The Slash ATV is a versatile ride but it's ideal rider is someone who loves to carve.
Honestly, I would say that it's the standard by which carving should be judged. I would go one step further and go so far as to say that it would be offensive to own this board without carving on it!
I've ridden the ATV a couple of times in the past (2017 and 2020 models) but then didn't get a chance to get on it after it had some pretty significant changes made to it. So this review hadn't been updated for a couple of years.
Which kind of sucked, because man was this thing was fun to ride back then. I was very glad to have the chance to get back on it, and it didn't disappoint. While the specs have changed a fair bit since that 2020 model, the feel and overall personality of the board is still there and I think they've actually been able to make it even better than it was. For my tastes anyway.
I rode the Apartment 2024 model, but that is being carried over to the 2025 year, in addition to a new graphic - the TopArt version. So two 2025 versions available, essentially. Both versions are the same apart from the Graphic.
In this review, I will take a look at the ATV as an aggressive all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the ATV a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other aggressive all-mtn snowboard snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Slash ATV
Price: $649
Style: Aggressive All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium (5/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium bordering on Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 91.5/100
Compared to other Men’s Aggressive All-Mountain Boards
Of the 18 current model aggressive all-mtn snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The ATV ranked 1st out of 18
Overview of the ATV'S Specs
Check out the tables for the ATV’s specs and available sizes.
STYLE:
aggressive all-mtn
PRICE:
$649 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
Traditional Camber
Traditional CAMBer - But not quite and doesn't feel it, because of the 3D Lift in the nose.
SHAPE:
setback stance:
SETBACK 12.5mm (0.5")
BASE:
Sintered - Slash's "7500"
weight:
FELT Normal
Camber:
5mm
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
155 | 253 | not available | not available |
157 | 256 | n/a | n/a |
159W | 264 | n/a | n/a |
163W | 267 | n/a | n/a |
Who is the ATV Most Suited To?
The ATV is best suited to anyone who loves carving. Seriously, if you love carving, then this should be on your list, regardless of what else you like to do on a snowboard.
Because it's a really good, really fun board for more than just carving, but it's the kind of board that gave me the most carving thrills out of any board in years. And if you're someone who likes to carve, you know what I'm talking about when a speak about the thrill of laying down a mean carve.
So, ideal rider of this board, first and foremost, is someone who likes to carve. It would be almost criminal to own this board and not carve on it. But it is really versatile, so it would work really well as a one-board-quiver, if you weren't needing something with more than an average level of powder performance.
And would be a sick multi-board quiver compliment to a powder/freeride and/or freestyle/park board.
Not for beginners, but it's not something that you have to be too advanced to ride or anything.
TEST/REVIEW DetailS FOR THE ATV
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the ATV is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Slash ATV 2024 (Apartment), 157cm (256mm waist width)
Date: February 14, 2024
Flex
Perhaps the biggest change for the ATV, at least on paper, since I last rode it, was the flex. Earlier models were rated at 8/10 flex. I felt the 2017 at 8/10 flex and the 2020 at a 7.5/10 flex.
You can check out the link at the bottom of this review, if you want to check out more details on those past tests.
And then they changed the flex rating to 5/10! That's quite a drastic change, so, naturally, I wanted to test it to see how much that changed the board. But didn't get that chance until recently, hence why this review hadn't been updated for a couple of years previous to now.
Does it really feel that much softer than before? Not by as much as going from 8/10 to 5/10 would suggest. At least not by my feel. It's certainly softer flexing than it was, but much more subtly. It still feels just a little stiffer than medium to me. 6.5/10 is where I landed, and I feel that's pretty accurate in comparison to all the boards I test. It's not as soft as what I would consider a 5/10 flex.
Powder
We didn't have any fresh snow on the day to test in, but based on specs and feel, the ATV should do OK, but won't be amazing when it comes to deeper powder.
It does have a bit of directional-ness to it, including a small setback, plus a scooped nose, which should help it be a little better than average.
Carving
While there are better carvers at super high speeds, this one is so good at every other speed – like the-most-fun-I’ve-had-carving-ever type of good – that I had to give it a 5.
If your idea of carving is break neck speed this will still be good, but maybe think of it as a 4.5, rather than a 5. For most speeds though, this thing is the standard by which carving should be judged!
Of all the boards I rode in the winter, this one, when carving, was the biggest stand out for me.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: I felt a mildly catchy feel in tail at slow speeds but it's not bad and only really there when actively trying to do fast turns at deliberately slow speeds.
Overall, it's physically easy to initiate turns and slashes, particularly when you're deliberate about it. I'd say easy physically and medium technically.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Really decently agile at slow speeds. You do have to be a little bit deliberate about the way you turn it, as mentioned above, but it can switch edges pretty quickly when you dial it in.
Catchiness: As mentioned above, it's got a little bit of a catchy feel in the tail, when at slower speeds and trying to get quicky edge-to-edge turns in and slashing. But once as soon as I got it up to any kind of moderate speed, that was completely gone.
Speed
While it may not be the fastest, most stable board in this category (that's a tall order to compare to in a category of board that really values stability at speed), it's really decently fast and decently stable at speed. It takes some pretty high speeds before it feels at all unstable.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: Felt really good in cruddy, messy snow. It's not invincible against being bucked around, but is also not easily shaken.
Trees/Bumps: It was pretty quick edge-to-edge and handled weaving between bumps, or absorbing them when going over top of them, really well.
Jumps
Overall, I really enjoyed the ATV for jumping. It had a great balance between maneuverability, pop and stability.
