Snowboarding Profiles' Top 10 list of what we consider to be the best freestyle snowboards currently on the market has now been updated for the 2023-2024 season.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each board will each get a rating out of 100.
Of 36 different freestyle/park boards rated:
O.k. here’s the top 10!
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FREESTYLE BOARD #10=
Board: Bataleon Evil Twin
- CA
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable (but bordering on loose)
Smart rating score: 85.9/100
Starting off the list at #10 is the Bataleon Evil Twin.
The Evil Twin is a playful, snappy snowboard that excels at everything park and freestyle. Whether you want to butter around, attack side-hits, hit jumps or features in the park, the Evil Twin has you covered.
Score Breakdown for the Evil Twin
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #10=
Board: Slash Happy Place
- CA
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 85.9/100
Next up we have the Happy Place by Slash. A staple in this top 10 list for several years now - and for good reason.
If doing sick park laps all day is your thing, whether down the jump line or jib line, then riding this board will definitely take you to your happy place!
Score Breakdown for the Happy Place
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #9
Board: Arbor Relapse
- CA
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Semi-Locked In
Smart rating score: 85.9/100
The #9 position goes to the Relapse.
If you're looking for value-for-money in your park deck, look no further than the Relapse. It's one of the least expensive in this list - and actually went down for the 2024 model (without any downgrades).
But completely taking price out of the equation, the Relapse is a rad deck! It's got plenty of snap, crackle and pop and can actually lay down a pretty good carve - but still somehow manages to handle the jib line as well as the jump line.
Score Breakdown for the Relapse
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
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 | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #8
Board: Burton Good Company
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Semi Locked-In
Smart rating score: 85.9/100
In at #8, we have Burton's Good Company.
Following on from the legacy left behind by the Kilroy Process and Kilroy Twin (both predecessors which were very similar boards), the Good Company is, like the Relapse above, a board that can carve really well, but still manages to be an easy turning board that rips anything in the terrain park. And also excels at finding sidehits off groomers or buttering around.
Check out the video for more about the Good Company
Score Breakdown for the Good Company
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
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 | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #7
Board: Bataleon Evil Twin Plus
- CA
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Feel:
Smart rating score: 86.4/100
Bataleon's Evil Twin + is a souped up, slightly stiffer, lighter version of the Evil Twin (see #10 above).
While it may not be quite as jib friendly as the regular Evil Twin, it packs more punch for jumps and carves. And it feels pretty much what you'd expect it to. A slightly more aggressive, slightly burlier version of the Evil Twin (but still overall not overly aggressive or anything like that).
Score Breakdown for the Evil Twin Plus
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #6
Board: Rome Agent
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (4.5/5)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 87.0/100
Next up, in the #6 spot, we have the Rome Agent.
The Agent dominates jumps, but is certainly no slouch on boxes/rails etc. And it loves finding side hits on groomers, when riding outside the park.
But as well as its freestyle prowess, the Agent can rip a pretty decent carve too, when you just feel like leaving some thin lines on the groomers.
Score Breakdown for the Agent
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
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 | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #5
Board: Niche Wraith
- CA
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 87.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Niche Wraith comes in at #5.
Just a nice soft flexing, snappy fun freestyle board that can handle the jump and jib lines equally well. It's also not bad running some fun groomer laps with your buddies, especially if your eyeing up those side hits on your way.
Score Breakdown for the Wraith
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #4
Board: GNU Headspace
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 88.6/100
The Headspace retains it's place as our #4 board for 2024.
The Head Space is so snappy and fun and will make you want to launch off whatever you can find, be it in the park or on the groomers - and, if your so inclined, it's a joy to spin on too.
Despite the camber dominant C3 profile, it transitions in/out of switch with ease and is also nice and easy to butter around on.
When it comes to riding the park and getting freestyle on the groomers, the Head Space has it all.
Score Breakdown for the Headspace
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.6/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #3
Board: YES Jackpot
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 89.1/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Jackpot is a great option if you like to break up your park laps and feel the need for a little speed or if you want to lay down some carves – and whenever you see natural hits on your journey down the rest of the mountain – this board becomes super fun.
It would also score very well as an all-mountain-freestyle board. But where it really dominates is in the park - and particularly down the jump line - this board can hit any sort of jump and feel good.
It’s a great option for it’s versatility and also for anyone who rides in hard/icy conditions a lot too.
Score Breakdown for the Jackpot
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #2
Board: Bataleon Disaster
- CA
Flex: Soft (3/10)
Feel: Semi-Loose
Smart rating score: 90.8/100
At #2, the Bataleon Disaster is a loose, playful, jib and buttering machine.
If you want a really easy going board to get super playful and creative on in the park - or something that makes it easy to get started in the park, then the Disaster might just be your perfect match.
It's not much outside the park, but does just enough to get you back for your next park lap.
Score Breakdown for the Disaster
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #1
Board: Never Summer Proto Slinger
- CA
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Feel: Semi-Loose
Smart rating score: 91.3/100
And finally, the #1 spot goes to the Never Summer Proto Slinger.
The Proto Slinger has the uncanny ability of being playful, snappy and buttery but at the same time has the energy, pop and some degree of aggressiveness to lay down a good carve and hit jumps and side hits with intensity.
When you want to attack and be more aggressive the Proto Slinger responds, but when you want to dial it back and be playful, it has the ability to change it's personality.
Score Breakdown for the Proto Slinger
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
Over to You
There you have my top 10 freestyle decks for the 2023/2024 season.
If you’re interested in any of these boards, check out the links under each board for more info, prices and where to buy or check out the “full review” links to see Snowboarding Profiles’ more detailed reviews.
Hey Nate, thanks for all the work you do to help the community find their boards! I have been riding for over a decade, probably 40-50 days per year. Due to a bum leg (acl reconstruction/meniscus transplant/shattered tib fib with plates and screws and rods, etc) Ive always rode directional big mountain powder trees, and I never got the chance to really have some fun in the park, or even master switch. Now that Im feeling a lot stronger, im ready to get my first park board!
I honestly dont even know where to start. I have exclusivley rode stiff camber boards, I cant even imagine what a rocker or a soft board would even feel like. Ive been on burton flight attendant, hometown hero, ride superpig, and now a capita BSOD. What board would you recommend for me to explore switch riding, maybe a bit of spinning, and some medium sized jumps? Thanks!
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Given your experience and given that you’re not looking to do any boxes/rails, by the sounds of it, I would still go with something that’s predominantly camber. But I would go with a softer flex and go with a true twin. If you want to make transitions into switch easier, then having some rocker – either tip/tail or in the middle (noting that if you went with something with rocker in the middle, it’s likely to be a bigger adjustment compared to what you’re used to).
How soft you want to go will depend on a few things.
Firstly, would you need the board to still be OK at speed or still have some dampness to it? Or are you looking more at maximizing snap and ease of riding/spinning etc.
Secondly, if you could let me know your specs too. Typically a bigger guy will find the same board softer than a smaller guy and visa versa. So if you’re a bigger guy, then probably don’t want to go too soft. That said, a lot of that is taken care of in sizing, but I still like to take it into account.
Finally, how playful and uncatchy do you think you’d want it? E.g. do you still want to be able to dig in and carve pretty well or are you wanting this board to more maximize ease of learning switch, spinning etc and just something that you’ll ride playfully and predominantly fairly slowly.
If you could let me know those things, we can narrow it down to what I think your best options would be. And happy to suggest sizing too, if you’d like.
Hi, Nate!
I am snowboarding for 5 years every season and I think I am between high beginner and low intermediate as I do some mistakes sometimes and catching an edges.
I was riding rentals but now I want to buy my own gear.
I mostly ride on the resort.
What gear should I choose so that I can go casually riding on the groomers, be easy to manouvre and take some speed sometimes.
I was thinking about GNU Money with Union Strata and Vans Hi Standart Pro’s.
I will be very happy to hear your advice!
Hi Dimitar
Thanks for your message.
I think the Money would work for what you’re describing. And the binding and boot combo is a match too. As a high-end beginner/low intermediate, they’re maybe bordering on a touch stiff (bindings/boots) but with the mellowness of the board, I don’t think it will be an issue and they are a decent flex match to the board, IMO. If you could also let me know your height and weight specs. Your specs will influence how stiff you will feel the boots/bindings. And if you want my sizing opinion, if you could also let me know your boot size, that would be great. Sizing is really important.
If you wanted to look at other options, the following is the best list to look at, IMO:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hello!
Thank you for the answer!
I am 66kg and 173 high. I usually wear US7/25CM.
Also what do you think anout the same set but with the Bataleon Whatever?
Hi Dimitar
Thanks for the extra info. So just to note that you’ll likely find the Strata/Hi Standard Pro a little stiffer than I did, as I’m 180lbs (81kg). So keep that in mind.
The Whatever would also be a really good option, IMO, for what you’re describing and your level.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 153. However for your level I would size down a bit from that. Also because of your boot size, I would size down a bit, most (probably all men’s boards) boards at that length are going to be wide for your boots. So to compensate for that a little it’s a good idea to size down.
For the Whatever, the 151 should be doable, but you could even size down to the 148 if you wanted to.
For the Money, you could go to the 152, but again, you could even size down a bit further to the 148.
The shorter sizes would give you a more easy going ride, more agility, better slow speed performance, better for ollies, spins, butters, trees.
Going longer will give you better powder float and more stability at speed – and a bit better for big carves.
Hi Nate
Everything is clear about the board.
But for the boots and bindings would that stiffnes be a problem or I should just get some time to get used to them?
If you can recommend me something else than Strata and the Pro’s?
Hi Dimitar
It may not be a problem for you. But stiffer boots/bindings tend to be less forgiving at slower speeds, so often for beginner riders are trickier to progress in. Given your bordering on intermediate, it’s harder to judge whether you’ll find them too stiff or not. That extra stiffness is also less likely to be an issues if you’re quite fit/strong. If you’re more athletic, then that extra strength needed to flex them won’t be as big a deal. But if you’re of average fitness then it’s more likely to be an issue. So there’s a few factors to consider. I’d say they’ll be fine, as neither the Strata or Hi-Standard Pro are super stiff or anything. Going a little softer would probably be the safer bet. But the advantage of going Strata/Hi-Standard Pro now is that you won’t have to upgrade your gear as soon. If you went softer you may find, when you start wanting ride faster and more aggressively, that you’re needing something stiffer. So you’ve got to weigh up between them potentially being a little too stiff to start with and have to battle through that a little, but then having them for the longer term, or starting a little softer, with the need to potentially upgrade sooner.
Hey Nate,
Im looking for some advice on the right snowboard to buy.
Urgently sitting at ~195-205 lbs, 5’10 height with a size 12 snowboard boot.
Living in Colorado sometimes it’s powdery in the trees, or ice in the back bowl in addition to usual resort conditions.
Currently intermediate level and usually end up spending part of my day in the park learning, or going off small to medium side hits. Half the day usually spent riding back bowls and trees. Trying to get into buttering in addition to jumps and boxes as well.
Been looking at the YES the greats (seems like a great brand to support), never summer proto slinger (dont love the rocker camber they have but i know this board is worth the learning curve) and jones mountain twin. My only board at the moment is the k2 party platter and I love the volume shifted style but want a second board that’s more traditional length.
Any suggestions or selections? Looking to have a few options in case something used pops up.
Love all the reviews on this site, I end up spending a lot of time on here doing research.
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
Of the 3 you’ve mentioned the Mountain Twin is the best in powder, so if you wanted some powder performance, that’s got the most of it, from those 3. It’s still good in icy conditions too. The Greats, in my experience, is the best of the 3 in icy conditions, but both the Proto Slinger and MT are still decent enough. All 3 would work for what you’re desribing for sure. If you’re not worried about too much powder performance, then I’d personally be leaning Greats. If you wanted a bit more powder performance, then I’d be leaning MT.
Some other good options in the lists below, in case you haven’t seen them. The boards in the first list are generally better in powder, but not all of them, so make sure to check out the score breakdowns as you browse through. The second list are a little more freestyle oriented, generally not as good in powder, but typically better for freestyle.
>>Our top 10 All Mountain snowboards
>>Our top All-Mountain-Freestyle snowboards
Hope this helps
You should try to get a review on the White Space decks. Would be interesting.
Hey Matt
Thanks for the suggestion. Will have to try to get my hands on some next season.
Hi Nate.
I am an intermediate snowboarder riding around 6 years. I am trying to evolve and learn tricks and improve my jumps in the park and all around the mountain.
I ride a medium flex artec haze 155. I am 179cm tall, 80 kg weight and 43 boots size.
I want a board Flexi enough and forgiving to help me evolve on the park and around the mountain, good enough to be an all arounder.
I have read all your reviews but honestly i am a little bit confused.
As far as i could say i see the options below:
Never summer proto slinger
Never summer proto synthesis
Jones tweaker
Bataleon evil twin
Bataleon whatever
Burton process flying v
Salomon assassin
Yes greats
Yes jackpot
Slash happy place
What do you think?
Hi Georgios
Thanks for your message.
To help narrow it down, can you let me know, when you’re not working on tricks/park stuff, how aggressively do you like to ride? i.e. do you like to rip fast and lay into deep carves? Or are you more of a cruiser, when it comes to riding the mountain? If you do rip and are looking to still be able to ride fast and lay deeper carves, but still have a freestyle feel, then I would lean towards certain boards on that list. In that case, you would be looking at a bit more of a challenge in the beginning, in terms of getting your park/freestyle skills progressing, but you’d have a board that can still do the other stuff well.
If you’re more of a cruiser, then I would be leaning to a different set of boards on your list, and we could optimize towards freestyle progression a bit more. If you’re a more aggressive rider on the rest of the mountain, then there won’t be an ideal solution, unless you were willing to get two boards. Though, in saying that, there are boards here that will strike a good balance between being aggressive enough, but also not being too aggressive as to not be able to get your freestyle game going.
So yeah, if you could let me know your style of riding when you’re not freestyling, that would be great.
Hey Nate,
Thx for your answer. I went through every review you have on your site. Thx alot for you work. Its really helpful.
Now about what you asked me. I do not consider myself an aggressive rider outside the park. I like ripping fast sometimes but its not my best.
To be more precise, when i ride the mountain i like to cruise around and try to take advantage every kick i find for fun left and right of the pists.
However, when the weather allows pow cruises is my love.
To conclude, i would like a board a little bit more flexy than the one i already have (artec haze 155) that can help me advance my jumps and tricks, but still will be decent on powder and on piste for me to cruise.
Apart from the list i gave you, feel free if you have any other suggestions.
ps i forgot to put bataleon disaster on the list
Kind regards George
Hey George
Thanks for the extra info.
I would be leaning:
– Bataleon Whatever
– Jones Tweaker
– Burton Process Flying V
– Slash Happy Place
All boards that are freestyle first but are decent enough in powder for the type of board they are. Not going to find a board like this that’s amazing in powder, but for freestyle first boards these are some of the better options. And they’ll all likely be softer flexing than what you’re riding now (haven’t had any experience with Artec boards, so can’t say for sure, but based on the medium flex rating you gave it).
Nate thx for the reply
I will bother you one last time my friend. Sorry for that.
I went out looking on the web to find the boards on stock.
Unfortunately not all of them were available on stock in EU.
From the boards we discussed, the available ones in the market are:
-bataleon evil twin
-bataleon disaster
-bataleon whatever
-yes Dicey
-jones tweaker
-burton process flying v
I am ready to place one in the basket. Haha. Which one you believe will suit me better, now that you know that i want a freestyle first snowboard that will survive decently at the rest of the mountain also?
Hi George
I would go for one of the Whatever, Tweaker or Process Flying V. It might be that sizing is a good tie breaker. What sizes do they have available?
Hi Nate,
Burton Process Flying V it is available in 155, 157cm, 157W and 159cm and costs around 460 euro.
Jones Tweaker is available in 156cm for 400 euro.
Bataleon Whatever is available in 156W and 157 for 400 euro.
Yes Dicey is available in 156cm and 158cm for 350 euro.
Bataleon Disaster is available in 157 for 450 euro.
Bataleon Evil Twin is available in 157cm for 470 euro.
Jones Tweaker althougt a great option, it is a traditional camber like the Artec i ride and maybe i would like to try a hybrid one for a change.
Burton process Flying V has the EST binding set up that concerns me a little bit but with a change in the channel disc i can fit my old Burton Custom bindings i think.
I still consider the YES dicey a good choice i think (it has a good price also)?
Alot to think about. My gosh.
What do you think about all of these?
Thx in advance Nate.
Hi George
The Tweaker does have a 3D base which makes it feel more hybrid camber than full camber, but definitely can see if you want an actual hybrid. The 156 would work well size-wise, IMO.
The Whatever in 157 would be a good bet. I don’t think you need to go wide and wouldn’t if I was you.
For the Dicey, I’d look at the 156.
For the Process Flying V the 155 and 157 are both options. If you want to err more playful, then go 155 if you want to get it feeling a bit more stable, then 157. I’d be leaning 157 if it’s going to be your daily driver – it’s still sizing a little shorter, to make it err freestyle, but would give you that little more stability.
Hi Nate
thank you for what you ate doing here it helsp a lot!
Can you help me choose the best snowboard for me please?
Im riding for 15 yers last yers mostly freestle (park of just playing on the slopes). For this use i bought Bataleon Evil Twin 159w. I like the board with its catch free 3BT but i would like to improove my buttering skills and i think this board is a bit too stiff for easy and smooth pressing. I would like to buy some board with flex 3-4 and twin shape.
I found some nice Capita or Bataleon boards, but many of them has the maxiumnsize around 154cm and i guess its too short for me?? Im 190cm/88kg and also boots pretty big – 14US.
I found Board Never Summer proto slingdr which sounds like a good choice for me but its only in 157cm size (not even wide version) do you think i can fit on this board? Or which board would you recimend to me? I feel like there is time to switch to someting new from Bataleon (Capita or Never Summer?) but its also an option. I saw the Disaster 159w on some eshop.
Can you help me with my problem please? Im a bit lost already in this huge sea of so many brands/boards/sizes.
Thank you very much!
Marek
Hi Marek
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of size, I would put your standard “all-mountain” size at around 162/163. But given how you want to ride this board I would size down from that. Something around 157 to 160 would be a good bet. But you’ll definitely need to go wide, IMO, so I wouldn’t risk a regular width Proto Slinger.
The Disaster in 159W would certainly work though – and of all the boards you’ve mentioned that would be a great option in a great size, IMO.
If you could find the Proto Slinger in the 157X or 160X, then that would be a good bet, but not the 156, which would be too narrow. Are you sure the 157 you’ve seen isn’t wide? The Proto Slinger doesn’t come in a regular width 157. The 2023 model only comes in 149, 153 & 156 regular width and 154X, 157X and 160X. The 2022 model had a few more sizes, but it still didn’t have a 157 in regular width (did have a 159 in regular width).
You could also look into the Slash Happy Place in 159W or the YES Basic in 159W.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks for a very good site and useful info!
I’m looking for a board to practice butters, side-hits, and generally goof around on. I like to practice my switch riding, ollies, small jumps. I’m not proficient in the park and have no ambitions to do advanced tricks or big jumps.
I already have a Riders Choice 158W which works very well as my general do it all board so another board would not need to be very versatile.
Given the above, I’m looking for your advice on Bataleon Disaster or the Proto Slinger (or any other board too). Advice on size would also be appreciated.
