Top All Mountain Snowboards 2022-2023

Comments

1. Kyle says

   August 30, 2022 at 9:56 am

   Hi Nate,

   Two years ago I’ve started my journey in Snowboarding and I love it so much, and it became my hobby and favorite sport. Now I’ve reached to mid-level with my efforts and want to improve my skills.

   For 2 years I was renting boots and snowboards from Ski resorts. Now I want my own equipment for this sport.

   I saw that you’ve helped a lot of people and that’s amazing support from your side.
   And I really hope that you will help me to choose boots and snowboard for All mountain, as I want to learn carving and enjoy freeriding in a powder.

   My physical stats:

   Height: 6’4”
   Weight: 176 lbs
   Shoesize: 10.5 (44 EU)

   Which boots/snowboard size and models will fit perfectly for my case?

   Thanks,
   Kyle

   Reply

   • Nate says

     August 30, 2022 at 10:27 am

     Hi Kyle

     Thanks for your message.

     Since it sounds like your main focus is on carving and powder, I think something directional makes the most sense. Because you are a mid-level rider, which I take to mean intermediate, I wouldn’t go too stiff, so something from the following list would be a good bet, IMO:

     >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards

     Some in there are more powder specialized and won’t give you as much for carving, so be sure to pay attention to the score breakdowns, to make sure the board is good enough in the factors that you’re looking for. I’d be leaning towards the Hybrid, Navigator, Skeleton Key, Hyper or Scout for you.

     Sizing would depend on which you went with but in general something in the range 159-161 would be a good bet, IMO. In terms of width, with 10.5s you’re on the cusp between regular width and wide, so it will depend on the board. If you can narrow it down to 2-3 boards, I would be happy to give my specific sizing opinion for each one.

     For boots, I would be looking at something around 6/10 to 7/10 flex. With the style you’re looking at I wouldn’t go too soft, but also as an intermediate rider I wouldn’t go too stiff. I think that range should work well for you. For some good options to look into check out:

     >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

     Hope this helps

     Reply

2. Brian Levine says

   August 1, 2022 at 3:37 pm

   Yo Nate,

   I need your help. I am in the market for a new snowboard. My current board is from 2013 and I’m waaaay overdue. All the new snowboard tech is a bit overwhelming. Here’s my stats:
   I ride Taos Ski Valley, I’m 5’9″ 154Lbs. I do not ride in the park (no tricks) I prefer the steeps, technical trees, freeride, big fast carved turns,… I’m avid in the backcountry on my splitty. I’m used to riding something in the 160cm range, but I understand how tech has been improving and changing. I would consider myself an expert rider and have 28 years on snowboards, and a total of 42 years on the snow skiing/snowboarding.
   I would love some help in finding my new ride…..

   Reply

   • Nate says

     August 2, 2022 at 12:05 pm

     Hi Brian

     Thanks for your message.

     I think you could size down a little bit, you can ride boards a little shorter these days. That said, you don’t have to size down too much, given your riding style. I would put you on roughly a 156 as your “standard” length. Given you’re used to 160 and given your style, I think something around that 157 to 159 range would work well. But if you could also let me know your boot size, that would be helpful too.

     Given your style, I would probably be looking at something freeride. You could either look at something more mellow or more aggressive given your style, the more aggressive option is probably your best bet. The 2 lists below, I think would be your best bet.

     >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards

     >> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards

     The only reason you may not want to go too stiff, is because of your weight. So something on the more precise side from that first list could work – like the Lib Tech BRD, Burton Skeleton Key or Burton Show Stopper (if you can find one – they’re not bringing back a 2023 model, unfortunately). Otherwise, lots of options on that second list that I think would be suitable. If you can narrow it down a bit further from there, happy to look at sizing for a few options to help narrow it down further.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Brian Levine says

       August 6, 2022 at 4:23 pm

       Nate,

       Thanks for the reply, so helpful. I wear size 10 street shoes. I’ll look at your lists and see what fits my profile.

       Beers,

       Brian

       Reply

       • Nate says

         August 6, 2022 at 4:58 pm

         Hey Brian

         With your shoe size I’d stick with that 157-159 range. And you should be good with regular width for most boards in that length range (assuming you your snowboard boots are also 10 or 9.5)

         Reply

3. Luke says

   July 13, 2022 at 10:25 am

   Hi Nate,
   I am a level 5, low intermediate rider (210 lbs, 6’3″, size 13 boot).
   I hit mostly groomers, back bowls, and some trees here and there, but would like to start trying out some tricks like buttering and small jumps (I ride primarily in Colorado). I currently have the Custom Flying V, but find it unstable at speed. I’d like something that will allow me to progress without being too unforgiving.
   I’m really struggling between the following:
   *Jones Mountain Twin w/ Union Strata bindings
   *Yes Typo w/ Burton Genesis bindings

   My main concern with the MT is that it is a bit stiffer than the Typo, so I didn’t know if it would be a little to demanding/exhausting for a low end intermediate rider who still wants a somewhat playful and forgiving ride.
   I was originally considering the Yes Standard as well, but with a size 13 boot, I don’t think I would fit on that board since it doesn’t offer a dedicated wide version.

   Can you help me decide between the two setups above given my riding style and goals?
   Please feel free to add additional suggestions for boards/bindings.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     July 13, 2022 at 3:25 pm

     Hi Luke

     Thanks for your message.

     The Mountain Twin would give you a little more stability at speed than the Typo, but would be more difficult to learn tricks on, with the Typo being the more playful board (as you’ve mentioned). The MT isn’t overly stiff though and is something that you can still do tricks on, but if that’s a main focus then the Typo would be easier. The Typo doesn’t offer a huge amount more stability than the Custom Flying V. It’s a little softer flexing than the Custom Flying V, but it does provide a little better stability through the hybrid camber profile versus the Flying V profile.

     So I think it depends on which one you want to prioritize more, stability at speed or playfulness for tricks.

     Those binding combinations would work well, IMO.

     The Standard is wider than it looks. In fact, the 162 would is wider a the inserts than the Typo 163W. Even if you go to the 159 in the Standard it’s still wider than the 163W Typo. For reference below are the estimated width at inserts of a few sizes of each board:

     – Typo 159W: 270mm at inserts
     – Typo 163W: 272mm at inserts
     – Standard 159: 276mm
     – Standard 162: 281mm
     – Mountain Twin 159W: 273mm at front insert and 274mm at back insert
     – Mountain Twin 162W: 275mm at front insert and 276mm at back insert

     So you can see that the Standard is actually wider than the others at the inserts (due the mid-bite it has), even though it’s similar at the waist (in the 159. The 162 Standard is wider at the waist than any of the other options).

     For your specs, I’d recommend 163W for Typo, 162 for Standard and 162W for MT. However, you could get away with the 159 in the Standard, if you wanted to err short, which would also make it more playful. Could almost get away with the 159W in the Mountain Twin as well. It would be small for you, but doable. But depending on the size of the Custom Flying V you currently have, if you go too short it will also negate some of the stability at speed advantages, so that’s something to keep in mind. I wouldn’t go as small as 159W in the Typo.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Luke says

       July 13, 2022 at 7:38 pm

       Thank you so much for the information and suggestions! Now that I see that the Standard would actually fit me, I’m starting to lean towards that over the Typo. Now I am down to the MT and Standard. Between the two, do you think one would work better for me than the other? The Standard having a slightly lower flex rating should allow for easier trick implementation while being a little more playful and forgiving, right? If it can still carve, remain pretty stable at speed, hit jumps, and float fine in powder, I don’t see a reason to decline that option (Standard) vs the MT. Let me know what you’d lean towards in my situation.
       Also, what binding would you pair with your choice?
       Finally, if I went with the 159 Standard instead of the 162, I’m assuming I would just be trading stability at speed for playfullness for tricks. Thanks again for letting me pick your brain!

       Reply

       • Nate says

         July 14, 2022 at 11:03 am

         Hi Luke

         Standard and MT are a really similar flex and really similar in terms of aggressiveness vs playfulness – both are that in between – they’re not ultra aggressive, but not super playful either. They’re right in the middle. You can get a little aggressive on them, but you can also get a little playful on them, when you want. Both are rated 7/10 flex by YES/Jones, but I felt both more at 6/10 flex.

         In terms of bindings, I would be looking at a binding that’s around that 6/10 to 7/10 flex. This should match your specs and the boards well. If you want to err more playful, then you could err more to 6/10. Given that you want to be doing tricks, I would make sure to get bindings with good board feel. On the lists below you can look at the score breakdowns to find those with the better board feel.

         >>Top 5 All-Mountain Bindings

         >>Top 5 All-Mountain Freeride Bindings

         Reply

         • Luke says

           July 14, 2022 at 6:59 pm

           I think either option I choose, I will go with the Union Strata bindings and Tactical ADV boots (size 13). For the board, my current length is 163W for the Custom Flying V, so I think I will go with the 162/162W option for the MT or Standard. They both seem so so similar and I am pulling my hair out trying to pick one. MT graphic is sick though!
           I’d be thankful if you just picked for me 🙂
           Thanks again for all of your insight. It is truly appreciated.

         • Nate says

           July 15, 2022 at 12:09 pm

           Hi Luke

           You’re very welcome. Honestly can’t go wrong with either. If I had to choose, I would go YES Standard, but really can’t make a bad choice. That boot/binding combo would go really well with either board, IMO.

         • Luke says

           July 15, 2022 at 1:45 pm

           Where did you get the width specs for these boards? I went to their respective websites and saw for a 162W MT, the waist width is 307mm and 268mm for the 162 Standard. This seems like a large difference. I couldn’t find any info/specs on the width at the inserts. I reached out to Yes customer service, and they said a 162 would be pushing it with a size 13 boot!

         • Nate says

           July 15, 2022 at 4:01 pm

           Hi Luke

           Yes the YES Standard’s waist width on the 162 is 268. I was stating the width at inserts, which is around 281mm. I actually have a specs sheet for 2023 YES boards which states it at 282mm at the inserts – a little wider than I have it at. Most brands don’t publish the width at inserts (although some are starting to), I get mine from measuring the boards myself, when I’m testing them.

           I can assure you the waist width of the 162W Mountain Twin is not 307mm. I’ve never seen a board with a a waist width that wide, like ever. The waist width on the 162W MT is 263mm. It is 307mm at the widest point of the tip and tail, which is where I think you got that figure from.

           282mm (which is what YES have measured the 162 Standard at the inserts as) is wider than a majority of wide boards. The only boards in the YES lineup with wider width (at inserts) than that are the 420 (front foot width of 304mm and a back foot width of 296mm), 20/20 (283mm at inserts) and 420 powderhull (284mm at inserts) – which are all quite specialized short wide boards. Some others are slightly wider at the front insert but not the back insert (which is usually the one that has the straighter binding angle, so is the one that’s most likely to cause boot drag).

           But yeah, I can guarantee you that the 162 Standard is wider than the 162W MT, so if you’re concerned about your board being too narrow, I’d be more concerned with the MT.

           If you’re really worried you could also look at some of Never Summer’s drag free sizes. Or more short/wide boards – but they tend to be more powder oriented and less suitable for tricks. But I don’t think you need to. I mean if you have a really flat back binding angle and really bulky boots, then you could have issues on the 162 Standard, but if not, I think you’ll be fine.

           I’m curious what YES customer service recommended, if they thought the 162 Standard would be too narrow?

         • Luke says

           July 18, 2022 at 7:41 am

           Hi Nate,

           Unfortunately YES didn’t make a recommendation. They just said it would be close. I do plan on using reduced footprint boots (thinking Tactical ADV size 13), so that should mitigate things a bit. I actually think I’m going to go with the 159 Standard to get a little more playfulness and mobility out of the board. Fingers crossed I don’t run into any toe drag or anything. I’m glad you had custom measurements for each board. That definitely gave me some peace of mind. The setup I have chosen is listed below.
           *Yes Standard 159
           *Union Strata Bindings (L)
           *Tactical ADV Boots (13)
           Cheers!

         • Nate says

           July 18, 2022 at 10:29 am

           Hey Luke

           Using low profile boots will certainly help. I think that’s a really good combo there. If you think of it at the time let me know how get on, once you’ve had a chance to get out on snow with your new setup.

         • Luke says

           July 18, 2022 at 8:03 am

           One last thing… when do you typically do your annual reviews on boards, bindings, boots, etc.? I may wait for 2022/2023 reviews, but I’m also aware that there will be limited availability with the manufacturing industry as a whole still being unable to keep up with demand (don’t want to get into a situation where things are out of stock!).

         • Nate says

           July 18, 2022 at 10:29 am

           I typically have all the snowboard stuff updated by mid to late September.

4. Bruce says

   May 4, 2022 at 11:38 pm

   Hi Nate,

   I messaged on the female boards for my wife. Was hoping to pick your brain for myself. I’m a surfer who started snowboarding with my wife when we started dating 8 years ago. I’ve been riding one of my brothers 2006 Palmer Prodigy 157 all this time. Not really knowing board differences I didn’t think much of it until I started researching. Realize I probably don’t have the best board for myself. He is also smaller than me, esp feet.

   I feel I’m higher intermediate. As I said in the other post, we stay in trees if it’s not all ice. We fly down anything groomed. Jumps are pretty much just obstacles that turn into ramps. I’m a surfer though so I have a “unique” look to how I snowboard as my wife says. Best way I could describe it, I crank carves like I’m going to go vertical on the wave or about to do a snap/cutback. I have noticed hitting my toes sometimes, never thought anything of it. I am 6’1″ 200-220 lbs (depends on how much junk is eaten at work haha) have 11.5 thirty two tm 2 boots that I just got. Use union force bindings.

   Anyways, I have been going over all your reviews best I can. Have picked out a few that might be up my alley. Wanted to see on sizes as well. Really just looking for one board to cover everything best as I can. Was thinking the Rossi One might be a good balance. Also the Yes Hybrid caught my eye as something that might go with my surfing background ( there is an UnInc model, not sure all the differences). The Capita Mercury and Yes Standard might work as well. I’m open to other suggestions to check out.

   I never minded the 157 length too much but would definitely have to go wider. Was able to get through the powder ok on my current board and have a blast. The one board is all I know though. I’m thinking I would have to go up a size 159-161 or so. But with trees we do, probably would want to go on the shorter side of the spectrum for my weight?

   Thanks for taking to time and answering my questions. Appreciate it.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     May 5, 2022 at 3:59 pm

     Hi Bruce

     Firstly, in terms of size, I’d say that you’re “standard all-mountain” length is around 162/163, but as you like to be in the trees a lot and haven’t felt any issues with a 157, you could certainly look at more around 159/160. Particularly if you’re going wide (which you should, IMO), I would err shorter, given your tree preference.

     For the Rossi One and Hybrid, size-wise, it’s between the 157/157W and 161/161W, respectively as they don’t have a wide size in between those sizes. The 161/161W would certainly work, but I think you’d get away with the 157/157W, given that you’ve been riding a narrower 157 and it’s felt fine to you. If you wanted to keep things nice and maneuverable for the trees, then the smaller size is appealing. The bigger sizes would give you better float in powder and more stability at speed, so there’s a tradeoff. For the Standard the 159 should work really well size-wise, IMO. For the Mercury, it’s between the 158W and 160W – again depending on whether you wanted to err for more speed/float or more maneuverability. My experience with these boards, the One and the Standard have been the more maneuverable boards compared to the Hybrid and then the Mercury. But note that that’s based on the 156 Standard, 159 Rossi One, the 157 Hybrid and the 157 Mercury – not wide versions (apart from the Hybrid of course).

     Reply

     • Bruce says

       May 7, 2022 at 1:42 pm

       Thanks for the information really appreciate it. Definitely have to think about the 2 sizes. If trees are a no go and have to do groomed, the longer will probably work best.

       Hybrid I feel would be the gamble, but could be the most fun if it works. The Standard and One will probably be safe bets. Decisions decisions haha.

       I’ll keep an eye on your site for hel yes links for next season boards. Would like to support the site. I’ve learned alot from it.

       Thanks again!

       Reply

       • Nate says

         May 9, 2022 at 4:57 pm

         You’re very welcome Bruce. And much appreciated re using our links.

         Reply

5. Aditya says

   March 23, 2022 at 11:22 am

   Hi Nate

   Great Reviews and knowing what gear to choose helps my confidence and riding a lot. I wanted some gear advice.

   My background: Based on your skill level chart, I am a 5 (intermediate). Have 15+ days of riding under my belt and am able to go fast on blues and attempt groomed blacks. Still trying to learn bumps on blacks.

   Weight & Height: 143 lbs, 5’5”

   My style & Goals: Eventually, I would like to freeride more but occasionally would like to show off some tricks to friends. But I think based on your comments, a stiff free-ride style board might not be ideal for me at this stage. I could always buy a freeride board later on when I reach skill level 6-7. So I am looking for all mountain or all mountain-freestyle board with a flex not more than 6/10. Next year, I plan to learn a few tricks like switches, jumps etc. I also enjoy speed a lot and hit top speed of 43 mph this year. Would like to improve that next year. Would also like to navigate bump/moguls on blacks with ease and finally would like to learn how to carve on blues. I can carve on greens but skid sometimes on blues especially when I am going fast.

   Boards I have demoed: I have demoed Burton Process Flying V and Burton Custom Flying V and I was comfortable on both boards. I think i enjoyed both a lot and I was able to handle stiffness of Custom Flying V well. In terms of size, I tried Process 155 and was really comfortable with it on high speeds but struggled a bit with bumps where I had to do sharp turns. With Custom, I tried 150 and 154, I felt it was difficult to build speed on 150 and the board would start turning rather than straightlining. 154 was great to go fast but I didn’t try bumps with it so not sure how well it would do.

   Gear I have : I have Burton Ruler BOA boots (US Size 7).

   I would like to buy a board and binding that would serve me for 3-4 seasons atleast without outgrowing it.

   Q1. Could you help me rank these boards for me:
   * Burton Process Flying V
   * Burton Custom Flying V
   * Yes Typo
   * Yes Standard
   * Jones Mountain Twin
   * Neversummer Protosynthesis
   * Neversummer Snowtrooper
   * GNU Rider’s Choice
   * Libtech Terrain Wrecker

   Q2. I have also not demoed any camber boards. Do you think at this stage I should try softer camber boards before buying my first board. If yes, for Level 5 intermediate, which camber boards would you recommend ?

   Q3. How useful is magnetraction ? Which boards would you recommend I try to get a feel for that ?

   Q4. I am a little biased towards burton since I get 20% discount, could you help me find boards in burton other than process and custom that would suit my skills and style.

   Q5. For bindings, could you help me decide between these 3 ?
   * Burton Cartel
   * Burton Cartel X
   * Burton Genesis
   Based on your advice, I think if i get a burton board, i will get EST otherwise will get Re:FLEX.

   Basically, you could say that with so much out there I am very confused, If you could narrow down the options to 3 options for me for board and bindings, I would just accept your word and stop researching and get something that I can ride. I think I have spent far too much on rentals and would like to get a board now specially since I already got a Ikon Pass next year 😀

   Reply

   • Nate says

     March 24, 2022 at 3:57 pm

     Hi Aditya

     Thanks for your message.

     Size-wise, I would say something around 149-151 for your specs is a good way to go. Given that you found the 150 Custom Flying V not to your liking at speed, it might be that it’s a little looser than what would suit you best. Not surprised you found the 155 more difficult for sharp turns – IMO it’s in the too big category for your specs.

     Q1

     * Burton Process Flying V – may be too loose for what you’re after
     * Burton Custom Flying V – may also be too loose for what you’re after
     * Yes Typo – would be a great option for everything you’re describing, IMO
     * Yes Standard – potentially a little on the advanced side, but I think it would work and I think you’d get away with it
     * Jones Mountain Twin – would work well for what you’re describing, IMO
     * Neversummer Protosynthesis – potentially a little advanced, but doable
     * Neversummer Snowtrooper – on the softer and looser side, but would certainly be an option and not as loose as the Flying V profile, IMO – just might not be ideal, given that you like speed
     * GNU Rider’s Choice – on the looser side as well, but still not as loose as Flying V – but again, given how you mention speed, it might be a little off for what you want
     * Libtech Terrain Wrecker – ditto Rider’s Choice

     My instinct for you, would put them in this order:

     * Yes Typo
     * Jones Mountain Twin
     * Yes Standard
     * Neversummer Protosynthesis
     * GNU Rider’s Choice
     * Libtech Terrain Wrecker
     * Burton Custom Flying V
     * Burton Process Flying V
     * Neversummer Snowtrooper

     Q2

     You could to get a feel for it and see if you like it. On what I think would be a suitable size for you, something like the Arbor Westmark Camber or Burton Kilroy Twin could work, but I suspect they wouldn’t have the speed that you’re after.

     Q3

     Magnetraction is pretty useful if you’re in icy conditions. But it’s not the only edge tech going around. In my experience YES’ underbite and mid-bite are very good in icy conditions and other brands have good edge tech as well. Note also that camber (all else being equal) helps with edge hold more so than rocker. So camber dominant boards do tend to be better in icy conditions, all else being equal. But edge tech, like magnetraction, certainly makes a difference. Trying the Rider’s Choice or Terrain Wrecker would give you a good feel for how magnetraction feels.

     Q4

     You could look into the Skeleton Key – it’s a softer flexing, mostly camber board. It’s camber back to the tail with some rocker before the contact point at the nose. It’s probably more solid intermediate, but you might find it works for you. I would go with the 150.

     Q5

     I think the Cartel or Genesis for most of those board options. The Cartel X is stiffer. You could put the Cartel X on some of those options – like anything 6/10 flex – but I wouldn’t put it on anything much softer than that – and not as suitable for your level. The Genesis and Cartel would go well on pretty much all of those options, IMO.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Aditya Siddhant says

       April 1, 2022 at 6:18 pm

       Thanks a lot for your feedback Nate. Based on your comments and some additional research I did, I think Jones Mountain Twin / Typo would be the way to go. Now, both of them are not available. But Twin Sister is available. Considering that I am short, lightweight and have boot size US 7, would you recommend, I just go for twin sister 149 or 152 ? Based on the width sizing recommended on this blog, I think 149 would be more suitable but 152 would probably give me a little bit more ability to use it in powder and perhaps a bit more stable at speed.

       So my first setup would be this:

       Burton US Men’s 7 Boot
       Jones Twin Sister 149 or 152 (please help me decide)
       Burton Genesis S bindings

       Everything on this list is medium / medium-soft flex. Let me know if this looks good and something that I should go ahead with. I searched for differences between men’s and women’s boards and it seems like it mainly just boils down to width and I think going for the women’s board is actually advantageous for me because by boot size is on the smaller side.

       Reply

       • Nate says

         April 4, 2022 at 6:07 pm

         Hi Aditya

         Apologies for the slower than usual response – have quite a back log I’m working through right now.

         I think the Twin Sister would be a good option. Both sizes would work. I think 149 is probably the better size for you for for right now and fits your boot size better, but 152 is doable, and would give you more stability at speed and better float in powder, as you say. And it should be easier for tighter turns than something like the Process 155, being shorter and narrower than that. And given that you had trouble with stability on the 150 Custom, I would be leaning 152 in this case. But 149 certainly still suitable.

         Overall setup looks good to me.

         Reply

6. Cory Watson says

   March 21, 2022 at 6:01 pm

   Hey awesome article. Your responses are great.

   Male, 6.2, 230

   Been riding 2012 burton joystick 159W since 2012 haha.

   I’d love a board great for all mountain with less designed for park & butters and more for low chatter w speed on groomers and powdery tree runs. What would you recommend for size wise and board?

   I thought I’d ask before getting the never summer proto sythesis 162DX

   Thanks

   Reply

   • Nate says

     March 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm

     Hi Cory

     Thanks for your message.

     If you could also let me know your boot size, that would be awesome. Also really important for sizing.

     The Proto Synthesis would suit a lot of what you’re describing, but not that great in powder. And also might be that you can go with something more directional, if you’re not planning on doing much in terms of freestyle with the board. Be happy to look at some options if you can let me know your boot size – and also whether or not you still want something twin (as in if you still want to do some freestyle/switch riding) or open to going more directional.

     Reply

7. Brian says

   March 15, 2022 at 11:01 am

   Hi Nate,

   I am an advanced rider who loves to do double black moguls/backcountry/woods/bowls at mountains all across the West, and I like to go reasonably fast down them. I can enjoy the occasional groomer but pretty much never go into the park or butter. Also, I live in an area with no snow, so I have to fly and book my trips well in advance and be able to handle whatever conditions are out there with a single board.

   My length should be in the 154cm to 156cm range. I previously had a 156cm 2015 Burton Custom, which I think is on the more aggressive end of boards suitable for this type of riding. It definitely took a bit of getting used to but I ended up really liking the power and stability until the foot channel broke recently, so I am now looking for a new board. I was able to turn on it pretty well on it as long as I kept my knees bent low.

   I was thinking of getting the 155cm Capita Mercury board as it seems similar to the Custom and is better reviewed, plus I would avoid potentially having the channel break again. What are your thoughts? Do you think there is a better board out there for me, something that is as fast/good at carving but maybe slightly less stiff?

   PS I am also tempted by the Slash ATV board, but fear that it would just be too stiff to handle moguls and really tight tree runs well. Do you agree?

   Thanks so much and keep up the good work,
   Brian

   Reply

   • Nate says

     March 16, 2022 at 5:36 pm

     Hi Brian

     Thanks for your message.

     The Mercury could work – and it’s going to perform better in powder versus the Custom, IMO. It is similar-ish, but with enough differences. My only hesitation with the Mercury for you is how you want something good for tight tree runs and moguls as well. The Mercury isn’t bad when doing those, but it’s also not amazing.

     I would look into the Nitro Team. It’s very similar to the Custom, but just a touch softer (6/10 flex by my feel, versus 6.5/10 on the Custom). That’s what I would consider the closest board to the Custom. If you wanted something similar, but without the channel, that would be what I’d go to. You could also look at the YES Standard (or the YES Standard UNINC, if you can wait for 23 models – it’s a full camber version of the Standard) – depending on boot size, sizing down to 153 might be the way to go on that one.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

8. Angus says

   February 21, 2022 at 2:28 am

   Hi Nate, thanks for the great article this has been really useful in honing down on what to look for in my next board. I’m a fairly advanced rider mostly spending time in Europe (so pretty mixed conditions), am 6ft 3 inch and weigh around 80kg. To give some background, I’m currently riding a 158 Nitro Suprateam, which is pretty stiff and real fast. I’m looking for something a little more forgiving that screams fun, something easier to jib/butter on but that can also hold some pace and have fun on in powder. Maybe even looking at going down to a 156. Top of my list atm are there yes standard and lib tech terrain wrecker, I’m keen for your thoughts though.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     February 22, 2022 at 11:30 am

     Hi Angus

     Thanks for your message.

     I think the Standard or TW could work as a compliment to your Suprateam. I haven’t ridden the Suprateam, but based on other Nitro boards and it’s specs. If you wanted to really focus on jibbing, buttering etc, then there’s definitely softer boards for it, but since you want to keep some speed and powder performance, I think these would work. The TW is the more playful for the 2, if you wanted to give yourself a bigger difference between your boards, but the Standard would still work. For the Standard it might be the case that the 156 is the best size for you. For the TW, the 157 might work well, given that your looking for a more playful ride out of this board. But if you could let me know your boot size as well, that would help to better predict the best size.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

9. Tom H. says

   February 7, 2022 at 12:38 pm

   Nate – Thanks for this awesome website that you run and all the reviews that are clear and easy to understand. It has been invaluable in helping narrow down the options. I am looking to upgrade my current set up which belongs in a museum now. No joke, we are talking late 1990’s gen 1 K2 clicker system on a Nitro Storm 162 with traditional camber (that’s all we had back then….and we liked it!). As old as it is, it rides well but the boots and bindings need to go so I might as well look at a board too while I am at it.

   I am in the market for an all-mountain board that is well suited for the east coast (New England) resorts where the conditions can be variable. Ideally, the board is stable when running groomers at a good clip early in the day, is forgiving enough to handle the conditions as they deteriorate throughout the day, where it be chop or ice, and is fun to tool around on when cruising slower when I am riding with my kids. Manmade snow degrades to ice here and a board that can perform in that is a factor, although not the most important factor. I never hit the parks nor do I aspire so it’s not a concern nor am I in the backcountry seeking powder. 99% in bounds on manicured trails.