Pop: Overall the ATV had really decent pop, without being epic. That pop wasn't the easiest on earth to access, but it was easier than average. The combination of ease of access and total pop was a really nice mix.
Approach: Great mix of stability for faster approaches and maneuverability for trickier approaches.
Landing: Had a really solid feeling on landing, but not so rigid that you couldn't feel anything and make adjustments on bad landings. And it was maneuverable/forgiving enough that any quick speed checks or maneuvers after landing were easy.
Side-hits: Side-hits are one of my favorite things to do on a snowboard, and the ATV didn't disappoint for this aspect. I wouldn't put it in my top tier for side-hit boards, but was still really good.
Small jumps/Big jumps: This is a board that would be wasted on just smaller jumps, but it's perfectly capable for them. But medium to large jumps - and even XL (though I didn't hit any of those, but I reckon it could handle them fine) are where this board is most suited, IMO.
Switch
Transitions could feel a little catchy at slower speeds, but only a little and overall riding switch felt good and felt very similar riding it the other way.
Spins
The swing weight felt good and it was overall good for getting the rotation around and for spins initiated straight off the ground or on only small take offs, there was good enough pop and easy enough pop to get that bit of air needed.
Setup not completely catch-free but all good, so long as you use good technique.
Landing was overall good. I didn't feel it trying to overspin after landing and if I didn't get a full rotation, it was easy enough to finish the spin or revert/rewind when necessary. Because of how it felt at slower and higher speeds, it was more difficult to revert at slower speeds, because that slight catchy feeling in the tail was only really there at slower speeds.
Jibbing
Decent enough and not something that I found intimidating to take on rails/boxes, but also not ideal.
Butters
I found it took a little bit of effort to get the nose and tail flexing, but nothing too strenuous. Once you got it locked in it felt good and it's certainly not a board I could over flex, personally.
The nose and tail didn't feel identical to press, but they weren't worlds different either.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4 | 20/25 |
| Carving | 5 | 20/20 |
| Turns | 4 | 4/5 |
| Jumps | 4 | 12/15 |
| Powder | 3 | 9/15 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 4/5 |
| Switch | 4 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91.5/100 |
Carving.
Carving. Did I mention how much this board is to carve? If not, then shame on me, because this board is the king of carves, in my experience. But it's also sick to jump with, is decently maneuverable and just all round is fun anywhere on the mountain and doing anything. Sure, it wouldn't be my go-to for powder or jibs, but it can handle them and everything else in between is so much fun on this board.
Is there a downside to this board?
Actually there is. And that's its availability. It is really hard to find. Hopefully it will become more available as the winter comes into view, but for now it's a pretty hard board to find. If this sounds like your kind of board and you can find one, then, if it was me, I'd jump on it right away.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
To learn more about the ATV, or if you're ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
To check out some other aggressive all-mtn snowboard options, or to see how the ATV compares to others, check out our top rated aggressive all-mtn snowboards by clicking the button below.
Hi Nate!
I’m between this and the Yes. Standard (not uninc), for an all-around board that has a very slight preference to freestyling and carving. This board will also be my one board quiver.
Any thoughts to help me make my decision?
-Neel
Hi Neel, thanks for your message.
In terms of preference to carving, the ATV hands down. Not to say that the Standard isn’t good at carving, but it’s a no contest when comparing to the ATV. For slight preference to freestyle, the Standard is a little more that way than the ATV, IMO. If it’s predominantly jumps and side-hits etc, then the ATV is really good there. I really liked it for jumps/side-hits, but the Standard is a little more playful and I preferred it for boxes/rails over the ATV.
If you see powder fairly often and deeper than like 5-6″ at times, then the Standard is, IMO, a little better, IF you make use of the slam back inserts. In it’s regular centered stance they’re pretty on par for powder, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
First of all I want to give you my huge compliments for what you are doing for the snowboarding community all over the world, it is an incredible pleasure to read your reviews and the discussions in the comment section, and my enjoyment on the mountain has increased enormously in recent years ever since!
I was wondering if you already had a chance to ride the ATV 23/24? I have read your past reviews, but when checking the recent years it seems that Slash changed their deck somewhat (especially the flex rating)?
Currently I (5′ 10″, 72 kg, Size 9,5/10 boots (Adidas Tactical ADV ’22)) am riding a Salomon Ultimate Ride 155 (2016) and Burton Supermodel 163 (vintage from 2007, slightly too long for me but plows through everything. Fell in love with the flex and camber profile of the UR and it carves like a dream for me. Had some years of no snowboarding during 2018-2021 but in recent years picked it up on a regular basis.
I ride 80% groomers in all conditions, varying from ice to (hard)packed, moguls and heavy-weight summer-slush. 20% sidecountry, almost no park but I do like some side hits.
In recent seasons I am more developing towards a yearning for turning and aggressive all-mountain snowboarding, charging the groomers and carving more aggressively. Perhaps backcountry excursions in the future.
Regarding skill level, I would say a low 7 skill level on piste, 6 off piste.
Given my change in riding style over the years and the ageing of the UR and SuperM I was looking for a mid-stiff flexing aggressive all-mountain board and had it narrowed down to the Capita BSOD, but I am now doubting since I am not sure how the specs of the ATV have changed over the last two years. Given my liking of the UR it almost seems like a board that would fit me better.
Many thanks in advance for any advice you could give,
Kind regards,
Jeroen
Hey Jeroen, thanks for your message and kind words, much appreciated.