I’m 187cm, 98kg, 11,5US
Thanks!
Hi Joakim
Thanks for your message.
Given this will be your dedicated playful/freestyle board, both the Disaster and Proto Slinger would work well, IMO.
Size-wise, given you don’t need it to be versatile and it’s going to be specialized, the 156W Disaster and the 157X Proto Slinger would be your best bets, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi,
Thanks for the reply, sorry for nesting the comment a bit illogical it must have happened by accident.
Thanks for the advice!
Reading the full review of the Proto Slinger I get the feeling it might be closer in character to the 2022 Riders Choice than the Disaster but I’m not sure. Not that that’s a bad thing but even if the RC is fantastic as it is, I’d like a second board to be a different experience. Will you post a full review of the Disaster in the future?
Also curious: Do you think Union Strata are too stiff to pair with the Disaster or Proto Slinger?
Hi Joakim
Yeah, I would say that’s the case – the Proto Slinger is still different enough and it’s not incompatible in a quiver with the RC, but I’d say the Disaster is even more different, if you’re looking for the bigger contrast.
I do have a full review in the works for the Disaster and have it planned to be done in a couple of weeks, but I can change the priority on it and have it out in a week or so, potentially.
I would say the Strata are a little too stiff for the Disaster. They would work fine on the Proto Slinger, probably the stiffest I would put on the Slinger, but would work.
Have completed the full review for the Disaster now.
Hi Nate
thank you for your response! You are right – what i found is Proto Slinger X 157. Other brads which you mentioned are not so much available in Europe. Anyway i like the Proto Slinger i was just not sure about the size.
So do you think i can fit well on this board? Or better take some other 159w.
Many thanks!
Hi Marek
I think the 157X Proto Slinger could fit what you’re after for this board. As I said, it’s sizing down, but given your use for the board, it’s a good idea to size down.
Width-wise with US14s, there’s going to be some risk of boot drag, but if you ride with +15/-15 binding angles (which is highly recommended for this board, being an asym – and for the style of riding you want to do on it) and aren’t going to be laying any deep carves, then you should be OK.
Hey Nate
I’m in a bit of a debate between some boards to compliment my Capita Mercury 157. I am looking for a playful board to play around Big White BC on those less snowy days and specifically for more of those days in the park, hitting small hits and pressing around the mtn. I am 5,10 170lbs and have been riding for 15+ years. I used to be a park rider but have been riding powder and trees exclusively the last 5 years.
If you were to add a board to your inventory for that playfulness what would you rank the top 2. I used to ride the Rome agent for many seasons but last rode it in 2017.
1) capita Scott Stevens
2) never summer proto slinger
3) Rome gang plank
4) capita outer living space
5) Rome agent
I’m aiming to size into 155-156 but not every mode fits that so will size what ever is necessary
Hi Jacob
Thanks for your message.
For all round park riding and small hits and pressing about, I’d be leaning Proto Slinger. Though if you’ve got quite a jib heavy repertoire, then I’d be tempted by the Scott Steven’s. The Proto Slinger is definitely capable on jibs though. I haven’t ridden the Rome Gang Plank, so can’t say much there. The Rome Agent would certainly work for what you’re describing and definitely an option. I’d say not quite as playful as the Proto Slinger, and not versus the Scott Stevens, but still has some playfulness to it, and definitely noticeably more playful than the Mercury. And good at everything you’re describing, IMO, but just not quite as big a contrast in terms of playfulness as those other 2.
The Outer Space living is certainly more playful than the Mercury, but I don’t think it would compliment the Mercury as well as the others. It’s less park oriented and less playful than the others. I would go with one of others to better compliment your Mercury, for the style of riding you’re looking to do with this board.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much. I think the proto slinger is the winner for the season.
You’re very welcome Jacob. Hope it treats you well and that you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate, amazing review! Thanks for doing this over and over again.
May I get some help on board recommendations? Among the boards you reviewed in this article, I am picking between Capita Scott Steven pro and Bataleon disaster for freestyle like buttering, jibbing and some small/medium jumps.
I was told by many that they don’t recommend Bataleon in general because of 3BT, that it’s a new thing and it only helps beginning level, but from your review, looks like it is better than Capita Scott Stevens which is very flat and only helps in freestyle, at least in the area of non-freestyle. I wonder what you think of that, which one in general would you recommend that more.
In terms of sizing, I am 180cm and 162 pounds, US size 10 boot, do you think 155 is a good size for me? The reason I ask is, there is a discount on Capita Scott steven 2021 model, but 155 is the only size left. It falls in my range based on your sizing guide article but I thought I should go shorter just because I want to use it as freestyle board.
Thanks again!!!
Hi Gino
Thanks for your message.
3BT certainly not just for beginners. I wouldn’t put a beginner on some of Bataleon’s stiffer boards with more pronounced camber. And for freestyle, particularly if you’re looking for a looser feeling that’s catch free for jibs etc, it’s a great option, IMO. Particularly for what you’re describing. It’s better for playful, creative freestyle riding than for more extreme stuff. Like it wouldn’t be my board of choice for large jumps, but small to medium jumps, jibs, butters etc, it’s a great option. But so too is the Scott Steven’s Pro, so you can’t go wrong between them.
The Disaster is a bit of a different feeling, with that 3BT, so it takes a little bit to get used to, but I found I got used it to it really quickly (but I do ride a lot of different boards every year, so I may adapt quicker than most, but still I don’t think it would take too long to adapt). The Scott Steven’s Pro will be more what most are used to with a snowboard – and whilst it still has a looser than average feel, it’s a little less loose feeling than the Disaster, IMO.
Size-wise, I think the 155 would work for you for the Scott Steven’s Pro. I would put you on roughly around a 158cm as your “standard all-mountain size”. So 155 would be sizing down a bit. The 153 is also an option if you want something even easier to throw around. 153 would make it less stable for those medium jumps, but would make it easier to throw around and butter and spin etc. The 155 probably the better balance between jumps/other freestyle.
For the Disaster I think the 154 would be your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. Thanks so much for these amazing reviews and recommendations. Can I please have some help on board recommendations?
I have been snowboarding for three years now, immediate level I will say, I like doing a bit of everything, trees/jumps/speed/powder. In the new season, I want to be more advanced in terms of freestyle, more about buttering(those ground tricks like Ollie/Nollie/360 looks awesome imo). I already own a Burton Custom which is amazing for Park and Carving, but sometime I feel like it’s too stiff for the ground tricks(maybe just because I am not good enough). Should I get a softer board for this? I am a big fan of Burton, if so, can you please recommend some Burton board and binding?
Basically the budget this year allows me to get a new board, I am also on the fence of getting a mellow freeride for powder/trees or getting a softer one for buttering/ground tricks, or just keep using my Burton custom. Any advice is appreciated!
Hi Vincent
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Custom is great for jumps in the park, but not so much for ground/butter tricks. Something softer/more playful will be easier for those.
From Burton your best bets would be either the Name Dropper, Good Company (formerly known as the Kilroy Twin) or even the Process Flying V, if you want a looser feel. I think it depends on how you want the feel. The Good Company is full camber, but nice and soft and still really easy to butter. The Name Dropper is even softer and easier to butter, but still has that predominantly camber feel (purepop camber). The Process Flying V is subtly stiffer than the Good Company, IMO but just as easy to butter. It’s got a really loose feel, if that’s something you’d want. The Process Camber (purepop camber) is also an option, but a little harder to butter than the Flying V version, so that would probably be the end of the list, but still doable. I would be leaning either Process Flying V, if you want a looser feel or Name Dropper otherwise. I think the Good Company is overall the better freestyle board over the name dropper, because it’s better for jumps, IMO, but if this board is going to be more ground trick/butters/jib specialized as you have your Custom for jumps, then I’d be leaning Name Dropper (and its fine for jumps too, just not quite up to the Good Company, IMO).
I would also down-size a bit from what you’re riding with your Custom. This will make it easier to perform spins, butters etc as well.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, this has been very helpful!
Maybe it is because it was discontinued once, I don’t find any reviews for Burton Name dropper and hard to compare with Good Company. I checked your review for Good Company, it looks nice; am i missing your review on Name Dropper?
In terms of size, I am riding a 154W Custom Camber, I am 180cm and 75kg, looks like i am going with either 152 or 155. Does it sound reasonable? Also, I like going in forest from time to time, i guess shorter size can help.
Thanks again.
Hi Vincent
I don’t have a review up for the Name Dropper. Keep meaning to, but haven’t had the time to get one up. And it’s a couple of seasons since I rode one, so it feels weird putting the review up now. But vs the Good Company, it’s a little better for jibs, a touch easier to butter, but not as good for jumps, carves and less stable at speed.
For Good Company, both the 152 and 155 would work. Given that it would be your dedicated freestyle board, I would be leaning 152, so you’ve got something you can really easily throw around. And also because you’re on a 154W Custom, the 152 makes sense to go smaller. But if you could also let me know your boot size to make sure it’s going to be wide enough, given you’ve gone with with the Custom.
Thanks for quick response! Since GC is slightly cheaper than ND, and it’s also even better on some other fronts, maybe I will just ho with GC.
My boot size is 10US, a Salomon dialogues.
Since not dedicates for carving, maybe a regular is enough?
Hi Vincent
Yeah with 10s, I think the GC, in either the 152 or 155 should be fine width-wise.
Hey thanks for not just always updating your article, but also taking the time to answer everyones questions!
I’m 6′, 190#, size 11. I normally ride a Bataleon Goliath 159, and was looking at adding a playful deck for doing butters and side jumps and presses with.
I feel like the Disaster is the right answer, but I’m unsure on sizing; do you think I’m gonna regret going with the 156w over the 153w if its just my “mess around and spin in circles” board? Or will the larger board make me feel comfortable riding it all mountain (not a park rat, just looking for side hits and mid mountain tricks).
And is there anything you’d recommend over the Disaster for adding to the quiver? I love the tbt for not catching edges as I’m trying to learn tricks, but I picked up a Gnu gremlin last season too and realized I won’t kill myself if I don’t ride a 3d board! Thanks again for helping
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
I think the Disaster would be a good addition to your quiver, but you could think about the GNU Headspace and NS Proto Slinger. Those 2 and the Disaster are my instincts for you.
Size-wise, for your freestyle/playful deck, I’d typically say around that 155/156 mark for your specs, but given how wide the Disaster is in its wide sizes, I would be leaning 153W. With 11s, it’s going to be on the wider size. The regular widths will be too narrow, IMO, but the wide sizes on the slightly too wide side, so I think sizing down that little bit more is a good idea. The 156W wouldn’t be wrong, but I’d be leaning 153W in this case.
Hope this helps with your decision
The disaster only goes up to a 157 but you’ll be fine with the 156, it’s a jib board I size down 5cm for jib boards.
Nate – My current all mountain board is the 2020 Mullair in 164W – I’m 6’4″ and wear a 12 boot. I love it for everything I use it for – carving groomers, steeps, back bowls, etc – but my park days are generally behind me so I don’t and haven’t used it much in there. It’s not exactly what I would call agile at low speeds.
My 11 year old made great progress this year and, of course, wants to spend more time in the park. I’d like to add something fun to the quiver so I can mess around with her in there. I’ve only ever ridden camber my whole life, and I’ve been on Mervin boards ever since MagneTraction was invented.
What would you recommend for an old guy like me to have some fun? Box Scratcher maybe? Or should I stick with camber and look at the Box Knife or maybe the Head Space?
Hi Wyatt
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Headspace, unless you think you like the idea of a loose feel, in which case the Box Scratcher. Given you’ve only been on camber, I think you’d likely prefer that feel. But between the Box Knife and Headspace, the Headspace is the more playful, more nimble option, IMO – so it will give you that bigger contrast to the Mullair and the easier ride in the park, IMO. With the size 12 boot, the 155W is the only viable size for the Headspace, so that’s going to be a big contrast to the 164W Mullair, but if you don’t plan on using it for anything high speed, then you should be OK, but if you can let me know your weight as well (very important for sizing), that would be great, to make sure that’s not too small.
If you did want to be able to ride at speed at times and/or the 155W is too small, then the Box Knife could work – certainly still considerably more playful than the Mullair and more nimble at slower speeds, but just not to the same extent as the Head Space.
Hope this helps
Very helpful. I hang around 190lbs. for the most part. Board would be almost exclusively for lower speed groomer cruising and then rails and boxes. My kicker days are over. Think that 55W Head Space would be to short? Maybe the 57W or 60W on the Knife? I like what you’re saying on the Head Space – playful is definitely what I want.
Should I maybe think about a Banana? Or is that rocker just going to feel like garbage after 20+ years of camber boards?
I’m also seeing 159W Happy Place for super cheap right now. It’s not Mervin, but that seems almost perfect for what I’m looking for.
Hi Wyatt
I think that would work for sure. It’s probably as big as I would go for your second, playful addition, but I think it’s a range that works, size-wise. I think it would be a good choice – a nice easy going playful board.
Hi Wyatt
Yeah, my instinct is that you would prefer more camber than rocker. My instinct is also that the 155W Head Space is just a touch too small. Though still doable – just don’t expect any stability at high speeds. The 157W Box Knife would work – and in that size would give you more playfulness than the 160W, so if you went that way I’d be leaning towards that.
Hey Nate! Quick question: You rate the NS Proto Slinger a 5 for butters, but other reviews state that it’s “hooky” when you spinning it in a press. What’s your oppinion on that? When you are buttering a board, do you more rate the presses (and how high you can get the tips) than the spins?
Background: I own a Basic Uninc and I want to add a more soft and buttery board to my quiver. The Basic Uninc is quit nice in all other terms imo but for presses and spins in soft/slushy conditions I want a softer/easier board. I like the idea of the NS Proto Slinger because I never ridden a Hybrid Rocker before and I’m quit interested of the feeling but if it’s hooky than it wouldn’t be the right choice for me.
Hi David
I personally didn’t find it hooky.
For that rating it is predominantly based on how easy it is to press, rather than on the spinning part of butters, but I do take the spinning part into account – and I find the Proto Slinger good all-round. But if you wanted to break it down, then maybe 5/5 for pressing and 4/5 for the spinning in a press part of it.
Hope this helps
Okay, thanks! And you didn’t had the feeling the sidecut will grip and want to spin you around when pressing? Avran mentioned this in one of his few reviews of Never Summer, that it grips on the inside of the bindings when buttering.
Or would you say another board will suits me better? I’m looking for a soft buttery playfull board in soft/slushy conditions.
Thank you for your help! 🙂
Hi David
Thanks for your message. I don’t get that from the Proto Slinger myself (and I own the board). But if you wanted to look at other options, check out other options there a lot in this list good for buttering. Another I tried recently is the Bataleon Disaster, which is super easy to press as well.
Hi, love your site! Awesome friendly and full of useful info. I have the GNU HEADSPACE and Im loving it so much. Loving the playfulness, the lots of pop and liveliness from the c3 camber dominant profile. I like riding the park, small and medium jumps, rails boxes and butters. But I do feel the board could hold me back when talking about powder and fresh snow outside the groomers. Looking for a board that will remind me the snappy poppy and playful feel in the park like the headspace but also could not suck that much at powder and fresh snow. I first thought about the FINEST, SLINGER, T.RICE PRO. But was afraid from the change to the more rocker profiled board to lose that poppy and snappy feel. Then thought about the MOUNTAIN TWIN, but heard reviews of it not to be so poppy and snappy although it’s camber profile. Also wanted to ask how much would the directional twin shape will bother me at landing switch, balance at rails, or riding switch.
So… what do you say?
Oh, and I’m 168cm tall, 65 kg and 8 size boot
Hi Arad
Thanks for your message.
The Finest and T Rice Pro to me don’t really have the same pop/snap as the Headspace. They’ve certainly got decent pop, but it’s not the same effortless pop you get from something like the Headspace or Slinger. The Finest and T Rice Pro certainly give you more for powder versus the Headspace, but the Slinger is a more similar board to the Headspace in terms of that easy pop/snap. Wouldn’t give you a huge amount more performance for powder though – but just a touch better, IMO.
The Mountain Twin doesn’t have the same easy pop/snap as the Headspace/Slinger, but it’s not void of it either. It got noticeably snappier when they retooled it for the 2021 model. The 2020 and previous models were pretty lacking in pop but it certainly got better in that regard from the 2021 model and on. I would call it better in terms of that more effortless snap and pop versus the Finest and T Rice Pro, which take more winding up and muscling to pop. But not quite to the same extent of snap as the Headspace/Slinger, but you do get a good jump in powder performance, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Love your site and all the info you gather. Wish we had that much info back in my day (riding since early 90’s). Recently I bought the Capita DOA but its way to stiff for my taste! You see the past 12 years I ride a Burton hero 1.58 rocker 3/10 stiff. My riding style is basically small jumps, butters, manuals and I like playing all round the mountain. Not so much in speed and rails, not have problem with them but not my style. The problem is that my board is 12 years old and my feet 46! So I’m in need of a board playful enough but not burning my legs so easy cruising the mountain. Do you think the Scott Stevens would be ok as it is a bit stiffer than my old board? Any other suggestion is highly appreciated. I own the Union contact pros and 12 size boots. Thanks and keep up the fantastic job you do
Hi Dim
Thanks for your message.
The Scott Steven’s Pro would be a little stiffer than your old board if it’s a 3/10 flex – and especially given you’ve got 12 years worth of riding on it. But it’s certainly softer than the DOA. I felt the DOA at 6/10 flex and the Scott Steven’s Pro at 4/10 flex. But there isn’t really a size for the Scott Steven’s Pro that works for your boot size, IMO. With 12s, I think you need to go wide. Is your Burton Hero a wide?
I would look at the Proto Slinger, which comes in wide sizes and I think it would suit what you’re describing well. Other options include the Dicey – which is wider than it looks or the Happy Place or if you wanted something similar to the Scott Steven’s but in a wide size, the Capita Ultrafear is worth looking at.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks for putting together such a great website! I was hoping you could give me some advice since I’m looking to buy myself a new snowboard (and boots, and bindings… haha) for the first time in over 10 years. I’ve been riding off and on for more than 15 years but I’m really looking to get into riding the park seriously for the first time and to learn some ground tricks for when I’m just cruising.
Can you suggest a board that would be good for learning freestyle on small and eventually medium jumps as well as jibs and butters? Ideally I’d like to still be able to ride at medium speed on groomed runs but I’ll still have my old board for that if I need so it’s not a priority. I’m 173cm tall and weigh 75kg with a size 10 boot, granted I don’t know for sure what size my new boots will be. Binding angle will likely be +/- 15 if that makes a difference. Thanks again for putting together all this great info!
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
For something that you can still ride at medium speeds but still easy to learn freestyle on and butter easily, I would look at the Niche Wraith, YES Dicey or Never Summer Proto Slinger.
Size-wise, given that it’s going to be your predominantly park/freestyle board, I’d go:
– Proto Slinger: 153 (assuming you end up still in a 10, then it should be fine width-wise). You could go 156, and if it you were wanting it as your one board quiver that’s probably the way to go.
– Wraith: 152 or 155 – the 152 will be easier in the park and for butters, but won’t be quite as good for medium speed.
– Dicey: 152 – you could also do 154, but with this board being wider, and given that you want it for mainly learning freestyle, I’d err shorter.
