The following 10 boards have been selected as my picks for the top all mountain snowboards for the 2019/20 season.
Each board is given a rating out of 100 for easier comparison.
Price has not been considered in the ratings.
Of the 34 different all-mountain boards that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10, starting with #10.
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #10
Board: Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Feel: Semi-Loose
Smart rating score: 84.0/100
The Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker is technically all rocker, but it has a feel that belies that fact. Whilst it might not be a bomber for speed, it can still lay down a carve well.
And how it performs in powder and uneven terrain, whilst still maintaining a buttery, nimble feel and still being good with jumps, makes this a very versatile, fun surfy, ride that was particularly fun in the trees.
Check out the video for more about the Iguchi Pro Rocker
Score Breakdown for the Iguchi Pro Rocker
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 9/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.0/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #9
Board: Burton Custom Flying V
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Feel: Semi-Loose
Smart rating score: 85.2/100
The Custom Flying V is one of those boards that can ride any style, so it's great if you're after one board to ride the park, groomers, trees and in the backcountry - and however you like to ride in all those areas.
Which is basically my definition of all-mountain riding.
This board is just consistent across all categories - and has a feel that is more on the playful rather than aggressive side. If you're looking for a more aggressive version of this it also comes in a traditional camber model - but that makes it a very different board (and less versatile in my opinion).
If versatile, light and on the playful side is what you're looking for, this is a great option.
Check out the video for more about the Custom Flying V
Score Breakdown for the Custom Flying V
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 9/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.2/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #8
Board: Yes Typo
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Smart rating score: 87.7/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Described as a YES Basic on steroids, the Typo just gives you a little bit more aggression than the Basic. It has less rocker in the tip and tail giving it a bit more of a camber feel, and has a harder/faster sintered spec base.
And with a small setback stance it has a subtly more directional feel to it, than the Basic.
But it's still on the more freestyle end of all-mountain and is proficient with jumps, jibs and riding switch with ease, and butters remarkably easily, so it’s a great all-rounder.
Learn more about the Typo in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.0 | 9/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 9/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.7/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #7
Board: Niche Story
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Smart rating score: 88.3/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
And the number 7 board on the list, we have the Niche Story.
If you like your board a little on the stiffer side, need something that can handle hard/icy conditions really well - and gives you just a bit more for carving/speed than the average all-mountain deck, then the Story should be firmly on your radar.
Not a particularly good jibber and not super buttery but can tear it up on and off groomer a-like, when things are particularly icy or when the snow is dumping.
Learn more about the Story in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Story
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.3/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #6
Board: Slash Brainstorm
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Smart rating score: 88.3/100
And the #6 all-mountain snowboard on the list – the Brainstorm by Slash.
Alongside the YES Typo (see #8 above) this is the least expensive board in the list.
But price isn't the only appealing thing about the Brainstorm. This is a seriously high quality all-mountain machine ready to tear up the park, pipe, groomers and backcountry a-like.
If you're looking for the ultimate in versatility in a ride that's more playful than aggressive, then the Brainstorm might be the board you've been looking for.
Check out the video below for more on the Brainstorm
Score Breakdown for the Brainstorm
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.3/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #5
Board: Rossignol One LF
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Smart rating score: 88.3/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Formerly called the One Magtek, renamed the One LF (for “Light Frame”) - for the 2018, 2019 & 2020 models, the One from Rossi, coming in at number 5, is one of the most consistent boards for do-it-all riding in any condition.
The One is also awesome for anyone who often rides in hard and icy conditions, but also excels in powder, is rather buttery and quite nimble. It can handle more speed than you'd think for all that - and you can still play in the park with it.
As far as the definition of "do-it-all" is concerned not many do it as well as the One LF.
Check out the video for more on the One LF
Score Breakdown for the One LF
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.3/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #4
Board: Nitro Team Gullwing
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Feel: Stable (ever so slightly on the looser side of stable)
Smart rating score: 88.9/100
The Team Gullwing, coming in at #4, does really well at achieving a great balance between aggressive and playful, and the balance between being damp and smooth but also snappy.
It's very consistent across various terrain and capable for any style - as any good all-mountain board worth it's salt, should be.
Check out the video for more about the Team Gullwing
Score Breakdown for the Team Gullwing
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.9/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #3
Board: Jones Mountain Twin
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
A mainstay on this list over the years, the Mountain Twin is extremely consistent across all categories. It’s the definition of ride-everywhere, do-everything.
In fact it was only under 3.5 out of 5 for just one of the factors (Jibbing). This is a board I was definitely comfortable with everywhere on the mountain and it’s super consistent across conditions and across riding styles.
Learn more about the Mountain Twin in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Mountain Twin
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #2
Board: Capita Mercury
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Coming in at #2 is the Capita Mercury.
I used to categorize the Mercury as aggressive all-mountain, but decided this year it was better suited to this category. So, this is probably the most aggressive ride on this list.
But it's still something that you can slow down and play around on to an extent - which is why every year I've debated putting here instead of there.
Whilst not the most buttery or jib friendly, the Mercury more than makes up for it with it's prowess for speed, carving and jumps - and pretty good in the deep stuff too.
Check out the video for more about the Mercury
Score Breakdown for the Mercury
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #1
Board: YES Standard
- US
- CANADA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Smart rating score: 92.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Standard has changed quite a bit over the years and it really has evolved to be the Standard by which all other all-mountain boards are measured against, IMO.
The 2015-16 model was a more aggressive-all-mountain board and then it changed into a great all-round deck capable to do whatever you want it to.
The 2018 model evolved once more – and became even better, IMO. The main changes from the 2017 model being the addition of "Mid Bite" - which helped to make the board more dynamic, better for stomping landings and better in hard/icy conditions - plus some tweaks in the sidecut and effective edge.
2020 & 2019 have kept things essentially the same as the 2018 model, but the core is now noticeably lighter - making my #1 all-mountain board, even better for 2019 & 2020.
You can still get really aggressive on this board and lay down a good carve but it’s also great for jumps, spins, riding switch and it's also surprisingly buttery. And to top it all off, it rides well in powder too - particularly so, when you set your bindings up in the slam back inserts.
Check out the video for more on the Standard
Score Breakdown for the Standard
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
What Would be Your Choice?
The perfect all mountain board for you in this list is not necessarily the one with the highest score. I encourage you to look at the score breakdowns to see what will be best suited for your own needs.
Thanks for reading and I hope that this list has helped to narrow down your options. Check out the links under each board to learn more about the boards.
Nate, greeting from Belarus and thanks for your post. It’s the best that I found on the internet.
I would like to have your advice.
I do snowboarding for ~9 years. I have k2 lifelike. I want to buy a new snowboard this season.
I ride switch all the time. I’m a fan of jumps (ollie, nollie, 180, 360). So, between soft and stiff, I vote Soft. 🙂 And 30% of the time I do freeride in deep snow OR a forest. No park at all.
Your opinion? What snowboard can do freeride but stay soft for jumps and be comfortable for switch riding?
I change snowboard once in 5+ years. So, it can be overpriced 🙂
P.s. 175 sm, 67-70 kg
Hi Nikita
Thanks for your message.
I think it’s a case of finding a balance between switch/180s and riding in deep snow. For deep snow ideally you want something directional, even tapered and setback a lot – but that’s the opposite of what’s ideal for riding/taking off/landing switch. So, I think you’re in the right place – something with a bit of a setback/direction to it, but that’s still decent for riding/landing switch. Size-wise, there’s also a bit of compromise to be made. For deep snow, going bigger is a good idea, but for riding in the forest, going shorter is better – and for riding freestyle stuff, I usually like to go shorter too.
I think something like the YES Standard could be a really good option – since it naturally has a centered stance, it’s going to be good for riding switch and all your freestyle stuff – but it has just a bit more in the nose to help it in powder. And it has “slam back” insert options, which you could move your bindings to on deeper days. Size-wise would depend on your boot size. If you can let me know that I can give you a size recommendation for that board.
The YES Typo could also fit the bill if you want to go a little softer. Not quite as good for powder, but still good. And it’s softer flexing, so everything else you’re describing works well with it. And whilst it doesn’t have those slam back inserts, you can still choose to set it back on those powder days. I think the 155 (depending on boot size) would be a really good size for you for this board. It’s also a little quicker edge-to-edge vs the Standard, so that would help in the trees.
The Slash Brainstorm (154 – but again depending on boot size) would also be a really good choice.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you for your detailed answer. Your advice is very helpful. The size is US 7 / FR 40
Hi Nikita
Thanks for the extra info.
Size-wise, I would put you on around a 154-155, assuming you’re quite an advanced rider – as an all-mountain size. But since most boards around that size are likely not ideal in terms of width (being a bit too wide) for your boots. It might be a good idea to size down from there a little bit. Going a little shorter when a board is a bit wide for your boots, helps with maneuverability (a wide board can feel sluggish edge-to-edge). Sizing down will be good for when you’re in the trees and for your more freestyle stuff – it will impact negatively on your stability at speed and float in powder though, so there is some compromise there. But given all the facts, I think sizing down a little is a good idea.
For the Standard, I think you’d want to size down to around 151, to make the width manageable for your boot size. The 151 is still going to be on the wider side for your feet, but sizing down should counteract the slower edge to edge effects of being wider.
The YES Typo I would size down to the 152. The width is going to be a little narrower (at the inserts) than the Standard 151, but it’s just that little bit longer too. I think this would be a good size for you. Going with a Typo is going to be a setup that mostly favors riding switch and your freestyle stuff and not as good as the other two options for powder, but will be OK in powder. It is really fast edge-to-edge for playing in the forest.
The Brainstorm on the other hand isn’t going to be as suited for riding switch/freestyle as the Typo but will give you a good bit more in powder. Still really quick edge to edge and you can certainly do all those freestyle things on it, and can definitely ride switch. I would go 151 for this board. This will be the narrowest of all 3, in the 151.
Another option that just came into my head is the Capita Outerspace Living. It’s an all-mountain-freestyle board, but it’s something that’s a little better in powder vs a lot of all-mountain-freestyle boards. A good option if you like to ride switch even when in powder. And definitely suitable for your freestyle stuff. It’s a narrower board too, when you get into some of the smaller sizes. So I think the 152 would be a good size and would give you a width that should work well with size US7 boots.
Hope that’s all clear and hope it helps with your decision
Awesome, Nate! I appreciate your help! Cheers!
You’re very welcome Nikita. Hope you have an awesome season!
I love your reviews, they’re very measured and I find them unbiased. I rode the Jones Mountain Twin 157 and Yes Standard 156 last year at Whistler and got some decent varied conditions including some fresh pow.
I liked both boards very much, they’re both extremely capable and playful yet stable, and confidence-inspiring. I found the main difference between those two boards was the Standard is a bit wide, noticeable enough that it was fatiguing by the end of the day. It just wasn’t as quick edge to edge as I’m used to, and certainly not as quick edge to edge as the Mountain Twin.
The other noticeable difference was the base on the Standard is slow! Both had fresh coats of wax, the shop waxed them in front of me both days. I generally don’t have trouble keeping up with anyone, but when riding with my friends they would leave me in the dust if we really stepped on the gas. I had no such problems with the Mountain Twin.
The Standard did have a bit more bite on icy snow. Overall they’re both great and I had a lot of fun but I’d choose the Mountain Twin over the Standard due to the slower turning and slow base.
Hi Sticky
Thanks for your input, much appreciated. Great to hear others insights. I have found with Jones bases that they tend to be faster (and certainly glide more on flats) than most boards, so I’m not too surprised you noticed a difference there.
Hi Nate.
Some awesome reviews. But I’m after some guidance.
I’ve been Snowboarding for about 8 years. I now got on a yearly trip To Japan for a few weeks to ride powder and some Groomers, doing the odd little jump but nothing serious.
I am 60 KG and about 157CM. What kind of length board would you recommend?
I currently ride a 153CM board. But I find I have to heavily lean back in powder. Also any specific board recommendation would be great.
Thanks 😁
Hi Harry
Thanks for your message.
Generally speaking, for your specs, I would say more around 147cm – maybe adding 2-3 cms if you’re riding a lot of powder. So I’m surprised that you have to lean back so much on a 153. That said, if you’re riding something that’s not suited to powder (e.g. if it has no setback, isn’t directional, has no rocker in the nose, no taper etc), then even in that length you will have to work hard to stay afloat.
What board are you on at the moment? Can you also let me know your boot size, and also if you would be happy to go with a women’s boards or would rather stick to men’s. I can think of some options, but if you can let me know those 3 things, I can give you what I think are the best options for you.
Awesome job Nate! Love seeing the updated 2020 snowboards, can’t wait for the snow to fly! Cheers Jason!
Thanks Jason! I’m definitely itching for the snow too!
Hey Nate,
Well overdue to upgrade my begginer board and liked the look of the Yes. Standard, but really open to options within a respectable cost range. I’m 5’11” 205lbs 11.5 shoes (US) and do a yearly trip or two out west for more powder on the mountains and prefer a board more suited to that. I hop between primarily the black/blue routes as well as some fresher routes in the bowls/woods as available. If you could throw out a few recommendations it would be appreciated!
Hi Charlie
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard is a good next step from a beginner board and could suit what you’re describing well. It’s not the kind of board that’s king in powder – but it does pretty well in there, and even better if you use the slam back inserts on a pow day (note that if you have bindings with a mini-disc then the slam backs aren’t accessible). Size-wise for you, I would go 162. You could also ride the 159 for this board, but I think based on your specs and how you like to ride, the 162 would be your best bet, IMO.
Since it sounds like you’re out East, it’s also a good option, being good in hard/icy conditions (not that you can’t get those out West as well!). Quite a few on this list would also do the job quite nicely, including the Mountain Twin & Rossignol One.
Based on your riding style, you could also check out something from here:
>> My Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
But just note that those are another step up – a bit stiffer and more technical. But also better for speed/powder/carving. If you feel like you’re an advanced rider, then those become options for sure. But if you feel like you’re more bordering intermediate/advanced, then something from this list is probably a better bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
This is a great site with loads of information.
I’m a bit stuck. I’m 6ft, 88kg, UK size 10 boot and am a beginner/intermediate, I can happily link turns and get down the mountain fairly smoothly, not really been doing jumps but something I’d like an option to do, I like the boarder cross sections, I also like powder but usually just whats to the side of a mountain run. I like to carve and go fast as well. I’ve only been snowboarding for a few years and generally only go once a year for about a week or so. I’ve only snowboarded in Europe. I’ve usually hired a board or borrowed one from a friend. I try to get a size around 159cm, but to be honest I don’t really know whats best for me size wise. I am looking to get myself a board now as its summer and prices’ll be the best they are all year. Could you recommend something which will keep me improving with not too bad a learning curve since it’ll only be used once a year? I’d like an all rounder, mainly for slope riding but with options for the park and powder.
Any ideas, so many boards I have no idea where to start and want to make sure I don’t buy something which I’m going to struggle with or alternatively be too slow or too much of a beginner board. In the past I’ve looked at the Jones Mountain Twin, the Yes Standard and saw Capitas Outer Space Living looked good, all based on some of the comments here and other things I’ve read on your site, but those comments look to be a few years old. Are those boards still relevant? However I don’t want this to influence your advice so whatever you think would be great thanks.
Thank you
Tom
Hi Nate
Apologies, I’ve just looked at some old photos of several boards I’ve hired and they all look to be 157cm if that makes a difference.
Thanks Tom
Hi Tom
Thanks for your messages.
Size-wise, I would say to go with something in the range 158-160. To give you a size that suits your specs, but works for that beginner/intermediate level and something that won’t take long to get your legs back, given that you’re only be on it once a year. And 157 definitely doable too, if your comfortable with that.
Width-wise, with UK10s, you’re kind of on the cuff between wide and normal width, so it’s best to look at it on a board by board basis, in terms of width.
Those boards are certainly still relevant (this list is updated every year), and I think you’re in the right place for what you’re describing. Something all-mountain/do-it-all would work well, IMO – and most boards here are going to work well for a progressing intermediate rider. Pretty much anything on this list would work – except maybe the Arbor Coda Rocker and Niche Story (which I will be adjusting for flex when I update for 2020 models) which might be a little too stiff.
The Outerspace Living is what I would term all-mountain-freestyle – but it’s a little better in powder than most all-mtn-freestyle boards, so that would be suitable too. Particularly if you weren’t going to be going in any deeper powder. Another that fits that bill would be the Salomon Assassin.
The Mountain Twin and Standard certainly great options too. The 2020 model of the Mountain Twin looks like it has a twin tip and tail now (the tip used to be 1cm longer than the tail) – so if that’s accurate, then it’s a little more freestyle oriented now and not as good in powder, but would still be decent. I hadn’t heard that it was getting changed up but that’s what the specs in the catalog are showing (I didn’t re-ride the 2020 model but I rode the 2019 model). Jones still consider it directional twin, so I don’t think it’s really changed.
I’d say anything like the Standard, West, Mountain Twin, Team Gullwing, One LF would all be great choices for what you’re describing. If you wanted something a little more easy going, you could also check out:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Adding to my previous post:
Size 9 boot.
and, how crazy of an idea is the twinpig, or a GNU headspace for me?
Hi Ted
I would be more inclined to stick more with the likes of an all-mountain board. The Twinpig and Headspace are more freestyle/park oriented. The Headspace in particular – which is also quite an aggressive camber profile, and is not going to be great in powder. I haven’t ridden it but based on specs and my experience of similar GNU boards.
I haven’t ridden the Twinpig either, so just basing on specs and riding other ride boards. I would say it’s going to be better than the Headspace for powder, but still not as good as something like the One LF, Standard, West or Team Gullwing. Otherwise it could possibly work. The sizing is a little tricky. It’s a short/wide. I think the 151 is getting too big to be ideal, given the width, so I would say that the 148 would be your best bet size with the Twinpig (the 142 too short I would say). It’s just whether going to 148 is going short enough to compensate for the extra width or not. And also to consider is that you’re looking at less effective edge than the other options if you go for that. Which is fine in powder, and if you were going to be riding mostly freestyle, but might effect you for carving and stability at speed (even if you’re not going to riding super fast). The effective edge on the 148 is 108.5cm, which is 2.1cm shorter than the 110.6cm on the 149 Standard (which is the shortest effective edge of all the other options). And 2.1cm can definitely make a difference there. Finally, since you’re looking for that grip in hard/icy conditions, I would be a little concerned there too. My experience with other Ride boards suggests it wouldn’t be as good as some of the other options we’ve discussed. So an option, but in my opinion a more risky option.
Hope this helps
Wow, Nate, what incredible work you’re doing here. I’ve been reading and comparing boards for hours! My specs don’t seem to fit anyone specifically above, so I thought I’d get your assessment.
5’9 135 pounds
44 years old, fit but not super athletic
Burton custom bindings
Burton ruler wide boots
Been using some wide K2 board from the 90s that is really stiff, long and camber, I think 26.5 width
Been snowboarding for 4 years, probably lower intermediate. Getting better at carving and speed.
I am NOT:
jibbing, park, large jumps or bombing down going super fast
I WOULD like to – (these are not in order of preference):
– handle ice and chop in Crested Butte, CO – there was a decent amount of this last year and a problem for me
– explore learining powder (CB has powder, I’ve stayed mostly on groomers)
– ride switch, I enjoy doing that
– carve,
– have fun at slow speeds (learn to butter), but be plenty stable for CB rougher conditions
– learn tree runs
After reading, just to show that I’m paying attention, I think you might recommend:
151 Yes standard or 153 Rossi One?
But I’m open to anything!
Ted
Hi Ted
You have been listening! 🙂 – those two I would certainly recommend for what you’re describing and those sizes are good options too.
For the Standard I’d almost be looking at the 149 for your weight and considering the width is still going to be plenty for 9s, IMO, with the width of the Standard being a little wider at the inserts than the waist width would suggest. And also since you’re not looking to ride ultra-fast. But the 151 is also a good size for you, will be a little better for powder, and since you’re used to a bigger board by the sounds of it, it’s still going to feel smaller than what you’ve got. So, I’d probably still go 151 over 149 – but the 149 would certainly be an option. The One LF’s smallest size in 153, so no real room for debate there. Both are quite buttery and both are still fun at slow speeds. I would be leaning towards Standard, only just, just because I like the size options are a little better for you.
The Nitro Team Gullwing (152) and NS West (152) would be great options too. Not quite as good in hard/icy conditions as the Standard and One LF, in my experience, but still good.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much for all the consideration of specs and recommendation!
The Nitro Team Gullwing (152)
is looking really good right now price-wise
I may go for that!
Is the Nitro Team Exposure Gullwing the same board as the Nitro Team Gullwing?
Your review links to the Exposure version, and the exposure version is less expensive.
Hi Ted
Yeah same board – the only difference is the graphics. The “Exposure” part of the name is in reference to how the graphic has been created.
Ordered, using your link. Thanks so much for your help!
It’s going to be a while before I can report back on it though, we just hit summer here in CB…
Hey Ted
Awesome! And thanks for going through the link. Much appreciated. If you do remember when winter rolls back around, let me know how you get on.
Hi Nate,
When i had my last time on the slope, i got rossignol “one” and i liked it, but i think it was small for me (153), sometimes i had speed and didn´t have stability. I´m 1,77 m and 74 kg with 9,5 boots. I started looking Burton Process V, but when i knew your review i think the Burton Custom V is more appropriate. Sometimes i like speed and powder too, i´m search a real all mountain. My friend said that my size is 158. I don´t have much experience but i like challenges. What board do you recommend and size?
Thanks,
Gustavo
Hi Gustavo
Thanks for your message.
Yeah 153 is a bit small for you, IMO. I would say something around 157, 158 at an advanced level. But if you don’t have much experience, then I would go smaller than that. Assuming an intermediate level, I think something between 154 and 156 would be your best bet. The Rossignol One would be a good choice, but I would go for the 156 for you.
For the Custom Flying V, if you went with that one, then the 156 is likely your best bet there too.
Most of the boards on this list should be appropriate, assuming an intermediate level, at around that 155, 156 length. The Arbor Coda Rocker and Niche Story might be bordering on being a little too stiff, but otherwise, the rest are great options. You could also check out, if you wanted:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate!
What do you think about Burton Process (Camber) instead of these? I asked you because i would like to buy a board that i can use for a long time…
Hi Gustavo
Firstly, just for your info. The latest versions of the Process camber are actually Burton’s “PurePop camber” which is slightly different to traditional camber, where there are flat sections before the contact points. So, a little more forgiving than traditional camber, but still a little on the catchy side. As an intermediate rider (assuming that’s a correct assumption) it would definitely be doable. Older versions of the Process camber are traditional camber (like the Custom camber is). Traditional camber can be very unforgiving if you’re not used to it, or if you’re still learning. But also has it’s advantages.
The Process is quite soft though as well, so if you’re wanting more of an all-mountain option that will last you a long time, then it might be a bit soft for what you’re after. And performance in powder for traditional camber and purepop isn’t that great in my experience, so if you’re looking to getting into riding powder later or already are, then that’s a downside.
My instinct tells me that, in your case, you would be better off looking at something with a more forgiving camber profile but a stiffer flex (a medium flex ideally). Something with a lot of versatility – which is what this list is all about. So I would go for the Rossignol One before the Process Camber – or other options like the Standard, West, Mountain Twin, Team Gullwing. These are all boards that are very versatile and that would stay with you for a long time, IMO.
Thanks Nate!
It was great! I’m thinking about rossignol one now!
Gustavo
You’re very welcome Gustavo.
Hi Nate,
At 80kg/175lbs would 159-160cm be too long for all mountain, say for the Yes Std or Jones Mtn Twin?
Cruising and carving mostly, popping off bumps here and there.
Pretty limited board choices where I live :-/
Cheers,
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy
Thanks for your message.
To give an accurate recommendation, I would need your height and boot size too. I suspect with the Standard that 156 would be better, but it would depend on boot size for that board. For the Mountain Twin, depending on height, the 160 could work, but if you could let me know height and boot size, that would help to make a more accurate recommendation.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate really appreciate it.
That would be 178cm (5-8) & Mondo 26.
Also found a place online with a Niche Story 159 and a Nitro team GW 157 so maybe a bit more choice there after all.
Been great reading through all the reviews on your site, thanks for sharing the info.
Cheers,
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy
Thanks for the extra info.
Yeah I would say definitely 156 for the Standard. For the Mountain Twin, I think 157 would actually be better – both 157 and 160 are a little wider than ideal for your foot size, but going a little shorter can compensate for that extra width. For that same reason, I would be leaning more towards the Team Gullwing 157, over the 159 Story. Also, if you only have Standard 159, Mountain Twin 160, Story 159 and Team Gullwing 157, then I think the Team GW 157 is your best bet.
Thanks!!
You’re very welcome Jimmy!
Hi Nate,
I have read some reviews about Yes Stadard board and Union Flacor bindings, and i have one doubt…
Can you set this bindings (mini discs) in the slam back inserts of my yes standard?????