I recently rode the ATV (2024 model, which is going to be carried forward for the 2025 model too) and loved it. Was the stand out of board I rode this season. It is quite different to the older models, but it’s not as soft flexing as the flex rating says, IMO. It’s softer than the last time I rode it, but definitely not a 5, by my feel. I would say it’s a 6.5/10 flex, bordering on 7. For carving, it’s a dream. I haven’t updated the review for it yet (as you can see) but the following is taken directly from my notes:
I’d say not quite as stable at speed as the Ultimate Ride, but not far off. And a little less aggressive than the UR, but you could certainly still get aggressive on it.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for your extensive reply! Your experience with the ATV ’24 sounds like it would be the perfect fit for me and really helps with making a decision.
In the meantime I have also managed to make contact with someone who recently decide to say goodbye to his capita BSOD ’21 after only a few days of riding due to his age. Do you think the boards overlap too much or would there be enough distinction between the two to make for a nice all-mountain quiver?
Many thanks,
Jeroen
Hi Jeroen
They’re certainly not the same board but also not at opposite ends of the spectrum. I’d say the BSOD is a little stiffer, not quite as good for carving, better for powder and a touch more stable at high speeds. So you could use the BSOD for when you have powder and the ATV on other days. I think they would work together in a quiver like that. But if you were wanting a bigger distinction between boards you could pair the ATV with a more powder specialist. There would be overlap for sure, but they aren’t so similar as to be wrong in a quiver together. If the BSOD was bigger as well – e.g. if it’s 159 and you were to go 155 in the ATV for example, then that would add a bigger difference, making the BSOD more powder/big mountain and the BSOD more resort/all-mountain freestyle. If it’s like BSOD 156 and ATV 157 for example, then the overlap would be bigger and less differential.
Hi Nate, I will jump in here 🙂 I have a similar question as Jeroen but applied to jumps. I spend most of my time on the jumps (mostly about 30feet ones) and I am wondering how is the new model on that area. And also, how would the new one compare to the old one when in powder? Thanks for a great job man!
Hi Ricardo, thanks for your message.
I really liked the new model for jumps. And the new one is a little better for powder, IMO, because of the 3D shaping in the nose. Still not super suited to powder, but did get a little better, IMO. Updated review very close to coming out.
Hi Nate,
I love your reviews and have probably read very many of them which helped me purchase a Yes PYL. Amazing board and handles ice beautifully. I live in eastern Canada and therefore pretty much always ride ice. I’m looking for a board to compliment the quiver that is a good carver. I’m a decent carver but would like to get better and the ATV sounds ideal. Not sure if there is a better carver for ice or not. I’d probably get another YES if they had one more for carving.
I’m wondering how well it handles ice and what size would be ideal for me. I mainly ride groomers, no park and don’t do much jumping or switch. Love going fast! Probably intermediate to advanced (friends say advanced) and been riding for 20 years although 5-8 times per year. 5’10” 195lbs with size 10 boots.
I’ve also been looking at the Jones Flagship and Korua Cafe Racer. Have you tried any Korua boards? I have an Otto which is very fun but possibly a little too similar to the Yes PYL.
Thanks for any info you have and once again, love the reviews!
Chad
Hi, thanks for your message.
I found the ATV was good in icy conditions. Not quite to the extent of the PYL, but not too far off. For my most recent test with the ATV, there were quite a few icy areas, and it handles them well. I would say the ATV is the board I’ve had the most fun carving on. It can handle carving at really decent speeds and still feels good there, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the top dog for breakneck speed carving. Definitely for moderate to high speeds – but if you were to throw really high speeds in there. Like over 50mph kind of thing, then there are some that would handle those speeds better on a carve, IMO.
I really liked the Flagship for carving and while it may be a touch better for those 50+ mph carves, I preferred the ATV for carving overall. I’ve also heard others saying they didn’t like the 3D contoured base for carving. I found it was different at first, but after adjusting to it and finding where that sweet spot is, it wasn’t an issue for me, but I have had others say they didn’t rate it as I high as I would for carving.
Haven’t tried Korua yet, unfortunately. Going to try to get on some this winter, if possible, but as of yet haven’t had the chance.
I haven’t tried them yet, but Jones have two carving specific boards that might be worth looking into – the Freecarver 6000 and Freecarver 9000. The 9000 is the stiffer model and might be the one to look into for you, given you like going fast.
Hope this gives you more to go off.
Hey Nate – do you know when the Slash 22/23 ATV and brainstorm models will be released?
Hi Stano
Thanks for your message.
I’m not sure when they’ll come out, unfortunately. But they are typically later to be released than most other brands.
Hey Nate!
I can’t thank you enough for all the work you do on this site.
I’m currently torn between finding one of the few remaining 158 Slash ATV’s out there, or looking at a Capita Mercury or something more free ridey like the Burton Flight attendant.
I’m 5’10, 183, and wear a 10.5 boot. I’ve been snowboarding for about 4 years. Last year I rented the free thinker, which was great but I wanted something that could handle speed better as I prefer to just bomb it down as fast as possible. I’d also like to occasionally go slower when I’m going down the mountain with my wife.
I don’t know if my technical ability is out of control, but I’m honestly in incredible physical shape which I think covers up a lot of lack of technique.
What would you recommend? I need a one board fits all type approach that could handle bowls and zoom. I hate the park and have no desire to ever go to the park.