Size-wise, it depends on how much you want it to be good at speed. The longer size options would be better for stability at speed of course, with the smaller sizes easier to learn freestyle, easier to butter etc.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your reply and size recommendations. Those were the 3 I was looking at most closely so it’s nice to I’m on the right track. Just out of curiosity, do any of those boards have significant changes from last year to this year? I don’t know what stock is like but maybe I can pick one up on the cheap if I go with last year’s model.
Hi Kevin
No changes to any of those models between the 20-21 and 21-22 models as far as I know (I compare models each year to decide if I am going to try to re-test a particular model, and none of those had any changes)
Hi Nate,
I managed to pick up a 21-22 NS Proto Slinger 153cm near the end of the season but I was able to squeeze in a few days with it. I had a blast! Thanks a lot for your help. I’m really looking forward to learning more park riding with it.
Hi Kevin
Thanks for the update, much appreciated. Awesome that you managed to find one and that it’s treated you well so far.
Hey Nate!
I also want to mention that you have a really great site! I really like your reviews and the overview. 🙂
Maybe you can help me now too. I currently own a Capita Asymulator 154, which I can ride quite well in my normal stance. If I want to, I bomb down most of the slopes and I would also say that my carves are quite good. But now I want to improve my riding, add more switches and finally start buttering and small jumps. Unfortunately, the Capita is too aggressive and stiff for me in that regard. I have a really hard time pressing it and can only do a few centimeters. I also don’t find switch that easy, because it has to be driven very precisely, otherwise it throws me off. Certainly also because I have kept the edge very sharp so far, as we often have icy surfaces on the slopes. Yes, it works, but when I ride my girlfriend’s flat-rocker board, switch feels a lot easier for me.
So now I’m looking for a board that makes it easier for me to progress in the points described, is more forgiving and easier to press. At the moment I ride almost exclusively on the slopes and would like to include various tricks there. But in the future I would like to try a little bit in the park, too.
What could you recommend me for the purpose and what size should I take? I’m 171cm tall and weigh 72kg without gear.
Thank you for your time!
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
Given how you describe your experience with the Asymulator, I would look at:
– NS Proto Slinger
– YES Dicey
– Niche Wraith
– Slash Happy Place
– Lib Tech Skate Banana
– Capita Scott Stevens Pro
For sizing, could you also let me know your boot size.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your quick reply!
I use 26.5cm Mondopoint boots from nitro, that are only 29cm total length. Not sure if its US8 or 8.5. It depends on the brand, as far as I know.
The Niche and Slash aren’t available at my place. So this leaves us with the other 4. But what would be the best option for me? How should I decide? 🙂
Hi David
With a 26.5 Mondo, they will be US8.5.
Taking the Slash and Niche out of the equation, I would size to:
– NS Proto Slinger 153
– YES Dicey 152
– Lib Tech Skate Banana 154
– Capita Scott Stevens Pro 153
The Dicey may be a bit too wide (wide at the inserts compared to the waist). Going 152 you are sizing down for your specs though, so it could still work. But if you need a reason to cross one off the list that’s one reason.
You could go by feel too. The Skate Banana is quite a loose feeling board – if you like the idea of that, then that’s a good option, if you want a more stable feel, then it may be less appealing. I would say in order of loosest to most stable.
– Skate Banana
– Scott Stevens Pro
– Proto Slinger
– Dicey
If you still want to carve well, the Proto Slinger is the best carver, IMO. Order would be:
– Proto Slinger
– Dicey
– Scott Steven’s Pro
– Skate Banana
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hey Nate. Great reviews! I’ve decided to learn how to ride switch & a little jumping after 17 years of just going one direction lol currently on a 2020 NS westbound. Would you recommend a Proto slinger for my new endeavors or? Keep up the solid work. Thank you! Tim
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the Proto Slinger would work well if you’re looking to add switch and jumps – and it’s a good compliment to the West Bound (as in very different boards, that you can use for different purposes). In terms of sizing, you might want to size it a little smaller than your Westbound, given it will be your more freestyle oriented board – and also has less tip/tail outside the contact points, so you can go shorter with it.
Hope this helps
Hey thanks for you reply! My westbound is a 155. I’m 5’8 155lbs. Would you recommend a 149 or 153 for a freestyle board? I’d probably pair it with freestyle bindings but is a soft boot recommended as well? I’m using a K2 Thraxis boot (first ride yesterday, might need a heat mold that sucker its hard as a rock lol )
Hey Tim
Yeah ideally I would go for a softer boot than the Thraxis for the Slinger. The Thraxis are really stiff. They will soften a bit over time, but still a really stiff boot (9/10 flex from my experience).
Size-wise for the Slinger, you could ride it as small as 149, if you wanted it to be really park dedicated and really playful (already a playful board but going smaller would make it even more playful) and weren’t intending on doing massive jumps or anything (going too small can lead to not enough stability for the extra speed you need for bigger jumps and also a less solid landing platform). But if you wanted it to be a little more versatile and actually be able to ride some groomers with it and/or hit some bigger jumps etc, then I’d be leaning 153. The 153 would still be a really good compliment to your 155 Westbound, IMO.
Hi Nate, it looks like you are answering all your messages so keep up the good work it helps a lot on deciding our next board/bindings.
Here goes my question, I am an advanced rider that likes to ride everything especially powder and off-piste but currently got a job as a park instructor and I am realizing that my 2016 burton process flying V with mission bindings is not cutting it very well with butters, rotations and flex, so I was thinking of keeping that snowboard for normal days but wanted to get a park board as well to add to my collection. So I was wondering if you could help me with picking a new board and maybe new bindings if needed too, my boots are k2 Maysis so they are on the stiffer side for sure, maybe buy new boots too? I am 182 cm tall, weight around 75kg and have size 44 shoes. Hopefully this is enough information for you to guide me through, I also get a 50% discount on Jones, Burton and Nidecker so if you have any recommendations from those brands I would save some extra money but I am still open to buying other brands. All in all, thanks for reading this and have a great season this year!
Hi Ignacio
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of sizing, I’d be looking at something around 154-157, depending on how playful you want it to be. I’d put you roughly at around a 159 as your “standard all-mountain” length. But I’d size down for your park board. With K2 44s, you might need to go wide with some options and might not have to for others. I have EU44 K2s translating to US10.5.
Given your looking for a park oriented board and something you want to be more buttery than the Process Flying V, I would be leaning towards:
– Capita Scott Stevens Pro
– Lib Tech Skate Banana (particularly if you want something loose feeling)
– Slash Happy Place
– Niche Wraith
– GNU Headspace
– YES Dicey
That said, everything else in this list is pretty buttery too, so you really could go with anything here.
In terms of bindings, you might be fine to stick with the Missions. If you wanted to change to something softer, then the likes of the Union Contact Pros would be a good bet. Or if you wanted to have each board with it’s own bindings.
For boots. If anything is going to be stiffer than the rest of the setup, then boots are it. But probably ideally softer boots. But you could get away with keeping your boots.
From Burton, I think you’re best bet would be the Kilroy Twin.
From Jones, the closest I can think of is probably the Mountain Twin, but that’s all-mountain in my books and isn’t going to be more park/playful than the Process Flying V, IMO. They did come out with the Mindexpander Twin recently too, which could be a good freestyle option. Still not something I would consider a strictly park board – but I haven’t ridden it yet, so can’t say for sure.
I only just started testing Nidecker boards, and I haven’t ridden any of their more freestyle options. I don’t know their line well yet, but having a quick look – the Sensor might be an option, but even that doesn’t look super park oriented – and hard to say how it would compare to the Process Flying V, having not ridden it.
Hope this helps
Which board would you recommend for a beginner that wants a do it all board but is mainly freestyle focused as I want to play around everywhere. I’ve narrowed it down to the skate banana or the Proto slinger. It seems the Proto slinger has more versatility, but I’m not sure if it’s “too much” board or not?
Hi Zack
Further to my other comment on the Terrain Wrecker post, I think the Proto Slinger is still a stretch as a beginner board, but at a stretch, given you’re athletic, you might get away with it. It’s got a fair bit of camber – but it is soft which mellows it out quite a bit.
For something mainly freestyle focused as a beginner, if you’re looking at something that’s a little bit of a step up from a true beginner board (which I’m assuming you’re looking for, based on the boards you’re looking at), the Skate Banana would work really well. But it is quite a loose feeling board, which you expressed concerns about. If you weren’t worried about that looser feeling then that, or the GNU GWO would be good bets. For something more stable feeling, but still beginner friendly and freestyle focused, the Slash Happy Place, YES Dicey and maybe the Niche Wraith.
Another option that I think would work well is the Never Summer Peacemaker – it’s a little less camber dominant than the Proto Slinger, but still nice and soft. And it has blower stance inserts you can use to make it better in powder. That’s worth looking at too.
Thank you very much for the replies! Sorry for the comment on 2 spots. The way the website works on my phone is that once I reply or comment it doesn’t show my comment until you reply to it so I never know if it actually goes through and commented here just to make sure it went through without commenting a bunch on the same post. Thanks again! I’m torn for sure. I’m unsure if a loose feeling board will bother me or not. I don’t have enough experience to know if that’s a troublesome thing for me or not. I’ve only ever rented and every time I go I swear it’s a different board so I have no idea what I’m getting lol. I just want to make sure I get a good board that I can use now and grow into as well without outgrowing it too soon. Seems like the skate banana is either a love it or hate it board with the vast majority of people. The Proto is getting good reviews and some make the statement of it being beginner friendly. Really I’m down to those 2 for now with the possibility of a more all mountain board in the future when I get more advanced and want to charge more.
Hi Zack
All good! If you’re worried about the Skate Banana being too loose, then I’d go Proto Slinger. It’s a safer bet, albeit a little more advanced skill level-wise. But definitely not a board that’s hard to ride or anything, so you’d likely get away with it. And certainly not something you’d grow out of for a long time – especially for park/freestyle stuff, it would be something you could have forever. It’s what I use as my park board.
Hey Nate
Thanks for the awesome review’s, sure help’s a lot when someone getting his gear!
I was looking for a freestyle board that would be easy to ride for ground tricks, but also good enough for carvnig and casual riding.
Intermediate driver, never done ground tricks but wanting to advance my riding skills.
I am 186cm and 78kg with a boot size of 45 (US 12) and honestly don’t know what board size should I be looking at?
Was thinking of Lib tech skate banana maybe a good choice.
Thank you!
Hi Kristian
Thanks for your message.
The Skate Banana would work for what you’re describing, but I would be leaning towards something that carves a little better, given you mention you want it to also be good for carving. So I would look at:
– Never Summer Proto Slinger
– YES Dicey/Jackpot – the Dicey if you wanted it to be the easier option for learning ground tricks, the Jackpot for the better carving option
– GNU Headspace
– Niche Wraith
– Arbor Relapse
– Burton Kilroy Twin
Size-wise, taking into account that freestyle is going to be your main focus on this board, but that you still want to be able to ride the rest of the mountain on it, I would look in a range of around 156-158. And you’ll need to go wide with US12s. So for the boards above, I would go:
– Never Summer Proto Slinger – 157X
– YES Dicey/Jackpot – 156 or 158, depending on how easy going you wanted it
– GNU Headspace – 155W – getting on the smaller side, but doable if you really wanted to optimize for freestyle
– Niche Wraith – no appropriate size as none of them are wide enough
– Arbor Relapse – 155W – same comments as per the Headspace
– Burton Kilroy Twin – no appropriate size as none of them are wide enough
If you still wanted to go Skate Banana, then I’d say 156W.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your detailed answer.
Hope I don’t botger too much, because most of these boards are not available to me as I am coming from Croatia.
Can you please share some light on Capita Defenders of awesome.(155W)
Thanks and cheers!
Hi Kristian
The DOA is probably quite tricky to learn ground tricks/buttering on. You can definitely do it with the DOA, but it’s not the easiest to get started on, IMO, for those things.
Hi Nate,
I am choosing between Lib Tech Skate Banana and Burton Kilroy Twin. I want to do freestyle mainly. I am 173cm, 65kg and my foot length is 25-25.5 cm. Which one of these is better for me? And can you recommend me size for boots Vans High Pro? I normally wear sneakers US 8.
Thank you.
Hi Martin
Thanks for your message.
If you’re going to be doing jumps/side hits mostly or want to optimize jumps/sidehits, more so than jibbing and buttering, then I’d go Kilroy Twin. If you want more buttering and boxes/rails, then Skate Banana. Kilroy Twin is pretty buttery and you can definitely hit boxes/rails etc with it, but not as good as skate banana. And similarly, the Skate Banana isn’t bad for jumps or side hits or anything like that, but the Kilroy Twin just better. Kilroy twin more poppy.
Also it might deepend on feel. The Kilroy Twin has a more precise, more locked in kind of feel (not super locked in, especially for a full camber board, but certainly more so than the Skate Banana, whilst the Skate Banana is a looser, more surfy feel.
Size-wise, for your specs and given that you’re mostly doing freestyle on it:
– Kilroy Twin: 148
– Skate Banana: 150
If you typically wear size 8s in sneakers, I would predict you’d be either an 8 or 8.5 in the Hi-Standard Pro. But it’s hard to say for sure. I wear 10s in normal shoes and ride 10s for Vans boots. If you’re able to try on, that’s the ideal, but if you can’t, then, if you have the means, you could order both sizes and return the size that doesn’t fit as well.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
really nice webpage , i like it a lot!
I hope you can help me out, and if possible, please reply asap, because i need to order board in next 2 days…!
Anyway, i am 42 old, 178cm, 83 kg, with 20 years of experience, but nothing so serious, like 10-15 days per winter…i have DOA, but it looks kinda stiff, or maybe i am wrong, didnt had chance to test many boards before.I want something so i can learn butter, 180, 360, playing down the mountain, not interested in huge jumps, or big powder, because i dont have it in my country.So i am looking for something to play down the mountain.Also i have size 10 Adidas boots with UNION bindings.Maybe its up to me and my skill, but butter tricks are too hard for me, because my board looks quite stiff to me, and so heavy when i try to turn it or similar…once more, maybe its up to me.Would you suggest something else or DOA is good enough?Size is 156 cm, but once more, it looks quite heavy for me to do anything ( or thats just normal, when you add weight of the board, boots, bindings…?)when i look at other riders, while spinning, it looks so effortless, like their board is lite…thank you.
Hi Pedja
Thanks for your message.
The DOA is actually a really light board. However, a light board doesn’t always translate to feeling light on the snow – and it certainly doesn’t help with buttering or anything like that. The DOA isn’t super stiff – I feel it at around 6/10, but it’s not ultra soft or easy to butter either. I rate it a 3/5 for ease of buttering. So, there are definitely boards that are easier to butter on, for sure. I will lay out some options below – not sure what you have in your country, but hopefully you can find one of them. Be sure to check out my reviews for them (I will link them), so that you can make sure they will be suitable (pay attention especially to the breakdown of the ratings in the score table). If you’re looking to ride playfully and have something easy to butter and spin, then I think these options will all be suitable (they’re also softer flexing than the DOA and easier to turn, easier to ride, etc):
>>Capita Scott Stevens Pro
>>Lib Tech Skate Banana
>>Never Summer Proto Slinger
>>Never Summer Peacemaker
>>Niche Wraith
>>Slash Happy Place
>>YES Dicey
There are also options that aren’t as buttery or playful as those, but are more buttery and playful than the DOA – in between these and the DOA. If that’s something you’d prefer, let me know and I can also give some options for those.
If you narrow it down to a couple of options, I’m more than happy to help you out with sizing too. In general, something around 155-158, based on a combination of how you describe your riding and your specs. But I can get more specific for specific boards if you can narrow it down to your top choices.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate I am looking to purchase the Never Summer Proto slinger. I am 57 years old. I mainly ride the terrain park. Mostly jumps some rails. Otherwise I like to hit side hits, butter ect. I am 5’11’ tall and weigh 175 without my gear. size 10 boot. Would you recommend the 153 or 156 cm. Thanks Joel
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 156, particularly since you’re riding mostly jumps over rails. I think that’s probably the best all round size. It’s still sizing down a little from what you’re all-mountain size would be. I’m very similar specs, and I found the 156 was just right for freestyle/park for me. The 153 isn’t completely wrong or anything though. If you wanted it to be super playful and ultra easy to butter and easy on rails, then it works. But would loose a bit of stability for jumps approach and landing. All in all, I’d be leaning 156.
Hope this helps
Hello
I’m looking for advice on deciding what board to choose.
I was checking out the Yes Jackpot or Dicey. Other options I’ve seen around were the Rome Artifact or Capita DOA.
To give some background, skater here that only started snowboarding a couple of years ago.
I’m mostly interested in freestyle but sometimes trying to improve my carving and go for some chill freeriding.
Currently looking for a freestyle board that is a good mix for jumps and jibbing.
I have some experience from last winter with jumps – not sure about the size, here in Europe they usually have colors like green/blue/red.
I would say I’m spending time mostly on blue jumps, I would call them something between small and medium.
I haven’t been into jibbing, only some 50-50s on PVC pipes and smaller rails, but looking forward to give it a try, having learned some more slides skateboarding this year.
My stats are 185 cm (I guess that’s 6ft) weighing in around 87-90 kg (195 lbs) and boot size US 11.5 (mondopoint 295).
Stance width is 58 cm (I believe 22.8″)
I started learning to ride on a DC PBJ 159W that I still have to this day. I feel that 159 is too long on jumps or when I try to spin and sometimes it feels unstable on landings and I wash out.
I have also rode for a while a DC Ply 157W that felt nicer on jumps and solid on landings. Unfortunately I snapped the tail, hence I’m on the market for a new board.
So I was thinking about the Jackpot since it seems to me it might remind me how the Ply felt, especially if go for size 156?
But I am not sure about the width, can I ride a 156 or is it too narrow for me?
At the same time I’m thinking Dicey might be more suited for me to learn to ride sideways on features, but I would like to not compromise on jumps and feel safe on landings.
Sorry for the long read and thanks in advance for the reply.
Hi Tom
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say Dicey a little easier for jibs, but not massively so, if you want to maximize jumps, but still have something decent for jibs, then I’d go Jackpot.
I think it should work really well for what you’re describing, the biggest question mark, as you mentioned, is the width if you’re to go 156.
156 is around 271mm at the inserts. With 11.5s, it’s borderline. But doable under certain parameters.
1. Binding angles: If you’re riding with +15/-15 binding angles or similar (i.e. a decent angle on both bindings), that allows you to go a little narrower than you’d be able to with flatter angles
2. Profile of your boots: If you have low profile boots, that also allows you to go narrower than you otherwise would have been able to. If you could let me know the brand, model and ideally year (if known) of your boots.
3. How hard you carve: If you really like to lean into your carves (like eurocarving), then you’ve got a greater chance for boot drag and have to go wider than if you weren’t really doing any deep, aggressive carves
4. Stance width: A wider width puts you on a wider part of the board. In the case of the Jackpot/Dicey, you’re stance width sounds like it will be the same as what I rode it at, so would expect the width at inserts to be 271mm for you.
If 1-3 above are in your favor (i.e. binding angles +15/-15 or similar, low profile boots and not too aggressive/deep carving), then I think you’ll be fine width-wise on the 156.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your reply,
This is actually helpful and informative.
1. My angles are +9/-9 or +12/-9 depending how I feel on that given day.
2. I’m riding Rome Libertine boots from 2020 or 2021.
3. I do like to lean in my carves from time to time, although I’m not there yet to be able to eurocarve.
I have measured my DC PBJ 159W at the bindings and I believe it’s around 275.
