciate the camber vs the flat to rocker of the Nugget – to give you a bit more of a springy/dynamic/poppy ride.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hello Nate,
First of all, thank you so much for all your reviews! They are helping me a lot with deciding what my first board will be. This might be quite a long post, so you can just read and answer the TL;DR at the bottom if you feel like it.
I am currently deciding between this Huck Knife and the Rossignol One LF as my first board. I’m just wondering if they are very alike or have some clear differences between them.
I’m an intermediate rider (around lvl 5 of this sites index) who would like to be able to learn to carve better (instead of skidded turns 24/7) and I’m also starting to learn some of the freestyle aspects (Can ride switch gently, jump ‘not too high’ and have landed my first 180 FS which was more like a 90 FS). With my new board I’m hoping to learn how to butter decently aswell. So overall, I’m primarily going down groomers but I like fooling around and hitting side jumps. Will probably rarely hit pow.
The Huck Knife has some reviews where it says you always have to be always focused or the board will punish you with its camber. This kinda scares me.
However, the Rossignol seems to have some reviews where it says it’s kind of a beginner board. I just don’t really understand how it would be a more forgiving board than the Huck Knife, since their camber/rocker profiles seem to be matching.
The Huck Knife is described as a park board on quite some reviewing sites, but is here defined as an All mountain-Freestyle board, while the Rossignol One LF is a clear All mountain board. Is this just because the Rossignol is stiffer? Does this mean I’m better off with the Huck Knife when I’m beginning to learn how to butter?
Btw: I’m 175cm-72kg or 5’9″-159lbs.
TL;DR: What are some of the differences between the Salomon Huck Knife & Rossignol One LF, specifically in ‘forgiveness’ during riding casually and being all mountain or freestyle
Hi Stefan
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, the Rossi One LF isn’t what I would call a beginner board. It’s something that a high-end beginner to low intermediate could ride but it goes well beyond that.
There are a couple of things that put the One LF into the all-mountain category (by my definition). Firstly, it has a setback stance. Secondly it is somewhat directional (longer nose than tail). It’s not so directional (or tapered) that I would call it freeride, but that little bit of directional but not that directional is one of the main things I look at for an all-mountain board. But to me all-mountain means do it all – so it can’t be so directional that it can’t do freestyle as well.
The One LF is actually decent for buttering I’ve found. It’s rated 7/10 flex but by my feel it’s defnitely softer than that – more like 6/10 overall. But the tip and tail are softer than that again. It’s quite flexy tip and tail and stiffer in the middle.
Broadly you could say that the Huck Knife is in the same “category” of camber profile vs the One LF – both being what I would label “Hybrid Camber” – being camber between the feet and rocker towards tip and tail. But there are quite a range of different profiles within that broad category. The One LF has quite a bit of rocker. The rocker starts around the inserts and goes out to the contact points from there. There’s 30% rocker in the tip, 30% rocker in the tail and 40% camber which is in the middle. Also the camber isn’t that exaggerated on it. The Huck Knife on the other hand has a more exaggerated camber section (the camber is more extreme if that makes sense). And the camber stretches further towards the contact points. There are just very small rocker sections just before the contact points.
So that makes the Huck Knifes camber profile more aggressive than that on the One LF. And typically that means you’ve got to be more on your game. So, yeah, even though it’s softer the One LF overall, it’s more aggressive and more technical to ride.
If you’re looking for the easier going option, then the One LF is it. And you can definitely ride freestyle with it too. Not as freestyle oriented as the Huck Knife for sure but certainly can do the job.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey man, thank you so much for all this help! Appreciate it a lot. Explanation was pretty clear! Only thing that left me a bit confused is, I’m not sure I understand difference between setback and directional. Doesn’t a board with standard setback stance make it directional by default? Or is there difference between the two?
In the end I did opt for the Huck Knife ’cause I liked the looks of it a bit better (I know, probably revolting to some to let aesthetics guide your decision making) and felt confident enough to ride it.
Once again, big thanks for help. Your site has been an amazing guide in helping me pick my first gear.
Hi Stefaan
A setback stance is one way that makes a board directional, but there are other things that make a board directional. The most common thing is boards that have a longer nose than tail (outside the contact points). So on a directional or directional twin board, even if you have a centered stance, there is still more distance between the front binding and the nose than there is between the back binding and the tail. The setback stance is always measured on the effective edge, not between nose and tail.
You can have other factors that make a board directional, like a directional sidecut or a directional camber profile. But the One LF is “directional twin” because it’s just the slightly longer nose that makes it directional.
Hope that makes sense, and hope you enjoy your Huck Knife!
Hi Nate, thanks for the review. I was wondering if you could help me with a decision. The Huck Knife sounds like so much fun and would be a natural progression for me as I currently ride a Salomon Official. I love a board with lots of pop – however looking for something a bit more on the playfull side with a bit more butterability etc. The aggressive camber profile with rocker at the tips sounds perfect for me and I know I would have a lot of fun with this board. I would say i’m an all mountain Freeride/ freestyle rider – I’m definitely a powder hound first (who isnt!) who loves tree runs, and charging down the hill putting in big carves. But I equally enjoy hitting natural jumps, ollieing, buttering and occasionally going through the park on small/ medium jumps side hits and jibs. I need something versatile as don’t have enough money to get a quiver of boards and the snow conditions in Scotland and the European Alps can be so variable. I have found a great deal for the Huck Knife, however I am planning on going to either Canada or Japan next season and will definitely be chasing the Pow. If I got the Huck knife would I need to get a dedicated powder board as well? Or could I get by with it. I was looking at other ‘all mountain’ ‘quiver of one’ boards like the Jones Mountain Twin, but are a bit more expensivce and i’m worried that I would be disapointed with the pop and butterabilty in this board compared to the Huck Knife. Any help with this would be much appreciated. Sorry for the long winded question!
Hi Innes
Thanks for your message.
You can certainly ride it in powder. And, IMO, any board is fun in powder – it’s powder after all! But you will have to work quite hard to keep the nose afloat with this board in powder – especially deeper pow. That’s definitely it’s biggest weakness. You could set it back and that would make it a little better, but still never going to be a great board in powder, IMO. But if you’re willing to work a little harder in there, then it’s certainly doable.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am confused about buying either this board (huck twin 2018) or the Ride Burnout 2018. I found a 50€ difference (the salomon is the cheapest).
Which one would you prefer?
I have been snowboarding on a bataleon omni for years, but I am sick of its hard flex and of the 3BT…
Hi Oreste
Thanks for your message.
I personally prefer the Huck Knife. But it depends on personal preference. The Burnout is pretty much traditional camber and the Huck Knife is also mostly camber but I felt I could notice the rocker sections just a little more compared to the Burnout.
The Huck Knife is definitely the softer flexing of the 2 – by my feels the Huck Knife is 5/10, whereas the Burnout more like 7/10. So, if you’re finding the Omni too stiff, then I think the Huck Knife is your better bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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