Hi Barrett
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning ATV or Flight Attendant over the Mercury, given your penchant for speed and no desire to ride park. The Mercury is good at speed, for sure, but you get a bit more speed-wise with the other 2. Also, one of the really good things about the Mercury is it’s ability to also ride the park. Having that and not using it is fine, but I think with the speed improvements you’ll get from the other 2, that’s the way I’d go.
Size-wise, I think 158 ATV and 159 Flight Attendant should work well. If you really wanted to step it up in terms of speed, you could up the Flight Attendant to 162 as well. That’s within your range, IMO, given your riding style and physical shape. If you could also let me know what brand/model boots you ride and binding angles you ride – just to make sure those sizes will be wide enough.
Hope this helps
Ahhhh just now seeing this. Thanks so much for responding your reviews and site are the best out there.
I ride standard 15/15 – currently actually wear a size 11 ride lasso. That’s my concern is wondering if they would be wide enough.
Trying to get fully kitted out though and willing to hear advice. I need new boots, bindings, and board. So I’ve been looking at cartels, falcor or force, or flux because of your reviews.
Boots and board seem the more elusive thing to get right though.
Hi Barrett
Yeah boots and board are trickier to pinpoint than the bindings, but I think you’re on the right track board-wise. In terms of bindings, I would be leaning Falcor – or Atlas – from Union, because they will, IMO, be a better match to the boards you’re looking at, flex-wise. The Cartels and Force would certainly still work, but just on the softer side of ideal for those boards, and given you’re looking for speed. From Flux, the XF would be a really good match, IMO. You could go to the XV even if you wanted. But if you didn’t want to go too stiff, then I think the XF would be a great match.
In terms of boots, it could be pushing it with Lasso 11s. If you could get into a 10.5 in a low profile boot, I think you’d be OK. Again to match the board, I’d be looking to try to get into a boot with around 7/10 to 8/10 flex. I find that I fit a half size down in Adidas boots, which are also really low profile, so the Adidas Acerra, if you can find them, would be worth looking into. But you might fit other brands 10.5s too? Given you initially said you were a 10.5 boot. Some other good low profile options, if you can get in their 10.5s include the Burton Ion (comes in either speed lace or BOA options), Thirty Two TM-TWO (comes in either traditional lace or Boa. Not all 32 boots are as low profile, but the TM-Two’s footprint is quite reduced), DC The Laced (not as low profile as the Acerra or Ion, but lower profile than average – similar in reduction to the TM-TWO). Or something like the Vans High-Country & Hell Bound or Vans Baldface – I haven’t ridden them, but most Vans boots tend to be low profile.
Also check out:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
Hopefully that gives you some options to look at
Would the thirty two tm-2 cot helgason be alright? I found a deal to get them for 200. It’s hard out here in Texas to try that many 😂
Hi Barrett
That’s a really good deal on the TM-TWO XLT (I take it XLT is what you meant rather than “cot”). The Helgason part just refers to the colorway. But the XLT model is different from the regular TM-2. But that’s not to say that it’s not suitable. But note that the XLT model is stiffer. The regular TM-2 is around 7/10 flex, with the XLT model rated more like 9/10 flex. I haven’t tested them, so I don’t know how I would rate them flex-wise, but they are certainly likely to be stiffer. But even if they’re 9/10 flex, that would work with the boards you’re looking at. They’re at the higher end flex-wise, but I think they would still work, if something quite stiff is appealing to you.
Nate,
Ended up with the 10.5 Ride Insanos, cartel x est, and flight attendant. I’m now trying to decide between a 2021 159 FA or a 2023 159 or 162 FA. Any thoughts? Also – god bless you and your help I’d be done without it.
Hi Barrett
Thanks for the update. Please see my reply to your comment on the Burton FA review.
Nate the man! Love this stuff. So here’s the skinny. Been riding the ‘15 ATV model for the last 6 years. It rips. Turns the heads of lifties and fires me back down the hill quickly. Time for a new one. I’m an 11 boot. Ride the 158 now. No issues on drag really. Do I go w/ what I know or consider a “W” model? I’m 6’, 175lbs., 44 years young.
Hey TJ
If you’re not getting any drag issues, I would stick with 158. The ATV got fractionally wider since the ’15 model too, so you’ve got a very subtle amount more width on the ’22 ATV 158. I mean you could step it up to the 159W if you wanted more width, but I’d only do that if you were getting drag. Given that you like the 158 and don’t get drag issues, I’d stick with it. There’s a chance you don’t like the feel of the wider size – and if you don’t need to go there, I wouldn’t.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I decided to go with the Slash ATV for the 2021-2022 season. I love bombing groomers and going fast. I’m just confused on the wide range of bindings to choose from. I think I narrowed it down to these few:
1. NOW Drive
2. Burton Cartel X
3. Union Falcor
A wild card binding would be the Flux XF but I think the low shock absorbency will effect my knees after a long day of shredding hard. Any more information would be much appreciated!
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 210
Boot size 12
Hi Keith
Thanks for your message.
I think those all match the ATV. The NOW Drive would give you the best in terms of shock absorption, IMO. The least shock absorbing being the XF, as you mention. The Cartel X and Falcor give you the best board feel, but still with good shock absorption. The Flux XF good board feel too – and awesome response and ankle support. The Falcor’s are probably the best flex-match to the ATV, IMO – and given the balance of factors, that’s what I’d be leaning towards. But any of those options would definitely work with the ATV – you’ve done a great job with that short list.
Hope this helps
Yes, your comment has been incredibly helpful! I think I’ll go with the falcors. My second question for you, since I’m torn between the two. Do I get the 159w or the 163w board length?