I also have a Korua Otto 157 and that seems to be around the same width at the bindings.
With this information I think I understand how width is more important for carving.
I will give the Jackpot 156 a try since I’m mostly going to be riding park on it.
I will try to focus more on jibbing this season, but usually whenever I take a fall I usually quit and focus on jumps instead.
Falls do seem to hurt harder when you’re pushing close to 40 years.
For the days where I want to focus on my carving and leaving some deeper trenches in the snow with some occasional side hits I think the Korua Otto suits me fine.
Thanks a lot.
You’re very welcome Tom.
I think that’s sound logic – going with the wider options in your quiver for when you’re focusing on carving and using the Jackpot to focus on park.
I understand the pain, being in my 30s myself! Body takes a little longer to bounce back for sure.
Hey Nate, found your site recently – love reading your stuff. As with everyone, after some advice if you don’t mind. I recently demo’d the 2020 Jackpot and loved it and was committed to buying the new model, saw it was number 2 on your list but the 2021 model changed to full camber – which was news to the shop I was buying it from after they told me it was camrock (proof reading your blog is so valuable!).
I have been riding all mountain on a directional K2 for a couple of years, would say I am an intermediate rider but new to park (starting to do small jumps, enjoy riding switch, trying some 180’s) and want to progress my jumps and rails etc.
I am not after full camber to avoid hitting my confidence with edge catches/landing whilst I try and progress, make life as easy as possible but I don’t want a board that limits my progression. I did like the feel of the Yes camrock for sure.
The shop have advised to go for the Villain or the Burton Descendant, they said they are the same as the Jackpot. My theory was to drop back to the Yes Dicey as looks very similar to the 2020 Jackpot, good to see it was number 3 on your list, but the shop has advised against the Dicey with the extruded base.
Have just ordered the Salomon Districts, should be here next week. I am 5ft 10, 72kgs, size 9 boots which are Burton Moto’s (metal ankle so needed soft and comfy). Still want to hit the mountain for the usual fun but on the way down try and hit some jumps and of course head over to the park for some real fun and aim to progress to some larger jumps.
Question is go with my theory and against the shops advice with the 156 Dicey, or listen to them and get either the 155 Villain or 155 Descendant – if its the latter which one?
Thrown a lot at you here apologies, just really stuck and want to get one ordered.
Ps have I my sizing right whichever board you ay is best..?
Thanks
Adam
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
The closest thing you’re going to get to the 2020 Jackpot is the Dicey. The 2020 Jackpot did however have a sintered base and was mildly stiffer than the Dicey is, but still a little softer than what the new Jackpot is (by my feel). I think the biggest thing for what you’re describing, is the Extruded base. In terms of that, it’s not going to glide as well as a sintered base, which you’re going to notice on flats and the likes. Doesn’t float as well over powder, particularly if you’ve got heavy/wet powder. But you don’t have to wax it as much – or at least waxing won’t make as much difference. I think if you’re predominantly going to use it for progressing in the park, then I would look at the Dicey, and take the Extruded base that comes with it, to get the closest thing to the Dicey.
To say that the Villain and Descendant are the same as the Jackpot. Well, just not accurate. I haven’t ridden the Villain to be fair, but based on other Salomon similar boards I’ve ridden and all the boards I’ve ridden, it’s certainly not going to be the same feel. That said, I do think the Villain would be a good match for what you’re describing, and if you do really want that sintered base, then I think it’s a good option (and a good price for a board with a sintered base too). The Descendant is getting a little further away, IMO. Purepop camber feels quite different to Camrock, in my experience. Again, I don’t think it’s a bad option for what you’re describing, but it’s certainly not the same as the 2020 Jackpot or more similar to the 2020 Jackpot than the Dicey, by any means. There’s not 2022 Descendant but they were making them as recently as the 2021 model, so I’m guessing that’s what they have, so I assume they have that one at a discount. If I had to say in order of what’s closest to the 2020 Jackpot, I would say Dicey, then Villain, then Descendant.
Size-wise, The Jackpot/Diecy are wider boards, so I would size down on them. If you rode the 2020 Jackpot in a 156 and really liked it, it’s still a possibility, but I would be looking at the 154 for the Dicey. 155 for the Descendant if you went with that. For the Villain, I would be debating between 153 and 155. 155 certainly a good all round size for that board for you, IMO. If you’re predominantly going to be focusing on park with it, I would consider the 153 as well, though.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
That really does, having someone explain it clear terms really helps. As you have pointed out, my perfect combination would be for the Dicey to have a sintered base but I think for what I am looking for the hit might not be too big and one worth living with as you say – just need to carry some extra speed on those flats!
One question/challenge for you before I hit the buy button on the Dicey.. would there be any other board that offers a camrock profile, freestyle orientated, suitable for intermediates pushing into the park, that has a sintered base??
Sorry to push, just keen to know your view to put something alongside the Dicey. In the shop today I had a look around the chap said the Greats beats everything else and would be ideal for what I am looking for – was he right?
Thanks again Nate, after this I will get one on order!
Hi Adam
The Greats is a sick board for sure (what I categorize as an all-mountain-freestyle board). Can’t disagree there. And certainly suits the overall style your going for, IMO. The biggest question mark is if it’s too much for right now in terms of the park. It’s a really fun board in the park, but it’s a steeper learning curve than something like the Dicey. It’s a little stiffer (6/10 by my feel) – and something that’s not quite as friendly when you’re still getting used to the park. Doable, and a great board for sure, but that would be my biggest concern with it. If you did go Greats, I think 154 would be your best bet.
In terms of other boards that are suitable, with a sintered base, the Happy Place fits the bill. It’s a really easy going board, Camrock and sintered base, and would be an easy one to progress with in the park. Not, IMO, as good for carving the groomers or at speed as the Dicey, would be it’s biggest drawback for what you’re wanting to do. The Villain is likely a good option too, but I haven’t ridden it, so couldn’t say for sure how it rides.
There are certainly others in that All-Mountain-Freestyle category that could fit the bill but are more similar to the Greats in terms of ease of park progression (e.g. Capita Asymulator, Salomon Assassin).
154 Dicey on order Nate, am super impatient so have picked up the 2021 model! Thanks for your time , you have really helped me feel confident the Dicey is the right one, and usually I would have gone safe and ordered the 156 – but I feel the 154 is going to be more playful based on your comments. I will work up to the Greats – maybe my next board, appreciate your polite way of saying this.
Thanks again, Adam.
You’re very welcome Adam. If you think of at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hey, i have question that i cannot find an answers for years now.
I am 6’1, 63kg and currently riding DC Focus 155 which is 5/10 flex. Even though it’s on a shorter side, it’s still way too stiff for me.
Is it possible to find something of 158-161 lenght, be as flexible as possible and also wide? So virtually i am looking for the softest board in the available.
Btw. Great text!
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
I actually think for your specs that 155 is about right for you, for an all-mountain length. If you’re looking for something more freestyle oriented you could go shorter than that even. Board length is more about weight than it is about height. It used to be measured based on height, but now it’s more about weight. If you’re still set on something in that 158-161 range, then can find something that’s soft in that range, but if you’re not set on going that long, then I think shorter than that is a better bet. Would have to take into account your boot size as well, which is also important for sizing, so if you can let me know your boot size that would really help too.
For something that’s really soft and freestyle focused, I would look at the following:
– Niche Wraith
– Never Summer Proto Slinger
Those are the 2 softest that I’ve tried. Of course they won’t be as soft as I felt them if you ride in that 158-161 range, at your weight. Even if you rode them at the sizes I did (156 for the Proto Slinger and 155 for the Wraith) you’d still probably feel them a little stiffer than I did, given that your a good bit lighter. But they wouldn’t feel as stiff as if you were to ride them in longer sizes.
Others to consider are the Arbor Draft and GNU Headspace, which I felt at around a 3/10. Though I rode them in the 152 sizes, so I would say more like 3.5 to 4, if I were to ride them at around that 155/156 length.
Some all-mountain-freestyle options to also consider
Also there’s the Nitro Santoku, that whilst it’s not rated as soft, it was weirdly super soft – like I felt it at a 2/10 in terms of flex. I rode that in a 156.
And the Never Summer Peace Maker – which I felt at a 3/10 for the 158.
Hope this gives you some options to check out
Thanks a lot for the answer! I will definitely consider the options that You have listed. Ps. My boot size is 11.5
Cheers!
You’re very welcome Peter.
With 11.5s, I’d be looking at the wide sizes – 154X for the Proto Slinger. 155 for the Wraith, though it’s probably a little narrow. Even the 154X Proto Slinger isn’t super wide, but if you’re used to riding narrower boards it should be OK. Peacemaker probably too narrow. Santoku too narrow, IMO. Arbor Draft camber in 154W would be a nice size (or Draft Rocker in 155W), IMO. Or Arbor Relapse in 155W.
Hey Nate! I really need your help here… I’m looking for the best All- Mountain (Do it all) Board that can explode off small jumps and side hits. (Don’t care about rails).
Mostly riding resorts in Michigan, with icy groomers and uneven terrain. (I used to have a DOA and kept catching the edge with the uneven terrain, so I sold it!)
1) Which board should I go with?:
Never Summer Proto Slinger
or
Yes. Standard
2) Which bindings for each?
Hi Jay
Thanks for your message.
Both would definitely work for what you’re describing, but here are some differences to help you decide which would work best for you:
– The Proto Slinger has more pop and all round better for small jumps and side hits, IMO
– The Standard is slightly better in icy conditions, in my experience, but the Proto Slinger is pretty good there, so not a huge factor
– The Standard is better on a high speed carve and at faster speeds in general
– The Standard is noticeably stiffer – around 6/10 flex by my feel versus more like 3.5/10 bordering on 4/10 for the Proto Slinger
– The Proto Slinger is more nimble at slower speeds than the Standard. The Standard isn’t a boat or anything, but the Proto Slinger is really nimble
Another thing to consider is the sizing. Depending on your specs, the sizing could be different for each board. I’m happy to give a sizing opinion if you wanted one – would just need your height/weight/boot size, also a little more info on how you like to ride – sounds like small jumps and side hits are a big part, but other things like do you like to ride trees? like to bomb? powder? etc
In terms of bindings. For the Standard, I would be looking at going with something around 6/10 to 7/10 flex. Any softer won’t be enough to drive the board, IMO. For the Proto Slinger anything from 4/10 to 6/10 is a good bet. I wouldn’t go stiffer than 6/10 on the Proto Slinger though – or it might start getting a bit twitchy. Some good options to consider:
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Nate, I ended up picking up both the Yes Standard and the Proto Slinger! I also bought Union Contact Pros for each board. Do you think that’ll match up alright?
Hi Jay
Nice one!
Ideally I would have a stiffer binding on the Standard. Doesn’t have to be anything too stiff, but I would look at something 6/10 to 7/10 flex, ideally. But you could try out the Contact Pros on it and see how it goes for you. For the Proto Slinger, I think they’re a great match.
Sorry, forgot to mention I’m 5’10” 195lbs with size 11 boots, so any board sizing advice for these boards would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for the great efforts you put into your site. It is a definite service to all!
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
I would say that none of those boards are hooky, so don’t think that’s going to be a problem. If I had to see, I’d probably say the Happy Place the least hooky and maybe the Pioneer the most, but they’re all so far down the hooky scale, that it’s not really an issue here, IMO.
Also, I’d say that there isn’t a bad choice among them for what you’re describing. All really fun for sidehits, all really cruisey easy going boards that fit what you’re describing well. The Dicey and Pioneer are a little better when it comes to speed and carving, so given that you’ll be using it as your daily driver (if I have that right), then that might be one factor leaning towards one of those.
I wouldn’t call any of them really damp boards, but I don’t think there’s one or the other that are going to be easier or harder on your knees.
Size-wise, I would go:
Dicey: 158
Pioneer: 158 (this should be wide enough for 11s, particularly if you’re not carving super aggressively – but if you could also let me know the brand of your boots and you’re typical binding angles to be sure, otherwise the 157W would work too) – and possibly 155W, if you wanted to go shorter
Happy Place: 159W, particularly as you’re using it as daily driver. As a park board, I’d consider 155W, but in your case I’d go 159W for this one
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply! You are right to assume that this will be a daily driver. Mostly I am just looking for a easy going ride. If I wanted to size down, do you think a dicey 156 would be okay? I ride 15,15 or 12,12 and this season I rode burton step-on photons, but I’m 90 percent sure I’m selling the set up and going back to strap bindings. Probably pick up some Vans Auras or high standard pros. At the moment its a toss up between Dicey and Pioneer and considering sizing down to 155w. I may look to compliment this board with directional playful freeride/powder board in the future and looking forward to your review of the gremlin.
Are there any more boards I should be considering? How was the Gnu finest? is it basically a riders choice (which is a board I enjoy).
Hi Justin
With your current boots I think you’d be alright going with the 158 Pioneer, if you wanted to, but the 155W also works if you wanted to go shorter – and yeah if you were to move to Aura Pros or Hi-Standard Pros, you should be fine width-wise too as they’re also nice and low profile.
The Dicey would certainly work in the 156 – and if you were going for it as your freestyle board, I’d be leaning that way. Since you want it really easy going, you could still do 156. It’s already a pretty easy going board, but I think it’s still doable. The 158 the more pure length for your specs as an all-mountain board, but 156 not crazy small or anything. You’ll get a little less stability at speed and float in powder, but gain some maneuverability, ease of buttering, ease of pop and that kind of thing. The 156 will also feel a little softer flex-wise, than if you were to go for the 158.
Between the 155W and 158 Pioneer, the comparison is a little difference. You wouldn’t loose any (and maybe even fractionally gain a little) float in powder, but you’d still lose a bit of stability at speed. In terms of maneuverability it would likely even out. The wider width makes it less maneuverable, but the shortened length makes it more maneuverable, so it sort of balances itself out in that respect.
I found the Finest a little different to the Rider’s Choice. It’s a little less snappy and a little stiffer. They are similar-ish, but I preferred the RC.
Hey Nate,
I’m still struggling with pulling the trigger. I thought I narrowed my choice down to the pioneer or the dicey, but now I’m considering the Assassin and Riders Choice. Riders Choice is a board i have some experience with in 161.5. I really enjoyed it but would like it in a shorter length if i were to grab one. I have found a great deal on a 158W assassin and have considered it in the past and thinking maybe i should go that route. Could you give me some ups and downs between these two boards and the pioneer and the dicey?
Thanks again
Hi Justin
They are definitely options, IMO.
They are both a little stiffer than the Dicey and Pioneer, from my feel. I would rate the Rider’s Choice and Assassin both at around 5/10 flex, as opposed to the 4/10 flex on the Dicey and Pioneer. They also take a little more effort to butter than the other two, but they’re still nice to butter and still pretty easy to butter, from my experience.
The Assassin is a little more aggressive than the other 3, but it’s still nothing I would call aggressive – more middle of the scale between aggressive and playful. You’ll get a little more out of it in terms of riding at speed and for more aggressive carves. And a little less in terms of jibbing.
Size-wise, the 158W would be the best bet for the Assassin as the others will be too narrow, most likely. For the Rider’s Choice, it’s a debate between the 158W and 155W. The 157.5 is probably risking too much being too narrow, but if you felt like you could get on that size without boot drag, that would be an option. But personally if I had 11s, I wouldn’t go that narrow.
Hey Nate,
Been looking at the pioneer, happy place or dicey (and possibly last years jackpot). I want a board that I can play around with doing butters, side hits, small jumps and natural features. Not so much jib but maybe I’ll hit the odd box. I’m old and don’t really bomb but like to cruise around the groomers at medium speed and carve(but not aggressively). Which of these boards is the best match up? Probably match it up malavitas or maybe some lien act’s.
Which one is going to be easiest on my knees and which one is going to be the most hooky. I’m a solid upper intermediate that want to get my switch riding down a little better. Also I’ve been looking at the lobster cream. On paper it looks intriguing and fun, but not to many reviews. Thanks!
Hi Nate,
Can i just say i love your website and all the information you provide. I am looking for a board that can do really everything but i am most focussed on hitting side hits and jumps, i also want to get more into rails but still want to be able to shred the whole mountain. I am currently learning to carve and i really enjoy it.
I hope that this criteria is not too specific but i don’t really know what i want to get into yet, therefore the many types of riding.
I am currently a intermediate rider and can hit smaller jumps comfortably and starting to learn larger jumps. And can do all slopes on the mountain comfortably with the right conditions… i am 55kg and 170cm.
I hope that you can find a board for me,
Meine
Hi Meine
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, given that you want to be riding the rest of the mountain and getting into carving, I think something like the Jackpot or Proto Slinger from this list. You could also go Paramount, but not as good for rails, IMO, as the other 2 there.
You could also look at some all-mountain-freestyle options like:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Size-wise, I would try to find something 146-149.
Hope this helps
Hi Natan, I have a slash happy place and was considering to upgrade to a rome artifact 2021 full camber or burton kilroy twin.
Which one would you suggest me to get?
I like buttering and slamm jumps. I like rails sometimes.
Weight: 62 kg, Height 170 cm.
Hi Giacomo
Thanks for your message.
I don’t currently test Rome gear, so I can’t compare the 2. It sounds like the Kilroy Twin would definitely suit your needs. On paper the Artifact certainly sounds like it too, but having no experience with it I don’t know how it compared to the Kilroy Twin. Size-wise, I’d probably be looking at 148 for the Kilroy Twin, since it sounds like freestyle is your main game. The 152 would be doable but more of an all-mountain size for you. For the Artifact, probably the 150, but maybe 147 too. Also depends on what you’re used to riding and personal preferences for how long/short you like to ride.
hi Nate, please help me out too. I like riding on pist, mostly having fun with small jumps and butters. ( have not made my way to the park, yet. I feel great just playing down the mountain) from your description the neversummer funslinger seems like a great day to day board for me. I am 70 kgs and 178 cm. Could you please help me out with sizing it? I previously rode a 156 capota DOA as my all mtn and it was really fun . I have a jones mountain twin 160 cm for pow days.
Hi Vlad
Thanks for your message.
I think your best all-mountain size for this board is probably 156, but your freestyle size would be more like 153. I think I would go 153 or 154X for your specs, if you’re going to be predominantly riding it playfully and aren’t going to be riding that fast. But if you plan to bomb with it sometimes too, then 156 is probably the way to go. Could you also let me know your boot size, to make sure width will be OK too.
Thank you so much for your help Natan!!
You’re very welcome giacomo. Happy riding!
Hey Nate, I am looking for a new park board for next year. I mostly run park but also love doing side hits while doing groomers with my family. I would say I’m an advanced boarder in the park, I weigh 180lb I’m 5’8 and I have a size 12 boot. I ride mainly rails and medium/large jumps, I have been looking at the GNU headspace, the never summer protoslinger and am also open to other suggestions. for the GNU i was looking at the 155w and the 154W for proto slinger. I think I would like to go shorter on the board but my feet are too big. Anyways what do you think i should do?
Hi Jordan
The Proto Slinger is a sick board, so I think that would work well. And I think that’s a good size for you as a freestyle/park deck. You could go a little smaller as well, given that your park dominant, but 154 is within your park size-range, IMO.
The Headspace is a board I’m yet to get my hands on but hoping to soon, once my rep has it available. I have heard really good things though, and based on other similar GNU/Lib Tech boards, I think it would definitely work too. The Headspace actually comes in a 152W as well, if you did want to go shorter (and can find that size).
