Hello and welcome to my YES Emoticon snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Emoticon as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Emoticon a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other women's all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
DISCONTINUED: The 2022 model was the last for the Emoticon. However, really it's just changed names to the "Women's Basic" and nothing else has changed, so the review below still applies, as there were no other changes.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Emoticon
Price: $399
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Rating Score: 83.3/100
Compared to other Women’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 25 women’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Emoticon’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Emoticon’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $399 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber - 3-2-3 (rocker-camber-rocker) |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Extruded |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
143 | 237 | 100-130 | 45-59 |
146 | 239 | 100-150 | 45-68 |
149 | 241 | 110-160 | 50-72 |
152 | 243 | 110-160 | 50-72 |
Who is the Emoticon Most Suited To?
The Emoticon is great for anyone looking for a playful, buttery, easy going, easy to ride, super nimble at slow speeds, all-mountain-freestyle board.
It's also great for beginners, and ideal for that high end beginner approaching intermediate, that wants a board to last a long time with them as they progress.
Not a bomber, or anything that you'd take into the backcountry - but otherwise very versatile.
The Emoticon in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Emoticon is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Emoticon 2020, 149cm (241mm waist width)
Date: March 15, 2019
Conditions: The day started off quite soft and a little sticky, but by the evening time, as it cooled down, it started to harden up. The Emoticon was the first board that Ash got on and it was still a little sticky in places - but things had already sped up a little and was getting quite firm in places.
Bindings angles: +15/-12
Stance width: 515mm (20.3″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 247mm (9.72")
Weight: 2480g (5lbs, 7oz)
Weight per cm: 16.64g/cm
Average Weight per cm: 16.48 grams/cm*
*based on a very small sample size of 8 women's boards that I've weighed.
Ash described the board as feeling light on snow. Some boards weigh in light but feel heavier on snow or visa-versa.
Rider Height: 5"6" (168cm)
Rider Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
Rider Boot Size: Women's US8.5 Ride Hera
Bindings Used: NOW Vetta, Small
Flex
In hand it felt significantly softer than the 2 Jones boards that were tested against it (Twin Sister & Dream Catcher).
Ash said it felt considerably softer on snow than the two Jones and even a little softer vs her board (GNU Gloss), certainly in the nose and tail - but maybe a little stiffer than the Gloss in the center of the board.
Powder
Didn't get any on the day - but based on my experience with the YES Basic (men's equivalent of this board) and the specs, it's not a great board for powder. Fine in shallow powder though, but when it gets deeper, then quite easy to sink the nose.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Feels nice on a carve at slower speeds, but gets a bit wobbly when carving faster - not one for aggressive carves.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Super nimble at slow speeds. Really fast edge-to-edge.
Overall edge-to-edge speeds: Gets wobbly as you ride it faster and turning at high speeds isn't ideal, but overall at slow to medium speeds, super nimble edge to edge.
Skids: Really easy to initiate turns on and forgiving of skidded turns.
Speed
Not that stable at speed - can handle speed to an extent but then gets wobbly.
Uneven Terrain
Nice and nimble for getting around bumps, and has enough flex to absorb going over - but not that damp, so you feel the bumps as you go over. And you feel it when you're in crud too.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Overall, almost ideal for smaller jumps, but not as suitable for large jumps.
Pop: Good pop (without being epic) and super easy to access that pop.
Approach: Good approach for smaller jumps and trickier approaches for side hits, but not stable enough at speed to be ideal for bigger jumps.
Landing: Good solid landing off smaller jumps - but not ideal for larger jumps.
Side-hits: Really really good - nimble for tricky approaches, good easily accessed pop and great to spin. Maybe not if you're hitting massive natural hits, but your typical side-his on groomers, it's pretty much ideal.
Small jumps: Almost perfect.
Big jumps: Not stable enough on approach and landing to be ideal.
Switch
Almost perfect. The same going both ways essentially. Only thing that would improve it, is asymmetry.
Spins
For small air spins, the Emoticon is pretty much perfect - easy access pop, great for landing and taking off switch and feels light to get the spin around. For big tricks it's not as good, but for most it will be a great spinner.
Jibbing
Great for jibs too. It's one of those boards that would rate really well purely as a park board - and that would have been just as appropriate a category for this board.
Butters
This is about as good for buttering as they come. Super buttery and super easy to butter on.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 5/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BUTTERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.3/100 |
Overall the Emoticon is a really easy going, super nimble at slow speeds, great for spinning, super buttery, playful all-mountain-freestyle board that could just as easily be categorized as a straight up park board.
Not one for bombing or super-aggressive carves, but great for regular turns and awesome for small jumps and side hits, with really easily accessible pop (i.e. don't have to wind up to extract it).
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Emoticon, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other women's all-mountain-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to see how the Emoticon compares to other women's all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hey Nate, I’m looking to get a board for my girlfriend and am looking at getting an older Emoticon.