Hi Keith
I think I just answered the same question for you on the other post – but I’ll say it again here so it’s easy to find. I would be leaning 163W for your specs, given that you like to bomb.
Thanks so much Nate! I’m buying me entire set up thanks to you man! Keep shredding
You’re very welcome Keith. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi, Nate. After reading your blog post, I want to know if Slash ATV is a thing for me. I’m an intermediate-level snowboarder and looking for a board which carves well on hard-packed slopes. Thus, your review made me feel it could be a best snowboard for me, but I’m worried that it is too much for me to handle and impossible to maneuver. Could you please tell me I should pick up this board or might as well choose other board?
For your reference, I have 4-year experience on snowboarding and into carving on groomers and like to jump from small or medium-sized kickers. I’m not a big fan of jibbing and don’t have an idea of going backcountry. My board is Salomon Super8 and felt comfortable on Burton Custom, Burton Deepthinker, Salomon Assassin Pro, and Salomon Official(It a pity it’s already gone…). Other boards on my list are Salomon UltimateRide, Nitro Quiver Squash, Yes Ghost, and Nidecker Rave.(I would appreciate it if you could tell me a comparison between Slash ATV and these boards.)
Hi Takumi
I think in some cases the ATV would be too much for an intermediate rider, but based on the boards you’ve tried and felt comfortable on, I think you would be fine on it, and like it.
It’s a little stiffer, IMO, vs the Super 8, Burton Custom and Salomon Assassin Pro, but not miles stiffer. I haven’t ridden the Salomon Official or Burton Deepthinker. Prob just a touch stiffer than the Ultimate Ride but not by much and certainly stiffer than the Ghost. I haven’t ridden the Nitro Quiver Squash or Nidecker Rave. The ATV isn’t completely unforgiving and more maneuverable than you’d think for how stiff it is and for how aggressive you can ride it, when you want to.
But if you’re worried about it being too stiff, or too aggressive, then something like the Assassin Pro, Ultimate Ride or Ghost are all good carvers, and good in hard pack IMO, but are a little more forgiving overall. Well, the Ultimate Ride maybe just as aggressive as the ATV, I think. The Assassin Pro just a little more forgiving, with the Ghost being the most forgiving of them (but still on the more carvy aggressive side- not overly playful either of course).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you for your advice. Today, I had a opportunity to try Ultimate Ride and I found that it offers a pretty good edge hold and carves really well. At the same time, however, I was nervous on the board because it was, IMO, stiffer than Assassin Pro and Super8. If Slash ATV is tougher than Ultimate Ride, I think I should pass it up and my choice would probably be Ultimate Ride or Yes Ghost. I really appreciate your advice again.
Hi Takumi
Yeah the Ultimate Ride (7/10) is a little stiffer than the Assassin Pro (6.5/10) and Super 8 (6.5/10). The ATV (7.5/10) isn’t massively stiffer than the Ultimate Ride, but just a shade stiffer, by my feel. YES Ghost (6/10), by my feel, was just a little softer than the Assassin Pro/Super 8.
Hi Nate.
Thank you for your advice.
The other day, I had an opportunity to try ATV, though it was not an ideal condition.
I tried it on chunder artificial snow on a 10-15° slope.
(I know this condition sucks but this is all they can offer in November in Japan….)
Surprisingly, it was maneuverble enough at a mild speed and edge-to-edge was quick enough that I could made either large-sized turns and small-radius turns.
Moreover, even in chunder snow like vomit, it carved smoothly and didn’t stick in the snow.
I know it is a stiff deck and could require a couple of days to get used to it, which makes it more challenging to do ollies or butter tricks. Nevertheless, I think, for intermediate snowboarders who want to just cruise like me, the deck is worth trying.
Hi Takumi
Thanks for your message. Really appreciate the input and your thoughts on the board. Awesome to be getting out early November, even if the conditions aren’t great! Hope you have an awesome rest of your season!
Are you sure 2020 and 2019 models are identical? On evo when looking at product details 2020 mentions 35% more steel edges than average where 2019 doesn’t Mention steel at all. Also 2020 mentions HD sintered base 9000 whereas 2019 just mentions HD sintered base.
I got a 2019 on close out last year largely due to your review so thank you! Absolutely loved it for the few times I got on it to close the season. So much pop on big jumps and I found it super quick edge to edge.
Hi Dan
Awesome that you’re loving your new deck!
Don’t quote me on this, because I don’t know for sure, but with the Base, I think it’s just details – for the 2019 description, I think they just left out the number. The 2019 Slash Catalog also showed just “HD Sintered Base” with the 2020 Catalog showing “HD Sintered Base 9000”. Then funnily Slash’s website says “HD Sintered Base 7200”. I think in that case it’s just the details. Just because the 2019 model had no number at all allocated to the base, makes me think it hasn’t changed, but I couldn’t say for sure.
Good spotting on the steel edges thing. Again I don’t know for sure, but this might just be another way to market it, rather than necessarily any changes. But this is also not a detail that I look out for, so it might have changed.
Thanks for the review!
I have this board (because of your review) and LOVE it. I currently have it paired with Union Contact Pros (also Love)
I’m debating between Union Falcor and Union Strata to pair with this board as I want to move my Pro’s to my park board and I think I’ll get more out of the ATV with more responsive bindings. I have a feeling you would lean toward the Falcors for this type of board but given how happy I am with the Contact Pro’s do you think the Strata will be a better choice? I think the main trade-off between the two is the falcors lightness and responsiveness vs the stratas cushioning. I mainly ride fast, looking for side hits etc. not a ton of park, just charging the whole mountain in general. I would call myself an experienced rider. I think my main concern with the Falcors is that they will be too aggressive and I won’t be able to enjoy a cruise run at the end of the day. The contact Pro’s are nice because I can charge with them yet they are pretty mellow. Are the Falcors versatile or are they a charge or nothing type of binding?
