Top 5 Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Snowboards

Comments

1. NIMA says

   November 11, 2016 at 10:29 am

   Hi nate

   Im thinking between custom twin and yes the greats lately and im not sure which one to buy.
   It would be great if you help me out by comparing them by detail .

   thank you very much

   Reply

   • Nate says

     November 11, 2016 at 5:00 pm

     Hi Nima

     There are a few differences between these two. Mainly the Custom Twin is a more aggressive ride (hence it’s on this list and the Greats is on the All-Mountain-Freestyle list).

     The Custom Twin has an almost Traditional Camber profile – so it’s mostly camber with some small flat sections and a little bit of rocker towards the tip and tail. It feels close (but not quite) to a full camber board to ride. The Greats on the other hand is a Hybrid Camber – it still has that camber underfoot but has more rocker in the tip and tail. This gives it a more playful, easier going type feel.

     In terms of the specs I think the Greats has it over the Custom Twin for riding switch – but only just. They are both great for riding switch but the Greats has asymmetry and that makes it just that tiny bit better. But I wouldn’t choose based on this alone.

     They’re both amazing for jumps so it’s hard to choose between the two on that factor – the YES greats only just.

     In terms of carving and speed, very similar again but I’d say that the Custom Twin was a tiny bit better for carving.

     Both are about the same for jibbing and the Greats is a little bit more suitable for powder because of that extra bit of rocker – but they’re both not great in powder.

     Both boards are pretty close in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. I think the main difference is their feel. If you want something a little bit more aggressive, then the Custom Twin is the way to go. If you want something just a bit more playful – but still not like super loose or anything like that, then the Greats is the better choice.

     Hope that helps with your decision.

     Reply

2. Larry yau says

   December 9, 2016 at 2:17 am

   Hi nate !
   I am a beginner that only know how to s turn.
   And I am interested to buy a board for few seasons.

   I would like to know is capita DOA 160cm will be a good choice for me ?
   (179cm and 79kg)

   Thank you so much !!!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 9, 2016 at 8:20 pm

     Hi Larry

     I wouldn’t suggest the DOA for you. It’s not really suitable as a beginner board. It’s quite an aggressive board – it’s an awesome board once you know how to ride and if it’s suited to how you like to ride – but it’s too aggressive to be ideal as a beginner board.

     I would check out my top 5 beginner snowboards at the link below as a starting point for a beginner board.

     >>My Top 5 Beginner Snowboards

     Hope this helps

     Reply

3. Larry Yau says

   December 10, 2016 at 4:18 am

   It is really helpful !
   Thank you so much !

   I will search a new board for me !

   At the same time , one of my Fd ( intermediate level ), in 180cm , 80kg

   Blinding : Burton mission
   Boots : Burton ion
   70% ride
   30% park

   He is also interested to have a capita Doa.

   What size of the board will fit him ??

   Thank you Nate !!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 10, 2016 at 4:25 pm

     Hi Larry

     You’re very welcome.

     For your friend I would say either the 156 or 158 – assuming that he doesn’t have a boot size larger than US11.5.

     I would usually say automatically the 158 but I really enjoyed this board in the 156 and I’m 183cm and 83kg (so quite similar to your friend).

     If he likes to do a lot of freestyle type riding when he’s on riding outside of the park (like I do) then I would say the 156 is the better option – more maneuverable and better for spins. However, if he wants a bit more stability at speed and a bit more edge-hold for carving etc, then the 158 would be the better choice.

     If he has boots of 11.5 or up, then the choice would be between the 155W and the 158W.

     Reply

4. Alberto says

   January 15, 2017 at 6:29 am

   Hi Nate, i am an italian “intermediate-level” rider and i fell in love with your web page!
   I am looking for a snowboard but i don’t understand the difference between an AGGRESSIVE-all mountain-freestyle board and an all mountain one..
   I mean: what “aggressive” stands for? something harder to ride at its highest potential? Sorry but i don’t get it ehehe 🙂

   Sorry for my bad english 🙂

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 15, 2017 at 8:27 pm

     Hi Alberto

     Aggressive just means that it’s designed to be faster and ride in a way that you take more aggressive lines and is not so much playful. This category of boards is also designed to be used for freestyle type riding as well as all-mountain riding, hence aggressive all-mountain-freestyle.

     There are many aspects of the board that contribute to it being aggressive or playful.