She’s 5’4, 150lbs, and has size 8 boots. She’s still pretty new so am leaning towards the 146cm, but I see that 150 lbs is already at the top of the weight range for 150lbs. Should I size her up onto a 149cm? Or do you think 146cm will still be fine?
Thanks!
Hi Justin, thanks for your message (and apologies for the delay in response – still catching up trying to get reviews etc published!)
I would put your girlfriend’s “typical all-mountain length” at around 150. However, given she’s a newer rider, sizing down to the 146 makes sense, IMO. The 149 wouldn’t be wrong, but as a beginner, I would be leaning 146.
Hope this helps and didn’t come too late
Hi Nate,
I’m a beginner snowboarder – only did it two times, actually… I can currently turn in any pretty much any direction, and switch from toe to heel with a bit of confidence. Since my friends are more advanced than me, I mostly go down red, occasionally blue slopes (which was a little hellish on the first day I gotto admit). I want to improve, so I figured it might be better to get a board of my own so that I don’t need to get used to the feel of a new rental model each time I practice.
I’ve tried different sizing guides online, but they vary a lot in what they recommend. I’m between 5’8 and 5’9 (176cm), weigh 141 lbs, and shoe size 9 (womens US). I was thinking of going with 149. Would that be OK? Or should I size down/up?
And is buying this board a good idea, or can I find a better “beginner” board for roughly the same price?
-Malin
Hi Malin
Thanks for your message.
I think the Emoticon is a great choice. It’s the kind of board that’s easy to ride as a beginner, so you can get your confidence up and progress quickly, but it’s also something that you shouldn’t grow out of too quickly. So yeah, I think it’s a good choice.
Size-wise, I think 149 is just right for you for this board.
Hope this helps
I’m hoping you could give me a size recommendation for a board for my daughter in law. She’s a beginner but has snowboarded a few times before and is pretty athletic so I think this could work for her. She’s 5’9″, 125 lbs, size 10 women’s boot.
Hi Reuben
Thanks for your message.
I think the board itself would work for your daughter in law. It’s pretty beginner friendly and if she’s athletic should have no issues riding it. The biggest concern is width. With 10s, it’s borderline too narrow in the 146 (which is the size I’d recommend for her specs). She could potentially go up to the 149, at a stretch, but even then, the width is borderline. I would be looking at going at least 245mm at the inserts. With binding angles +15/-15 or similar and low profile boots, she’s likely be OK as a beginner, given she’s not likely to be railing her carves just yet, but that would be restrictive, particularly if she wanted to change binding angles or started to carve deeper. It’s doable but risky, IMO.
The better option would be to look at the YES Basic, if she’s OK with riding a men’s board. It’s essentially the men’s version of the Emoticon, but it actually comes down to some pretty small sizes for a men’s board. I think the 146 (247mm waist width) Basic, would about the perfect size. If she wanted to ride even smaller, the 143 (245mm waist) could also work.
Hope this helps with your decision
What do you recommend for a beginner (making C turns, and always challenged by heel side turns) at 145 lbs, size 8.5/9boots, 5′ 8″? Midwest groomers, sometimes icy. Have been borrowing a Yes Emoticon 143 and thinking about purchasing a 146.
Hi Sunny
Thanks for your message.
I think 146 is probably the best size for you. If you were more advanced, then the 149 would certainly be an option, but as a beginner, I think 146 would be just right.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thanks for all this info. Years ago I used to love bombing hills/carving with friends and considered myself an intermediate freeride boarder (Arbor Push 152). Now since having kids who recently started skiiing, I’m more interested in having some playful fun (since they seem to love doing small tricks/jumps and don’t go too fast). So I’d love to be able to stay with them as they grow. I’m looking to get comfortable riding switch, buttering, hitting side hits on groomed trails or even venturing to the park and hit some small jibs/jumps. The Yes Emoticon sounds perfect for my needs.
But what size do you think would work best?
Height: 5’6
Weight: 150 (currently 155 pandemic pounds) but usually close to 150
Shoe size: 6.5
Your help is much appreciated!
Hi Janine
Thanks for your message.
I agree that Emoticon sounds like it’s a good option for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, I would go 149. You could ride the 152 as well, but I think for what you’re describing, and for your boot size, that the 149 would be your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for your insane amount of detailed info! I’m way overdue for a new board and looking for something fun that can help me progress. I’m riding in the Midwest at the moment, so not much powder, some ice, and riding mostly groomers…although off-piste is my favorite where I can get it. Not much time in the park for me, but I love side kickers and small jumps and manuevers. I’d love to improve to medium jumps, kickers, and off-piste riding. I’m a solid 4 intermediate. I’d like to upgrade in the next few years as I get out west more, but right now the Emoticon 143 (although I’m right on the line size wise) looks like a good option for me in terms of style and conditions. Would you agree or recommend something else?
My specs:
Height: 5′-2″
Boot size: 7 (38)
Weight: 120-125lbs
THANKS! Emily
Hi Emily
Thanks for your message.