   I would say that I am a solid intermediate, level 6 using your ratings. I am 6’1″/165lbs and will be using a size 10 Burton Photon Step-On boots with the new board. Because I do like to ride the runs a little faster, I was leaning towards the 160 range. I am not bombing top to bottom at 50mph mind you, more like 25mph or so. After running a 162 for more than 20 years though, much shorter may feel a little too short. I tend to feel that is the right length but maybe I can afford to drop down as far to a 158 with the right board. The boards I am narrowing it down to are:

   Jones Mountain Twin – 160
   Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker – 160
   Rossi One LF – 159? (the 161W might be too wide)
   Ride Smokescreen – 162, although the 158 is a consideration. I don’t think you have reviewed this one but my local shop recommended this board as a versatile board that is fun to ride. You may not be able to comment on this one though.

   Any insight would be extremely appreciated!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     February 8, 2022 at 11:50 am

     Hi Tom

     Thanks for your message.

     Size-wise, I think around that 159/160 could definitely work. IMO you could ride in that 157-160 range with your specs, for how you’re describing your riding, but given that you’ve ridden a 162 for as long as you have, I’d be leaning the higher end of that range.

     Of the options you’ve mentioned I would be leaning Mountain Twin 160 and One 159 (I think the 161W would be too wide). They’re a little better at speed than the Terrain Wrecker – which is a little softer and a little bit on the looser side. That said, it can handle 25mph just fine. But for what you’re describing, especially given no park/freestyle and you’ve been riding a traditional camber for so long, I think the MT and One would be more suitable.

     You’re correct I haven’t ridden the Smokescreen so I can’t say much there, unfortunately.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

   • Jon says

     March 2, 2022 at 7:06 pm

     Hey so I own both the Rossi One and the Jones Mountain Twin, extremely similar boards, same caber profile, but just enough differences. The Jones board is faster, stiffer, it’s great going trough variable snow conditions, I typically take it out on pow days (I live in NH), and packed powder, also when I go out west. The Rossi is a softer flex, I think it’s much more forgiving. I ride it most of the season especially on icy days/frozen granular it has the best edge hold better than LibTech. If you live on the NE you will not regret getting the Rossi One.

     Reply

     • Nate says

       March 4, 2022 at 12:48 pm

       Hi Jon

       Thanks for sharing. Super helpful.

       Reply

10. Tony B says

    February 4, 2022 at 8:38 pm

    Hey Nate,

    Thanks for doing an awesome job on the website. It’s been a go-to for me doing all kinds of comparrisons on my next setup. It’s crazy that you can see a long line of comments and pretty immediate replies as recent as just a few days man, keep up the great work, the riding community appreciates it!

    Like most that come here I could use a little guidance on my next board.

    A bit about me as a rider, I am just getting back into boarding after about 12 years. I would say I’m probably an early to mid intermediate rider – I am comfortable hitting most blues @ Kestyone, Breck..etc and haven’t worked my way up to steeper longer runs of blues or blacks yet. I’m 32 y.o. , 5’8″ and weigh about 250 lbs with a size 9 boot, ex-football player build walking around on tree trunks basically. As far as the terrain I usually hit – its mostly groomers with a desire to start hitting trees at the resorts as my skills progress, practically no desire to hit the parks maybe some rollers and side hits and that’s the extent of my “freestyle” riding.

    I have been looking at several boards that I’ll list in a bit, but wouldn’t mind you confirming some of my thoughts on my board choice criteria. I don’t have a ton of experience riding different boards, bought a used board 20 years ago and rode it for about 8 years a couple days a year. Unfortunately I live in the midwest so demoing boards really isn’t an option – the only place within 2 hours of here to board has a whopping 5 runs.

    Because of my weight I am looking in the 158 – 162 cm range. For hitting trees I like the notion of a bit of a smaller board (158 – 159) and I figured because of my size if I go shorter I basically have 2 options – go with a stiffer board or go with a wider board. Not a big fan of going wider just because of my smaller boot and transitioning from heel-to-toe but could be convinced otherwise. I am thinking I could go with a flex of 7-8 to counteract my weight @ 158 – 159cm. If I go longer 160 – 162 I would probably go with a 5-7 flex. Does that sound reasonable?

    The other thing that has been hanging me up a bit is choosing a board profile. Because of the type of riding I want to do and not really wanting to trade up later I have been looking at a couple pure camber boards (Burton Custom and Custom X (if I go shorter) and a ton of hybrid camber boards staying away from hybrid rockers mostly because of my size and the type riding I want to do. My only concern with all the camber and hybrid camber profiles in these boards with me being at the early-mid intermediate “edge-catching” stage. Because of this – I have been toying with the Burton Flying V (or similar) if I go the “safe” route but don’t want the board washing out from under me either.

    Here is the list of boards I’m looking at, you mind providing feedback on my assumptions and board choices? I opted to stay away from some other common board like the Jones Mountain Twin and some Arbor boards because their weight charts have me @ a 163+cm minimum which leads me to believe the board materials aren’t quote as robust as some of these others.

    Burton Custom – 162cm (256 mm waist)
    Burton Custom X – 158cm (254 mm waist)
    Capita Mercury – 159 cm (259 mm waist)
    Lib Tech Coldbrew – 158W or 161cm (268 mm waist) / (265 mm waist)
    Lib Tech T. Rice Pro – 159cm (259 mm waist)
    Never Summer Protosynthesis – 158 or 161 cm (255 mm waist) / (256 mm waist)

    Thanks for all the help Nate!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 6, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      Hey Tony

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly, in terms of size. I think your reasoning sounds reasonable. In terms of going a bit stiffer if you go shorter. And yeah, I think those size ranges will work given your looking to ride trees and given your level. I would go a little stiffer before I went a little wider.

      I think some Hybrid Rockers could still work for sure, depending on how much camber and how much rocker. Some Hybrid rockers are more camber than rocker and can feel quite stable. E.g. something like the Protosynthesis – it’s Hybrid rocker, but it’s more camber than rocker dominant. As far as full camber goes – it might be alright. Some lower intermediate riders are OK with it. For others it can feel catchy, so it can hit or miss. In terms of the Custom X, I feel like it’s probably too stiff, especially when taking into account the full camber as well. Even if you size to the likes of the 158.

      The Cold Brew and T Rice Pro are hybrid rockers that are, I wouldn’t say rocker dominant, but more rocker than something like the Proto Synthesis. Also as far as the T Rice Pro goes, it’s not something I liked in trees – felt quite slow in terms of transitioning between edges.

      As far as the weight recommendations go – I wouldn’t say it’s reflective of the robustness of the materials. Brands set those recommendations – and as far as I can see it’s more about their opinion on what sizing is best depending on weight and also I’d say it’s also partly about marketing. In any case, I wouldn’t worry too much about it in terms of robustness – e.g. Jones isn’t a brand that is known for breaking, cracking etc more than any other. They’re weight recommendations are always pushing going longer in board size compared to a lot of other brands, but it’s more about their views on riding your board longer, than the materials used. Well that’s my take on it anyway. Some brands – like Never Summer – don’t even publish weight range recommendations.

      But yeah, I think the Mercury could work as well as the Proto Synthesis (I’d be leaning 161) and the Custom, if you think you’ll be alright with the full camber. Definitely other options, but given you’ve already narrowed down to those. IMO, I would say that the Custom and Protosynthesis are a little better at slower speeds versus the Merucry – so a little easier for slower more technical runs in trees etc.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

11. David says

    February 1, 2022 at 7:27 am

    Hi Nate! I already wrote you on instagram but I’m not sure if you got the message? So I try it again on your website. 🙂
    I need some help… Yesterday was such a bad day on the groomers. In the morning there was a little bit of soft snow but beneath that it was literally just ice. And after an hour or so all the soft snow was pushed into a lot of small bumps and moguls. And between them there was ice. Ice – snow bumps – ice – snow bumps. All the time. With my Capita Asymulator, fresh sharpend edges, I had no chance. I really had to dig hard into the edges/lay the board on a high angle to get some grip on the ice but as soon as I got some there was the next snow bump in front of me and I lost the grip again. I also wasn’t able to move around those bumps because as soon as I tried to manipulate the sidecut and the direction the board is moving, I lost the grip and sliped away. So it was “black or white”, hard carving or slipping, no “grey tones”. But even when following the sidecut, the next snow bump wasn’t far away.
    So I’m looking for a board with a very good edge hold on ice, that can either blast through those bumps without losing grip or is able to do these small slalom things. It would be nice if this board is able to do more than those black-white stuff on ice. Is something like that (grip on ice with a low angle) even possible? And if so, what do you think would be a good option? For these kind of board I neither need good switch ability nor want to butter it.

    I was thinking about the GNU Gremlin but I really hate the blue graphic… The green one of the last years model was okay (I have a green jacket and a brown pant) but the blue one … If this would be the best of the best options for me in terms of the board itself, maybe I can life with it… But maybe there are other options. 🙂

    I’m also thinking about sellig the Asymulator and build a 3 board quiver. The Salomon Dancehaul as my main groomer board for those good days, nice grip, some pow, because the Asym is too stiff for me buttering it and it’s really hard even on gentle pow. The Yes Dicey or the NS Proto Slinger as a soft beginner park board (because I would say I’m quit good at carving, but I suck in the park…). And the 3th one for those shitty days, that will give some fun and not let me want to go home after a few runs. What do you think about this?

    Thank you very much for your time!

    My specs: 172cm, 72kg, US8/8.5

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 2, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      Hi David

      Thanks for your message – I typically answer faster here than on social media. I will get to social media messages, but this is the fastest way to get a response at the moment.

      I think the idea of a 3 board quiver like that is a good idea – so you’ve always got a suitable board regardless of conditions.

      In terms of your icy board, the Gremlin would certainly work for what you’re describing, but there are other options too, if you can’t get past the graphic. Something like the Rossi One or YES Standard from this list could work in the right size, but since you’re not worried about it performing well for switch or butters or anything, then you could look at something like the Lib Tech BRD or YES Hybrid, which I think would work well for what you’re describing.

      Size-wise, for those mentioned, I would be looking at, for you:

      – BRD: 153 – you could go 156 as well, but for what you’re describing, I would be erring shorter – and I think 153 is overall a better match for your overall specs, particularly when taking into account how you describe wanting to use this board
      – One: 153 – same as above, you could do 156 as well, but in this case, I’d be leaning more to the 153
      – Standard: 151 – this board is wider, so sizing down a little more than for something like the BRD is a good idea, IMO.
      – Hybrid: 153 – might be on the big side still even in the 153, given how wide it is, but it’s the smallest size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

12. Jeronimo Diaz says

    February 1, 2022 at 12:51 am

    Hi Nate,

    Congrats for your reviews! It is really helpful.
    I was wondering if you could give me some advise. I just turned 49 and somehow realized that most people I go down the slopes with are skiers. My friends seem to leave aside the snowboard as they approach the half-century age. I have no interest in following that path whatsoever but having a board that helps me following these folks skiing down the groomers would be quite handy.
    Therefore I seek speed and stability. Obviously, safety is welcome given that, especially at my age, any fall at high speed could be the last one.
    I am 49 yrs, 5’7″ (170 cm), 154 lbs (70Kg), boot 10US.
    I had the chance to try the Bataleon Jam 156, and after a few minutes getting used to it, it showed to be fast and stable.
    I was also thinking about the Burton Custom X.
    Any other ideas?

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 1, 2022 at 1:26 pm

      Hi Jeronimo

      Thanks for your message.

      The Custom X would certainly give you speed and stability. They are traits that definitely describe the Custom X. Just to be aware that the Custom X is likely more aggressive than the Jam (I haven’t ridden the Jam so can’t say for sure but based on specs) – the Custom X is stiffer (assuming the flex rating on the Jam is fairly accurate) and whilst the Jam technically has traditional camber, like the Custom X, with that 3BT, it really takes the edge off (from experience with another Bataleon board) – so you’d be more likely to find the Custom X catchy. Not necessarily, if you’re accustomed to stiff and full camber, but just so you’re aware, the two boards (on paper) aren’t really like for like. The Custom X is one of the more aggressive boards going around, IMO.

      Given that you liked the feel and felt that it was fast and stable, the Jam sounds like a good option to me. And 156 is spot on size-wise, IMO, for it. Around 156/157 would be a good way to go size-wise, IMO, for your specs and how you want to ride.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Jeronimo says

        February 1, 2022 at 2:28 pm

        Thank you very much for your prompt and helpful reply.
        I will go for the Jam then, I am sure it works nicely for my needs. The Custom might work too, but being very aggressive I think I’ll go for the safe bet here.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          February 2, 2022 at 4:17 pm

          You’re very welcome Jeronimo. I agree I think it’s the safe bet. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!

          Reply

13. Jared Cutting says

    January 26, 2022 at 8:31 am

    Hi Nate,

    Great site…thanks for all the info and reviews. The more research I do, the more confused I seem to get, so here it goes. I am 43, 5’10.5″, 165lbs, size 10.5 boot. Looking to do a complete board, boots and bindings upgrade. Have been riding for about 20 years approximately 4-6 days per season (live in Texas) so has taken me that long to get to a solid Intermediate 5 moving slowly into a 6…would love to get to a 7! I do not do any jumps or park riding. Mostly resort groomers. Been watching a lot of Ryan Knapton videos lately and trying to practice/improve my carving. I have two young daughters aged 7 and 9 who are picking up the sport quickly and I mainly will be riding and keeping up with them as they progress.

    I have been on the same equipment for this entire time. I purchased a used K2 board from my college’s rental facility when they were doing an equipment upgrade about 17 years ago. I do not know what model it is (cannot find it on board or anything that looks like it online) but it is at least 18 years old. Has a camber profile. 155. I put Burton Mission bindings on it and wear Burton Moto boots (10.5). Bindings are about shot and laces going out in the boots so it’s time to replace everything.

    For some reason I have always wanted an Arbor board, I think mainly because I just love the look of a wood grained board (kinda lame I know). Had really been looking at the Shiloh Camber but a little disappointed to read it is not the best in powder. That isn’t a deal breaker as I don’t ride a ton of powder. (Do they have another model that fits my abilities and handles well in powder?) My most frequented spot is Wolf Creek in southern CO. They do get a lot of powder there but it’s rarely deeper than a foot or so and most of the time fairly groomed. I see you recommending the Jones Mountain Twin pretty frequently so have been looking at that…and assuming that the Jones wood grained flagship would be far too advanced for me?

    So again, mostly carving down groomers, occasional trees and shallow powder, keeping up with youngsters. May try to learn a little buttering or riding switch but that will be the extent of any of my freestyle riding. Looking to see what you would recommend to someone like me, board boots binding combo. Not looking for budget items…I am willing to spend what I need to spend to get me into the right setup as this next purchase will probably be with me for the next 10+ years! Have you reviewed the Burton step in bindings?

    Jared

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 27, 2022 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Jared

      Thanks for your message.

      Yeah the only real downside of going Shiloh Camber for what you’re describing is the powder. It is fine in shallow powder though, so if it’s never too deep, then it should be fine. Kind of the downside of only have either rocker or camber boards (and no hybrids), is that you have to go either rocker or camber. The Shiloh Rocker a good bit better for powder, but if you’re looking to improve your carving in the Ryan Knapton mold, then you’d want to go camber rather than rocker for an Arbor board for sure. Because of the uprise fenders and the way Arbor does their camber, the Shiloh camber isn’t bad as a typical directional twin, full camber board is in powder, so that at least helps a little.

      To get a little more powder performance, you could look at something like the Arbor Crosscut Camber. It’s the same camber, but it’s more directional. You’d sacrifice a little in terms of butters and switch, but would gain in powder versus the Shiloh. It is a little stiffer though – so not quite as suitable for that level 5 level though, IMO.

      The Mountain Twin I think would work well for your situation, IMO. The Flagship, unfortunately, I think would be a little too advanced for right now.

      Size-wise, I would go 156 for the Shiloh camber and 157 for the Mountain Twin. With 10.5s, you’re on the cuff for some boards in terms of width, but both these boards are wide enough for 10.5s in those sizes, IMO, so no worries there.

      In terms of bindings and boots to match, I would look for something with a 6/10 flex. For both boards something in the 6/10 to 7/10 range is ideal, but I would be leaning 6/10 because it’s a better match to your level as well. For some options to consider, check out:

      >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

      >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Jared says

        January 27, 2022 at 6:52 pm

        Thanks so much Nate! I had been looking at the Union Strata bindings and after your reply think I will go that route. If I were to pair those with the Adidas Tactical ADV boots in 10.5, would you go medium or large on the Strata’s? I will be getting either the Shiloh Camber or Jones MT, FYI.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 28, 2022 at 4:22 pm

          Hi Jared

          With Tactical ADV 10.5s, I would be leaning Medium for Union bindings, but you could go Large as well, in terms of boot fit. But with the Strata having quite a long base plate, I’d be leaning medium, in case they’re a little big for the board in the Large.

          Reply

          • Jared says

            March 18, 2022 at 2:49 pm

            Hey Nate. Just wanted to report back that I got the Shiloh Camber, Union Strata’s and Adidas Tactical ADV’s. Took them up to Wolf Creek a couple of weeks ago and man what a great setup. Board is a lot more stable at higher speeds than my old one, carves great too! Thanks for the recommendations, spot on. Was a little concerned with the stiffness of the Adidas out of the box, but they took about an hour to break in and are super comfortable. Thanks again…will be recommending your site to anyone I know looking for new gear!

          • Nate says

            March 19, 2022 at 12:25 pm

            You’re very welcome Jared. And thanks for the update – always good to hear back. Thanks for using the site and the recommendations. Much appreciated. Happy riding!

14. Jordan H says

    January 25, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    Hi Nate,

    Just wanted to say thank you so much for what you do in the snowboarding community. I was hoping to get your opinion on some gear, as I’ve always been using rentals/borrowing gear, and now I’m looking to get my own. I’ve been snowboarding for around 5 seasons now, a few days every season, and would say I’m about level 7 using your skill levels (based on my ability in the parks). I have a budget of around 1200-1500, but I’m not sure if that’s a good amount, as I have never purchased equipment for myself before.

    Specs:
    Sex: Male
    Height: 5’8
    Weight: 155 lb
    Level: 7
    Barefoot Measurement – 269mm

    I’m looking for a board, boots, and bindings that can handle most resort terrain and cruising, as well as a board that can do well in the parks (mostly medium and large jumps). From my research, an all-mountain board is what I’m looking for, and the Yes Standard looked good, but then again I really don’t know enough about sizing to make a decision on the board length and width. What would your recommendations be?

    Again, thank you so much for your help, and if there’s anything else I can provide let me know.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 27, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Jordan

      Thanks for your message.

      For what you’re describing, I think an all-mountain board is the way to go. Unless you weren’t really going to be riding powder – or the only powder you were likely to see wasn’t that deep – in which case you could certainly look at an all-mountain-freestyle board like these ones.

      But assuming you want something that’s still going to be decent in powder, something like the Standard would work well – as well as others from this list.

      Size-wise for the Standard, I’d say go 153. I’d say your “standard all-mountain” length is around 155. But I would err smaller than bigger in the case of the Standard with your foot size as it’s a little wider than the average regular width board. But the 153 isn’t super wide or anything, so I don’t think you’d need to go shorter than that.

      For bindings to match the Standard, I would look at something around 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex. Anything from one of the following, in that flex range, would be a good bet, IMO:

      >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

      >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

      For boots, again, something in that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range would be a good bet, IMO, to match the Standard and how you describe your riding.

      >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

      And I think that budget should be fine for everything. If you go Standard, that’s only 500, then you should be able to get good quality boots and bindings in that flex range for around 700.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

15. Sean Breslin says

    January 21, 2022 at 10:33 am

    Hey Nate,

    I was hoping to get your feedback on my current snowboard setup. I would consider myself a high level beginner/low level intermediate rider. I weigh roughly 180-185 lbs and about 5′ 11″ tall and I ride primarily the regular position. I purchased the 157cm Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker with the Burton Step On bindings (Size M) and the Burton Photons (Size 10.5). I have the bindings set at -15/+15. I’m not sure if it’s the new feel of the Step On bindings but something feels off to me. I’m finding it hard to control my rear foot which makes it hard to maneuver the board. I don’t recall having these struggles when I would rent boards with traditional strap bindings. Do you think it’s just a matter of getting used to? Possibly my binding settings? Thanks in advance for all your help!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 22, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      Hi Sean

      Thanks for your message.

      Step ons are certainly something that takes a bit of getting used to – they’re a different feeling from traditional strap in bindings, so that could be part of it. But it might not be just that. Coming from rental boards, it’s hard to say what you were riding, but getting used to the board will likely be quite different to the rental boards. E.g. if the rental boards were heavier, different camber profile, different sidecut, etc, there’s always a bit to get used to.

      Another thing worth trying is experimenting with your stance. Try wider and narrower stances and experiment with binding angles. This can you help you find your sweet spot. It’s likely the new setup is something you need time to get used to – but it never hurts to try different stance setups to see if that helps – just remember to change one thing at a time, so you know what it is that you liked and didn’t like.

      Reply

16. Sean says

    January 19, 2022 at 6:35 am

    Hi Nate,

    Thank you for all that you do!! Such a tremendous help. Your precise write ups take the common uncertainty out of online purchases. Really gives us the “feel” of the product through your words that we read. So awesome!!

    I was hoping to get some of your feedback if I could? I am looking to purchase my 16 y/o son his first snowboard setup. Im a little hung up as to which gear to go with. He is in the beginner stages of snowboarding but has taken a strong liking to it and is progressing fast. We ride mostly at the resorts here in the East Coast (PA,NJ,NH,NY). Alot of icy conditions here locally but I am looking to eventually get him up further North for some powder runs in Vermont or Miane. I was looking to get him a reasonably priced setup.
    An All Mountain board he can progress on for a little bit as he learns and grows. Based off your reviews I’ve found interest in the Salomon Sight & Yes Standard. He is rather tall at 6′ 3″ and about 145 lbs. He wears a size 11 snowboard boot (11.5 in sneakers) so I believe he needs a wide board. He rides switch at the moment but tells me he feels he likes to ride regular predominantly. With his sizing and style do you have any additional input as to board suggestions and size? It would be greatly appreciated.

    We were also looking at the Union Flite Pros & the Burton Mission bindings.
    Kinda stuck as to which pair of boots as I don’t want to get him ones too costly just for him to outgrow.

    Thank you again Nate for your time and input throughout the past few years. All the best!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 19, 2022 at 12:19 pm

      Hi Sean

      See my reply to your other message.

      But realized I didn’t mention anything about the bindings.

      I think the Flite Pro would likely be too soft for the likes of the Standard and Rider’s Choice mentioned in the other reply. They would be fine with the Sight and doable on the Money too, IMO. The Mission would be the better bet for the Standard and Rider’s choice – or the Union STR, which is stiffer than the Flite Pro, but still nothing crazy stiff and quite affordable.

      Reply

      • Sean Breslin says

        January 19, 2022 at 3:56 pm

        Thank you for the swift replies!! I wasn’t certain my other comment went through so I went and rewrote it. I see now that it did. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to both.

        Reply

17. Tonton Fab says

    January 19, 2022 at 2:48 am

    Hi,

    Thank you for these usefull tests!
    Cheers from EU,

    Tonton Fab

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 19, 2022 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks Tonton and you’re very welcome. Thanks for using the site!

      Reply

18. Sean says

    January 18, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Hey Nate,

    I’d like to first thank you for all the great work you do. You’re reviews have been a tremendous help. So very detailed & informative. A HUGE help. So again, Thank you!!

    I am interested in getting my 16 y/o son a snowboard setup. We board here on the East coast at the parks & resorts. Mostly all Mountain terrain. He has rented a few times now and has really taking up an interest in getting his own gear. He is approximately 6′ 3″ tall and about 145 lbs. He wears a size 11 snowboard boot.

    I have read many of your beginner & intermediate snowboard gear reviews and it seems there are so many great options. I am a little stuck as to which gear to start him off with.

    Based off his specifications do you have any recommendations for a reasonable beginner/intermediate snowboard? Size?

    The Salomon Sight & Yes Standard are 2 that we have likened from your reviews. I also liked the Gnu GWO but I read that it’s more of a Freestyle board than an All Mountain.

    As for bindings we have taken some interest in the Union Force Pros & the Burton Missions.

    As for boots we were looking at the Burton Rulers or Motos.

    Your input is very much appreciated. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks Nate!!

    Reply

    • Sean says

      January 18, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      Correction*
      As for the Bindings. It was the Union Flite Pros & Burton Missions that we were looking at.

      Reply

      • Nate says

        January 19, 2022 at 10:40 am

        Hi Sean

        Thanks for your message.

        Firstly, in terms of size, I think something in the 153-155 range is a good bet for his specs and what you’re describing. With 11s, he’ll most likely have to go wide for most boards.

        Some good options, taking into account East coast conditions:

        – GNU Money 154W
        – GNU Rider’s Choice 155W – a little more of a step up versus the Sight and Money – bit of a steeper learning curve, but not quite as much as the Standard
        – Salomon Sight Wide 155W
        – YES Standard 153 – this one would be a steeper learning curve – what I would consider more solid intermediate than low intermediate

        Hope this gives you some good options to check out

        Reply

        • Sean Breslin says

          January 19, 2022 at 4:11 pm

          Thanks again Nate!!

          I didnt have much luck finding the wide sizes in the Gnu boards. I did find the Sight in both 155W & 158W. With him showing no signs in slowing down in growth. Would I be doing him any disservice by getting him the Sight in 158W?

          Reply

          • Nate says

            January 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm

            Hi Sean

            He’s not far off going with something longer like the 158W. The biggest concern there is weight. Weight, IMO, is a lot more important than height. The 158W is going to feel quite big for his weight. But it’s close. Add 15-20lbs and I think he’d be good on the 158W. At his weight now, it’s going to feel stiffer and harder to control in the 158W. Would be a more challenging size to begin with for sure. If you think he’ll put on that weight quickly, it could be an option. But if you think it’s the height that will be added faster than weight, then I’d stick with 155W and it should last him a while, if he doesn’t add weight too quickly.

19. CeKay says

    January 18, 2022 at 11:06 am

    Your site is so helpful man! I’m looking for my first board and want to go with all mountain. I already bought burton step-on boots & bindings. I’m between level 3-4 (about 10 days total spread over 20 years :). I’m looking to start going about 10 days per year.

    I’ll likely stay out of the park but I have a lot of skateboarding/surfing experience. I’d like to do stylish turns/carves, frontside surf-style slashes on banks, stuff like that. No butters, jibbing, rails, etc. Probably won’t ride switch much.

    Level 3-4
    40 year old male
    5’8″
    185 lbs (athletic weight)
    size 10 burton photon stepon boots/bindings.

    I was looking at Burton Instigator flat top (might outgrow quickly ?), Jones Mountain twin (maybe too aggressive?), and some others. Any recommendations for my specific level/goals/stats?

    Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 19, 2022 at 11:48 am

      Hi CeKay

      Thanks for your message.

      Given your level, that you sound like your athletic and have the skateboarding and surfing experience, I think you’d likely outgrow the instigator too quickly. I think the Mountain Twin is doable – it’s a little bit of a stretch for your stated level, but you might be able to stretch to it. Otherwise, I would look at something like:

      – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
      – Never Summer Snowtrooper
      – Ride Wildlife
      – Rossignol Resurgence
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – YES Typo

      Hope this helps

      Reply

20. Ryan L. says

    January 11, 2022 at 9:04 am

    Hi Nate,
    Thanks for putting all the time and effort into these writeups and listings. It’s incredibly informative!
    I’m a fairly casual boarder. When I was younger I learned to board in New Jersey at Mountain Creek (open at night, almost always a sheet of ice). Once I got a bit older I made a few trips west and saw what snow actually looks like on a mountain (Tahoe, Mammoth, Park City, Crested Butte, Breckenridge, Keystone, Whistler). I’m 33, and I’ve been riding on the same board for as long as I can remember. No significant thought went into it when I bought it, guy at store handed it to me and said here’s what you want. It’s been great, but the boots ripped wide open last week at Loon (New Hampshire). So I started thinking it might be time for some new gear.
    I’ve been on a K2 Raygun All Terrain Rocker circa ~2009, K2 Bndq.Collective bindings that came with the board, and K2 Haymaker Lace boots. All got the job done, can’t really say much more since they’re really the only set I can remember riding on.
    My board style is basically no park. Definitely no halfpipe, never ride switch. I’ll hit a rail or a jump on the side of a run on occasion but that’s about all. The rest is top to bottom. Sometimes fast, sometimes on a nice bowl, sometimes on a sheet of ice (still live in the North East), and most of my Mountain friends are skiers so I often need to go into mogul fields just to prove i can keep up.
    I board 5-15 days a year – hoping to increase that once my kids get a bit older.