Hi Mario
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately with Union bindings with the mini-disc they won’t go on the slam back inserts of the YES Standard. Union bindings with their Universal Disc will, but not the mini-disc. Something like the Union Atlas or Union Force would be a great choice for the Standard, if you’re using the Slam Back inserts and wanting to go with Union.
Hope this helps
Nate
I have read a few of your posts and you provide straightforward info. I have a few questions, been riding since 90, last board I purchased and am still riding is a 1996 burton supermodel, 162, have been thinking about getting a new board. I have ridden everything(parks, pipes, back country) and everywhere(Tahoe, van b.c, alps, to big bear) looking for an all mountain board. It appears that so much has changed regarding board technology and needing some help. Looking for a board that it a litttle more forgiving than the supermodel especially later in the day when I begin to get tired at 48 years old, but still want to ride with my two boys. The burton still rides well and works great but have been hearing about the shift in technology and has me thinking of adding a new board to my quiver. I am an advanced rider.
Also was looking for a single board that can do anything I need it to do, more of a replacement for the burton. Also I am 5-7 and weigh 175. Was looking at the Lib Tech as well as the Yes board that you listed as the number 1 and the Never Summer West, thoughts?
Lib tech is the t.rice pro model. I know burton and libtech have been the standard of boards in the past but I am not married to that. I do like the idea of the mag-edges on the lib tech, but the rocker, camber, rocker on the yes seems like a more forgiving board, given that layout, thanks in advance. Dave.
Hi Dave
Thanks for your messages.
Yeah definitely tech has come a long way since 1996.
In terms of rocker-camber-rocker (hybrid camber), I wouldn’t say that it’s necessarily more forgiving that camber-rocker-camber (hybrid rocker). In some ways hybrid rocker can feel more forgiving – having that pivot of rocker between the feet. But it also depends as not all hybrid cambers and hybrid rockers are the same. Some have more exaggerated camber sections, some have more exaggerated rocker sections – and some have longer sections of camber and longer sections of rocker – so it really depends (a lot more complicated than everything being traditional camber I know!).
The T Rice Pro has quite a forgiving hybrid rocker profile, but overall it’s relatively aggressive (quite stiff). So, in this particular case, I would say that something like the YES Standard is a little more forgiving.
Another thing I would say is that Hybrid Camber has a more similar feel to Traditional Camber vs Hybrid Rocker, IMO – in most cases. Some exceptions – some Lib Tech/GNU boards have a hybrid rocker called C3 Camber, which is very close to traditional camber, with a very subtle rocker section between the feet.
But all that said, I think since you’re looking for something a little forgiving, and since you’ve been riding traditional camber since 1990, I think Hybrid camber would be the way to go.
Burton and Lib Tech still make great boards, but there are a lot of other brands making really great boards now too. YES being one of those brands that’s got some great decks.
So, in terms of the Never Summer West – that’s a hybrid rocker, so would be a bigger adjustment to what you’re used to. It’s a hybrid rocker that’s heavier on the camber, which certainly makes it doable, but would be a more different feel than what you’re used to, IMO.
I think the YES Standard, Jones Mountain Twin or Rossignol One LF would be your best bets. These 3 are also good in hard/icy conditions, which I’m guessing is what you like the sound of the Mag-tech edges for. Certainly not writing others off, but I think these would be the best bets.
Size-wise, typically you ride a little shorter these days than with older boards. So you could certainly size-down as well – and that would also make things more forgiving too. Normally I would recommend something around 157 for your specs, as an advanced rider, for an all-mountain board. Since you’re used to a 162, you might want to go for something in between, so that you’re not making too big an adjustment. For the boards mentioned, I would say:
– YES Standard 156 (this is a wider board, so depending on boot size, I’d probably stick to the 156, but if you’ve got larger boots, the 159 could be a possibility too)
– Jones Mountain Twin 157 or 160 – or 158W depending on boot size
– Rossignol One LF – 156 or 159 – or 157W or 161W depending on boot size and how much you are willing to size down
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
nate
thanks for all the info i think i am going to go with the yes board, decade basic seems to be a good fit, has the rocker/camber/rocker that you. suggested. i have opted for the 161 in size as i was looking for the 158 but have had no luck finding it so the couple inch diff should not be a big deal . hoping to get on it and have some spring time fun in the next month. will let you know my feedback, have you rode this board?
dave
Hi Dave
Thanks for the update. Look forward to hearing what you think. The Basic Decade is actually one of the only YES boards I haven’t had a chance to ride.
Hi Nate,
First of all thank you so much for your reviews!
Following your recommendations I bought a Yes Standar (156) this season. My riding style is all-mointaneer and backcountry whenever I can (not very often), closer to freeride. I’m 178 cms and my weight is 76kgs, do you think the Stendard 156 is the right board and size????
I want to buy new bindings for the next seasons too, according to my riding style and this board what ones would do you recomend me???
My first option is Burton but I dont’t know what model. Anyway Burton is not the only option.
Thanks so much!!!
P.D.: sorry if the english level is not appropriate!!!
I forgot to add that my boot size is 9.5.
Hi Mario
Thanks for your messages.
I would say that the Standard is more on the freestyle end of the all-mountain scale, rather than freeride, but certainly can handle freeriding/backcountry – especially if you put it into the slam back inserts when you get out in the backcountry. Size-wise, I think the 156 is a good size for you. I think the 159 would be big overall (taking into account length and width) for your height, weight and boot size. In fact you could even consider the 153 for this board. But that’s getting a little short. If you were going to be riding a lot of freestyle I would be weighing up 153 and 156 – but given your style I think the 156 is the best size for you, for sure.
From Burton, I would pair the Standard with either the Malavitas, Cartels or Genesis X. Given your style is more freeride oriented, then I would go more for the Cartels or Genesis X. For other options check out:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for your advices Nate.
You’re very welcome Mario. Happy riding!
Union Falcor looks great too…and a bit cheaper.
Falcor would definitely work, IMO, with the Standard, especially if you’re leaning towards the freeride end of all-mountain riding.
Hi, Nate! I love your website! Thank you so much for helping me find my gear. I bought my set of board/binding/boots based on your recommendation last season and loving them!
Now, I’m looking for a set of board and binding for my friend’s for his upcoming bday. Can you please help me out again? His riding skills: he has been going down black and double black diamonds at Heavenly and Toas Ski Valley this season. Most of his riding is just downhill and speed. He doesn’t do park much. He says he likes riding 172cm boards, but he had never owned one before.
He’s 6’2. Currently, he weights 180lbs, but his weight fluctuates between 170-190lbs. He wears size 11 in the K2 Maysis boots.
Thank you so much in advance for your advice and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sydnie
Hi Syndie
Thanks for your message.
Since your friend is into speed and steeps, and doesn’t really do any freestyle, then he might want to look at a freeride board or an aggressive all-mountain board. Depending on if he rides powder/off-groomer a fair bit or mainly just likes to bomb the groomers. Check out the following for some good options (assuming, based on what you’re describing that he’s quite an advanced rider).
>>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards
>> My Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
Size-wise, I would usually say something around 162 for an all-mountain type board – but certainly can add some length for a freeride board if he’s just riding fast and not doing any freestyle or any technical trees or anything like that. 172cm sounds really long, but some prefer to go really long. There aren’t too many options in that kind of length, but there are certainly some. I think something around 165 might be a better bet, but if he knows he prefers that, then a couple of options in that kind of length:
– Jones Flagship 172 (and should be a good width for 11s too)
– Ride Timeless 167 (even though it’s not up to 172, this is the stiffest board I’ve ever ridden and is quite wide too)
– Burton Flight Attendant 168 – also not quite 172, but still a lengthy board and should be wide enough for 11s.
– Rossignol XV 174W – on the wider side for 11s though, and even longer than 172, even for him this might be getting a bit big
– Salomon Speedway 170 – should be good for 11s
Hope this gives you some options
Hi, Nate,
Thank you so much for your detailed recommendations! I’ll look into these boards.
You’re very welcome Sydnie (and apologies for spelling your name wrong in my last message).
Hi Nate,
Absolutely fantastic to read all your reviews and detailed answers! But same time all this knowledge is giving me a hard time to seek out the right board. I’m spending 80% of my time in European resorst and occasionally in treelines or powder and 20% in bigger slopes. Don’t like the parks or pipes, just some basic small jumps and ollies for time to time. So mainly what i’m looking for is good board to handle in the carving with all speeds. I would say i’m intermeditiate and I have rided last years Burton Parkitect 2015 with SP Labtec bindings and and quite stiff Burton shoes. I like the current board easines in turns and ok grib in carvings, but it starts to flop in higher speed and its not stable in those Saturday evenings bumpy conditionings.
So I have been looking more stiffer board, but still wan’t to handle quite easy in slower speed with children or nice day cruising. I wonder if the Slash ATV is too stiff this kind of use, so i was thinking the Brainstorm or Jones Mountain Twin. Any good recommendations?
I’m 175cm tall, 85kg and shoesize 41.
Hi Pete
Thanks for your message.
The Slash ATV is quite an aggressive board and not necessarily the best for slowing down and playing around with. It’s pretty good at that for it’s flex and camber profile, compared to other similar boards, but all round that’s not really what that board is intended for. The Brainstorm is definitely something you can slow down and play around – not as good for carving and not as good at speed as the ATV, but definitely more easy going. The Mountain Twin is a good in between of those 2. A little stiffer, and a little less playful than the Brainstorm, but something that you can still slow down and play around on a bit. I think that would be your best bet, from what you’re describing.
Size-wise, I think the 157 would be the best size for you, for the Mountain Twin – and for the Brainstorm, if you decided to go for that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks!
I think I will leave the Slash models this time and try look the Mountain Twin, all thought I´m quite late in this, so there is not much appropriate sizes available. I also looked the review of Capita Mercury and interested about the stability with some forgiveness. For that I founded good bargain for 157 size, so might go for that as well.
Hi Pete
Yeah, the Mercury would suit what you’re describing as well, IMO – and is something that’s more forgiving than the ATV but less playful than the Brainstorm. It’s probably a little more aggressive than the Mountain Twin but not by that much. The 157 would be a good size too, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I’m wanting to upgrade from my 1st board that I lean’t to snowboard on – a 161W Rome Mechanic. Although it was a great board to learn on, I feel like I’ve outgrown that board (particularly as it doesn’t seem to want to carve and is pretty washy when not on an edge) and am looking at these 3 All-Mountain boards:
• Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
• Jones Mountain Twin
• Never Summer West
I’m wanting a general do-it-all board, which I can carve, ride switch on, hit kickers, bomb groomers and take through the trees. I don’t care much for the park and would prefer a more medium-flex feel than stiff – for the sake of my knees on those chopped up resort days! I also spend a fair bit of time under lights night boarding, which more often than not is on hard crusty snow/ice.
I’m 6’2’’, pushing 220lbs with my gear on and have size 10 Thirty-Two Lashed boots. I guess my 1st question is what board from the above 3 do you recommend (or some other board) and then my 2nd question is what size do you recommend for me, especially in relation to whether you think I need a wide board? I tend to ride a 15/-9 binding set-up, however I’ve noticed on my Rome Mechanic that my bindings are on the bottom rung of the 3 set of screw holes (Burton Mission Re-Flex) and my boots are still not quite flush with the edge of the board yet – does this mean my board is too wide?
Thanks for your website and all the help/tips that it gives to us newbies and veterans, it is very greatly appreciated!
Chris
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, with size 10s and +15/-9 binding angles (or pretty much any aangles really) I don’t think you need to be going wide. And if your boots aren’t overhanging the boards edges at all, then it sounds like your current board is too wide. Some boot overhang is a good thing. Obviously you don’t want so much that you get boot drag when carving, but it sounds like your feet (which are ultimately what is putting pressure on the edges) are quite far inside the edges of the board. Ideally you want to get your feet as close to the edges or even slightly over, to get good leverage on the edges. If your feet are too far inside the edges, then it’s hard to initiate turns (the exception is with short/wide boards – but they make up for that lack of maneuverability by being ridden at a shorter length).
In terms of length, I would be looking at anything from 162 to 164 as a good all-mountain length for your specs.
The 3 boards you’ve mentioned are all good options. I’ve yet to ride the Terrain Wrecker (I was meant to ride it on the weekend but it fell through, but hope to get on this month or in April) but I’ve heard good things. In terms of hard/icy conditions, I would say the Terrain Wrecker is likely to be just above the other 2, but the MT and West both have decent edgehold in hard/icy, so I think you’d get on with all 3 in that sense – just the Terrain Wrecker potentially a notch above.
You can’t really go wrong with any of those 3.
Size-wise, I would say:
• Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker: 160
• Jones Mountain Twin: 162
• Never Summer West: 162
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Do you think the 160cm Terrain Wrecker will be slightly undersized for me or can it be ridden “shorter” due to the wider specs of the board?
I was also looking at the Lib Tech TRS and Travis Rice Pro models which come in 161.5/162cm models – do you think either of these would be a better fit for me or close to that of the Terrain Wrecker? I’m pretty keen to try that MagnaTech edge technology from Lib Tech.
Thanks heaps!
Chris
Hi Chris
Yeah sizing down when it’s a little wider is definitely something you can do. With the Terrain Wrecker, it’s wider at the waist, but Lib Tech boards tend to have a smaller difference between the width at inserts and waist width – based on measuring other sizes of the MT and West, and other Lib Tech boards, I would say the Width at inserts of each of those is likely to be:
• Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker: 160 – 265mm
• Jones Mountain Twin: 162 – 269mm
• Never Summer West: 162 – 264mm
In saying that though, the overall width is a little wider on the Terrain Wrecker, so prob a little more surface area overall there.
The MT & West 162 are probably slightly better sizes, IMO. But the 160 Terrain Wrecker could work for you too.
The TRS and T Rice Pro are slightly different boards. More freestyle oriented and less directional. The TRS is a true twin and centered. The T Rice Pro is also centered but directional twin, so a little more all-mountain-ish. But it’s also medium-stiff flex, IMO, and it sounds like you were more looking for medium. The TRS is more medium, but more freestyle oriented. Not necessarily something you wouldn’t suit you though. Biggest weakness would be in powder I would say. But you can check out more on what I thought of those two below:
>>Lib Tech TRS Review
>>Lib Tech T Rice Pro Review
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate,
I also agree that 160cm is prob not ideal for me, as I demo’d a 160cm NS Chairman on the weekend and it felt too small (and far too-stiff) to me.
Your reviews of the two Lib Tech boards pointed me towards checking out the top 5 Freestyle-All Mountain boards, where I found the GNU Riders Choice which is available in 161.5cm. From the specs, it seems to me that this is almost identical to the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, except being an Asym Twin vs True Twin shape. I would think GNU and Lib Tech boards would be very similar given both share the same tech and are made by Mervin.
Anyway I’m going to check out them all this weekend at my local shops, as there’s some good deals getting around now.
Hi Chris
Yeah definitely very similar tech between Mervin boards.
Terrain Wrecker and Rider’s Choice quite similar in a lot of ways. The Terrain Wrecker is a Directional Twin, rather than True Twin though – the nose is a little longer than the tail (past the contact points) I believe, so it should float a little better in powder vs the Rider’s Choice, especially when set back. But otherwise, they both have C2X, similar widths, similar sidecut, similar contact length etc. So yeah, quite similar, like you say.
Let me know what you go with.
Super great detail on all your posts…beyond amazing and the devotion and time you put in is above excellent. With a but of a time crunch i did settle on a Capita DOA due to convenience, price and it did have some good reviews. Its the first time i’ve ridden a a true twin, I’m 48, been riding since 1984 but so many years after college dropped of a bit but now picking it up. I do like big strong carves and jumps but now trying my hand at the park. The twin is taking a bit to get used. A couple questions: did you demo the DOA? Wondering your thoughts on it. Also why do a lot of sites leave out the Yes brand out of their top list for all mountain boards? I really want to get a Yes Standard in the off season hopefully on a good deal. So many boards and I truly got analysis paralysis…seems the only true test is to ride them. Unfortunately we can’t and have to just decide. I’m 6’0″ 195 got the DOA 160 with K2 Lein AT bindings. You would for sure recommend the Yes Standard? and in what size? I’m up for anything that would have a learning curve. Thanks in advance. Oh and my previous board was a Lamar Mission…yeah I know, I can’t believe what i’ve been missing. Quality boards are sooooo much worth it.
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
I have ridden the DOA, and I like it – you can see my review here. It’s something that i like to ride a little smaller and certainly ride mostly freestyle on it.
No idea why anyone would leave YES boards off their lists. They make some of the better boards I’ve ridden. Perhaps, they see the Standard as more all-mountain-freestyle – and there is an argument that you could put it in that category – or maybe they just haven’t ridden YES boards? Who knows.
I would say that the Standard is a little more snappy/lively than the DOA. No such thing as a perfect board, but it does most things very well – and I really like the feel of it. In terms of size, I would say probably the 159, but if you can also let me know your boot size, I can give a more accurate recommendation/opinion on size. The Lien ATs would be a good match for the Standard too – so you wouldn’t need to change bindings, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Size 9 1/2 boot. There is a review that put the DOA in the top freestyle list. So I”m assuming theres a fine line with some of these boards from freestyle to all mountain. I cant wait to try to Standard. Do you recommend waxing it over the factory wax?
Hi Ryan
Yeah definitely a fine line for some of the categories and depending on who you talk to, different boards will belong in different categories, for sure.
It’s a close call between the 159 and 156 for the Standard for you, IMO. Usually I would say 159 for sure or even 162. But since the Standard is a little wider, it’s sometimes a good idea to go shorter, depending on boot size. For an all-mountain board, I would usually go around 159, but for the Standard I like the 156 – I find it’s the best balance of length and width (I’m 6’0″, 185lbs, size 10 boot). So you could definitely ride the 159, but it is going to be quite wide for 9.5s. The 156 is short for your specs, but it’s still on the wide side for 9.5s – so sizing down is certainly an option. 159 is already a bit of a size down for you, IMO. So it’s just whether to size down to 159 or 156.
The advantages of 159 over 156 include more stability at speed, more float in powder, a larger landing platform.
The advantages of 156 are more maneuverability, better for freestyle type things, better in trees.
In terms of waxing, I usually ride the factory wax for a couple of days and then give it a wax. I don’t rewax that regularly but I tend to give it a first wax earlier, when it’s straight from the factory wax. No harm in giving it a wax straight away as well. But I personally don’t bother until I’ve had a couple of days on it.
Hope this helps
Great info. What about the Never Summer West size? Is that a size down type of board as well?
Hi Ryan
I wouldn’t size down for the West. It’s a regular widthed board (in the non-wide sizes of course).
For the West, I would be weighing up between the 159 & 162 for you – again which one you go for will depend on the qualities you want to augment – go longer for more stability at speed, more float in powder, a larger landing platform. And shorter for more maneuverability, better for freestyle type things, better in trees.
Hope this helps
Nate,
Great site.
Looking for a new board to work on riding switch and just playing around a bit more.’
Stats: 6’2″ 175 lbs. 30 years of boarding. Freeride guy.
Currently on a NS 25X. Great board, may need to try the PYL next year.
So I could stay NS, and go with a West or a Type II.
YES Standard possibly, or Brainstorm?
Thoughts?
Hi Jim
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the 25 was a great board – shame they took it out of the line (though the Chairman is a good replacement). If you were to stick with NS, I think the PT2 would be the best compliment to the 25. It’s the most different. It’s a freestyle oriented ride, and more suitable for switch than the West (though the West is pretty good for switch too). But yeah, just a better compliment I reckon. Not as good in powder, but if you’ve got the 25 for that, then you’ve got that covered. And you’re still not going like super soft or like going with a really loose ride with the PT2. It’s still aggressive enough and mid-flex. Certainly not a noodle or anything.
The Brainstorm is quite a playful all-mountain ride. If you want something a lot more playful than the NS 25, but still want something that’s a little more directional, then the Brainstorm would be a good choice, but not going to be as good riding switch as something like the PT2 or Standard.
The Standard would be a good option. Good for switch, particularly when on the centered stance – and something you can play around with a bit more. Not ultra-playful – can still get a little aggressive on it.
You should also check out the Greats, if you’re looking for that more playful ride, without going too playful, but being great for riding switch. And also check out the following:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
If you don’t need something for powder, then that list is a good place to start, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello Nate
I just realized posting questions here instead of in emails is preferable to you. Please ignore my email and my apologies for any inconvenience!
I’m 5’9, 135 pounds, boot size 9 and on the lower end of advanced rider. I currently ride a down sized box knife 148 which works well enough for an all mountain freestyle ride(with more effort to keep it stable at high speeds of course). But for my riding progress I’d like to see a more stable platform at speeds and bigger jumps/more pow riding, same carving ability, similar edge hold, quick edge to edge transition, lastly doable for ground tricks/jibbing. I live in asia so for my needs the available options are(based on my research) :
longer box knife at 151
typo 152
standard 149
Which one you think suit my needs better or if you have other recommendations?
Sorry about duplicated/length message and I’d love to hear your thoughts
Also big thanks to your effort on building such a wonderful site, can not thank you enough for educating us snowboarding lovers!
Hi Adrian
Thanks for your message.
From everything you’re describing, I would say go for the Standard. But I would maybe even be looking to go up to the 151 Standard, if you have it available.
The 151 Box Knife and 152 Typo are going to give you a little more in terms of carving, powder and speed vs the 148 Box Knife, but the difference will be greater with the Standard, IMO – even the 149.
The 151 Standard is a little wider than what you’re riding now (at the inserts) but not a huge amount, and I think it would work fine with 9s (and not that much wider than the 151 Box Knife). And will give you even more in terms of stability at speed, stability on landings off big jumps, powder and carving. The 149 would be quicker edge to edge and easier for ground tricks/jibbing, so there is a compromise, but the 151 would still be doable for those things. So both are options depending on if you want a more pronounced difference in terms of stability at speed etc, or if you’re happy with a less pronounced difference there, and maintaining a quicker edge to edge transition/jib/ground trick ability.
The 149 would still give you more in terms of speed/pow/stability on landings, IMO, vs the 148 Box Knife and I would go with that over the 151 Box Knife and 152 Typo for what you’re describing, but the 151 is also a good option, if you’re wanting even more in terms of stiffness/speed etc.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much for your time and patience! Your input is very helpful/insightful. Thanks again for your great effort replying so many questions and such a wonderful site. Good luck with everything Nate
Hello again Nate
Based on your helpful input now I’m definitely going for a standard. It’s somehow difficult for me to choose from 149 and 151 since trying one on is not an option. I had a west mark rocker in wrong size 153 which was a chore to turn or maneuver. Not sure if it was the profile or length tho. Also my boot size is 9 in Burton but actually 8.5 in vans aura (my current boots). You still think I’ll be able to drive the 151 with agility?
Hi Adrian
A couple of things to consider.
1. The rocker profile on the Westmark rocker, if anything should have made it easier to maneuver, so I would say that it wasn’t the camber profile.
2. But the Westmark does have a lot of effective edge vs overall length. I’m guessing the Westmark Rocker you had was around 2015 or prior (just because since then they haven’t had a 153). The effective edge (EE) on the 2015 and prior 153 Westmark rockers was 119.6cm – which is a lot for a 153. The EE in comparison on the 151 Standard is only 112.3 – so the 151 Standard, in that sense should feel significantly less than the 153 Westmark rocker.
3. It’s more the length of your feet that drive the board, so a different sized boot won’t change your leverage, at least not significantly. But yeah, I think the 151 would still be fine in the 8.5 Auras.
It’s a tough one, but i would be leaning towards 151 still, especially if you’re looking to keep the 148 Box Knife – then it also gives you a bigger contrast in your quiver.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Sorry to ask another question here I’ve actually realized my boots are 11.5 Salomon dialogues (not 11) as per my earlier thread. I ride normally -15/+15 angles and so far have not had any issues with heel or toe drag on the Salomon 158w, this has a width of 258mm. Just checked and the 162 explorer has a width of 256 so it’s slightly narrower but not sure it would be an issue or not? The other alternative is a get the 161W explorer as this has a width of 264mm but it’s only up to 200lbs weight vs the 162 at 210lbs. I’m currently 194 without gear. What do you think? I’m not doing super deep euro carves (I’m 43 so just want to get down intact 😉 would appreciate any thoughts as I can get either size currently… cheers
Hi Martyn
Typically I’d say go a little wider than the 162 Explorer with 11.5s. However, given that Jones boards are usually wider at the inserts vs waist width than Salomon boards are, I would suspect that the Explorer is actually as wide as your Salomon 158W at the inserts. Potentially even a little wider. So, since you haven’t had any issues on your Salomon and since you ride with +15/-15 angles and aren’t doing any massively deep carves I think you’ll be fine on the 162. I wouldn’t worry too much about the weight guidelines. Think weight wise you would be fine on either (and they typically go off weight without gear, anyway).
Both would work, but if you’re used to the width of your Salomon and don’t have any issues on it width-wise, then I think you’ll be fine on the 162.
Hi Nate
I’m going to upgrade from a Salomon sight 158w to a Jones explorer but had a question on sizing. I’m 194lbs (without gear), 180cms tall and wear a size 11 boot.
I think I’ll need the 162 rather than the 159 as it’s a similar width to my current board and I’m poss a little heavy for the 159. Wasn’t sure if I’d notice the extra length? I’m mainly cruising groomers, carving and a little powder when I can get it in the alps. Any help appreciated before I pull the trigger online….
Hi Martyn
Thanks for your message.
For the Explorer, I agree that the 162 is likely the best size. The Explorer is something that can be ridden longer as it has a shorter effective edge vs overall length than most boards (actually has a very similar effective edge to the 158W Sight) – so I don’t think you’ll notice that length until you’re in powder, at which point that extra length is a good thing. And in any case sizing up a bit from 158W is probably a good idea for your specs, especially if you’re just carving, riding groomers and powder. And I’m guessing your 158W Sight was sized for you as a less advanced rider than what you are now – so with more experience sizing up can also be a good idea.
So all round, I think the 162 is a better option. And should be fine for size 11 boots, assuming you don’t ride with too straight a back foot binding angle. But yeah, likely to be about the same width as the 158W Sight in any case, and if you didn’t have any issues there, then I’d say you’ll be fine width-wise.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate
Appreciate the fast response. Your site is a really great resource and your hands on advice is amazing !
Thanks again… off to do a bit of internet shopping now 🙂
You’re very welcome Martyn. Hope you have a great rest of your season and enjoy your new board!
Thank you for anwering Nate.
I ordered 152. Tell me what wax you would use on her. And what bindings to it (I think about Burton Malavita) but it’s hard to get size S (25cm) but I think shoes would take 25 + 1cm (Adidas Reaponse ADV Boa). What do you think about this statement.
Hi Peps
The Malalvita would be a good match, IMO. With 8.5 boots, the Medium would actually be the best size for the Malavita, rather than the Small. You could also check out the following, which would all match well with the West.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hey! A great guide. I wonder about the purchase of Never Summer West, but its minimum length is 152. Only the Never Summer version of West Lady has a length of 149. What would you advise on the increase of 167cm, weight 68kg, foot US 8.5.
Hi Peps
Thanks for your message.
I think the 152 would actually be a great size for your specs. Assuming you are a relatively advanced rider (at least solid intermediate), then it would be a good length – and the width should be fine too for 8.5s. Width at inserts is likely around 256mm (estimated, based on measuring different size), which is good for 8.5s, IMO. Unless you are a beginner (in which case the West probably isn’t the best option), I think the 152 is fine for you.
Hope this helps
Great site and incredible effort in responding to comments. Looking for a board primarily for groomers, occasional off trail hits, and some powder. Holding speed is important. Have been considering the NS West X. Does that seem like a good fit? If so, what would you recommend size wise? 6′ 3″, 170 lbs., 13 boot. I have been riding a 158W for the past several years, but think I probably need to move up the scale.
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message.
I think the West would certainly fit what you’re describing. Speed-wise if you’re an out and out bomber, then there are better options if you wanted to maximize that aspect. But for most levels of speed, I found the West to hold well.
Size-wise, I think the 160X is the best bet for you.
Width-wise, it’s potentially borderline for 13s, but if you’ve had no issues on the 158W (depending on the make and model), then you’ll probably be fine.
Hope this helps with your decision
Many thanks for the speedy response(s), Nate! My old board was a Ride Fleetwood, which sported a 265mm waist on the 158. Looks like I’d be giving up a couple mms of waist with the WestX, but I’m not certain how big of a difference that would be. Also interesting insight that the Story may actually be narrower though listed at 265. I may need to see if I can step on one of these in person, but it’s always a bit tough to find them locally.
Another board that caught my eye is the Gnu Rider’s Choice Asym. The Wide appears to have a 268mm waist, and it seems to hit a lot of the all-mountain boxes though it may be more freestyle oriented than I need. Any thoughts?
Last question, would the Union Strata pair well with these boards?
Hi Stephen
Yeah the Rider’s Choice is certainly more freestyle oriented, but what I would consider all-mountain-freestyle rather than out and out freestyle. You would be giving away a little in terms of carving, speed and powder, when it comes to something like the West. GNU boards don’t typically have a lot of difference between waist and width at inserts. Based on measuring a different size, I would say that the Rider’s Choice 158W or 162W would be around 273mm at the inserts (vs the West 160X which I would predict to be around 271mm at the inserts). You could measure your Ride Fleetwood at the inserts (at reference point) and see what that is (measure it on the base of the baord, from metal edge to metal edge). And if it’s similar, then you’ll have a good idea that you’ll be OK with the widths.
The Strata would work really well with the West, Story and the Rider’s Choice, IMO. A good flex match. I would say the Rider’s Choice is a little softer (5/10 flex) but not by heaps and would still pair with the Strata.
Hope this helps
Thanks, Nate! On your recommendation, I just picked up a West 160X. Still a little bit torn about the Story, but I was a bit worried about the width and the magnetraction being overkill. I’m also picking up a new pair of boots to pair with the whole kit. Any thoughts on how the Ride Trident would work with the Strata and West? It seems like a bit more of an aggressive/freeride boot, but I’m making the leap to Boa and that appears to be one of the best options in that market. Thanks again for all the input!
Hi Stephen
I actually just rode the 2020 Niche Story on the weekend. I rode the 156 – it was 263mm at the inserts (and 258mm at the waist). So yeah, not a big difference there. The 162, likely to be around 270mm at the inserts – so not far off the West X. But both are great options. The Magnetraction has also been mellowed out a little for the 2020 model (but that doesn’t apply if you were looking to buy now). I would say that the Story 2020 also felt a little stiffer than what I’ve rated it here – and will be upping it to 6.5/10 or even 7/10, depending on what the rest of the boards I demo feel like. But will be upping it a little anyway.
As for the Ride Trident, they are getting on the stiff/aggressive side for that setup. Good boots for sure, but there are a lot of good BOA options out there. I would say the Tridents are about an 8/10 flex.
Some good options that are around that 6/10, 7/10 mark.
– K2 Maysis (7/10 flex)
– Adidas Response (6/10 flex)
– Ride 92 (6/10 flex)
– Ride Deadbolt (7/10 flex)
– Thirty Lashed Double Boa (6/10 flex)
To name a few. The Trident is a great boot though, IMO, just whether or not it’s just on the too stiff side for that setup or not.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Excellent site!
I’m looking for a new board, I’ve never really found one that feels right. I’ve tried custom Flying V endeavour colour, custom camber, but not hit it off that well yet. I always go back to the Flying V as my default.
I’m intermediate, ride 5-10 days a year, tend to stick to groomers, but like to find the pow when I can. Location wise, Mainly europe, but I’m heading to Whistler in April this year, so want to get the board right.
I’m 6’1”, roughly 190lb without my gear, size 10 Uk books (ions)
I’m interested in board size and type.
Thanks
Adrian
Hi Adrian
Thanks for your message.
Since you haven’t clicked with either a full camber, a flying V or a hybrid camber (Endeavor, Color), then you’ve covered a few bases there. A hybrid rocker will feel a little different from the Flying V – but closer to Flying V than the others. So, if you feel that the Flying V is the closest to what you’re looking for that you’ve found so far, then I think going Hybrid Rocker is a good idea. If you preferred the Custom Camber or Endeavor Color to the Flying V, then I would suggest looking at a hybrid camber. Going with a different brand is probably a good idea too – as all brands tend to have different feels, even if they have some similar specs.
If you feel like the Flying V is the closest so far, then I would look at hybrid rocker, like:
Never Summer West
Niche Story
Nitro Team Gullwing
If you feel like you would prefer a hybrid camber, then the following would be good options to look at:
YES Standard
Jones Mountain Twin
Slash Brainstorm
Rossignol One LF
YES Typo
Length-wise, I would be looking at something around 159 to 161 as an intermediate rider.
Width-wise, with UK10 Ions, you could go as narrow as 254mm at the waist width, depending on the board, if you ride with something like +15-15 binding angles. With a very straight back binding angle, I would move that minimum to 260mm. Anything up to 264mm waist width would work as a maximum. It does depend on the board too, as some have much different width at inserts compared to waist width, so those numbers are only rough. If you narrow it down to 1 or 2 boards, I can give you my opinion on best sizes for those, for both length and width.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks so much for the response. I always thought my Jamie Lynn was a 157 Wide, but I just measured the waist width and it’s approximately 25cm across. I’m not sure of my current binding angles, but I’d hate to leave myself limited. I currently wear a size 11 2015 Burton SLX boot which I believe might have a reduced footprint. Based on further research i’ve research I’ve narrowed my choices down to the Terrain wrecker 157 (25.7 waist width) and the Jones Mountain Twin 158W(25.8 waist width) I’ve already went ahead and ordered the Genesis bindings after you mentioned how comfortable they are. Just deliberating which board will check all the boxes for me and provide me with the diversity I am looking for. I’m a 45 yr old male and I’m not looking jump off cliffs or win any races down the mountain. I’m lucky to get 15-20 days on the mountain each year and I mostly ride in the northeast with a trip or two yearly it to Utah or Colorado. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and thanks again for the advice and helpful info.
Regards,
Erik
Hi Erik
Based on other Lib Tech boards I’ve measured, there isn’t typically a big difference (compared to average) between waist and width at inserts on Lib Tech boards, so I would imagine that the Terrain Wrecker would be around 263mm at the inserts, with the 257mm waist. The Mountain Twin on the other hand has a larger than normal difference. So even though the waist is similar, the Mountain Twin 158W is likely to have around a 271mm width at inserts (based on measuring a difference size Mountain Twin) – so the Mountain Twin 158W is likely to be a good amount wider at the inserts. But if you’ve been riding on a 250mm waisted Lib Tech, and you have Burton boots, then I think you would still be fine on the Terrain Wrecker.
Also, to note, that width for the Mountain Twin is based on the reference stance, which is 600mm (23.6″) which is quite a wide stance width – if you were to ride it narrower, then it wouldn’t be as wide, where your bindings go.
The Mountain Twin, for me, is about one of the most versatile boards out there. It feels consistent in any terrain, and can ride any style. I haven’t ridden the Terrain Wrecker but based on specs and what others are saying, also seems very versatile.
Most Lib Tech boards I’ve ridden are very good in hard/icy conditions, so there’s that, given that your on the East Coast. But the Mountain Twin is pretty good too. At a guess I would say the Terrain Wrecker is likely a little better in that area, but not a huge difference.
Terrain wrecker it is. Thanks for all the helpful info and insight. Keep up the great work. I enjoy your site very much.
Erik
You’re very welcome Erik. Thanks for visiting the site and glad I could help. Happy riding!
P.S: If you think of it at the time, let me know what you think of the Terrain Wrecker, once you’ve had a chance to ride it. I’m hoping to ride it this spring, but good to get as many opinions as possible.
Hey Nate,
I’m starting to research new board and bindings option after about 10 years on my Lib tech Jamie Lynn Phoenix blond. I am 45 yrs old 165 lbs and 5 ft 9′ I wear a size 11 boot. I’m an advanced intermediate rider looking for that one board to do a bit of everything. I really don’t want any limitations and I’m hoping my next set up will last me as long as my Jamie Lynn. I’m not too knowledgeable on the latest technologies and board shapes, which leads me to looking to you for some advice. So far based on a few recommendations i’ve narrowed some of my choices down to the Lib Tech Terrain wrecker 157, Lib tech T Rice pro 157 Jones ultra and standard mountain twin 155W or 158W, and both Burton customs(standard and rocker) For bindings I’m deciding between Burton Genesis and Union Atlas both size Lg. I’d appreciate any helpful info and I’m open to any suggestions you might have. Also in regards to sizing, what do you suggest in terms of board length and whether I need a wide board.
Thanks!
Hi Erik
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, length-wise, I would say something around 157 is a good way to go, give or take.
Width-wise, with 11s, I would say wide in more cases than not, but in some cases you can get on a regular width board. If you ride with angles like +15-15 (i.e. with a reasonable amount of angle on the back binding), then that helps to get on a narrower board – as does low profile boots. If you could let me know the size of your Jamie Lynn Phoenix too. The width of that, assuming you haven’t had any drag issues would also help to make a call. But generally speaking roughly minimum of 254mm waist width, with 15 degrees on the back binding – and min 261mm waist width if a completely straight back foot. This is only roughly speaking as the width at inserts can differ compared to waist width depending on the board.
The Ultra Mountain Twin is quite a different beast to the Mountain Twin. They do have a lot of similarities, but the UMT is significantly stiffer. It would be the most different from the options you’ve got there, just because of that stiffness. It’s not something that I really enjoyed slowing down and playing around with. It’s a more the kind of board that wants to go fast all the time, from my experience. If that’s what you’re after, then it’s aweseome, but if you want to slow it down and play around sometimes, then the others you’ve mentioned are better options. The T Rice Pro the same to some extent. But if you were wanting something similar in flex to your Jamie Lynn Phoenix, then those 2 would be the closest in that sense. But if you’re looking to mellow it out a little, then the other options are likely better.
The Burton Custom Flying V is likely going to be going too mellow – and with that Flying V profile will probably feel too loose compared to what you’re used to, IMO.
The Custom Camber certainly an option, as are the Terrain Wrecker (not one I’ve ridden yet but heard good things) and Mountain Twin.
If you were to go with something like the UMT or the T Rice Pro, then I would say to pair them with the Atlas for sure. Just going to give a bit more response and drive to those boards, than the Genesis, IMO (the Genesis X would be more suitable).
For the Custom Camber, Terrain Wrecker and Mountain Twin, both the Genesis and Atlas would work – which one would depend on whether you were more looking for response or wanted something that had better board feel. The Genesis, IMO, are more comfortable and have considerably better board feel, but the Atlas are more responsive.
Depending on boots and angles, I would say:
Terrain Wrecker: 157
T Rice Pro: 157 or 157W
Mountain Twin: 158W
Ultra Mountain Twin: 158W (or 155W to mellow it out a bit)
Custom: 158W
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
I also forgot to mention that I certainly would like to mellow it out a bit from the Jamie Lynn. If I did go with the the mountain twin should I consider the 155w as well as the 158w? Just trying to cover all my bases.
Thanks again,
Erik
Hi Erik
Yeah you would certainly fit into the range for the 155W. And width-wise I imagine it would be fine. Further to my last comment, re the 158W having a width at inserts of around 271mm. The 155W is likely to be a little narrower than that at the reference point, even though it has the same waist width as the 158W, as it has a narrower reference stance. But still plenty wide enough for you, I would say.
Some pros of going 155W are that it would feel more mellow than the 158W (which is a good thing if that’s what you’re looking for) – better for trees, more agile at slower speeds, feel softer flexing/more playful. Better for freestyle in general. Downsides is that it will be a little less stable at higher speeds, and won’t float as well in powder. But that said, it’s likely to be similar in surface area to the 157 Jamie Lynn – as it will be a little wider. And overall, I would say that the Mountain Twin probably has slightly better float than the Jamie Lynn anyway.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Natee!
I have a question about rossignol Onel LF 153 2018.
I try to buy one on second hand and I’m 169 cm, 75kg and 42 EU Burton.
You think 153cm is correct for me? I make all mountain, a little pow a little groomers.
I have a burton cartels 18.
Thanks
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
I think you could definitely ride the 153. I would be weighing up the 153 and 156. Both sizes would be a good width for your boots, IMO.
For float in powder and stability at speed, the 156 would be better, but the 153 better in the trees and more maneuverable at slower speeds and better for freestyle. Also the 153 would be more suitable if you are more of an intermediate rider. If you’re more advanced, then the 156 is likely the better call, unless you also ride a fair bit of freestyle/trees. You could still ride the 153 as an advanced rider who does no freestyle, but I would be leaning towards the 156 in that case. In other cases, the 153 should be a good size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all the information on your site. I’m trying to decide between out what size the 159/162 on the Never Summer West.
I’m 5’11”, 200 lbs, 10.5 boots. Currently ride an old NS T5 Premier 165, a remnant of my time living out west. I do a bit of everything except park, mostly in the Midwest now.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thx
Brad
Hi Brad
Thanks for your message.
You could certainly ride both, but I would be leaning towards the 162 for a few reasons.
1. It’s better suited for your weight
2. Both should be fine width-wise for your boots, but the 162 gives you a little more leeway
3. You’re coming from a 165. The 162 will be less of an adjustment than the 159 – but you would still be sizing down a little both in terms of overall length and effective edge, which I think would be a good thing.
4. You don’t ride park – that would have been one argument for the 159.
Hope this helps
Good morning, Sir!
I am 6-1, 180 pounds, size 12 boot.
I ride an old High Society Empire (165w) – big mountain board, very stiff. Love bombing runs and hitting the trees.
Knowing that, what are the major differences between the West and the Standard? Are both of those boards going to give me something a little different compared to what I am riding now? Very interested in both, but I would hate to snag something similar to my board now. Also, would you recommend the 159 in the standard? What about the west? Would i need to look at the wide boards? (west X)
Thanks,
Matt
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
I don’t know the High Society Empire (and struggled to find detailed specs on it), but based on what you’re describing both the West and Standard are quite different from it.
From what I can tell the Empire is a traditional camber profile. The Standard is a hybrid camber (camber between the feet and under the feet but rockered towards tip and tail) and the West is a hybrid rocker (rocker between the feet and camber under the feet and towards tip and tail).
Both, I imagine would be softer. By my feel both a 6/10 flex. The Empire sounds like it’s quite stiff.
The Standard is a directional volume twin – basically a twin, but with a bit more volume in the nose. The West is a directional twin – a little longer nose vs tail and a bit of a setback. The Empire sounds like it’s probably more directional, given that you describe it as a big mountain board. The Standard and West are both what I would describe as “do-it-all” kind of boards, that can take you anywhere and do a bit of everything.
Size-wise, for the Standard, I think the 159 would be a good size for you. I actually like the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs) but for a few reasons I would go 159 for you, even though those specs are similar. 1. because you have 12 boots. I like to size down in length for this board because it’s wide for my boots, but it’s not wide for your boots, so going 159 makes more sense. 2. You are used to a 165W and going down to a 156 would be too much, IMO 3. I like to ride quite a bit of freestyle, so like a shorter board for those aspects. You could even look at the 162, given that even that is shorter and less effective edge than what you’re currently used to. The 162 would be better for you in terms of stability at speed and float in powder. The 159 on the other hand will be better in the trees, and better for slowing down and playing around with (if that’s something you ever do).
Size-wise for the West, yeah definitely wide with a 12 boots. Usually I would say go for the 160X, but since you’re used to a 165, the 164X becomes an option. Again, the longer 164X will be less of an adjustment from your current board, offer more in terms of stability at speed and float in powder, whereas the 160 will be more agile, better in the trees, better at slower speeds, better for freestyle etc. I personally like the 159 for the West (with size 10 boots).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi there. I love your website. 2 questions for you. 1) I am 5-10 and 160 pounds with a 10.5-11 size boot. I think a 158-159 works best but would love your thoughts.
2) Would also love your thoughts on what board you recommend. I mainly snowboard on groomers, powder, and resort chop. Not doing any tricks or jumps. Looking for a board that can handle high speed carving, even in heavy and choppy snow and float on powder. thanks!
Hi Spencer
Thanks for your message.
Given your style of riding and your specs, I think something around 157, 158 would be a great size for you. And you could even ride 159 for an all-mountain board, given that you don’t do any tricks/jumps. Width-wise, you’re kind of on the cuff when it comes to going regular width or wide, with 10.5s to 11s. If 10.5s and you ride with binding angles like +15/-15 or similar (i.e. with a reasonable angle on the back binding), then you should be fine with regular width. But for all other scenarios, especially given that you like to carve, I think going wide would be a good idea. If you really want to stick to regular width boards, then going with a low-profile boot and really trying to get into a 10.5 would be a good idea.
Board-wise, you could possibly look at Freeride boards too, assuming you’re riding at a relatively advanced level. They are more focused on speed, carving and powder, and aren’t designed to also be able to do freestyle stuff like all-mountain boards are. So they’re more specialized to what you’re describing. You can check out some options at the following, to see if that’s something you’d prefer.
>> My Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
But if you’re looking for something a bit more forgiving (which can often mean better in chop), then this is a good list to look at.
Or you could also look at the following:
>>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards
Which don’t tend to be as good in powder as all-mountain or freeride – and can be hard work in chop, but I think the Mercury and Explorer would be great options for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
I am going for the Yes Standard. Unsure if I should take the 156 or 159. I am 5,11 and 160 lbs, 8,5 in shoe size, intermediate and going for carving and freeride. What size would you redommend?
Hi Mats
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, I would definitely go 156, even for a carving/freeride oriented style. The 159 would be too long and too wide to work well for you, IMO. If you were going to be doing more freestyle type stuff, I would even say go 153 for this board. But for what you’re describing, I think the 156 would be a good size. It’s still going to be quite wide for 8.5s, but that extra width will help with powder float.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for this amazing site and all the information regarding this sport.
I began riding 2 years ago with Burton Clash and at this moment the board starts to feel little bit sloppy in our Finnish conditions which are mostly hard snow/icy resorts, powder is pretty rare to us and something to keep dreaming about. Clash is very forgiving (and amazing for beginners) board but the edge hold is quite bad in our typical conditions. I’ll keep the Clash for the snowy days, for sure.
Do you have a board in mind that would work for me? I don’t care too much riding in the park or doing any extreme backcountry, mostly on-trail. Just wishing more hold doing the harder snow/icy parts and picking up some speed. I would consider myself as an (almost) intermediate rider.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Tuomas
Thanks for your message.
Not surprised that you’ve had edge-hold issues with the Clash. Like you say, a great forgiving, beginner board – but not one for those Icy conditions.
At a beginner going on intermediate level, I would look at something like:
YES Basic
YES Typo
Rossignol Templar
Also, check out the following (all the boards that I consider the best in hard/icy on that list is listed above, but this will give you some more info on the boards.
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
If you want a little step up in quality – but at the same time probably a little bit of a steeper learning curve, you could also look at the likes of:
Rossignol One LF
YES Standard
YES Greats
GNU Rider’s Choice
Lib Tech TRS
If you can’t find any of those, let me know and I can give you some more options, that are still better than the Clash in hard/icy conditions, but maybe not quite as good as those.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
and thank you for your answer. I was looking at the YES Standard few times, but it seems that it’s unavailable here in northern Europe and if I were to order it from States, the price goes too high with the taxes, importing and everything. I’m also going to ride on the Alps like once or twice a year so the next board needs to handle all of this. I don’t mind the bigger learning curve if it gives me a board that I can use for a longer time, I’m worrying that i’ll have to upgrade the next board after two to three seasons.
I’m 5’7ft, 175lbs and 9/9.5 size boot. I also have the Burton Custom bindings and Burton Moto boots. Do you think these would work with the stiffer board or do they become the achilles heel when riding with something more challenging?
Do you have any boards you would recommend from Burton with a size in mind? I like The Channel -system which I have on the Clash.
Thank you!
Hi Tuomas
Having softer bindings and boots isn’t ideal for a stiffer flexing board. I find that softer boots and bindings make it harder to drive a stiffer board, so ideally, you would want to upgrade those too. If you did, you could still use them on days when you take out your Clash (which you can then just leave the bindings attached, which is convenient for days when you do take the Clash out). Of course, you don’t have to upgrade those, but it’s highly recommended with a stiffer board.
Size-wise, I would look at something in the range between 154 and 156.
From Burton, I would say that the Custom Flying V would be a good option. Though it’s not the best in hard/icy conditions. Can’t think of too many Burton boards that are, that don’t have camber dominant profiles, which might be a bit too advanced at this stage. Though you might get away with something like the Burton Process (non-flying V) which has Burton’s “purepop camber” which is still camber dominant but not full camber. Or The Family Tree Trick Pilot (though the shortest size there is 158).
Hope this helps
Thank you again for you insights. It seems to me that in this range the Burton is ruled out considering my skill level and riding conditions here. I found the Yes Standard in UK for sale with correct price range so I’m ordering that and will be using the Custom bindings and Moto boots for now when searching for the correct bindings and boots to match this setup.
Any advices on these would be also appriciated, thank you very much for all the info!
Hi Tuomas
Awesome that you were able to find the Standard. When you change bindings, I would go for something with either a 6/10 or 7/10 flex. Same for boots. Some good options at the link below.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this gives you some good options
Thanks Nate!
Nate, I just want to say THANK YOU for putting all this great info together in one place. I’ve read almost everything over the past week and have learned a ton, but am definitely overwhelmed at the number of options out there. I’d like your opinion on my unique situation. I’m 30 (5’8 155lbs), been snowboarding casually since I was 13, primarily in the Canadian Rockies. 4 years ago I hurt my back (not on the hill) and haven’t been out since, but I’d like to get back on the horse here now. I recently sold my snowboard I grew up on, no idea what type of board it was but I know it was too small for me now. Before I hurt myself I’d consider myself on the low end of advanced riding, loved bombing the mountain, cautious carving on the blacks, but I could tear up the blues as fast as I wanted. Loved powder as well, so I want a board that will have max fun factor in powder. I’m rarely in the park, not comfortable switch, and any jump would be off natural features.
My caveat is I want a forgiving board, that’s not too easy to catch an edge on. I want to set myself up for success and give myself the best chance of not having a costly spill. So in your opinion, what would be a good performing beginner board for my style or a forgiving more advanced performing board. I’m not opposed to buying new to get exactly what I want, but there’s a couple good deals I’ve seen locally on a Jones Mountain Twin, Ride Wildlife, Niche Story, Capita Mercury, Rossignol One, and Burton Flying V boards. Could you recommend one of those for my situation I would I be better served with something else? Thanks for your time Nate, I really appreciate it.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I would be leaning towards something like the Mountain Twin, Wildlife, One and Custom Flying V. The Story from my experience is a little stiffer, and the Mercury a little more aggressive – and since you want something forgiving.
The Wildlife, One and Custom Flying V would all suit what you’re describing really well, IMO.
I think for your level I wouldn’t go for a strictly beginner board, as boards like this are still forgiving but offer more performance than beginner boards.
The Slash Brainstorm, Never Summer West (or even Snowtrooper if you wanted even more forgiving), or Nitro Team Gullwing would all be good options too, IMO.
Size-wise, I would be looking at around 155, 156 at an advanced level, but you could go a little shorter than that too, if wanted to get a slightly more forgiving feel. Not too short, so as to eat into powder performance, but certainly 153, 154 would work for you, IMO. So I’d say a range between 153 to 155 would be a good range to look at.
Hope this helps
Thanks very much Nate, (sorry for the original double post as well) I hope you had a great holiday season. I’m super close to grabbing a last years model 156cm Wild Life (no bindings) for a good price, however there’s a lightly used 158cm Wild Life with Ride Revolt bindings for the same price. Do you think that’s too long? There’s also a 155cm Endeavor Board of Directors near me as well, do you have much experience with that one? Finally, what are the old Burton Customs like? There’s a good condition 2007 156cm Burton Custom (pre flying V I guess). Thanks for all your insight, will be grabbing something here shortly, and I’ll report back.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for your message.
IMO, the 158 Ride Wildlife would be too long for you, based on your specs and what you’re describing. Sounds like a good deal, but I think you’d find it a bit long.
I’m not familiar with Endeavor boards, so I can’t say much there. Based on specs, it looks like it could work for you, but I’m not sure there.
The 2007 Custom would be all camber I would imagine. And not likely to be very forgiving, so I don’t think that would be suitable for you, from what you’re describing.
I would go for the 156 Wild Life from all those options (without really know the Endeavor BOD well enough but that could also be an option).
Hi Nate, sorry to bug you again on this topic, but I had an additional question on the Rossi One. Recently had the opportunity to ride the Rossi XV, and while I managed it ok, it took some extra effort to muscle it around the slopes. Assuming you’ve ridden both, is the One a decent bit softer? I did find the XV super stable and hoping the One shares some of that stability but in a softer package. Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Hi DD
Yes the One is noticeably softer flexing and also has more rocker and less camber, making it noticeably easier going than the XV. Certainly more suitable for an intermediate level than the XV. Whilst not the same level of stability at speed as the XV, the One is still a very stable feeling ride.
Happy new year!
Sorry Nate – meant to include my boot size is us10.5 on my prior question/post. Thanks
Hi DD
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing the One LF might be your best bet. It’s a very smooth turning board that’s quite damp feeling. The Standard is a little snappier in feel. Still not un-damp, but not as damp as the One LF – and the One LF is probably, just, an easier turner.
If you did go Standard the 156 would be your best bet.
For the Rossi One, I would usually say the 159 for your specs, but as an intermediate rider, and if you wanted to make it an even easier turner, then the 156 would definitely work too, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the quick reply, I will look more at the one lf. on sizing, if I went to the 156, do you think my us10.5 would be ok? I think the waist on the 156 is 252 and on the 159 is 254. my angles are usually 18/9. I’m not a “lay it over” carver by any stretch, but still wanted to check. Thank you again.
Hi DD
Yeah, I think the 156 should be fine for 10.5 boots for you, with those angles. It’s probably the narrowest you would want to go, but should be fine.
Thanks Nate! Have a great season.
You’re very welcome. Hope you have a great season too!
Hi Nate – appreciate all your great information and patience answering questions! I posted prior and am still trying to decide between the rossi one lf and one of the yes boards. the new typo appears to have widened their ref stance too much, but I’m intrigued by the standard as you reviewed it quite well. I’m low intermediate, not a bomber, but cruiser looking to add some speed and ride steeper slopes, and no park. also have dodgy knee (old man) so looking for something stable/damp but with easy turn initiation and quiver of one type. am I on the right track with one lf or standard? if not, any other suggestions? I’m 5’10 about 185 and was looking at 156. thank you in advance!
No mention of the Yes Basic Decade in any of these categories. Did you test that board for 2019? If so what is it about the deck that kept it off any of your top lists
Hi Alden
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t had the chance to test the Basic Decade yet. If they bring it out in a 2020 model, I hope to test that one. I’ve heard good things about it and it could potentially make it. Though I would likely consider it all-mountain-freestyle, given that it’s a true twin with a centered stance.
Hello Nate, I left a lengthy comment yesterday but I don’t think it went through. First of all, thank you very much for your reviews, they are very helpful! I followed your beginner board review, and I got a 157W Ride Agenda 2 years ago which I love but now outgrew. I am looking for an all mountain board in the intermediate level, that can be more stable at higher speed. I am 43 yo and do not plan on doing backflips or anything park related, just like to ride down blues and blacks in a cruisy/surfy way. I am 6’1″ and 215 lbs, so the size is also something we need to consider increasing. I was looking at the Burton Custom FV, NS West and Proto Type 2, and Jones Mountain Twin. Any thoughts on these or any other recommendation? Thanks for your help!
Hi Carlos
Please see my response to your previous comment above. Comments just have to be moderated before being published. Though it should mention this once your comment is submitted, so I’ll have to look into that to make sure it’s working properly as I’ve had a couple of people mention this recently. Thanks for pointing it out.
i dont see my previos post … checking if it saved in the back end till you respond
Hi
I received your message and replied above. All comments just have to go through moderation before they’re published.
Hi Aaron,
Am happy i found your site; Excelent reviews and detailed feedback. Well, please find below a brief of my case and appreciate your support
I m around 185 Pounds ; 5.6 Ft and 5.95 feet and boots 10.5.
My level is intermediate to advanced riding; I ride any kind of terrain pretty confident, but generally not good to cruise through quickly in bump areas. I usually think that the board i have is not the best to go throguh quick around turns but most prob is my level 🙂 is not good.
In the past i had a Travis Rice Pro 157 (or 59 dont remember) for 2 seasons (3 weeks in total aprox/ 1.5 per season) but i find out that has to be charged to make it work well. So i wantes something a little more playfull and thought that the Lib Tech TRS Firepower 159 would work. I m happy with it but not on Powder; Its not super playfull either but overal is very good but for sure not in powder since it sinks the nose to the point of getting trapped; I have set it back as much as possible, but still not working performing well in powder. Also since i m 10.5 i m just in the limit so i think that sometimes i might be touching the snow iwth the boots and slashing on groomers. What i like most is powder, and i use to seek for powder …. but also love to carve on groomers and would like to have a board more playfull for no powder days. I like riding switch and playing with simple ground tricks and intermediate jumps (red – would love to kick bigger black kickers but getting old /40). Last but not least, to be on the safe side for big powder days (Japàn or Heli days / not often) i bought last year a sale of a Jone Storm Chaser 159 which is incredible for big powder days … but if its not that deep is a little too big and stiff .. though it carves very well on groomers. I might have had to buy the smaller version 154 but its done . (should i try to change / reduce size).
Having said that and after reading your reviews of all Mountain i m now thinking between the following boards – Standard; Yes Greats;Slash Brainstron; Jones Mountain Twin or Never Summer West.
What would you recommend my as my number one all mountain quiver ; Except for big Granted Powder days where I take the Jones Storm Chaser
Hi Dalton
Thanks for your message.
I was a little confused about your height there. Just to confirm that it’s 5 foot 6 inches? I wasn’t sure what the 5.95 feet part meant?
But going off 5’6″, I think the 157 TRS would have been a better option for you. And for the Storm Chaser, I would have gone down to the shorter 152. It’s the kind of board that’s designed to be ridden shorter – and the extra width helps with float in powder (as well as a few other things on that board). I’m guessing you have the 157 for the Storm Chaser? I can’t see it in a 159. I bet the 157 has awesome float in the powder for you though!
From the boards you’re looking at, the only one I would cross off would be the Greats. Don’t get me wrong that’s one of my favorite boards, but it’s one weakness is powder. It’s a little better in powder now that it’s a little wider, but it still won’t offer any improvement in powder compared to your TRS, IMO. The Standard is an option, and if you were to ride it in the slam back stance, it would be a good option. The West would give you something just on the surfier side, so that’s also a good option. The Brainstorm and Mountain Twin would also work for what you’re describing too. Though I don’t think any of those boards would be more playful than the TRS, from what I’ve experienced, if you were to go for something around 159. But if you went for more around 156, 157, then they most likely would feel a bit more playful. Size-wise for those boards, I would say:
Standard: 156 – and this is a wider option too, so you wouldn’t have any drag issues with this.
West: 156 – but if you’re worried about width, then the 157X is also an option for sure (and would give better powder performance too)
Mountain Twin: 157 or 158W
Brainstorm: 157 – though this might be too narrow, so the 159W is the next option which could be getting a bit on the long side
If i had to narrow it down further, I think I would be weighing up between the 156 Standard and 157X West.
Of course this is based on 5 foot 6 inches. Please correct me if I have that wrong.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate ,
sorry i not make it clear … but yes i mean 180 cm height (5´9″ if i m not wrong) and weight average is 82 to 85 Kg .
Seems that Yes Standard is the way to go … now if i take the 156 you think it would be good on Powder ? or very similar to the TRS ? Setting it back would be a must right ? Does it has a good turn initiation for Tree lines ? I read that with a foot of 10.5 US is not that slow … right ?
Which one would you take ? And you recomend the 2019 Model right ?
thanks and sorry for so many questions …
PD: a petty i dont bought the Storm Chaser in a smaller size to
Hi Tomas
Thanks for the clarification. 180cm is around 5’11”, so I would change some of the sizings from before. I would say that something around 159 for an advanced level
I still think the 156 Standard would be the best option for that board. In the 156 I don’t think you would have any issues with edge-to-edge speed. I have size 10 boots, and I’m 183cm and 83kg – and I didn’t find it too slow edge-to-edge. It’s not lightning fast but it’s medium-fast, IMO. In the slam back stance, I think it would still float more than the 159 TRS. For a couple of reasons 1. Because it’s a wider board and 2. because it has a directional volume shape which helps the tail to sink and the nose to lift. I wouldn’t say it would be worlds better, but I think it would be an improvement. Yeah I would recommend the 2019 model, just because it’s a little lighter than the 2018 model (otherwise they are basically the same).
For the other options, though, I would change it to look at:
Standard: 156
West: 159 (previously I was saying 156) – but the 157X is still an option for sure (and it actually has slightly more overall surface area than the 159 – not by heaps but by a little bit)
Mountain Twin: 160 (previously I said 157. The 158W is also still an option, if you want to go wider. Though I prefer the 157 for this board, but I like it to be a bit more playful. So that’s still an option if you want more playful – but the 160 or 158W will be better in powder.
Brainstorm: 159W
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hello Nate, your reviews are awesome! Based on your recommendations for beginner boards, I bought a Ride Agenda 2 years ago. After 2 full seasons, I think I am ready to upgrade. I am 43 yo, and I don’t think I will ever do back flips or anything like that. I just love to ride the slopes on are more cruisy/surfy way. My 157W Agenda is an awesome board to learn, but now that I am picking up a little more speed coming down blues and blacks, I feel it is very unstable, and I understand it is due to the soft flex and perhaps the board being a little short for my size. I am 6’1″, 210lbs and size 12 boot, and I have Burton Step-On bindings & Ruler boots. I ride mostly in the Northeast, but we go west and/or Europe at least a couple of times during the season. I have been looking at these intermediate level boards: Burton Custom Flying-V, Never Summer Proto Type 2, Jones Mountain Twin. Would you recommend these and/or any other board for what I need? Also, what size would you recommend? Most size charts recommend 162W and up for my size and weight, but I am not sure if I should make the jump to +5cm larger from what I ride now? I still want something that is not difficult no initiate turns. I appreciate your advice and thank you very much in advance!
Hi Carlos
Thanks for your message.
Sounds like your progression is coming along nicely.
Size-wise, I think something around between a 160W to 162W would be a good way to go now. That extra length, in addition to a stiffer flex and a profile with some camber in it, will make a big difference when it comes to stability at speed. And having a bit of camber in the profile will help to give the board a bit of extra liveliness/spring too. But I wouldn’t go all camber as that can feel catchy and also you mention you want a cruisey/surfy feel, so having some rocker in there will definitely be a good way to go.
Of course, since you want that cruisey ride and are looking at intermediate boards, we don’t want to go too stiff either. Something between a 4 and 6 out of 10, would be a good place to look, IMO.
Because you’re out east I would go Mountain Twin over the Custom Flying V, just because it’s better in hard/icy conditions. Though the Custom Flying V is a little more of a surfy feel.
I would be looking at the West over the Proto Type Two for you, just because it doesn’t sound like you’ll be getting into freestyle riding, I think the West would be a better fit. The West has a slightly more surfy feel compared to the Mountain Twin, with as good edge-hold, so I think that’s sounding like a good option. If you wanted to go even more surfy/easy going the Never Summer Snowtrooper would work too. It’s a little softer flexing (4/10) and has a more mellow, more surfy camber profile. It’s still a little stiffer than the Agenda and would give a bit more stability at speed – though the difference would be more subtle compared to going West. Though going longer would also improve stability too.
Size-wise, I would go with the following:
West: 160X
Snowtrooper: 160X
Mountain Twin: 161W
The Nitro Team Gullwing would also suit your purposes well, IMO. The 162W probably the best size, though it is getting quite wide. The 159W is also an option if you didn’t want too much of a step up.
You could also look at the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker. It’s not a board I’ve ridden but have heard good things. And based on the specs and other Lib Tech boards I’ve ridden, I think that would suit what you’re describing also. The 161W would be a good size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you very much, Nate!
You’re very welcome Carlos. Hope you have an awesome season!
That helps a lot, thank you!
Have a great season on the slopes!!
You’re very welcome Aaron. Hope you have an awesome season too!
Hi Nate!
I’m having a lot of trouble picking out a good board and bindings for me. I want one that I could ride for a long time, even as I progress. I’m 6’, 190lbs and where size 11.5 DC Judge’s. I consider myself to be high beginner. I really just stick to cruising the groomers. Blues and some diamonds with friends. Slower on greens when I’m with the kids. Could you please give me some board and binding recommendations? With sizes? Thank you for your help!! Much appreciated!
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Since you’re a high level beginner, and want something that’s good for just cruising, but still want it to progress with you, I would look at one of the following. This are what I would consider good all-mountain boards that are just that little bit softer and more cruisy and more highend beginner/low end intermediate appropriate. I’m looking at creating a list for this type of board when I get the chance but in the meantime, check out the following for some options.
Length-wise, I would look at something around 158-160 for your specs/skill level.
In terms of width, you’ll need to go for a wide board with 11.5s. I’ve included the sizes that I think would be best for you, in the list below.
~ YES Typo – 159W
~ Never Summer Snowtrooper – 160X – or even 157X to go even more cruisey
~ Burton Process Flying V – 159W
~ Capita Outerspace Living – 159W (or 157W)
~ GNU T2B – 158MW
~ YES Libre – 159W
~ Arbor Whiskey – 159MW
~ Rossignol Templar – 159W
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Wow! Found your reviews on this website today which are an excellent way to pare down the decision tree… there’s so many boards out there!!
I’m 5’9″, 165 lbs, boots 9.5/10 US size and based on your skill levels write up I’d put myself at a 6/advanced though my switch game is weak, I’d like to improve it. I love the carves, occasional glading, small jumps, and when the powder is good it’s to the top to hit the bowls (and maybe out of bounds area depending on resort). I rarely go through the park but might do a few smaller jumps here and there. I’ve been riding a 2013 K2 raygun 157 since I started back in 2013.
All that said I think I’ve settled on the Yes Standard though I’m also looking at the Rossi One, Never Summer West, and Slash Brainstorm. Think you can help me narrow it down? I’m also not sure if I should size up from the 157?
Thank you,
Aaron
Hi Aaron
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think sticking with something around 156, 157 would be a good bet for specs and how you describe your riding.
Since the Raygun 2013 has a flat-to-rocker profile and a softer flex, I would say that there isn’t really one board here that is more similar (which might be one factor to help decide between them), though the hyrbid rocker profiles of the Standard, One LF, and Brainstorm are probably just a little more similar in feel than the West, but not a big deal for your decision, IMO.
Any one of those would serve you well, IMO (and will be a nice step up from the Raygun, IMO). Size-wise for the Standard, since it’s a wider board, it’s sometimes a good idea to size down a little, depending on your boot size. So for that board, it would be a toss up between the 153 and 156 for you.
For the others I would say:
Mountain Twin: 157
West: 156
One: 156
Brainstorm: 157
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Any of these being a set-up from the Raygun is exactly my reasoning as well, there’s just so many choices!
I learned to snowboard on the Raygun and have definitely put it through the wringer. Part of the reason I was looking at these is to try out a different rocker/camber profile as I’ve only ever ridden on the K2. Any reason you’d suggest sticking to the flat-to-rocker profile?
Likewise I was thinking a slightly stiffer board would be a plus now that I’ve got more experience, let me know if my thinking is amiss there.
Hi Aaron
You’re right on point in both cases. Going a little stiffer now is a really good idea. And going to a profile with camber is also a great idea. It will give you a more lively, dynamic ride. At your level, you should really appreciate that for sure. I wouldn’t recommend sticking with flat-to-rocker. IMO, flat-to-rocker is a good profile for jibbing, good in powder and a good profile for beginners. So, for a jib specialist board or a park board that’s mostly focused on jibs it’s good and for beginners it’s good. That’s my opinion anyway. It’s good in powder too, depending on other specs. But for carving, pop for jumps, general spring and liveliness out of turns, I really like to have camber in there.
Thanks for the tips Nate, much appreciated!!
I guess one last question, I noticed that West is Camber/Rocker/Camber whereas the other 3 were all Rocker/Camber/Rocker. I’m not sure what which would be preferred for my riding style (or if it matters at all?). Any advantages to either profile or is it just individual preference?
Hi Aaron
My stay just individual preference. Rocker between the feet typically means a slightly looser/more surfy feel. But in the case of the west it’s only very subtly so. Sometimes having rocker tip and tail can help with butters but not necessarily. And often rocker tip and tail is a little better for float in powder. Though rocker between the feet certainly does help with powder float. But yeah mostly personal preference, imo, but I like riding boards with both profiles, so you can certainly like both as well.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
I am looking at getting a NS West X. I am 191 cm, 115 kg and size 12 US boots and looking for some help with sizing the board. I ride a lot of treelines, bowls and some groomers. I never go to the park but like to hit naturals frequently.
Also, could you recommend a binding to pair with the board?
Hi Kirby
Thanks for your message.
It’s between the 164X and the 168X, and I would be leaning towards the 168X for you. But to help with your decision, these would be the advantages and disadvantages of each size:
The 164X will be more agile at slower speeds, better in the trees and better for your natural hits, IMO. It will also likely feel a little softer flexing than the 6/10 that I rate the West at.
The 168X will be more stable at speed, have better float in powder and be better for when you open out with wider/longer carves. The flex at this size should feel closer to around that 6/10 flex mark.
In terms of bindings, I would look at the following list. I think something with around a 7/10 flex for you, for this board would be a good range to look at:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Wow thanks for the fantastic reply. I’ve just been down to my local shop, turns out my boots are 9.5, sorry didn’t realise.
Anyway shop helper said the Mountain Twin was not good for powder, more for park and riding switch, also said the Standard wouldn’t be any good in the park or riding switch mainly for powder and groomers? I’m very confused 🙂 They said the Standard would be best in a 156 and for the Mountain Twin a 157 or 160 would be good length, up to me. Thing is I don’t know if I want longer at 160 or shorter? I currently have always ridden a 157 whenever I’ve borrowed or hired. Would I struggle on a longer board given my experience as an intermediate? would a longer board be something I spend a lot of time getting used to again before I have to come home? Sorry just want to make sure I make the right choice, just want something I can pick up and ride without too much re-learning but also I can enjoy all of the mountain whichever bit 🙂
Thanks, I’ll leave you alone after this 🙂
Cheers
Rob
Hi Rob
If you’re worried about the 160 being too long, then I would look at the 157. And it’s a size that you’re used to. The 160 would take a little bit of getting used to, since you’re used to a 157 and the 157 would be a crusier, more casual length for you. And for the Standard, the 156 is likely your best bet, based on the same reasoning.
I’m going to take a guess that whoever you were talking to in the shop hasn’t actually ridden these boards (and possibly haven’t looked at the specs or have confused their specs with other boards). But even just looking at specs, the Mountain Twin has a 20mm setback (not ideal for switch and good for powder) and has a longer nose than tail (good for powder). Maybe because it’s Jones’ most freestyle oriented board (they are overall far more freeride oriented) and maybe because it has “Twin” in the name. It’s certainly something you can take in the park, and it’s not bad for riding switch, but it’s not predominantly a park board, in my books.
The Standard is practically a twin and in it’s normal stance is centered (both good for riding switch). Yes it’s got a little more volume in the nose than the tail (which helps in powder) but you only notice that when in powder. And if you use the slam back inserts, then the ride is improved in powder too. And the Standard is awesome for jumps. It’s lively, poppy and has a nice wide platform for stability on landing jumps. And it butters really nicely, especially for a 6/10 flex. It’s even not bad on jibs (though not it’s specialty).
Whilst I agree that the Standard is good on groomers and in powder (especially when in the slam back inserts), it’s also great for jumps, buttering and riding switch.
Similarly, whilst the Mountain Twin is fine in the park and fine for riding switch, it’s also good in powder and on groomers.
Both these boards are what I would call “do-it-all”, with a slightly freeride taste. That’s my definition of all-mountain.
I would say that the Standard is actually more freestyle oriented than the Mountain Twin, but they both fit in the do-it-all category in my books.
Everyone has their own take, but I hope this gives you another perspective to help make your decision.
Thanks so much Nate, you’re a legend! 🙂
I don’t know which board I’m going to get but will definitely be one of theses two, I’ll let you know when I finally decide!
Thanks again
Rob
You’re very welcome Rob. Look forward to hearing which you go with.
Hi Nate
Firstly this is a fantastic site, I’ve been having a good read through. The time and effort you put into this is awesome!
I’m looking for a new board as I don’t currently have one. I generally borrow or hire.
I’m a 6ft size 10 english burton boots and weight 88kgs. Reading your site I would class myself middle to maybe top end intermediate.
I mainly enjoy groomers, a bit of powder and have done a very small bit of park and boarder-cross (not very good) also enjoy hitting small natural kickers etc.
I would like a board which would be happy doing the above (basically an all rounder) and also be something I could pickup a couple of times a year (not too steep a learning curve) and will keep me improving my riding and that I hopefully won’t catch an edge too much on.
I’d also like something which doesn’t chatter or get squirelly too much at speed. A board which won’t fizzle out on the flats. there are so many boards too choose from! 🙂
I ride in Europe mainly the resorts in the Alps. What would you recommend?
Thank you so much
Rob
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
Definitely sounds like an all-mountain board is the way to go for you.
Since you’ve highlighted speed as a thing, I would cross off Typo – not terrible at speed but a little below the others on this list. And highlight the Standard, West, Mountain Twin and Rossi One. All of which would fulfill your other requirements, IMO.
In terms of dampness, I would say that the Rossi One and Mountain Twin would be the dampest, but the others aren’t not damp either.
From what I’ve heard about the Alps, it can get icy quite regularly? If that’s the case, then the Rossi One, Niche Story and YES Standard would be your best bets, but the Mountain Twin, West, Brainstorm & Team Gullwing not too far behind in that aspect.
Size-wise, something around 159-161 would be a good bet for your specs, IMO.
Hope that gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
Thanks for your reply. I think I’d like to go for either the Yes Standard at 159 or the Jones Mountain Twin at 157. Do you think these lengths would be OK? Is there much difference with these boards? Reading your description of a high end intermediate (here What Are the Snowboarding Skill Levels?) basically describes my exact level perfectly. I also generally ride with bindings set at 15 15 but I don’t really understand stance width, I just ride equal, I guess this is something I will hone with more experience?
Thanks for all your advice and a great site
Rob
Hi Rob
I forgot to mention width in my last reply. Since you’re on a UK10 boot, I think you should be looking at 254mm at the waist as a bare minimum – and only that narrow as you are riding with +15/-15 angles. The Mountain Twin is quite wide at the inserts compared to the waist, so you’d probably get on the 157 fine, but I would say that the 160 would be a better size and a safer bet width-wise. But if you like your boards shorter, then if you wanted to play it safer width-wise, the 158W would also be a suitable size for you.
With the Standard, it’s the kind of board that you would want to go smaller not longer on. That said, the 159 is still appropriate for you. But if you like shorter rides, and think that the 157 is the more appropriate length for you for the Mountain Twin, then I would consider the 156. The 156 Standard is 270mm at the inserts so even that’s getting quite wide (but a good width for your boot size). That’s compared to the Mountain Twin 157 which is 266mm at the rear insert and 265mm at the front insert. The 158W Mountain Twin is likely to be roughly 270mm at the inserts. The 160 Mountain Twin likely to be around 268mm at the inserts. The 159 Standard likely to be around 275mm at the inserts. Which is getting on the wider side for your boots, IMO.
All that said, I think if you like your boards shorter, then the 157 or 158W Mountain Twin and the 156 Standard – but usually I would say 160 Mountain Twin for you. And for the Standard I would go shorter than what you would for the Mountain Twin, if that makes sense. So, if you like the look of 157 Mountain Twin, then the 156 Standard would be appropriate. I think the 159 Standard could work for you too, but not so much if you prefer something shorter.
But yeah either one of these would be ideal for your ability level, and suit how you ride from what you’re describing. It’ just a matter of choosing the most appropriate size.
Hope this helps/makes sense.
Hi There,
I would be interested to know if you could also drive the YES basic Decade. But it doesn’t look like it…
Cheers
Berne
Hi Bernhard
Thanks for your message. I’m not sure I understand your question but if you’re asking if I’ve ridden the Basic Decade, then no, I didn’t get a chance to ride that yet.
I would consider the Basic Decade more of an all-mountain-freestyle board. I have ridden the Basic, and from what I can see from the Basic Decade it’s a more powerful version of that. I would say it would make a very good all-mountain-freestyle board but I wouldn’t put it in this category.
Hope this answers your question but let me know if that’s not what you were asking
Love the updated post. What would you recommend for board size for Yes Standard? I wear size 12, 6’ 0” and weigh 220 lbs. thanks
Thanks Rasheed – glad you like the update!
For you, for the Standard, I would say the 162 (a new size for the 2019 model) would be your best bet. You could also ride the 159 – and width wise would be fine for your boots, but I think the 162 would be the better length, overall. But if you like shorter boards, or if you were to be using a lot for more freestyle oriented stuff or a lot in the trees, the 159 would work well. But to get more float in powder, stability at speed and better carving, the 162 would be a better choice.
Hope this helps
Im 5’8”, weigh 155, size 8 boot. Cant decide between the Never Summer west or the Never Summer prototype 2. I already own a 2012 Salomon drift rocker, which points me toward the west since I already have a park board. Thoughts on which board, and the sizing. Also totally open to other boards.
Hi Drew
Thanks for your message.
I agree that going West would be a better option since you already have a park board – it gives you a more all mountain option – but it’s still something you can take through the park, when you want to.
Sizing-wise, I would be weighing up between the 154 and 156. Both would do the job with the 156 being more stale at speed, better float in powder and better for deep carves (IMO) – the 154 more maneuverable at slower speeds, better for trees and better for freestyle/park stuff. I would be leaning towards the longer 156, since you already have a park board.
It also depends on the size of your Drift Rocker. If you’re riding the 152 or 154, then I would say go 156 but if you’re riding the 148, then the 156 might be too much of an adjustment and the 154 might be a better option.
Also, one more consideration, is that the 154 would be a better width for your boot size – but there isn’t a huge difference in width between the 154 and 156, so I would consider the other factors first.
Hope this helps
Hello!
I am looking to buy never summer proto type two 2019. I wonder between 154-157 height 180cm weight 71 kg. I mainly drive on designated straights and I like to go out of the road
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
If you are mostly just riding groomers and a little bit off piste, then I think the 157 would be your best choice.
But if you spend quite a bit of time in the park, doing little jumps, spins, etc and also a fair bit of time in the trees, then I think the 154 would work well. But it sounds like you’re mostly on the groomers, so I think the 157 would be the best size for you for the Proto Type Two.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Great site! This is a fantastic read with loadsd of information. I noticed you last updated this page last month, what changes have you made? Has your top 10 changed at all from an earlier posting?
I have a question, I’m 6ft, 90kg, UK size 10 boot and am a beginner/intermediate, I can confidently link turns and get down the mountain fairly smoothly but not really been doing jumps or much powder. I’ve only been snowboarding for a couple of years but generally try and go twice a year but often 9 or 10 months a part. I generally hire a board or borrow one from a friend but am looking to get my own now as prices are looking fairly good. Could you recommend something which will keep me improving but I can jump straight on even after having a fair bit of time off?. I’d like an all rounder, mainly for slope riding but with options for the park and powder.
Any ideas, so many boards I have no idea where to start and want to make sure I don’t buy something which I’m going to struggle with or be too much of a beginner board.
Many thanks and keep up the great work on an awesome site.
Thanks
Nick
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
It was just a minor tweak. No changes to the boards in the list. It’s stayed the same since the start of the 2017-18 season. I will soon be updating it for 2019 boards, but I’ll keep this on the site, so people can refer to it, if they’re looking for 2018 boards.
From what you’re describing, I think one of the following would work well for you (I’ve linked each board below to a review of that board):
~ Never Summer Snowtrooper – really easy going ride but still good for intermediate going on advanced, but also a board that a beginner can ride. And nice and versatile
~ YES Typo – again easy going but still not strictly a beginner board. More freestyle oriented but still good over the whole mountain
~ YES Libre – similar to the Typo but a little different (and really reasonably priced)
~ Ride Wildlife – more freeride oriented. Not as park suitable but doable in the park if that was going to be your least traveled area
~ Burton Process Flying V – playful and easy going but still beyond just a beginner board. Good for intermediate to advanced as well
~ Arbor Whiskey Rocker – more all-mountain-freestyle but still would be a good match for what you’re describing, IMO
You could also go for something like the Mountain Twin, Brainstorm, West or Standard, but I think the above boards would be a good fit for that beginner going on intermediate level and someone who isn’t up the mountain that often.
Length-wise, something around 159, 160 would be a good length for you, IMO. So whatever length is closest to that in the board that you choose.
Width-wise, with UK10s, I would say you should be able to get on most of the regular widths, in that 159, 160 length range, unless you ride with a very straight back foot (e.g. binding angles +18/-3 or something like that, where your back foot isn’t on much of an angle). More specifically, with UK10s, I would say something as narrow as 254mm at the waist would be fine if you ride with something like a 12 or 15 degree angle on your back foot. But minimum 260mm if you ride with something like 0 or 3 degrees on your back foot. And take off a couple off mm if you have low profile boots (e.g. recent Adidas, Burton, Ride and Vans).
Hope that helps
Hi Nate
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to get the Jones Mountain Twin but last years model has gone now and the new ones out which doesn’t look quite a good fit. I like the look of the Ride Wildlife. Given the fact there are now new boards out would you add anything to your recommendationabove? Also what should I be looking for in terms of flex and type of board bottom? I like going fast and would like to minimise chatter, so would I want something fairly stiff? I’m thinking mid stiffnes around a 5 or 6 out of 10?
Thank Nick 🙂
Hi Nick
Stiffer doesn’t necessarily mean damper/chatter. To an extent but not always. But certainly stiffer helps with a more stable feel at speed. As does a longer length (or more specifically more effective edge). But I wouldn’t go too stiff as you might not enjoy the ride/might find it difficult unless you’re a more advanced rider and are physically quite strong. Also, stiffer usually means being less maneuverable at slower speeds. But saying that, something around that 5/10, 6/10 flex isn’t overly stiff, so I think that would be a good balance between stability and still being a fun and agile ride.
For speed you’ll certainly want a sintered base – but most all-mountain style boards, except for cheaper models, come with that.
In terms of camber profile, you’ll want at least some camber in the profile for speed, preferably. Hyrbid profiles are the best way to go, IMO. Full camber is quite a technical ride and can feel quite catchy if you’re not used to it and aren’t at a certain level. Hybrid rocker or hybrid camber would be the way to go, IMO. Fortunately all the boards we are discussing have one of those profiles.
However, given the new info about your need for speed, the likes of the Snowtrooper, Typo, Process Flying V may not be your best options. The Wildlife still an option though. Not a demon at speed but hold its own.
But I think the Rossignol One would be a good option for you. It’s a quite smooth/damp ride and quite stable at speed. Again not a speed demon but a little better than the Wildlife and it’s quite damp.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thanks for your reply, I’ve been doing some more research since I mailed earlier.
I’ve decided against the Ride Wildlife as I’d prefere a board a board which I can go switch on if necessary and don’t have to worry about catching. I’m trying to decide between the Yes Libre (which you suggested) I read your review on the Jones Mountain twin and still really like that board and finally the Capita Outspace. Given what I’ve told you already about my style and what I’m looking for, which do you think would be the best board and then consequently the best size? I normally ride a 157.
Thank you so much, I’ll stop bothering you after this 🙂
Thanks Nick
Hi Nick
The Outerspace Living is more what I would categorize as all-mountain-freestyle, but I think it would be a good fit for you. It’s a good option for a high-end beginner/intermediate rider and will keep you progressing. Loose a little bit in terms of powder (just being true twin centered isn’t ideal there) but it is one of the better centered twins in powder, so it’s doable there. It’s a good all-rounder. Certainly good for riding switch.
Mountain Twin not as good for riding switch and just a little more advanced. I would still say it’s intermediate suitable but a little more of a learning curve than the Outerspace Living and Libre. The Libre is in between in the sense that it’s more freestyle oriented than the Mountain Twin but as much as the Outerspace Living. Though I wouldn’t say it’s as good at speed. The Mountain Twin best for speed, then the Outerspace Living, then the Libre.
Size-wise:
The Libre I would go 158. As I mentioned in my other reply it has a 267mm width at the back insert which should be fine for your boot size (usually I wouldn’t recommend a boad with a waist as narrow as 252 for a UK11 but in this case it should be fine, unless you ride with a really straight back foot).
The Mountain Twin I would say 157 – this is again a case of being wider than the waist suggests. I measured a 266mm width at inserts for the rear insert for the 157. It does have a wide reference stance though and if you were going for a narrower stance it wouldn’t be as wide at the narrower stance.
For the Outerspace Living, you would need to go for a wide option, IMO. The 156 that I rode was 259mm at the inserts (which is pretty standard for a board of that waist width). So, I would say the 157W would be the best size for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
PS
The Rossignol One does look like a great board, could I add that to the boards I’m looking at at the sec too, what would you think size wise for me?
Thanks
Nick
Hi Nick
It’s a tough one. I think the 156 would be too short and too narrow. The 157W probably too wide to be ideal. I think the 159 could work though. It’s 265mm at the inserts, which, if you ride with relative angled binding angles, I think you would get away with. Straighter binding angles, probably not though. I think the 159 would be a good length for you in any case, so I think that length works. It won’t be as good for learning freestyle stuff at that length but it will be good for speed, powder and carving – and still certainly doable for riding freestyle (I own the 159 – 6’0″, 185lbs, US10 (UK9) – and I use it as an all-rounder).
Hey Nate! Been reading a lot of specs and comments on various boards and have been attracted to a few. I’m on the low side of intermediate and 5’9″, 170 lbs, 10.5 boot. I’ll be living in Japan for next few years and will have access to excellent snow. For the past few years I’ve mostly used rentals but bought a 155 Rossi District secondhand and have played on it the past two seasons. I don’t ride switch, but would like to be able play around a little and also enjoy groomers with my family. Interested in all mountain, but really found the tree runs fun this past season which was a first for me. Hope you can weigh in an opinion. I’ll be using Burton Mission bindings. The boards I’m thinking of are:
157 Jones MT, !59 Jones Explorer, Yes Standard, and Yes PYL
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
The only one I would cross off the list for you, is the PYL. It’s an amazing board, but I don’t think its suitable for what you’re describing. a. because it’s more of an advanced board, not really suitable for intermediate, IMO and b. because it’s not something that’s the easiest to slow down and play around with.
But the other 3 would definitely be suitable for what you’re describing.
In terms of size, I think you’re in the right place with 157 for MT and 159 for Explorer (the Explorer is something that you can ride a little longer). I wouldn’t go longer than that. The debate would be between 154 and 157 for MT and 156 and 159 for Explorer but I think 157 and 159 would work well. Pros and cons to going shorter and longer, but on balance those sizes would be good for you, IMO.
For the Standard, the 156 is probably the best bet. You could even look at going down to the 153, but the 156 would work. The 153 (or if you were to go 154 for MT and 156 for Explorer) would be a great size for the trees (more agile at slower speeds) – and also good for learning jumps, playing around and riding park. But the longer options will give you more stability at speed, better float in powder and better for carving, IMO. So, those are some things to weigh up, in terms of sizing.
Hope this helps
Thanks so much for the input on sizing and will take your suggestion to avoid the PYL at my level. Since I don’t have a local snowboard shop, I feel more comfortable purchasing online now. The 156 Explorer is on my wish list! Thanks again!
You’re very welcome David!
I decided on the 159 Explorer and it arrived today. Looking forward to this winter! Thank you for the recommendations and information you provide on your site!
You’re very welcome David. Thanks for visiting the site! If you think of it at the time, let me know your impressions once you get the chance to ride your new Explorer. Bring on winter!
Hi Nate,
I’ve been checking out lots of your reviews and think the Jones mountain twin is the board for me.
I am intermediate and i am looking for an all mountain board that i can keep and grow my skills with for a few seasons.
I want a board that would suit the conditions of Australian snow which can get a bit icy but also be able to take it with me when i travel to Japan, Canada, Colorado in powder conditions etc.
I enjoy a mix of carving groomed runs, off the tracks through the trees and hitting natural jumps are drops along the way. Currently learning to ride switch a bit better and hitting some smaller jumps in the parks.
Do you think this board would suit my needs? Or any other recommendations?
I am 185 cm tall, usually sit between 88-93 kg and boot size is 11.5 which are Burton rulers so i believe their sizes are known to be a bit different.
Thanks in advance, your reviews have been a big help already!
Matt.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
It sounds like you do a real mix of everything, which would make the Mountain Twin a great option – it’s really consistent across all sorts of terrain and is really versatile for different aspects of riding, so as a one board quiver I think it would suit your needs really well. It’s also intermediate level suitable but something you can ride as a more advanced rider too, so it ticks that box as well, IMO.
In terms of size, I would say the 161W would be a great size for you.
Burton boots (as well as some other brands, like Adidas, Vans and Ride) tend to have a smaller outersole for their size, so you can get on narrower boards, but with 11.5s, I would still go wide even with Burton boots. However, if you really want to go with a regular width, the 162 is an option, but only if you ride with certain binding angles – i.e. if you ride with something like +15/-15 – something where you have your back binding on a reasonable angle.
You could also go for the 164W, it’s an option – and would be better in powder, and provide a little more stability at speed, but I think the 161W will be the better all round size for you for doing a bit of everything.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the reply Nate! It was a great help, espscially with the recommendation on a wide board.
Would you have a recommendation on good all mountain bindings? I have looked at your top 10 and in terms of price and rating the burton cartels seemed like a good option.
Are there any others you think would compliment the mountain twin?
Hi Matt
The Cartels are a great all round binding, especially for the money, IMO. They would go well with the Mountain Twin, IMO.
Another great option outside of that list (which are just coming out in a 2019 model), would be Union’s new Strata bindings. I haven’t published my review on them yet, but rode them in the spring and they’re a great all round binding, IMO. And they’re the same price as the Cartels. So, the Cartels would work well, IMO and the Strata’s another great option at the same price point.
Nate, thanks a lot man!
Taking a while to think it over. So far NS Snowtrooper attracts the most.
A pint is on me, if happen to be near by.
Cheers mate! Great advises!
You’re very welcome Dan!
Don’t think we’re on the same continent, but definitely appreciate the offer of a pint!
We are indeed on different ones. However catching different snow around the world is a plan.
Hi Nate!
I am getting closer to mid level (not pro yet), however want to acquire board, I could go forward with, as well as keeping it for longer time in terms of progression and its quaility.
Universal, all mountain, classic camber. Mid price.
What do you think of these ones ? Brands itself?
ROME GANG PLANK
or
ARBOR SIN NOMBRE 2018
or
GNU
or maybe (not sure)
BURTON DESCENDANT 2018
Also your own most reliable brand advise would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Dan
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
As far as brands go, everyone you mention there are good brands, IMO.
However, the boards you’ve mentioned, I wouldn’t consider them to be all-mountain strictly – not by my definition.
The Sin-Nombre would be the closest. But is a centered all-mountain board – closer to what I would say is all-mountain-freestyle. All-mountain is what I would consider the most versatile, and I sometimes refer to them as the do-it-all boards. All-mountain-freestyle is still very versatile but tend to be weaker when it comes to riding powder – and stronger for riding switch and often for jumps, than all-mountain boards. So a little more freestyle focused.
The Gang Plank is what I would consider a park/freestyle board – and a more jib than jump focused park board.
The Descendant I would also consider a park/freestyle board – but more bordering on all-mountain-freestyle than something like the Gang Plank.
But also the Gang Plank is flat-to-rocker rather than classic camber. And the Descendant has Burton’s Purepop camber, which is closer to classic camber than flat-to-rocker but still not classic camber. The Sin Nombre is pretty much classic camber (but they way Arbor do it makes it less cathcy). Not that I think you should necssarily stick to traditional/classic camber – just that you mentioned it as one of your things.
The boards you’ve mentioned also vary quite a bit in terms of flex, with the descendant being medium-soft, the Gang Plank Medium and the Sin Nombre medium-stiff.
Sounds to me like you’d be better off with something medium flex.
If you’re really looking to stay with classic camber (which I’m assuming you mean a board that is all camber), and looking at those brands, and something with a medium flex, then I would say:
~ Burton Process Camber
~ Burton Custom Camber (though more expensive than the Process)
~ Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber (centered stance but otherwise pretty much all-mountain)
~ Arbor Element Black Camber (centered stance but otherwise pretty much all-mountain)
~ Rome National (also centered and not fully camber, but close to)
~ YES Ghost (again, centered, and probably what I would call all-mtn-freestyle, but very close to being categorized all-mtn, it’s on the cuff)
There are of course more options outside of going with traditional camber – it’s a camber profile that isn’t used a lot these days.
Hope this helps
Nate! Thanks for reply! Much appreciated!
Went to the store today and went through various stuff.
The sales assistant recommendation of course increased the price, which are
LIB TECH ATTACK (didn’t like much)
and (due to my desire getting closer to mountains)
NEVER SUMMER CHAIRMAN 2017 (serious stuff, but the price … )
What do you recon?
Thanks!
Hi Dan
To me, the Chairman would be too advanced and stiff. It’s also what I would consider Freeride, rather than all-mountain. Great in powder, for carving on groomers and great for bombing fast. But not as good at other things like jumps, riding switch, buttering etc. And not that easy to maneuver at slow speeds. A great board, IMO, but I think you would want to be at quite an advanced level to enjoy it – and you would want to ride the style that it’s suited to.
The Attack Banana would be suitable, I would say (more all-mountain-freestyle than all-mountain, IMO, but still pretty versatile). It’s on the pricier side, but if you’re ok with that it’s doable.
The TRS would be another good option from Lib Tech – a little more aggressive in camber profile but overall a better board than the Attack Banana, IMO. But also not cheap. The Terrain Wrecker is another Lib Tech option.
Neither the Attack Banana nor the Chairman are traditional camber boards though. If you’re willing to look outside camber, you’re a mid-level rider and you’re looking for an all-mountain board, then I would consider the boards on this list over either of those. Unless I’m understanding your preferred style of riding and your ability level, incorrectly?
Nate, again – thanks for your time and such a detailed explanation!
Confused among such a variaty of brands and purposes, which have been just moved from all-mountain towards freeride )
Ok – freeride, mid level >>>
BURTON 2017-18 CUSTOM FLYING V
Never Summer Snowtrooper 2018
Jones Aviator 2018
FLOW RUSH (would you consider at all?)
Salomon 17-18 Super 8
Also what do you thin of Capita? Any advises?
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan
You’re very welcome.
I would say that the Custom Flying V and Snowtrooper are all mountain – but to be honest all-mountain is what I would recommend for mid-level freeride anyway. Most freeride boards are too advanced and usually too stiff for a lot of people. The Super 8 however, is probably one exception to that – I would say it’s technically a freeride board, but easier going than most freeride boards. I know it gets confusing! But yeah, something all-mountain is a good choice, IMO, for freeride for the average rider. Higher level riders get more out of what I would consider full-on freeride boards, if that makes sense.
So, yeah Custom Flying V, Snowtrooper would do the job. The Aviator is another that I would consider kind of in between all-mountain and freeride – but a little more aggressive than the other 2 mentioned.
The only Flow board I’ve ridden is the Era in the 2013 model (which I own) so I’m not too sure about the Rush.
Capita have some great boards. In terms of all-mountain/freeride, the Mercury is a great option. It’s on the stiffer/more aggressive side compared to the Snowtrooper (very easy going) and the Custom Flying V, but still ok for a high-end intermediate rider.
A more easy going but also more freestyle rather freeride oriented Capita option is the Outerspace Living but it sounds like you want something a little more freeride oriented.
But also, anything like the Jones Mountain Twin, Slash Brainstorm, Ride Wildlife, Rossignol One LF, NS West would all fit the bill too.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking for a new board and I was hoping you point me into the right direction.
I’ve got my park/slight all-mountain board, the Descendant, which I am pretty satisfied with. Looking for a second board now.
I’m an intermediate rider. I’m looking for something poppy for jumping of natural hits and parks, that can carve when I get to that level and float reasonably well in powder. I won’t be going into the pipe or jib very often but the occasional jib can be done with nearly every board, right? Haha.
I was looking at the West and the One Magtek. Any pointers you can give me?
I am 6″1′ and weigh in at 169lbs (+- 11lbs, depending on the type of training I do).
Hi Yannick
I think you’re looking in the right place (all-mountain boards), given everything you’re describing.
I would go for West over the Rossi One in your case, mostly because you’ve specifically singled out pop as being an important factor. Whilst the Rossi One doesn’t have too many weaknesses, pop is one of them. It’s not completely devoid of pop, but its not its strong point either. So, yeah the West would be a good match for you, IMO.
Or Slash Brainstorm or Niche Story – I think those two would also fit the bill and be a good compliment to your existing Descendant.
Yeah the occasional jib can be done on most boards – there are some that I wouldn’t but you can certainly hit jibs with something like the West, Brainstorm, Story and Rossi One.
At 6’1″ and around 170lbs, I’d say something around 160 would be a good bet, at an advanced level. So at intermediate, you could come down a couple of cms if you wanted. In any case, I think the 159 would be the best size for the West. And a good compliment to your Descendant (which I believe is a 155, based on our previous discussions).
For the Story I would also go 159. From our previous discussion, I think you had size 10 boots, right. The Story, sounds like its quite wide in the 159 but from what I’ve measured with Niche boards, they tend to have a big magnetraction bump right at the waist, that makes them sounds wider than they are. At the inserts they aren’t as wide as their waist width would suggest. In saying that I haven’t measured the Story particularly at the inserts, so I couldn’t say for sure.
For the Brainstorm, I’d say 160, as it would be the best compliment to your 155 Descendant, but if you felt that was too long for you, you could definitely ride the 157 as well.
If you are still considering the Rossi One, then the 159 would be the best size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thanks again for this very helpful comment of yours.
I have decided to go with the Never Summer West. The Story seems kind of hard to get here in Germany 🙁
Should I wait and get the 2019 West model when it comes out or should I just go ahead and grab the current one? Sure, saving a bit would be great but if there are some changes that make the board better, I might wait for the 2019 model. Do you know of any changes (besides artwork)?
Hey
As far as I’m aware, the 2019 West is identical to the 2018 West, except for the graphic of course – so I’d go for the 2018 if you can’t get the 2018 model in your size. I’d only wait for the 2019 model if your preferred size wasn’t available in the 2018 model.
Hi Nate,
it’s me, I’m back and I changed my mind, again. Haha!
I decided to go with the Brainstorm after reading through all your reviews (again). I got a really good deal on the 2017/2018 160 version of it, so I am excited to take it on the mountain this next season.
Just so you know!
Thanks very much!
Hi Yannick
Thanks for letting me know. Hope the Brainstorm treats you well. Let me know what you think, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
Hi Nate,
looking for some advice on what board to go with next, this will be my 3rd stick and now I have a lot more budget to play with now i’m older.
I’ve had my last board which was a k2 world wide weapon for almost 5 years, it has taught me a hell of a lot about what I like and would want in a board, it was great as a board when I was intermediate rider as it still had the flex and suppleness , never rode too fast for me and turned really nice, was also super light which I loved, and that would be a big factor again in my choice. what I also now know though, is I’m not too much about park stuff as I used to be, I’ve grown into more backcountry riding, but still riding groomed piestes with my mates. I love hitting a natural kicker, and like to use the mountain as one big park. my wants would be something stiffer now, with a lot more grip/ bite in harder snow/ice, something that I can make it through the powder with, but would still love the quick turns, finally has nice stability at speed. I know I’m asking a lot here, but that’s where you come in!
my stats are;
5ft 6, 64kg ( 141 llbs) , inter – experienced rider, 15 years riding, 7 on my own boards) reg stance, I ride on burton mission bindings.
my old board is a 147 I think off the top of my head, but I know I could ride longer now something up to 151/153.
thanks for the advice in advance.
Lewis.
Hi Lewis
Thanks for your message.
In terms of size, I think something around 151 for your specs, experience and style would work well.
As I was reading through your message, the YES Standard definitely came to mind. It’s on the all-mountain-freestyle side of all-mountain, but that sounds just like what you are, in terms of using the mountain as a big park. And something you can setback and still be really good on powder days. I guess the only thing is that it’s not like really light – not heavy either, but about normal in terms of weight. I started weighing some of the boards I demoed this season and the 156 YES Standard (2019) that I demoed was 2880 grams. Which is 18.46 grams/cm. The average of everything that I weighed was 18.21 grams/cm. But note that this was a small sample size of only 24 different boards. The heaviest was 20.63 grams/cm and the lightest 16.21 grams/cm. But importantly the Standard didn’t, to me, feel heavy on snow at all. It feels light and snappy. But also note that the 2019 version is supposed to be lighter than the 2018 model.
If you did go with the Standard, I think the 149 would be the best size for you. Whilst there is a 151 for the Standard, the Standard is a little wider than normal, and sizing down a little is a good idea for this board, IMO.
You could also look at some all-mountain-freestyle. The following would fit the bill, the biggest drawback for these, would be when you’re in powder. But they’re all quick turners, stiffer than the WWW for sure, but not overly stiff, good grip in harder snow/ice, great for riding the mountain as a park:
~ Never Summer Proto Type 2 (I haven’t weighed it but felt about normal)
~ YES Greats (slightly heavier than the Standard but not by much – the 156 I demoed was 2920 grams)
~ GNU Rider’s Choice (not sure of the weight but felt light on snow to me, just a small step behind the others in terms of stability at speed, but a little better in powder than the PT2 and Greats – but not quite as good as the Standard)
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
And some other all-mountain options – these ones probably not quite as quick in terms of turns but still quick. Not really sure of the weight of these, but none of them felt heavy:
~ Never Summer West (not quite as sharp in turns as the PT2 but better in powder)
~ Nitro Team Gullwing
~ Jones Mountain Twin (the Ultra Mountain Twin I weighed was quite light, not sure about the regular Mountain Twin though)
One more thing about weight. Since your WWW is 147 then going to something around 151 will naturally add weight. That said, since your WWW is 5 years old, the newer boards might counteract that somewhat. I’ve never weighed a K2 board, so I don’t really have any gauge as to what they weigh compared to others.
Hope this gives you some options to look into.
HI again,
thanks for the super in depth reply,
given me a lot of food for thought, I was already looking at the YES Standard, based on your top 10 selection, never ridden a YES board, but always heard good things, is the 2019 YES standard out then, or will that be dropping soon and you just know some info on it, since you say it will be lighter?
only reason I was looking at 2018 version now, for next season as there is some big discounts on last season stuff, which is what I tend to do, but I gave my self a healthy $700 budget for this next stick so if its coming out before the next season starts I can probably hold out?
Cheers
Lewis
Cheers.
Hi Lewis
The 2019 model will likely be coming out August-ish in the Northern Hemisphere (already out in the Southern Hemisphere but I’m guessing you’re not down there!)
I demoed the 2019 model in the spring (March). It has a new core (as do a few of the YES boards) and it’s supposed to be lighter/snappier – which I can attest to. It’s not like they felt heavy or anything last season at all, but I did notice a slightly lighter/snappier feel to the boards that got that new core (Standard, Greats Uninc & Ghost).
So yeah, the 2019 YES boards will come out before next season but probably not until late August/early September.
Cheers
Hi Nate!
I think the Never Summer WEST should be my next board, but I want to get your recommendation.
I ride at pretty much all types of runs – from steep wind-on-your-face groomers, to the my-quads-are-toast (usually single, sometimes double) black diamonds, and the occasional powder runs at trees. Insert a few park laps (2-4) here and there when not crowded, but I really only go for small to medium-sized jumps, nothing crazy. I love powder runs in trees, but I don’t remember the last time I had more than a half dozen powder days in a season.
The resorts I go to are the popular ones near Lake Tahoe CA, so they typically are very crowded. This means I need to be able to make quick turns and/or hard brakes in the crowded mornings. Afternoons and/or weekdays are typically better and I have more room to really go for what I enjoy – wind on your face speeds and/or wide carves. Unfortunately this also usually involves riding on chopped up, tracked out, uneven runs.
It seems to me that the Never Summer West is the best combination of absorption of uneven terrain, speed stability, and carving ability – what do you think?
I’m 5’6” 162 lbs, though I’m pretty confident I’ll be around 150lbs by the time I use this new board (next season).
Thank you!
Hi Nathan
Thanks for your message.
I think the West would be great for what you’re describing. Would balance all your requirements well, IMO.
In terms of size, I would say 154 is the best size for you. If you were definitely going to be 150 pounds, then the 152 would also be an option. But length comes down to personal preference somewhat too – so if you prefer, or are used to riding something significantly longer or significantly shorter, then I would adjust for that too. But yeah, I would say 154 is your best bet (will be good at both 160lbs and 150lbs, IMO). That said, you could still ride the 152 at 160lbs as well, for sure, so if you prefer shorter, then that’s definitely an option too.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your input! I think the size I get will probably depend on what I can get an awesome deal on LOL!
Another question for you — do you see any issues riding this board with the stiff ThirtyTwo Focus Boa boots? I’m still breaking my new pair in, but so far have really enjoyed the heel hold and responsiveness.
As for bindings, I’m planning on getting Union Ultra or Burton Genesis Re:Flex.
So basically I’m looking at stiff boots with medium flex bindings and board – any issues with that?
Thank you!
Hi Nathan
All good. I would still stick with either 152 or 154 if I was you – but whatever you can get the best deal on between those two sizes.
Typically I try to match flex relatively closely between boots, board and bindings but a little difference is fine. The Focus Boa is significantly stiffer, comparatively, compared to the West but certainly doable, particularly if you are liking the boots. If I had to have anything considerably stiffer than the rest of my setup it would be boots.
Hey Nate:
Great column! Thanks for posting.
I’m a 40 year old man getting back into snowboarding after a five year hiatus (had a couple of kids and didn’t have the time). I’m 5’6″, 145 lbs, with size 7 boots. I’m an all mountain rider who rides predominately out west (Utah and Colorado). I ride groomers, powder, trees, steeps, and am no afraid to hit the occasional kicker — basically anything and everything. With that being said, I’m pretty much done riding the park. Anyways, I’m looking for a good, forgiving all-mountain board that I can easily take from the front side of the mountain to the backside of the mountain (think Snowbird) but is also playful. I’m leaning toward the Never Summer Snowtrooper (152 cm) or the Ride Wild Life (151 cm) paired with Burton Mission bindings. Any thoughts on those options? How about sizing?
Many thanks!
Hi Andy
I’d say you’re exactly around the size I would recommend for your specs, style and ability – anything around that 151, 152 mark is a good option for you, IMO.
Both of those boards seem to fit what you’re going for but I would be leaning a little towards the Wild Life in your case. They do have a few differences. The Wild Life is more freeride oriented and the Snowtrooper a little more freestyle oriented but both still all-mountain. The main differences I would say are:
1. The Wild Life is a little stiffer flexing but still just a medium flex. A 5/10 I would say, so a little softer than a lot of all-mountain boards which tend to be closer to 6/10, 7/10. The Snowtrooper is softer again with a 4/10 flex, in my experience. But both boards I found to really forgiving and easy going.
2. The Wild Life has a directional shape and directional hyrbrid camber (camber between and under the feet and rocker towards nose but not towards tail). The Snowtrooper has a directional twin shape and has a twin camber to it – it’s also a hybrid rocker camber (rocker between the feet and to just under the feet and camber from around halfway through the inserts towards the tip and tail). The Snowtrooper has a looser more surfy feel to it.
3. Where it matters, the Wild Life is better in powder, a better carver and more stable at speed than the Snowtrooper. Not by heaps but noticeably. The Snowtrooper is a better board for riding switch and better for jibbing. Both are good for jumps, but the Snowtrooper better for spins, mainly because it feels more comfortable taking off and landing switch on it.
On a whole it sounds like the Wild Life might be the most suitable for what you’re describing, because it’s more freeride focused and less so Freestyle but the Snowtrooper would do the job too.
Hope this helps with your decision.
This is great, Nate! Thanks for your input.
You’re very welcome Andy!
How come you picked a true twin as your nr. 1 all mountain board??
People would be much better off with a directional twin or a directional board as a allmountain.
The yes. standard is a allmountain freestyle deck?
Hi Charles
I’ve been waiting to see if anyone would question this! I can definitely see where you’re coming from there and the Standard could certainly be classed as an all-mountain-freestyle board if you wanted to. To me, it’s kind of like an all-mountain board bordering on all-mountain-freestyle or all-mountain freestyle bordering on all-mountain. It could have been in either category but I chose to put it in this one. It’s not quite true twin as the nose and tail are slightly different (more volume in the nose overall – what YES call “Directional Volume Twin”), so whilst it is very close to true twin it’s not quite. The other thing is that it’s designed to have both a setback and a centered stance. Yes, you can setback any centered board if you choose too, of course, but it’s been designed with both a centered stance and setback stance in mind. Whilst neither of these things stops it from being a good all-mountain-freestyle board, it does, in my books, help to tilt it towards an all-mountain board as well.
It also depends on your definition of all-mountain. Some use the term to mean a board that isn’t designed for freestyle at all – i.e. something to be used on groomers, off-groomer and backcountry. That is what I would categorize as a “freeride” board. My categorization of an all-mountain board is a board that can do a bit of everything – park, freestyle over the whole mountain, groomers, off-groomer, backcountry – the lot. Which the Standard, in practice, fits that definition very well, in my experience with it. All-mountain-freestyle boards (by my definition) tend to not be as good in powder – and that’s another reason that I chose to put the Standard into the all-mountain category – it’s decent in powder. Not sure if that’s mainly because of the directional volume twin, or that it’s a wider shape overall (i.e. more surface area) but both those things contribute to that.
Hope this makes sense as to why I decided to classify it as all-mountain.
Hey Nate! Congratulations on your website, it’s great you share all of this knowledge and passion, you are one of the clearest reviewers i’ve found.
I’m an intermediately skilled snowboarder from Chile, looking forward to call myself “advanced”. I weigh about 80 Kg (176lbs) and am 175 cm (5ft 9in). Snow conditions here in santiago vary a lot, since it’s in the high mountains. I never miss a powder day, love groomers (speed!) and am getting into jumping. I dont really hit the park often, and the only pipes around are natural creeks between the hills (not groomed), which I sometimes hit. Through most of the winter, snow packs quite a bit, often behaving like ice in steep runs, which my average Rossi Imperial 156 really punishes, as well as the powder or packed off-piste slopes (as I said, quite average, doesnt excel in anything but going down the groomers).
So in short, I’ve been looking for an all mountain upgrade that will let me enjoy both powder and icy groomers all winter round, that will be stable, fast and good at carving and that wont kill my legs half day through (I’m not much of an athlete really). I dont really care about jibbing or buttering, but i need to get better at switching so directional twin sounds rigt. Been thinking a hybrid profile, mid or mid-stiff flex could do a good job. Also, I’d like simple, modern graphics if possible (not a fan of Lib Tech’s style for example). After some investigation, this led me to three models:
Niche Story (i have read it’s flex is softer than stated by the manufacturer, I dont know how stable could that be in steep fast groomers, which places it closer to freestyle than freeride)
Niche Aether – apparently more balanced than the Story, have you tried it? Magne-traction seems to be less aggressive but quite effective on this one
Yes Standard – I read that it’s got great carving and ice gripping abilities, even though it has no weird supercharged contact points in the edges (like magnetraction or such). Is it comparable to the Niches? Is it better for flat cruising? (a fair share of flat traverses in my resort, although i hate them, i have to get throught them without risking a fall)
IDK, am I asking too much and giving too little? should I maybe get a more specialized board and just deal with the downsides but enjoy the pros? This is the first time I have the money to choose whatever snowboard I like, so I’m not used to having so many options, and have never ridden other than starter camber snowboards.
Thanks a lot for your time, Nate. What would be of the internet without people like you…
Raimundo
Hi Raimundo
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re looking in the right place here, given that you want a board that’s fairly versatile and also since you don’t want one that’s going to fatigue your legs by the end of the day. For both of those reasons, something with not too stiff a flex is a good idea – and given that you’re intermediate then not too stiff is also a good idea. But at the same time, you wouldn’t want to go too soft, or you start to sacrifice stability at speed and carving ability. So something around that 6/10 mark in terms of flex, is a good idea, IMO. And something all-mountain like this is also good, considering you want to be able to ride powder, groomers and throw in some jumps here and there – and to learn to ride switch better on.
The Story is a little stiffer than the Aether, in my experience, and more all-mountain oriented. The Aether is what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board. I would stick to all-mountain for what you’re describing, particularly since you want it to perform in powder.
Between the Story and the Standard is a touch choice. The Standard has great edge-hold in hard conditions. And I think that’s largely down to what YES call “mid-bite” – the waist is quite narrow compared to the inserts. Which also makes it wider at the inserts than the waist width would suggest, so just keep that in mind. I find the Standard 156 is ideal for me (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10 boots), which is shorter than I would normally ride – but I like to size down a touch when the board is a little wider. Even the 156 is 270mm at the inserts, which is quite wide for a 258mm waist – and wider than I would normally ride. But it wasn’t sluggish for me at that width. I love the personality of the Standard, just love that board in general (as you can probably tell from this list).
The Story is also a little wider at the waist than average, but I don’t think it’s as wide at the inserts. I haven’t measured it an the inserts yet though (as I only started doing that this year, and I haven’t tested the 2019 model of the story yet) but I measured the 156 Aether at the inserts (which has a 258mm waist) and it was only 260mm at the inserts (crazy to have only a 2mm difference, but the reason for this is that there’s a big magnetraction bump right at the waist, which makes the waist measurement seem wider than it really is). If the Story is the same, then it’s a more traditional width at the inserts than the Standard.
I mention this just so you know what size to go with and whether they’ll be suitable for your boot size.
I would say that the Standard is better for flat traverses.
Both boards would be suitable for sure. In both cases, I think the 156 would be the better bet. But you could probably go to the 159 for the Story if you wanted to go longer.
Hope this gives you more info to go off for your decision
Hey Nate!
You have a great website. Learned so much about snowboarding since I discovered it. First I noticed your, top ten snowboard list, and I kept reading, and reading and I think I made the right decision based on all the information you posted regarding size, width, bindings etc. I would appreciate it very much if you could offer your opinion about my personal situation.
So, I have done a ton of research and it led me to the Yes Typo. I live on the east coast, and board icy/groomed snow conditions often. However, on your top ten list, I saw that you rated the Yes Standard (also ice friendly) very high. For a while I was stuck between which I should get, as this is my first snowboard purchase, and I’ve only ridden rentals in the past.
My height is 176.5 cm (5ft 9.5 in)
My weight is 80kg (177lbs)
My shoe size is 10.5 US
So, I narrowed my self down to sizes for each board. I am an intermediate all-mountain rider. I pretty much split my time 50/50 all over the mountain.
I decided that if I got a Typo, I would get a size 158cm and if I got the Standard, I would get the 156cm.
The standard is a bit on the mid-wide side (25.8cm waist), so I was contemplating on whether my foot/boot size would be sufficient to get good use out of this board.
Based on your review of both boards, and the fact that I felt like I could grow more in time with the Standard, I decided to go with the 156cm. I was wondering if I could have went with the smaller 153cm though.
I also ordered Union Force Bindings in Large.
And I am looking at three boots: Burton Ion -Speed Lace
Burton Concord – Boa or Speed Lace
And you mentioned on your website that K2 and Salomon have larger foot prints, so that may help if I find the above boots to be too far inside the edge. Do you have any recommendations for those boots, or boots in general? I’m a little
So, I’ve ordered the board and the bindings, but would still appreciate your opinion after the fact, since I can always exchange them. I don’t plan to ride until the next season, but wanted to get good deals during the sales.
And just to reiterate, I knew absolutely nothing about buying a snowboard until I found your website (with assistance from other websites as well).
Thanks again!
Dennis
Hi Dennis
Thanks for your message.
I think the 156 is probably the right size for you. I would put you on around a 158, 159 for an all-mountain board, and at an advanced level. But the Standard is a wider than normal board, so sizing down in length is a good idea (adds back some of the agility lost, going wider).
With 10.5s, I think the width should be fine on the 156 – especially if you ride with a straighter back foot (e.g. 0-6 degrees on your back foot) but even if you ride with a more angled back foot, it should be ok. It’s going to be wider at the inserts than is ideal (just because it’s cinched in at the waist, so it’s a little wider at the inserts than a 258mm waisted board usually would be), but like I said, going a little shorter makes up for some of the lost agility/edge-to-edge speed from going wider.
I think the 153 would be going just a little short for your specs. You would fit on it fine in terms of width, but it would be a little shorter than ideal, in terms of length.
In terms of going for boots with a longer profile, I don’t think that would help much, if at all. Ultimately your leverage comes from your feet and not your boots (IMO) so having a longer outersole isn’t going to give much more leverage, if any. Applying pressure to the edges is all about your feet, IMO, so maximum width is determined by foot size and minimum width is determined by boot size. That’s my take on it anyway.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for the advice. It definitely helps.
You’re very welcome Dennis
Hi Nate, I cannot express how appreciative I am for your detailed reviews on different snowboards. Keep doing what you are doing, we love you for it! Also thank you for the personalised response for each person.
I am interested in your board recommendation and size for me.
I can go down a blue comfortably on regular, can’t ride switch, never tried park. My main purpose will be groomers on hard pack snow and ice since I’m in the East Coast. Therefore I think directional twins may be a good choice for me but not sure (I have only used rental boards). Small interest in attempting small natural jumps.
My height is 5’8 , weight 160 lbs, shoe size 8.
I’m currently thinking of Salomon Assassin, Rossignol One, Jones Twin Mountain, Slash Brainstorm, and open to any other boards. Would love to hear your opinion on Assassin compared to the others since it’s not on this list.
Thanks!
Hi Jack
Thanks for your message.
I think those would all work for what you’re describing. The Assassin is what I would deem an all-mountain-freestyle board. The main differences being that it has a true twin shape and a centered stance. The boards in this list, and what I would determine “all-mountain” in general, have a little bit of a setback stance and either a directional-twin or directional shape.
But that wouldn’t necessarily discount the Assassin, but it is leaning more towards freestyle, but can still ride the whole mountain. It would be the equal of the Mountain Twin & Brainstorm in terms of edge-hold in hard/icy conditions, IMO, with the Rossignol One being a little step better. But all pretty good in those types of conditions.
In terms of size, I would say something between 154 and 156 would be a good range to look at for you, generally speaking.
Specifically for the boards mentioned, I would say:
~ Assassin: 155
~ One: 156
~ MT: 154 (or you could go 157 for this board too)
~ Brainstorm: 154 (or you could go 157 for this too)
Another option would be the YES Typo, which is the equal of the Rossi One in hard/icy conditions, IMO. For that I would say the 155 is the best bet for you.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your response Nate! Much appreciated
Thanks again Nate.
One follow up question. If I settle with the Rossi One 156cm, would the WW of 252mm be too wide for me? In contrast, the 153cm has WW of 250mm.
Throughout my rental experience, size 8 is my snowboard boot size. My weight fluctuates from 155lbs to 160lbs throughout the year.
As you suggested, my other option is slash brainstorm 154 with WW 148mm.
I guess ultimately I am wondering what WW would be most suitable for me with size 8 boots.
Thanks!
Hi Jack
I would say, ideally something between around 240mm and 248mm in terms of waist width, but sometimes that means a compromise in length or striking a balance between length and width.
So, yeah, Brainstorm 154 is possibly the best balance in terms of width/length. The MT 154 and Rossignol One 153 would also be doable. You’re not getting a huge amount narrower going to the 153 from the 156, but it is a little bit – and since, even at the 153 length, it’s on the wider side for 8s, going that little bit shorter is ok, since you would be going a little wider than optimal.
156 for One is still an option – the 153 will be a little more agile at slower speeds, and a little better for freestyle (but since you don’t ride freestyle that’s not a biggie). The 156 will be more stable at speed, have better float in powder and be better for big carves. So there are pros and cons to both. I was leaning towards 156 for you, just because of the lack of freestyle thing, but you could still ride the 153, if you wanted something a little narrower. Same goes for 154 MT and 154 Brainstorm.
Hey Nate!, (thought I posted this earlier but think my comment didn’t get through)
I saw a few of your top snowboard articles.
I’m just curious what board you’d recommend for me.
I’ll pretty much only be in the Poconos, PA. Its pretty icy here on East Coast and not much fresh powder.
I’m 5’3, 140-150 pounds (realistically 150 right now, but trying to lose weight haha 🙂 ).
My shoe size is 7.5-8 (I can get away with a size 7 Burton Fiend which fits actually quite well after breaking it in)… The exact size of my feet (without socks) is exactly 10″.
I already have a Skate Banana (as I thought the Magnatraction would help with icy conditions).
Its fun, but just wanted to try another board as well to compare against it).
Been only snowboarding a few years, so I’m a beginner I would say (the Banana’s rocker I guess helps out not get caught on any lumps for a beginner, but I’d be open for a hybrid rocker/camber style style if thats what you’d recommend).
Note: i do like the idea of trying to become ambidextrous on the board, so I guess that means I’d like a True Twin all-mountain board… and also I’d like to learn how to do occasionally buttering tricks going down the mountain. I am not a speed junkie right now (I do some slow carves down the mountain hehe).
What boards would you recommend?
Realize I’m a beginner but cost doesn’t really matter if that makes a difference. and I don’t mind replacing my Burton Fiend shoes (and my binding setup) as well to match the board.
I’m leaning towards a Yes Standard but they are sold out of my size (which i believe would be a 149).
Can you give me a few board recommendations and what size for those boards you think should fit me?
Thanks,
Ari
Hi Arian
I did receive your message last week – and replied to it but you mustn’t have received notification – maybe because that comment was on a different post.
Choosing the Best Snowboard Specs Based on Different Types of Snow
I have copied my reply again below, in case you still can’t see it there.
You didn’t mention the Standard last time so to add to that – I think the Standard would be quite challenging if you are a beginner. If you feel you’re ready to step up there, then that would otherwise suit what you’re after. But as you say they don’t have the 149, which I agree would be the best size for you, for that board. The other option if you wanted a little step up (but not as big a step as the Standard) would be the YES Typo.
Hi Ari
Thanks for your message.
It sounds like something that’s all-mountain-freestyle board would suit you well (essentially a twin, centered all-mountain board). Taking into account that you are at a beginner-ish level, and that you need something with good grip in ice, I think the following would suit you well.
In terms of size, I would say something around 147 to 149 would be a good range to look at for your specs and ability level and for this style of board.
~ YES Basic – this is the first board that came to mind for you as it fits all of your criteria well – beginner friendly, good edge-hold in icy conditions and an all-mountain-freestyle board – the 149cm would be a great size for you, IMO. But you could also go 146, if you think you prefer shorter.
~ GNU Carbon Credit 147cm – this is perhaps more freestyle than all-mountain-freestyle but otherwise fits your criteria – not going to feel much different to your Skate Banana though – a similar board, except that it’s got an asymmetrical sidecut (heel edge has a deeper side cut). The other thing that it has going for it, in your case, is that the width is a bit narrower than on the Basic – so would fit your boot size better. It’s similar in width to the 148N Skate Banana – so if that’s the size you have with the Skate Banana, then it’s going to be very similar.
