Hello and welcome to my YES Ghost snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Ghost as an aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Ghost a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
NOTE: The 2021 model was the last model of the Ghost.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Ghost
Price: $499 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 89.1/100
Compared to other Men’s Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 20 men’s aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Ghost’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Ghost’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $499 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Traditional Camber - YES's "Modern Camber" |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered (Sintered True) |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
149 | 245 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
151 | 248 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
153 | 253 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
156 | 258 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
159 | 263 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
162 | 268 | 180-220+ | 82-100+ |
167 | 266 | 180-220+ | 82-100+ |
Who is the Ghost Most Suited To?
The Ghost is best suited to those that like ride freestyle over the whole mountain and like to do it aggressively – but also want to be able to lay out a carve and bomb when they want to.
It’s most at home in the park and on the groomers and not so much for the backcountry, but you can you can still take it into the trees off the groomers fine.
Certainly not for a beginner, too aggressive for that.
The Ghost in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Ghost is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Ghost 2019, 156 (258mm waist)
Date: March 15, 2018
Conditions: Icy in a lot of places, especially first thing but even first thing there were some softer patches. Icy patches decreased and soft patches increased as the day went on. Sunny as! Clear blue skies. So, goes without saying 100% vis.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 540mm (21.3“)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 269mm (10.6“)
Weight: 2840grams (6lb 4.2oz)
Weight per cm: 18.21grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.21grams/cm* (so it’s bang on average)
*based on a small sample size of 24 boards that I weighed
Flex
Though YES’ flex ratings make more sense this season than they have in previous seasons (IMO) – they’re still off for the feel I get from their boards. The Ghost is rated 7/10 but it feels more like a 5/10 or just a little stiffer than that – so maybe a 5.5/10, but certainly not a 7/10 for feel on snow.
Feels just a touch stiffer than the Greats (which I’d rate 5/10) and a touch softer than the Standard (which I’d rate 6/10).
Powder
There wasn’t any powder to speak of on the day, but given the camber profile and the feel, it would be a little worse than the YES Greats in the deep stuff. So, not great. One thing that it does have going for it in terms of powder, is that it’s a wider board, so there is a good amount of surface area there.
It does also have the Directional Volume Twin shape though – which would certainly help, based on how that feels with the Standard – so that brings it back equal with the Greats, most likely, IMO.
Carving & Turning
This board is fun to carve and turn on. Like the YES Standard and Greats you can really get up on edge and rail a carve.
I found it ever so slightly less nimble/snappy than the Greats and Standard, but still not bad there at all.
Skidded turns weren’t the easiest but were easier than I expected given the camber profile.
Speed
The Ghost holds it own at speed, so when you want to bomb it can handle it, especially good for an almost twin board.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Uneven Terrain
It’s ok on uneven snow and crud but didn’t feel as good as the Greats or the Standard for me. But still not bad.
Jumps
This board is so much fun to jump with! Great pop, great for spinning, super stable on landings and agile yet stable on the approach. Basically everything you could want for jumps and ollies. The only reason I didn’t give it 5/5 is that it’s not perfect landing switch – but that’s clutching for things, as it was still sick for landing switch.
Switch
Pretty much the same riding in both directions. The Directional Volume Twin makes it not quite as good as it would be without it, but again, that’s really clutching at things, as it was a great board for riding switch.
Jibbing
I didn’t expect I would like it for jibbing, but it was actually ok. Not quite as good as I found the Greats to be on jibs but still jibable.
Buttering
One thing I noticed about all of the YES boards that I rode this season is that they seem to butter really easily. I wasn’t expecting it as much from the Ghost compared to the Standard and the Greats, due to the lack of rocker in the tip and tail but it felt pretty much just as easy to butter. Don’t know what they’re doing with the tip and tail to make them so easy to butter, but I like it.
Edge-Hold
Really good grip on hard snow and decent on icy patches.
Changes from the 2020 Model
The 2021 model looks to be the same as the 2020 model, apart from the graphic.