     It does also mean that it’s typically a bit more technical to ride – so not for the beginner.

     If you want to learn more about the different styles of boards check out the link below

     ~ What Style of Snowboarder are You?

     If you are an intermediate rider you could ride these types of boards but I would only do so if you know that you like to ride aggressively. If you prefer your riding more casual or in between casual and aggressive, then something that is “all-mountain” or “all-mountain-freestyle” would be a better option. Check out the links below to see some all-mountain and all-mountain-freestyle options.

     ~ My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards

     ~ My Top 5 All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

     Hope this answers your question

     Reply

5. Ruchi says

   January 16, 2017 at 7:57 pm

   Hi Nate，

   I started snowboarding this winter.I am not sure what level I’m at .
   Anyway I can link my turns pretty well and already started learning to carve.
   I’ve been renting crappy boards for a while and thinking about getting my own board.
   Do you think a 156cm or 158cm length “defender of awesome” is good choice for me?( 5’11 170lb)
   If not what’s your suggestion?

   Thank you nate!

   Reply

   • Nate says

     January 17, 2017 at 1:44 pm

     Hi Ruchi

     If you were to go with the DOA I think that the 156cm would be your best size for that board.

     However, it’s not the easiest board to ride. Even though it sounds like your progressing really quickly, the DOA is more aggressive/technical than I would normally suggest for someone in their first winter of riding. If your set on it then I’d go 156cm.

     But if you want something a bit more easy going (but still really good for carving) that I think will make for quicker progression, you should check out the link below. These are similar types of boards to this list but just a little less aggressive and a little easier to ride.

     ~ My Top 5 All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Ruchi says

       January 18, 2017 at 5:15 pm

       Thank you Nate for your reply and it really helps! I’d either go with Never summer prototype or Capita DOA.

       Cheers!

       Reply

       • Nate says

         January 19, 2017 at 12:14 pm

         Hi Ruchi

         You’re very welcome. Hope you have an awesome season and enjoy your new board (whichever you go with)!

         Reply

6. Ahmet says

   April 6, 2017 at 7:47 am

   Hi Nate,

   Have you ever be able to test a Burton Custom Twin Flying V. I bought this one recently because of the promises of the flying v profile but then realized that I am not happy with its carving. It is obvious that flying v will not perform as its sister with a regular camber at carving but I would appreciate your thoughts. Maybe there is something wrong how I perform carving with this profile. I usually found myself skidding at steeper slopes and at high speeds. Maybe you give me some tips to improve carving with a Flying V.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     April 6, 2017 at 8:29 pm

     Hi Ahmet

     I haven’t had a chance to ride the Custom Twin Flying V yet. But based on the difference between other custom versions in camber and flying v profiles, there is quite a distinct difference between the 2. The two profiles really do make for completely different feeling boards.

     I’m not sure there is a way to carve better on the Flying V – I think it’s just not as nice to carve on. It’s a more forgiving, more playful feel and has it’s place for sure. But for carving the camber versions are just better. I think also when the snow is hard or icy, carving with that flying V becomes even more difficult.

     If there’s a technique for carving better on the Flying V, I don’t know it. That’s not to say that it’s a profile that I don’t like. I find that Flying V a lot of fun to ride – but for laying down carves it’s not amazing.

     Hope this answers your question

     Reply

7. Emmanuel Lafrance says

   December 15, 2017 at 6:39 pm

   What do you think of the lib tech trs

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 16, 2017 at 8:37 am

     Hi Emmanuel

     I like the TRS. It’s not what I consider aggressive enough to include in this particular list but certainly an all-mountain-freestyle board. The last couple of years I had it in the top 5 all-mountain-freestyle list but this year it would have been number 6. I felt that when they added the TNT base that the board, for lack of a better description, felt more “slippery” – it just lost a little bit of stability at speed, IMO.

     But overall it’s a super fun board, awesome for jumps, spins, a good little carver, and about as good as it gets for the pipe. It’s a great board in hard/icy conditions – if you encounter those a fair bit. And not terrible at speed by any means – just I felt not quite as good as it was. So yeah a great board, IMO – and I’m thinking about expanding that all-mountain-freestyle list to 10 (either later this season or next season – whenever I can find the time!) so that I can include the TRS in addition to a couple of other great all-mountain-freestyle boards that would be in the top 10.