Hope this helps
hey
i’m looking for a sick park/resort board, I have the Jones ultra Mountain twin, but now I’m looking for something new. i heard, that the evil twin from bataleon is good, can someone name a better one or is this board as good as a lot of people say?
thanks for answers
Hi Wolfieboy
I haven’t ridden the Evil Twin (don’t currently test Bataleon), so can’t help there personally, but if anyone else has and can offer feedback, fire away!
Hello! I’m looking for a board to ride all-mountain and improve my park riding on, with an emphasis on butters, rails, and small/medium jumps. I’m currently riding a 158w 2018 Custom Flying V, which I’m not a huge fan of due to the size and stiffness for my size (160 lbs, 5’11”, size 12 boot).
Due to a relatively limited budget, I’m looking at used boards. I love what I’m hearing about the Funslinger (especially the flex and easy ollies), but the only realistic used options are a 156standard Funslinger and a 158w Proto Slinger. I like the thought of the 156 over the `58w for more flexibility and easier spinning, but I’m wondering if it’s too small for my size 12 boots (I ride a duck stance FYI). Would the 156 work? If not, would the 58w Proto Slinger be significantly more difficult to press and learn spins on?
Other options I’m looking at are a Yes Basic 156w a Skate Banana 156w, and a Villian 155w. I’d also consider a Huck Knife since I’ve heard good things.
I know I threw a lot at you, but any thoughts on these options would be much appreciated!
Hi Cam
Thanks for your message.
The 156 Funslinger is going to be too narrow for your 12s, unfortunately, IMO. The 158W Proto Slinger, is on the bigger side given what you’re wanting to focus on and given the dimensions of the board. If it was a freeride board and you were riding mostly freeride, then it would be more doable at that size, but for what you’re describing, I think it’s getting too big. Love the Proto Slinger, but out of those options, I would be leaning towards the Basic, Skate Banana & Villain as they have better sizings. Huck Knife is doable, but for a small/medium jump and rails/butters focus, I think the other 3 are more suitable. The Huck Knife is great in the park, but it’s a more aggressive park board, IMO, that’s better for bigger features.
Any of those 3 would work for sure, but I would be leaning Skate Banana, just because it’s the best option for butters/rails, IMO, and can handle those sizes of jumps well.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the input! I went with the 156w Basic and have been really liking it so far. The camber underfoot, smaller size, and softer flex has made jumps and butters much easier than on my Custom!
Hi Cam
Thanks for the update much appreciate. And awesome to hear that the Basic is working well for you!
Hi Nate,
What do you think about the 2021 Rome Artifact?
Thank you!
Hi Karim
Thanks for your messaege.
I don’t currently test Rome boards, so unfortuntely I’ve never ridden the Artifact.
Understood, thanks Nate. I might go for the Proto Slinger. I currently have a 152 GNU headspace. I’m 5ft 9inch and 67kgs. I’m thinking about going smaller. Do you think I could do 149 on the Proto Slinger? Or would 151 be better?
Hi Karim
For your specs, I would be leaning more towards the 151 if it’s going to be your only board. If it’s going to be your dedicated park board (and you have another for other things), or if you pretty much just ride park, then I think the 149 would be a good option, but otherwise I would go 151.
Hope this helps
Nate I Just wanted to Tell You I Like Your Review and I believe Strongly In Neversummer boards. I have a three year old funslinger best Board I have ever owned and Now I am planning on Upgrading To the new One. Thanks
Hi Jared
Thanks for your message. Yeah it’s a sick board alright! I bought the Proto Slinger and love it.
Hey NATE,
I have a Burton process 152 purepop, but I’m missing a more playful board, lightweight which allows me to get more confidence on my jumps on parks( free style boards).
Definitely, I think that I need a smaller board, I’m 5’7″ and 155 lbs, what do you recommend?
based on a research I found these options in a order of the one that I think the I would buy first
Head space
NS funslinger
a RIDE option
Talking about the Head space, the minimum is 149, I wish they have 148, and I’m a little bit afraid to go for it as it says that is a Intermediate to expert board.
I ride my all mount for 2 years, but free style I’m just starting, I would like something to get me confidence and be able to have the control of the board with jumps and tricks.
Thank you so much.
Hi Ivan
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, if it’s going to be your dedicated freestyle board, I think something around 148-150 would be a good bet. So a little shorter, but not too much shorter.
The Headspace is a predominantly camber board, and I think if you’re just starting out in the park and looking to build confidence, it might not be ideal. I would look more at the Funslinger – a little more forgiving in the camber profile, nice and soft and just really snappy and fun. I would say go 149 for that. If you wanted to go really short, there is a 146 in the Funslinger too. But yeah, I think for starting out with Freestyle I would go Funslinger over Headspace – and it’s a sick park deck even for expert riders, so it’s a board you wouldn’t ever have to get rid of.
If you were to go Ride, you could go Agenda (149), which would be a really easy ride to get started in the park. But probably something you would want to upgrade from once you became more advanced in the park. The Kink (147) would work too – a little harder to get going on, but something you wouldn’t have to upgrade from. Anything like the Helix or Burnout or Machete, I think would be too much right now. So if you went ride, I would be looking at either Agenda or Kink. But overall, I would go Funslinger.
Hope this helps with your decision
Man!
Thank you for the explanation.
Just one point, I live in Toronto and I don’t know why but it is almost impossible to find a NEVER SUMMER board here and to buy abroad is a little bit pricey.
What would you recommend as a similar option which has almost all attributes of the Funslinger? Or do you think that there is no such good similar option ? 🙁
thanks!
Hi Ivan
There are a number of stores in Canada that ship nationally (usually free shipping for orders over a certain amount) like PRFO. They only have a 159 left for the Funslinger. The Funslinger is a popular board so may not be anything left in the size you are looking at. For 2021 models, the Funslinger is being replaced by the Proto Slinger.
The most similar boards that would suit what you’re looking for would be the Slash Happy Place, YES Dicey, Nice Wraith and Endeavor Pioneer (or Endeavor Ranger). Other options for really easy going freestyle boards would also be the Never Summer Dipstick, Capita Scott Stevens Pro, Rossignol Sawblade, YES Basic, GNU Carbon Credit Asym.
Hopefully that gives you enough options to find one of them. I haven’t checked the sizings, so some of those may not come in the size you’re looking for.
thank you so much, you are the man!
You’re very welcome Ivan. Thanks for visiting the site – and hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate,
I found an NS Funslinger 146 cm to buy, but I think that it would be too short, even that I would love a lightweight board.
As I said I’m 170cm(5″7′) / 70kg(155lbs) /Boot 9.5 Sawath Burton
So my concern is the waist width, my boot could not fit it and that I would lose stability on jumps and high velocity when I go down on black slopes.
So, do you think that would be too much risk to buy a 146?
Should I stick with the 149?
tks!
Hi Ivan
I think if you were going to be using it purely in the park and wanted something super playful and light and weren’t really going to be going big on it and weren’t really going to be riding that fast on it, then I think it could work. But since you mention that you still want to be able to use it to bomb blacks – and maybe for bigger jumps too, by the sounds of it, then I think it’s getting on the too small side, and I would look at the 149.
Width-wise, I think you’d probably get away with it in terms of getting your boots on there. Assuming you’re riding with +15/-15 angles or similar (which is recommended for an asym board like this) and in Burton Swath boots, I think you’d be fine, as long as you weren’t planning on doing any eurocarves on it or anything. But the overall size, I think is getting too small for what you’re describing.
Hey Nate,
Good news, I found and bought a 149 2020 funslinger board!
Now, second phase, can you list some options of bindings which would fits perfect on it?
thanks dude!
Hi Ivan
Awesome that you were able to find a 149!
For bindings, firstly, in terms of flex, I would be looking for something around 4/10 to 6/10 flex for the Funslinger, something with good board feel and shock absorption, since it’s going to be predominantly for freestyle. Something from the following would work really well, IMO:
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
Or if you wanted to go a little stiffer, you could check out:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Let me know if you have any questions about any of those
Nate, thanks for all the support..
Talking about the bindings, I read your top freestyle and all-mountain bindings.
I liked the union pro contact, mainly because I saw that it is lightweight, however, I was wondering that despite being a great freestyle binding, if it will not limit my downhills and carvings.
What do you think?
Like, what would be the best binding that would have a balance between freestyle and powder rides?
thanks!!
Hi Ivan
Certainly going with something a little stiffer/more responsive will help for better carving and better for bombing. I think the Contact Pros work really well with the Proto Slinger, but if you want to get a bit more in terms of carving/speed, then certainly something with a bit more stiffness might help. For powder, I think the Contact Pros would be fine, particularly if you’re looking for a more surfy feel in the powder. I don’t find bindings need to be overly stiff to ride powder.
If you’re looking for something a little stiffer than the Contact Pros, I think the Burton Malavita or Genesis would be a good match – or another little step up in terms of flex, the Union Strata
Hi Nate !
NS funslinger with Union contact pro And Vans Hi-standard og boot set is perfect ???
Or with vans aura pro boots ?
Hi Pal
That would be a very good setup, IMO!
I would personally probably go with the Vans Aura Pro or Hi-Standard Pro (depending on if you want Lace or BOA) over the OG models, just because I like my boots to be slightly stiffer than the rest of my setup – not too much stiffer, but just a touch, is a personal preference for me. But the OG models would also definitely work with that setup for sure.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Your reviews and comments are awesome! I’m hoping you can settle my tie breaker too 🙂
I just got back from Copper and got a taste of Woodward parks! Hit my first pipe and laid the last tracks on the mtn before the Ikon pass caught Corona. Great trip.
I’m an almost 40 beginner-intermediate and I’m riding a 159 Westmark Camber ( I’m 5’10”, 200 lbs, 9.5 boot). I love the board, but I feel like it may be above my pay grade to really progress the freestyle side of the mtn for me. It’s turned into mainly a groomer carver for me. I’m looking to take a step back and/or get something a little softer to progress my freestyle riding. 99% of trips are east coast, Snowshoe, WV and have plenty of icey days.
I’m looking for a board to work on my buttering, spins, jump, switch skills in the park to make me a better freestyle rider outside of the park. Hope that makes sense. I haven’t messed with rails yet and we don’t have a pipe in WV.
Here are the decks I have it narrowed down to (this is deck dedicated to progressing my skills, this not an all mtn freestyle deck or replacement for my arbor):
156 Lib-Tech Skate Banana ( I have demoed this a couple years ago and it’s awesome)
157 Lib-Tech Box Scratcher (can’t tell the diff b/w Skate Banana)
155 CAPiTA Horrorscope
156 NeverSummer Funslinger (your review added this to my list)
Let me know your thoughts!
Chuck
Hi Chuck
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, unfortunately most resorts have caught Corona now, but awesome that you got the last laps in that you could.
Good call I reckon, going for a softer more playful option to progress in terms of freestyle stuff. And good call size-wise on those options, given that it will be your dedicated park board.
In terms of the best option there, the only one I would be a little hesitant on would be the Horrorscope, just because it’s not as good as the others in hard/icy conditions.
The Skate Banana and the Box Scratcher are going to be the best performers in icy conditions, IMO, but the Funslinger not too far behind. The Funslinger the best of the 3 for jumps and spins, for sure, followed by the Skate Banana, then Box Scratcher. The Box Scratcher and Funslinger easiest to butter, but the Skate Banana not far off at all. The Box Scratcher followed by the Skate Banana and then Funslinger for jibbing, but the Funslinger is still a good jibbing board. In terms of flex I would say that the Box Scratcher is the softest (3/10) and followed by the Funslinger (3.5/10) and then the Skate Banana (4/10).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks Nate! I love how you know this stuff inside and out.
So from what you said I’m going to eliminate the Box Scratcher and Horrorscope. So down to Funsligner and Skate Banana.
Two more questions:
1) Do you think I’m going about this the right way….getting a softer/playful board will help me grasp some of freestyle basics faster?
2) Do have any other board or even general suggestions that would help my freestyle progression?
Hi Chuck
Yeah I think you’re going about it the right way. Getting a board that’s easy to maneuver, playful and designed for freestyle stuff is going to help you progress your freestyle riding faster. Confidence is a big thing for freestyle and have a board that gives you confidence to try things out is going to really help that progression vs a board that you don’t necessarily feel in total control of.
A couple of general things.
a. If you feel you can improve your carving, work on that too. A good carving technique and general riding technique to begin with is key to good park/freestyle riding
b. Get a board well suited for it and that will give you confidence (as per what you’re doing currently)
c. Practice your switch riding all the time on the groomers. The better your switch riding is, the easier it is to get 180s down
d. work your way up slowly. challenge yourself, but don’t go straight from small kickers to XL jumps. Or straight from the easiest box to the gnarliest rail. That’s a great way to ruin your confidence
e. set a plan for what you want to achieve
f. get a park lesson. Learning techniques from people who know how to do it and know how to teach it, is really valuable. You can watch you tube videos too, and that can definitely be helpful (and of course a lot cheaper, begin free!), but an in-person lesson, with someone actually watching you doing it and who can point out what you’re doing right and where you can tweak your technique is so valuable
Thanks Nate! All that advice hits home. You’ve been extremely helpful.
You’re very welcome Chuck. Happy riding! (if you’re able to get to an open resort at the moment)
Hi Nate,
three years ago you helped me a lot choosing my first snowboard, a Jones Mountain Twin 161W from 2017 (waist 26.0cm). Thanks for that.
I really love the board. It’s great for carving and all-mountain riding. But now I started to get into some freestyle riding and beginning to explore the park a bit.
I can jump 180s on the groomers and do tail presses. I want to get into more buttering tricks like nose/tail rolls. But pressing my MT takes a lot of effort. Its quite stiff. I cannot manage to do a proper nose press.
Last time at the resort I rented a rental board on the last day to compare it against my MT. It was a Nidecker Score 159W. This board was more playful and easier to press than my MT.
I now want to buy a more playful snowboard to make it myself easier to learn new tricks.
The new board should not replace my MT it should extend my quiver so it should not be to close to the MT.
I’m 180lbs/82kg, 6’3/190cm and have 10.5US boots. My boots are Nitro Team with and outer length of 30.5cm. I ride duck stance -15, +15 centered. I have a Nitro Zero L Binding.
May be I get a stiffer more responsive binding for my MT and put the Nitro Zero on the new more freestyle oriented board.
I want a more playful, more freestyle oriented board where it is easier to press it and do/learn buttering tricks like nose-rolls. It would be great if it still is able to lay down a nice carve.
I looked at the following boards:
yes jackpot, capita asymulator, capita outsiders – but all of them don’t have wide versions
never summer funslinger, ride twinpig, lib tech box knife or scratcher – wide versions available
Waist wise I feel the 26cm from my MT is okay. For extreme carving in soft snow it is still not enough. My toes/heal cup of the binding drags in the snow.
What board in which size would you recommend me and why?
Thanks again.
Hi Bernd
Thanks for your message.
My first thought, since you mentioned presses/buttering a lot, was the Funslinger, Basic or Dipstick. When you mentioned that you still wanted to be able to carve on it – the Funslinger was top of the list – and something like the Pioneer or Jackpot also came to mind.
With the Jackpot, Asymulator & Box Knife you’re certainly getting a board that can still carve well, but is also quite buttery. Not quite as buttery as the likes of the Funslinger & Box Scratcher, but still decently so. With the Asymulator you’re probably not going to get a size that suits you width-wise, but the Jackpot is wider than it looks (more on that later).
The Outsiders isn’t that buttery and not something that I would consider softer flexing than the Mountain Twin. All that plus not having wide sizes would make me cross this one off the list.
I haven’t ridden the Twin Pig yet, so I’m not sure about that one.
The Box Scratcher is more buttery than the Box Knife & Jackpot, but it doesn’t carve as well.
So I would be overall weighing up between the Funslinger, Jackpot and Box Knife.
The Funslinger not quite as good for carving as the Jackpot and Box Knife, but is certainly the most buttery of the 3. It’s also probably what I would consider to be the most different to the Mountain Twin. But the Jackpot and Box Knife are still very different, so their definitely still options, if you wanted to sacrifice a little in butterability (but still certainly being more buttery than the MT) to have a little more for carving.
Size-wise, I would say to go a good bit shorter than your MT to give more contrast – and also freestyle boards typically don’t have that much nose or tail, so you can ride them shorter – and it’s also easier to butter and do tricks with a shorter board. So I would probably look somewhere in the range 155-158 for your freestyle deck. So for the 3 that I would be weighing up, that would be:
– Funslinger: 157X
– Jackpot: 156
– Box Knife: 157W
The Jackpot has YES’s “mid-bite” which causes the width at inserts to be quite wide compared to the waist width. So even though it’s only 254mm at the waist, it’s actually 270mm at the inserts, comparing that to the others:
Width at Inserts (apart from the Jackpot, these are estimated for those sizes, based on measuring different sizes)
– Mountain Twin 161W: 272-273mm
– Funslinger 157X: 272mm
– Jackpot 156: 270mm
– Box Knife 157W: 269mm
So it’s pretty close to the others.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
thanks a lot for your comprehensive answer. Helps me a lot and narrows it down.
I will take either the Funslinger or the Jackpot. Checked availability. Could get Jackpot in 156 or 154 (154 a little bit cheaper than the 156). Funslinger in 157X is also available but more expensive.
But the Funslinger has a little bit more tech in it I think and the an asymetrical board is tempting.
Funslinger has looser feeling and is softer than the Jackpot.
154 will be softer and easier to butter than the 156, right? But waist might be tight.
Tough decision.
Thanks for advice.
Hi Bernd
You’re very welcome.
Yeah the 154 Jackpot would feel softer and easier to butter – but is narrower in terms of width, like you say – I would estimate around 267-268mm at the inserts.
If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go for in the end.
Hi Nate,
I just ordered the NS Funslinger in 157X together with Burton Genesis L Bindings.
The main reasons for the Funslinger was that I wanted a board more different to my MT with a different shape (rocker between the feet). Also I was curious how a asymatrical boar will ride.
Orginally I wanted Malavitas. But the shop only had one of them left in strange colors. So I switched for Genesis bindings.
Hope they are still a good option for the Funslinger.
Thanks again for your great support.
All the review you wrote where so helpful.
You’re very welcome Bernd.
Great choice, IMO. The Genesis should match well with the Funslinger, IMO – should be all good there.
Hi Nate,
I want to share my impression of the board and the binding with you.
I only had one day on the NS Funslinger on a resort without a park.
The Funslinger feels lighter and more playful than the Mountain Twin. It is easier tor press. Carving on it need a little getting used to but was ok. The Mountain Twin still carves better and you can slingshot out of turns with it if you want to. Did not had enough time to explore the freestyle aspect of the Funslinger. Will do so next season. Season ended earlier as expected.
The Genesis binding I was able to ride three days. Two on my Mountain Twin and one on the Funslinger. The Genesis is a lot more comfortable than my old Nitro Zero. After half a day with my Nitro Zero I was feeling pressure points from my ankle as well as from the toe strap. Therefore I was releasing the straps a little bit before going up the lift and tightening them again before going down the hill. With the Genesis I could ride all day long without feeling any discomfort.
Also with the Genesis strapping in was a lot easier than with the Nitro.
But I should have bought a Genesis in size M not in L as I did. I could not center my boot in the L binding. I have more heal than toe drag.