    So I’m looking to regear entirely and the reading I’ve been doing as well as my love for the Arbor Board look had me thinking about a Arbor Element Camber, but I don’t love the look of this year’s model (I like the Whiskey a lot more asthetically) and it’s almost sold out everywhere. I also was looking at the Jones Mountain Twin. But I don’t know much about picking a board – It’s the kind of thing I’d like to do once a decade. I was also drawn to the ThirtyTwo Lashed Double BOA Boot, and really don’t have much preference on bindings so just looking for something that completes the package in the binding department.

    What would you suggest?

    Thanks! Ryan

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 12, 2022 at 11:11 am

      Hi Ryan

      Thanks for your message.

      Can’t really go wrong with the Mountain Twin, IMO. It’s something that will be a step up in performance from the Raygun for sure – and a little step up in terms of ability, but nothing crazy – and a rider with your experience will have no issues with it whatsoever. But it will allow you a bit more stability at speed, better for carves and it’s a little better for icy conditions too, IMO. At the same time, it’s not too much board either. It’s not something that’s going to be fatiguing your legs at the end of the day or anything like that.

      If you did want to look at Arbor you could also look at the Shiloh Camber. I think it would suit what you’re describing well – and I liked it more than the Element. But still nothing that’s too crazy advanced or anything, but still that step up in performance from something like the Raygun. That’s another option. It’s not as good in powder as the Mountain Twin, IMO, but a little better for carves.

      In terms of bindings to match, I’d be looking at something around 6/10 flex or up to 7/10 flex for those boards. Something from the following would be a good place to start:

      >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

      >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

      For boots, same thing, something in that 6/10 to 7/10 flex range. The Lashed Double Boa fits that range, so that’s certainly an option. If you have the chance to try on first, I definitely recommend it, even if you can just try on the brand and not necessarily the model itself – to get an idea of fit. If you can’t try on, then here’s some things to consider from different brands, depending on your foot:

      Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands

      And some general sizing/fit stuff;

      >>How to Size Snowboard Boots

      And some other options if you didn’t end up going Lashed:

      >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

      Finally, in terms of board sizing, I’m happy to give sizing suggestions, if you’re not sure. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

21. Khalid says

    January 8, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    Hi Nate,

    Thanks so much for your super helpful and informative site, and all the time you take to answer comments (learned a bunch from reading your responses to comments in addition to your reviews).

    I’m 40 years old, 5’10”, 160 lbs, and a size 8 boot, and am looking to get a new all-mountain board. I’m currently riding a 156 cm 2013 Burton Custom Flying V Twin Limited, with 2013 Cartel EST bindings and 2008 Burton Ruler boots. So, it’s definitely also time for new boots and maybe new bindings (my bindings are in great shape, but I’m not sure if I’m going to go with a Burton channel board).

    I ride mostly in Ontario, Canada (typically hard packed, groomers, and somewhat icy, with the odd lucky day of a bunch of fresh snow), though I try to get out to Whistler or at least Mount Tremblant whenever I can. I’ve been snowboarding for about 12 years (switched from skiing), and I ride about 4-7 days per season, though I’m hoping to ride more this year and years to come. I’d say I’m intermediate to advanced for mountain riding, mostly riding blacks, getting into the trees, and getting on powder whenever I get the chance. I’m a low intermediate on freestyle aspects of riding (while on the mountain, no park or pipe for me), though I’ve been trying to focus more in the last couple of years on developing my switch riding, buttering, and some tricks (nothing all that fancy, just more 180s and getting more air on side hits and ollies).

    Before reading your top 10 for all-mountain boards, I was considering a Lib Tech Dynamo or a Burton Custom Flying V, both in the 156 cm size (though I saw your response in some comments that the Custom Flying V can ride quite loose, and I think I’ve been finding that with my current Custom Twin, so maybe it’s time to move to something else). Now I’m wondering if a Jones Mountain Twin could be a better choice for me.

    Would be great to get your thoughts on the right board (and size) for me, as well as boots and bindings to combine with (I took a look at your top lists for all-mountain boots and bindings, so got some ideas from those lists).

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 10, 2022 at 10:50 am

      Hi Khalid

      Thanks for your message.

      I think I’d be leaning more towards something like the Mountain Twin over the Dynamo, just because I think it’s better suited to freestyle stuff, which your looking to incorporate. And the Mountain Twin is a really good option for doing a bit of everything. Certainly not the only option, but if you’ve got your eye on that one, I think it would work as well as anything for what you’re describing. The Custom Flying V can feel a bit loose and not great in icy conditions. It’s a great board in good conditions – really fun and just really good at everything, but the biggest downside is the feel in icy conditions.

      Size-wise for the Mountain Twin, I would be leaning towards the 154. Length-wise, I’d say something around 156/157 is your best length, but most boards at that length will be wide for your boots, IMO, so sizing down is worth considering. The 157 wouldn’t be completely wrong but I would be leaning 154.

      If you think you’re set on the Mountain Twin, let me know and I’d be happy to suggest some boot/binding options. If you want other suggestions I’m happy to provide them, but if you want to keep the decision easy and fast, the Mountain Twin would certainly certainly be on the list of recommendations and is a good bet, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Khalid says

        January 19, 2022 at 9:02 pm

        Hi Nate,

        Thanks for this – super helpful!

        And really interesting to hear your thoughts about sizing down to a 154. That had never occurred to me, but it makes sense.

        I’d be curious to know a couple of other board suggestions that come to your mind, since I’d find it helpful to look at a couple of other options before deciding on the Mountain Twin.

        Thanks again!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 20, 2022 at 2:49 pm

          Hi Khalid

          Given that you still want something that’ll be good in powder, when available, and trees etc, but also something you can progress your freestyle riding on, something all-mountain is the way to go. Along with the Mountain Twin, some other options that I think would work well for you (taking into account everything you mentioned, including icy conditions):

          – YES Standard 153 (wide for it’s size, so again, I’d size down)
          – Slash Brainstorm 154 – could also go 157 if you wanted to go longer, but I’d be leaning 154
          – Rossignol One – 156
          – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 154 (if you were happy to switch to a hybrid rocker – rocker between the feet, camber underfoot and towards tip/tail. the others above are hybrid camber – camber between the feet and rocker towards tip and tail – note that hybrid rocker typical feels a little looser than hybrid camber – the TW isn’t super loose or anything, but looser feeling than the other options above).
          – Nitro Team Gullwing 155 (also hybrid rocker)

          Reply

          • Khalid says

            January 20, 2022 at 8:09 pm

            Sweet – thanks for this, Nate! Will take a look at and read up on each of these, and will probably come back to you for binding/boot suggestions once I’ve made a choice, if that’s okay.

          • Nate says

            January 21, 2022 at 3:33 pm

            Hi Khalid

            Yeah, absolutely. More than happy to help you with boots/bindings, once you’ve decided on the board.

22. Michael Sharf says

    January 6, 2022 at 3:28 am

    Hi Nate,

    You seem so freakin awesome man. I love your reviews, super helpful! Its so amazing that you respond to all these people, you should get an award for being so helpful to others.

    Alright so my question of which board to get- I’ve been riding for 15 years, love snowboarding but only get to go about 10 days/season. I’ve had the same Arbor board the entire time. I board west coast/rockies- Mammoth, Tahoe, Vail, Park City, etc. so great conditions most of the time- not much ice or issues like that.

    I’m looking for a board that that does well carving at medium-high speeds. I’ll cruise or bomb down blues, go fast down blacks but holding light carves most of the time, and for double blacks I’m either switching toe-heel every second or kicking out my heel or toe hard before bringing it back in to switch to the other side.

    I’m mostly on groomed runs but also love tree runs and want a board that won’t screw me when I’m going through tight trees. So, fun, fast, carves well since I’m mostly on groomers but doesn’t need to be the fastest- and can still turn at slower speeds when I am going through trees.

    I love powder days and want a board that can handle powder well for those amazing days. Real powder days are only about 20% of the boarding I get to do since I have to get lucky with trip timing. I barely do park, only small-medium jumps and some small boxes and rails. I only ride switch for fun sometimes and going into 180s. I board kinda duck-footed, I don’t think that really matters for picking a board but not sure lol.

    It’s really hard to figure out which board to get.
    – Capita Mercury seems like a great option
    – Lib Tech orca looks almost perfect except I don’t think it will turn as easy around trees
    – Burton custom camber but have read some complaints
    – Jones flagship, but maybe not enough flex? Not sure how much flex I want/need
    Any help would be amazing!
    Thank you so much,
    Michael

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 6, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Michael

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly with the Flagship, it’s certainly quite stiff, but surprisingly agile at slower speeds for how stiff it is. Awesome for powder days. Not going to be great for the park stuff, when you do it, would be the biggest downside, I’d say.

      The Mercury definitely fits most of what you’re describing. I think the biggest question mark would be tight turns at slow speeds. I didn’t find it super agile. It is a board that somehow becomes more agile in powder. So if you’re in trees and there’s a good amount of powder in there, it’s actually pretty fun in trees. But in trees with little to no powder, it’s not that great, in my experience. Some boards I find get easier to turn in powder – and others actually get a little less nimble in powder. The Mercury gets more nimble in powder, in my experience.

      The Orca is a killer in powder. But I didn’t find it super agile for those tighter spots. Also not going to be great for switch, freestyle stuff.

      Burton Custom Camber would serve you well on the groomers, IMO, but it’s not great in powder.

      I can suggest some other boards too, if you’d like, if you can give me a little more info:

      1. Which Arbor board is you current one – and what size?
      2. Do you think you’d want to go stiffer, softer or about the same in terms of flex versus your current board?
      3. Sizing is also really important – happy to give my sizing opinion – would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

    • Dave says

      January 8, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      Congratulations for the different tests you do.

      I would like more specific advice on my next snowboard.

      I am currently a Korua Tranny Finder which is perfect for its program (aggressive track, carving and powder).

      I would like to complete my quiver with an All Mountain, the goal is to do basically the track but initiating the freestyle (shred track, small/medium jumps, switch, press). No park.

      I am an aggressive runner, I’m 1m80, size 45, 90kg, advanced level for the track / powder and starting freestyle.

      Thank you in advance for your advice.

      Reply

      • Nate says

        January 10, 2022 at 11:07 am

        Hi Dave

        I’d probably be looking at an all-mountain-freestyle board, since you already have your Tranny Finder for powder days. Typically an all-mountain freestyle board’s biggest weakness is powder, but given you have a board for powder, I think that would be the way to go for what you’re describing. Something from one the following:

        >>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

        >>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

        The second list if you want something stiffer/more aggressive and the first list for something more mid-flex. From the first list, if you want to keep things aggressive, then the more aggressive options in that list (but not as aggressive as those in the second list) are the Niche Crux, GNU RC C3, Lib Tech TRS. After that the next most aggressive are the Never Summer Proto Synthesis and YES Greats.

        Hope this helps

        Reply

        • Dave says

          January 30, 2022 at 9:20 am

          thank you for your advice, I have a friend who made me try the jones all mountain, very good board which is very stable, manageable, a little less rigid than my tranny finder but I am looking for an even more playful board which has much of pop, which deforms more easily but remains at least stable on groomers. can yes greats be an option? I’m looking for an average flex of around 5/10

          Reply

          • Nate says

            January 31, 2022 at 11:48 am

            Hi Dave

            The Greats is more 6/10, IMO. But I would look at something like the Salomon Assassin or Capita Asymulator if you still want that stability of hybrid camber but something more like 5/10 flex with good pop.

          • Dave says

            January 31, 2022 at 12:46 pm

            My boots size is 11, the capital asymmetric stops at 156 for 25.4 which will be too small, damage. The Greats deformed more than the MOUTAIN TWIN for Press? I will look for Solomon too.

          • Nate says

            February 1, 2022 at 12:36 pm

            Hi Dave

            Yeah, unfortunately a bit narrow. I found the Greats and Mountain Twin about the same to press. Maybe the Greats marginally easy to press but pretty close.

        • Dave says

          February 3, 2022 at 1:21 am

          I have the opportunity to buy a 154, is what about my boots of 11 it can go?

          Reply

          • Nate says

            February 3, 2022 at 1:06 pm

            Hi Dave

            You’d be all good boot-wise on the 154 Greats, IMO. It’s getting on the small side for your specs though. That said, in the smaller size it would feel softer and more playful, which is something you were after right?

          • Dave says

            February 4, 2022 at 2:40 pm

            thank you for your valuable advice, I bought the model 154

          • Nate says

            February 4, 2022 at 4:49 pm

            You’re very welcome Dave. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!

23. David says

    January 4, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Hi, Nate.
    Thanks, is a great review.

    I´m male, I´m 6’2″ and weight 178 lbs, boot 10 and with an expert level (25 years old).
    I lean more to the groomers than to the park, and I do not forgive powder days, but I like all mountain boards with which I can do everything (I feel closer to freeride than freestail)

    I had thought about the Yes Standard in measure 161, what do you think?
    According to the weight range of Yes, I would be better with a 159 …

    I have another problem, I bought a Union Falcor bindings with a minidisk, I use a 23.5-24 “stance and I don’t know if I can use it on this board as I can’t use the powder inserts.
    Max. stance (161 cm) is 24.6 “, but I don’t know if it includes the powder inserts.

    Thanks a lot.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 5, 2022 at 3:58 pm

      Hi David

      Thanks for your message.

      For the Standard I would go 159 for your specs and what you’re describing. You could even look at 156 for that particular board, if you were more freestyle inclined. But given how you describe your riding and your expert level, I think the 159 should work best. 162 would be too big for your specs though, IMO.

      Max stance on the 159 is 24.1″. Great question about whether that Max stance includes the powder inserts. I would have assumed not, but I don’t know for sure. I don’t usually measure max stance widths as it’s typically published. However, I think that 24.1″ doesn’t include the powder inserts. When you look at the standard it does only have 5 sets of holes per insert (not including the slam backs), but reference will be on the middle holes. Which means you can move one out from those holes. With reference at 22.5″ – if you move one hole outwards from that on each binding, then you would be adding roughly 1.57″ for a stance of 24.07″ – or looking at it in CM. 57.1cm reference add 4cm and get 61.1cm (24.05″).

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • David says

        January 6, 2022 at 8:23 am

        Hi Nate.
        Once again, thank you very much for your help.

        It seems that the maximum stance of itself, does not include the powder inserts, I had not fallen into calculating it as you indicate, thanks.

        The more I try to find my perfect board, the more doubts I get
        :or).

        – I live in Spain, here you have to be very lucky to find powder snow, but whenever I can I go to the slopes after a storm, so my perfect board should go well in powder.
        – I am also 47 years old, I practically do not step on the park, but I do like to play and take small jumps on the irregularities and edges of the track.
        – On the track I like to drive the turns, carving is another preference, I am not afraid of speed and of stepping on the board and pushing it to the limit.

        But I like the “All Mountain” boards because they are softer and therefore less demanding, they do not require going all the time to the limit, they work well at lower speeds and they forgive mistakes better.

        My current board is a 2013 Lib tech Travis Rice Pro measuring 1,615 m and with a Waist Width 260 mm, in which I go with a 2 cm rear position.
        I am happy with her, it is somewhat demanding to take her on the right track, but she forgives mistakes well. At low speed it works very well. In not very steep areas, even at high speed you can carve well with it, but when things get more vertical it reaches the limit quite quickly. Powder gives the type and is quite funny.

        So right now I want something more aggressive and I doubt between:
        – Yes Standard 159
        – Capita Mercury 161
        – Capita Mega Mercury 161
        – Jones Ultra Mountain Twin 162W

        I would very much like to try the Capita Mega Merc, I think it could be one of the ones that comes closest to what I need, but I can’t find anything available for sale right now …

        I think that with any of these boards it would go well, and it would fulfill my expectations, but I would like to get as close as possible to my perfect board.
        I promise not to ask again, and once again a thousand thanks in advance for your advice.

        All the best.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 7, 2022 at 12:42 pm

          Hi David

          Thanks for the extra info. IMO the Standard is less aggressive than the T Rice Pro, so I would be leaning towards the others. Even the Mercury might not satisfy you for the more aggressive feel you seek. So I would be leaning towards the Mega Merc and Ultra Mountain Twin in your case.

          Because you don’t have to size down for width – and given that you’re used to a 161.5 T Rice Pro, I think the 161 Mega Merc would be good size-wise. It’s on the bigger side for your specs, IMO, given it’s a little wider than average but given everything your describing, it could work – the 159 is also a possibility. You’ll likely feel the 161 Mega Merc bigger than the 161.5 T Rice Pro.

          For the Ultra Mountain Twin, I would be leaning more to 160 than 162W, mostly because of the width of the 162W. Even though 263mm at the waist sounds like it’s not that much more than the 162W is wider at the inserts overall. I would even go 163 for you, before I went 162W. For reference for width at inserts estimations:

          T Rice Pro 161.5: ~267mm (there’s not a big difference between waist and width at inserts, which is typical of GNU/Lib Tech boards)
          Mega Merc 161: ~271mm at back insert and 269mm at front insert
          UMT 162W: 276mm at back insert, 275mm front insert
          UMT 160: 270mm back insert, 269mm front insert
          UMT 163: 273mm back insert, 272mm front insert

          These are all assuming a 560mm (22″) stance width. With a larger stance width, they’ll be even wider. The 260mm waist on the T Rice Pro can be deceiving.

          Reply

          • David says

            January 8, 2022 at 8:37 am

            Hi Nate.
            Once again, thank you very much for your help.

            In the end, try to find a Mega Merc in 159, being more rigid and less permissive, try to make it a little more manageable, and according to the weight range of the rider of the two sizes, also go to the less rigid area. But I managed to find none for sale.

            So in the end, after much thought, I have decided on Capita Mercury in 161, to go to the most rigid zone according to the weights of the riders and gain in effective edge, stability and powder behavior. I think that with all this, together with my Union Falcor bindings, I will also be able to get a great use out of this board.

            Now the only thing left is to be able to extract it and enjoy it.

            Thank you very much for your advice, it has been a great help!

            If it weren’t too much to ask, I have another question, but I’ll leave it to you in the corresponding Union bindings installation article …

            All the best.

          • Nate says

            January 8, 2022 at 4:42 pm

            You’re very welcome David. Hope your new setup treats you well. I’ll go over and check out your other question in the other post now.

24. Simon says

    January 4, 2022 at 8:33 am

    Hey Nate,

    I’m planning on buying my first board and hav some questions/need some help.
    I a looking for a do it all board for and stumbled upon the Yes standard or Jones Mountain twin. Also the typo and team gullwing look interesting.
    I would consider myself an advanced rider (been snowboarding for about 13 years now) although I think I still can improve all over the mountain (especially park and powder).

    Since I always rented the boards and don’t really remember them I am also unsure about the sizing. I’m a size 12 boots and about 6.1 tall. My weight is somewhere between 185-195 lbs. I’d appreciate your help a lot 🙂

    Have a nice day

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 4, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Simon

      Thanks for your message.

      I think as an advanced rider, unless you like to ride pretty casually/playfully, you could probably cross off the Typo, but the other 3, I think would work well. And if you do like things more playful, then the Typo would certainly work too.

      In terms of sizing, I would be looking at:

      Standard: 159
      Mountain Twin: 159W (you could also do 162W if you think you were going to be riding fast and riding powder more than anything else – but wouldn’t as good for the park (IMO))
      Team Gullwing: 159W (again could also go up to the 162W)
      Typo: 159W might be a bit small for this board. 163W is doable.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Simon says

        January 16, 2022 at 6:07 am

        Hey Nate,

        thanks for your help. I’m currently stuck and just can’t decide between the standard and mountain twin. Or am I thinking too much about it since they both seem very similar on paper?

        Best Simon

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 17, 2022 at 1:17 pm

          Hi Simon

          They’re quite similar boards. Certainly not the same, they have a different feel to them. But they’re more similar than they are different. There isn’t a bad choice between them, IMO. Some differences that might help.

          – Standard a little better in icy conditions (though MT still good there)
          – Mountain Twin a little better in powder, if you look at them both in their reference stance. Standard equals MT when you go into Slam Back inserts
          – Standard a little better for switch, assuming reference stances again – but it’s a very subtle difference

          Reply

25. Saoud says

    December 30, 2021 at 2:30 am

    Hi Nate,

    Thank for the great help!

    I love your review. I learned snowboarding two years ago and learned well to be honest. I am getting back into snowboarding after the two years off. I would consider myself an intermediate rider. I am 5’5″ and weight between 165-175lbs with a size 10 US shoe.

    I am looking for an all mountain board, that I can ride mostly for everything, little jumps, off trail powder, want to learn 180s and 360s but mostly just carving my way down the slope.

    I have an interest in purchasing an all mountain board. I was wondering what your recommendation is to fit my style. I am hoping without too long to be back up to an intermediate rider.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 31, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      Hi Saoud

      Thanks for your message.

      Everything on this list would be worth considering, but a few things to help you decide.

      The Shiloh Camber would be least good in powder. Given you like powder, that might be one you can cross off.

      The Typo, Terrain Wrecker and Brainstorm would be the easiest for getting back into it. You will get back up to speed the fastest with those 3, IMO.

      The Story and the Mercury will be the most difficult to start out with – they would be the steepest re-learning curve, IMO.

      Size-wise, I would put you around 155/156 for your “all-mountain” size. But sizing may differ depending on the board. E.g. for the YES Standard, you might want to size a little smaller as it’s wider. And as an intermediate rider you might want to size a little smaller too. So you could certainly look at 153 for the Standard and 154-156, depending on the others. If you narrow it down to 2-3 boards, I would be happy to give my sizing opinion on those particular boards.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

26. Sergey says

    December 24, 2021 at 4:45 am

    Hi Nate, could you please tell from your experience what snowboard brands has the fastest bases on the market for theie all-mountain/freeride boards? Could you rate like top-5? Mervin, Burton, Capita, Ride, Jones, etc.. Any significant difference?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 26, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Hi Sergey

      In my experience Jones tends to be a step above the rest. They would be my clear leader.

      After that there’s not much difference, but the next 3, not in any particular order would probably be (based on boards with sintered bases of course) Burton, Capita, Mervin.

      Within Jones there are bases that are better too – the 9900 tends be faster than the 7000 for example. But even the 7000 from Jones has always been fast for me.

      Reply

27. Neil says

    December 23, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    Hey Nate,

    Came across your website, and just love your approach in ranking boards. I’ve been reading reviews for a week now and haven’t really made progress… so I’m asking (begging?) for some expert advice. I ride around 6-7 days a year East Coast and 4-5 days a year west coast, consider myself intermediate who is comfortable on blue/black trails generally. I’m age 40 / 5″10 / 190-200 lbs / size 10 boot. I’m looking to increase my speed and control on firmer snow, and navigate a bit of powder but nothing too deep. Would love to get better at bumps/trees as well. Don’t really spend any time in the park, and will do the occasional small jump or flat spin. Does the Yes Typo sound like the board for me? What else should I consider? And what size? Really appreciate the help!!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 25, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Neil

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the Typo ticks a lot of boxes. It’s really nimble for trees and good edge hold in hard/icy conditions. It’s decent enough in powder – and if you’re not doing anything too deep, then it will be all good for powder. I guess the only real question mark would be stability at speed. It’s certainly not terrible at speed, but it’s not a real bomber either. If it’s really important to have that extra stability at speed, then that would be the biggest question mark.

      Size-wise, if you Typo, I would say 158. The 161 isn’t out of range either, but I would be leaning 158. The 161 would give you more stability at speed – but at the sacrifice of maneuverability at slower speeds. Going 161 wouldn’t mean you’d end up with a tank or anything, but relatively speaking to the 158, less maneuvearble. And the 158 isn’t going to be ultra wobbly at speed or anything, just less stable versus the 161.

      If you wanted just that little bump in speed, but not quite as good in hard/icy conditions (but still good – just more like 4/5, rather than 5/5), and a little better for powder, the Mountain Twin, Rossi One, Nitro Team Gullwing and YES Standard would all be worth looking at. Not quite as intermediate friendly as the Typo, but still intermediate suitable – particularly if you’re a solid intermediate rider. If any of those interest you, let me know and I can suggest the best sizes (could differ depending on the board).

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Neil says

        December 25, 2021 at 3:35 pm

        Wow! Thanks for the Christmas reply!!

        While I’m really trying to narrow my choices down to 2 or 3 boards, I saw the GNU Banked Country under your Freeride boards. How would that one compare to the ones above? I definitely consider myself a solid intermediate and won’t shy away from too much terrain. I care mostly about more control at speed, then comes bumps/trees, and lastly small jumps/riding switch/spins.

        Thanks again!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 27, 2021 at 6:20 pm

          Hi Neil

          No worries – on a family vacation and taking quiet opportunities (of which there are few) to reply to comments. I got time on Christmas day and took advantage of it!

          The Banked Country is a step up from the others, IMO. I would say more advanced to expert. But probably solid intermediate is fine. I recently had someone get on the Banked Country and loved it and described himself as solid intermediate. And the one thing that he disagreed with my review on is the advanced to expert rating on it. So, it might be OK. It is certainly stiffer than the others, but will provide more control at speed for sure. Maybe not quite as good for bumps/trees though and certainly (IMO) not as good for jumps, switch and spins.

          Reply

          • Neil says

            December 29, 2021 at 2:07 pm

            Thanks Nate, hope you are having / had a great time! I looked at the four boards you mentioned – the Mountain Twin, Rossi One, Nitro Team Gullwing and YES Standard – and am having a hard time narrowing it down. If you had to pick two-three to really focus on / demo, which would they be and what sizing? I don’t need massive speed, just faster than my current board which is slowww. I enjoy Blue/Black terrain, steeper is ok and want to get better at the bumps. Good grip on the mountain when turning, and I also want more stability when flat on my board (hate the catwalks!). Again, not a powder hound at all and love those soft steep wide groomers. Switch/flatspins for fun, and maybe a small jump here or there. Thanks again! Will be in Park City week of Jan 23rd!!!

          • Nate says

            December 31, 2021 at 5:29 pm

            Hi Neil

            Can you let me know what your current board is and which size – so I can’t make sure you get that bump in speed your looking for. I know you don’t need it to be super fast, but just want to make sure you actually get a noticeable increase.

            Narrowing it down to 3 to demo, I think I would look at the Standard, Mountain Twin and Gullwing. The One would certainly be worth considering too, but narrowing it down, that’s what I’d do. If you get the chance to demo, then I would include the Team Gullwing, because it will give you a feel for whether you prefer that Hybrid Rocker profile over the Hybrid camber of the other 3. Then the other 2 I’d go Mountain Twin and Standard, just because I rate them slightly over the One and they’re all fairly similar, though certainly not the same, boards.

            Size-wise, I’d say:

            – Standard 156
            – Mountain Twin 157 or 160 – tough call between them, but probably leaning 160.
            – Team Gullwing 159

            But if you could let me know the board and size you’re currently riding, that could potentially sway those sizings.

          • Neil says

            January 2, 2022 at 11:25 am

            Hey Nate – replying to an earlier comment in our thread because i didn’t see a Reply option on the last. To answer your question – I’m currently riding a 158, but it’s an old Ride board… at least 10 – 15 years old. Would you still stick to your recommended sizes of:

            – Standard 156
            – Mountain Twin 157 or 160 – tough call between them, but probably leaning 160.
            – Team Gullwing 159

            I’m certainly not trying to be the fastest on the mountain at age 40… just want to keep up with some of the other guys. Also, what good value bindings would you recommend with these boards? I currently have some Rome SDS S90, also a number of years old (but still seem fine). My boots are newer – Ride Lasso Snowboard Boots Mens Sz 9.5

            Thanks again!!!

          • Nate says

            January 3, 2022 at 9:53 pm

            Hi Neil

            Hard to say without knowing the model of Ride board it is, but yeah, I’d say those sizes are good. The Standard is wider, so sizing down a little makes sense. The Mountain Twin, I think you could go either, but still leaning 160. Team Gullwing 159.

            The Rome S90 is probably a little soft (based off looking at specs) for those boards, so I would go a little stiffer to match the boards better – and will also help with stability too. The Union Force and Burton Cartel are good value bindings that are still good quality and should match those boards well. Anything with a 6/10 to 7/10 flex would be a good bet, IMO. For other options check out:

            >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

            >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

          • Neil says

            January 4, 2022 at 3:03 pm

            Thanks for everything Nate. After all that, I saw 2021 Rossi One LF on sale for $280 which seemed like a great deal. I bought a 159 with the Burton Cartel bindings you recommended (full retail!).

            I’ll let you know how it rides!!!!

          • Nate says

            January 5, 2022 at 5:54 pm

            You’re very welcome Neil and thanks for the update – that’s a great price for the One! Look forward to hearing how you get on.

28. Chadd says

    December 20, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    Nate,

    I love your reviews. I am hoping to pick your brain. I am getting back into snowboarding after taking some time off. When I rode consistently, I would consider myself intermediate rider. I am 5’7″ and weight between 175-180lbs with a size 9 shoe.

    I am looking for an all mountain, quiver of 1 that I can ride groomers mostly, little jumps, maybe some off trail powder/trees, but mostly just carving my way down the slope.

    I have an interest in the Yes Typo and the Yes Standard. I was wondering what your recommendation is btw these two options and if you have another board in mind that would better fit my style. I am hoping without too long to be back up to an intermediate rider.

    Thanks you for your expertise,

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 21, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Chadd

      Thanks for your message.

      Between the Typo and the Standard, the Typo would be the easier transition. It’s something that’s really good for that high-end beginner/low intermediate stage, but remains a good board to have even until your at an advanced level. The Standard is still very much intermediate suitable, IMO, but it’s more like mid-level intermediate and up – so it would be the more challenging transition to start with. Both would work well for the style you’re describing, IMO. I would be leaning Typo, mostly because it will help you get back up to speed faster and easier, IMO.

      Size-wise, for the Typo, it’s between the 155 and 158, but I’d probably be leaning 155 for you, unless you think you’ll want to be really bombing in the next little while, in which case I’d go 158. But I think the 155 will a. give you the easiest transition, b. will give you the maneuverability in trees and c. make things like jumps easier to manage. The 158 would give you better float in powder and more stability at speed.

      The Standard is a little trickier to size, because it’s quite wide. In this case it would be between the 153 and 156. Same kind of thing applies – the 153 would be the easier transition, easier in trees and for jumps, but the 156 would give you more float in powder and better stability at speed. But in this case the 153 is more like a 156, given the width versus your boot size, and the 156 more like a 159.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Chadd says

        December 22, 2021 at 12:06 pm

        Thank you Nate!

        I was dead set on the standard, but after more research, and your recommendation, I am leaning more towards the Typo.

        With that said, What bindings would you pair with the Typo. It looks like the Burton Genesis, Malavita, and the Union Strata look like reasonable options based on flex. Which one do you think would pair the best? Any other bindings come to mind other then the ones previously mentioned that you think would be a better fit for my described type of riding etc?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 24, 2021 at 4:51 pm

          Hi Chadd

          All of those 3 certainly match the Typo well, so not a bad choice between them. The Genesis is probably the best flex match of the 3, IMO.

          The likes of the Flux DS, Burton Cartel and Union Force would all work too, if you had a smaller budget. But if you’re not worried too much about cost, I think the Genesis would be the best match.

          Reply

29. Tyler says

    December 14, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    Hi Nate,

    This site is awesome. Appreciate your work here. I’m looking to buy my first board and could use some help. I’m kind of picky so I’ve had trouble matching designs to a spec that fits my riding conditions/style. Figured maybe I’ll tell you what I’ve liked and you could help narrow down what makes sense and what doesn’t? That’d be sweet comin’ from an expert like yourself. Also I’m not very strong with the lingo around here but I’ll try my best.

    I’m 5’10, 160lbs, and wear a size 10.5. I live in Indiana so you might be able to imagine my snow… it sucks. Mainly icy conditions. Really I’m buying this for my trips to Colorado though and maybe Jackson Hole. I mainly enjoy carving and little tricks (butters) here and there. Not too much of a jumper or rails guy but have done them at my park at Perfect North. Also like trees. Basically I’m looking for an all-rounder, I think you’d agree. I’d give myself a skill rating of 7.5/10 in Indiana and maybe 5/10 in Colorado lol. But I’m not afraid of any run, except crazy moguls.

    Now I’ll share my list. They probably won’t have any correlation or make much sense but that’s why I’m here…

    Burton Hometown Hero, Burton Skeleton Key, Endeavor B.O.D, Salomon Assassin

    Maybe if you have a filter or criteria I should search buy or any other boards to check that’d be awesome. Any wisdom is greatly appreciated. This might be the most difficult thing I’ve done in my life.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 15, 2021 at 12:17 pm

      Hi Tyler

      Thanks for your message.

      I will try to help you narrow it down. Sometimes it can take a bit of back and fourth, but that’s fine with me.

      If design is important to you, then we can come back to that, if there’s nothing that interests you amongst the boards I recommend and I’ll recommend a couple based on designs I think you may like based on your list.

      Given that you ride icy conditions a fair bit, by the sounds of it, I’ll break it down a bit based on that as well. I don’t think you necessarily need to go for the board that’s the absolute best in icy conditions, particularly given that you also ride elsewhere, but I think something that’s at least decent is a good idea.

      Because you like butters, I would look at the following, IF you don’t really ride that much powder – or if it’s never really more than a foot or so deep.

      – YES Greats (icy 5/5, IMO)
      – Lib Tech TRS C3 (icy 5/5)
      – Never Summer Proto Synthesis (icy 4/5)
      – Arbor Shiloh Camber
      – Salomon Assassin (icy 4/5) – of course also on your list, so this is a definite possibility. Also to note, it’s a little better in powder (IMO), than the others here (but not quite as good as those in the next list)

      These all (apart from the Shiloh camber, which is in this list) feature in my top 10 all-mountain freestyle list – you could check that out too. I didn’t include the RC C3 or Niche Crux here, only because they’re a little harder to butter with, but they’re certainly also possibilities, if you weren’t too concerned about their butterability).

      If you do see deeper powder and want a bit more performance there (but still want something that’s easy enough to butter/do tricks, then I’d look at:

      – YES Standard (icy 5/5, or maybe 4.5/5)
      – Jones Mountain Twin (icy 4/5)
      – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker (icy 4/5)
      – Slash Brainstorm (icy 4/5)
      – Rossignol One (icy 5/5)

      The Hometown Hero and Skeleton Key are a little more directional – which can become a little weird for buttering, because pressing off the nose and tail feel quite different. Less so with the Hometown Hero, which is a little less directional, but it’s quite hard to butter – not a lot of pressability in the tip and tail – stiffer in the tip and tail, it felt like to me, than the overall flex of the board. The Skeleton Key is easier to press the tip and tail, for sure, but the tip and tail feel quite different, so it’s a little weird to butter on. Also I would rate both as 3.5/5 for icy conditions. Not something that’s going to stop you from riding in Indiana or anything, IMO – they would do the job, but just to note.

      The BOD could work, if you’re not too worried about powder – it would belong in the first list above.

      Hopefully this helps to start to narrow it down. Once we’re down to 2-3 boards, I would be happy to give you my sizing opinion (and sizing can sometimes be a good tie breaker). Also if we need to go on a different tangent we can. E.g. if I’m overstating the importance of buttering to you, and you wanted to look more directional, we can reassess.

      Reply

30. Christian says

    December 6, 2021 at 4:54 am

    Nate please, there are too many options, I need you to make the decision for me. Ive been riding for over 10 years and am finally looking to upgrade from my 10 year old v rocker board. I ride all mountain in the Northeast and enjoy the park as well as riding some black diamonds. Im 6foot 180 pounds with a size 10 boot. Please end my suffering with the paradox of choice.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 6, 2021 at 1:39 pm

      Hi Christian

      Thanks for your message.

      I get your dilemma. There are a ton of boards that would suit what you’re describing. But let’s try to narrow it down.

      I would look at this list, if you think you’ll sometimes be riding powder. From this list, it would depend if you’re looking to ride more playful/casually or more aggressively (but not super aggressive, there’s a separate list for that).

      On the more playful side and good in hard/icy conditions, I’d look at:

      – YES Typo
      – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker

      I think these two would be your best bets in the park, but not as good for riding faster on black diamonds

      In between playful/aggressive

      – Arbor Shiloh Camber (though this could be in the less good in powder options too)
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – Rossignol One
      – Nitro Team Gullwing
      – Jones Mountain Twin
      – YES Standard

      More Aggressive

      – Niche Story
      – Capita Mercury

      But if you don’t think you’ll see much powder, or never really deep powder, then I’d head over to the following:

      >>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

      From there:

      More playful:

      Never Summer Peacemaker
      GNU Rider’s Choice

      In between:

      Never Summer Proto Synthesis
      Salomon Assassin
      YES Greats

      More aggressive (but again there’s a separate list for the most aggressive options):

      Niche Crux
      GNU RC C3
      Lib Tech TRS

      I know that’s a lot of options but a lot fit what you’re describing. But if you can figure out your need for powder performance, that should narrow things down – and then think how playful or aggressive you want things and that should narrow things down further.

      Happy to give my opinion on sizing too for each specific board, if you can narrow it down to like 2-4 options. Sizing can sometimes be a tie breaker as well.

      Reply

31. Hans says

    November 29, 2021 at 9:00 am

    Hey Nate,
    im currently looking for an all-mountain snowboard for my brother. He`s 14 years old, 145 lbs and his boot size is big for his weight (Size 10.5 Salomon boots). He`s intermediate level and likes doing a bit of everything (180s, wants to learn 360s this year, tries to get low on carves, wants to get more comfortable on side hits, butter). My problem mainly lies in finding a board that fits his weight range, still has a wide enough width to not limit him on lower carves and also fits his ability level well. My obvious choice was the warpig, but he doesnt like the graphics on it. The Terrain wrecker also came to mind, but he really doesnt like snakes haha (on this years graphic). Any suggestions youd make?
    since hes 14 he`ll probably still grow a bit in the coming years, so that might be another thing to keep in mind.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 30, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Hi Hans

      Thanks for your message.

      If you could also let me know roughly your brothers height, that would be great. Whilst sizing is predominantly down to weight, foot-size, boot-size, ability and how you like to ride, I still like to take everything into account, including height. More than happy to find something that would be suitable, if you can include that last piece of info.

      Reply

      • Hans says

        December 1, 2021 at 12:20 pm

        Hey Nate

        Thanks for the reply. He is about 5’9.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 2, 2021 at 5:14 pm

          Hi Hans

          Size-wise, I think something around 154 would be a good bet. It’s on the slightly longer side for his specs as an intermediate rider but given he’s still growing, it will be a size that he can ride for longer than if he went shorter.

          Some options that I think would work well.

          – Never Summer Proto Slinger 154X – not overly wide for a wide board, but wide enough to give him plenty of room for deeper carves. Great for all things freestyle. In that size for his weight, it will work well for all-mountain too, IMO. Not going to be a bomber, but will do the job for all-mountain for him, IMO.
          – Capita Ultrafear 153W – again more freestyle focused. This one a little less suitable for all-mountain, but a great option if he really wants to focus on those freestyle aspects.
          – Arbor Relapse 153 – another that’s more freestyle focused, but is actually pretty good for the rest of the mountain as well. It’s not a wider version, but it should still be wide enough for 10.5s, unless he does plan on eurocarving, then it’s a little more borderline. Also doesn’t offer any room for his boot size to go up.
          – YES Dicey 154 – wider than it looks, should be plenty wide enough.
          – YES Jackpot 154 – A slightly stiffer, more advanced version of the Dicey

          Reply

          • Hans says

            December 4, 2021 at 1:52 am

            Thanks a lot for your suggestions! Will definitely look into these.
            Do you think the arbor shiloh camber 153 or the jones mt 154 could also work? (Both should be around 265 width at inserts i think)

            Adding another question: I myself (6’1, 195 lbs, size 10 boots) also considered the yes dicey. Do you think the 154 could work as an out and out park Board for me? (Looking to do 180s, 360s, butter, small to medium jumps) or would it be too small?
            Really appreciate your help:)

          • Nate says

            December 4, 2021 at 11:33 am

            Hi Hans

            I think the Shiloh Camber could work for sure – if you’re looking for something a little more all-mountain. I’d say the Shiloh Camber is around 266mm at inserts in the 153 (assuming roughly a 540mm (21.3″) stance width). Mountain Twin 154 around 263mm at front insert and 264mm at the back insert (assuming a 560mm (22″) stance width). It could be pushing it, if he’s looking to get those really deep carves going.

            154 in the Dicey might be getting a bit small for you, even as a dedicated park board. Though doable, since it’s wider. I’d say with your specs an all-mountain size of around 161/162. For a decicated park board, you could go as short as 156. Given the Dicey is wider (154 around 269mm at the inserts), that would help with a bit more of a landing platform on those medium jumps. But I’d probably still be leaning 156. But if you want it to be ultra playful, super easy to butter and spin, and don’t really expect too much speed or stability out of it, it could work.

32. Dan Pape says

    November 25, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    Hi Nate!

    I read a bunch of your comments in response to some questions that members had on your site and was really impressed with your insight and knowledge. If I may, could I ask your advice on something?

    I’ve been snowboarding for about 30 years and used to be able to keep up to the best of them. My old stomping grounds was Whistler BC, Black Comb, and Mount Seymour (Vancouver). Over the past 15-20 years I’ve been given demo boards and bartered for free gear which has worked out nice! However, the boards that I’ve used weren’t exactly idea for my type of riding. This is my year to buy my perfect board.

    I’m gunning for a pseudo “come back” and really want to get into it this year. I’m 44 years old, 6 foot four and just shy of 200 pounds. The type of riding that I love usually ends up having me going very fast. But I come from the Central Canada were jibbing and building kickers was a huge part of the culture. I sure miss busting big airs (Not like they do now, but decent air time) 360s, and 540s both switch and regular. Mainly front facing now so a true twin tip might not be necessary. I also compete in Banked Slalom courses here Japan and the board that I’ve been using was a huge disappointment. I’m hoping this year I can buy a board that will help me get back into some spinning and maybe being competitive in the races. Nothing too crazy, you know just some decent tricks! I don’t spend much time in the park but I do want a board that I can use to hit the table tops. I probably won’t ever had a rail but who knows.

    I live in Yokohama Japan and the mountains that I usually go to our a few hours away in both Niigata & Gunma prefecture. We get big dumps sometimes but it’s been my experience that is hit or miss. I really need a board that I can go to these hills that can handle japow powder if the opportunity presents itself but also deal well on the jumps, and carving on groomed runs. I actually really enjoy carving the most at this point. Occasionally ice conditions are inevitable but it’s an exception to the rule.

    The board that I’ve been looking at is the T.Rice Pro Model from Libtech. I have some Industry contacts here so I could potentially get a deal, but this is the year where the deal takes a backseat to purchase a board that really Fits my riding style. Mainly I have access to Gnu, Libtech & maybe Yes. Based on the comments I’ve read, I think you might have some good advice for me.

    Keep up the good work on the new reader and I really like what you’re doing!

    Dan Pape

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 26, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      Hi Dan

      Thanks for your message.

      From what you’re describing, you’re looking for a jack of all trades for sure!

      My biggest issue with the T Rice Pro is that I found it really didn’t like maneuvering at slower speeds in tight spaces, like in trees. That’s something I like to do a lot, so I’ve never been the biggest fan of that board. I’ve had quite a few people get the same feeling from the T Rice Pro as well, but others love it, so it’s a tough one. If you’re not really riding it slow or wanting quick tight turns with it, then it might work for you, but not one that I’ve ever fallen for. It is pretty versatile though. Not amazing for powder, but also not too bad either. I didn’t like it in the park either – I like a board that’s easy to maneuver to set up for boxes/rails etc and didn’t feel like it game me that.

      If you’re happy to sacrifice a little in terms of powder and want something that’s a little aggressive but not too aggressive, then I’d look at:

      – YES Greats
      – Lib Tech TRS
      – GNU RC C3 (I don’t think the Rider’s Choice (C2X) would do enough for you carving-wise or in terms of stability at speed, so I’d go C3 version)

      more closely.

      If you want something that’s a bit better in powder, but still nothing overly directional or anything, then:

      – YES Standard
      – GNU Essential Service (2022 model, which is quite different to the 2021 model. 2021 model could be an option but it’s more freeride)

      My feeling is that the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker might be a little on the soft side for what you’re wanting and not give you enough in terms of carving.

      If there was a GNU Billy Goat 2021 you could find, that would be worth looking at too, if you wanted something a little stiffer, more aggressive. Unfortunately they didn’t make a 2022 model.

      Some Freeride options, that I think would serve you well for the Banked Slalom. Not as good for park/freestyle stuff though:

      – YES PYL
      – GNU Banked Country
      – Lib Tech Ejack Knife (this is the most freestyle leaning of these 3 – and could be a more happy medium, but still leaning more to the freeride side of things).

      I’ve only looked at YES, GNU and Lib Tech options there, but hopefully that gives you some good options to look into.

      There will some compromise with all of them, given how eclectic your style is – trying to get something good for the banked slalom but at the same time to hit boxes with, spins etc, is tricky, but some here will definitely give you a good balance of being decent at everything.

      If you could let me know some the board you’ve been using as well, that would really help to get a feel for what I think would work best to accommodate everything you’re looking to do. Just would give me some insight into your feel for boards and a better idea in which direction to go.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

33. Scott says

    November 23, 2021 at 12:31 am

    Debating between the Jones Mountain Twin and the Yes Typo. I’m an intermediate/advanced rider that pretty exclusively boards in Tahoe. I want a board for riding groomers, going through trees, etc., and will perform in powder. I don’t spend time in the park but I don’t want something too directional. Basically looking for a single quiver board that can do it all and won’t chatter at higher speeds. I’m 6’2, 190, size 11.5 boot, so would really like your take on sizing too. I have heard great things about both boards I am trying to understand the difference and how best to choose.

    Thank you in advance, your page is extremely helpful.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 23, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Hi Scott

      Thanks for your message.

      Based on what you’re describing, I would be leaning Mountain Twin (MT). Mostly because it’s a little more stable at speed and a little better for powder and those are two things that sound important to you. The Typo is a great board, but it’s a little more playful, IMO. I would give the edge to the Typo in powder-less trees, just because that thing is so nimble at slow speeds, from my experience. But the MT is still good in trees, and if there’s powder in there it floats a little easier.

      Size-wise, I’d be debating between the 159W and 162W for the MT. If I had your specs, I would personally go 159W, because I like to err a little smaller, as I like trees a lot, and like to ride freestyle over the mountain (sidehits etc). But if you wanted to optimize it more for speed and powder, then the 162W is within your range as well.

      If you went Typo, I’d be leaning 163W. Even though it’s on the big side for you, I think if you went with this board, you’d get more out of it for speed and powder, if you went bigger. The 159W is certainly within range for your specs and would certainly work, but I’m not sure it would be stable enough at speed for what you’re wanting. Would be really nice in the trees at that size though. I would typically say that 163W is outside a good range for you for an all-mountain board, so overall it’s getting pretty big, IMO.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

34. Clm says

    November 21, 2021 at 11:16 am

    Hi, im looking at getting a new all mountain board, and I was looking at the Jones frontier. I was just wondering why it scored so low compared to the Jones mountain twin when it seems like a lot of people say they are pretty similar boards, and I have heard some people say that the frontier is better as an all round board than the mountain twin. Is it still worth getting the frontier which scored fairly low, or should I get something like the mountain twin or yes standard? I’m an intermediate rider, ride lots of powder, a bit of park, and get a fair bit of icy days as well. Performance in powder is important. Do you think it’s partially that you reviewed a slightly older model, or does that not make a huge difference? I had kinda decided on the frontier, but now I’m wondering. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 22, 2021 at 10:42 am

      Hi Clm

      Thanks for your message.

      The Frontier is a board that I’ve struggled to categorize, and I always um and ah about whether to put it in all-mountain, aggressive all-mountain or freeride. I was back and forth so much this year with it, that I decided to leave it where I had it previously. But if I’m being fair, it doesn’t get the score it deserves being in the aggressive all-mountain category – and it’s not overly aggressive either, which is why I keep questioning it. It’s a little more aggressive than the MT, but not quite enough to be really considered aggressive, so right now, it suffers from being misplaced a little bit, in that I struggle to put it in the right category. It’s one of the few that I just can’t decide on.

      But since they’re in 2 different scoring systems, you can’t really compare them side by side based on those scores. To give you perspective versus the Mountain Twin, since they’re currently within 2 different scoring systems, if the Frontier was within the same scoring system, it would score 86.4. It’s a little better than the Mountain Twin in powder and for carving, IMO. It’s more directional as well and a little stiffer (even though Jones rate the MT stiffer, I felt the Frontier as stiffer). But I wouldn’t say it’s better all-round than the MT. MT better in the park, better for switch, jumps, spins, butters. Better pop. And not that far off in terms of carving and powder. So, I’d say the MT is the better “do-it-all” board. But the Frontier does have it for carving and powder – so if those are your predominant things, then the Frontier might be better for you.

      The Frontier hasn’t really changed since the 2020 model. I only tend to re-test something if it has noticeable changes made to it. Though I’m tempted to get back on the Frontier, simply just to see if I can get something from it that helps me to categorize it better!!

      Hope this helps

      Reply

35. Mike says

    November 19, 2021 at 8:31 am

    Hey Nate, I’ve been looking at your articles for awhile, and two years ago it helped me pick the GNU Carbon Credit Asym 156 as my first board. I am 5’10”, 150lbs, and wear a size 8.5M US. I like the Credit, but it feels loose on flats which bothers the hell out of me, super skatey nose in those conditions and really makes me work to keep it feeling stable. My skill level is probably somewhere intermediate, ride out East (hard snow), but out west I love the glades.

    I’ve been thinking about switching to a new board that feels more stable and was considering the YES TYPO. Is there others I should be considering? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 19, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Mike

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the Typo would work well for you. It’s a good little step up from the Carbon Credit, without being a massive leap, so at your level, you should definitely have no issues with it. And will certainly feel more stable than the Carbon Credit, which is a looser board.

      Did I recommend the 156 for you? Were you the same specs? Because I would’ve put you on a 153 for the Carbon Credit with those specs. In any case, for the Typo, I think the 155 is your best bet. If you were going to go Typo as a beginner, I would have said 152 for your specs, but as you’re more advanced now, I think you could step it up to the 155, particularly as you’re used to a 156 now.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Mike says

        November 19, 2021 at 12:24 pm

        Cheers Nate,

        I appreciate your reply.

        When I bought the credit I was purely referencing your post on beginner boards and the ice edge hold, since we get a bunch of hard snow ice here in Ontario.

        I think it solidifies it, I’ll pick up a typo. I was considering other boards like the MT and mercury but I think those are a bit aggressive for where I am at.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 20, 2021 at 2:32 pm

          You’re very welcome Mike.

          And thanks for the confirmation. Didn’t think I would’ve recommended the 156, but sounds like you were fine with the size in the end, so it’s all good.

          If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!

          Reply

          • Mike says

            January 28, 2022 at 10:48 am

            I ended up riding the typo with stratas and k2 enders for a few days in Banff and Revelstoke through mostly soft snow/hard pack. Coming from a carbon credit it felt noticeably different in a few ways:

            + Its more comfortable at higher speeds
            + It feels more open to carving
            + Uneven terrain is pretty easy
            + its more stable through the flats
            ~ It is equally as comfortable in hard snow as it is soft snow, ice patches can lose edge hold if going pretty fast
            – Lower speed directional changes felt slightly slower, for example through moguls

          • Nate says

            January 29, 2022 at 8:55 pm

            Hey Mike

            Thanks for the update. Appreciate you sharing your experience.

36. Brian says

    November 12, 2021 at 6:04 am

    Nate,
    Thanks so much for all of your insight over the years. I bought the Slash Brainstorm 163W back in 2016 in part because of the review you did on it & loved the board from my first run on it. I cracked a large portion of the top layer off last year so due for a replacement. I’m 6’3, 190lbs, & wear a size 13 boot (Ion). I love how the Brainstorm floats in powder, feels quick & stable on groomers, has good edge hold, & quick easy turn initiation. I love riding powder, some mild-moderate steeps, but also like the performance on groomers. No park whatsoever. Can you recommend a good all mountain type board that would be a nice progression from the Brainstorm or do I just buy another Brainstorm? Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 12, 2021 at 11:18 am

      Hi Brian

      Thanks for your message.

      Going Brainstorm again would be a safe bet for sure.

      If you wanted to step it up to something more aggressive, you could look at something more freeride, given that you like powder and don’t do park. If you didn’t really want to go stiffer than the Brainstorm, then you could look at something from:

      >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards

      Noting that some in there are more powder specialized and I wouldn’t go with them, if it’s going to be your daily driver, but others in there could work for sure. If you wanted to go a bit stiffer, then you could look at:

      >>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards

      >> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards

      Pay attention to score breakdowns too, to make sure it’s something that will the performance where you need it. Also, I would probably stick to something Hybrid Camber since you know it so well and like it. Switching to Hybrid Rocker or Full camber or something like that, you might like it, but safer bet to stick with that hybrid camber profile, IMO.

      But going with another Brainstorm is certainly a legit option too – and comes with the least risk.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Brian says

        November 12, 2021 at 8:28 pm

        Thanks Nate, do you think the yes hybrid 161 would work with a 13 boot?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 13, 2021 at 1:57 pm

          Hi Brian

          If you had no issues with the width on the Brainstorm, which it doesn’t sound like you did, then you should be all good on the 161 Hybrid. 163W, I would predict to have roughly 276/277mm at back insert and YES Hybrid 161 will be around 277mm at back insert (front insert a good bit wider, so no issues there). That’s based on roughly a 585mm (23″) stance on the Hybrid and 600mm (23.6″) stance on the Brainstorm.

          Reply

          • Brian says

            November 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

            I ended up pulling the trigger on the Burton Show Stopper 162. The initial reviews on it sound like it could be a damn near perfect board for me. Thanks for pointing me to that list.

          • Nate says

            November 15, 2021 at 1:25 pm

            You’re very welcome Brian. Hope it treats you well and you like it as much as I did. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!

37. M says

    November 11, 2021 at 6:30 am

    Hi Nate,

    Have been reading several of your reviews, so first off thanks for all the great info you provide. I am buying a new board this season, and have the Jones Mountain Twin, Slash Brainstorm, and T. Rice Pro as top contenders. I would currently rank myself as an intermediate rider, and plan to increase my overall number of days per season. Presently my riding style is more enjoying the ride down the mountain picking up speed and carving, hitting the occasional tree run, but I like getting playful and also riding switch. I do want to break into freestyle a bit more; I don’t see myself becoming too much of a park rat but I think an all mountain board strives a good balance amongst all factors for me.

    1) Do you have any thoughts on the 3 boards I listed above.

    2) With respect to sizing, any particular recommendations? I’m 5’10”, 165-170lb, and US size 11 boots. I’ve been thinking length around 156-160cm with a waist width in the area of 258-263mm.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 11, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Hi M

      Thanks for your message.

      I would be leaning Mountain Twin or Brainstorm from the 3 options – mostly because I didn’t feel like the T Rice Pro was really that intermediate friendly – and also didn’t like it in the trees and given you mention playful – I didn’t find it very playful at all. Maybe if you’re super strong/athletic you could get it to play. But I think the Mountain Twin and Brainstorm strike a better balance between playfulness, but still something that can handle some speed – and just with my experience with the boards, I think they match what you’re describing better.