     For more details, check out my full review of th TRS at the link below:

     >>Lib Tech TRS Review

     Hope this helps

     Reply

8. Marquise says

   December 17, 2017 at 7:35 pm

   Hi Nate. I love your reviews!! Maybe you can provide me with some guidance on my next board.
   I’m an intermediate to advanced rider. I’m 6’2 215 lbs size 11 boot. I ride goofy but can ride regular also. I started on a Burton Bullet 164w and then a Rossignol Circuit 165w. I mostly ride in the Poconos, upstate NY and Vermont. So it’s more hard snow, icy and some powder. I ride pretty fast, enjoy carving, and last season was trying to learn some basic jumps, 180s/360s, small boxes and rails, and basic tricks. I’m looking for a board that will cater to my style and also help learning jumps and tricks a little easier. I guess I’m more of an all mountain rider that wants to add some play as I ride down. Maybe go into the park to touch the small and basic stuff. I was told to check out the Burton Custom Twin. I am open to all other options also. I don’t mind going down in board size as long as I’m able to stay stable at faster speeds. I’d appreciate whatever feedback you can give me. Thanks.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 18, 2017 at 10:06 am

     Hi Marquise

     Thanks for your message.

     Burton haven’t made the Custom Twin in a 2018 model (though you still may be able to find a 2017 model?). However, I feel like the Custom Twin might be on the aggressive side, especially if you are just starting out learning jumps, jibs, spins etc. Also, coming from two softer boards (Bullet and Circuit) and one that has quite a lot of rocker in the profile (Circuit), going stiffer and all camber is probably fine for your general riding but it will make learning jumps and tricks more difficult.

     I think something from the following list (maybe not Assassin-Pro as it’s a bit stiffer – and others have found it even stiffer than I did) would be a good place to look.

     >>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards

     The boards in that list are less aggressive than the Custom Twin and the boards in this list – but they can still carve and ride at speed. But I think they’re just going to be a bit better for the other things you’re about to try than the other things in this list. And I think you’ll get a good increase in terms of carving performance compared to your last 2 boards – even if you were to size down a little bit.

     In terms of length, I would say that something around that 164, 165 mark is a good length for your all-mountain size, so I think you’ve made good length choices with your previous boards. But you could come down a couple of cms for an all-mountain-freestyle board – and also, going a little shorter will help with learning freestyle stuff. You will sacrifice a little when it comes to powder, carving and speed but as long as you don’t go too much shorter it won’t affect those too much , compared with going with the longer lengths.

     In terms of width, with size 11s. I think you probably want to stick to something with at least a 255mm waist width, and only that narrow if you have binding angles like +15/-15 (i.e. a decent angle on your back foot). If you tend to ride with quite a straight angle on your back foot (I say back foot because it’s always angled less than or the same as the front foot), then at least 260mm at the waist would be a safer bet.

     So with all that in mind, I think the following sizes:

     ~ Never Summer Proto Type Two: 161X (265mm waist)
     ~ YES Greats: No suitable length or width unfortunately
     ~ Capita Outerspace Living: 160 (though this would be pushing it in terms of being both shorter and a good bit narrower than your current boards – and would only be an option with a good angle on that back foot)
     ~ GNU Rider’s Choice: 162W (268mm waist) or 161.5 (258mm waist) – depending on binding angles and preferences.

     Even if you do have a good angle on that back foot, you could still go wide if you felt like that’s what you’re more comfortable with, it’s a personal preference. The narrower options would provide a bit more maneuverability and edge to edge speed, but sacrifice a little in terms of stability.

     You could also look at the Salomon Assassin (a slightly softer flexing version of the Salomon Assassin Pro) – in terms of size, the 160W would be best (and only suitable size), IMO.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Marquise says

       December 18, 2017 at 1:39 pm

       Thank you Nate. I appreciate the feedback. I stopped by a ski shop earlier and was told the custom twin wasn’t really the ideal choice for me. They were pushing the Capita DOA 161w my way though. I did find this board pretty intriguing and the price was nice also. I did read some good stuff on the Never Summer Proto Type Two and also the Yes Great. I will look a little more as I am looking to make a purchase sometime this week.

       Reply

       • Nate says

         December 19, 2017 at 9:25 am

         Hi Marquise

         The DOA is also a more aggressive ride – but not as much as the Custom Twin and it does have some flat zones and very short rocker section towards tip and tail which help to make it a little more of a forgiving ride than the Custom Twin was. The 161W would be the best size for you too, IMO.