Those are the two that come to mind that come in sub 150 sizes that I can think of. More options around that 152 size, but I think that would be getting on the long size for you – as an advanced rider, I think you could get up there, but for now I would say something 147 to 149 better, especially if you’re wanting to learn some tricks too – but length does partly come down to personal preference and what you’re used to – so if you’re riding something longer now, you might be able to go a little longer. If that’s the case let me know and we can look at other options – but I think the YES Basic would be a great choice for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for a great reviews!
Can you help me to choose between Never Summer West and Jones Mountain Twin?
What’s the difference?
I’m an intermediate-advanced rider.
Groomer 60%
Powder 30%
Jumps 10%
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
These are what I would consider the main differences between the West and MT, both technically and feel-wise:
1. Camber Profile: The MT has a hybrid camber (camber between the feet and under the bindings and then rocker to tip and tail) and the West a hybrid rocker (rocker between the feet and camber that starts before the bindings and extends towards the tip and tail). So both have camber underfoot but rocker sections in different places. It usually comes down to personal preference which you would like better – but I’d say that the West is slightly on the looser side of stable and the MT a a little more stable – but in saying that I wouldn’t say that the West is particularly loose feeling.
2. Even though the published flex for the West is softer than it is for the MT, on snow they felt very similar to me flex wise. The MT maybe marginally stiffer.
3. The West has more effective edge per size – so the MT has a bit more in terms of tip/tail. Which, IMO helps to make the MT a little better in powder – and also helps to make the West a little better on a carve. e.g. 160 MT has a 119.4cm effective edge and the 159 West has a 122cm effective edge.
4. The West is a little wider tip and tail compared to length, but just by a little – e.g. the 160 MT has a 298mm tip and tail and the slightly shorter 159 West also has a 298mm tip/tail. So not too much difference there.
Overall, I would say that the Mountain Twin is a little more freeride oriented than the West, a little better in powder. And the West a little more groomer/freestyle oriented, but it’s still definitely all-mountain. It’s the board I would prefer to have on the groomers out of the two, but getting into powder I would prefer the MT. But I liked both for each. On jumps I preferred the West but the MT is certainly still good there.
Hope this answers your question and helps with your decision.
Wow! Thank you for your detailed answers, Nate!
Another question))
Jones Mountain Twin or Jones Explorer?)) I’m confused…
Hi Andrew
The Explorer vs MT
1. Explorer runs with a smaller effective edge (so essentially will feel a little smaller in the same size. E.g. the 158W MT has a 118cm effective edge and the 158W Explorer has a 116cm effective edge.
2. The Explorer feels a little more aggressive, in my experience and a little more freeride oriented overall. It has a longer tail and nose – e.g. MT nose/tail length in the 158W is 20cm tail and 22cm nose – Explorer 158W tail/nose length = 21.5/23.5 – this is the main reason it has a shorter effective edge per length
3. The Explorer also has a wider nose and tail
4. Even though the specs are the other way around, I found the Explorer felt stiffer on snow than the MT – MT around 6/10, Explorer 7/10 – or maybe more like 6.5/10 – close in terms of flex, but the Explorer just felt a little stiffer on snow, to me (but that’s not from a head to head test)
Overall, I would say that the Explorer is a little more aggressive, a little better for speed and carving but not quite as good for switch, jumps and jibs.
Hi Nate,
First up I of course want to say a HUGE thank you for taking the time and energy to create and maintain this website. Your reviews are very informative, and the amount of detail that you place into it is awesome. Please never stop being awesome!
Here are my stats:
height: roughly 5 foot 8 inches
weight: roughly 140 pounds
foot size: US 9-9.5
A little about myself to help you. I have been riding a K2 Parkstar for the last few years, which is a rocker/flat/rocker type. I am an intermediate level 4 rider. In terms of my riding style, I would consider myself an all mountain with a small tendency towards all mountain freestyle. I like to hit the side hits on the edge of the runs, as well as do butters and presses on my way down. I want to get into more park in the future with jumps, rails, boxes but no pipe, but I do not plan to be going off piste or into tree runs any time soon. I live on the West coast of BC, where we get varied conditions from hardpack and a bit of ice, all the way to some powder if we are lucky.
Now onto my question. I am looking for a new snowboard and am quite at a standstill on what to decide on. There’s just so many to choose from, and I was wondering if you had any advice. What I like about my current board is that it has nice pop, as well as having good flex. However, the board does not give very good carving or edge hold, gives very little pop out of a cave, and does not hold up in powder. I am looking for a board that will hold up well across the mountain, and will be good enough to help with a transition into more park riding. I have looked at the Jones mountain Twin, Jones explorer, the Slash brainstorm, the Yes typo, the Yes libre and the Yes basic. I am very much welcome to other boards not listed, this is just to give you a sense of what I have researched thus far.
As always, thank you again for the tremendous help you have given myself and countless others. Keep up the excellent work!!
Thank You!!!!!
Hi Bob
Thanks for your message and the kind words.
You pretty much described everything about the Parkstar that are it’s weaknesses. And I’m not surprised that you find it lacking for powder, carving and edge-hold.
I think going to something that has camber in the profile is going to go a long way to helping you get more spring out of a carve, and a little more edge hold, whilst maintaining pop. Also if you go a little stiffer, then that edge-hold and carving ability will be helped. Keeping some rocker in the profile will help with float in powder, and getting something with a little bit of a setback and a longer nose/tail will help too.
So pretty much everything you’ve looked at ticks those boxes except for maybe the YES Basic – it’s got the camber but it’s a little softer than the others and not as good in powder. That said, it would be a good board for progressing in the park.
So that’s the other factor, is still having something that’s going to go well in the park as well as increasing those other factors.
My top picks there would be the YES Typo (kind of like a souped-up Basic with a very small setback). This would be a good option to give you a bit more for carving and edge-hold, maintain pop and also be good for upping your park game. The Mountain Twin would also be a great choice, as would the Brainstorm – though it’s got a more directional shape that might not be quite as good as the Typo/Mountain Twin for the park.
The Explorer would work too, but it’s getting on the more aggressive sides for your needs – but it would be the best in terms of powder and carving.
The Rossignol One is another option worth looking at, IMO.
In terms of length: I think something around 152 would be a good length on balance based on your specs, style and ability. So for the boards mentioned, the following would be what I would suggest:
~ YES Typo/Basic: 152
~ Jones Mountain Twin: 151
~ Jones Explorer: 152
~ Slash Brainstorm: 151
~ Rossi One: 153
All of these should be fine in terms of width. If end up with 9.5 boots and you have a straight back binding angle (i.e. 0-3 degrees) then you might be getting a bit narrow on the likes of the 151 Brainstorm or Mountain Twin, but otherwise they should all be great sizes in terms of width, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi there Nate,
My stats are:
Height 5’6″ (167cm)
Weight 67kg (148lb)
Foot Size (size 6)
Ive been riding an Allian Ingemar Backman Freestyle 2003 Model. The one with the blue deck. 156cm.
Im a surfer so my style is to go flat out down the mountain and ride low down crouching into fats bottom turns and big carving arcs like im riding a wave. Also i like hitting jumps at high speed. The Backman is unreal edge to edge and gets more comfortable the faster you go, its built for speed. Ive been to places like St Moritz Switzerland, Norway and Austria and am ok on any runs they have. However at slow speed it can be a bit harder to turn and more unforgiving. So i have been looking for a second board that may be more suited to smaller mountains and easier to ride at slower speeds
Ive been looking at the Jones Mountain Twin, Yes Standard or the Slash Brainstorm. I want something that is still quite stiff and able to go edge to edge same as the allian but want to be able to be more manouverable at slow speed so i dont have to manhandle it as much as the backman.
Also i think i might go shorter than 156 maybe 152 or less. What do you think about these choices, would they all be suitable for me. I like the slash graphic but only if its comparable to the other two boards.
Hi Mick
I have no experience with Allian boards, so I couldn’t say how any of these compare to your current board. But they are, IMO, great choices for what you’re describing. Something that can handle a bit of speed and are still quite responsive but you can slow them down when you need/want to.
In terms of size, I think anything around 152 to 154 would be a good bet for you for this type of board.
The Brainstorm is, IMO, certainly comparable to the Mountain Twin and Standard.
The Standard is a board I would recommended sizing down for – so for that I would go for the 151 for you. The 153 would be too wide for you, IMO.
For the Mountain Twin and the Brainstorm, I would go for the 154s.
I think the Brainstorm would be the best size for you as it’s a bit narrower, which will be more suited to your boot size, IMO. The other 2 would certainly work, but the Brainstorm would be my pick.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
First of all, I love your site and your detailed descriptions of every board.
I’m in a bit of a pickle and I am looking for help.
Just got back from holiday with my new Capita Mercury 157. I have to say, it was hard working. The board wants to go fast all the time. First day i lost a lot of energy getting used to it. Second day want a lot better. But got cramps in my leg in the 3th day. So my friends who are more advanced tried it out. One guy loved it because it works on technique, my other friend understood why I was getting the cramps, because with my level of riding it’s hard working. I’m thinking of selling it because it will take a while getting my level good enough to ride it with fun. I tried a friends Gnu Riders choise 2013 or so, and this was good fun, but sometimes washing out on long hard turns. Much easier on my legs, fast turn initiation.
As I told I am an intermediate rider. 80% of the time I am on piste, I like to go of piste some times, but this year was harder because my confidence wasn’t on point with the board. Like to learn some jumps and butters.
Boots: Burton Ion 2017 size 10
Bindings: Union Atlas L
Weight : 180 bls
Height 5,9
I was doubting with the outerspace living, but I’m not sure about capita because of the Mercury being such hard work, that maybe their boards aren’t for me. The Gnu riders choice 2018 looks a lot stiffer, so I think this is going to be too much for me.
Thinking about getting a Yes Greats instead, I know this is listed as a freestyle board, but it looks so much fun and great to improve technique all mountain. Is this a good option? Also doubting with the Yes Typo.
What size do you advice? 155 or 157?
Love to hear from you.
Thank you in advance. Best regards.
Bruno
Hi Bruno
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Mercury is quite an aggressive ride and it’s more for advanced level riders, so I’m not too surprised you found it hard work. Also, it is potentially a little wide for your boots, depending on your binding angles. I’d say it’s a good width if you ride with a relatively straight back foot (i.e. 0-6 degrees), but getting a little wide for size 10s with a reasonable angle on the back foot (i.e. 12 to 15 degrees). This may or may not have contributed to it being hard work for you.
The Outerspace Living is a much easier going/less aggressive board, it’s softer flexing (5/10 vs 6.5/10 for the Mercury) and it’s narrower overall. Better for an intermediate level than the Mercury. But I can understand if you wanted to try something different. If you did go with the Outerspace Living, then the 156 or the 158 would both work for you, but I’d probably be leaning towards 156 for you.
The YES Greats is what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board (which is what I would also call the Outerspace Living) so it’s all-mountain but leaning more towards freestyle riding. The biggest downside of going with the Greats is that it’s not the best in powder – it’s a bit of an effort keeping the nose floating in deep powder. But otherwise it would be a great choice. So if you didn’t see deep powder very often, I think it would be a good choice. The 156 would be the best size for you for the Greats, IMO.
The Typo is a little better in the powder than the Greats, so it’s a little more versatile in that sense. A great board for an intermediate level, IMO. It’s not quite as dynamic as the Greats, but it is a little better for riding deeper powder. For the Typo, I would say 158. But you could also ride the 155. The 155 would be easier going, more agile at slower speeds and better for riding park, but the 158 would give you more stability at speed and better float in powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thank you for al the effort and your detailed answers !
I tried the Mercury in +15,-15 and +15,-10 and +15,0.
Also adjusted the angle of high-backs to more aggressive.
But because my legs where already done for this didn’t make much difference 😉
The Outerspace living still looks great, and when reading your reviews it looks really fun. Powders looks fun as well
The greats looks the most fun board for me, but the lack of powder is kind of a downer. Not that I ride it all day, but with fresh snow I love to go next to the track. So maybe this isn’t for me.
The Typo looks really fun as well.
How would you compare the Outerspace to this one ?
Also the Standars looks like a great board. Do you think this one could be for me. Or is it to advanced ?
Since I am more on piste and not so much freestyle, maybe it’s strange that I’m looking at all mountain freestyle. But when reading your review these look like the most fun and more suited for me. Maybe a bit scared since I’ve gotten the Mercury for a lot of money and this isn’t for me..
So hard to choose.
Cheers!
Hey Nate,
another question (sorry) 😉
I can get my hands on :
Slash brainstorm 157 at 360€
Yes Standard 156 at 400€
Yes Typo (2017) 155/158 at 224€
Might get 2 boards if i get a good deal. Would you advice getting two of these ? Or are they too much the same. If so which one would you adivice.
THX !!!
Hi Nate,
First of all, I love your site and your detailed descriptions of every board.
I’m in a bit of a pickle and I am looking for help.
Just got back from holiday with my new Mercury. I have to say, it was hard working. The board wants to go fast all the time. First day i lost a lot of energy getting used to it. Second day want a lot better. But got cramps in my leg in the 3th day. So my friends who are more advanced tried it out. One guy loved it because it works on technique, my other friend understood why I was getting the cramps, because with my level of riding it’s hard working. I’m thinking of selling it because it will take a while getting my level good enough to ride it with fun. I tried a friends Gnu Riders choise 2013 or so, and this was good fun, but sometimes washing out on long hard turns. Much easier on my legs, fast turn initiation.
As I told I am an intermediate rider. 80% of the time I am on piste, I like to go of piste some times, but this year was harder because my confidence wasn’t on point with the board. Like to learn some jumps and butters.
Boots: Burton Ion 2017 size 10
Bindings: Union Atlas L
I was doubting with the outerspace living, but I’m not sure about capita because of the Mercury being such hard work, that maybe their boards aren’t for me. The Gnu riders choice 2018 looks a lot stiffer, so I think this is going to be too much for me.
Thinking about getting a Yes Greats instead, I know this is listed as a freestyle board, but it looks so much fun and great to improve technique all mountain. Is this a good option? Also doubting with the Yes Typo. Love to hear from you. Thank you in advance. Best regards
Hi Nate
Great website and great reviews!!!
I am advanced boarder 194cm 100Kgs 45EU boots
Between Slash brainstorm Ride berzerker or Jones UMT what can you recommend?
Bombing groomers and deep and jumping from side hits, kickers…..
Thanks
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
Because you like side-hits, I would say that either the Jones UMT or Slash Brainstorm. I didn’t find the Berzerker as good for that.
Size-wise, I would say something around 165, 166 would be a good length for you. And something at least 260mm at the waist. More if you ride with a straight angle on your back foot. Though length also comes down to personal preference and what you’re used to – especially for an advanced rider.
So the best options for these two boards would be the 164W (262mm waist) for the UMT and 163W (263mm waist) for the Slash Brainstorm.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, good recommendation!
What do you think about the pop and edge grip on hard snow for the Berzerker?
Length and width wise this one still has my preference…167W
Hi Rob
I’d say that the edge-hold in hard snow is pretty good. I’ve ridden boards with better edge-hold but it’s not bad – I’d say maybe 3.5/5
In terms of pop – again, it’s not super poppy, but it’s definitely got some o.k. pop there. I wasn’t huge on the Berzerker for side-hits though, not because of the pop which was fine, but more the approach, and didn’t like it that much for 180s, approaching switch, that kind of thing, which is the biggest reason I would go with the other two for that. But it’s certainly doable just, for me, not preferable. But if you prefer that size, then it might be the better option overall?
Makes sense yes!
`You ever tried the Rome sawtooth?
Hi Rob
I haven’t tried the Rome Sawtooth, unfortunately. Just based on the specs, it looks like it’s a little stiffer than the other options you’ve been looking at – not necessarily a bad thing if you like that. But just so that you’re aware. Overall it looks like it would be quite an aggressive ride.
Hi, Nate!
Can you tell me, which all-mountain freeride board is better four you?
Jones Mountain Twin, Never Summer West or YES Standard? Or maybe Burton FLIGHT ATTENDANT?
I’m newbie, but I need a Powder)))
Hi Tony
As a newbie, I would go with the Mountain Twin over the rest. You could go West or Standard but they’re going to be a little trickier for a new rider, but I think the Mountain Twin would suit you well. The Flight Attendant will be too advanced for you, IMO.
If you’d like size recommendations, I would be happy to give them, if you can give me your height, weight and boot size. Getting the right size is also really important.
Hope this helps
Thank You, Nate!
height – 182 cm
weight – 82kg
boot size – 42.5
Now I have Head Rush board 159
Hi Tony
Thanks for the extra info.
I think something between 157 to 159 would be a good size range for you to look at – so for the boards mentioned, that would be.
Mountain Twin: 157
West: 159
Standard: 156 or even 153 – the Standard is the kind of board that you want to go a little shorter for
My recommendation would be the Mountain Twin 157.
Thanks, Nate!
I’ll feel the difference between Head Rush and Mountain Twin?))
7/10 isn’t it too much for a biginner?)
Hi Tony
Yeah you’ll definitely notice a difference between those two boards. I haven’t ridden the Head Rush – but it has a different camber profile, is softer flexing, has a different shape and sidecut – it will feel quite different.
I would say that the Mountain Twin is more of a 6/10 in terms of flex rather than the 7/10 that it’s given by Jones (that’s my personal take). Which is still stiffer than I’d ideally recommend for a beginner, but this would be the easiest for a beginner out of the 4 boards that you mentioned in your original post. If you want to check out more beginner suitable options, check out the link below:
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
Hope this helps
Nate, do you think it’s a good set:
– Mountain Twin 157 (find a good price) 2018
– Burton CARTEL M 2018 ог Technine Elements М 2014/2015 (new)
– Nitro Thunder TLS 10,0 US 2014/2015 (i have)
What do you think about Technine Elements?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Tony
I think the Mountain Twin/Cartel is a good match. And Medium should be fine for your boots (I prefer medium in Burton bindings and also ride 10s). You’ll also be able to fit the large but I’d say stick with the Mediums.
I don’t know anything about Technine bindings – so I’m not sure there.
I also don’t test Nitro but based on specs the Thunder TLS should work well with that setup. You’re looking at an overall stiffer and more intermediate-advanced setup, but everything matches flex-wise, so I think it will work well together – but will be a bit of a step up.
Hey Nate,
Awesome write up and unreal you have been answering messages for 3 years!
I’m going back and fourth between boards like crazy. I’m 5’9, 175lbs, decent snowboarder but nothing to special, I ride in the west, and am spending less time in the park and more in the deep snow but still like cruising the groomers. I hate catchy boards!
I demo’ed as Salomon Assassin and really liked it but I’m wondering if I’m missing out on something better. I’ve never tried a board with raised edges like Endeavour B.O.D, but it seems like it could give more float in powder and give a camber board a less catchy feel?
If you could steer me in a board direction maybe I could make a choice!
Thanks,
Neal
Hi Neal
Thanks for your message.
I don’t currently test Endeavour boards, so I can’t say how the B.O.D feels from personal experience but “spooning” the edges is something that is being done by a few brands now. I can’t say that I’ve ridden an otherwise fully cambered board with spooned edges like that though, but I’d say it does something to make them less catchy (would make sense) but I couldn’t say for sure. It also helps with float in powder – and I’ve experience this on Jones boards that use something similar. So that’s certainly an advantage of it – how much catchy-ness it takes away, I’m not sure.
Since you’re spending more time in deep powder, I would say going for something with a setback and a little bit directional is a good way to go – but if you want to stick with something centered and twin, then that’s certainly doable, and the Assassin is an option there. Also, if you like riding switch in powder, then something twin, isn’t a bad idea.
Some of the better all-mountain-freestyle boards I’ve ridden for powder are the Capita Outerspace Living and GNU Rider’s Choice, but the Assassin wasn’t bad either for a centered twin.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
In terms of size, I’d say something around a 158 would be a good size for you for an all-mountain board. You could size down a bit for an all-mountain-freestyle if you wanted, and that would depend on the particular all-mountain-freestyle. For some (like the Never Summer Proto Type Two and YES Greats) it’s a good idea to size down a little, IMO. For anything from this list anything around 158 (give or take) would be a good option.
The YES Standard would be a different story though, IMO and that’s something that I would size down for – and that would depend on your boot size too – if you can let me know your boot size, I can also recommend a good length for you.
Hope this gives you a bit more to go off to narrow down a bit. Let’s get a bit of back and forth going and see if we can narrow it down some more – if you can let me know your boot size and also whether you have a preference for staying centered/twin or whether you think you want to go a little more directional/setback, that would be a good starting point.
Hope this helps
Love your work Nate.
Bit of a conundrum here, I am heading to Myoko in 2 weeks and can’t decide between hiring a performance board, sticking to a regular hire or buying while in Tokyo!
Would love your thoughts.
– It will be my 4th trip to Japan and I just love snowboarding! I’d say I am intermediate.
– I’ve worked on carving and want to improve that. I’ve also spent time in powder. This trip I want to get off-piste and amongst the trees/powder, while having a board that can be fun to play with all over the mountain – next step for me small jumps / buttering on the groomers. Not too fussed about jibbing.
– I am 5’11 and 90kgs (though hopefully a few less soon haha).
A performance board is almost $100 more than a regular board for 5 days, and over $200 total.
Will I be able to really enjoy a regular hire board, or should I pay the extra?
And if so, if I were to hire a performance, should i just take the plunge and get a great all round all mountain that’ll keep me happy for a few years – based in Vietnam so only get the one week each year in the snow currently. If I left, it’d be back to Aus which doesn’t offer much in the way of powder.
Let’s say buying is the way to go, then what board would you recommend for me?
Hi Trent
I’d say buying is the way to go. I think you’d appreciate the performance board over the standard hiring – but if you’re going to be spending $200, then it makes more sense to have your own board – not only will it pay for itself financially in a few years, it’ll also mean that you’ve got board that feels the same each time – that consistency is really nice to have.
And if you go for something all-mountain, which sounds like the best option for you anyway, then it’s something that you could still ride with in Aus – or NZ if you were to take trips there, for example.
Size-wise, I’d say something around 160 would be a good size for your specs and for an intermediate level. If you can let me know your boot size, I can also recommend a good width range to look at. I think anything here (that has a suitable size), would be a good bet, but look at the ratings tables to see what you think would suit you best (For example, the Typo and Process aren’t as good for powder).
Hope this helps
Thanks a lot, your love of snowboarding is awesome. I’m a size 10 US, don’t own boots but assume shoe size = boot size.
As I don’t get season access I really just need a great all-round board that can be fun to play with carving on groomers, small jumps and try my hand at buttering but can also get me through pow.
Thanks a bunch, your passion for snowboarding is awesome.
I am a size 10 US shoe. I’ll likely just have one board for all of the mountain and as mentioned I love pow, trees, carving and then chilling out at the end of the day playing around on groomers, small jumps etc.
I am 180cm and 90kg.
Cheers.
Hi trent
Yeah shoe size does usually equal boot size these days. Sometimes can be 1/2 a size different. I’m a US10 shoe size and most brands I’m a US10 for boots (Thirty Two and DC boots I’m a 10.5).
In terms of width with 10s, you can ride anything as narrow as a 248mm waist width, if you’re riding with a decent angle on your back foot (12-15 degrees). If you ride with a straight back foot (i.e. 0-3 degrees), a minimum of 252mm is a safer bet. But most boards tend to fit size 10s well, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something with a good width on it. I wouldn’t go for a wide board with 10s though. Try to stay under 259mm in terms of waist width, if possible.
And yeah, something around 160 (159 to 161) in terms of length would be a good length to look at.
Hope this helps
Fantastic, I note the YES Standard longest is 159 but 263 wide… my shoe size is 9.5 to 10 US depending on the pair of shoes. Would I be better off with the 156 long / 258 width? Will the 3cm less length make much difference?
Also really interested in the Proto Type 2, looks great fun and really popular – but will it be alright in powder?
Thanks Nate.
The standard is a bit wide at 159 length / 263 width. Should I opt for the 156?
Otherwise would you suggest the proto type 2 (awesome reviews all over the net) or the west?
Hi Trent
Yeah the Standard is a bit of a different case. For that I would go with the 156. You take off a few centimeters in terms of length, but since it is wider, in a lot of ways you make up for that reduced length in the width. When you’re up on an edge, you still have less effective edge than on a longer board, but certainly in terms of powder, stability on landings and that kind of thing, the width makes up for the length – but yeah definitely 156 if you were to go with the Standard, IMO. Nice for trees to have that shorter length, IMO.
The Proto Type Two is a sick board! But it’s biggest weakness, IMO, is in powder. It has a very blunted tip and tail and it’s true twin (well asym twin to be precise) and is centered. Those things don’t make it great for powder. The West would be your better bet. It’s like a setback, slightly more directional PT2, with a longer nose.