While carving I can really feel the difference between my Nitro Zero where my boot is perfectly centered and the Genesis where the boot is not centered.
The backside is great on both but the front-side with the Genesis is really really hard and takes a lot of effort to carve there. With the probably centered Nitro the front-side is so much easier and way more fun.
Also I got some boot-outs on the backside with the Genesis when the heelcup drag in the snow.
The base-plate of the Genesis only has three holes so moving it more to the front-side is possible only a little bit which was not enough for me to center my boot. I did not find any other option to move my boot more to the front-side.
Therefore I will sell my Genesis L and get a new Genesis or Malavita in size M and hope I can get my boots centered in them.
All the best
Bernd
Hi Bernd
Thanks for your feedback. Always great to hear other people’s experiences. Look forward to hearing what you think of the Funslinger in the park.
I would imagine you shouldn’t have any difficulties centering a Medium Genesis or Malavita on the board. And you should fit in a medium binding fine with 10.5s.
Hey!
I am interested in getting a new park board for this season. My current board is a 158 Capita, true twin, All-terrain camber V3 Profile with a 5 flex rating. I personally think it is too stiff and honestly hard to whip around and maneuver. I am 190lb and 6ft with an 11.5 boot size. I want a board that is soft and something I can really work the park with. Small-Medium jumps but mostly rails and jibs. I am sorta all over the place in terms of what board to get. Im looking at the Lib Tech Skate Banana BTX 156W, the Capita Ultrafear in 155W, Never Summer Funslinger 157W, Slash Happy Place 155W. Like I said I would like something shorter but wide enough for my 11.5 boot. Hope you can take these variables into account and help push me in the right direction!
-Steve
Hi Steven
Thanks for your direction. So it sounds like you have the Outerspace Living in the 158, from what you’re describing.
Any of the options you’re looking at are certainly going to be softer flexing – not by a massive amount (IMO), but enough to certainly notice it.
It’s hard to go past the Funslinger, since it’s such a sick board. But if you’re looking to go shorter/smaller, then the 157’s not really going that much smaller than the 158 you have now. However, if you wanted that really playful board that’s super easy to whip around, then you could look at even going 154W for the Funslinger. Assuming you’ll be riding it with +15/-15 angles (which is recommended for an asym like the Funslinger), then I think it will still be wide enough. And assuming you haven’t had any issues with your 158 OSL width-wise, then it’s going to be a little wider than that is, so you’ve got some leeway there. Ordinarily I wouldn’t recommend that short for your specs, mostly because it’s not going to feel very stable at speed, but if you’re using it as your dedicated park board and are mostly jibbing/small-medium jumps, I think it could work.
Happy Place 155W a great option too, from what you’re describing. Width-wise is borderline, like the Funslinger in the 154W, but I’d say you should be fine.
Skate Banana 156W would certainly be wide enough and great for jibs, in my experience with it. Not as good for jumps, I’ve found personally – there’s only a very subtle amount of camber in the profile. Width should be all good on this one too.
Capita Ultrafear in 155W again would certainly work for what you’re describing – like the Skate Banana is better for jibs than jumps. Width-wise fine too.
I’d say to maximize for jibs/rails, then the Skate Banana or Ultrafear, but if you’re wanting something better for jumps, but still really jib friendly, then the Happy Place or Funslinger would be your best bets. The Funslinger, IMO, will feel the softest/most buttery out of the 4.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate, great info thru all the replies you make👌
I’m 5,5 65kg, 8 boot been riding a Burton NUG 146 for 4-5 years, really getting into presses, butters, medium jumps with 180’s. Ollie’s, nollies. As the Nug is a “Rocker” I’m wondering (watching lots of utube,) if I’d be better on a Camber for more Pop, I was looking at a Arbor Westmark Camber but I’m open to suggestions.
Again thanks for your time
Bernard
Hi Barnard
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, definitely going to get more pop out of something with more camber. Doesn’t necessarily have to be all camber, but a good amount of camber definitely helps with pop. Probably going to loose some of that buttery-ness/pressability moving from the Nug to something like the Westmark, but would definitely gain in terms of pop.
The Westmark isn’t un-buttery or anything but certainly less buttery than the Nug and a number of others on this list. In terms of getting more pop, but maintaining a bit more butterability, I think something like the Funslinger, Jackpot, Pioneer or Happy Place are your best bets. If you wanted to go for the most pop, without much concern for butterability, then the Burton Paramount is a good bet. The Westmark is also there – but I’d say a little more buttery than the Paramount and a little less poppy.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate.
What do you think about the Bataleon Global warmer? It have alot of positiv reviews, but what do you think about it?
Hi Martin
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I don’t currently test Bataleon gear so I can’t really comment no it. Specs-wise it certainly looks like it would fit this category, but having no experience with it, I have no opinion on how it rides.
Hi Nate,
Great reviews. I have a Burton Trickpony (2018) and SB Slushslasher. What do you think will be a good board to complement them?
Hi Damian
Thanks for your message.
Depends on what you’re wanting the freestyle board. If you want to be doing a lot of butters, jibs, flat-land tricks small spins/jumps etc, then something like the Ultrafear, Skate Banana, Happy Place or Funslinger would be your best bets, IMO. If you want something that’s a bit more aggressive then something like the Kilroy Process (renamed Kilroy Twin for 2020), Paramount, Westmark or Space Case (no 2020 model, but the new GNU Finest looks to be a pretty close replacement). Something kind of in between, then the Knew, Jackpot and Funslinger (on the playful side, but can also be a bit more aggressive).
If you’re for the biggest contrast vs something like the Trickpony, then I think one of those more buttery/jibby options would go well.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Greetings. 5’10” 185 lbs size 11 boot. Looking to pick up the Funslinger. Plan to use it as an all-mountain freestyle board. Would you recommend the 154X, 25.8 waist 117 edge or the 157X, 26.2 waist 120 edge? Do you think there is a noticeable difference between the 2 sizes when it comes to speed and powder? Thanks for the information.
Hi Sam
Thanks for your message. For your specs, and given you want to use it as an all-mtn-freestyle board, I would say go 157X. Overall I think that’s going to be the best size for you. If you were going to be predominantly using it in the park, then the 154X could come into play – but I wouldn’t go that short with your specs, if you’re looking to also ride the mountain a fair bit. For speed and powder the 157X will be noticeably better than the 154X, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I’d say I’m an intermediate rider looking to progress into park. I’ve been eyeing the Never summer Funslinger and the Yes The Greats boards. Sounds like the Funslinger for more park oriented and Greats for more versatility? I’m currently riding a 162 Burton Process Flying V, which is probably a bit big for me (first board). What would you recommend size wise for these two boards? I’m 5’10” @ 185lbs with US 10 boots.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message. Definitely, as you say, the Funslinger more park oriented (what I label as freestyle) and the Greats more versatile (what I label as all-mountain-freestyle).
The Greats is better for carving & speed – and better for larger jumps than the Funslinger and a little better in powder too – but still average in powder.
The Funslinger still isn’t a bad little carver for it’s flex. So it is something that you can ride the rest of the mountain on. It’s a better jibber than the Greats too. Gets pretty wobbly when you really open it out at speed but can handle a little speed – just gets a bit sketchy when you really let fly.
The Greats is quite buttery for it’s flex. More so than you’d think it would be but it’s still not as buttery as the Funslinger – which is super buttery – one of the more buttery boards I’ve ridden. Both are great for spinning, but I would say that the Funslinger is just that little bit easier to get around, just being that softer flex.
I’d say for progressing in the park the Funslinger would be the best option – would be easier to learn jumps and jibs in the park on – and is still decent on a carve and has great pop too. The Greats would certainly work too, and gives you more in terms of the rest of the mountain – but just a steeper learning curve in the park.
Size-wise, I would be debating between 154 and 156 for the Greats and 156 or 159 for the Funslinger.
I would say 156 is the best size for the Greats for your specs – that’s the size I ride (6’0″, 185lbs, US10) and we’re similar specs. But the 154 would be doable too – and would just shift it a little more park focused, feel a little softer flexing and sacrifice a little in terms of speed and powder.
The 156 would also be the size I would usually recommend for you for the Funslinger – but that would be as a park focused size – that’s the size I like to ride it in, but I would certainly be doing mostly freestyle riding it. 159 is an option, if you were wanting to make it a little better for speed/powder and use it more as an all-mtn-freestyle option – but for best progression in the park, I’d go 156.
You wouldn’t be disappointed with either – both great boards (I own the Greats and I rode the 2018 Funslinger and recently the 2020 model too). But for the best progression in the park – and still being able to ride the rest of the mountain – just maybe not hard bombing it – I would go 156 Funslinger.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, thanks for the quick reply! So I actually was able to get some really good deals and ended up getting both of them (both @ 156) haha. Probably going to run the Funslinger on dedicated park days and the Greats on days where I’m gonna be cruising around with friends. Hopefully there’s not too much overlap.
Thanks for the help!
Hi Justin
You’re very welcome. And awesome that you got a good deal. I wouldn’t say the boards are opposites, but they’re different enough that they’re complimentary in a quiver – and I think using them they way you’re describing is your best bet, too. If you think about it at the time (which might be a good few months away I know), let me know how you get on, once you’ve a chance to ride them.
Hi Nate!
Love these reviews! Wanted your opinion regarding buying a new board. I am an intermediate to advanced all mountain rider currently. I have been riding a k2 raygun the past 2 seasons (hand me down boards before that) and average 40 to 50 days on the mountain. I’ve really just started wanting to play around in the park this season and have been hitting park jumps and boxes in the small park. But my board feels stiff/little pop plus its twin directional. I was considering slash happy place or kilroy as I really want to start getting more into park during spring riding and I want to focus on switch, jumps, and boxes to start and I also want something I can progress on. Wanted to know your opinion on these or any other boards worth considering.
Thanks
Scott
Hi Scott
Thanks for your message.
If this is going to be your dedicated freestyle/park board, then I think the Happy Place is probably your best bet. Just because it’s a little better for jibs – and it sounds like you want to get into all round park and not just the jump line. The Happy Place will be an easier learning curve too – a bit more playful.
The Kilroy Process has more pop, and overall a little better for jumps – if you were focusing mainly on jumps and if you were looking for something that you can lay down some carves on outside the park, then this might be worth considering instead. But not like you can’t ride the Happy Place outside the park of course – just that it’s a more playful ride and not as adept for speed or carving.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I’m really interested in your opinion about “Never Summer Peacemaker”.
Thanks in advance for the answer.
Andrey
Hi Andrey
Thanks for your message.
I only rode the Peacemaker for the first time this season (2020 model) – but I really enjoyed it.
It’s a really soft flexing board – one of the softer flexing. Feels even softer than I remember the Funslinger, but probably similar flex. It’s got the “blower stance” which allows you to setback more than you can on the Funslinger – so if you want a freestyle board that’s better in powder, it’s got that (I didn’t try it in the blower stance – nor did I have much powder on the day I rode it, but I imagine it would be a surfy playful kind of ride in powder).
Overall I found it super easy to butter, great for spins, ultra nimble, great pop and overall felt snappy and lively. Good for jibs too. Got pretty wobbly at speed, even medium speeds and not that great on an aggressive carve. Also for approach and landings on bigger jumps, it can feel a bit wobbly. But great for ollies, smaller jumps and small side hits.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the answer.
Wish you all the best.
You’re very welcome Andrey. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
I’ve been testing out a few of the boards on your list. I got a change to ride the Proto Type 2 and Funslinger. Had a lot of fun on both, but prefer the funslinger. I can’t find any sizing information on the never summer website.
I’m 6 foot, 195 pounds, and wear a size 10 ride boot. This board is mainly for riding switch, jumping side hits, and learning a few freestyle tricks. I’ve got a different board for charging, carving, riding trees, and powder.
What size funslinger would you put me on? Also, what size space case would you recommend?
Thanks Nate!
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
I would say probably 159 for both Funslinger and Space Case. But since you have another board and would be using this one predominantly for freestyle, you could ride the 156 of either too – if you wanted a really playful, freestyle feel from them. And it would depend on the size of your other board too. For a better compliment to your other board, you might want to err on the shorter side and that makes the 156s more attractive in that respect.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the feedback, Nate. I think I’m going to get the funslinger. Boots are actually 10.5 Is that still safe for the 156? Any reason to consider the wide version of the snowboard for my boot size and weight?
Hi John
Certainly pushing it more with 10.5s, but if you ride with +15/-15 on that board (which that, or similar like +12-12, is recommended for an asym board like the Funslinger) and you’re not planning on doing any super aggressive carves on it, I think you’d still be fine if you went with the 156.
But you could look at the wide version too (157X). The advantages of going wider are that you get a wider more stable landing platform (and more float in powder – but for the purposes of this board it’s more the landing platform that we’re concerned with) and would be more leeway for doing deeper carves. The disadvantage is that if it’s too wide, then it can make it harder to initiate turns, affecting the edge-to-edge speed of the board. I think with 10.5s, and at your weight on the 157X that that wouldn’t too big an issue, but that’s the biggest downside of going wide. I would predict the 156 to be roughly 260 to 262mm at the inserts – which is certainly on the narrow side for 10.5s, but doable depending. On the 157X I would predict that to be more like 269 to 271mm at the inserts.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate, I saw this post in search of a new snowboard for me (trying to find something for freestyle in parks and for powder) I really like the look of the Niche Knew and the Arbor Westmark (btw are they available in the EU?) I’ve been snowboarding for three years, (I’m 13 now almost 14), would you be able to recommend me something, I wouldn’t like to make the wrong choice since these boards aren’t really cheap… Thanks in advance
-Max
Hi Max
Thanks for your message.
Most of these boards are great for powder – but if you’re willing to work hard in there, keeping the nose up, then they can work.
Not sure about availability in the EU, unfortunately, but you could check out Blue Tomato (a European online store that has a good range).
Size is also an important factor, for picking the right board. If you’d like my opinion on a good size for you, if you could let me know your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thanks for reply on boots reviews!
This is the main question. I bought last year the board Rossi one lf 153. I’m 174cm and 60kg and 9.5US on vans infuse and low power on legs. Last year I learn a lot but so hard to flow well.
This year i go to test a diferent board, and I test a GNU carbon credit 153cm 2017 no asym and a C2 mervin based middle flex.
First i test the C2 and is a litlle more easy than my rossi but still cacthy and without power to move correctly, later test Carbon 153 and seem a lot better with BTX shape, less chacthy and better flex BUT still to hard for me, The board still riding me. After 2h i’m tired with no power, and impossible to ride ok.
So my question is, I’m Looking for a Carbon credit 150 or 147 ASYM (I think 150 is for me like a all mountain board and 147 the natural flex for my size,weight and power) and I have a little of fear to small o to much flex, but I think is the best option. And the other option is Skate banana 148N or 145N and is a litlle more hard than carbon credit.
You feel more a size down on a board or a 1 point flex down in flex? After all this research, I think if some day like to buy a more hard board, i go to womens mind expander or similar, because the normal sizes, are too much for me.
thanks
Hi RST
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, I would usually say around 151cm for an all-mountain board, assuming an advanced level. For the Rossignol One, the shortest is 153, so best option for that board, but probably still too long. But if you’re riding more freestyle and/or are more intermediate level, then sizing down from there is a good idea. Also since you describe yourself as someone who doesn’t necessarily have a lot of power, then going shorter will also help there.
So, I would be leaning towards 147 for you, because of those things. You could certainly ride the 150, and you would see some difference to the 153 for sure, but I would be leaning towards 147 at this stage. The only thing is the width. The 147 Carbon Credit Asym only has a 242mm waist width. Usually I would say that’s too narrow for 9.5s. But if you ride with binding angles like +15/-15 (which I would recommend anyway for an asym board) and since you have low profile boots, I think you could get away with the width on it, assuming you’re not going to be doing any really hard carves on it, like Euro carves.
For the Skate Banana I would go 148N. I think the 145N is getting too short and also too narrow even given all the things mentioned above.
So yeah I would go 147 Carbon Credit Asym, first choice. Then the 150 Carbon Credit and 148N Skate Banana.
Hope this helps with your decision
I like the answer! and yes is for learn some freestyle arount the mountain, butters, jumping , test some jibbing and go on pow around the slopes and trees, and stable at normal speed, not racing speed. With my test on gnu carbon credit 153 make all this things correct, without any strange movements.
I ride normally +15 /-3 or-6, for twin is possible to run +9/-9 or smilar, never i like +15/-15 🙂
Paired with union strata is good or like contact pro?
You thing vans infuse is too much for this board? (I run without inserts)
thanks Nate
Hi RST
You could probably get away with something like +9/-9. Doesn’t have to be +15/-15 on asym, but a mirror duck is preferable. Only reason I suggest more angle is because of the width being marginal. Have you tried +12/-12? Would just give you a bit more leeway in terms of width, though only a very small amount, so you might get away with +9/-9.
I would go Contact Pro for the Carbon Credit Asym. I think it would be a better match for the board and for you, IMO.
The Infuse are quite stiff for the overall setup. Even without the tongue inserts, I would say the flex is around 6/10. But if you’re used to them, then going with stiffer boots, in a softer setup is fine. I wouldn’t do it the other way around (6/10 board with 3/10 boots) but that way around is doable, assuming your comfortable with the flex of the boots in the first place.
Perfect I go to 147 carbon credit!
Yes vans infuse are confortable, some times, on my hard board a little of pain, but the foot are making a lot of pressure to control de board, with the gnu I test, seems no pain.
Is possible I test to sell my boots, this or next season.
For boards like gnu carbon or possible a mind expander 146 for women, a medium flex board is good with 4/5 stiffness boots no?
The minium footprint for 275 MP, narrow akles and narrow foot in medium flex… i think… Vans hi standard pro , aura pro are good right? and for adidas, the tactical adv i think is hard like my infuse, which from adidas?
If my future are narrow boards, i need the shortest footprint
I like the hold held on my infuse. I test thirtytwo TM3 on a shop, and feel instantly with pain on my base of foot.
This is the last answer, sorry for long discussion, you are a open book, thanks
Hi RST
With narrow feet and ankles, I think sticking with Vans is a good idea. And if you wanted to go with a slightly softer flexing Vans in the future, then the Aura Pro would be a good bet, IMO. Adidas tend to be on the wider side in the toe box, which might not be as good a fit for you. If you did go Adidas, the Samba (5/10) flex would be a good bet, but it’s not that much shorter than the Aura Pro, and might not be as good a fit or heel hold for you. But I would definitely see how you go with that setup with the Infuse first, to see how that feels for you.
My height is 6’2. Do you think the 156 will be too much of a noodle at my weight? This will be my play around board that will be mainly focusing on trying to learn butters, jumps, flatland tricks and some park as I already have an all mountain.
Thanks Nate.
Hi Nate,
Love this website!
I’m looking for a playful freestyle deck that I can ride playful around the mountain and practise in the park. Even though I’ve been snowboarding for many years I would say I’m a beginner at freestyle. I want a board that I can progress working on s/m jumps, butters etc.
I have my eyes on the funslinger. Would this be a good option for me?
My stats
9.5uk
210lbs
I’m thinking 156?
Many thanks,
Luke
Hi Luke
Thanks for your message.
I think the Funslinger would be a good option for what you’re describing, IMO.
Size wise, I would be weighing up between 156 and 159. Based solely on weight, I would be looking at the 159, but if you can let me know your height as well, that would help to make a more accurate sizing recommendation.
