Below are what I rate as the top 5 aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle snowboards for the 2017-18 season.
This was a new category last year. I’ve brought this in because I’ve ridden some awesome boards in this category – and decided these types of boards were different enough to warrant their own category separate from All-Mountain-Freestyle boards.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, the boards will each be given a rating out of 100.
To give some perspective of the ratings:
- I looked at 16 different aggressive-all-mountain freestyle boards
- The average score was 84.4/100
- The highest score was 90.9/100 (see below)
- The lowest score was 75.6/100
- The average price was $530
O.k., here’s my top 5 for 2018.
Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Board #5
Board: Ride Helix
Price: View current price and more info
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating: 86.9/100
The Helix got the nod here just ahead of the Ride Burnout – mostly because I felt the flex of the Helix was a little more lively than the Burnout. But if you have very strong legs or just like a board with a stiffer flex, then the slightly stiffer Burnout might be your better bet.
But for me, the Helix was a lively responsive ride that still allowed to you perform tricks on. It’s not super easy to butter on but for jumps, spins and generally charging down the groomers, it’s a super fun and really aggressive ride.
Learn more about the Helix in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Helix
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Jumps: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Carving: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Speed: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Pipe: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Powder: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Jibbing: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.9/100 |
Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Board #4
Board: YES Ghost
Price: View current price and more info
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Previously known as the TDF or Tadashi Fuse, the Ghost is a hard charging all-mtn-freestyle ride with a traditional camber profile.
Apart from powder (which this type of board isn’t really designed for) the TDF doesn’t show any real weaknesses – but it does show plenty of strength.
It’s snappy, aggressive, quick and can really hold a carve. And, though not its forte, it can hit a jib pretty well too when you feel for it.
Learn more about the Ghost in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Ghost
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Jumps: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Speed: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Pipe: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Powder: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Jibbing: | 3.0 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Board #3
Board: Lib Tech Hot Knife
Price: View current price and more info
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 88.6/100
I rode the Hot Knife on a day that had some pretty choppy snow – but this thing just flew over top of it. Great riding in both directions, nice and aggressive and awesome launching through the air (and landing safely on return).
Learn more about the Hot Knife in the Video Below
This is for the 2015-16 model but it’s all still relevant for the 2016-17 model and 2017-18 model.
Score Breakdown for the Hot Knife
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Jumps: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Speed: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Pipe: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Powder: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Jibbing: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.6/100 |
Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Board #2
Board: Never Summer Ripsaw
Price: View current price and more info
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 89.8/100
The Ripsaw is an awesome deck for aggressive freestyle riding over the whole mountain. It’s fast, aggressive, jumps like a dream, is killer for the pipe and, like any board in this category should, holds a great carve.
It’s the stiffest flexing board on this list, so if you prefer a more medium-stiff flex, then this might be the best option for you on this list.
Learn more about the Ripsaw in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Ripsaw
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Jumps: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Speed: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Pipe: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Powder: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| Jibbing: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
Aggressive All Mountain Freestyle Board #1
Board: Capita Defenders of Awesome (DOA)
Price: View current price and more info
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 90.9/100
This board is super lively – with heaps of pop, awesome on landings, fast and aggressive, you can carve hard and pop off everything you find on your way down the mountain.
What’s even more impressive is that this is the cheapest board on the list – and more than $100 cheaper than the average price for this type of board!
So, if your budgets tight but you still want a hard charging all-mtn-freestyle ride, then the DOA is a great option.
Learn more about the DOA in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the DOA
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Switch: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Jumps: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Speed: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Pipe: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Powder: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| Jibbing: | 3.0 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
Over to You
I hope this post has given you some options if you’re interested in an aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
Check out the links under each board to learn more about the board and for current prices. Or check out the full review links (on the boards I’ve done full reviews for) for my full breakdown of that board.
If you’re looking for something less aggressive/more playful, then check out my top 5 all-mountain-freestyle snowboards at the link below.
>>Top 5 Men’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
Note: If you like your all-mtn-freestyle ride a little stiffer, then there are some great options that didn’t make this list – like the Ride Burnout, Lib Tech T Rice Pro and Burton Freethinker. For me, they were too stiff for an all-mtn-free for my legs and my weight – but if you prefer a stiffer board, have strong athletic legs (not saying that I have weak legs ;-)) or are on the heavier side, then those, in addition to the options above, are definitely worth looking at.
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
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.
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 !!!
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
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 !!
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.
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 🙂
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
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!
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
Thank you Nate for your reply and it really helps! I’d either go with Never summer prototype or Capita DOA.
Cheers!
Hi Ruchi
You’re very welcome. Hope you have an awesome season and enjoy your new board (whichever you go with)!
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.
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
What do you think of the lib tech trs
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
You’re very welcome Lee. Hope you enjoy your new board – and you’re trip to Utah!
hello nate, which is faster to capita doa or yes standard, what are the differences between them?
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.
thank you very much for the answer, you do a great thing here!
You’re very welcome Rico