Hope this helps
Hi
Found your website and reviews really helpful but am a bit overwhelmed on what to go for! I board once or twice a season, am 5’10 / 70kgs /boot size 9 and am looking to upgrade my K2 Turbo Dream for a board and bindings that can cover most things. I love coming down the mountain reasonably quickly but spend a lot of time looking for and hopping off into the powder so am looking for something that holds and turns well in all conditions. I am not very adventurous when it comes to the park /tricks / jumps but like to mess around on natural jumps /rollers on and around the piste. Am I asking too much?!
I’ve been advised to look at the Capita Mercury and the GNU Mullair. Am nervous that the Mullair may be a bit less versatile / stiff though so should I consider the Riders choice or DOA? Anything else to consider? I was impressed by your Yes Standard review but have read others that suggested it is better for bigger riders than me. Budget is not constrained!
Binding wise, I’m thinking the Burton Genesis or Union Ultra.
Any help you can give would be awesome!
Gavin
Hi Gavin
Thanks for your message.
I think something all-mountain is the way to go, so you’re in the right place, IMO, since you want to hit powder. You could go with something like an all-mountain-freestyle too (like the Rider’s Choice or DOA) but they aren’t going to be as good in powder – can still definitely ride and enjoy them in powder – but just more effort to keep the nose afloat.
It sounds also like you want something that will hold well in hard/icy conditions when you get them, so will keep that in mind too.
Since you like riding fast but also like play around with natural jumps, then I think that something with a bit of camber you are going to enjoy (the Turbo Dream is flat-to-rocker) so no camber in there. Some camber will give you more spring out of turns, more pop and greater stability at speed.
In terms of flex, I would say something that’s stiff enough – for speed and carving reasons, but probably not too stiff as it sounds like you still like to do some playful stuff and not just bomb the mountain. So, I think something with a medium flex is a good way to go.
I would consider the Mullair more of a freeride board – which I would say is probably not what you’re after, based on these assumptions. It’s quite stiff and it’s pretty tailored towards speed, carving and powder – all things that you want – but beyond that it’s not as versatile as an all-mountain board. So for when you want to slow it down and play around it’s not going to be that suitable for that, IMO.
The Mercury is an option for sure. It’s relatively aggressive and it’s great for speed and carving but it’s also decent in powder and it’s something that you can slow down and play around with a bit too, when you want to. It’s not in this list because I consider it just aggressive enough to make my other list (see link below)
>>Top 6 Aggressive All Mountain Snowboards
But if you want something quite aggressive but not aggressive-aggressive (if that makes sense), then the Mercury is a good option. I’d say it’s 4/5 for edgehold in hard/icy conditions too. Not the best but pretty good. I’d say it’s just above medium flex – 6.5/10.
But there a number of great options on this list too, that I think would also suit you.
In terms of size, I would say something around a 157 is a good length for you, assuming a reasonably advanced ability level.
The YES Standard is a wider board, so it’s something that I usually recommend sizing down for – taking a few centimeters off the length that you’d usually go for. For you that would mean going to the 153, IMO. It would still be on the wider side for your boots but that sizing down in terms of length helps to compensate for that. If you were open to going with a shorter/wider option (which is becoming more popular these days), then the Standard is still an option – but if you’d prefer to stick to a more traditional shape, then one of the other options would be more suitable.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks. That is really helpful. If I went for the Mercury, what bindings would you recommend?
Hi Gavin
For the Mercury, I think the Union Ultra would work well – or the Genesis, though I feel like maybe something a little more responsive might be good better for the Mercury, so moving up to the Genesis X might be a better option. And for Union, you could also look at the Falcor.
I think the Genesis, Ultra or anything from the following would suit most boards in this list well:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
And anything a little stiffer flexing, I think it’s a good idea to go a little stiffer with your binding, too, so in that case something from the following would work well:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
So yeah, for the Mercury Ultra, or anything from the list above, and otherwise depends largely on the flex of board you go with. You could still go with something from the all-mountain-freeride list for a board from this list (all-mountain) – so long as it’s not too much stiffer. If not matching, I prefer to go with the binding being stiffer than the board than the other way around, if that makes sense, just not too much stiffer.
Hope this helps and let me know if you need any further clarification.
Just thought I’d pick your brain on advice for a new board. Firstly, I’m a girl and love colors & patterns!! I broke my bindings this year and my Never Summer board is now out of date being from 2010 – its the only board I’ve ever owned. But its time for a new board and bindings……. I am a solid level 4 and probably should be a 5 but high speeds makes me nervous and I haven’t taken a lesson in 2 years to get better at things like switch. I need to work on keeping form on blacks and high speed. I don’t do any freestyle – just an all mountain rider. Any thoughts on a new board and/or bindings? I only get out 1-2 times a year if that helps but want to be a 6 someday.
Hi Maggie
Thanks for your message.
I think it sounds like an all-mountain board is something would suit you well. Or you could look at all-mountain-freestyle (it’s the kind of board that’s a little more freestyle oriented than an all-mountain board, but you don’t have to ride freestyle on it). I’d go all-mountain if you ride in powder a fair bit – but otherwise either option works.
You can check out the following lists for some options for women’s all-mountain and all-mountain-freestyle boards.
>>My Top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
For bindings, I would check out the following:
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
If you’d like any size recommendations, I would be happy to give you my opinion – i would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps
I had the T.rice pro 2018 this year and got a refund because it fell apart and now I have to choice a new board. I have snowboarded for around 20 years I would say I’m intermediate to Advanced I’m looking for an all Mountain Twin or directional twin that’s going to be good in the powder on steeps out of bounds for drops and a little bit of Park use mostly jibs and medium jumps. My home hill is lake Louise but I’m all over the Rockies any suggestions is much appreciate it because I can’t make up my mind. Was thinking
never summer rip saw.
Gnu rider choice
Arbor coda
But I’m not set on any of those boards.
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
I would say anything centered and twin is going to have limitations in powder – not to say that you can’t ride powder in them – I rode in pow the other day on my short jib specialist board and it was still fun – but I definitely had to work hard to keep the nose up. So, whilst the Rip Saw/Rider’s Choice won’t be as bad as that – they’ll still be a bit more work – but since you’re looking for balance for riding the park as well, I think they will be good enough in pow for you.
The Coda isn’t a board that I’ve had any experience with, but it looks like it’s a directional twin (but still centered) with a slightly longer nose than tail, so that will help for directional powder riding. Of course, if you like riding switch in pow then having a twin isn’t a bad thing – still not going to be amazing in either direction but you at least get a consistent experience in both directions.
Between the Rider’s Choice and the Ripsaw, I’d say that the Ripsaw is stiffer and a bit more aggressive than the Rider’s Choice. So whether you want something a bit more playful or a bit more aggressive would be the decision there, IMO. For jibs, I’d rather have the Rider’s Choice, but I do prefer something softer flexing for jibs. For Carving/Speed I’d rather be on the Ripsaw and for powder the Rider’s Choice just a bit more preferred, just a little more surfy feeling and has more rocker in there than the Ripsaw which is more camber dominant.
If you want to check out other options along the lines of the Rider’s Choice and the Ripsaw, check out the links below.
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
~ Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
But yeah, I think they would be suitable for what you’re describing, but it just depends if you want something a more aggressive/responsive or something more playful. I’d consider the T Rice Pro more on the aggressive side, so it might be that you prefer that side of things. I can’t say much about the Coda – it could be an option too, though it looks like it’s full camber – which is usually a good thing for speed, carving, pop, edge-hold and aggressive riding, but not necessarily as good for jibs or powder, not having any rocker in there at all. Looks like it’s on the stiffer side, like the Ripsaw, so if that’s something you’re looking for it’s got that in it’s favor too.
Anyway, hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate,
Awesome article man. I’m a beginner, I’ve gone out 5 long weekend trips with some friends, I’m hooked and picking it up pretty quickly so I’m ready to invest in my own setup. I’ve been on a Yes Basic and have really enjoyed it but I’d like to step up to maybe the Yes Typo or one of the other boards. I don’t see myself doing a ton of park but will definitely be in there from time to time. Can you recommend a beginner all mountain set up.
I’m 5’10 185lbs size 10.5 boot.
Thanks
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
I think the Typo would be a good option. A good little step up from the Basic, and in a more all-mountain setup than the Basic, but not too big a leap.
In terms of length, I’d say something around 156 to 158 would be a good length for you at this stage. I think ultimately, once you’re more advanced you could switch up to more like a 159, 160, if you wanted to, but at this point I think you’d get more out of something slightly shorter. As a rule of thumb, I’d normally say take off 3-5cm as a beginner, which would put you around 155 to 157, but since it sounds like you’re picking things up quickly, I think 156 to 158 is probably the best range to look at.
In terms of width, on a 10.5 boot, you could ride as narrow as around 250mm, but only that narrow if you ride with binding angles like +15/-15 (i.e. with a decent angle on the back foot). But if you ride with a straighter back foot (e.g. 0-3 degrees on the back foot, then you’d need to go at least 258mm waist width, IMO.
So I’d say it’s between the 156W and the 158 for the Typo, depending on binding angles.
Another great beginner all-mountain option is the Never Summer Snowtrooper – beginner friendly but all-mountain and still a really quality deck. For that the 156 (252mm waist) would be a great length (depending on binding angles) or the 157X (262mm waist) – though that’s getting on the wide side overall, IMO, for you, even with a straight back foot, but still definitely doable. It will have a different feel to the Basic (because of rocker between the feet and camber to tip and tail, Basic (and Typo) have camber between the feet and rocker to tip and tail).
Burton Process Flying V is another option (157 or 157W) – a more similar profile (rocker between the feet, camber towards tip and tail and then a bit of rocker again before tip and tail) as the Snowtrooper. Also note that if you often ride in hard/icy conditions, the other options would be better than this one, IMO.
Or Rossignol Templar (158 or 156W)
Hope this helps
Check out the new Karakorum “quiver connectors” for their Prime bindings – tempting just to be able to swap bindings around super easily. $700 tempting? We’ll see.
The Prime System
Ended up grabbing some Ride Insanos and a Jones Flagship 165w, can’t wait to test it out.
But then I’d have no reason to have multiple pairs of bindings – and I like having lots of bindings! 😉
But seriously that does look pretty cool.
That said, I do like to ride softer or stiffer bindings depending the board – so having more than 1 is nice – but I definitely see the appeal there.
Nice work on the Insano and Flagship. Would be interested to hear what you think of them once you’ve had a chance to ride them. And also how you feel that combo works with your 13s.
Happy riding with your new setup!
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the post. I’m actually in the process of picking out a new board now, this has been helpful. I’ve been finding it difficult because I’m 6’4″, 220, and a size 13 boot (stance is 15, -6.) Do you have any picks for all-mountain boards geared towards bigger riders? I’ve been snowboarding for a long time and and can ride just about any terrain. I like to go fast and to see the whole mountain. My typical day is a mix of bowls, chutes, trees, bumps, groomers, even a little park time (no rails.) I live on the East Coast, but try to get out West as often as possible. Anyway, curious to know what your recommendation would be.
Jason
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
The first board that springs to mind is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape – it’s not something that I’ve ridden because it’s designed only for bigger boots and I wouldn’t be able to test it properly with my size 10s. It’s also known to be really good in icy conditions and based on other boards with that magne-traction, I’d say that it would be. It’s an all mountain board, so I think it would be a good match. I think the 165W would be a good size for you. It would still be on the narrow side for size 13s with a 6 degree back angle, but you might squeeze on there – what brand boots do you have? If you prefer your ride a little longer, or you’re coming from a longer board, then the 169W is also an option.
An even better option size-wise would be the Nitro Magnum – not a board I’ve ridden again, but it’s another all-mountain board and is a wide specific board. The 165W has a 274mm waist and the 168W (if you were thinking longer) has a 278mm waist. For those options, I would be pretty confident that you wouldn’t have any width issues. I have no idea what it would be like in icy conditions, as Nitro isn’t a brand that I test.
Then there’s the Ride Timeless – which has a 275mm waist width for the 167. So size-wise a good fit. But just note that this what I would consider a freeride board and it’s also the stiffest board I’ve ridden. If that’s not an issue for you, then that’s also an option. But I think for what you’re describing, either the Skunk Ape or the Magnum are probably the better options – with the Magnum being the safer out of the two in terms of width.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! The skunk ape is one that I’ve come across in my searches but the magnum and timeless are two I hadn’t considered yet. I think 165W is about where I want to be – the Jones Flagship is another that I’ve been thinking about.
Right now I have a pair of 2011 Salomon Evos that I need to replace – hopefully with something equally stiff but lower profile. The K2 bindings I use have toe lifters that help with drag, but I’ve been eyeing some Karakorums lately that probably wouldn’t have that. For snowboards, I’ve been switching between a Sierra Stunt (read Burton Blunt) 159W and a Burton Baron 172 that I got back in 2004 when everyone thought that a snowboard should at least reach your chin. One feels like trying to ride a sponge, while the other isn’t inclined to turn until you’re going at least 40mph.
Hi Jason
Thanks for the description of your current boards – cracked me up – and also very apt “one feels like trying to ride a sponge and the other isn’t inclined to turn until you hit 40mph”! classic.
Switching to low profile boots is definitely recommended for your size, and that would give you a little more leeway width-wise. That and the toe lifters, could help to get you on something like a Skunk Ape 165W or even Flagship 165W. I’m not familiar with Karakorums – I had it in my head they were mostly splitboard bindings (not something I have any experience with).
Thanks Nate!
That Skunk Ape is one I’ve been looking into. 163-165 is the range I’m looking into, right now I have a 159 and a 172 – neither is that good of a fit unfortunately. Have you ever ridden a Bataleon? I’m considering the Stallion as well – the 3BT tech they’re harping seems pretty innovative but I’d be curious to know if you have an opinion.
Jason
Hi Jason
I haven’t tested any Bataleon boards – not a brand i currently demo, so I can’t really help you in terms of the Stallion, unfortunately. But that 3BT does sound interesting – and definitely another option in terms of sizing. 3BT definitely something I’d like to try – hopefully can get a look at some Bataleon’s this season.
Hi Nate,
I appreciate what you do here with your website. Probably the most helpful snowboarding review website that I’ve come across so far…
I’m in the market for a new all mountain board. I get out west typically twice a season and would consider myself an intermediate to advanced rider if I was comparing to myself to other all mountain riders on the slopes. My primary objective when get out is to find untouched stashes even if that means a little hiking is involved…
I’m 5′ 7” and hover right around 150 pounds give or take 3 pounds or so, boot size 9.5. I’ve been riding a (158) Forum Grudge for the past 8 years and have loved it like and extension of my body. I’ve never even demoed another bored since then but think its time to pull the trigger on something a little more technically advanced.
I was about to go right ahead and order the Yes Standard (156) after reading your review but then stumbled across a review explaining how the 156 isn’t probably the best choice if you have under a size 11 boot and almost a definite bad choice if you have anything other a ten. It mentioned this due the stance width or lack there of. I wanted to get your thoughts on this and possibly a recommendation on another board then. (the jones mountain twin, slash brainstorm and never summer west all seem like great options but sometime too many options makes things harder)
Any way once again I appreciate you, your website and your time. If you have a chance to get back with me sometime that would be dope.
May the snow gods be with you
-Drew
Hi Drew
Thanks for your message.
The Standard is a wider board. So it’s good for those with longer feet or as a semi short/wide type board. Short wide type boards typically take off some length and add width. So they’re designed to be ridden at a shorter length. The maneuverability you loose for going wider is made up for in a shorter length. I say semi short/wide because it’s not to the same degree as some outright short/wides that recommend taking off 5-10cm of length.
For your specs, I would say that the 153 would be the size you’d want to go with for this board. You would be going shorter but you make up for that shortness with extra width (so you still get decent surface area for float in powder).
If you found a 2017 model, the 156 would be a good size for you in that model – it had a more traditional shape then.
But if all of that sounds too foreign and you want to go with a more traditional shape and length, then something like the Mountain Twin, Brainstorm or West would all be great choices for you, IMO. I would add the Rossi One to that list too. A great intermediate to advanced level, do-it-all board.
In terms of length, I would typically recommend something around 154, 155 for your height and weight – but if you’re used to a 158 and think you want to stay closer to that length, then you could definitely do that.
So for those boards, the sizes you’d be looking at would be:
MT: 154 or 157 – 154 would probably have the better waist width for you, but the 253mm waist width on the 157 is doable too, if you wanted to stay at a longer length
Brainstorm: 154 or 157 again – but in this case the 157 has a 250mm waist and the 154 a 248mm waist – both would be suitable but this would be a better waist width if you decided to go for a 157, compared with the MT
West: 154 (250mm waist) or 156 (252mm waist)
Rossi One: 153 (250mm waist) or 156 (252mm waist)
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
You have answered a few of my questions recently and I really appreciate it.
What I would like your take on now is, what 2 or 3 all mountain boards come to mind as being best in powder for an all mountain board, even if they didn’t make any of your top all mountain lists?
Thanks a bunch,
Michael
Hi Michael
It’s hard to say the best 2 or 3 in this case as there are a number of all-mountain boards that I would rate equally for powder. But in terms of what I think are the best in powder for an all-mountain board (and keep in mind this isn’t counting freeride boards or powder specific boards, which tend to be better in powder than all-mountain boards, so this isn’t what I think are the best boards for powder).
~ Jones Explorer
~ YES Standard (in the slam back inserts)
~ Slash Brainstorm
~ Jones Mountain Twin
~ Niche Story
~ Rossi One
~ Ride Wild Life
~ Burton Custom X Flying V
~ K2 Turbo Dream
Sorry that it’s not narrowing it to 2 or 3 but hope this helps anyway.
Hi Nate,
Yes, I understand there are plenty of freeride and powder specialist boards that would be better in powder. I just wanted to know the best or the top few in powder out of the all-mountain category.
So the boards you listed are not in any order of their powder performance if you had to say, is that correct?
Thank you,
Michael
Hi Michael
Yeah, pretty hard to separate them, really. If I had to say, then I’d say Explorer maybe just slightly on top. And, if you were only ever going to ride the Standard centered, then it would be at the bottom (but still surprisingly ok in powder centered, but still not as good as the others here when not in the slam backs).
Hey Nate,
Wanted to echo the previous comments on just how awesome your suggestions and feedback are.
I am currently riding a High Society 165w which is probably a little big for me to be honest.
I am 6’2, 190 lbs with a 12 size boot.
I do not really get in the park much, but would like to get something a tad bit smaller (160w).
Love getting in the trees, cutting and bombing runs.
Have looked at the following boards: West, Standard, Process.
I am looking at new bindings and boots as well, but I believe my current setup would be compatible with the first 2. I also didn’t see the Standard in a wide. I didn’t know if it was possibly still wide enough.
Thanks again!
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
I’d put you at around a 162cm (assuming advanced level and no freestyle) so you’re not too far off – but if you like riding trees, then going shorter than that, I think you’d appreciate it, especially compared to 165 – so 160W isn’t a bad bet, IMO.
The Standard (2018 model anyway) is a wider board generally – so although it doesn’t have specific wide sizes, it accommodates bigger boots anyway. The 159 would be your best bet there and the 263mm waist width should be fine for size 12s, particularly for the fact that the Standard has what YES call “mid-bite” which essentially cinches in the waist – so the width at the inserts and tip and tail is wider than what the waist suggests – so it should definitely be suitable width-wise.
The West 160W would also be fine for 12s, IMO. If you have a completely flat back foot and love to euro carve, then it might be pushing it being too narrow – but in pretty much all other scenarios it should be fine for 12s.
The Process doesn’t come in wide sizes, unfortunately, only the Process Flying V – and that’s more freestyle oriented and not really a bomber in my opinion – so I would choose between the Standard 159 and West 160W, if I was you.
Hope this helps
Thanks – this really helps. Would UNION CONTACT PRO bindings pair well with the Standard?
Hi Matt
I would personally opt for something a little stiffer than the Contact Pros for the Standard. They would do the job, but I think something a little stiffer is preferable. Check out the following links for some options.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Nate – love the site. all mountain intermediate (skill) groomer rider that took many years off (kids). Ive only had one board – cannot even tell what its flex/profile is (late 90s burton balance 160)- its that old. It rides fine but definitely upgrading. My issue is I need a board that both fly down blacks/blues as well as go SLOW under control with my 5 yr. old on skis on greens. I THINK those are 2 different boards – a shorter flexible? rocker board? for slugging down greens (flipping around etc. to keep an eye on her) and a different board (was thinking the YES but might be too stiff for my experience level anyway) for tackling steeps with my wife and older kids….
I can tell you my OG Burton stinks for going 2mph on greens…easy to catch edges etc.
Love to hear your thoughts….
Hi DP
Thanks for your message.
Definitely not surprised that your 90s Burton is difficult riding slow and easy to catch an edge on – I don’t think any board from the 90s was pleasant doing this on (from what I hear, I wasn’t riding in the 90s).
But yeah, definitely having something softer flexing and shorter is going to help for maneuverability at slower speeds and having rocker in the profile is going to help with catching your edges when riding slow.
You could definitely go for 2 boards and do it that way. Probably the best way, but if you only wanted to get one, then there are boards that will do that for you.
For starters – you don’t have to settle for all rocker, or all camber – a lot of boards these days, in fact probably most are hybrids, so you can get the best of both worlds. For you I would go for a hybrid camber (camber between and under the feet and rocker tip and tail) because you will be used to having camber underfoot and having a bit of rocker tip and tail is easy to get used to, compared to suddenly having rocker under or between your feet.
And in terms of flex, if you were going with just one board, then going with something mid-flexing is a good idea – you’ll still be able to bomb pretty well but also be able to slow down and still have good control at slower speeds.
In terms of length, if you want to go for just one board, then it would probably be a compromise between something a little shorter, for those slower speed days with your 5 year old but not so short that it compromises too much for speed, carving and float in powder.
But to be honest, from what I’ve heard of older boards like that, going with a mid-flexing hybrid rocker is going to feel a lot more maneuverable and catch-free at slow speeds, even if you didn’t size down a little.
If you’d like I could recommend a size for you, if you could let me know your height, weight and boot size.
Off this list, I think the Rossi One, Jones Mountain Twin, Slash Brainstorm and YES Standard (depending on boot size) would all work well for you as a one board quiver. If you think you’d prefer 2 boards, let me know and I can recommend a softer more playful option to go with. But for your second board, I think something from this list, as an intermediate rider, would still be the way to go – but in that case I would say to go for one of these in a longer size and go for a shorter size for your softer, more playful board that you’ll use with your youngest.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the long response – I actually spent many hours on your site last 48 hours and several hours on the net trying to figure out what the heck my OG Burton was – cant even find it. I assume is the lowest grade board so guessing its pretty flexible and flat? Its like turning an aircraft carrier at times – but you ride what you got i suppose and adapt to it.
my weight bounces between 175-190 – with an 11 boot size. My sweet spot is blues but love to tackle blacks if the snow is good (or the slopes are crowded) and can get away from the kids. We just do other stuff on crowded icy days, so being able to handle that is not important. Want something that can handle powder but honestly see that maybe 10% of my time. Even though my size says 159/160ish was thinking a bit shorter to be more easily putter with the kids (although i could have that wrong).
I almost pulled the trigger on a Yes Basic, which I assume to be perfect for me now BUT want something to grow into/challenge me a bit more so held back (plus to be honest did not like the way it looked).
I figured a Yes Standard in the 159 was just about right but concerned about going wide vs. length and could not find one for sale. I did find a used 156 so will try that out.
I am very torn between the Standard (156) vs. Never Summer West (157W) vs. Brainstorm (159W). I already clicked through your site and ordered the second 2 and will just return whichever. Would love your thoughts/guidance. Thanks again.
sorry one more comment – was thinking about using the 156 standard as my go to hang out with the family board and the 159W brainstorm as my more advanced terrain board.
Hi DP
Yeah going shorter will make it easier to putter with the kids for sure. So if you were going to grab 2 boards, then something around that 159, 160 mark for your longer board would work and the 159W Brainstorm, would be a good width for size 11 boots too. Without also knowing your height, I couldn’t say for sure which length I think would be better, but it sounds like you’ve sized yourself around that, so I think that would be good.
The West 157W could work too. It’s a little shorter of course, but it’s also a little wider which would compensate for that reduction in length. The other thing to keep in mind with the West is that it has Rocker between the feet – so this is going to feel a bit different to what you’re used to – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing – just might take more getting used to initially.
The Standard is quite a wide board – and wider than you’d think by looking at the waist width. It’s cinched in at the waist (what YES call “mid-bite”) so the tip/tail and insert width is a little wider. So for that, I would go for the 156 if you were going to go with that one.
However, if you already going to have the 159W Brainstorm or 157W West, I think the Standard would be too close in terms of the type of board – and even though it’s shorter, I would still go for something a little more different if you were going for 2 boards. That way you could get something that’s nice and playful for riding with the kids. Just that way you’d have a little more contrast between the boards.
If you still wanted to go with YES, then I’d look at the Basic again and also the Typo (156W for either).
That’s how I’d do it anyway.
Hope this helps