Changes from the 2019 Model
The 2020 model looks to be the same as the 2019 model. The one change is that they have now got “slam back inserts” like the Standard – so you can set it back further than you used to be able to. There is also a new size – the 167 – but other than that nothing seems to have changed, except for the graphic.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The main changes between the 2018 and 2019 model are:
- The name is now firmly “Ghost”. It was previously TDF (2017) and in the 2018 catalog it was TDF but was marketed as the “Ghost” and sometimes “TDF Ghost”. Now seems there’s not that confusion.
- The 2019 model has a new size, a 162
- New Poplar/Bamboo/Paulownia core. It’s the same materials but is supposed to be lighter and snappier. I can concur with the snappier. This core is also being used on the Greats and the Standard, and both of those, and this, felt snappier than the previous model, to me. I didn’t weigh any of the 2018 models that I demoed so I can’t objectively say that they are any lighter but they felt it.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BUTTERING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
Overall the Ghost is a great freestyle oriented all-mountain board, that can bomb when you need to, is jibable and super sick on jumps.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Ghost, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Ghost compares to other men’s aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards or want to check out some other options in that category, check out the next link.
Hi Nate, greetings from Argentina. Here we don’t have many models to choose from, but today the YES line comes at a promotional price. My height is 6″3″ and 199lbs, with 11.5US. The options I saw are the ghost 2021 162 or the standard 159 (same price). It will be my first snowboard, but I already have an intermediate level. I ride the whole mountain, from groomers, carving, a bit of buttering, freeride and jump. Greetings
Hi Nicolas
Thanks for your message.
The Ghost is very similar to the Standard – the biggest difference being the camber profile – which is traditional camber (aka all camber) vs the hybrid camber (rocker towards the tip and tail with camber underfoot and between the feet). The Standard is better in powder and easier to butter, but the Ghost better for carving and jumps – IMO. The Standard is more suitable for an intermediate level, IMO, but the Ghost is doable for an intermediate, if you’re at a solid intermediate level.
Size-wise, I would put you at roughly 163 as your “Standard all-mountain” size. So the 162 is probably the better size for you. It is quite wide, even for 11.5s, but overall I think the size would work. 159 is on the small size for your specs, but it’s not out of range, if you think you’d prefer to go smaller. Going smaller would give you a more maneuverable ride, easier for buttering, spins and trees at the sacrifice of a little stability at speed and float in powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Recently they informed me of stock of the standard in 162, so there was the option of that table or the ghost. my choice was the standard since it is somewhat more moderate in the different specifications. I also liked the ghost because of the good carving on the track, since it predominates in the places where I go, but it is more rigid and aggressive. Select the standard as my only table for everything. thank you Nate
You’re very welcome Nicolas. Hope the Standard treats you well!
Hi Nate! Your work with providing the information to us is fantastic! Thank you!
Of course, I also have a question for you.
I am searching for a regular ride. All mountain, groomer, switch, spin, jumpy, piste freestyle type. The boards that look promising are Yes Ghost, Yes Standard, Yes Typo, Jones MT. I have more or less made up my mind but I would like to read your opinion also, because I thrust it after all the stuff I have read here.
Yes Ghost with it’s camber sounds like more stable on groomers and hard snow and more fun in carving as opposed to Standard and Jones MT, but also more stable at speeds than Typo. Typo has a longer contact and effective edge so it should make it sort if equal in carving, but softer flex puts it a bit in unstable territory. Also softer flex makes it easier to turn and control in tight corners. How different are these boards regarding carving, speed, turning, playfulness?
Hi Jim
Thanks for your message.