Hope this helps
Or there’s the 154X option but I guess that will be too small?
Hi Luke
Yeah, I think the 154X would be too small. If you were going to go wide, then the 157X would probably be the better option, but with Tactical ADV 10s, it’s wider than ideal, IMO.
Based on your specs, I would be leaning towards 159. But given that you already have an all-mountain board, I think the 156 could work. What size is your all-mountain? If it’s around 160, 161, then I would go 156 Funslinger and 164 Flagship (as per your other comment). And that would be a good range of different boards for your quiver and a good range of sizes. The 156 Funsligner would certainly feel very soft and playful, so wouldn’t work that well for riding at speed and for really big jumps, but for playful riding you could get away with it. But if you would be wanting to hit bigger jumps and if you wanted to still carve the groomers a bit on it, then I would go 159.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for the great review. After reading, i have decided to buy a NS Funslinger. I am having a hard time deciding what size of board to go with. I am 5’10”(178cm), 175lbs(80kg) and 9.5 foot size. I am learning buttering tricks and love it so much. Will do little bit jibbing, but mostly buttering on the groomer and carving as well. I don’t know if i should get a 153 or 156. Thanks again for your great review!
Best,
Z
Hi Z
Thanks for your message.
Both of those sizes are definitely options for you. If you want it really buttery, and want your riding super playful and really easy maneuverability at slower speeds,and are going to be mostly riding the park, then the 153 would be a good choice for you, IMO.
But the 156 will offer more stability at speed and better carving ability. It’s still going to be a playful board for you at that length and will still be really nice to butter, but those things would be accentuated in the 153.
If you think you’ll be doing a fair amount of carving, then I would go 156. But if buttering tricks and the most playful ride is what you’re after, then 153.
Both sizes will be a good fit for your boot size, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Thank you so much for your reply. This is super helpful.
Do you have any recommendations on bindings and boots? Thanks Nate.
Happy Holidays!
Hi Zihang
I would check out the following for some options for bindings and boots. If you have any questions regarding any of them, let me know.
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
Hi Nate,
I’m 6’2″, 187lbs with shoe size 11. I’m considering getting a NS Funslinger. Would you recommend size 159? Thanks.
Hi George
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, for the funslinger, assuming you’ll be using it for mostly freestyle riding, I think the 159 would be a good size. And should be fine width-wise for 11s, assuming you use binding angles something like +15/-15 or +12/-12 (which is recommended for this board anyway as it’s an asym).
But you could also ride the 157X, if you wanted to go a little wider/shorter.
Either one would work, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I can get a good deal on a old rider’s choice from the 2016/2017 collection but i dont know which size to take.
Im 6’2, 165Lbs and got a foot size 11.
I will mostly go down from the slopes like touring but i want to do more little jumps next to the slopes. Next to that I want to learn to jump in the funpark starting with the smaller jumps.
There is a 154cm, 157.5 and a 162W.
Which one do you recommend?
Thanks in advance <3
Cheers Sander
Hi Sander
Thanks for your message.
In terms of length, I would say something in the range between 156 and 160, for your specs and ability and for this style of board.
Width-wise, for your boot size I would say to look at something in the range of 254 to 264 in terms of waist width, if you have a reasonably angled back binding (i.e. 12-15 degrees) and between 261mm to 266mm at the waist, if you ride with a fairly straight back binding angle (i.e. 0-3 degrees). Add a couple of mms if you like to carve deep and take off a couple off mm if you have low profile boots (e.g. Adidas, Burton, Ride and Vans).
The Rider’s choice is an asym board so it’s recommended to ride with a mirror duck stance (e.g. +15/-15) – so if you followed that recommendation, then the 157.5cm would be fine in terms of the width. It’s also the best length of the 3 for you, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your great technical advice. Thanks to lessons, I’m a solid carver, but now want a dedicated board for practicing freestyle with focus on switch, buttering, Ollies and S/M jumps. I will use some of the boxes, but hard core jibbing isn’t my thing – want to take these skills to outside the park for future All Mountain Freestyle….
As a NS past owner, your reviews helped, but my question is geared to my current and future board size choices as I move to more All Mountain Freestyle and a dedicated freestyle board for practice/learning. Early on I always wanted to bomb and went with “longer is better”, now, I’m focused on getting very deep in carving and want to add natural jumping, Ollies, Buttering switch to all mountain riding….
I own all wide boards at an 11″ boot, just what I was always “told I needed”…so my question refers to your analysis on board brand vs boot size impacted by biding angles,
I own the NS West 160X (wide) – my carver board. Max Angles used are +27/+15 (21/12 min). Board Feels great!
I was just gifted a 158X (wide) NS Prototype Two. I assume my All Mountain freestyle angles will settle around +15/-6 (?) moving the rear toward zero with skill(?). Seems like from your reviews and others, this WILL BE my All Mountain Freestyle go to board as skills are mastered. Would you have gone/did I need a wide?
I had planned to pick up a more flexible dedicated freestyle board to train on in park and for lots of buttering, switch, ollies, beginner jumps; Based on your reviews, I can stay in the never summer family with the NS Funslinger. Angles I assume will be +15/-15 to 15/-6. Still stay X (Wide/Length)??
My boot is 11, bindings are L Malla Vitas (will be using B. Step Ons in all mountain next year after a really good test last week), Weight 178-182 out of shower. 6′.
My question is, are these board lengths spot on? For freestyle dedicated work/board, should I stick to the 158-160 wide approximate board?
Thanks!
Hi Drew
Thanks for your message.
In terms of width, with 11s, often a wide is needed but not always. It largely depends on binding angles. With a reasonable angled back bindings (e.g. 12-15 degrees), then I’d say that you could get down to a 254mm waist width roughly (of course waist width doesn’t always mean the same width at the inserts, which is why I say roughly). And around that width will sometimes allow you to get on a regular width. With a very straight back foot (e.g. 0-3 degrees) then I’d say you’re looking at at least 260mm at the waist. So in that case that will nearly always mean a “wide” board. So, the safe bet is to go wide, but there are occasions where you would get onto a regular board.
Low profile boots can also give you a bit more leeway in terms of going narrower (Adidas, Burton, Ride and Vans tend to be the best in that area). With boots like that I think you could get on the 157 Proto Type Two ok, with angles like +15/-15. But otherwise the 158X is the better size for that board. Awesome gift by the way!
For a freestyle board like the Funslinger, I would go shorter again, especially if you want to progress as fast as possible with it for your freestyle stuff. And given that you have other boards, going shorter will make your freestyle progression faster. The 156 is an option there – again, with low profile boots and +15/-15 (which I would recommend for that board) you could get on that narrower size. But if you were worried about fitting on it width wise you could go for the 157X. I wouldn’t go any longer than that for your freestyle board. The advantage of going for the wider option is that you do get a more stable landing surface for landing jumps etc – you would just get a bit edge-to-edge speed on the narrower option.
Note that the Funslinger and the Proto Type Two are what are known as Asymmetrical boards – the heel-edge sidecut is different to the toe-edge sidecut. So it’s usually recommended to use a “mirror duck stance” on these boards – something like +15/-15. This isn’t like hard and fast but that’s what’s recommended – I’ve ridden asym boards with a not quite mirror duck stance in the past and it doesn’t feel super weird or anything – certainly doable but just so you know that that’s what’s recommended.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello Nate,
I enjoyed reading your reviews on the boards on your list and I found them really informative.
I’m looking to purchase my first board, as I’ve just been renting from local shops on my trips.
I’m 5’11, weigh ~120lbs, and wear size 8.5 boots.
I was able to borrow a friends Never Summer Funslinger (size 156) and I thought it really fun to ride.
Do you think I should get a board in the same size or should I go smaller or bigger? I’m not too sure what size I should get.
Thanks for any advice
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
I think the 151 would actually be the best size for the Funslinger for you – for your weight, that would be a better match – and a better match for your boots too, IMO.
I would almost actually say that the 149 because of your weight or even the 146 would work, but for a couple of reasons, the 151 might be better. Firstly, 146/149 is getting quite small for 5’11” and secondly, because you enjoyed the 156, you might have a preference for something a little longer. I would usually say around 151, 152 for you for an all-mountain board – and I would usually say shorter for a freestyle board like this (or shorter if you were a beginner) but in this case, based on your experience with the 156, I think sticking with something around that 151 mark is a good way to go. If you really think you’d prefer longer than that, then you could go 153. But on balance I think the 151 is the best bet for you.
Hope this helps
Hello nate and thank you for your response.
I’m still in the market on a board to get and was thinking about the GNU Space case as well. Would you still recommend the same sizes (149/152)?
Also as for bindings, how would the K2 Lien FS work with the board, would you suggest something else?
Hi Mike
For the Space Case I would go for the 150 for you. I would even consider the 147 – but like with the Funslinger, based on your experience with the 156 – I think the 150 would be the best on balance, but at 120lbs, I probably wouldn’t go any longer than that for the Space Case. Note as well that the Space Case is a stiffer board than the Funslinger – so it’s a little more of a challenging ride.
The Lien FS would be a great match for the Funslinger, IMO, but for the Space Case, I would go with bindings that are a little stiffer. If you wanted something like the Lien FS, but stiffer, there’s also the Lien AT, which would work better on the Space Case, IMO. Or you could check out the following:
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps
Thanks for your responses and help. Instead of K2 lien FS, how do you think the Union forces would do / (compared to the k2 lien AT).
Hi Mike
The Forces would work with the Space Case, IMO.
They are a touch stiffer, in my opinion, and a little more responsive, but not quite as good for board feel. You can check out more details on what I thought of both in the reviews at the links below:
~ Union Force Review
~ K2 Lien AT Review
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Just found your site. Really enjoying it. Reading your review of Capita Outer space living made me think it’s the board I’ve been looking for. I do have concern about size as I’m 6’1 at 190lbs and wear DCJudge sz 11.5. I typically ride slight duck stance +15 -9 And prefer a shorter board for my size(157/158). Do you think I can pull off the OSL 158? Or can you recommend something similar. Thanks for your time and great content.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
I think the OSL 158 is going to be a bit narrow for your boot size/binding angles, unfortunately. Even with 15 degrees on the back foot, I think you’d still want to go with a 258mm waist to be safe and with a 9 degree angle, I’d say at least 262mm at the waist. So, even the 160 would be too narrow, IMO. It would be great to see the OSL in wide sizes but unfortunately it doesn’t.
But there are lots of good options for this type of board (the OSL is what I would consider an all-mountain-freestyle board). You can check out the link below for some more options in that category.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
The Proto Type Two, Greats and Rider’s Choice on that list are all asym boards – and it’s recommended that you go with a mirror duck stance (e.g. +15/-15) on asym boards. You don’t have-to have-to, I’ve ridden without mirror duck on them and it’s not like super weird or anything but that’s something to consider for those.
But something like the Assassin Pro (or the regular Assassin – which is softer/more playful, more freestyle oriented than the pro) in the 157W (261mm waist) would be an option.
If you were ok with your angles on an asym (or willing to switch to mirror duck), then the following sizes:
~ Proto Type Two: 158X (263mm waist)
~ Rider’s Choice: 158W (268mm waist) – though that’s getting quite wide
~ YES Greats: No wide options, unfortunately
Some other options:
Lib Tech TRS: 157MW (260mm waist)
Niche Aether: 159 (262mm waist)
YES Basic: 159W (261mm waist) – though I’d say this is a little softer flexing than the other options we’ve looked at so far
Hope this helps and gives you some more options
Nate,
Thanks for responding. Looking into some of the great options you suggested. I think I settled on Proto Type 2 158x with Union Falcor bindings. IYO will this setup work as a playful setup able to ride all parts of resort. Trees, bowls, groomers and natural jumps? Thanks again for your great work.
Hi Steve
The Falcor’s are a little stiffer – what I’d rate a 7/10. The PT2 is something I’d rate a 5/10. So, they’re not way off in terms of flex, but the Falcor’s are on the stiffer side – they do still have good board feel and flex well with boards – largely because of their mini disc, but they are a very responsive binding – and whilst they’re playful considering their flex, I wouldn’t say they were super playful. But they would work. If you wanted to go a little more playful but stick with Union, and still take advantage of the mini disc, then the Ultra’s (“Ultra” rather than “Ultra FC”) would be a good match, IMO (though, I know they are quite pricey).
But if you’re open brand wise, check out the following, which I think would all be a good match for the PT2:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Not to say don’t go with the Falcor’s, but if you’re looking for something a little more on the playful side.
Hope this helps
I’m looking into getting the Rome reverb rocker or the flow era, I want something that rides the whole mountain well, freestyle/park oriented and I want to be able to butter with ease, what board would you recomend if these two? Do you have any other suggestions?
Hi Lachlin
Thanks for your message.
Between these two, I would say the Flow Era would be the best bet, based on what you’re describing. I don’t have experience with the Reverb Rocker but Rome rate it as a 7/10 flex-wise (or more “powerful” than “pressable” on their scale) and it seems to be mostly camber (despite the name Reverb Rocker though I guess it does have more rocker than the full camber version).
I own the 2013 version of the Flow Era and you can definitely butter on it. It’s not the easiest board I’ve buttered on but on the easier end of the scale – but it’s a medium flex, bordering on medium-soft. It’s got camber tip to tail (with some flat transition zones) and has a healthy dose of rocker between the feet.
So yeah, without really knowing how the Reverb Rocker feels to butter, but based on specs, I would say the Era out of those two.
For pressing/buttering I think softer and with rockered tip and tail tends to be easier, but then if you want something that also performs over the whole mountain, then going something like medium flex is a good way to go – and that’s still definitely not too stiff to butter on, IMO.
If you want some more options for some freestyle oriented all-mountain options, check out the list below (note that most in this list tend to be medium-soft and in the list below are more like medium, in terms of flex).
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I was wondering if you could help me here:
My wight is 143 lbs, Im 182 cm tall and my Boot Size is 11.
I mostly want to Jib and ride in the park and ride powder on powder days
Would the Yes Jackpot 156 be the right choice ?
And if so would you consider buying the 2016-2017 or 2017-2018?
Since the jackpot is a wider board do I don´t need to buy it in wide, do I (because I really dont want to)?
Thanks for responses
Hi Stan
Thanks for your message.
I think the Jackpot would be a good option for you. It’s probably not the easiest to jib with on this list – but still very jib-able, but if you’re a strong jibber, then that won’t be an issue for you. It’s pretty hard to find a board that’s good for the park and good in powder – so you won’t find anything that’s amazing in powder – but as far as freestyle boards go, the Jackpot isn’t bad – so that’s another reason why it’s a good choice for you. I think it strikes a good balance for what you need.
In terms of length, I think the 156 is probably getting a bit long for your weight. At 145lbs, I would say 154 would be better. I know at your height that might seem short – but length sizing is predominantly down to weight. And you can still get out to a 23.6″ stance width on the 154 if you like a wide stance.
In terms of width, I think you will be ok if you have binding angles like +15/-15 or +12-12. If you’re back foot is any straighter, then it might be pushing it. Ordinarily I would say a board with a 251mm waist width (on the 154) or 252mm waist width (on the 156) would be too narrow for 11s. But with the mid-bite tech on the Jackpot, the width is wider at the inserts than it would be on most 251mm waist widthed boards.
So yeah, I don’t think you need to go wide on this particular board, and I think it’s a good board for your needs (I mean ideally, you’d have a separate board for powder but I know that not everyone wants or can get more than one board) but I think 156 is a touch long for your weight. I was on the 154 (183cm, 180lbs) and I actually enjoyed that size. If I was to buy this board I would go 156 though. But for your weight I would at least go down to the 154.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Last time I’ll pester I promise.
Sort of narrowed it down a little more
Salomon assassin
Yes jackpot
Gnu riders choice
Really fancy the assassin but wondering if it’ll be too much of a board for me or too stiff. Looking at 155. How will the flex be compared to my brainstorm ?
How does the flex and riding of the yes jackpot and gnu compare to the assassin and the brainstorm ?
Sorry for all the questions, it’s just I feel I’ve already made two mistakes with snowboard purchases and don’t want to make a third.
Cheers.
Andy
Hi Andy
I totally get wanting to get the decision right. It’s a reasonable investment and I don’t mind the questions – it’s what I do!
I’d say the Assassin is the best choice as an all round board – it’s what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board. You can check out my review of it at the link below.
>>Salomon Assassin Review
It’s probably a little softer than the Brainstorm but a little stiffer than the Jackpot. Similar to the Rider’s Choice. It’s got a bit more camber than the Rider’s Choice and the Jackpot but I still found it quite easy to butter. If you go with the 155cm – which is what I would recommend for you, then I think it will certainly be more easy going than the Brainstorm. It’s certainly lighter/snappier. But it’s also a more stable ride compared to the looseness of the Skate Banana.
Any of these boards will be more stable than the Skate Banana and a little softer flexing/more easy going than the brainstorm. But I also think the size should be more like that 154-156cm range, which will also help. The Assassin will be the best in terms of all-round riding, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for all your help. Really appreciated.
Is there much difference between the assassin and the villain ?
Can get both for a decent price in a 155.
Promise this is the last question.
Keep up the good work.
Your time and effort helps so many boarders out.
Andy
Hi Andy
You’re very welcome.
There’s a little bit of difference between the Assassin and the Villain. I think the Assassin would be more suitable for you.
Thanks for your reply mate.
Really appreciate.
And congratulations on the wedding.
I’ve sort of narrowed it down to the following.
Slash happy place
Yes jackpot
Yes basic
Salomon assassin
Dc ply
Gnu riders choice
I know this is a quite long list at the minute but they all seem to get good reviews and seem pretty similar.
Which do you reckon for all over general boarding and messing about ?
Thanks again, won’t pester you any more. ?
Cheers
Andy
Nate
Thank you so much for the reply, really appreciated.
With regards to sizing, is there a reason for sizing smaller than the size charts suggest ? For my weight, it recommends the 158 in the happy place.
Also, the riders choice and funslinger are asym boards, now on occasions i seem to struggle with my toeside turns, especially when the run becomes steep or really choppy. Would an asym board help with this or would they highlight this even more ?
Just a quick one on the subject of boots, do stiffer boots tend to make it easier or harder to ride a snowboard in general day to day boarding ?
Thanks again for all the help.
Andy
Hi Andy
Sorry for the late reply. I just got married on Friday and the organization and everything has been really hectic.
Weight guidelines in my opinion are useful but are also only part of the picture. Based on not just your height/weight but also the fact that the Happy Place is a freestyle oriented board, the fact that you’re looking for a board that’s easier to press, that you are coming from a 152 and that the 157 felt potentially a little too long (even if the Happy Place will have a different feel). IMO on balance the 156cm would be a better size for you considering all of the factors.
I’m 6’0″ and 180-185lbs and I would go 156cm.
In terms of the asym, the toe side turn isn’t usually different to what you would expect. It’s usually the heel-side that’s changed to make the heel side feel as easy to turn as the toe-side. Potentially by making both turns feel more similar it could, just by contrast, improve the feel of the toe-side turn for you. But it would be hard to say.
In terms of boots, a stiffer boot is more responsive but it’s also harder work. If you’re really bombing it a lot then a stiffer boot is great to have but just for causal riding or freestyle type stuff, I don’t like to go too stiff. I like a medium flex personally for all-round riding. Overall, stiffer boots are harder to ride with but you can more out of them if you’re really riding hard. Softer boots are easier to ride on but don’t give you as much response when you’re really carving your turns.