      Size-wise, for your specs and how you describe your riding, I’d say 156-158 is a good range. And yeah with most boards, you’ll need to go wide. However for the Mountain Twin you could almost get away with the regular width 157, IF you were to ride it at the reference stance of 600mm (23.6″). But that’s a really wide reference, and chances are pretty good you’ll want to ride it narrower. In which case, I’d say the 156W is a great size for you.

      The Brainstorm is too narrow in the regular sizes, IMO, unfortunately, so the only really appropriate size would be the 159W. It’s doable, particularly because it’s not that wide for a wide board, so should be spot on for 11s, IMO. But it’s just on the end of your range size-wise, IMO.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

38. Oleg says

    November 7, 2021 at 9:41 am

    Hey Nate, have been reading your recs and reviews for weeks now, supper helpfully.
    Was wondering if you could point me in the right direction.
    I am looking for a All-Mtn board that is more on the free-ride side, but can still have some pep/fun when it needs to.
    However I am 161cm, 135lb, and boot size 6.
    I am between the Jones Mtn twin, Yes Standard (149 vs 151 – not sure here), GNU essential (always lowered the magnatraction) or the Capita Kazo.
    Also open to recommendations.

    Best,
    Oleg

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 8, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Hi Oleg

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly in terms of sizing, I probably wouldn’t go longer than 151 for your specs, even as a free-ride board and if the boards a bit wide for your boots, then I’d even size down from there. E.g. for the Standard, I’d go 149 for sure.

      Mountain Twin and Kazu 151 if you went with one of them, but on the bigger side, IMO, just because the width is going to be wide for your boots – and there’s no real sizing down, IMO. Doable, but just on the bigger side.

      GNU Essential Service, unfortunately I don’t think there’s a size that would work.

      If you could find a Burton Sensei 151 – they didn’t make a 2022 model – it was only around in 2021 – but that comes in a nice narrow width.

      The Capita Navigator is also definitely worth looking at – it comes in a 147 (241mm waist) – or if you really wanted bigger a 151 (245mm waist).

      The Lib Tech Dymamo is another option – it’s freeride bordering on all-mountain, IMO, and comes in a 150 (243mm waist).

      Maybe not freeride enough, but worth looking at because I think the size would work well is the Capita Outerspace Living 150 (242mm waist).

      If you were open to looking at certain women’s boards as well, there’d be more options there. But all good if not, because I think one of these options will work.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

39. Jrainey says

    October 26, 2021 at 4:38 pm

    Hello, ive been readong all your reviews and think ive settled on the yes standard. Im 5ft10 size 10 and 180 lbs. Would the 156 or 159 be better. Im planning on just a really good all mountain board. I live in Colorado so will probably have some powder days. Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 27, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Hi Jrainey

      Thanks for your message.

      For your specs, the 156 would be just right, IMO. Very similar specs to me and I’ve always loved the 156. Typically for your height/weight, I’d say longer – more like 158/159, but with the Standard being on the wide side for 10s, I find sizing to the 156 (I also ride 10s) works really well. 159 length-wise is not too long for you, for sure, but when you combine that width and length it’s borderline too big. I think you’d get away with it – and it would float better in powder, of course, but I would be leaning 156 for a better balance between powder float/speed and agility.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

      • Jamea says

        October 27, 2021 at 5:57 pm

        Awesome. I was also inbetween the standard and the jones mountain twin. But it seems like the standard has more of wider area covered in the mountain.

        I think ill do the 156 standard

        Thanks for the help!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          October 28, 2021 at 10:09 am

          You’re very welcome James. Hope you have an awesome season!

          Reply

    • Bert says

      November 8, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Nate

      First your reviews are really helpful and so the discussions with your followers are. It is quite impressive how you come to the point. Now to my issue I ride 10 daysva year and would say I am a good intermediate on groomers with unfortunately poor skills in pow (also due too online view good pow days). I have a Burton Custom 2013 am 46y old from Germany 174cm, 67kg but 10.5 🙂 deeluxe boots. I want to improve my pow skills and have it al little bit easier as right now. However lets fac it most of time I have to stick on groomers due to lack of snow. Saying that and going through your reviews I have 2 Boards in mind the Yes Standard and Yes Hybrid. I think 153 should fit with these Boards. Now I am curious what would you recommend me comparing both Boards. Do they fit to your opinion with my ideas and are sizes ok for my sizes or am I probably wrong? I would really appreciate to get some advice from you. Looking forward!

      Bert

      Reply

      • Nate says

        November 9, 2021 at 11:30 am

        Hi Bert

        Thanks for your message.

        I think both boards would work for sure – with the Hybrid giving you the most boost in powder performance versus the Custom. But the Standard will still be better than the Custom in powder – so you will get more powder performance going Standard – and, IMO, I think the Standard will work just a little better for you on groomers, mainly because of sizing.

        The 153 Standard is pretty much the perfect size for you, IMO. Both length and width are spot on.

        The 153 Hybrid is the size I would choose for you, but it’s not quite as perfect as with the Standard. It’s still a good size for you, IMO – and I think you would still really enjoy the board. But it’s a little wider and overall just at the bigger end of a good range for you. Still within a good range – so still a good choice, IMO. But the Standard just sounds like the perfect size for you, IMO.

        But yeah, Hybrid would give you better powder performance and a little better for big higher speed carves too. Similar for speed. Standard better for switch and in general freestyle stuff – but even if you’re not doing any switch or freestyle, I think you’d really like it on the groomers (and in trees if you went in there) and because of that sizing, I’d be leaning Standard, but not a wrong choice between them.

        Hope this helps with your decision

        Reply

40. Nelson says

    October 26, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    Hey Nate,
    thanks for all the reviews and the answers to comments – its super helpful!

    So, after nearly 30 years of riding, I am having to accept the fact that I am not going to be doing that much freestyle any more and am looking for a more all mountain board to charge around on (95% on pistes). I try to find powder whenever i can so looking for an all mountain charger that can do powder well and the occasional jump (mainly side hits etc) but also not be super aggressive for the days of poor conditions etc. (was looking at the BSOD but i think it might be too aggressive). I usually ride in Europe, so it can get hard/icy.

    I’d class myself as good advanced (was a lot better but age catches up!) and I ride a TRS 157 at the moment, which is great (especially in ice!), but tends to wash out when really going for it (had to pull up a few times as I felt it was going to go!)

    I am pretty much sold on the capita mercury, so a few of questions if possible?

    1. I am 5’11, 190lbs, US11 foot – what size would you recommend – looking at either 159 / 161 / 160W

    2. Would you recommend the mega mercury over the mercury in my case?

    3. Is there much difference between 2020 and 2021 Mercury’s (I can get last years one for 40% off!)

    3. Would there be something better suited? Should i just get a longer TRS??

    Thanks for your help!
    Nelson

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 27, 2021 at 10:42 am

      Hi Nelson

      Thanks for your message.

      1. Very close between those sizes and those would certainly be the ones I would be debating between if you hadn’t already suggested them (adding in the 158W). The 159 might be borderline too narrow – around 268mm at the back insert. If you ride really low profile boots and have binding angles that give you quite a bit of angle on your back foot, then you probably get away with it, but it’s pushing it. The 161 is more like 270mm at the back insert, which is really what I would recommend as a minimum for 11s, particularly if you don’t have low profile boots. However, even that could be too narrow if you ride with quite a straight back binding angle, have bulkier boots and like to carve quite hard. In which case the 160W would be your best bet. So, I think if you have low profile boots and ride with a good bit of angle on your back foot, then 161. If not, then 160W. Or even 158W is a possibility. Between the 158W and 160W it would depend if you wanted to prioritize stability at speed and float in powder (in which case 160W) or agility (in which case 158W). If you’re currently riding a 157 TRS and don’t have any boot drag issues, then you won’t have any on the 161 Mercury (and even the 159 Mercury is wider than the 157 TRS).

      2. Given that you say you’re not looking for something super aggressive, I don’t think the Mega Merc would suit. It’s a pretty aggressive board. More aggressive than the BSOD even, IMO.

      3. The 2022 model (Capita I think is trying to buck industry trend and call their new boards 2021 – which I get why, since they’re released in 2021, but it’s confusing when it’s different to how everyone else labels the model date), as far as I can tell is identical to the 2021 model. However, the 158W and 160W (and 156W and 150) sizes are new for the 2022 model – so you would have to get the latest model to get that sizing. If you go for the 161, then it makes sense to go for the 2021 model (or even 2020 model, which is also the same).

      4. Don’t know if I would go a longer TRS for what you’re describing. I don’t find it that great in powder. And the new TRS is C3 camber – which I think you’d prefer over the old TRS for carving, but for powder it’s a step down from the old TRS, IMO. If you weren’t worried about powder, then the new TRS in the 159W could work. Otherwise, the only thing I would say is that the Mercury isn’t as good in icy conditions as the TRS, in my experience. It’s not bad, but it’s not as good as the TRS. But there are other options, if you wanted to keep the same icy conditions performance as the TRS, but with better powder.

      Hope this gives you more to go off

      Reply

41. James says

    October 14, 2021 at 10:16 am

    Hey Nate, was hoping to get a few board recommendations from you. Love reading your reviews but find myself sifting through so many as I’m preparing to get a new board this season. I wanna demo some but there’s only so many options to demo.

    I’m a 5′-11″ 190lb size 11 boot intermediate-advanced rider in colorado. My main riding style is skiing in and out of the trees, finding tight technical turns in the trees in the leftover powder and freestyling side hits and butters on the groomers out of them. I don’t do too many heavy powder days anymore, just what I can find leftover in the trees but don’t need a deep powder freeride board. Don’t do too much park rails either so don’t need a jib board

    I currently ride a 158W slash brainstorm from around 2016ish with malavitas and its an awesome board for freeride days but not my favorite for in and out of trees. I find it has a lot of difficulty making quick maneuverable turns in the technical trees and has almost cost me some close calls. Also its a little too stiff to butter well.

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 15, 2021 at 10:39 am

      Hi James

      Thanks for your message.

      Given that trees and quick maneuverable turns are a big part of your riding, I think we’ll try to get you on a regular width board, if we can. With 11s you’ve probably always ridden wide boards and whilst typically I would say to go wide with 11s, if you’re not carving deep that often and are really looking for those faster turns, then going narrower will certainly help. Obviously don’t want to go so narrow that you get boot drag, but just trying to find that regular width board that’s a little wider than average or a not very wide wide board. That said, the 158W Brainstorm 2016 is a not very wide wide board, so I think the width of that is good, but it sounds like you would benefit from going a little softer flexing (not only easier to butter, but softer flexing boards are often better at tight technical turns). Also, I have found the Brainstorm to be relatively agile when I have ridden it, so I think we need to adjust sizing and flex as well as the board.

      Length-wise, I think going a little shorter will help, both because it helps with making tighter turns easier and also makes buttering easier. Typically I’d say around a 159/160 for your specs for an all-mountain board, but bringing that back to a 156-158 range, I think should help. Given that you’re finding your 158W Brainstorm doesn’t perform to your liking in the trees, I think erring towards the bottom end of that range is probably a good idea.

      With all that in mind, and keeping in mind you want to be able to butter, side hit and aren’t typically in deep powder, I would look at the following (note that I’m adding the width at inserts or expected width at inserts to give you an idea of width and also the flex and the size I think would work best:

      – Brainstorm 2016, 158W (for reference) – roughly 272mm at the back insert, 270mm at the front insert, 5.5/10 flex by my feel, rated 6/10 flex.
      – YES Typo 156W – I found this board super quick edge to edge (riding the 155) and really easy to maneuver in the trees. It’s certainly softer than the Brainstorm and it’s easy to butter and sizing down a little will help too. I would be very surprised if you didn’t find this super quick edge to edge. The 155 is going too narrow for 11s, IMO, but the 156W isn’t overly wide for a wide board. I would expect the width at inserts to be around 267mm.
      – Jones Mountain Twin 157 – this board is quite wide for a regular width board – maybe still borderline too narrow – 265mm at back insert and 264mm at front insert, but if you’re not doing any aggressive carves, it’s doable. This is assuming a 560mm (22″) stance width. If you were to ride it at it’s reference stance it would be a little wider, but given you want maneuverability, I wouldn’t ride it that wide (reference stance 600mm (23.6″). Probably not gaining anything in terms of buttering though versus Brainstorm.
      – YES Standard 156 – 270mm at inserts. 6/10 flex. Again, probably not gaining anything in terms of buttering.
      – GNU Rider’s Choice 155W – not as wide as it sounds by it’s waist width – around 272mm at inserts. 5/10 flex. I found the 157.5 nice and maneuverable. Not sure how that would translate to the 155W, but with 11s, I think it would be fine.

      Or a little bit more out of left field, but a board that I found to be lightning edge to edge, but also really buttery, but you’d be going a lot softer:

      – Never Summer Peacemaker 158 (258mm waist, 265mm at inserts, 3/10 flex) – they don’t have a 158 for the 2022 model, but if you could find a 2021 or earlier model that had the 158. Could be borderline narrow, but if you want to push it for narrowness and aren’t doing any aggressive carves, it’s doable. Not amazing in powder typically, but does have “blower stance” inserts, which allow you set it back quite far.

      Hope this gives you some options and helps with your decision

      Reply

      • James says

        October 23, 2021 at 6:21 pm

        Nate,

        Thank you so much for the detailed response! It definitely helped steer me in a better direction, especially looking for a slightly shorter board.

        I went to evo to look at some boards and get more info and they recommended the capita doa or the never summer proto slinger. Do you have any follow up thoughts on these and if they fit the same boards you were describing? I did notice reading your review on the doa that you didn’t seem as impressed by it as some other critics.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          October 25, 2021 at 10:19 am

          Hi James

          Thanks for your message.

          I do like the DOA and for certain purposes it’s definitely a board I could recommend, but in your case I didn’t think it was as good as the other options. Firstly, because it’s really not great in powder – and even though you’re not really in deep powder, I wanted to recommend boards that were at least average in powder. Secondly, whilst it’s certainly not a boat for tight turns, it’s not as quick turning at slow speeds as the others mentioned above. I don’t think you would hate it in trees by any means, I still certainly had fun with it in trees, but I think you’d prefer the others.

          The Proto Slinger is a great board (I own the 2021 model as my park board and it’s my #1 rated freestyle board), but it’s something that’s more freestyle focused. I don’t think you’d have buyers regret, if you wanted a softer flexing board – it’s what I use as my go to park board, but I also love it for side hits, butters AND it’s super easy to maneuver through tight spots – it’s got an effortless turn on it, in my experience. But it’s also not great in powder. Given that you’re not really ever in deep powder, I think you get away with it powder-wise, but given that you’re still in some powder – and in case of some deeper powder days, the Peacemaker was the more recommendable in your specific case. Also sizing isn’t ideal – the 156 is probably too narrow (263mm at inserts). The 157X is around that 272mm at inserts. Which definitely isn’t overly wide for your feet/boots, but I was looking to find that real edge with narrowness, to maximize that maneuverability. That said, whilst it’s a similar size to your 158W Brainstorm, it’s still going to be more agile in tight spaces, IMO. It’s doable and if you went Proto Slinger, I would go 157X. I think the 154X would be getting too small.

          If you went DOA, then the 157W – it’s not overly wide for a wide size either – around 268mm at the waist on the 157W DOA, I would predict.

          Reply

42. Colton says

    September 14, 2021 at 8:31 am

    Hey Nate,

    Have you ridden any Wired boards yet?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 14, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Hi Colton

      No Wired boards yet unfortunately. Will try to get my hands on some this winter.

      Reply

43. dd says

    April 29, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    Hi Nate – back to bug you again! Seriously, thank you for all you do, it’s really informative. So I’m finally going to pull the trigger on a twin style board to complement my directional board (Jones Explorer) and I’ve narrowed my choices to either the Rossi One LF or the Jones MT. I can get either at decent sale for 2020 models. Not sure how much either changed for this seasons 2021 models but as info, my decision point will be based off of prior year model. My stats are similar to yours and I’m thinking 159/One LF or 157 MT. The two seem pretty close, although I believe the above ratings are updated for 2021 so I’m not sure if they were similarly close last year? My guess is either would work great so not a bad decision between them but I’m hoping you can enlighten me on two points – which is quicker edge to edge in tight space, and which is more damp? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      April 30, 2021 at 10:43 am

      Hi dd

      Thanks for your message.

      The 2021 Rossi One LF is basically the same as the 2020 model, but the 2021 Mountain Twin changed quite a bit from the 2020 model. See my Mountain Twin review for details of the changes. 2020 MT was a little better in terms of stability at speed, but not as quick edge to edge. The 2021 model became better in uneven terrain and more maneuverable at slower speeds. The 2021 MT I would say is just as quick edge to edge as the Rossi One or maybe even slightly quicker edge to edge, but the 2020 model MT isn’t as quick edge to edge as 2020 Rossi One, IMO. In terms of dampness between 2020 Rossi One and MT, I would say it’s pretty similar. The 2021 MT is slightly less damp.

      One other thing to consider is that the MT is very easy to get into a centered stance. The Rossi One LF, because it has a setback of 12.5mm isn’t something you can really go fully centered on. Just in case you were looking for something where you could center up the stance.

      Size-wise, I would go 159 for One LF and 157 for MT, so if you’re similar specs, then I think those sizes are good bets.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • dd says

        April 30, 2021 at 12:02 pm

        Excellent Nate, thank you very much!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          May 1, 2021 at 2:28 pm

          You’re very welcome dd

          Reply

44. Eran Zylinski says

    April 9, 2021 at 8:24 pm

    Hello Nate,

    Thank you for what you do here, your info on the site is incredible, and your responses to your readers puts you over the top – big props to you!!

    I am just another rider choosing what stick to get next, and would appreciate your input.

    I’ve been riding for 22 years, dunno if I can call myself expert, but I have only ever ridden full camber profile, and I absolutely love the feel of it, the aggressiveness of it, am OK with how unforgiving it is, and would not be afraid of trying a newer, modern example (like a Slash ATV, for example). My current ride is a 2008/9 Palmer Burn, but I would like to move to an all mtn type, just undecided how aggressive I’d like to go. I love riding fast and hard charging, but nowadays most of my time riding is with my young, learning kids, so I don’t want something that is overly laborious for slow, casual, groomer riding. I want to be stable when I do get to open it up though (the Palmer Burn is WAY too sketchy at 35+mph!!). I also ride park – straight jumps small to medium primarily – no rails, ride switch as much as I can just to keep my skills up, love to hit the side hits (don’t want something that takes too much effort to be stable when a side hit catches my eye at the last second), and navigating the off-groomer trees is my favorite. Oh, and the more pop the better.

    I am 5’8″ ~200lbs (trying to get back down to 180’ish), boot size 9.5, just got a new set of Burton Step On X bindings, planning to get the ION boots for next season. I wanted stiff binding + boot. Current set up has way too much flex for me, riding old Burton P2 bindings with Ruler boots.

    I’d give you the list of boards that I’m looking at, but I would rather see your suggestions!!! 🙂

    Thanks in advance!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      April 11, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Eran

      Thanks for your message.

      Taking all that into account, looking at traditional camber, or predominantly camber options. Nothing here is going to be amazing for powder, but otherwise would work well for what you’re describing.

      – Arbor Shiloh/Coda/Wasteland Camber – fairly similar boards, but depending on how stiff you wanted to go. I’d say Shiloh 6/10 flex, Coda closer to 7, and Wasteland a little stiffer again, probably around 7.5

      – Arbor Brain Iguchi Camber – similar flex to the Coda, but a little more directional

      – Burton Custom Camber 158 – around a 6.5/10 flex, traditional camber

      – Burton Freethinker 157 – a little more on the freestyle side for the spectrum – relatively stiff – around 7/10

      – GNU Billy Goat 159 – stiffer around 7.5/10 by my feel – technically a Hybrid Rocker board but predominantly camber. But you do feel a little rocker between the feet, which may or may not be something you liked the feel of. There would be risk there, that you didn’t like that feel if you’ve always ridden full camber.

      – Jones Aviator 2.0 (coming in 2022) – the previous Aviator’s weren’t full camber, but still mostly camber – I haven’t ridden the new edition yet, so not 100% sure how it rides.

      – Nitro Team (camber) – very similar to the Burton Custom Camber

      – Ride Burnout – more on the freestyle side of the spectrum, but stiffer – around 7/10 flex, IMO

      – Salomon Ultimate Ride – not full camber, but pretty close – the new (2021 model and on) are more freeride oriented, with the 2020 and older models more freestyle oriented

      – Slash ATV 158 – this is easier to maneuver at slower speeds than you would expect and easier pop than you would expect for the flex – I would say around 7.5/10 flex-wise. Not like super agile at slow speeds, like a softer board would be, but not bad at all. And not as easy to extract the pop as you’d typically get with a softer board, but also pretty easy to access for a board of it’s flex

      Or you could go a little softer and look at something like the YES Ghost, Niche Crux, Burton Paramount, GNU RC C3 – and I’m sure there are others I’m not thinking of, but I thought I’d put a limit of at least 6/10 flex, based on what you were describing.

      Hope this gives you some options to look into. Curious to know what the options you were looking at were too?

      Reply

      • Eran says

        April 11, 2021 at 8:41 pm

        Thank you for the response, Nate!!

        I was considering some that you mentioned, and just discovered the Arbor Shiloh today. I agree, that one sparked my interest! I also looked at some of the stiffer freestyle/freeride options like you mention, but am a little put off by the idea of riding switch on them, being that most have the directional shape and/or taper.

        I’ve seen some out there, like the Billy Goat, that are hybrid rocker and claim to have strong edge hold, etc., but I’m just not game to consider them for my only board. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to try them out, but until one could convince me that it suits my riding style, I can’t commit to going that route.

        At the top of my list were a few from your all mountain list – Yes Standard, Capita Mercury, and Jones MT. Then from your Aggr All Mtn list I had the ATV, Custom X, Ultra Mountain Twin, Capita Supernova, and Nitro Team.

        A few I added were the new Globe Traditionalist, Deep Thinker, and Kazu Kokubo Pro, with the understanding that those last two options have the directional design.

        However, since posting the question to you, I have done more research and am leaning quite heavily toward the Yes Standard. I’ve convinced myself that perhaps a little less flex, and a little less aggressiveness could still be fun for me, assuming that it can hold an edge at speed reasonably well. I am thinking the hybrid camber might lend itself to making the slow, casual runs a bit more carefree in what I could do on it. I also am giving it the edge over the Custom, the Jones MT, the Mercury, the Globe, and the Nitro Team based on the additional versatility it seems this board would have (mainly the additional powder capabilities). Although I gotta say that new Globe sounds very very intriguing to me as well. I still give the edge to the Standard due to the little bit of extra width for stomping landings with a little more stability, and it doesn’t sound to me like I would be giving up a ton of agility given the extra width.

        If I had the freedom to go out and ride like I used to before kids and family, I think I would go for a two-board quiver: the ATV for the aggressive days, and then something like a Deep Thinker, or something even more powder specific for the pow fun. But being that I am planning on a single-board quiver, I guess I need to sacrifice somewhere, and I am feeling that the Standard minimizes the overall sacrifices.

        What do you think, am I on the right track? My next question becomes how would my new, super stiff boot/binding combo match up with the Standard?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          April 12, 2021 at 4:26 pm

          Hi Eran

          Yeah the Standard is definitely versatile and more easy going than the others listed, but it is still nothing super soft/playful, you can still charge on it a little. Won’t hold up to really opening it out like something like the ATV, but it does pretty well at speed and is fun to ride slow too.

          There is some risk of the board getting a bit twitchy with bindings/boots that are too stiff, but it’s hard to say for sure. I’ve only ridden the Standard with Burton Malavita’s and mid-flexing boots. I haven’t tested the Step On X bindings, so I don’t know first hand how stiff they are, but I hear they are very stiff. The Ion, to me, aren’t the stiffest going around – I would say around 7.5/10 flex, bordering on 8/10. So I think you could get away with that setup on the Standard, but probably not ideal and some risk of making the board a little twitchy.

          Reply

          • Eran says

            April 13, 2021 at 1:16 pm

            Hi Nate,

            I am betting that just updating to the Standard (or really any of these boards!) from my current board will render any potential twitchiness acceptable because I am expecting it to be a major improvement. At least at higher speeds. Current board is both too short (154) for me, and has too much flex. I am assuming I’ll go with a 159 Standard. As mentioned before also, I understand I am sacrificing somewhere just due to having a single board to do everything, and I get that the Standard is not designed to be the hardest charging board.

            Now to find the board, I have not seen the 159 available anywhere online.

          • Nate says

            April 14, 2021 at 12:06 pm

            Hi Eran

            Yeah I think 159 would work but 156 would also work – just because it’s a wider board and quite wide for 9.5s. The 159 is even wider, so you would be getting quite a big board overall in the 159 – but that would of course add to it’s stability at speed and float in powder. Going 156 would sacrifice a little in terms of speed and powder for some gain in maneuverability, butterability, ease of pop, ease of spins etc. I think 159 is a more pure length for your height/weight specs, but with that extra width the 156 is also an option for this board, with 9.5s, IMO. For reference, I’m 6’0″, 175lbs, size 10 (sometimes 9.5) boots, and I really like the 156.

45. Mark Hansen says

    April 8, 2021 at 11:56 am

    Hey Nate, thank you for your post!

    I’ve been boarding for the last 5 years on a Burton Royale ’07 board passed down from my dad (I’m not even know what the specs are, but we’re the same size and height now) and am finally in the market to get a new one.

    I’m 6’1, 177lbs, and a size 10.5 boot, and my riding style is advanced all-mountaineer kinda riding. I’ve been looking to get a true twin board between the 157cm – 159cm range that’s a little bit more on the medium flex with a sturdy, playful feel to it that can stand up to the icy packed snow. So I’ve been checking out the Yes Standard 18/19/20/21 boards, but can’t find any that are in stock in those sizes.

    In the event that I can’t get one of the Yes Standard boards, what other boards would you recommend that are similar?

    I know that there’s a full list, but I would love to hear what you would personally suggest. 🙂
    (If this has already been answered, my b, but I appreciate your time and insights!)

    Thanks!!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      April 10, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Mark

      Thanks for your message.

      Because of the width of the Standard, I think the 156 would be a really good size for you. You could go 159 if you wanted something more stable at speed and for better float in powder (sacrificing some maneuverability, butterability etc). But I think 156 would work for you, if you could find that size.

      Some other boards that fit your criteria (twin, all-mountain, good in icy conditions, medium flex – and I’ve also ):

      – Jones Mountain Twin 157 (directional twin)
      – Rossi One LF 159 (directional twin)
      – YES Greats 156 (or 159)
      – Salomon Assassin 159

      Id you also wanted to look at Hybrid Rocker options (rocker between the feet and camber towards tip and tail, as opposed to camber between the feet and rocker towards tip and tail as with a Hybrid Rocker – they YES Standard is a Hybrid Camber)

      Hope this helps

      Reply

46. Mike says

    March 26, 2021 at 7:21 pm

    Hi Nate, with so many boards to choose from, I’m wondering if you could recommend me one for my needs. I’m scratching the surface as an intermediate rider, I feel like I’ve got the foundations and carving down well. I’d like to stick to an all-mountain board mostly for resort riding and was looking at the 2021 Nitro Team Camber 155 (5’8″, 165lb) or the YES Typo 155 as the next step up. Do you have any particular boards you’d recommend over that one?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 27, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      Hi Mike

      Thanks for your message.

      Size-wise, I think you’re good at those sizes.

      The Team Camber is a little more advanced than something like the Typo. It’s a little stiffer and it’s full camber. Still intermediate doable, but I’d say more solid intermediate than low intermediate. The Typo is a great option for that low intermediate level looking to progress, IMO. So I’d be leaning towards that, depending on how far through your intermediate progression you consider your self. Some other options:

      >>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards

      And something like the Mountain Twin, Rossi One LF, Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, Team Gullwing would also work for lower end intermediate. But yeah, the Typo a really good option. If you’re more solid intermediate, then the Team Camber would be fine.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

47. Garrett J Belmont says

    March 16, 2021 at 11:53 am

    Hi Nate. I am looking into the 156 Yes Standard, the 156 Custom Flying V, or other. I am 5′-10″, 165 pounds, boot size 9.5. I previously rode a 2009 161 K2 Zeppelin. It was great for years until I lost some weight and the board started to feel too big. So wanting to get a shorter board, and also relive my youth, I got a 2020 154.5 Riders Choice. It’s good. But I haven’t ridden switch, buttered or jumped in a very long time, like 20-30 years ago when I could ride weekly.