In terms of playfulness, I would say (in order from most aggressive to most playful, with 1 being most playful and 10 being most aggressive):
– YES Ghost (6.5/10)
– YES Standard (5.5/10)
– Jones MT (5/10)
– YES Typo (4/10)
For carving (out of 5):
– Ghost: 4/5
– Standard/MT/Typo: 3.5/5
For speed (out of 5)
– Ghost/Standard: 4/5
– MT: 3.5/5
– Typo: 3/5
Tight turns (in order of easiest for slow/tight turns)
– Typo
– MT
– Standard
– Ghost
Note that there isn’t a 2022 model of the Ghost, so you’d have to find a 2021 or earlier model, if you went with Ghost. If you did want an all camber option, the Jackpot would be worth checking out. It’s a different feeling board, but it’s all camber and a really nice deck. It’s a little softer than the Ghost, but not by that much – I felt it around a 5/10 for flex. But would also suit what you’re describing, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your answer!
On top of bunch of boards, there is always one or two additional for the list 😀
As I could see Jackpot is full camber and Ghost has a tiny bit of rocker at the ends and slam back, which is really nice if pow surprises.
What do you think about size for 200-ish, 10.5 guy? By the chart I am in 156 category, but I was thinking about 159 for more stability. I am asking because existence of midbite changes the knowledge of board width where bidings go.
Hi Jim
Yeah the width at inserts is more than you’d think on YESs mid-bite boards. E.g. Ghost 156 is around 270mm at the inserts. 159 likely around 275mm at inserts. It’s wide for 10.5s, but not super wide. At 200lbs, with 10.5s, I think 159 is probably your best bet, if you’re looking for more stability.
156 would be make it a little more playful, easier to maneuver at slower speeds, easier to spin with 159 being better for stability at speed, powder float and bigger carves. I think the best balance between those factors for your specs would be 159. But if you were wanting to really optimize maneuverability or the likes, then 156 is doable.
Oh yeah and Ghost doesn’t really have any rocker tip and tail to speak of – it’s basically traditional camber, but what YES call ‘modern camber’ where the contact points are slightly raised. Jackpot is also ‘modern camber’, so same camber profile.
Thank you! That is fantastic comparison!
Hi Nate,
I appreciate the reviews! Mind comparing the 2021 Ghost 153 to the 2021 Jackpot 154, kind of a general comparison between the two? YES rates them the same stiffness and they both have full camber profiles. I’m a 5’8″, 155 lbs, advanced rider looking for a high performance but not particularly stiff twin to progress park skills with. I’m confident all over the mountain in all conditions, but my park game needs work. I’ve got or used to own a hodge podge of boards (Assassin and Assassin Pro 156, Wired Vantage 154, Lib Dynamo 156, DOA 154) that I like well enough but looking for a more springtime park friendly, less all mtn freestyle board. Something like my old Headspace 152 or Huck Knife 155, but now I’m eyeing the YES line. Preferring camber overall to camrock, the extruded base and softer flex also push me away from the Dicey. That said I’m open to the Dicey as well if you’re thinking the others would overlap with the all mtn freestyle boards too much.
Thanks!
Hi Ternado
Thanks for your message.
Comparing the two I would say (based on having ridden the 156 for both):
– The Jackpot is a little softer flexing. Really marginally, but just by a little bit.
– The Jackpot is overall more freestyle oriented. Both good for freestyle, but I would call the Ghost all-mountain-freestyle. Certainly a different feel to the boards you have there, but, IMO, more overlap than with the Jackpot. That said, I would say that the Jackpot is a park/freestyle deck that’s bordering on all-mountain-freestyle, but all round I think it offers more difference to the other boards in your quiver.
– I would say overall the Jackpot has a “snappier feel” just feels a little more springy/nimble/light on snow (real weight they are very similar, but the Jackpot just feels a little lighter on snow). The Ghost has a slightly “smoother” feel to it. Still definitely got some snap to it, but not to the same extent as the Jackpot. (to note, the Dicey felt even snappier again versus the Jackpot, but pretty close).
– For jumps, spins, butters and jibs (rails/boxes etc), I found the Jackpot better. The Ghost still good in those areas, particularly for jumps, but the Jackpot just a little better there.
The Ghost better for carving/speed, but given that you’d be using this predominantly to progress your park skills, I think the Jackpot would fit what your looking for better. The Dicey would be a bigger contrast to what you have already, but if you’re looking for full camber, then I think the Jackpot would suit what you’re describing well. The only thing I would be debating would be whether you went 154 or 152. I would almost be inclined to lean towards 152 for your specs, given that you’d be using it predominantly for progressing your park skills – and also because it’s a wider than average board, even in the 152. Particularly if your boot size is less than 10, I would be inclined to err towards the 152.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate! I appreciate the detailed replies a tonne.
I’ve looked at the 152 Jackpot as well, my main qualm (with most YES boards actually, but I should ride one before passing judgement) is that the sidecuts are so small on paper. I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed anything with a sub 7m sidecut, and even then, really prefer around 8m. For a park twin I’m willing to step out of my comfort zone because it won’t get used for any real carving or cruising around the mountain at speed.
– I was also concerned with YES’s weight range on the 152 vs 154.
– My boots are only 8.5 so I don’t need a wide board, but don’t mind them either (having owned 154/157 Super 8s, a 155 Ravine, a small Warpig, various TRices, and wider pow boards with up to 28cm waists).
Would you say the Dicey’s rocker tip and tail are what set it apart from the Jackpot, more than the softer flex and construction? I’ve enjoyed camrock boards in the past (and still do with the Assassin Pro) but my preference for camber is due to the precision and predictability. I also tend to rely on the contact points to stop my spins when landing 180s and 360s, which might be something I need to work on regardless. I think I’ll take a closer look at the Dicey again since I really do want something to focus on freestyle progression with. So now I’ll decide between the Jackpot and the Dicey.
Hi Ternado
Yeah I would probably be inclined to go 152 with 8.5s on the Jackpot. That said, if you’re used to wider boards and don’t have any issues with them, then 154 certainly works too. I wouldn’t be too concerned about the weight recommendations though, unless you’re way outside the range. The like the feel of the sidecuts on YES boards, but everyone is different, but I think for predominantly park/freestyle riding I prefer that tighter sidecut. Don’t like it on a board I’m going to be bombing with though, but for the type of riding I would be doing on the Jackpot/Dicey I like it.
I would say that the rocker in the Dicey makes a difference for sure, but so does the flex.
If you really wanted to go full camber but softer, then you could also look at something like the Burton Kilroy Twin or something predominantly camber and softer like the Never Summer Proto Slinger
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the suggestions, I’ve been trying to ride a few boards and been looking into different boards that you’ve mentioned. You’ve got me interested in the Kilroy Twin 152 for sure. I’m now leaning towards that or the Salomon Villain 153 (having owned and liked Salomons before, the 156 Assassin, 156 Assassin Pro, and 155 Huck Knife). How would you compare these two specifically? Or maybe the Dicey compared to the Villain?
Thanks!
Hi Ternado
I haven’t ridden the Villain, unfortunately (one of those boards that I try to get on every year, but just finds a way of eluding me every time!), so I can’t give you a direct comparison on experience. I think the 153 would be the right size for the Villain for what you’re wanting it for. Given that you’ve liked the Assassin/Pro/Huck Knife, the Villain would certainly be a safe bet. The Kilroy Twin and Dicey would offer something a little different to what you’re used to.
Hi, Nate
I am realy appreciate u for you reviews and tips.
Сould you tell me if size 162 will be okay for me or too small? I am 192 cm and 120 kg, (6’2 and 264) boots 12.
My main board is capita stairmaster extream 159 and i use it for flatfreestyle, groomer and just a bit of park. And i guess its a bit short and narrow for me.
With best regards, Arsen.
Hi Arsen
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the 159 Stairmaster Extreme is a little small for you, for sure. I think the 162 Ghost would work for you, particularly if you’re riding mainly freestyle, and since you’re used to a narrower, shorter board. For an all-mountain board, you could go up to 168 (assuming an advanced level), if you were looking to ride fast a lot, and could go even longer in a freeride board. But if you’re riding is quite freestyle focused and you’re not an out an out bomber when you ride, then I think 162 works. The 167 would work too, but since you’re used to 159, the 162 might be an easier step up.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, Nate
Thank you for quick answer.