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Personally I don’t find the Falcors to be charge or nothing, I find that I can slow down and play around in them quite easily. Not to the same extent as you can with the Contact Pros, but more than some other stiffer flexing bindings. They’re not what I would call massively stiff – 7/10 in terms of flex. I would pick the Falcors for that board personally, but the Strata aren’t far off. They’re not that much softer – 6/10, by my feel – and are still pretty responsive. If you like the Contact Pro on the ATV, then I think you’ll appreciate the Starta or the Falcor even more. I would go Falcor, but if you wanted to play it safe and do one step in terms of flex/response, then the Strata would be the way to go. If you wanted a bigger contrast between your setups, and wanted max response, but still with some forgiveness, then the Falcor.
Hope this helps with your decision
Falcors it is! Thank you for the feedback and keep up the good work!
You’re very welcome Chris. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with the Falcors, once you’ve had a chance to ride them. Hope you have an awesome season!
I’ve got a couple quick quesions:
1) Why do you say that this isn’t a spinner?
2) What would you say has better turn initiation between this and the custom (saw review on the x, but not the regular custom)
3) Would you lean towards the falcor binding or the genesis x binding on this board more?
Hi Dan
1. I just didn’t feel it for spins personally. I usually don’t like stiffer boards for spins, especially if they’re stiffer torsionally. Not sure the reason – probably mostly for the approach, but potentially that stiffness also does make it hard to initiate the spin. I didn’t like the Custom X for spins either. It’s probably fine for a more powerful rider, but I found it hard to spin with. It might also have something to do with sidecut.
2. I would say the ATV quicker turn initiation at speed, but the Custom maybe a little more maneuverable at slower speeds. Neither are what I would call “easy” for initiating turns but with good technique are quick for initiating turns, but yeah I would say ATV a bit quicker at speed but the Custom a little better when slower.
3. I would personally lean towards the Falcor. Just a binding that I found a little more responsive than the Genesis X, which I think is really beneficial on a board like this. Both would certainly work and the Genesis X is a great binding, but for this board, I would be leaning towards Falcor out of the two.
Hey Nate,
i think of getting the 17/18 ATV Slash.
I am 177 cm while having 76kg on my hips.
Shoe size 42-42,5.
Is the 159 wide an option? Looking for a very
stable board on highspeed carvings and carves
to learn how to ride like Ryan knapton.
Cheers
Joe
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
I think the ATV is a good option for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, with 42-42.5 (which translates for most boot brands to US9 to US9.5 – I need to translate it as my brain works in US sizes 😉 ) – I would usually say go 158. But since you want to be getting deep carves in, and since the 159W isn’t super wide, it shouldn’t be too sluggish in terms of edge to edge transitions on a 9/9.5. In saying that, I don’t think you’d have any issues with drag on the 158, particularly if you are in a 9 (42) boot.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
After 12 years of snowboard experience I am now looking for my next serious snowboard. I tend to mostly ride groomed slopes at full speed, hammering down making both short and long carve turns. After passing 25 I stopped going to the park and doing jumps. Off-piste is where I spend about 15% of my time.
For my new snowboard am left with two options now, the Slash ATV and the Burton Flight Attendant. The main focus of the board will be hammering down red slopes but it must be able to do the bumpy blue slopes at the and of the day and the tricky icy black slopes as well. Can you give me any advice on which snowboard you would prefer? I am 1,87 and 72kg.
I am slightly tending towards the Slash ATV 158 now.
Regards in advance,
Zico
Hi Zico
Thanks for your message.
The FA is a little better in uneven terrain, and quite a bit better in powder compared to the ATV. So, if you see a fair bit of powder, then I would be leaning towards the FA.
The ATV is just slightly better for carving, IMO, and is a little quicker edge-to-edge for those short quick turns. If you don’t see that much powder, then I would go for the ATV. Also the ATV is better in hard/icy conditions, IMO. I think the 158 would be a good size for you – the 156 would also work too, though the 158 would give you more stability at speed and be better in powder, compared to the 156.
For the FA, if you go for that, I would say go for the 156, though the 159 is also an option.
Also, just to make sure these sizes are appropriate width-wise, what’s your boot size?
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your quick response, really appreciate it.
With your advice I decided to go for the ATV. The areas I go to in Austria have a lot of icy spots, mostly when the conditions aren’t perfect. Also, I tend to do less powder since I got a bit older so the ATV really seems the option for me!
I decided to go for the 158, my old board also was 158 and that size fitted me well. My boot size is 43 which fits the normal width.
For bindings I think I will take the Union Force 2019. With the budget for bindings I have these seem the best choice when thinking about quality/price.
Thanks again for the advice and I am extremely looking forward trying this board out in two weeks in Austria. The conditions seem to be getting really good. I will comment a small review when I come back at the end of January.
Regards,
Zico
You’re very welcome Zico. Look forward to hearing how you get on with the ATV. Hope you have an awesome time on the mountain!
Hi Nate,
With about 12 years of experience I am now at the moment in time where I want to buy my first really serious snowboard. I tend to go down most slopes at full speed, I love carving and generally going down in a fast pace on all types of slopes. My technique is mostly carving with making a lot of both quick and short and longer carve turns.
I am now really in between two options, being the Slash ATV and the Burton Flight Attendant, both comparable in price in my country. I tend to do not to much jumping since I got past 25. Off piste I tend to do about 20% of the time. The most important feature for me would be hammering down mostly red slopes but it most be able to cross the blue more bumpy slopes and the difficult icy black slopes as well.
Really hope you can give me some advice!
Regards,
Zico
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reviews. They have definitely influenced my new gear selection. I’m just left in doubt between the Slash ATV and the YES PYL. I like to charge hard down the mountain, carve, go hors-piste, picking up a few jumps when I can. I mostly ride Mammoth, which is not a powder Mecca, but occasionally make it out to Whistler.
Both boards seem great & I wish I could afford both. If I had to pick one … what you recommend?
Thanks!
Wout
Hi Wout
Thanks for your message.
I would say the following between these two:
1. I found the ATV to be a carving machine, so it’s got the edge there, but the PYL is a very very good carver, so you wouldn’t be disappointed on either in that respect, IMO.
2. I would say they’re both as good as each other in terms of speed
3. The PYL is significantly better, IMO, in powder. With the ATV only average in powder, IMO.
4. The ATV is better for jumps, IMO. The PYL isn’t bad there, but I preferred the ATV
5. The ATV is better for riding switch, if that’s something you do
So, I would say that it comes down to whether you value powder/off-piste or jumps/switch more.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks, Nate! Great feedback. I got the ATV and had a blast on it.
Thanks!
You’re very welcome Wout and thanks for the update. Awesome that you’re having a blast on the ATV! Fun board for sure.
Hey, so this board looks great, but I was wondering if you might have anything similar but maybe a bit better in the uneven terrain area. I’m a very aggressive rider, however I go with skiers a lot and end up riding a lot of moguls. My only concern with this board is that it might give me too much trouble for mogul fields.
Hi Hank
Thanks for your message.
Personally I find anything this stiff and with this much camber aren’t great in uneven terrain. The ATV isn’t the worst for this type of board. If you were willing to go a little softer in flex or something that is less camber dominant – you would be sacrificing in some areas but gaining in uneven terrain. Something like the Jones Explorer, Capita Mercury or Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber could fit the bill but they won’t be quite as aggressive as the ATV, IMO.
I personally try to avoid moguls like the plague, but totally get it if you’re riding with skiers (I also know some snowboarders who actually like them). Somehow, every now and then I end up in moguls by mistake but I don’t seek them out.
Hope this helps
Hello,
Great review appreciate the content on this website. I live in Ontario (Canada) and am a snowboard instructor. I would use the board for teaching and my own riding. I like to rip groomers going very fast and like to hit natural features.
I wear size 11 boot and am 6 ft 2 200 pounds. I am torn between this and the Never Summer Proto Type 2. In the past I have ridden jib decks from Atomic and Capita. But I am definitely more of an aggressive rider and have also ridden the TRS from Lib tech and the salomon david benedek pro model.
I would love to hear your recommendation.
Hi Blake
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning toward the Proto Type Two for you. The main reason I say that is because you’ll be using the board for teaching. The ATV won’t be as easy to handle at slow speeds – which I’m guessing you do a lot when instructing. The Proto Type Two is still relatively aggressive – on the slightly more aggressive than playful side of the spectrum, but more middle of the road in terms of aggression compared to the ATV. So, whilst it might not quite be as aggressive as you might like for when you’re charging by yourself, it might be a better balance, given you also need it for teaching.
That’s my 2 cents anyway. I’ve never been an instructor so that’s just based on theory.
Size-wise for the Proto Type Two, I think it’s a weigh up between the 158X and the 161X. The 161X would certainly be the more aggressive option, better for carving, more stable at speed and more float in powder. But the 158X will be easier to maneuver at slower speeds (and better for park and trees if that matters). The other option would be the 160. If you’re riding with +15/-15 binding angles (which is actually recommended for the PT2, since it’s an asym deck) you might be OK on that but it would be pushing it in terms of potentially being too narrow. I would be more confident if you’re boots were something low profile, like Adidas, Vans, Ride or Burton. But the wide models would be the safer options, particularly if you’re an aggressive rider and like to really rail an edge on carves.
If you did go ATV, then a similar debate between the 159W, 163W and 161.
Hope this helps with your decision
Really appreciate the advice!
You’re very welcome Blake. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate,
I’m looking into buying the ATV and I was looking for some guidance about bindings and boots. I have a set of Burton custom boots and bindings but they’re around 8 years old now. I’m and experienced teetering on advanced rider I would say and I’m looking to keep moving up. Are there any bindings and boots that would be a better match for me and the board overall? I prefer riding hard and fast laying down nice deep carves if that info helps. Thanks so much!
Hi Ethan
Thanks for your message.
Given that you like to ride fast and carve (which the ATV is a great choice for!) and given the type of board that the ATV is, then you will definitely want something stiffer/more responsive than the Custom.
For bindings, check out the following:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
For boots, check out the following:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
Should be able to find some good options in there. Let me know if you need any help narrowing down your options.
hello nate ,slash atv vs burton flight attendant can you tell which is faster and what are the differences between them? I want to buy and I am not decided, I am at medium level, say about 30 days a year and started about 5 years!
Hi Catalin
Thanks for your message.
Both boards are great for riding fast on and I don’t think I would be able to pick between them which is better for speed.
In terms of the differences, I would say the main ones are the following:
1. Camber profiles: The ATV is full camber from tip to tail. The FA is camber back to the tail but has a rockered nose. This helps the FA float better in powder
2. The FA is a tapered directional board – it has a wider at the tip than at the tail (something else that also helps it to be better in deep powder – helps the tail to sink and the nose to float). The tip is also wider than the ATV size-for-size and tail narrower than the ATV size-for-size. The ATVs tip is the same width as its tail. It has a directional twin shape.
3. Overall I prefered the ATV for jumps and riding switch – but in terms of speed and carving they’re both as good as each other, IMO. The FA definitely has it in the powder though
4. I’d say that the ATV is marginally stiffer – or at least felt a little stiffer on snow – they’re both relatively stiff, but the ATV just a bit more – I’d say FA = 7/10 flex and ATV 8/10 flex.
5. FA has a larger setback stance (35mm) than the ATV (20mm) – another thing that helps it in deep powder
Those are the main differences I can think of.
Hope this helps
thanks a lot for the answer, it was very helpful to decide which one to buy!
You’re very welcome Catalin. Hope you have/continue to have a great season!
Hello, i am 6 ft 170lbs. Size 9.5 boots. Advanced rider mostly groomers/all mountain. Could I get away with 156? Or would that not be stable enough for me. I am used to a forum seeker 160 wide but it is way too heavy for me.
Hi Robino
Thanks for your message.
Not surprised you’ve found the 160W too heavy – probably mostly because of the width more so than the length, given your boot size. Ideally the 158 for your specs, IMO. So the 156 won’t be as stable but should still be a fairly stable ride for your specs. It’s on the smaller side for you, but it’s nothing crazy small or anything. I haven’t ridden the Forum Seeker, so I’m not sure how the 156 ATV would compare to the 160W Forum Seeker.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thank you for all the info and great help.
Keep the good work up 🙂
Cheers
You’re very welcome Enzo. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
I am thinking to buy the Slash ATV for this year but not sure about the length of the board.
I am 175cm and weigh 75Kgs. Which size should I be getting?
And what binding would you recommend? I was thinking of a Union Atlas to go with it.
Thanks man for your reply.
Cheers from Germany
Hi Enzo
I’d say that the 158cm would be the best size for you. That’s what I rode (and liked) and even though I’m a little bigger (183cm, 82kg), I do tend to like to go a little shorter. I think some people my size would go 161 (or 159W depending on boot size). So for you, I’d say it’s between the 156 and 158, but I think the 158 would be the best bet (unless you have a preference for shorter too). This is assuming an advanced or at least high intermediate level of riding – which I would recommend having for this board anyway.
In terms of bindings, the Atlas would be a good match to this board, IMO. As would anything from one of the following lists – but you could certainly add the Atlas to that list.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
One more thing – just to make sure that we don’t need to consider a wide option, what is your boot size?
Hi Nate and thanks for your answer.
Oh man, I got my hight wrong 😀 I am 178 but the weight is right 🙂
Unfortunately the last 158 was sold out and now I have a good price for the 156, but would it still do the work?. Riding style is high intermediate.
I wear 42,5 EU size (9,5 US). Will check the links for the bindings.
Thank you for the reply and the site, very informative and helpful.
Hi Enzo
I think the 156 would still work for you, I just think the 158 would be the preferable size. The advantage of going shorter is that it would improve maneuverability when riding at slower speeds and a bit more edge-to-edge quickness. You would loose a little in terms of stability at speed, carving, and powder. But this board would still be a great board at speed and for carving at the smaller size, and it’s not really made for powder anyway.
So, I still think the 158 would be the best option but you could go 156.
Boot size is fine for either 156 or 158.
Hope this helps
Hi, Nate. I would really like to hear what you think of my choice. I’m an intermediate rider, up till now I’ve been riding mostly on rented gear, but now I feel like buying my own quality stuff. I ride groomers most of the time, and rarely backcountry (maybe 10% at most). I’m mostly into speed, and this is the second year I’m mastering carving. I also like to hit occasional kickers and moguls for jumps. Totally not a park rider or jibber.
I’ve found that all-mountain aggressive fits my style the most. I’m looking at Slash ATV and Flow NX2 bindings. I’ve already got Burton Imperial boots. I picked the board thanks to your rating, but I could not find anything about the bindings. I’ve heard really nice feedback about how they are responsive and fit for carving. I also find their quick binding technology very helpful.
What can you say about them and about the overall combo?
Thanks in advance! Your fan from Ukraine.
Hi Artem
I haven’t demoed Flow bindings for a while now – so I’m not the most informed on that brand. I would say from my limited knowledge of Flow bindings that the NX2 would be the best suited from the Flow line up for the style that you are describing.
In terms of how good they are, I can’t really comment there and I would go with what others are saying when it comes to Flow bindings. I might try to demo some Flow bindings this season – as I have been getting quite a few questions about them – but that will be too late to advise you on them.
In theory though, they would be a good match for your setup with the ATV and Imperials.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your response, I really appreciate your help.
Maybe you could advice other bindings that would do great for my set up. Also, I’m still wondering whether Flow’s fast entry really worth it (they come at a higher price tag than other similar category bindings).
Thanks.
Hi Artem
Check out the lists at the links below. I think the bindings in the first list would be ideal but there are definitely some options in the second list too.
~ My Top 5 All Mountain Freeride Bindings
~ My Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hopefully you can find a good option in there if you decide not to go with the NX2s