    I can’t help but feel I should have gotten board more specific to all mountain riding. After 30 years of riding, I can say I am an intermediate rider. Now, I just like going fast on blue trails with a friend, having lunch, and riding some more…

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 17, 2021 at 11:09 am

      Hi Garrett

      Thanks for your message.

      I think something around 156/157 is a good length for your specs and what you’re describing.

      With the Standard though, it’s a wider board and with 9.5s, I would size down, so more like 153 for that board. That probably sounds really short for your specs, so totally get if you didn’t want to go that short. And it would represent a huge drop in effective edge versus your old Zeppelin.

      Size-wise, I think the Custom Flying V would work, but the only thing I would consider is that it’s quite a loose feeling board, and I’m not sure that’s what you’re after. If you like the idea of a looser feeling deck, then it’s a great option, but just wanted to mention it, given that you’re coming from an all-camber board (prior to your Rider’s Choice). The Rider’s Choice is also on the looser side of things, but the Custom Flying V would be just that little bit looser again. If you liked that aspect of your Rider’s Choice, then I think it should work well.

      If you did want something more stable – with more camber in it, and didn’t want to go as short as the 153 Standard (you could go 156 in the Standard, but just probably going to feel quite wide), you could look at the Burton Custom (camber version), which might be more suitable for you, if you weren’t that interested in/didn’t get the chance very often, to ride in powder. The Nitro Team Camber would also fit that bill.

      If you did want something that would perform well in powder as well, then I would look at the Mountain Twin 157. Or you could even go a little more directional, if you’re not going to be riding switch and look at something like the Jones Frontier, Capita Navigator, GNU Hyperkyarve (if you like the looser feel of your Rider’s Choice), Lib Tech Dynamo or Burton SKeleton Key.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Garrett J Belmont says

        March 17, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        Thank you, Nate! I really appreciate it and all the info on this site.

        Now that you have me I am thinking about the loose feel of the RC, I am not sure it’s for me, at least not all over the mountain. The Mountain Twin 157 seems to be the most versatile, especially if I expect to see some powder.

        Then maybe:
        -Burton Custom Camber 156
        -Nitro Team Camber 157

        And if I really want to favor directional over switch:
        -Jones Frontier 159 (?)
        -Capita Navigator 158
        -Lib Tech Dynamo 156
        -Burton Skeleton Key 158

        Reply

        • Nate says

          March 18, 2021 at 11:08 am

          Hi Garrett

          Yeah, I think that’s a good list. And yeah if you did go Frontier, I would go 159. It’s a board you can ride a little longer. All those sizes look about right to me. The only one I would be debating is the Skeleton Key. It’s a wider board, and quite wide for 9.5s, so I would be debating between the 154 and 158. The 158 isn’t quite as wide as the 156 Standard, but it’s close, so I’d probably be leaning 154 in the Skeleton Key. Everything else there looks good size-wise to me.

          Reply

          • Garrett J Belmont says

            March 18, 2021 at 11:26 am

            Thanks again, Nate! I posted another response, though I think I have a plenty of good info to work with here. Now to decide if I buy now for one more ride of the season, or wait for the 2022 boards.

          • Nate says

            March 19, 2021 at 11:45 am

            You’re very welcome Garrett. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go with. Happy riding!

      • Garrett J Belmont says

        March 18, 2021 at 11:24 am

        After sleeping on it, and reading all the reviews here, I’ve narrowed down my options to something like this:

        -Nitro Team Camber 157
        -Jones MT 157
        -YES Standard 153 (I am not opposed to 153, just a little nervous… )
        -Capita Navigator 158
        -Lib Tech Dynamo 156
        -Jones Frontier 159 (?)

        The idea for being prepared for deep powder is appealing, but realistically I don’t see it that often in Southern California. Maybe on the occasional trip away from the area. In that case, the Nitro is a safe bet. But I don’t want to miss out on what the other boards can offer.

        Reply

48. Bogdan says

    March 9, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    Hi Nate!

    This is my first season.
    You have helped me a lot to choose my first stuff.

    I have spent 15 days on the mountain at all since start of season. I can link s turns on the green, blue and red slopes. I have tried freeride a little. Also I have tried riding in the park.
    I understood that I’m interested in all-mountain riding. I want to learn carving, increase speed and learn freeride. (Powder makes me excited!!)

    My current stuff is K2 Raygun (156) + Union Contact Pro + Salomon Launch boots

    I returned my boots to the shop yesterday by garantee case, so I want to buy new boots and new other stuff.

    My height – 183 cm
    My weight – 73-76 kg
    My foot size – 26 cm

    I plan to choose boots and binding from your tops for all-mountain.

    Chosing snowboard is more complicated: Jones Mountain Twin or YES standard. What size is fit for me?

    Do I have correct idea?
    May be you can give some advices?

    Thanks in advance!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 10, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      Hi Bogdan

      Thanks for your message.

      The Mountain Twin (MT) and YES Standard are certainly a step up from the Raygun, but it sounds like you’ve progressed pretty quickly. I would say you’d want to be at least mid-level intermediate to ride the MT and Standard, but if you feel you’re there, then they are certainly doable and a good upgrade from the Raygun, IMO.

      Size-wise, for the MT I would probably go 154 for your specs. 157 would certainly be doable length-wise, but with 26cm feet the 157 might feel too big overall when looking at length and width combined. The 157 Mountain Twin is a good 10mm wider at the inserts versus the Raygun, so it’s significantly wider. The 154 MT is going to be wider than the 156 Raygun as well, but sizing down in length makes it a good overall size for you, IMO. Also note that the 154 MT is a similar effective edge to the 156 Raygun, so you’re not really going much smaller in terms of effective edge.

      The YES Standard is an even wider board, so I would definitely size down for that one. I would say 153. But you would be going down in terms of effective edge on that versus the Raygun. That, and also given how wide it is for 26cm feet, I think the MT 154 would be the better choice, size-wise.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Bogdan says

        March 10, 2021 at 11:00 pm

        Thanks Nate!

        I have made a mistake, my boot size is 26.5 cm.
        Does 157 cm MT fit me now? Or 154 cm MT is better anyway?

        My experienced friend give me an advice to buy salomon sick stick 157. What do you think about this snowboard?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          March 11, 2021 at 2:43 pm

          Hi Bogdan

          I would still look at the 154 with 26.5. Like I said the 157 is doable and that makes it marginally more doable, but I’d still be leaning 154.

          The Sick Stick is a bit of a bigger step up. It’s not like crazy stiff or technical or anything, but it’s a little stiffer, a little more advanced than something like the Mountain Twin. Also note that it’s a much more directional board and geared mostly towards freeride. So, not great for park or riding switch. Size-wise, it’s also a wider board for your boot size, IMO, so I would be leaning 153 if you were to go sick stick. If you wanted to go longer, I would be more inclined to go Mountain Twin 157, than Sick Stick 157, for what you’re describing.

          Reply

49. Vahid Safar says

    March 1, 2021 at 6:39 pm

    Hi Nate I am having a really hard time deciding what size to get. I am 6’0 185lb, shoe size 9.5.
    I was really interested in the Salomon Assassin, but the only one available where I’m from is size 159. Also my current board is a 157 Rossignol Jibsaw Magtek (2013): Is this too small for me, or can I get away with riding a couple more seasons?

    Thank you So much
    Vahid Safar

    Reply

    • Nate says

      March 2, 2021 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Vahid

      Thanks for your message.

      I wouldn’t say the Jibsaw 157 is too small, depending on how you like to ride. I think the Assassin 159 would be a good size for you though, if you did decide to go with the Assassin. The 156 could also work, depending on how you like to ride. i.e. do you like to ride any park? Trees? Prefer bombing or riding more casually? Did you see a lot of powder? Also, how would you describe your ability? Intermediate? Advanced? These things come into sizing as well.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

50. Christian says

    February 18, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    Hey nate, I’ve outgrown my old Burton Jeremy Jones 156 that I’ve had since 06/07. It’s still a great board, but I was about 5’10” 170lbs back then, and now I’m 6’1” and 215 with an 11.5 boot. I like to ride all kinds of terrain and I tend to lean towards high speed and carving around. I’ll pepper in some small jumps here and there, and rarely, but occasionally, hit rails. I do like switching stance for fun as well and just goofing around. Also, I’ve been riding since the late 90s. Any suggestions?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 19, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Christian

      Thanks for your message.

      I think because you like to ride switch and goof around and hit the occasional rail, that you’re in the right place with this list. You could go with something more aggressive, to maximize speed/carving, like something from:

      >>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards

      But that would sacrifice the playfulness you might want for other things.

      However, since you probably want something on the verge of being more aggressive, I would lean towards something like the Niche Story, Capita Mercury or even, from that other list, something like the Nitro Team Camber, which is less aggressive than others on that other list. I would say the same about the Burton Custom Camber which is quite similar to the Team.

      If you wanted something a little more playful than those, but still not that playful, then moving more into the YES Standard, Jones Mountain Twin. But I think one of those other 4, for what you’re describing would work well.

      Size-wise I would be looking at around that 163W size give or take. If you feel that’s going to be too big a shock versus your 156, you could go a little smaller than that, but I’d go at very least to 160W.

      Hope this gives you more to go off.

      Reply

51. Craig says

    February 18, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    Hi Nate,

    I am getting back into snowboarding after several years off. I would say that I am an intermediate rider and I am looking for a board to do it all. Based on your site and other reviews I am looking at the following boards:
    – YES Standard
    – Jones Mountain Twin or Ultra
    – Salomon Assassin or Pro
    – Capita Mercury

    I am looking for a board that will be easy to get feet back underneath me, gain the confidence and then grow into (IE not have to make another investment down the road). I used to ride an old Solomon that is directional and really stiff compared to what I have seen with the newer boards. I’ll be riding mainly groomers, pow and some park, so I am looking for a board that can be ridden switch and directionally in the powder. I am not looking to go charging hard but not looking to hold back on greens either. This is why I am leaning towards the Standard or Mountain Twin.

    I am 5’11, 180 lbs with a 12 US show size. Thank you for your thoughts on this in advance.

    Craig

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 19, 2021 at 2:43 pm

      Hi Craig

      Thanks for your message.

      I think from what you’re describing, I would be leaning Standard or Mountain Twin too. Assassin would work, but you get a bit more for pow, IMO, from the Standard and MT. But Assassin not bad in pow, so definitely doable. The Ultra Mountain Twin, Assassin Pro and Mercury potentially as well – main reason I’m leaning towards the others is that you want something that will still be easy enough to get the confidence going again and those will be more difficult in that respect.

      Size-wise, I would be leaning 159W Mountain Twin and 159 for Standard. If you were to go Assassin, I’d go 158W.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

52. Jonny says

    February 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Hi Nate,

    thank you for all the detailed reviews and incredible amount of information, really helps when trying to figure out which gear to buy!

    About me: 21 years old, 181 cm, 70kg, have been riding for around 9 years or so (mostly Austria) and would consider myself to be relatively advanced, currently riding a 2015 Arbor Whiskey 158 which is fine but it’s time for a new one. I would say I am riding a fair mix of groomers (pretty aggressive/high speed at that) and powder/trees (more mellow at that, but like to get into steeper, faster terrain as well) – on fresh snow days as much of the latter as possible. Also planning to get into touring and more advanced freeriding at some point in the next few years.
    So far I am mostly avoiding the park but figured I probably have to spend some days there in order to get more comfortable hitting bigger features (and translate that into the backcountry) and a little more playful in general (buttering, riding switch, side hits etc.).
    So I probably am looking for a nice all-around board, that works well in powder but also on occasional park laps. From what I’ve read so far (only a couple of hours of research) those are my early favorites:
    – Capita Mercury / BSOD / Outerspace Living (really like the company, philosophy-wise)
    – Bataleon Thunder
    – Yes Standard
    Out of those, what would be your favorite for my use-case or do you have any other recommendations?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 8, 2021 at 11:51 am

      Hi Jonny

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the Standard is probably the best balance, given the you also want to work on buttering, switch etc. If you were just bombing/carving groomers and powder/trees, then I’d probably be leaning BSOD. Mercury would also certainly work for what you’re describing, but I would be leaning Standard, depending on sizing.

      I don’t test Bataleon boards, so I’m unsure about the Thunder.

      Size-wise, if you could also let me know your boot size. It’s an important factor for sizing, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Jonny says

        February 12, 2021 at 7:10 am

        Hi Nate,

        thanks for you response and sorry for taking a few days before answering myself.
        My Boot size is US 10. Probably looking for some new ones too, so let me know if you have any recommendations here 🙂 bindings as well, especially since I read that the Slamback on the Standard doesn’t support Minidisc.

        On a side note: Read a few more reviews of the Thunder and it seems to be a little to free ride-centered for me anyway. So it’s between Mercury and Standard.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          February 12, 2021 at 2:05 pm

          Hi Jonny

          Yeah can’t use the slam back inserts with the mini-disc. Mini-disc will still work fine on the Standard in the regular insert pack, but just wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the slam back holes.

          Size-wise, if you went Standard I would go 153 and if you went Mercury I would go 155, for your specs. Both boards are a little wider than normal, so sizing down a little makes sense and those sizes work well for your weight too.

          For boots, I would be looking at something around the 6/10 to 7/10 range in terms of flex. Some good options in that range:

          >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

          Same idea for bindings. Check out:

          >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

          >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

          Some of those will have mini-discs, so just be aware of that.

          Reply

53. Steve G says

    January 27, 2021 at 11:12 am

    Hi Nate. I salute you for all this amazing advice and the time you spend getting back to peoples questions. Top stuff!!
    Please help me make my mid up on a new board. I’m 43, 5’10, 185 pounds (84kg) US 10 boot (UK9.5) ThirtyTwo Binary BOAs. Decent intermediate level.
    Currently I have a 2015/16 NITRO Team Exposure 155 which has been great but time for a refresh (plus not ideal for my weight and a worthy hand me down to my son).
    I want another All Mountain board. Not fussed about the park really (2% of my resort time). I just like riding on and off piste looking for powder wherever I can, looking for little kickers to try and get air (even though I’m probably not!), trying to butter for more than 2 seconds, trying to 180 and not fall over and prove to my 12 year old son I can still hang with the kids!! (Doesn’t really sound like decent intermediate when I read this back). I need something that can also go fairly fast to keep up with the fearless little brats too!!

    I’m in a quandary as to go for a Jones MT, Yes Standard or Never Summer SnowTrooper. They all look great spec wise, good reviews here and decent graphics too.
    Also, I’m a bit confused with the length of board to go for. I read some advice about going shorter, but I wasn’t sure if that was right taking into account boot size and weight? I like going off piste and through trees whenever I can so a short board like my 155 does suit me for this. Should I stick to a similar length?
    I may well go the whole hog and get some new bindings (currently I have NITRO Zero’s). So please feel free to advise on some good pairings for these boards,
    I’m sure the boards I’ve shortlisted are appropriate but happy to be corrected and be recommended something else!
    Thanks very much
    Steve from the UK

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 28, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Steve

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly in terms of size, you could go longer, if you wanted to, but around 155 isn’t crazy small for you either. I would put you on around a 159 as a standard “all-mountain” length, at a relatively advanced level. So, I think you could ride anything up to that 159 length. But if you like to ride trees a lot, then sizing down can make sense. But not so much so that you sacrifice too much in terms of stability at speed. For the boards you’ve listed there, I would go:

      Mountain Twin: 157
      Standard: 156
      Snowtrooper: tight call between 156 and 159. Probably leaning 159, but if you really wanted to optimize for trees, you could go 156.

      Those boards are certainly all good options for what you’re describing: Some things to consider:

      – The Standard is the most aggressive of those ones, but still not quite as aggressive as the Team, IMO, but fairly close (that’s assuming you mean the Team Camber rather than the Gullwing). The Mountain Twin not far off there, but just a little more playful, but very close on the scale to the Standard. The Snowtrooper is a little softer flexing and less camber in there and overall a more playful feel. For the boards on this list, I would say most playful to most aggressive would be:

      – Yes Typo
      – DWD Wizard Stick
      – Burton Custom Flying V
      – Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – Rossignol One
      – Jones Mountain Twin
      – Nitro Team Gullwing
      – YES Standard
      – Capita Mercury
      – Niche Story

      With the Snowtrooper coming in around the Typo. So if you were wanted to go considerably more playful than the Team (again, assuming Team camber, but you can see where the Gullwing sits there), then the Snowtrooper would be an option, but if you wanted to keep that aspect of things more of a subtle change, then the Standard or MT more suitable. Also in terms of flex, I’d say the Standard and MT around 6/10, with the Snowtrooper more of a 4/10. The Team a 6/10 too, but just with a bit more camber than the Standard/MT.

      Standard and MT more stable at speed too. For more details, here are links to the individual reviews.

      >>Jones Mountain Twin

      >>YES Standard Review

      >>NS Snowtrooper Review

      For binding matches, I would look at something 6/10 or 7/10 in terms of flex for the MT and Standard and 4/10 to 6/10 for the Snowtrooper. Some good options:

      >>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings

      >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

      >>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Steve G says

        January 29, 2021 at 5:31 am

        Thanks so much for the detailed feedback. I didn’t realise that my Nitro (Camber) was classed as aggressive. I’d like my next board to be a little less stiff, but not super flexible (I don’t want something flapping about under my feet when i pick up a bit of speed). I therefore think I’ll discount the Snow Trooper. And from your reply the MT and Standard are similar to what I have right now, but a little less aggressive, bit more playful and slightly more flex.
        I emailed the guys at the place I’m buying from and they recommended 3 different boards entirely, so now my mind is getting well and truly blown. They suggested a Capita DO which I don’t quite like the look of, Salomon Assassin 156, or a NS Proto Synthesis 157 wide. I like both of these and actually the reviews of the Assassin are really good and perhaps suits me the best. I have to admit I’m still swayed on the Jones I think, because I saw a video of a guy in Canada riding it and it just looks the nuts (visually and riding wise) and the flex on this on the snow is about a 6. One thing I have to be honest about is the majority of my time is spent on groomed pistes, though if there’s fun to be had on the sides – I’m there! Most of my boarding is in Austria, so no major powder like you guys get in the US and a lot of the time the pistes can be pretty hard and icy especially on those first runs of the day! Would this make much more of a difference in your recommendations? Thanks again Nate – I really appreciate the help.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 29, 2021 at 12:43 pm

          Hi Steve

          Thanks for the extra info.

          I wouldn’t go DOA. Mainly because I didn’t find it great in icy conditions, but also because not great in powder. Even if you’re not seeing it that much, you could go for a little more powder performance, IMO. The Synthesis also not great in powder, but a little better in those icy conditions. I wouldn’t go with the wide version though, if it was me (I ride US10s too). The Assassin definitely an option though. A little better in powder than the DOA and Synthesis. Not quite as good as MT or Standard, IMO, but not far off, and if you’re not seeing it that much, then I think it’s doable for powder days. And decent in icy conditions too.

          The best of all these options in icy conditions, IMO, is the Standard, but the MT and Assassin aren’t far behind.

          So yeah, I would be debating between the MT, Standard and Assassin. The Assassin a little softer, IMO, than the MT and Standard, but very subtly. Certainly can’t go wrong with the MT, IMO, if that’s the one that’s speaking to you the most.

          Reply

54. Derek Vail says

    January 23, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    would love your feedback.
    Rented a Huck Knife the other day. Loved it. considering buying .
    I’m 5’10 and 175lbs. What size do you recommend. Every scale I see online seems to suggest 160cm+ but I could have sworn the one I rented was 155. felt great so not sure what to do.

    Also what are your thoughts on the Huck Knife.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 25, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      Hi Derek

      Thanks for your message.

      For your specs, for the Huck Knife I wouldn’t go as long as 160 – in fact for most boards, I wouldn’t go that long for your specs.

      For the Huck Knife I think it’s a weigh up between 155, 155W and 158 or 158W, depending on boot size and some other things. If you can let me know your boot size, I can give my opinion as to whether I think you’ll need to go wide or not.

      Between 155 & 158, it would depend how you predominantly wanted to use it.

      If you ride trees a lot, and do a lot of freestyle stuff, and want something more maneuverable, easier to throw around, easier to butter etc, then 155 is a good bet.

      If you prefer to bomb a bit more and want a bit more stability at speed, and better float in powder (though it’s not a great board for powder in general, going longer would still give it more float), then the 158 is the better choice. If you’re fairly even between everything, then it’s a case of choosing what you want to optimize the most.

      I liked the Huck Knife. Not great for powder, that’s it’s biggest weakness, but really good for jumps and good for just riding around the mountain too. Nice and poppy. Since you rode it and loved it, I think it’s a good choice, unless you really want something that’s good in powder.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

55. Berger says

    January 7, 2021 at 9:46 pm

    Hi Nate!

    I really appreciate all your content and insights. Awesome.

    I think it’s really time to replace my ooold Burton Seven 158 board with something new to see if there is a difference after all the years.

    I weigh 156lbs (71kg) and am 5’9″ (175cm) tall and I live near and ride at Snowbird, Utah. Last year I already replaced my old Flow with a Flow NX2 GT and this should of course also fit on the new board.

    I like to ride groomers and powder depending on conditions (still waiting for a bit more snow). Riding switch here and there and experimenting with the board. Not so much a park rider, rather prefer jumps with soft powder landings. 🙂 Looking for a flexible board for an advanced (but not a pro) rider.

    If you have some boot tips, I will take those, too. I have been using some very old Salomon Dialogue boots in 29cm and I think they are bit too broken in now so that I lose control as I miss stiffness sometimes.

    Thanks! 🙂

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

      Hi Berger

      Thanks for your message.

      I think you’re in the right place on this list for what you’re describing. Size-wise, I would size down a bit from the 158 you’re currently riding. Nothing too drastic, but I think something around 156 would be a good bet. But if you could also let me know your boot size, that would help with sizing too.

      When you say “flexible” do you mean versatile, or are you looking for something with a softer flex? Sorry, that word can mean a couple of things.

      If you are looking for a little softer flexing, or more forgiving feel, then I think the Custom Flying V, Wizard Stick, Typo and Brainstorm would be good bets. If you’re looking for slightly stiffer, then the Mercury or Story (or if you want to go more aggressive you could also check out >>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards). The rest in between. For reference, this is what I would consider the most playful to most aggressive on this list:

      – Yes Typo
      – DWD Wizard Stick
      – Burton Custom Flying V
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – Rossignol One
      – Jones Mountain Twin
      – Nitro Team Gullwing
      – YES Standard
      – Capita Mercury
      – Niche Story

      I also just tested the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker yesterday, and that is going to make it’s way on this list. It’s a softer (not like ultra soft, but like 5/10) more playful option too. I would put it in between the Custom Flying V and Brainstorm, in terms of playful/aggressive.

      In terms of boots, I would check out the following for a good match with these boards:

      >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Berger says

        January 9, 2021 at 10:07 am

        Hi Nathan,
        Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate your insights. With “flexible” I mean regarding terrain. Using it on groomed runs with the family, but also in our dry powder on a pow day and some jumps here and there. I hope this makes sense.

        I was eyeballing the Yes Standard if that is still available and was also thinking about trying a smaller size. Would this make sense or too stiff? I would have to find a 156 as those seem to go out of stock quicker than the 153 variant.

        I mentioned my current boot size which is 29cm or US 11.5. In running shoes I normally have a 10 or 10.5 but snowboard boots seem to size up.

        Thanks again!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 10, 2021 at 3:11 pm

          Hey Berger

          Yeah that makes sense for sure, with regards to “flexible”.

          I think the Standard would work for what you’re describing. Size-wise, I would go for 153 for you. You could go 156, but I think for that particular board a 153 would work well for you. Other boards more like 155, 156, but for that one I think 153 would be a good bet. Again, 156 not a wrong size for you, but I would be leaning 153, if you did go with the Standard.

          Reply

          • Berger says

            January 11, 2021 at 12:12 pm

            Thanks Nate. Size 153 is great as this is still more widely available. I will give it a try and report back when I had a chance to get some hands on experience. 🙂

          • Nate says

            January 12, 2021 at 2:48 pm

            You’re very welcome Berger. Look forward to hearing how you get on.

          • Berger says

            January 24, 2021 at 9:31 pm

            Ok, we got about 20″ of snow over the weekend and I was able to take my new Yes Standard for a few rides. I like it so far. It’s very playful while chasing down the groomers, riding regular and switch or also in powder. I think the smaller size but a little bit wider board is great. Next weekends will show whether it continues to be good. Thanks again for your advice!

          • Nate says

            January 25, 2021 at 2:14 pm

            Hi Berger

            Thanks for the update. Much appreciated. 20″ of snow sounds amazing!

56. Max says

    January 7, 2021 at 8:54 pm

    Phenomenal info and I’m sorry if this already been asked. Hoping for some advice on a new board. I’ve been out of the loop for so long that I can’t decide on what’s best for me.

    I’ve been riding for like 15 years but don’t get out much anymore (couple times a year if I’m lucky.) I’ve ridden a Ride Agenda for the past 10 years and I’ve loved it. I had no idea it was a “beginner” board until I started looking into an upgrade. It’s old and beat up so it’s time for a change. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole online and I feel more lost than when I started.

    I’m just looking for a solo all mountain board that is more geared towards cruising, carving, groomers, etc. I’m too old for the park now and just want to ride the whole mountain. I suppose I would consider myself an intermediate/slightly advanced rider. Looking for something that’s more advanced than the Agenda, can hold an edge better, more suited towards bombing and hard carving, etc. But also not anything that’s too advanced or will be a massive leap in terms of forgiveness and catchiness from what I’m already used to. This has been what’s been so tough to nail down.

    I’ve narrowed down my picks to a Capita Mercury, Yes Typo, Ride Algorythm, K2 Broadcast, or Never Summer Proto Synthesis. The Proto is a long shot because I would like to stick to a camber dominant profile (I think – rockers didn’t even exist the last time I looked at boards.) I was about to pull the trigger on the Mercury but Evo.com rated this an “advanced” board which kind of scared me off. One reviewer said that it’s also extremely fast so that’s something to keep in mind. Anyhow — been going back and forth for days now and can’t figure out what’s best. Bottom line is I want a step up from my Agenda in terms of speed, edge hold, turn initiation, and overall quality but that’s still forgiving enough because I don’t ride much anymore. Any thoughts would be great. If there’s a board I didn’t mention please let me know. I’m mostly going off what The Good Ride is recommending from his Favorites. From the article it sounds like I should really consider the Yes Basic or Mountain Twin. I know I’m overthinking all this but I only get one shot at it. The Mercury just sounds like it’s the most advanced in terms of tech and innovation but I’m worried it might be a bit too much of a leap from what I’m used to. Thanks so much for any feedback!

    Lastly -I ride Burton Custom bindings with Moto Boots. Will probably upgrade to the newest version of the Custom for this new set up. Sorry for the long winded post. I’m just out of the loop completely and was hoping for some feedback. Much appreciated!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 8, 2021 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Max

      Thanks for your message.

      Definitely get how it can all get confusing, particularly if you haven’t been in the market for a new board for a while.

      In terms of the options you mentioned, the Mercury is a slightly more advanced board. It might be alright, but there is a risk that you won’t find it forgiving enough for what you’re looking for. I haven’t ridden the Algorythm yet, so I’m not sure about that one. I haven’t ridden the K2 Broadcast either, but based on other similar K2 boards, I don’t think it would be that forgiving either, but I couldn’t say for sure there. The Typo is certainly nice and forgiving, but still with good edge-hold and certainly a step up from the Agenda, in terms of speed, carving etc. This would be the easiest transition of the boards you’ve mentioned, IMO. It doesn’t take too much to getting used to Hybrid Rocker, and the Proto Synthesis is camber dominant, but definitely get if you didn’t want to take the chance on it, being the foreign option.