         Reply

9. Lee says

   December 30, 2017 at 8:50 am

   Hi Nate, I really enjoy your site. You seem to be very passionate about the sport. Anyway, I’m 50 years old and I have been snowboarding on and off since my early 20’s. I’m looking to get a new board and get back into it more now that my kids are older. I have typically stuck with Burton over the years. I come from a surfing background and absolutely love to carve and hit powder. These days I’m close to 200lbs and 5’11”. My current boots are 10.5 but feel they might be a half size too small if they don’t end up packing out. I have my eyes on a 2016/17 Burton Custom 160cm. The waist width is 255mm and the spec sheet indicates a “large” binding size. Does that seem too wide or just right for me? Generally, what size should I be looking for length and width? Thanks in advance.

   Reply

   • Nate says

     December 31, 2017 at 10:35 am

     Hi Lee

     Thanks for your message.

     In terms of length, I’d say anything around that 161cm mark, give or take, so 160cm would be a good length for you, IMO.

     For width, if you stay on 10.5s then anything from around 252mm at the waist, assuming something like +15/-15 binding angles (i.e. a good amount of angle on the back foot) – but if you have a straighter angle on the back foot, then going for at least 255mm at the waist is a good idea. If you go to 11s, then 254mm would be the minimum waist width I would go for and only if you have a good angle on your back foot for your binding angles.

     Since you’ve been riding since your early 20s, you are likely used to a traditional camber profile – so that’s what the Custom is, so that would be a good choice in that respect. However, there are boards that would be better for powder. The Custom has a bit of a setback stance which helps in powder but having some rocker in the nose helps with powder too. However, assuming that you’re used to riding traditional camber in powder, there’s no reason you can’t stick with that – but if you wanted slightly more effortless float, then you could look at something like a hybrid rocker (which has camber between the feet and under the feet but rocker towards the tip and/or tail [depending on the board]).

     Generally All-Mountain and Freeride boards are the best for powder with all-mountain boards being a bit more versatile and freeride boards more specialized towards Speed, Carving and Powder. You can check out the links below if you want to check out some options.

     >>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards

     ~ My Top 5 Freeride Snowboards

     But the Custom would definitely work if you wanted to stick with something Traditional Camber and the 160cm would be a good length for you, IMO. The width should be just right too – depending on your binding angles and whether you stay in 10.5s or have to go to 11s.

     Hope this helps

     Reply

     • Lee says

       January 16, 2018 at 7:06 am

       Thanks Nate! I pulled the trigger on a Burton Custom 160 from last season. I will be taking it on its maiden voyage this week to Wintergreen, VA. Then Utah next month for real snow. Anyway, I really really appreciated your reply. Your advice was the deciding factor. Your site in general has been a valuable resource. I keep finding myself coming back to it for a variety of information. Best wishes in the New Year and keep up the excellent work! -Lee

       Reply

       • Nate says

         January 16, 2018 at 11:27 am

         You’re very welcome Lee. Hope you enjoy your new board – and you’re trip to Utah!

         Reply

10. rico says

    February 8, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    hello nate, which is faster to capita doa or yes standard, what are the differences between them?

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 9, 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Hi Rico

      I’d say they’re fairly even in terms of speed. Both are pretty good when riding fast and feel fairly stable at speed. Not too much difference in terms of speed from what I can remember there.

      They are quite different boards:

      1. They have different camber profiles. The Standard is camber between the feet and under the feet and rocker tip and tail. The DOA is also camber between the feet and under the feet, but then it goes flat from just after the inserts towards the tip and tail – and then there’s a very small section of rocker just before the contact points.

      2. The Standard is a wider board and incorporates what YES call “mid-bite” which essentially means it is cinched in at the waist. So the width at the inserts is wider at the waist and tip and tail than typically would be the case. The DOA is more traditionally shaped.

      3. The Standard is a volume twin – there’s a little more volume in the nose but otherwise it’s a twin shape. The DOA is a true twin.

      4. The Standard is a little stiffer (rated 4.5/5 by YES but what I would consider more like 6 or 6.5/10) but not by much – the DOA is 5.5/10.

      5. The DOA is a more aggressive feeling board, IMO.

      6. The Standard is designed to be ridden both centered and setback (in what YES calls “Slam back inserts”). The DOA is designed to be ridden centered.