And thank you a lot for advice.
I’ll order 162.
I hope i will have some chance to test it this season.
With best regards, Arsen.
You’re very welcome Arsen. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with your new deck, once you get a chance to get it on snow (I’m optimistic we’ll all have a chance to have a good season!).
Hi Nate,
I have two rather stiff hard charging directional boards for speed and carving. I also have a dedicated powder board. I’m looking for a snowboard for more freestyle oriented, playful riding… small to medium jumps, switch, butters, no rails. Do you think Ghost will do without too much overlap with other boards? Or should I move further to the “left” on the freestyle – freeride continuum? (In this case, any suggestions?) BTW, I’m an advanced/expert rider, but soon 50 years old :).
Thanks for your time and effort!
Per
Hi Per
Thanks for your message.
I think you could probably move a bit further “left”, based on what you’re describing – playful, small to medium jumps & butters. The Ghost would do the job and it would a lot more suited to that job than the stiff directional boards you have. But if you wanted things more playful, then I would move to something a little softer flexing and with some rocker in the profile, unless you really want all camber, in which case I would still err a little softer flexing for what you’re describing.
If you’re looking within the YES line, then I think the new YES Dicey would be a really good option for you. It’s still not ultra soft, so you’re not going to feel like you have a noodle, but certainly a bit softer/more playful than the likes of the Ghost. If you’re looking at 2020 models, then the Jackpot in the 2020 model (which changes a bit for the 2021 model) would be a great choice, IMO.
You could also check out the following for more options:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks a lot! You pushed me in the right direction :). Just ordered Yes Jackpot 2020. Take care and happy shredding!
You’re very welcome Per. Happy shredding!
Just wondering if 159 would be too big for me at 183lbs and 11.5 boot, 6′ tall.
Maybe a bit of pow, groomer carving, sidehits and then about half the time on jumps in the park, a few less technical rails.
What do you think? Try this or something else in a smaller size?
Thanks Nate
Hi Jarod
I’d say the 159 is definitely doable for what you’re describing. It’s going to be a good width for your boot-size, IMO – and a good all-round length for you, for doing a bit of everything. The 156 would prob be your best bet as a dedicated freestyle/park board – but since you want to also carve up the groomers and ride a bit of pow, I think this is a good in the middle size for what you’re describing.
I think anything 157 to 159 would work well for what you’re describing, for your specs. Assuming a solid intermediate or up level of ability.
If you think you want lean closer towards the shorter end of that spectrum, then check out the following for some more similar options:
>>Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
But I think the Ghost 159 would work well for you.
Hope this helps
Hey nate,
Looking to get this to replace my greats 156 2019. I own a optimistic 154 2019 and loved it! (Do a review on it is amazing all mountain powder board)
Any way, will this would be less aggressive than optimistic and a good daily driver all mountain freestyle board?
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
The Ghost is overall less aggressive than the Optimistic. Both boards have quite an aggressive camber profile (and the same camber profile) but the Ghost is noticeably softer. I would say Ghost is a 6/10 and the Optimistic is an 8/10. The Greats in comparison feels closer to a 5/10 to me. But the Ghost and Greats are probably quite close in flex, but often a more aggressive camber can make a board feel stiffer, in my experience. Also, compared to the Greats the Ghost will feel more aggressive for sure, but not as aggressive as the Optimistic, IMO. I rode the 2019 Optimistic in the 157 and really enjoyed it and will have a review published for it soon. Would love to get on the 154 when demoing the 2020 models, as I think I would like that size even more.
But yeah, certainly less aggressive and a good all-mountain-freestyle option assuming you like the feel of an all camber board (which I’m guessing you do given that you love the Optimistic!)
Hope this helps with your decision