Hope that makes sense and answers your questions
Hi Nate
Awesome review as always and very informative.
I’m currently in a bit of a predicament. At the minute i own a slash brainstorm 157, before that i had a skate banana 152 ( bad choice of size i think ). I’ve been riding for a couple of years, i’m 5’8″ tall and 182lbs.
Now , the brainstorm is an awesome board and is super stable and easy to ride normally. I went for this as wanted something more stable than the skate banana which was amazing going slow and spinning/messing about etc, but once you got a bit quicker or flat riding felt really twitchy and unstable.
With living in the uk, i tend to get an annual trip to the alps, some local boarding when we are lucky enough to get snow and a few trips to the indoor domes. Earlier in the year i had a trip to France with the brainstorm, but it just felt hard work when trying to press or mess about and i was struggling to have fun on it. I tend to ride on piste mainly but enjoy doing tree runs and off piste as well as small jumps and general messing about.
I’m thinking of changing the brainstorm for one of the above.
Namely either the Never summer funslinger, Slash happy place or Gnu riders choice.
I’m looking for a board that will be fun on the flat, spinning and pressing, but offers a stable ride all round.
Any advice on what to go for and an idea of sizing.
Also i currently have Rome 390 boss bindings, are these suited to all different types of terrain or would something different be better.
Just to confuse things slightly, when i changed my skate banana for the brainstorm, i also went from Nike vapen boots to Thirtytwo tm2’s. Think i’ve just jumped a little too far in the all mountain direction.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
Andy
Hi Andy
Thanks for your message.
I think that the Slash Happy Place is probably going to be the most stable out of those 3. But all 3 will be more stable than the Skate Banana, IMO, which is quite a loose feeling board. I would say Slash Happy Place or GNU Rider’s choice for what you are describing. They’re fun and playful and good for the park but also decent over the rest of the mountain.
Moving from the Skate Banana to the Brainstorm is quite a big shift – especially since you also added 5cm to your ride too. But I do agree that 152cm is likely too short for you. In terms of size, I think something around the 155cm mark would work well for you. For the Riders Choice that would be the 154.5 and for the Happy Place I’d say go 156 but you could also go 154 if you’re leaning towards shorter.
I think those 2 would work well for you and the Funslinger would also work fine too – the 156cm – but also check out the link below to check out some all-mountain-freestyle options. These are in between all-mountain and freestyle boards.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Oh yeah and the 390 Boss are a good binding for doing a bit of everything, so I think they suit your needs fine.
Thanks for the info nate.
I’ve realised the gnu is an asym bord. Sometimes I struggle with my toe side turns, especially when things get steeper or gnarly. Would an asym board help with this or would I’d make it harder ?
I’ve been looking at the yes basic and the Salomon assassin too, would these be a lot stiffer than the happy place or jackpot ?
Does wearing stiffer boots make turning and pressing etc harder or easier ?
Cheers
I’d say the Basic has a very similar flex to the Happy Place and the Assassin is a touch stiffer but not by that much – and it’s a super light board so you don’t necessarily feel that little extra stiffness except maybe for pressing. I’d say the Assassin is like a 5/10 flex with the Basic and Happy Place more like a 4/10.
I think I answered your other questions in my last post?
Sorry to oppose your reviews again mate but you got the Space Case and Riders Choice boards marked with super low scores for powder. Have you even ridden them in powder? They crush it in the deep stuff!! Just look at the videos for each of them. They are smashing huge powder hits and landing in the deep stuff in any direction from any height at any speed…. These things are not powder specific, but if you have the right length then your gonna have a blast in the powder on either of them. Come on mate!!
Hey man
I definitely wouldn’t say that these boards are bad in powder and a 2.5/5 rating isn’t to say that they are bad – just that they are average.
You can certainly ride any board in powder but the way I rate them is based on how they perform in powder and how effortless they are to ride in powder.
I have no doubt that you can have a blast on these boards in powder (it’s hard not to have a blast on powder) but in my opinion I thought you had to put in a bit of effort into keeping them floating – had to really lean back on that back leg – it wasn’t effortless like it is on some boards.
And it’s a scaled rating – so a board that gets 5/5 for powder gets that because, for me personally, that board performed really well in powder AND was effortless in powder. Compared to those boards these get 2.5/5. The hardest/worst performing board in powder would get a 1/5 – so these certainly aren’t bottom of the pile.
Being centered and true twin, I never expected them to be great in powder but they’re certainly not bad but compared to the best that I’ve ridden, this is where they rate. The advantage of being true twin and centered though is that they ride the same in powder switch too – so if you like to ride/land switch in powder, then you could up the powder score for yourself.
Hope this explains the rating I gave them and helps with your board search.
Hey Nate, it is great all that you have done with these snowboard ratings. It has really helped me choose my selection (gnu space case) and that is not because it is number 1 on your list. It truly fits my needs as I wanted a more park oriented all mountain board. I need to ride the powder and I am using park to advance my bag of tricks for the rest of the mountain. One question I have about this board is the width. I would consider myself an advanced rider who has no problems stomping 360s, double blacks, and things of that nature. This board seems to be thicker than most other boards. I am 5 foot 7 and 150 (probably going to be gaining weight though at college next year) with a shoe size of US 9 (which probably translates to a size 8 boot). Will the 153 be to wide for my foot? I was thinking the 153 would be a better all mountain board but I also want to progress my freestyle riding which the 150 would be better for. But would the difference be that noticeable in my park/freestyle riding. Also another factor is I found a 153 for 350, which is 50 less than any other sizes/sites I have looked at. Sorry for the long comment, and if you do not get back to me it is ok. And jeez, looking at half these comments I feel frustrated for you as half the things are answered in the post.
Hi Riley
Thanks for your message.
I think the 153cm should be fine for you. I’d probably normally suggest the 150 for your specs if you were going to be using it predominantly in the park. But if you are going to be riding all-mountain a fair bit, then the 153cm is probably the better bet. And assuming you do add weight, then the 153cm will be a better bet then too. That and the fact that you sound like you’re quite an advanced rider too also leans you towards that 153cm.
In some ways the 153 won’t be as good as the 150 in the park but not by a whole lot – that size will make a difference (150 a bit better for spins and jibs) but a small difference. The extra length of the 153cm will give a bit more stability on landings too.
I think the width should be fine for you too. Probably at the wide end of ideal but not outside of that range. For me I find that snowboard boots tend to be 1/2 a size down from shoe size and sometimes even my shoe size, depending on the brand. Everyone is different there though and some people do need to go a full size down or even a size up sometimes. I imagine you’ll be on an 8.5 snowboard boot though. Being on the wide end of your range isn’t necessarily a bad thing either – that extra width can also add stability on landings and will also add a bit of surface area for riding the powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thats great Nate, I appreciate the help. There are so many reviews of so many boards out there but I find you do the best job out of all of them. You respond quickly and with more then adequate responses. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Riley. Thanks for visiting the site!
Hi Nate. Have you had a chance to ride the smokin buck ferton. How would a board like that compare to a riders choice ? Thanks I’m trying to decide between the two. I do more freestyle all mountain. Cruising as well. No park.
Hi Joe
I haven’t ridden any Smokin boards unfortunately. But based on specs, I think they would both work for you. Since I haven’t ridden the Smokin Buck Ferton I would suggest the Rider’s Choice – but that’s only because I know it to be good – but the Buck Ferton does come with a good rep, from what I’ve heard about it.
The main differences from what I can tell is that the Smokin board is slightly softer flexing (medium-soft flex compared to the GNU’s medium flex) and the GNU board is an asym board and the Smokin isn’t. I would say that the Smokin would be better on jibs and the GNU better for switch (personally I prefer asym for switch but there wouldn’t be too much in it – the smokin is a true twin so very good for switch). Otherwise quite similar.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate. What about the yes jackpot. Would this be a bit better at all mountain the the riders choice. I want to play in the mountain but also want to cruise. Thanks again much appreciated.
Hi Joe
Yeah I think that the Jackpot is probably just a little bit better over the rest of the mountain – in terms of carving and speed anyway. Similar in terms of powder – but I’d say that the Rider’s Choice is a little better in icy conditions – but again, just a subtle difference as the Jackpot handles those conditions decently too.
So overall, just slightly but I would still rate it as a freestyle board rather than an all-mountain-freestyle, which might actually suit you more? Check out the boards in the list below anyway and see what you think. I think that the Jackpot and Rider’s Choice would work for how you like to ride but I think these will too.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Thanks Nate. Much appreciated as always.
You’re very welcome Dan.
Also, I can trade it for a gnu space case which is 159 cm. do you think this would be too big for me. I mainly cruise the mountain. Also, is there much difference in carving between the riders choice and space case? Again my specs are 160 pounds. 510. Intermediate. I’m just worried hat the riders choice will be to washy when I turn and carve.
Hi Dan
I think the 157.5cm Rider’s Choice is a better size for you than the 159cm Space Case. Also, the Space Case isn’t going to be any better – will be the same – when it comes to carving.
Hey Nate. I’m 510 and about 160 pounds with a size 10 burton moto boot which has the burton smaller print technology. I picked up a 157.5 gnu riders choice cause I got a killer deal on it. They didn’t have anything smaller. Do you think the 255mm waist would be too big. I don’t do jumps or park. I mostly just cruise the mountain doing S shapes. I pick up some speed but not too crazy fast. Do you think this size will work for me? Thanks.
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message. The 255mm waist width will be perfectly fine for you. The maximum width is more to do with foot size than boot length. It’s the minimum width that has more to do with boot length if that makes sense. You are well above the minimum for your boot size with the 255mm but you are also within a good range for your foot length (assuming roughly your feet are the mondoprint of the boot). Or the short version – that width is all good for you!
The length I think is good too. Given that you don’t do freestyle stuff, I think it’s a great length for you. And yeah this board is great for park and jumps etc but it’s also a good all round board otherwise, so I think it’s suitable for you, for sure.
Hope this helps
Hi, I was looking for soft real freestyle however I guess these are tent to be all mountain-freestyle.. why there are not much soft boards around?
Hi Volkan
I do have a separate all-mountain-freestyle list. The boards in this list are what I consider to be freestyle rather than all-mountain freestyle (perhaps with the exception of the Rider’s Choice and Space Case really bordering on being all-mountain freestyle). The boards are what I consider to be more freestyle/park oriented and their secondary function is the rest of the mountain.
I think the type of board that you are referring to is what I would call jib/street boards. I think there are a lot of different names for these things going around. There are soft boards out there – and these tend to be more focused on jibbing or doing tricks in the street etc (hence the term) but I really don’t ride these types of boards. I ride between Freestyle and Freeride and everything in between but I don’t really ride Powder boards at one end of the extreme or Jib/Street boards at the other end.
Probably the softest/most jib/street board on this list is the Capita Ultrafear, IMO:
Some others (that I haven’t ridden) but might be good options for you are:
~ Burton Name Dropper
~ Capita Scott Stevens Pro
~ Lib Tech Box Scratcher
~ YES Public
~ GNU Headspace
Hope this helps
Awesome list Nate! I’ve been looking for a website like yours for awhile now. Just writing to wish you good luck and to keep up the great work for the snowboarding community! 😉
Hey Charles
Thanks for your message. Really appreciate it!
Hey Nate,
I must say you have some really awsome content man! one of my go to for reviews of boards.
I am 5 8 and 168lbs and size 9 boot.
I ride mostly on the east coast, groomers and hardly any powder. Like to butter and play around the whole mountain and still hit small to medium jumps and occasional rails.
I am choosing between the arbor westmark rocker 155cm, libtech attack banana and skate banana @ 156 cm, and gnu rider’s choice 157cm (too big?). possibly the 2017 Burton Trick pony in a 154cm.
I would really appreciate your thoughts on narrowing down my choices.
Hey Mike
For an all-mountain size, I would say that 157cm would be fine – but I think for your purposes for what your describing then it’s bordering on being too big but only just. Otherwise the Rider’s Choice would be a good choice – if you could find it in the 154.5cm
The Trick Pony to me is probably more of an all-mountain ride – certainly doable for what you’re describing but I think the other options are more suitable – and I think they’re probably a little bit better in harder/icy conditions (which the East Coast is known for) than the Trick Pony.
Between the Skate Banana, Attack Banana and the Westmark Rocker, I think they would all be suitable. I haven’t ridden the Arbor Westmark so this is just based on specs and reputation. The Attack Banana and Skate Banana both have good edge-hold in icy conditions but feel loose in hard conditions and pretty loose rides in general. The Westmark, from what I know, is similar in feel. If you like that loose feel, then these are great options.
If I had to choose I would say the Skate Banana (but like I say I haven’t ridden the Westmark – but it does come with a good reputation and I think the 155cm would be a good size for you). If you wanted something with a bit more of a stable feel – but still reasonably loose and playful, then the Rider’s Choice, if you could get it in the 154.5cm.
Hope this helps you to narrow down the options
Hi Nate,
I’ve been back and forth between the ’17 Gnu Space Case and the ’17 Yes Greats. I’m looking for an all mountain freestyle asymmetrical board. The usual places I ride have a more soft and groomed top where I just cruise, carve, and butter around while middle and base of the mountain is where I do some boxes, occasional rails, and smaller to mid sized jumps. Rarely any deep powder. Any input would help. I’m a size 10 shoe, 165lbs.
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris
I think that the Space Case is probably going to suit you a little bit more. The reason I say that is that it’s better on Jibs than the Greats and it sounds like you want to hit jibs. The Greats will be a faster board and a better carver. So I think between the 2 it comes down to whether you want a better carver or a better jibber.
In terms of sizes I would say:
Space Case: 153
Greats: 154
But to make a more accurate size recommendation can you also let me know your height.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the quick reply Nate!
I’m 5 foot 7 inches tall, sorry about forgetting that info.
I’m currently am riding on a GNU Street BTX I picked up several years back in a 154.
I do enjoy carving a lot. But I’m trying to get better at jibbing. It’s hard to choose between the two boards, especially after reading your reviews on each! But I hear you, so I’ll probably go with the space case.
Would the 150 be too short and unstable? I was figuring that size would be a lot easier for spins and control while jibbing compared to the 154 I’m using currently.
Thanks again!
-Chris
Hi Chris
You’re very welcome. Thanks for the extra info.
Between the 150 and 153, I would say that you’d have to weigh up the following:
The 150 would be, like you say, easier to spin and slightly easier on jibs
The 153 would be better for carving, more stable at speed and more stable on landing jumps
So, I guess that’s what you’d have to weigh up, which is more important. Personally I’d go for the 153, if I was you – but if you were wanting this as a second board and one that was smaller, then you could go for the 150. But if you want this to be your main board, I think the 153 would be a better balance.
Hope this gives you something more to go off.
Hello Nate,
Great list!
I have been noobing around for 10 years with my Kemper board, and recently been practising on my 180’s and butters. I am now looking around for a good park-style board as a replacement.
I’m around 165 cm and 63 kgs, is a 151 NS funslinger too long? For some reason some shops have horded all 150 and under boards and are selling them at 700 USD!?! (I’m in Japan)
I have also seen some GNU space case for 450 and even a 2015-16 model for 350 USD.
My bias aside for funslinger’s good looks and that awesome neon sole, do you reckon it is better to go for the GNU? Maybe even the older models?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Naze
The 2015-16 Space Case is a little bit different but still an awesome deck. The 2017 model is a little more aggressive (but still playful overall) – so if you want something playful then the 2015-16 model would be a perfectly good choice.
In terms of size I would say somewhere around the 146cm to 148cm mark. Sucks that shorter boards are more expensive in Japan – that seems really strange to me.
I think the 151 would be a bit too long for you as a park board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. What do you know about the rossignol Jibsaw 2016. The guys from shred cred gave it a 94 on their rating system. Also, I found a good deal on the 2017 version of this board but it didn’t make the shred cred too snowboards for 2017. Do you know if they made the board stiffer? Also thanks for the information you share. It’s helped me a lot of the last few years with gear selection.
Hi Dan
I’ve heard good things about the Jibsaw as a freestyle deck – but not quite enough to make this list and I haven’t ridden it personally. But hoping to get a chance to demo it this season.
I don’t think that the Jibsaw has changed too much from 2016 to 2017. The Jibsaw 2017, as far as I know, is still the same flex as the 2016 model. Rossignol rate this at a 7/10 for flex – but I find that Rossignol rate their boards stiffer in flex than they are in reality (compared to other brands flex ratings). I would say that the Jibsaw is a 4/10 or max 5/10, based on other peoples reviews. The Jibsaw Heavy Duty, however, is a bit stiffer flexing. That would be more like a 6/10 flex.
I don’t think the 2017 Jibsaw is any worse than the 2016 model, just that maybe the guys at Board Insiders maybe rate other freestyle boards more highly than the Jibsaw this year.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great site! I used your guide In choosing the board for my wife.
Btw now I’m looking for a freestyle/parkboard for myself. I’ve been snowboarding for around 5 years and I would say I’m just a normal snowboarder, usually just on the groomers and like to go full speed. Lately ive been trying to go off-piste and try small kickers.
Now I want to really be serious in learning the freestyle/park side of snowboarding- tricks, butters, hit kickers and boxes, etc. but im just a beginner.
Ive had a ride machete 2012 as my board which is more like an all mountain board. Im looking for a playful freestyle board but is poppy and stable on jumps and still can go at reasonable speeds. But the thing is i dont want to end up with another all mountain board.
I’m torn between the neversummer funslinger or the capita ultrafear. What can you say about the ultrafear?
Also if you have another recommendation, please let me me know.
I am around 5’10” and 74kgs
Thanks
Hey Luffy
Thanks for your message. Glad you like the site!
I haven’t ridden the Ultrafear (though hoping to demo it next week!) but based on what others have said about it and my experience with the Funslinger I think that the funslinger is going to be the better bet, in my opinion but I think either deck would serve you well for park/freestyle riding.
There’s not too much in it but I think the Funslinger will be better on jumps and will definitely be more poppy – it’s got some killer pop! I think the Ultrafear is probably better on Jibs but not hugely so because the Funslinger is definitely a good jibber.
Based on your specs I’d say that the 156cm Funslinger would be the best option and the 155cm if you were to go with the Ultrafear. But this also depends on what size you’re used to riding. Try to take off a few cms from your usual “all-mountain length” for your freestyle board.
Hope this helps your decision – have fun in the park!
Nice list! I recently picked up a Funslinger and it’s nice to see someone else also rates it as well.
Hey Simon – thanks man. Glad you liked the list. Hope you have an awesome time for the rest of the season on the Funslinger (assuming you still have some season left!)
Hi Nate
“The Best Freestyle Snowboards in 2015”, what a great article! Looks like you’ve covered all the best boards. That GNU Space Case, is a real sweet looking ride. Thanks
Hey Ed – thanks for visiting. Yeah the Space Case looks like an awesome ride alright. Hope to get the chance to demo it soon.
Great informative graphs you got there. All these boards look like they’re pretty decent!
Hey Vince – yeah don’t think you can really go wrong with any of these boards. They’re all pretty up there in terms of freestyle boards.
I’m new to the snowboarding arena so I’m plugging away at your site for all the info I can gather. Awesome boards you’ve got on display, trying to get more familiar with these numbers.
Thanks for sharing.
Ty
Hey Ty – thanks for visiting. Let me know if you have any questions regarding any of the info. Plenty to sink your teeth into as a new rider. Can be a lot to take in at first so I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.