      The Mountain Twin would definitely be suitable for what you’re describing, IMO, and is a good all round board for any situation and any conditions. One that you can’t really go wrong with, IMO. Forgiving enough too. A little bit of a step up from the Typo in that sense, but not by that much. My prediction would be that it’s more forgiving than the Broadcast and Algorythm and certainly more forgiving than the Mercury. The Brainstorm, Nitro Team Gullwing and Rossi One Lf and YES Standard would all fit that description too, IMO. Though the Team Gullwing is a hybrid rocker.

      So yeah, I think any of those or the Typo, in the right size, would be a good bet for what you’re describing, IMO. If you need any sizing opinions, I would be happy to help. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Max S. says

        January 8, 2021 at 4:23 pm

        Nate—thanks a ton for responding. BTW I think I just posted a duplicate post since I didn’t see my initial comment after posting — so disregard please.

        Anyhow—thanks so much, this really helps. I’m glad you confirmed my suspicion of the Mercury, I think it may just be a bit outside my comfort zone. I keep going back to the Typo. Although I saw that in another response you ranked the Typo way ahead of the Standard in terms of playfulness. So I think the Standard might be more up my alley given what I’m looking for (minimal park and most stability). I’ll look more into the Brainstorm, Gullwing, and One LF. But at this rate it’s realistically down to the Typo, Standard, Jones MT, or the Rossi since you recommended it so highly overall.

        As far as sizing — I’m 5’9″ and hover around 180 lbs. I wear a size 10.5 Burton Moto boot but I think I should move down to a 10 realistically because I still get a bit of heel lift. My current Ride Agenda is a 156 which “seems” just fine to me. But again — I don’t really know since I never really got fitted. I just bought things here and there and made it work.

        That being said — any quick thoughts on new boots/bindings? I’ve honestly loved my current set up but again they are beginner/entry level. The Custom bindings are great and have a full toe cap which I absolutely love. From what I’ve been seeing on other high end bindings, the toe strap seems really sleek and minimalist without a toe cap? The toe cap is a must in my opinion since it keeps my boots so snug without that pressure point. Anyhow — thanks again!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 9, 2021 at 2:43 pm

          Hi Max

          Size-wise, I would look at the following sizes:

          – Typo 158
          – Standard 156
          – MT 157
          – One LF 159
          – Brainstorm 157
          – Team Gullwing 157 (or you could ride it in 159 as well)

          In terms of boots and bindings, I would go a little stiffer in bindings than the Custom to match those boards and your riding style. In terms of toe straps, most toe caps I test tend to be just fine for wrapping around the toes really well without pressure point. Some can only go around the toes and can’t go over the top of the boot. Some people still just like to go over top of the boot. I personally prefer to have the toe strap hugging the toe of the boot (which I think is the case for most these days). Are you referring to going over the top of the boot with the toe strap? Or wrapping it around the toe of the boot?

          If you wanted to stick with Burton for bindings, I would check out the Malavita and Cartel. The Cartel would be a good match to any of those boards, IMO, and doesn’t cost as much as the Malavita. The Genesis would work too – but costs even more.

          For boots, I would also go to something a little stiffer. Preferably around 6/10, 7/10 flex, but 5/10 flex would be fine, if you wanted to keep things a little softer. I felt the Moto at a 3/10 in terms of flex. Some options:

          >>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots

          >>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots

          Reply

57. Chess says

    January 7, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    Nate,

    Awesome post, it was a huge help. I’m a relative newbie. Been boarding for about 6 years up in Mt. Hood. I’m 6’1 and have been riding a 158 Bataleon Boss someone gave me when I first started. I enjoyed it and would consider getting a newer one. I’m 34 years old and although I have ambitions to make my way into the park, I rarely do without disastrous consequences. I do want to get better in that area though especially when it comes to launching natural features. Besides that, I’m most at home charging and carving. I’ve been considering the Slash ATV, Bataleon Goliath, and the Capita Mercury but I’m having a hard time figuring out if I need a wide board (I wear a size 11). I figured the 158-162 range should work fine. Which of the boards I listed do you think would work the best? Totally open to suggestions as well. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 8, 2021 at 1:26 pm

      Hi Chess

      Thanks for your message.

      I don’t test Bataleon gear, so I can’t say anything from experience, but from what I know of the Goliath, it looks like it probably a little softer flexing than the Mercury and particularly the ATV. If you think you like that flex level, then the Goliath looks to be about that – but like I say, I don’t know from experience. The ATV is a sick board, and if you’re looking for something stiffer and more charging/carvy, then it’s a great option, IMO. Still good for jumps, sidehits, ollies etc, but just takes a little more to load up. But for it’s flex and how hard it charges, it actually pops fairly effortlessly. For more check out:

      >>Slash ATV Review

      The Mercury isn’t as stiff as the ATV and would certainly work for what you’re describing as well, if you didn’t want to go as stiff as the ATV.

      Size-wise, in terms of going wide, it depends on the board. With 11s for most boards wide is usually a good idea, particularly if you like to really lean into your carves. But for some boards you don’t need to go wide.

      In terms of length, if you could let me know your weight as well. I like to take height into account, but ability, weight, how you like to ride and boot size are all more important than height, IMO, for sizing.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Chess says

        January 21, 2021 at 8:40 am

        Nate,

        Thanks for the response. Everything you said was extremely helpful. I’ve narrowed it down to the ATV or the Merc, might be leaning Merc since it’s a bit softer. Figure that’ll help me figure out jumps. I’m around 185 pounds. Deep carves are my thing so wide it will be.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          January 21, 2021 at 11:23 am

          Hi Chess

          I think I would be leaning 159 for the Mercury for you. The only concern would be the width. It’s borderline for 11s, given that you like to carve deep. The 161 is within your range and would give you a little more leeway in terms of width, but not that much. What binding angles do you ride? And what brand/model are your boots (lower profile boots would make it more doable)?

          For the ATV, I think the 159W would be a really good size for you.

          Reply

          • Chess says

            February 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm

            Nate,

            My angles are on the back and +18 on the front and -8 in the back. I’m in a super old pair of Nike LunarEndors that are huge. I’ll probably get a new pair of boots when I get the new board.

            Thanks,

          • Nate says

            February 5, 2021 at 1:38 pm

            Hi Chess

            With those angles and low profile boots, you could be OK on the 159 Mercury, but it’s still on that edge, given you like to carve deep. If you ended up getting into low profile 10.5s, I would be more confident size-wise.

58. Jack says

    January 3, 2021 at 3:50 am

    Hey Nate,

    I just wanted you opinion on something. I just bought the Slash Brainstorm 160cm today; however, I was having trouble with whether I should have gone with the Salomon Assassin(162cm).
    Stats:
    -I am 6’1 (or maybe 6’2?)
    -weight fluctuates from about 175-185lb
    -I’m 21 and have been skiing since I was like 5 and boarding since I was like 12, so id say that I am at an advanced skill level.

    would the Salomon Assassin be better suited for me since its a 162 compared to the brainstorm which is 160cm, or is the 2cm difference not enough to be significant? will there be much of a difference in how these boards ride? I usually do blue runs and hit all the side kickers, and a few black runs, and I’ve been trying to get better in the park (pretty much a rookie in the park). do you have a preference between these two boards or a recommendation or are these boards essentially on the same level? I just want to make sure I choose the best board (especially since I’m a broke college student so this is a big purchase for me)

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Nate says

      January 4, 2021 at 11:17 am

      Hi Jack

      Thanks for your message.

      I think both sizes are in your range, but based on how you describe your riding, I think the 162 is probably too long in the Assassin. If you have a personal preference for longer boards, it would be fine, but purely based on specs and how you describe your riding and ability, I would say 159 for Assassin (assuming you don’t need a wide board, in which case I’d say 158W).

      For the Brainstorm, I think the 160 is the right size for you (again assuming you don’t need a wide board).

      In terms of which would be best for what you’re describing, both are well suited to that style of riding. They’re certainly not the same board though.

      The Brainstorm is a little better in powder, if that’s something you get sometimes. And it’s overall a little more freeride oriented than the Assassin (not super freeride oriented, but more of a do-it-all versus the Assassin which I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board – a little more freestyle oriented).

      The Assassin is a little better for switch, jumps, spins, that kind of thing. But both pretty equal at speed, for carving and for boxes, rails etc.

      The Assassin has a little more camber going on, with the camber in the Brainstorm being pretty subtle. The Brainstorm is marginally stiffer, in my experience, but not by much.

      If it was between the 160 Brainstorm and the 162 Assassin, I would be leaning towards the 160 Brainstorm, because I think it’s a better size and will work well for how you describe your riding. If it was between the 159 Assassin and the 160 Brainstorm, might be leaning slightly Assassin, but it depends on whether or not you like to or get to ride powder. If so, then I’d still stick with Brainstorm. If not, then I would be leaning Assassin for what you’re describing, but the Brainstorm still certainly a good option for you, IMO, so if you didn’t want to go to the hassle of changing it, then the Brainstorm definitely isn’t a wrong choice.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

59. Nboarder7 says

    December 23, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    I can’t seem to choose a board. I’m an intermediate/advanced level rider. For the most part i’m an all-mountain rider. I want something that can carve well and be stable at higher speeds but also playful to a point where I can hot sidehits and take it into the park. I don’t do park much and I want to get better (I suck right now) but it won’t be my main focus by any mean’s I also want something that’s stable bot not so aggressive that I have to be on my A game if I just want to cruise. There’s a few boards a had in mind (Gnu riders choice, Capita Doa) Do you have any recommendations? I’m fine with other options besides the two boards i mentioned. Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 24, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Nboarder7

      Thanks for your message.

      The Riders Choice and DOA could certainly work for what you’re describing, if you’re not too concerned with powder performance (the RC better there than the DOA, but the RC not as stable at speed, IMO). But if you wanted more for powder, then this is the list to look at. Giving you something in between aggressive and playful that can do a bit of everything, the likes of the YES Standard, Jones MT, Nitro Team Gullwing or Rossignol One LF. If you were looking for something a little more aggressive, but still not ultra aggressive, then the Story and Mercury fit that bill.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Nboarder7 says

        December 24, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        This help’s a lot, thanks a ton!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 26, 2020 at 2:15 pm

          You’re very welcome. Happy riding!

          Reply

60. M.L. says

    December 19, 2020 at 2:54 am

    Hi Nate,

    Great website, I love all the information you give!

    I am currently looking to buy my first board and find it very difficult to choose, I’d hope you could maybe help me out. I would say I’m at least end beginner/begin intermediate, with specs; 6.1 ft (186cm), 150 lbs (65 kgs) and boot size US 9.5 (43). Right now I’m just looking to board on the piste and increase my all-round snowboarding skills, as I have not yet found my preferred style of boarding.

    At this moment I’m undecided between:
    – Salomon craft
    – K2 Raygun
    – Capita Outerspace Living
    – Burton Process Flying V
    – Yes Basic

    Most of these boards come in the range of 155, 156 or 158. As for my specs, I do not know whether a 155 or 158 board will make a big difference. I would love to hear from you which board you would advise and which length would fit me best. If you have any other recommendations I would love to hear those too!

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 19, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      Hi M.L.

      Thanks for your message.

      I think something all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle is the way to go at this point and something that’s high-end beginner/low intermediate friendly but that can progress with you. So I think you’ve got a pretty good list there of options. I would probably go Typo over Basic for you, just because it’s a little more versatile and since you haven’t really decided on style yet, I think it would be the slightly better choice there. But all those options there will work.

      I would throw the Ride Wildlife, Rossignol Templar and Never Summer Snowtrooper onto that list too and also check out:

      >>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards

      Size-wise, I would be looking at around 154, 155 in terms of size. Somewhat depends on the board too. If you can narrow it down to your top few choices, I would be happy to give you my specific sizing opinion for each board.

      Hope this helps
      Size-wise,

      Reply

61. Robert says

    December 14, 2020 at 4:55 am

    Hello,

    I want to buy my first snowboard, currently I am intermediate and I bought already the burton slx boots from 2020 and Burton Malavita strings.

    I am not sure about the board, I was aiming to Burton Process Camber, but from what I saw in your review is not the most enjoyable one. I also have boot size 11 and I am not sure if I should get a wide one or not.

    Preferably I would like to buy an All Mountain Freestyle board. The thing is that I also like to ride faster from time to time and I don’t think flying v or rocker in general will suit me.

    Looking forward for your opinion. You are doing a great job helping a lot of intermediate riders, usually they have the problem picking the board(just like me), thanks a lot for doing that.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 14, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      Hi Robert

      Thanks for your message.

      If you are looking predominantly at Burton I think the Process could work. Was still a fun board to ride. It’s not great for powder, IMO, but otherwise pretty fun. You could take a step up to the Custom, though it is a more challenging ride. If you’re a solid intermediate rider, like a high-end intermediate with good technique, then I think it’s a good option. That or the Burton Paramount (again high-end intermediate only though). The Kilroy Twin is an easier going ride than the Paramount, but it’s also not as stable at speed. If you want some options outside of Burton let me know. But those would be what I’d be looking at in terms of all-mountain-freestyle from Burton.

      With 11s, most of the time I would recommend wide, but sometimes you can get away with regular width, depending on a few things, like the particular board, but also how low profile your boots are and your binding angles. I already know your boots, but if you can let me know your typical binding angles. Then once you decide on the board, we can have a look at that particular board and see if you’ll need to go wide or not.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

62. Kristjan Medja says

    December 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm

    Hello Nate,

    I’m a fairly new snowboarder, currently sitting at about an intermediate skill level. After trying out all the styles a mountain has to offer, I recognized that I loved powder and speed. I also want to get into carving and having the option of doing some freestyle along the way. (I just fell in love with Ryan Knapton’s style)

    As the new season is coming up, hopefully, I wanted to get myself a new main board that I could take anywhere and do all of the things above. Having done a little research myself and having some history with Capita, I decided to put the 2021 Mercury as my number one choice.

    Nevertheless, I really wanted to get a second opinion on this as I plan to use this type of board for the foreseeable future. I’d love to hear any other board suggestions or tips.

    P.S.
    I love all the reviews and the work you’ve put into them. They really helped out and were a lot of fun to read.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 11, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Hi Kristjan

      Thanks for your message.

      For what you’re describing, if you’re a solid intermediate level, I think the Mercury will work well. It’s a better carver than a lot of boards typically at this level. You can definitely get better carvers, but they would be at too high a level and wouldn’t be as good for developing your carving, IMO. The Mercury is something I would say you want to be at a solid or high-end intermediate level for. Some boards on this list are certainly suitable for low-end intermediate, but the Mercury is higher-end intermediate, IMO. So if you feel like you’re solid to high-end intermediate, then I think it will work well – but if you’re more low intermediate it might be a bit challenging.

      Also, make sure you get the size right, that’s really important. If you want my opinion on sizing, I would be happy to help – would just need your height, weight and boot size.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

63. Daniel says

    December 5, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Where would the Burton Custom Camber rank? Is it not considered all mountain? I’ve been told the Jones MT and the Custom Camber are very similar and can’t go wrong with either. Leaning towards the Burton but I don’t see it on many top 5/10 lists around the web, while almost everyone recommends the Jones MT. Am I missing something?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 7, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Hi Daniel

      Thanks for your message.

      The Custom Camber is a little more aggressive than the MT – which is why I categorize it as an “aggressive all-mountain” board. It would make my top 10 aggressive all-mountain list, except that that only goes to a top 6.

      Whilst it’s not worlds apart from the Mountain Twin, I wouldn’t go as far as to call them very similar. The Custom, like I said is a little more aggressive. It’s subtly stiffer and has a good bit more camber. The MT is also better in powder, which is one of the reasons it scores higher than the Custom a lot of the time. MT just a little more versatile. But depending on how you prefer to ride, the Custom may be better suited to you. I would say the most similar board to the Custom Camber is the Nitro Team (camber version). The MT and Custom have some similarities and they are a similar category of board, but I wouldn’t go as far as to call them very similar.

      If you want to check out more detail about how I found specific factors between the MT and Custom, you can check out my review of the Custom here. Compare the score breakdowns for both boards to see which you think you’d prefer for your riding.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

64. Sam Lopate says

    December 1, 2020 at 7:10 am

    Hi Nate,

    Thanks for the great articles and snowboard reviews. I’m looking to get a new board and wanted to hear your recommendation.

    I’m an intermediate rider, looking for a board that can do all mountain and also be good in the park. I live on the East Coast, so I’m mostly skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire. So first and foremost I need a board that does really well in icy conditions and hard snow. At the same time, I try to make it out west when I can, so I want something that can at least do decently well in powder as well. I often ride with really good skiiers, so I need something that does well in moguls and trees, can go anywhere on the mountain, and has a lot of speed to keep up on groomers.

    I’m looking for a board that will push me to improve as a rider, primarily with my turning on steep and uneven runs, carving ability, riding switch, and jumps.

    I’m 5’10” and wear a size 11 Burton boot. My previous board I got cheap used, it was 165 and way too big. If you have recommendations on size I’m curious about that as well.

    Some boards I was considering were the YES Typo, YES Globe NSB (Looks fairly similar to the typo), Niche Story, Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, Jones Mountain Twin, Slash Brainstorm, Rossignol One LF, YES Standard, and the Ride Algorhythm. Would love to hear what you think about these or if you have other recommendations. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 1, 2020 at 11:53 am

      Hi Sam

      Thanks for your message.

      In terms of sizing, if you could also let me know your weight. Weight plays a big role in sizing.

      From those boards:

      The Globe NSB isn’t a board I’ve ridden, but YES rates it a good bit stiffer than the Typo (9/10 versus 6/10 for the Typo by YES’s ratings). Not sure how accurate that is, but it seems it would be quite stiff.

      Given what you’re describing, the Typo may not quite have the speed you want.

      Ride boards that I’ve tested haven’t been particularly good in hard/icy conditions. I’m yet to ride the Algorhtym, so I couldn’t say for sure there, but that would be my biggest concern there for you.

      The Niche Story is a bit more board than the others. A little stiffer and a little more challenging to maneuver – at an intermediate level and riding trees/moguls, not sure it would be the best option.

      I haven’t ridden the Terrain Wrecker yet (about to soon, finally!) but on paper it looks like it would suit what you’re describing well.

      The Mountain Twin, Brainstorm, One LF and Standard would all be good choices, IMO.

      Hope this helps – and yeah let me know your weight and I can give you my sizing opinion.

      Reply

      • Sam Lopate says

        December 1, 2020 at 7:16 pm

        Thanks for the input. I weigh 166 pounds. Debating between a 155 and 158.

        Regarding the Globe NSB, I read that it’s not really a 9 and probably more like a 7. I’m actually leaning towards this board as it seems to tick a lot of the boxes regarding speed, all-mountain, also good at switch.

        The Terrain Wrecker was my second choice, the main thing I read preventing it from being my #1 though was that it doesn’t power through uneven terrain as well and you really feel it in your knees. This is something I noticed with my old board and I was hoping for something a little more damp.

        I think after that I would go with the One LF. Or maybe the Niche Aether, which seems more maneuverable than the Story. But I’m kind of liking the Globe NSB more than either of those, assuming that it’s more of a 7 flex than a 9.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 2, 2020 at 2:41 pm

          Hi Sam

          Yeah, 165 definitely too long, IMO, for your other board.

          For the Globe NSB, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if it felt more like a 7/10 – YES, IMO, tends to overstate their boards flex from my experience with their other boards.

          Size-wise, I think you could certainly go either 155 or 158. Because you’re used to a 165, that makes am argument to look at 158 – that and the fact that you’re looking for speed. However, on the flip side, the shorter 155 is probably the better size, based on specs/ability, IMO, and would be better for trees/moguls too. If you weren’t riding a 165 currently, I would likely more strongly recommend 155, particularly with the stiffer Globe NSB as opposed to the Typo, but there’s certainly an argument towards the 158.

          However, perhaps the bigger concern is the width, with size 11 boots. The 158 would give you a little more leeway, but still quite narrow for 11s.

          Reply

      • Danny says

        December 4, 2020 at 8:16 pm

        What’s up man ! Came across your review on Google and I am very impressed!
        I am looking for an all mountain board that I can ride switch a lot , jumps , spins, speed , carves , and just a bit of over all freestyle on slopes and park here and there . Definitely a twin board of your recommendation
        I am 5’11
        220 pounds
        Size 12 boot

        Thank you so much !!

        Reply

        • Nate says

          December 5, 2020 at 2:47 pm

          Hey Danny

          Thanks for your message.

          I would check out the following lists, which I think would fit your riding style better than this list.

          >>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

          >>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

          Size-wise, probably around 161, 162-ish in a wide, to get a good balance between spins, freestyle etc and speed/carves. If you wanted more freestyle focused you could certainly go a little shorter too. Depends on particular board and if you have any personal preferences too. If you narrow down a list to a couple of boards, I would be happy to give my sizing opinion on those particular boards – if you didn’t already have a size in mind.

          Hope this helps

          Reply

65. Kieran Dugdale says

    November 29, 2020 at 10:14 am

    Hi Nate,

    I currently have a yes basic. This was my first snowboard, I’m from the UK and we go away every year for a week in the Alps, got about 5 weeks experience and a lot of time spend on a indoor ski slope . I would like to get another snowboard what a great resort and all mountain snowboard. I don’t really do much park riding just normally go around the resort. I would like one what preforms better in the soft snow compared to the yes basic. I like the thought of the yes typo but I’m unsure if this is too similar to the yes basic. As when I go away I would like to take both board and decide on the day what to ride. I have also looked at the capita mercury but I’m unsure if this would be too stiff. If you can advice some board that would be great.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 30, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Kieran

      Thanks for your message.

      The Typo is certainly different to the Basic, but not so different that I would have them in the same quiver. They are too similar for that, IMO. Given you’re looking for a step up in powder, then I would go with something else a little more different.

      The Mercury is certainly on the more aggressive side for this list, but it’s not super aggressive. I have another list for aggressive all-mountain snowboards and it wasn’t aggressive enough to make it there, but it is one of the more challenging boards on this particular list. If you’re a solid intermediate rider and like your ride a little more aggressive, then the Mercury would work and would be different enough to have in the same quiver as the Basic for sure.

      But if you didn’t want to go quite as stiff/aggressive, then anything else on this list (bar the Niche Story, which is also more aggressive) would be a good bet, IMO.

      If you wanted to go even more directional, there are more mellow freeride boards that could be options too, like the following:

      >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards\

      But if you wanted to stick to a more “do-it-all” kind of board, then something off this list is a good bet.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

66. Adam says

    November 24, 2020 at 10:39 pm

    Hi Nate,

    First off, thanks so much for the reviews and advice that you give to everyone. Your knowledge is invaluable.

    I currently would consider myself an intermediate 5 rider as last season was really my first full season being able to ride and learn. I was learning and riding on my Artec Novus wide 158 and I believe that now I am able to move on to a newer, more modern board that I can grow into and will provide me seasons of excellent riding. I ride mainly in the Tahoe area, so some good power days as well as days with the typical Sierra cement groomers. I’d consider myself an all mountain rider with mainly sticking to runs, exploring trees and a little bit of off piste exploring. As of right now, I want to become better at tying turns together, carving and continuing to become a better rider.

    I am ~205-210lbs without gear, size 11 boot
    Main board has been the Artec Novus W158 with Burton Mission Bindings
    I’m in the market for a new board and new boots with keeping my bindings.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 25, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Adam

      Thanks for your message.

      Firstly, I think you’re in the right place, given everything you’re describing. An all-mountain board is the way to go, IMO. Pretty much anything on this list would do the trick, IMO. But to note that the Niche Story and Capita Mercury are slightly more aggressive options, which might be a bit much for you at this stage. And something like the Typo isn’t quite as good in powder as others in the list, and since you’re going to be encountering that a fair bit, that’s another one that could be crossed off. But everything else, I think would work well for what you’re describing.

      Length-wise, if you could also let me know your height. Weight, boot size, ability and how you like to ride are all more important than height, IMO, but I still like to take height into account.

      Width-wise, with 11s, in most cases you’ll probably want to go wide, but depending on the board you may not have to. Really depends on the board. If you narrow down to a few options that are standing out for you, I would be happy to give you my opinion on sizing for each board.

      For boots, I would check out the following:

      >>My Top All Mountain (6/10 to 7/10 flex) Snowboard Boots

      >>My Top Freestyle (5/10 flex) Snowboard Boots

      The second list is called “freestyle” but it’s just the label I gave the list. They’re also good for riding all-mountain – just a little softer flexing, so for more casual/playful all-mountain riding.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Adam says

        November 25, 2020 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks for the great advice Nate! I completely forgot to throw in my height (5’11”). The Burton Custom Flying V probably stands out the most. I’ve also shown some interest in Arbor boards, however, none of them made your list. I’m honestly open to anything that will suit the terrain that I ride and will give me room to grow into.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 26, 2020 at 12:42 pm

          Hi Adam

          I think the Custom Flying V would work for your conditions and how you describe your riding.

          Size-wise, I would be looking, generally at something 158-161 for you. So for the Custom Flying V that probably means 158W or 158. Most likely the 158W. The 162/162W are certainly within reach too, if you wanted to go longer, but would be on the bigger side, if you were to go 162W. The 162 would be very doable for you though, IMO.

          In terms of width, the 158 or 162 could be doable depending on some things. If you get low profile boots and ride with binding angles like +15/-15 and don’t carve super aggressively (e.g. eurocarving), then I think you could get away with the regular width. Otherwise I would go with the wide version. If going wide, then I would lean 158W over 162W. If you do think you can get on the regular width, then it’s a closer call between 158 and 162 – some things to consider:

          – 162 would give you more stability at speed, more float in powder and better of big carves
          – 158 more agile, particularly at slow speeds (better for trees) and better for spins/butters/jibs etc

          Reply

67. Valentine says

    November 23, 2020 at 5:54 am

    Hello Nate!
    Thank you for the great job and your reviews.

    Could I ask you for advice?

    I’m 6’0 (183 cm) weight 162 lbs (74 kg)without equipment, Boots – 10.5 US B Photon .
    My main board is Yes PYL FW 2017 162. But last 2 years I haven’t ridden off-piste. I like my board but I want something more playful and slightly softer, an all-mountain board mid to mid-stiff flex but with good powder performance. I don’t like flying v profile.
     
    I am choosing between the next options:
    1. Downsized PYL to 159 (160w) or FA 159 (159w).
    The problems are:
    – no local dealer of Yes snowboards;
    – The current version is stiffer than mine. Does my version in 162 have the same flex as the current version in 159?

    I haven’t ridden PYL 159 but like FA 159. I would like to test FA 159 wide version. The additional area should have better for flotation but the board will be slower edge to edge.
    I find PYL is more playful of these 2 boards.  

    2. Burton Hometown Hero 156. I haven’t tried it yet. It is a freeride board but very versatile.

    3. ENDEAVOR MAVERICK. I know nothing about the brand and the board and won’t be able to try before buy. But I like the specs. Have you ever tried this board?

    4. All-mountain board with good off-piste performance:
    4.1. Jones Frontier 159? This board is a more off-piste oriented all-mountain board due to its profile. I tested the last version of the Explorer – I like FA 159 much more. Should I give second chance to the Frontier?
    4.2. Jones MT 21 159w (160) for more freestyle ride.
    4.3. Capita Mercury 159 for a little more aggressive ride.
    4. Any other board that you will recommend.

    Which one has a better floatation? Is a difference significant?

    I have heard that the new version is softer than the previous one. Is it true? are the Frontier and Mercury stiffer?

     I will very pleased if you will find time to answer me. 

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 24, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Hi Valentine

      Thanks for your message. Will try to answer everything there:

      1. The 2017 PYL isn’t that much different in flex versus the 2017 model. The 2018 model (and subsequently the 2019, 2020 and 2021 models) were supposed to be slightly stiffer than the 2017 model, but there really isn’t that much difference. I would say that the 159 PYL in the current version would feel moderately softer than your 2017 162 PYL. For your specs and given that you want something more playful, I think the 159 would be the better size than the 162, if you were to get another PYL. You could also consider the 160W. Not going to be as nimble as the 159, but for harder carves, if you really like to carve, like eurocarve, it would give you more leeway there. And since the 160W isn’t that wide for a wide board, I don’t think it would be too wide for your boots. For the FA, the 159 might be pushing it being too narrow. 159W FA is also not that wide for a wide board, so that might be the better size if you decided to go with that. However, if you find the PYL is the more playful of the 2 and you’re looking for something more playful, then the PYL might be the better of those 2 options.

      2. The Hometown Hero is subtly softer/more playful than the FA, IMO, but only by a little bit. You can check out more on my Hometown Hero Review

      3. I haven’t ridden the Endeavor Maverick specifically, but I have ridden a few Endeavor boards, and I liked them. The Maverick is kind of similar to the Archetype, by the looks of it, but less tapered/directional. Not sure if it would be more playful than the PYL or not, hard to say. You can check out more on the Archetype here

      4.1: The Frontier is basically the same board as the Explorer, so if you liked the FA more than the Explorer you will like it more than the Frontier too.
      4.2: The MT is a very versatile board. I would call it a do-it-all board, rather than a freestyle board, but certainly more freestyle focused than the likes of the other boards you’re looking at. But also certainly more playful/easy going than the others
      4.3: Mercury is also what I would call a “do-it-all” board, but, as you mention, more aggressive than the MT. If you’re looking to go more playful, then that would be the only thing to consider.

      The MT and Mercury are very similar in terms of powder float, IMO. The Frontier is half a step better. But versus the likes of the FA and PYL you would loose a little in terms of powder float with something like the MT or Mercury.

      The new MT is more easy going. It turns a little quicker and easier. But I wouldn’t say it’s significantly softer flexing overall. Maybe subtly. But more so that it’s just taken on a more easy going personality. Easier to ride, easier to turn versus the previous models. The Mercury and Frontier are slightly stiffer than the MT, IMO. Not by heaps, but just half a step stiffer. MT 6/10, Mercury 6.5/10, Frontier 6.5/10.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Valentine says

        November 26, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        Nate thank you so much for your time and advice!
        I hope you don’t mind if I will ask a few questions.

        Hope that in a month I will test FA in 159w size and Hometown Hero.

        There are no Capita Mercury in my country. Only Jones and Burton models.

        You have tested MT in 157. Your weight is close to the recommended maximum rider weight. Would you like to try a bigger size (159w or 160)? 159w and 160 specs are very similar. The difference in the effective edge is only 4 mm (1230 vs 1234), the first has a wider waist width (261 vs 157). Or is 157 definitely your size? Should I consider MT in 157?
        I am not sure that I can test both sizes before buy.

        Reply

        • Nate says

          November 27, 2020 at 12:59 pm

          Hi Valentine

          If I bought it I would probably go 157, for a couple of reasons. I like to err slightly short in my boards for my specs. And that’s for a couple of reason’s. Firstly, my local mountain’s are quite small, so just bombing straight down the hill isn’t that much fun – it’s over pretty quick. So I like to make the most of my time on the slope and secondly my style of riding is such that on the Mountain Twin I would be riding a lot of trees, hitting the park, doing flatland tricks, butters etc a lot of the time. I do ride bigger mountains too – but if this was my do-it-all board, that would be the size I would go for. If I was to get this as and do quite a bit more open terrain powder, bowls etc and a lot more bombing, but still wanted to something to sometimes slow down and play around with, in the trees, in the park, etc, then I would probably go 160. But for me 157 is the sweet spot with this board.

          For you, if you want more that style of riding, then I would say 157 too. But if you’re looking to go just a little more playful than your 162 PYL, then the 160 or 159W would be the better options – and I would go 160 as I think it would be plenty wide enough for your boots. Even in a similar size the MT should be a little more playful than the PYL. But if you wanted to use it as a compliment to your PYL – as in keep both boards, depending on how you want to ride that day, then I think the 157 would be a good choice.

          Reply

          • Valentine says

            November 27, 2020 at 3:34 pm

            Thank you, Nate!

            I already have Capita DOA 158 for that style of riding. For big days I have PYL.
            I am looking for a board that similar to DOA (do-it-all board) that will be better in powder than DOA, especially in trees. If MT 257 is that board I will change DOA:)

          • Nate says

            November 29, 2020 at 2:09 pm

            Hi Valentine

            Yeah, the MT will be better in powder than the DOA for sure, IMO. And if you go 157, then you get that slightly shorter length for those tighter spots in the trees versus something like the 160. The MT in 157 is, IMO, going to be noticeably better in powder than 158 DOA.

          • Valentine says

            February 10, 2021 at 6:01 am

            Hello, Nate.

            I can buy Yes Standart 156 with a good discount.
            Could you explain the main differences between Yes and Jones MT?

            Is it a good option for city spots (short pistes around 400-500 meters), buttering, not big park jumps?
            Is it good for trees riding in mountains or MT will better?

          • Nate says

            February 10, 2021 at 1:52 pm

            Hi Valentine

            I would say that the MT is a little more forgiving than the Standard. Not miles apart. Both are fine for buttering, IMO. They’re not super buttery, but they’re more buttery than average, IMO. Standard good for small jumps, IMO (as well as bigger ones).

            The MT (2021 model at least, the 2020 model wasn’t as easy to maneuver) is a little easier to maneuver at slower speeds, IMO, so a little better in trees.

          • Valentine says

            February 11, 2021 at 12:33 pm

            Thank you!

            I’ve just checked the size of my boots. It is US 10:) I was sure that size is bigger.

            Standard is available in 153 and 156.
            I read the comments and your answers.

            Standard is a replacement for Capita DOA158. I think I would be leaning 153. It is a more freestyle-oriented size, which is good for shredding spots around the city and park jumps, trees.

            On the other hand, 156 seems more versatile size, and a little bit of extra volume won’t slow me down in the park and is going to make the powder better in the mountains.

            Please correct me if I wrong.
            Have you tested 153? Could you compare them?

            If you choose the second snowboard what size would you prefer?

          • Nate says

            February 12, 2021 at 1:37 pm

            Hi Valentine

            I haven’t ridden the 153, but based on testing other boards in different sizes, I would say:

            The 153 will be more nimble at slower speeds, easier to butter, easier to pop and spin etc.

            The 156 in comparison will be more stable at high speeds and float better in powder.

            For the biggest contrast to your PYL 162 and for a more playful, more freestyle oriented ride and for those city spots, I think the 153 would definitely work. The 156 will be better in powder for sure, but less maneuverable in trees. I think on a powder day, you could take out your 162 PYL and that would allow you to go for the more playful 153. The 156 would be the better size if it was your only board and you wanted something for do-it-all.

          • Valentin says

            February 24, 2021 at 9:02 am

            Hello Nate!
            Thank you for your help and all your replies to my questions, spent time. It was so helpful!
            As a result, I bought Jones MT 157. Standard has a narrower max reference stance (153 max stance – 22, 156 max stance – 23.1) than another Yes board in similar size. I don’t understand why if they recommend going one size down. My stance width 22-23 inches (22,5 is most comfortable).
            I have tried it yet, but I am ready shredding. I will give you short feedback.

            Will MT work well with Union Atlas or Salomon Highlander. Or you would not recommend anything stiffer than Union Strata or Force? I would like to buy bindingd to my PYL or its direct replacement.

          • Nate says

            February 25, 2021 at 3:48 pm

            Hi Valentin

            Atlas or Highlander would definitely work on the Mountain Twin, IMO. Those are the stiffest I would probably put on it, but they’re definitely a match, IMO. And they would also work on your PYL, if you were looking to share bindings between the boards. Look forward to hearing how you get on, once you’ve got it on snow.

68. Joseph says

    November 2, 2020 at 8:15 am

    Hey Nate,
    Love the website it’s great. I’m having a lot of decision fatigue trying to buy a new board. It’s been about 10 years since I’ve upgraded the tech has gotten crazy. I predominantly ride on the East coast and I’m looking for something to hold well on ice and hard pack. I also generally avoid the park, love bombing runs, carving, quick turns, playing in the glades, and when there’s some pow using it. I usually travel about once a year to find better snow out west or in Canada. Don’t ride switch so much but I would like to improve my switch riding. I’m also teaching my wife to snowboard this year so something that nimble lower speeds would be great. I’m 5’4 weigh 165 lb and have size 8 and 1/2 boots. I’m currently riding a 2010 ride machete 158 cm my bindings during that time were a pair of flow the fives which I don’t really like. I like how damn the board is and how it can handle speed, but it feels a little long for my use. I demoed the board at 148 when I was out west a couple years ago and really liked how nimble it was. I also learned to ride on a cambered board so I’m not afraid of that either.

    I honestly don’t know whether I need an all mountain or more of a free ride inspired board. The ones I’m thinking about are the yes typo, the yes standard, and I’ve always wanted a burton custom but they don’t seem to be as good as what else is out there right now. I’m totally open to something directionally shaped as opposed to just twin. I’m also thinking of running it a little bit smaller in the 150 to 154 range.

    I managed to snag a pretty good deal on a pair of cartels and a pair of TM-2 32 boots. Any advice you give me on this subject would be awesome, I appreciate it.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 2, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Joseph

      Thanks for your messages.

      I agree that sizing down from 158, given your specs, is a good idea. And I think that range is a good one to look at.

      The 3 boards you’ve mentioned would definitely work for what you’re describing, but I would be leaning either Typo or Standard for you. I like the Custom too, but given that you ride East Coast predominantly and the Typo and Standard are better in hard/icy conditions, IMO, I would lean that way.

      For the Standard I would be debating size-wise, between the 149 and 151, because it’s a wider board, going to the shorter end of your range makes sense, with 8.5 boots. I would be leaning towards the 151 still, but the 149 is an option.

      For the Typo, it would be between the 152 and 155. I think both would work, but leaning towards the 152 based on your specs and what you’re describing.

      For some perspective between the longer and shorter options there. The shorter options will be subtly more agile (particularly at slower speeds0, easier to butter/press etc and feel a little softer flexing overall. The longer options will be subtly more stable at higher speeds, give better float in powder, and better for big carves.

      You could look at a freeride option, for sure. Wouldn’t be as easy for riding switch or buttering though. If you wanted to check out some slightly softer than typical freeride boards, you could check out the following (which includes the Skeleton Key there):

      >>Top 10 Surfy (mellow) Freeride Snowboards

      But yeah, you’ll get more for riding powder, and in some case better for carving/bombing, but not as good, for buttering/switch.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

69. Joseph Lynch says

    November 2, 2020 at 4:15 am

    Hey Nate, love the website. I’m definitely having decision fatigue about a new board. I’m riding almost exclusively east coast with occasional holidays to better stuff out West. I almost never go into the park and don’t have a lot of interest in doing so. I like to bomb runs, carve, play in the glades, and buttering around. I would say I’m between a 7 and 8 on your ability scale. I grew up rising camber and have been on a ride Machete 158 from 2010 for the last decade. It’s a good board, damp, stable, fast but feels a little big especially for really quick turning. I rode a 148 in Tahoe a few years ago and loved it so I’m thinking of siInf 150 to 154. I found a good deal on some Cartels so I’ll be rocking those and some TM-2 boots. I’m 5’4 165 lbss and 8.5 boot.

    Boards I’ve been thinking about:
    – Yes Typo
    – Yes Standard
    – Custom camber (the cool factor from back in the early 2000s is something I can’t shake)

    Also not opposed to a more freeride shaped board like the skeleton key. I’m just overwhelmed man. Would appreciate your insights.

    Reply

70. stefan says

    October 28, 2020 at 4:00 am

    Hi,

    Love the website and bought Strata ones on your opinion and was spot on.

    My question is this, have you been able to test the K2 party platter? I’m undecided to either go with MT Jones or the k2 party platter.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 28, 2020 at 10:38 am

      Hi Stefan

      Thanks for your message.

      I haven’t ridden the Party Platter, so I can’t say anything about it from experience. But the Party Platter and Mountain Twin are very different boards. The Party Platter is a lot more directional and it’s a short wide board. If you can let me know your style of riding (i.e. how you like to ride – do you ride switch?, powder?, jumps?, other freestyle stuff?, trees? aggressive or more moderate?, etc), I can give you my opinion on which board I think would be more suited to your riding.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

71. ArsN says

    October 25, 2020 at 5:41 am

    I cannot really decide between Nitro Team Standard and a Bataleon Whatever for a good playful all mountain Board. What do you guys think?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      October 26, 2020 at 10:51 am

      Hi ArsN

      Thanks for your message.

      I haven’t ridden the Bataleon Whatever, but it looks pretty playful based on the specs.

      The Team is a little more aggressive than playful, if you’re looking at the Team Camber. The Team Gullwing is a little more playful. Not super playful, but in the middle of playful and aggressive, maybe just on the playful side of the scale.

      The YES Standard is in the middle of playful and aggressive.

      I wasn’t sure if you meant “Nitro Team, YES Standard and a Bataleon Whatever” or if you meant Team Camber by “Nitro Team Standard”. So I covered both bases.

      For reference, this is what I would consider to be the most playful to least playful from this list:

      – Yes Typo
      – DWD Wizard Stick
      – Burton Custom Flying V
      – Slash Brainstorm
      – Rossignol One
      – Jones Mountain Twin
      – Nitro Team Gullwing
      – YES Standard
      – Capita Mercury
      – Niche Story

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

72. daniel says

    September 29, 2020 at 7:46 am

    Hi Nate,

    First off, thank you for such usefull information on your website. It’s been really helpfull.

    I’m brazilian and been snowboarding for some time (high intermediate level). Despite logistics and flight costs, been looking to buy my first snowboard because I think it’ll be good for my progression on the sport. The most suitable for me, would be an all-mountain board since I can travel from south america to japan for snowboarding (all possible snow conditions), depending on my availability per year. I’m not that into park riding, I’d rather go off-piste and find some powder and/or go down the resort pistes being playfull, some buttering, jumps, etc. The thing is, I’ll need to buy the board online and get it delivered to my next trip’s hotel. Won’t be able to check it on a store, and, most of the boards I’m looking at, are not available for renting.

    I’m 1,81M tall, weighting 79 kg, sizing 11 burton swath. Recommended WW: 25.6

    For what you’ve written, I’ve been looking forward on two of the best and play-safe options:
    1- Capita Mercury: Uses premium material, such as carbon. The tips are more flexible and will increase playfulness. The board seems to have a great float and perform good in powder. It’s also good at high speeds and turns more towards the aggressive all mountain freeride side. Despite that, I’ve been reading that the death grip sidecut makes the board narrower than the stated width (???). They don’t have wide boards. I’m really worried with potential toe/heels drag issues. Capita recommends the 157 (WW 25.7) while the 159 has a (WW 25.9) and seems safer IMO.
    2- Jones Mountain Twin: One of the best reviews around. A little bit on the flexier side turning more towards the all mountain park side. Still, it will perform great on powder and is consistent at high speeds. Despite that, it’s a little bit flexier (than mercury) and the board has made it’s changes for 2021, including sizes. What size should I be looking at on this board, 156W (WW 25.9) 159W (WW 26.1)?

    That said, what’s your opinion on what I should pull the trigger? What board sizes should I aim? What binding best fit theses boards (i’m guessing large sizes here is the safest choice)?

    Thank you very much. I’ts been really hard to make a decision “in the dark” (online) miles away from the boards. Best regards,
    Daniel.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 29, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Hi Daniel

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the safest bet is the Mountain Twin, just because you mention “being playfull, some buttering” which the Mountain Twin will be better at. It’s not as good for out and out speed and hard carves as the Mercury, but it’s still not bad there, and if you need a safe option, it’s the safest option, IMO. Good in all conditions and for doing a bit of everything.

      Size-wise, both the 156W and 159W would work. Both would be a good width for your boots, IMO, and both would definitely work length-wise. Some things to note – the 156W will feel a little softer flexing, more playful and be more agile and more buttery. The 159W will give you a little more stability at speed, feel a bit stiffer and give you a little more float in powder. So it kind of depends on what you want to maximize in that sense.

      If you went Mercury, I think the 157 would be the better length for that board. But it is a little narrower – 266mm at the back insert and 264 at the front insert. Compared with the Mountain Twin 156W more like 274mm at inserts and 169W more like 276mm at inserts. So it might be borderline too narrow, if you’re concerned with drag. The 159 would give you a little more leeway, but not a whole lot more – 2-3mm more. And then with that board already being more aggressive, more stable at speed etc, going longer will make those things better, but might not give you the right balance between being stable and being agile/playful.

      Not sure if you got my reply from your previous message you sent on the bindings sizings post, but if you didn’t you can see it at the following link:

      >>How to Choose the Right Size Snowboard Bindings (scroll to the bottom)

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • daniel says

        September 29, 2020 at 2:06 pm

        Nate,

        Thank you very much for all the heads-up. All your website and info has been really helpfull all the way back to Brazil!!!

        I hadn’t seen your reply there, yet. But as you can see it’s been a long way. A couple of weeks ago it was assassin/custom and now seems better to go Mountain twin/mercury kkkkk.

        Sure was a lot of help. Thanks

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 30, 2020 at 9:41 am

          Hey Daniel. You’re very welcome. Hope you have an awesome season!

          Reply

73. Dylan says

    September 18, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Hey Nate, sorry I am posting again as I’m not sure my last post went through. I am 6’0, 170-175lbs, and size 9.5 boot. I am torn between Yes Standard 153, Ride Algorythm 157, and Capita Mercury 155 or 157 for the 2021 season in Vancouver. I ride everything on the mountain from pow to park jumps to groomers, but I am not really into jibbing although I may hit a rail here and there. I love to treat the whole mountain as a park, rip through trees, ride switch, butter, throw some spins and grabs, and pop into the sky. I wouldn’t consider myself a hard charger, although everyone once in awhile I like to get some speed going. The reason I’m looking at these 3 boards is because while I am a little more all-mountain freestyle oriented, I value riding in the powder as well. One thing I will say is I doubt I will use the slambacks on the Standard, so I would like to know how the centred stance does in powder vs the other two boards. Is there anything you can say to push me in the right direction?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 18, 2020 at 12:07 pm

      Hi Dylan

      Thanks for your message.

      I think you basically just described exactly how I like to ride!

      I haven’t ridden the Algoryhtm yet, so anything I say in comparison with that is based on the Algorythm’s specs and my experience with other Ride boards.

      The YES Standard in the centered stance is still pretty good for a center stance in powder, but obviously going into the slam back inserts helps it to float better. I would say the Standard goes down to a 3/5 in the centered stance, in terms of powder vs 3.5/5 for the Mercury and I would say probably 3.5/5 for the Algoryhtm also. Though if you went 156 in the Standard that would improve it’s float in powder. More on sizing that in a sec.

      I don’t know what the Algorythm is like in terms of maneuverability in tight spaces, but I personally found the Standard a little better in that area vs the Mercury – particularly if you were to go 153 for the Standard. The Standard is a wider board, but for its width maintains really good agility, in my experience. The Mercury isn’t bad in that area, but I would say the Standard a little better.

      The Standard is more buttery than the Mercury, and at a guess, I’d say more buttery than the Algorythm. Better all round for that more freestyle stuff, IMO.

      The Mercury takes it for hard carves and bombing and that little bit better in powder – and it’s one board I noticed, more so than other boards, that seems to become quite surfy and fun in powder, even though it’s got a more aggressive personality on groomers/harder snow.

      My instinct says Standard – mainly because that’s the board I would take for the type of riding that you’re doing. The Mercury would certainly do the job and the Algorhym probably too, but I would be leaning standard.

      In terms of sizing, I think the 153 would work for you in the Standard, but I would also be debating the 156. You have similar specs to me – a little lighter maybe, but pretty close. I really like the 156, but it’s a tough call between the 2 sizes. The 153 would give you more agility for tree riding, be more buttery and just generally be more freestyle geared, but the 156 would give you a bit more float in powder and more stability at speed, for when you do like to open it out. So, it’s a tough call.

      A similar debate between the Mercury 155 and 157. I’ve ridden the Mercury in the 155, 157 & 159. I found the 159 too big. The 155 was doable, but the 157 is what I would ride the Merucry in. Again, being slightly lighter, you might prefer the 155, but same goes as above in terms of where you gain and lose going longer or shorter.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.

      Reply

      • Dylan says

        September 19, 2020 at 11:11 am

        Thanks so much for your help! I ended up buying the Standard 156. I saw in your review it looked like you were riding it with Malavitas. Im trying to decide between Malavitas, the new Cartel X, Union Force and Union Atlas. Can you push me in the right direction here?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 20, 2020 at 1:57 pm

          Hi Dylan

          Usually I recommend to match the flex of the board fairly closely, or if anything a little stiffer than the board, and in some cases that depends on how you ride too. So I would say 6/10 – 7/10 in terms of flex, with the Standard. But I rode it with the Malavitas, which I would consider around 5.5/10 and they work really well. Based on how you like to ride, I’d say you would appreciate board feel too – the Malavitas have very good board feel. The Force (6/10 flex) and Atlas (6.5/10 flex) would definitely work on the Standard too. They have decent board feel too. Not quite to the same degree as the Malavita, IMO, but still decent.

          I haven’t tested the Cartel X yet, unfortunately (tried to get my hands on a pair in the winter, but unfortunately couldn’t), so I can’t really say there. If they’re similar in terms of flex as the Genesis X was, then I would say they’d work too. Then they’d be around that 7/10 flex. It would depend if you wanted to go that stiff, but I would certainly ride that level of flex on the Standard, but not much stiffer, personally. But it’s really hard to say how stiff the Cartel X actually are – Burton rate their bindings either Stiff or Medium – and don’t have a scale showing anything in between, unfortunately. They have the Cartel (non-x model) listed as stiff and the Cartel X listed as stiff, but it’s very unlikely they are the same (and the Cartel feels like a 6/10 to me). So at a guess I’d say they’re similar in flex to what the Genesis X were, but can’t be sure.

          Reply

74. Jeremy Van Leeuwen says

    September 16, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Hey Nate ! Love the site ! Best profiling and comment response on the internet! I am finally ready to make a new purchase. Been 10 years riding a 163 NS Heritage with Rome 390 Boss bindings and DC double Boa boots. . Loved the set up but it is time. I am a 6/7 on your scale. Don’t venture into park anymore and ride a lot off on and off piste groomers and trees. Love to ride hard, fast and hit natural rollers and hips. I am always chasing the powder and get 1/2 days a year where I make the midnight run to get some fresh snow in Mammoth. I don’t ride switch often. I also have 3 little kids so spend a lot of time with them on mountain now. Looking for some advice on a whole new set up. Not too concerned on price since I will make it last. Thanks again!
    5’’11- 195

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 17, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Hi Jeremy

      Thanks for your message.

      The first half of your post made me think maybe a freeride board, but then you mentioned your kids, so you’ll want something that you can ride slow as well I assume. So an all-mountain board is a good way to go, I think, so you get that balance between being able to bomb and being able to ride slow with your kids. Could also look at a more easy going freeride option, if you wanted something more directional. More on that later.

      I think all of the One LF, Team Gullwing, Mountain Twin and Standard would suit your purposes well. In terms of sizing, if you wanted my sizing opinion, if you could just let me know your boot size as well. If you already have a size in mind all good too.

      If you wanted to go a little more directional, but still have something you can still ride slow (without it feeling like a bit of a tank), you could also look at the likes of:

      – YES Hybrid
      – Burton Skeleton Key
      – Capita Navigator
      – Lib Tech Dynamo
      – GNU Hyperkyarve
      – Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero

      For some of those it will depend on sizing, but those are some other options, if you wanted to look at something more directional but without going too stiff/aggressive.

      Hope this helps

      Reply

      • Jeremy Van Leeuwen says

        September 22, 2020 at 9:14 am

        Thanks Nate! I couldn’t find this reply until now. Appreciate all the feedback. I wear a 10.5. Where would you put the Heritage board related to type of board ?

        Reply

        • Nate says

          September 22, 2020 at 11:04 am

          Hi Jeremy

          In terms of the Heritage, I would consider it all-mountain. It’s a little stiffer than most here (I would consider it a 7/10 flex), but a more easy going camber profile. So it’s kind of the stiffness that I would typically put in the aggressive all-mountain category, but the camber profile isn’t aggressive enough for that. Everything I’ve mentioned is around a 6/10 flex. So that’s something to consider. I was thinking a touch softer flexing, taking riding with the kids into account, but if you didn’t want to go softer, could look at some options more around that 7/10 flex range.

          Thanks for the boot size.

          I would be looking at something around 160-162 for your specs. Pretty similar to what you have now. Given that it sounds like you like to bomb, I wouldn’t go too much shorter than what you’re riding, for your specs, but you could go a little shorter if you wanted to, particularly if you’re looking for something a little easier to manage when at slower speeds with the kids. But because you still want to bomb, I wouldn’t go too much shorter.

          With a 10.5 boot size, it will depend on the particular board. But in most cases I would say a regular width, in that 160-162 length range would be fine. But if you’re looking for sizing on a particular board, I would be happy to give my opinion.

          Reply

          • Jeremy Van Leeuwen says

            September 22, 2020 at 6:05 pm

            Thanks Nate
            As I looked at the boards you recommended I did feel like they were a less flex then the Heritage. I really appreciate the info on the heritage. Gives me a better idea of what I was riding. I would like to see what other recommendations you would have at the 7 flex. Counting on kids only getting better !

          • Nate says

            September 23, 2020 at 10:49 am

            Hi Jeremy

            I would check out the following:

            >> My Top 10 Freeride Snowboards

            Some good options in there around that 7/10 flex range, and that would suit everything you’re describing. I just updated that list for 2021. I would particularly look at the Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro, Burton Flight Attendant, Jones Flagship, Never Summer Westbound and YES PYL. Because they are all decent with jumps and good in trees as well. Looking at your original post, those are things that you’re looking for, in addition to being able to charge and carve. Check out the details and score breakdowns on those, to see which might sound more appealing to you. You can find “see full review links” for each of them on that post, if you want more details.

    • Jeremy Van Leeuwen says

      September 23, 2020 at 10:02 pm

      The YEs PYL And Captita boards sound fun and I like to try something different then NS but I really loved the Heritage. Say some of the 2019/20 for sale around 400$ What would you recommend on size with 10.5 boot. Also any recommendations on bindings/boots ? Thanks again.

      Reply

      • Nate says

        September 24, 2020 at 12:25 pm

        Hi Jeremy

        For those boards I would go with the following sizes:

        – PYL – 162 or 160W – the 160W isn’t that wide for a wide board, so if you wanted to go a little shorter, but a little wider. But the 162 would work too – but if you wanted more leeway width-wise, for big carves but didn’t want to go too wide, the 160W works
        – West Bound – 160 – should be wide enough for 10.5s. The 161X is probably getting a bit too wide. The 163 also an option, particularly given that’s what you currently ride, but I would be leaning towards the 160
        – Flagship – 161 – this board is wider at the inserts than it sounds by the waist width, I think the 161 would be fine width-wise
        – FA – 162 or 159W – again. Like the PYL, the 162 should be wide enough, and a good length for you, but if you were wanting to go shorter/wider, the 159W would work – and it’s not ultra wide either for a wide board (just a little wider than the 160W PYL at the inserts).
        – Kazu – 160 – again should be wide enough. It’s on the narrower side overall for your boots, but should be good.

        Reply

75. Chris says

    September 3, 2020 at 8:22 am

    Hey Nate. Just moved out to Utah from east coast this past February. Currently riding a Rossignol AmpTek. Was mainly an east coast rider. I am in my 40’s 6′ 210 with a size 12 boot. I’m probably close to a 6 on your skill level guide. I don’t really park, as that is for my kids.
    Mainly ride at Brighton and Snowbird. Looking for something that is going to fit the Utah snow better. Have been researching the MTN twin, Custom/Process, and more. The Terrain Wrecker and K2 Broadcast come up on my search within your site.
    What are your thoughts? I’m not worried about cost really.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      September 3, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Hi Chris

      Thanks for your message.

      I think the Mountain Twin is a always a pretty safe bet. Good in a variety of conditions and for a variety of styles. Just good across the board. The Custom Flying V would be a good option, so long as you’re not looking at riding in too many icy conditions. Like if you go back East for a trip or something. The Process Flying V you might find a bit soft flexing if you’re n