      Those are some of the major differences – but there are lots of other differences too – the materials used for their construction differ quite a bit too.

      Reply

11. rico says

    February 15, 2018 at 6:19 am

    thank you very much for the answer, you do a great thing here!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      February 15, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      You’re very welcome Rico

      Reply

12. Carlos says

    November 10, 2018 at 10:54 am

    Hello Nate

    I have noticed confusing ratings between snowboard types, for example a 3,5 in the speed factor for an aggressive all mountain freestyle board while for a (non aggressive) all mountain freestyle board the rating was 4. That being so, should I compare between boards within the same type or does it mean that 4 is always faster than 3,5 regardless the board type?
    This question can be extrapolated to other factors as Powder, Carving…

    Thank you for your hard work, all the information that you are providing is really helpful.

    Reply

    • Nate says

      November 10, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Carlos

      I do tend to compare between categories more closely, because that’s when I’m directly comparing. I do try to get a universal feel across categories but it’s more difficult to be accurate when I’m not directly comparing. So yeah the comparison between categories will be more accurate but I do try to get some cross-category consistency as well.

      In terms of between aggressive all-mtn-freestyle and all-mtn freestyle, typically an aggressive all-mtn-freestyle is more likely to be a better board at speed, but some boards are aggressive in feel but aren’t necessarily as stable at speed as some other less aggressive boards, if that makes sense.

      Hope this helps/makes sense

      Reply

13. Carlos says

    December 3, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Hi Nate,
    Thank you very much for your work here, it is really helping me a lot to buy a new snowboard. I am 1,8m tall, 72kg and 9,5 shoe size.
    I am a casual rider and have had the same board for 13 years but last year I tried the Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro C2 for 10 minutes and loved it. I felt it really fast and stable and I am looking for that but also something playful although I am not too much interested in the park. I love also powder although it is not so common where I usually go. I love to take advantage of bumps and the sides of the piste for small jumps and catch some powder.
    I was thinking on the Hot Knife based on your review and your top 5 Aggresive All-Mountain Freestyle board comparison. However, I have doubts because it is C3 traditional camber board as mine and the shop guy told me that if I liked C2 I should go for the Travis Rice Pro which I would have more fun with and would be more forgiving.
    I thought that the Capita DOA could be something in between but I am lost and the Travis Rice Pro looks also a good option as per my feelings when I tried it.
    I would really appreciate if you could bring some light with your recommendations.
    I am thinking on the 153cm board size. Do you think that would fit me?
    Currently I have Flow bindings and I am used to quick entry, what bindings and size would you recommend me? Do you know any appropriate quick entry binding for these boards?

    Thank you so much!!! I am looking forward for your tips!!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 3, 2018 at 11:13 am

      Hi Carlos

      Thanks for your message.

      If you’ve tried the T Rice Pro and like it, then that’s certainly an option. The camber profile on the T Rice Pro is more forgiving than on the Hot Knife, but the T Rice Pro is also noticeably stiffer, in my experience, and that makes it less forgiving at slower speeds. I found the T Rice Pro less enjoyable at slower speeds, than the Hot Knife (but awesome at higher speeds). The T Rice Pro is better in powder though, so that’s certainly a plus if you’re wanting something that can ride powder better.

      I think both would serve you well, but since you felt good on the T Rice Pro, and you want it to be somewhat good in powder (the Hot Knife isn’t, IMO), then I think that’s a safer bet.

      Size-wise, I think the 155 is probably the better option. You could certainly ride the 153 and that would give you a little more playfulness and maneuverability at slow speeds, but would sacrifice stability at speed, float in powder and in terms of carving. If you really wanted a shorter board, the 153 would be doable, but overall I would say go for the 155.

      In terms of quick entry bindings, they’re not something that I’ve ridden in quite a while, not something I test currently, so I don’t have a lot of knowledge there. But I would say go for something that’s around 7/10 in terms of flex, to match the T Rice Pro (if that’s what you go for).

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply

14. jarod says

    December 27, 2018 at 7:43 pm

    what size hot knife for 80kg 11.5us boot, for park and all mountain.

    their size guides are not very specific…. haha

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Nate says

      December 29, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Hi Jarod

      Thanks for your message. Yeah Lib Tech’s size guides pretty vague all right!

      I would say wither 156W or 159W. But to decide between those 2, if you could let me know your height and ability level, as well.

      Reply