I think the Emoticon would work well for what you’re describing. Good in icy conditions and good for your level. Size-wise, I think 143 should work too. I wouldn’t go any longer than that for your specs, but I think that size should work well.
Hope this helps
Hi! Great article My biggest concern is catching edges in flatter and narrower areas.
I am an intermediate boarder and don’t like to go super fast, I mainly just cruise greens and easier blue runs.
With my concern about catching an edge, do you think this would be a good board for me?
Would love your opinion. Thanks in advance!
Hi Alison
Thanks for your message.
The Emoticon isn’t a catchy board at all and from what you’re describing, I think it would suit what you’re describing well. My wife rides the Emoticon and rides very similarly to what you’re describing and she has never found it catchy – and I’ve ridden a YES Basic a few times (men’s equivalent of the Emoticon) and I found it very un-catchy and easy to ride too. So yeah, so long as you get an appropriate size, I think it’s a board that will work well for what you’re describing.
If you want a sizing opinion, I would be happy to give mine. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps
Hi!
I’m interested in getting this board! I am also wondering what size would be best for me, in your opinion. I am 169 cm and 65kg. My level is towards the beginner side of intermediate, if that makes sense haha, and I mostly ride normal pistes but I’m starting to go into the park more. I don’t really do off-resort riding.
Thanks for all your in-depth guides, they are very helpful!
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for your message.
Beginner side of intermediate totally makes sense! And this board is great for that level, and will be a great option, IMO, for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, it’s a tough call between the 146 and 149. Both would be suitable for your specs/ability. Some things to consider weighing up the 2 sizes:
The 146 will be subtly easier to maneuver, better in trees and better in the park
The 149 will have subtly more stability at speed and better float in powder
Neither size would be a bad choice, but hopefully that can help to narrow it down between the two, depending on what you want to prioritize more.
Hi Nate, I am thinking about upgrading my current board (K2 first lite) with the Yes Emoticon. The characteristics of the board really appeal to me and I believe it offers more room to progress in comparison to the K2. I am now between beginner/intermediate and would like a board that can do it all. However, I do not think you can find me in the park that often. Instead I prefer to go down the groomed pistes smoothly. I am 171cm and 60kg and have bootsize US8. What do you think would be the best board length in my case?
Hi Annabel
I agree that the Emoticon is something that take progress you further than the First Lite – and is a really good high-end beginner going on intermediate level board, IMO. The biggest weakness of the Emoticon is in powder, but if you’re not going to be riding deep powder any time soon, then that’s not a biggie. It’s otherwise very versatile.
Size-wise, I would say something in the range between 145-148 would be a good range to look at for your specs/level of riding. So I would go for the 146 for you, for the Emoticon.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate for your clear answer, much appreciated!
You’re very welcome Annabel. Happy riding!
Nate thanks for all your advise it is highly appreciated.
I am a beginner beginner. I did it once (10 years ago) and I loved it I did quite good, I remember. Now I finally live in a place where I can actually practice the sport and I am planning to get my gear , I am considering Yes emoticon as an option, I have sensed that many of the people here that like / consider the board are leaning towards intermediate level, I wonder if this is best fit for a true beginner, but I also dont want to invest in a board that wont allow me to progress as I get better, I am looking for an smart investment a board I can use for a good while before I need to consider to buy another. I understand the best for Beginner is rocker, soft and asymmetric, let me know your opinions and many thanks in advance for your time.
Hi Stef
Thanks for your message.
Certainly having rocker in the profile helps, and being softer flexing is a must for me, but don’t think you have to go asymmetric at all. In fact, there aren’t that many asymmetric options around, even these days, and definitely not necessary for a beginner, IMO.
With the profile, I think it’s a good idea to have a mixture of rocker and camber or flat and rocker for the most part. All-rocker boards do make it the easiest for turn initiation and in general getting started, but also can make things pretty sketchy getting off the lift. Having a little bit of camber or flat sections in the profile help to provide a more stable platform – and they also help you to get used to the feeling of flat or camber, which will be good later on. It’s a way of introducing the likes of camber, without having a full bow of camber, which can be catchy and hard to ride. So I’m a big fan of hybrid profiles for beginners – hybrid rocker, hybrid camber, flat-to-rocker. It’s just a matter of being careful that you don’t get a hybrid camber that is too camber dominant. The Emoticon has pretty subtle camber and a good amount of rocker, making it, IMO, a very good profile for a beginner. There is 2mm of camber underfoot/between the feet and 3mm rocker moving out to the tip and tail.
The Emoticon isn’t super soft, but it’s softer than medium, which makes it beginner friendly enough, but still enables it to be the kind of board that can carry you further through your progression than a really soft flexing board.
So overall, it is a little step up from the very easiest beginner boards, but it’s still beginner friendly and a beginner friendly board that can last you longer than some other beginner friendly boards, if that makes sense.
So, I think you should be fine starting out with this board, particularly if you’re looking to invest in something that last you further through your progression, so long as you get it in an appropriate size. Sizing is also really important. I would be happy to give a sizing opinion. I would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps