Hello and welcome to my YES Greats snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Greats as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Greats a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: YES The Greats Uninc
Price: $599 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: 7/10 on YES’ flex scale
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 92.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 27 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Greats Specs
Check out the tables for the Greats specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $599 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
149 | 245 | 120-160 | 54-73 |
151 | 253 | 140-190 | 64-86 |
154 | 256 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
156 | 259 | 160-220 | 73-100 |
159 | 262 | 170-250 | 77-113 |
Who is the Greats Most Suited To?
The Greats is best suited to anyone who wants to ride freestyle all over the mountain and wants a board that's also good in the park, but at the same time wants to still be able to lay into carves on the groomers. This is one of the better twins for carving going around, IMO.
Not for the beginner, but it's also not an overly demanding board and is suitable, IMO, for intermediate to expert riders, if you're riding style suits the board.
Not the greatest in powder, but can handle shallow powder just fine.
The Greats in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Greats is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Greats 2022, 154cm (256mm waist width)
Date: March 23, 2021
Conditions:
Sunny with cloudy patches.
Feels quite warm when the sun came out, but quite cold when it wasn't there or when the wind picked up. Wasn't super windy, but just enough to bring the chill when the sun was behind the clouds.
Temp -3°C (27°F) and -6°C (21°F) with wind chill factor.
24hr snow: 0
48hr snow: 4cm
7 day snow: 46cm
On groomer: Somewhere between medium and hard with some harder spots bordering on icy.
Off groomer: Quite crunchy/icy in patches, not too bad in others - more medium to hard.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 580mm (22.8″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 274mm (10.79")*
* but more like 271mm if you rode at a 540mm (21.3") stance
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Tactical ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2860grams (6lb 5oz)
Weight per cm: 18.57grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.43grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 100 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021 *& 2022 models. If I could do grams per surface area, this would be a more accurate measure, but since not all brands publish surface area (and I don't have the tools or knowledge to work it out), I can't unfortunately.
The Greats is pretty close to average when you look at grams/cm, but it's a wider board, so is probably just on the lighter side in terms of grams/surface area.
Powder
I found a few pockets of powder. Nothing serious but there were some - and also I own the 2019 model of this board in the 156, so I've ridden it in powder (even though it's not my choice of board for powder days, you sometimes get those surprise days that are deeper than you expected!).
It's not a powder board, let's put it that way. It's the only real weakness of this board. It's got plenty of surface area for the length, but otherwise it doesn't have much else going for it for powder, apart from a little rocker in the nose and tail.
Carving & Turning
Carving: I just love carving on this board. It had to be the best, if not one of the best twin, mid-flex boards for carving out there. So much fun!
Turning: Really fun to turn on. Snappy and lively and effortless.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: I found it really quick turning at slow speeds, despite that extra width. Quicker turner than my Greats, I reckon, so it's partly the size. But my 156 Greats is pretty nimble too. For it's width, this board is good edge-to-edge.
Skidded Turns: Forgiving of skidded turns to an extent but not super forgiving
Speed
It's pretty good at speed - again for a mid-flexing twin, it feels better than you'd think. I was back and forth between giving this a 3.5 or 4 for speed, but ultimately I think it falls closer to 3.5. But can definitely handle a good amount of speed without getting shaky. I rode the PYL that day also - and that thing can handle some speed!
Uneven Terrain
Crud: It's not a crud destroyer, but it can smash through it to an extent. It kind of likes to go over top and kind of likes to smash through, it's in between in that respect.
I found it didn't get bucked around super easily but it did get bucked around a bit - but it was really easy to correct when you got thrown off your line.
Bumps: Felt good weaving between bumps. Nice and nimble. And it had enough flex and forgiveness to hug bumps pretty easily when going over them.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Any good all-mountain freestyle worth it's salt has to be a good jumper and the Greats doesn't disappoint.
Pop: Really easy to access the pop. Doesn't take much loading up to really get decent pop out of this board. The pop ceiling isn't super high - as in when you really load it up, the max pop is good, but not epic. But you can get to it's max pop or close with very little effort.
Approach: Really strikes a beautiful balance between being stable but also nimble - so for faster approaches you're not concerned about it getting squirrelly and it's no problem making any adjustments to your approach on your way down.
Landing: Solid as landings on this thing. That extra width really gives you a good landing platform, even in the shorter lengths. But it's also forgiving enough when your landing's a little off or you hit the knuckle or something. Just in that sweet spot of being able to stomp a landing, but if you're a bit off it doesn't punish you too much.
Side-hits: Have always loved this board for side hits and this occasion was no exception. Just has that nice ability to be easy on approach, has that easy pop and that great solid, yet forgiving landing platform. It's an artist for sidehits!
Small jumps/Big jumps: The sweet spot is medium, I would say, but it can handle small and large jumps almost just as well. And my 156 is more in that medium to large zone, but is still perfectly fine on smaller jumps.
Switch
If it's an artist for side-hits - and it is - it's just as much a switch artist. If your switch game is relatively tight, then this things is a joy to ride in your unnatural direction.
Again, it's not super forgiving (or super unforgiving to be fair) of skidded turns, so if you're switch game is pretty beginner, then it's not as easy, but if you've got switch relatively dialed, then it's just perfection!
Spins
So good! A spinning machine. Easy pop, easy to get the spin around and setting up and landing switch is a dream. Only thing stopping me giving it 5 is the same reason, I took 1/2 a point off for jumps - the pop ceiling isn't super high. So if you're looking to go super big, then there's that to consider. For me though, I didn't feel like I needed that high end max pop for the size of spins that I do (as in I don't go that big!)
Jibbing
It's not a jibbing master, but it's fine hitting the odd box or rail. Does a commendable job. I'm not a strong jibber, but I didn't/don't feel intimidated hitting boxes/rails on it. Also didn't ramp up my confidence on jibs, like some more jib oriented boards do.
Butters
For it's flex, it butter really quite easily. Without being so easy that you're going to overbend it if you're a stronger rider. Doesn't quite butter as easily as my control board (Lib Tech Terrain Wrecked) but wasn't far off.
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 | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.1/100 |
The Greats is just about the perfect all-mountain-freestyle deck. It's been my favorite for a good few years now.
It's not a powder hound or anything, but otherwise, it can do pretty much everything and strikes a beautiful balance between being playful enough, but also aggressive enough. You can lay down a carve like no other twin I've ridden and if you like the mountain to be your park, then it's definitely worth checking out.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Greats, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Greats compared to other all-mountain-freestyle boards or want to check out other options, check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my YES Greats snowboard review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Greats is capable of.
)
Hello and welcome to my YES Greats snowboard review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Greats is capable of.
Hi Nate,
I am 175cm 165lbs with us size 10 shoes. I ride blossom 155cm/orca 150cm. Which size should I choose for the greats?
I want this to be the do it all board when I don’t have anything specific in mind — meaning that it needs to get me down the double black runs on non-powder days.
Hi Boyi
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call between the 154 and 156. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157/158, but this is the kind of board you size down because of effective edge vs overall length. But also because it’s quite wide. So my instinct is 154. I ride the 156 and trust it everywhere (it’s not great in powder but for everything else) – but I’m 183cm, 180lbs, so I’ve got a bit of size on you. I still enjoyed the 154 when I rode it too, but for what you’re describing, if you were my specs, then I’d say 156 – but given the size difference, I’d be leaning 154 for you. The 156 wouldn’t be wrong but I’d be leaning 154.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks! About the downsizing you mentioned — Would you say that riding greats 151 feels close to blossom 155?
Hi Boyi
In some ways, yes. At a guestimate, I would say the Blossom 155 and around a 152/153 Greats would be similar sizing-wise. But with the Blossom being stiffer than the Greats, I would be more inclined to ride the Greats at 154 for you and what you’re describing. The 151 wouldn’t be wrong for you by any means, but I would consider it more of a freestyle focused size for you. So, if you were going to be predominantly focused on freestyle when you rode the Greats, then 151 would be a good size. I would ride the 154, if I was going to use it predominantly for freestyle but as an all round size I prefer the 156. As an all-round size, I’d still be leaning 154 for you.
Really appreciate your inputs! I can’t seem to find 154 anywhere. I’m starting with the 151 for now — if I like the board as much as you do, I’ll pick up a 154 for sure!
You’re very welcome Boyi. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with the 151, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
I am an intermediate snowboarded and I am considering to get a Yes the GREATS UNINC board but I am struggling on the sizing.
My condition :
Height : 168cm
Weight : 68kg
Shoe size : MEN US8.5
According to the SPEC, size 151 should suit me the best but IMO I love the appearance of size 154 more. I found my condition will fit both boards, just wondering if choosing 151/154 will affect a lot based on my current condition.
Thanks !
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
I think the 151 is your best bet. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 153, but this is the kind of board you want to size down for – both because of its width and the ratio of effective edge to overall length. In your case, I would be strongly erring towards the 151.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks a lot ! That made my life so much easier !
You’re very welcome Jeremy. Hope you enjoy the board. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
I think im leaning towards the greats at this point… im worried the standard uninc might be too advanced for me
I’ve been riding a 154 terrain wrecker , Im 168 lbs, 5’7″, i wear rome libertine boots size 9.5, my current stance is 20 inches, riding duck 15 and -15. I’m mostly into carving hard, jumps, sidehits, althought im slowly buidling my freestyle skills ( took a long time off).
So the question: 154 or 156? You said you thought my all mtn length was 156, but I see you rode the 154. thanks again
Hi Sal
I would go 154 for this board for you, for sure. Whilst I think your “typical all-mountain size” is more like 156, with this board, being wider and with more effective length per overall length vs the average board, I would size down for sure. I would actually be more thinking 151 or 154 than 154 or 156 for you for this board. That said, if you want to get the most out of it in terms of carving (and I really like this board for carving – one of the better carving twins I’ve ridden), then 154 would work well. The most recent model I tested was in a 154, but I own the 156 – and I really like that size for all-round riding. For your specs, though I wouldn’t go as long as 156 for this board. Even in the 154 it will likely feel noticeably bigger than your current 154 TW. I have the 157 TW and that feels smaller than my 156 Greats.
Interesting..
so it sounds like the TW 154 was a bit small for me … it does start to feel unstable when i push the limits of my speed mon steeper slopes.
the 151 would be if i spent most of my time in the park ? i’d like to mast as many park features as possible but i have the most fun carving / all mtn freetyle (side hits, butters, etc).
thanks as always
Hi Sal
Yeah, 151 would be if you were going to be using it mostly in park and weren’t as worried about stability at speed. I think 154 is the way to go for you.
Nate,
I have my eye on this board for an all mountain freestyle board to fill out my quiver. I currently ride a burton flight attendant 159cm for freeriding and hard charging and want something a little more playful that will turn tight in the trees, sidehits, dabbling in the jump line, butters, but still stable enough to handle the occasional black or other steep runs. I’m 6’2” around 165lbs and wear size 10 boots. Looking at the 154cm or 156cm. My weight fits best on the 154cm but that seems short for my height. Did you have a suggestion?
Hi Kody
Thanks for your message.
If it was going to be your one board for everything, I’d go 156 for you, for sure. As part of your quiver, can definitely make an argument to go 154. It will give you that better maneuverability in trees and be easier for sidehits and buttering. You would of course sacrifice some stability at speed, so you wouldn’t get the best out of it from that perspective. But it’s not likely to feel super wobbly at your weight, I wouldn’t imagine.
I think the 156 is the more pure size for your specs, but I’d be leaning 154 to be a better compliment to your quiver. But going 156 certainly wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted to keep a bit more stability.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello,
Thank you for all these detailed reviews!
I have a Proto Slinger (153) for park, an Orca (150) for powder/freeride and an Outsiders (154) as my all mountain/do it all snowboard.
I love riding switch on the Proto but due to the flex, I find it struggles with speed a bit. I also live in Ontario so I don’t enjoy the board as much on hard snow/icy conditions which is normally the case for night boarding sessions which I do a lot. The Outsiders is definitely more stable at speed but I find it doesn’t butter so well (still not good at this so not completely the board’s fault). I also find I have to work hard to get it to pop which could be attributed to not having proper technique yet.
Was looking at upgrading the Outsiders with a board that is as stable at higher speeds but is also more easy to butter and has added grip tech for East Coast conditions. I would be using it for groomers and park (jumps/jibs). Doing some research I’m looking at the Yes Greats, Standard and Standard Uninc. Do you think either of these three would be a worth an upgrade over the Outsiders? I’m leaning towards the Greats but not sure if it’ll have the stability at speed that I would like. Also what size would you recommend for either board? I was thinking 154 for the Greats but not sure between 153/156 for the Standards. I’m 5″10, can weigh between 155-165 lbs and size 9 boots.
Thanks!
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats would be the best option. Though the Standard Uninc would also work well. The Greats is at least as stable at speed as the Outsiders, IMO, but better in icy conditions. It’s easier to butter too, in my experience. I would say the Standard Uninc is a touch easier to butter as well, but not as easy as the Greats. I wouldn’t say either have oodles of pop but they are easier to extract the pop from than the Outsiders, in my experience.
Yeah I think 154 for Greats. Even the 151 would be a possibility because of the width of that board, but as an all-mountain option, I would go 154 for you. For the Standard Uninc, I would go 153, again because of the extra width. The biggest advantage of the Standard over the Standard Uninc is that it’s better in powder, but since you have the Orca already, I would be leaning Greats/Standard Uninc. And because you want easier buttering, I would be leaning Greats.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the response and you definitely did!
You’re very welcome Mark. Happy riding!
Hello,
So Ive been getting back into snowboarding after a long break and I’m trying to find the perfect board. I was really into the greats this year when researching but ended up getting the Beyond Medals Whatever by Bataleon. Slight regret as I’m not in love with 3bt, feels a little washy and loose. I find when setting up for a spin it can feel a little weird since I want to initiate it from an edge and it feels a bit harder to access. Maybe I just need more time on it. I also have a Dancehaul, which I’ve tried once so far and find it fun and a bit poppier or at least easier to pop than the Whatever. Only downside is its worse at riding switch which I’m trying to get better at so I can feel more comfortable landing switch when spinning.
Id like to improve in the freestyle category, jumps, spinning, butters, etc. Would The Greats be an upgrade over the boards I currently have?
I’m 5’9 145lbs with size 9.5 boot. Would I get 151 or 149?
any information greatly appreciated.
Hi Cole
Thanks for your message.
3BT is a different feeling for sure and it’s not for everyone. Some really love it, some less so. I enjoy riding 3BT personally but it is a different feeling and there is that looser feeling and it does take a little more to engage to the edge. It doesn’t come when you’re expecting it until you get used to it – it’s a little further in as you lean, if that makes sense.
The Greats is something that will feel more typical – there’s no 3D spooning or anything in the base. And it’s great for riding switch. I really like it for butters, jumps and spins, so I think it’s got those things covered for you. If you were to go Greats, I’d be leaning towards the 149, if you’re going to be using it predominantly for freestyle riding. The 151 would also work well for you, IMO – and as a more all rounder, like if was you’re only board and you were doing a bit of everything on it, then I’d prob go 151.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much! You put a lot of detail in your responses, really appreciate you taking the time.
How would the Mega Mercury fit into what I’m looking for? I could essentially sell the Dancehaul if the Merc rides powder well.
Ideally I think I’d just have one board, but if a greats and Dancehaul would be a better combo I’ll go that route.
Hi Cole
The Mega Merc is a pretty well rounded board, except that it doesn’t like riding slow that much – and going to be harder to butter than something like the Greats. For freestyle stuff it’s good if you’re really experienced – and preferably quite strong/athletic too, as it’s quite stiff. It’s decent in powder. I wouldn’t say it’s as good as the Dancehaul (haven’t ridden Dancehaul but based on specs) but better than the Greats. For speed, powder and carving, it’s got you covered. But if you like to slow it down and slash around, get a bit more playful, it’s a challenging board to do that with. If you plan on riding it quite aggressively all the time – as in put in a pretty aggressive amount of effort, then I think it could work as your one-board-quiver, but if you want to get a little more playful and want to do slower, more casual riding at times, then I think having the Greats/Dancehaul combo would be a better bet.
Hi Nate,
I’m a big fan of YES Snowboards. I have a 2018 YES Typo (155) that has served me well the past several seasons. I’m looking to potentially “upgrade,” and have been eyeing the Standard, Basic Uninc, and Greats. I’m looking for a one-board quiver, serving primarily all-mountain riding on hard-icy snow here on the east coast, although I do occasionally make it out to Colorado, etc.
Which board of these 3 do you think would likely be more catered to the above? And given that recommendation, which size do you think? I’m 5’9″, 160-70lbs, size 8.5 boot, with Burton Genesis Step-On bindings. Thanks so much.
Hi DC
Thanks for your message.
If you do tend to see some powder when you’re out in Colorado, then the Standard might be your best bet, as it’s the best of the 3 in powder, IMO. If you don’t really ever see deep powder, then I would go Greats. It can handle shallow powder fine and it’s what I’d go with on groomers, particularly icy ones, of the 3.
For the Standard I would go 153. It’s a wider board, so you’ll want to ride it shorter than the Typo. I would put your “typical all-mountain length at around 157/158. You could go 156 if you wanted better stability at speed and float in powder but you would lose quite a bit of agility versus your 155 Typo. I’d be leaning 153 for your specs.
For the Greats, it’s a board you can size down even more, so I’d even consider the 151 in your case. The 154 would work as well though – but it would likely feel noticeably bigger than your Typo. More like a 158 Typo size-wise.
The Basic Uninc certainly wouldn’t be a bad choice either – but I don’t think there’s really a great size. The 158 is doable. The 156W too wide and the 152 too small overall, IMO. If there was a 155 or 156, it would be a more appealing option for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Awesome reply Nate! Hit all the points I was weighing. I regrettably don’t see too many true powder days. I live in VA with a smaller resort nearby where we hardly get any significant natural snow, and make 1 sometimes 2 trips per season to a major resort historically Vermont or Colorado. That said, most of my time is cruising and carving on groomers, some hard or icy, with the occasional powder day if it happens to snow when we’re at resort. Considering those things, sounds like the Greats would probably be my best bet, with the 151 fitting my specs best, OR I could go with Standard at 153 as choice 2.
Hi DC
Yeah I think that’s good reasoning – Greats at 151 and Standard in 153 as a second choice. And yeah, if you’re predominantly in smaller resorts, then erring a little smaller is typically a good idea as well, if you’re not often going to be able to open out and go super fast a whole lot. I find on smaller hills I like to make the most of each run and if I just bomb down it’s over too quickly!
Hi Nate,
I come from 1 season with yes the greats and underworld where I found myself very well, this season I changed bindings and bought burton genesis. I still have to try the set up , what do you think of the genesis compared to underworld ? does it pair well with the yes the greats? I also have now select pro (which I haven’t tried yet) which I use on a directional board, but for freestyle use I prefer the Burton comfort, what do you think about genesis / the greats?
thank you .
Hi Sayes
Thanks for your message.
At first I was confused as I’ve never heard of underworld bindings, but with a bit of research I realized they are what we would call the Malavita’s in North America. Looks like Underworld must be the name for them in Europe?
The Genesis and Malavita/Underworld aren’t too different overall, but I would say the Genesis are a little more comfortable. The Malavita has a stiffer highback compared to the Genesis with the Genesis having a stiffer baseplate vs Malavita/Underworld. But overall flex feels quite similar. Greats/Genesis is a good pairing, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I’m 5’10 158lbs US8 boots, would the 149 or 151 Yes Greats be more suitable for my sizing. Cheers!
Hi Danny
I would go 151. 149 is getting a bit small for your specs, IMO. 151 is already sizing down – but it’s a good amount of size down, IMO, given your boot size vs the width of this board and that it’s a board you size down for anyway. But I think 149 would be a bit too small, unless you were going to be using it as a dedicated park board for creative freestyle riding – like butters, jibs, spins, small jump tricks, that kind of thing.
Hope this helps
Hi again Nate!
The specs of this board seems awkward to me, shorter sidecut radius, larger width at inserts..
My question is, isn’t it the kind of board that everyone should experience “foot underhang” and has to put more effort to turn that board?
Even if one sizes down, width at inserts still seem to be much, its really like a wide board.
For my specs (US10.5 82kgs 187cm), probably you would recommend 156 but what about 154?
which one would be your first choice, considering that I am right in the middle between playfulness and speed stability
Hi Ismail
Yeah I would be leaning 156 for you – as an all-round board. If you were going to be riding mostly freestyle or if you were wanting to optimize playfulness and maneuverability, then you could go to 154 but I would go 156 in your case.
The width at inserts is very much like a lot of wide boards, but it doesn’t feel like a wide board when riding. At least not to me. I think the narrower waist still helps to make it feel more maneuverable. That and the tighter sidecut I think also helps with that maneuverability.
Dear Nate,
I went for Yes Greats 156
187cm 83kgs US10.5 with Union Flite Pro Bindings
First of all thanks to you for such a content rich website, it made me buy an awesome snowboard which the brand even not known in my country!
I am not a pro to evaluate and compare the board with others, anyways here are my first comments after first day of riding ;
+ I did not fall at all, even not just a single time after whole day riding! Normally I fall down 5-6 times a day but with that board, not at all even if I tried stupid things
+ The board is superfast and stable. (Maybe its because my previous sintered board was not waxed after 15 days of riding)
+ The board is so easy to turn. It’s like there is a turn table right in the mid bottom, allowing me freely to move the tail. (Felt so much difference with 156 Greats, but maybe its because my previous board was 159W Capita OSL)
+ I had hated one narrow ski run with less slope in the resort, I was anxious about people passing by me and could not pass anyone because the run is quite narrow. Now with that board, I am the one passing people in that runway!
+ The day I rode was quite uneven ground and not icy. I had no issues at all even if I was riding fast on bumpy snow and no problem even though I pass over on icy parts.
+ I don’t jump pop ollie therefore I can not comment on this, but with that board its time now!
My next move will be to change bindings with Union Strata’s
Hi Ismail
Thanks for your update and insights. Much appreciated. And awesome to hear you’re getting on well with your new board!
Hey Nate,
I’m really between the YES Standard and the YES Greats UNIC. I’m 6’ 170-175lbs, 10.5 boot. I live and ride mostly in CO, sometimes Utah & California.
I’m looking at the Standard in 156cm and Greats UNIC in 156cm. I mostly like to hit groomers and charge pretty hard, and some side hits. Not crazy concerned about carving across the entire mountain, but enjoy getting some carves in here and there. Tree runs are also one of my favorites. Not much a park guy, but from time to time will hit rails or jumps in there.
I’ll be riding with Union Starta bindings. Which board would you recommend in this instance?
Hi Scott
If you don’t ride a lot of powder or when you do get powder it’s not that deep, then I would go Greats for what you’re describing. If you do see some deeper powder and want a bit more powder performance, then I’d I would lean more to the Standard.
Both boards match well with the Strata, IMO. The one thing to mention though is that, if you go Standard, that the Strata won’t work on it’s “slam back inserts” (two extra holes that are 4cm behind the main insert packs) because of the mini-disc. Not an issue if you don’t think you’d use the slam back inserts and not an issue if you go Greats, as it doesn’t have those slam back inserts.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello and thanks for the review.
5.9 195 lbs and size 10.
Should i get the 154 or the 156?
Want to improve my switch riding, carving maybe butters.
Cheers!
Hi Andreeei
Both are possibilities for you for sure. Given that you already have the Orca in your quiver and this will be used as your more freestyle oriented board (I’m assuming from your comment on the Twinpig review), then I would be leaning 154. If it was going to be your one-board-quiver board and you were treating it more all-mountain, then I’d say 156.
Hy Nate,
I bought the 154. I still have 2 more days of I want to change my mind and get a 156. I m 195 lbs without gear and size 10.5. ( the higher spec sheet for 154 is 200 lbs on their website). Any toe drag?
Should I keep it? Will it be unstable at high speeds?
(50 kmph)?
Looking forward to your advice
Hi Andrei
As per my previous response, I would be leaning 154, assuming its going to be a more freestyle dominant board for your quiver and give you have the orca already. As an all round board though, I’d go 156. With the new info re wanting to ride it fast, the 156 will give you more stability at speed of course, and the 154 may feel a little unstable at 50mph. Previously you had said size 10 boots. However, with 10.5s you still shouldn’t have drag issues in most scenarios on the 154, imo.
Hi Nate,
I have been searching for an all mtn board and I think the yes. Greats fit the bill for me.
Alternatives were Jones all mountain or lib tech terrain wrecker
Intermediate rider, no intention of park, maybe stumble on powder but probably will get a powder specific board later, and I ride a lot with beginners but will venture off to jump side hits and carve. Wanted to start buttering too.
My question is what size should I get? I don’t see a lot of texts for women riders unfortunately. I am female, 5’4, 180lb with gear. Thanks in advance!
Hi Sophia
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats suits what you’re describing. The Mountain Twin and TW would also work and are better for powder than the Greats, but if you were going to get a powder specialist, then the Greats would fit well in a quiver with that.
In terms of sizing, could you please let me know your boot size as well.
Hi Nate, thanks for the reply! I completely forgot the boot size, my bad. I wear a size 8 men’s boot and using medium cartels. My beginner board I find is too soft and too slow at 148 (ride baretta 2016).
Could I also ask the recommended sizing for the all mountain and terrain wrecker? I might delve into researching those two more, especially if I don’t see myself hitting powder more than I think. Thanks again!
Hi Sophia
Thanks for your replies. I deleted the ones just because they didn’t have any extra info that this one didn’t have.
I would put your “standard all-mountain” length at around 153, but I would size down for the Greats, because it is wide. It doesn’t look that wide just looking at the waist width, but the width at inserts is wider than you’d think. So it’s between the 149 and 151, but I’d be leaning 149. 151 is doable if you really want to go bigger, but the 149 is still wide for your boots, IMO. So taking off that 4cm of length balances out that extra width. It will still feel noticeably bigger than the Baretta 148. The 2016 148 Baretta has a 244mm waist and the 149 Greats has a 245mm waist, so on that they don’t look much different in terms of width. But at the inserts I would predict the Baretta to be around 253mm at the inserts and the Greats 149 is more like 261mm at the inserts. And the tip and tail are 7mm wider too, which is significant. The 151 wouldn’t be wrong though, if you did want to go a little bigger again. The Greats will also feel significantly stiffer than the Baretta. The Baretta is rated at 3/10 flex, with the Greats rated at 7/10 flex. I felt the Greats more like 6/10, but still significantly stiffer.
For the Mountain Twin, I’d go 151. Again, still on the wider side for your boots. But 151 is sizing down a little from that 153 point, so I think it would be a good bet.
For the Terrain Wrecker, I’d go 152.
Hi Nate.
I’ve had 7 weeks of snowboarding in total but haven’t been since 2014… Was really confident riding switch and loved being in the park on small/medium jumps and the odd box/rail. My only question is around the flex. I really enjoy cruising along doing butters and side hits. Is this board too stiff for that? My last board was a burton whammy bar which was pretty soft at 3/10 I think.
I’m 179/180cm and weigh 79kg, US 10 boots. Was looking at 156cm but could maybe drop to 154cm for bit more playfullness. 154 has the nicer graphics too lol.
Any other boards you think would suit better?
Thanks
Hi Clegg
Thanks for your message.
You’ll definitely notice it feeling stiffer than the whammy bar, but I find it pretty easy to butters and sidehits. It’s not like easiest board out there for buttering, but given it’s overall flex it’s easier than you think. The tip and tail feel softer than the overall flex of the board.
I think the 156 would work for you, but given your style, I think the 154 would be your best bet. I had no problem riding the 154 (183cm, 83kg, US 10 boots) – so it’s still not going to be a noodle or really unstable at that length for you or anything.
If you did want to maximize your board for park, butters etc and wanted something softer, also check out this list.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
what you think, which of them better, Yes Base Uninc or Yes Greats ?
Hi Erzhando
It depends on what you’re looking to do on them. They are similarly minded boards, but the Basic Uninc a little more aggressive. It’s full camber and a touch stiffer. Not by a lot but just a bit. It’s also a narrower board, so sizing is a little different. I personally prefer the Greats. I really like the asym feel and just all round feel of the Greats but really liked the Basic Uninc RDM as well. Some differences to consider:
– I prefer the Greats a little more for jumps, carving, slashing, riding switch, spins jibbing, butters and in uneven terrain
– I prefer the Basic Uninc RDM at speed
– For powder both are about the same and neither great, IMO
Hope this helps
Nate thanks for the complete explanation
I think the Basic designe is so cool (i love anime) , so i will take Basic Uninc. Nate what about size ? 156W will be good choice? Im 180cm/82kg/ boots 9″ (42)
sorry for my english 😉
Hi Erzhando
I would go with the 158. You don’t need to go wide if that’s your boot size. And 158 is a really good length for your height/weight. So 158 for sure, IMO.
Hi Nate, thank you for your reviews and comments.
I am looking into a YES Greats in 156.
Am 5.5″ (170cm), 220 lbs (100kg) so basically I am short and fat..
Shoe Size US 10-10.5 (43-43.5) depending on the boot.
Am an advanced rider for over 30 years. Looking for all-mountain freestyle where I can carve a bit but also work on my switch and buttering which I didnt do much the last couple years.
For all-mountain shredding when I really wanna go fast I have a Burton Custom X in 162.
Now I want something that is much more playful and fun also at lower speeds.
No park, no big jumps anymore, just some smaller jumps.
Most freestyle oriented boards don’t work for my due to my weight. I would have to get a board that is way too long for freestyle oriented riding.
The YES 156 should work for my weight but am just a bit concernd about the width due to my shoe size.
Do you think this board would work? Or any other board you think I should consider?
If the YES 156 works, which binding do you recommend when I want the board more on the playful side? Had good experience with Burton bindings in the past so am inclined towards it. Malavita? Genesis?
Thank you so much!
Hi Guido
Thanks for your message.
I think the 156 would work well for what you want it for, particularly given you want it to be for predominantly freestyle riding and you have a bigger board for faster, more aggressive riding.
No problems width-wise on this board with 10-10.5s, IMO. It’s quite wide at the inserts compared to the waist width, due to the mid-bite, so you should have plenty of room for your boots there. I ride the 156 with 10s and this is the widest board I own and have never been close to boot drag. I think this board and size would work really well for what you want it for.
In terms of bindings, both the Genesis and Malavita would work well. The Cartel X also match to the board, but given the style of riding you want to use it for, I’d be leaning Malavita or Genesis. And I’d probably go Malavita, just because it’s a little stiffer than the Genesis, but still playful enough – and a good flex match for the board. But the Genesis wouldn’t be wrong by any means for it.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for your response Nate.
I ordered the Greats in 156.
Will get the Malavitas with it.
Now the snow can come!
Cheers from Switzerland
Nice one Guido. Hope the setup treats you well and that you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate.
Wanted to ask if you think the 159 would be too large for me.
I’m 6ft, 205 lbs, US10.5 Boots (Vans Infuse)
According to your skill levels, I’m about a 5.5 boarding onto 6.
Currently have a Capita Outerspace Living 160, but unfortunately cracked it last season hitting a tree. So looking to get something to take my riding (and switch riding) to the next level.
Only reason I’m asking about the 159 is that I can find a last season’s model for a bit cheaper than a 2023.
Ride mostly SoCal/Mammoth. Thank you.
Hi Frank
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call between the 159 and 156. Typically for your specs, I’d say to be looking at something around that 161/162 range. But that would be with a width that would be just right for your boot size. So, I think you could certainly ride the 159 but whether it’s going to be optimal for your riding style is the question. Note that it’s likely going to feel noticeably bigger than the 160 OSL. It’s quite a bit wider and has more effective edge vs overall length. IMO the 156 Greats is a closer equivalent size to the 160 OSL. So, if you felt you could use a little more size than your 160 OSL, then I think the 159 could work. If you’re looking for more stability at speed, then you should certainly get it going with the longer 159. If you like to ride fairly casually and prefer quick edge-to-edge at slower speeds, and want to do tricks, butters, etc, then I think the 156 would be the better option.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for the great reviews! It’s helped me narrow down my choices.
I’m 5’9 160lbs with size 10 shoe; I’m looking for a do-it-all board to replace my current one. I currently own an old Nidecker 149 which is way too small for me, so the new board will be the only one I have.
I will be boarding pretty much exclusively on the mid east coast so I definitely need something that can handle ice. I’m not extremely experienced snowboarding but I’ve been advancing quickly and I am planning to go ~50 times this season, so I don’t have a problem getting a board that I’ll be able to grow into in skill.
I lean more towards all-mountain than park, and I want something that is going to be good for ollies, side hits, and overall making the most of groomers, but I still want something that can lay out decent carves and hit the park when I’m feeling it.
My options that I’ve come down to are
Yes Greats
Yes Basic
Salomon Assassin
Ride Shadowban
I appreciate any opinions on what would be best. Thanks!
Hi Griffin
Thanks for your message.
The Greats would be my pick, based on what you’re describing. The Greats and Basic are the best in icy conditions, IMO, but the Greats is a much better carver and better at speed IMO, and overall a bit more dynamic – and something that you won’t risk growing out of, which you could with the Basic.
I haven’t ridden the Shadowban, so can’t say too much there, but my past experience with Ride boards is that they OK but not amazing in icy conditions.
The Assassin would be my 2nd choice after the Greats – not as good in icy conditions, but still decent. And is a good mix of being not too hard to ride but also something that you shouldn’t grow out of.
For the Greats, I would go with the 154. If you went Assassin I would go 156. The Greats is a board that can be ridden a little shorter, due to being wider and having a higher ratio of effective edge to overall length than the average board.
Hope this helps with your decision
I have a 2022 yes the greats 151 , I’m 5 foot 7 , weigh 140 pounds and wear size 8.5 boots . I love the 151 and have no issues with it . I was curious about what the differences would be for me with the much narrow 149 yes the greats ? Easier for jumps or carving ? Or would it be worse for me ?
Hi Devon
Thanks for your message.
The 149, vs the 151, would feel a little easier to butter, easier to maneuver, especially at slower speeds – being shorter and also narrower, would allow you to get from edge to edge quicker. For carving you’d have less effective edge, so your carves would feel shorter – it would feel better on shorter/sharper carves in comparison, rather than longer drawn out ones. The width wouldn’t make a lot of difference, except when it came to initiating the carve, which would require less effort on the 149, but once engaged in the carve you’re on the edge of the board, so you don’t feel that width at that point.
The trade-off of the 149 would be that you’d reduce how easily it floated in powder and reduce stability at speed.
In terms of jumps, it’s 6 of one half dozen the other. The 149 would make it easier to extract the pop and being a little lighter would make it easier to get full value for your air time and be easier to spin with. But in terms of landings, you’d lose a bit of stability on landings from the reduced surface area. Overall the 149 would probably be enjoyed more for smaller jumps and smaller sidehits, but for bigger jumps, where you need more stability on approach and for landings, it would be a little worse.
Overall I would have recommended the 149 for your specs, but the 151 isn’t like way too big or anything and if you’re loving it, then there’s likely no reason to change. I would say your “standard all-mountain size” is around 152, which makes the 151 closer, but given the width on the 151, which isn’t huge for your boots or anything, but it’s a little on the big size for your boots, I would have erred to the 149, but the 151 isn’t wrong for you, IMO.
Hope this helps
That’s for the detailed reply ! I just bought the last 149 available in Canada . Is the yes the greats your favourite all mountain freestyle snowboard?
Hi Devon
Nice one!
Yeah, it’s my favorite all-mountain-freestyle board and has been for a good few years now. I own one and it’s never let me down.
Hello Nate, I’m so thankful for your review content on your site.
I have two questions I hope you can help me with:
1) I own the greats uninc 2020 and I think it’s not that all mountain mostly due to a flex I would say it’s 4,5-5, which translates to washing out heel carves and less pop. Still a great board but mostly for freestyle.
In your previous year’s review of the greats, you scored it as a 5.5 flex, while this year is 6. I asked the YES team and they said they have indeed upgraded the epoxy to a stronger formula. What is the main difference in the flex this year and do you feel any improvement compared to last year?
2)I have a pair of Stratas and Atlas which I think match the greats depending on the mood of the day. I was thinking if the new Union Ultra 2023 may fit this year’s Greats Uninc. What is your binding opinion if I want to get this year’s Greats and use it 60% for park and 40% for AM? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Javier
Thanks for your message.
I’d say the Greats is only very subtly stiffer than it used to be, so if you really wanted to go noticeably stiffer, then you could go more again, but if you wanted subtly stiffer it could work. The new Ultra are what I would consider a 5/10 flex binding. It would work with the Greats, but I’d err a little stiffer. The Ultra is softer than the Strata, IMO, so I’d say the Strata is a better match.
Note that Union had an Ultra binding for years (up to a 2020 model) but it was a very different binding and significantly stiffer. Wish they hadn’t chosen the same name for a binding that’s so different. Can make things confusing. If you go to our Ultra review and scroll to the bottom, you can see how different the old ones were in the “PAST REVIEWS” section.
Many thanks Nate.
I think I would get this year’s greats with my Stratas.
Have a pow filled season!
You’re very welcome Javi. Hope your season also contains an abundance of pow!
Hi Nate,
Update on the 2023 Greats:
Me: 177 cm, 77kg, 9,5US Salomon HIFI. 57.2cm centered, +12 -12. Union Strata 2023 M. FL=+1. Rotated highback. Yes Greats 154 2020. Intermediate advance rider.
This year’s has a stiffer flex than my yes greats 54 2020. It is damper at high speed, absorbing more vibrations It feels the base has a better glide. The flex is more balanced between the toe and heel where it used to wash out on the heel, the torsional flex is stiffer as well. Better pop and is more responsive. A little harder to press but more rewarding pop when released.
Overall the board feels slightly more all-mountain but still, it is driven between the feet where the midbite is located. you can carve this board but with a reverse camber technique leaning toe to heel and not like the pre-2019 model where weight transfer between nose and tail was very rewarding.
Very good edge hold. I have sold my 2020 as I lean towards a more all-mountain setup nowadays. It is a slight improvement in the flex and the stance (this yearä’s has almost 2 cm wider ref stance). I wish YES. would blend the stability and edge hold of this design with the agility, pop, and carving sensation of the pre-2019 model.
Enjoy your holidays
Hi Javi
Thanks for your input and insights. Much appreciated. Happy holidays to you too
Hi Nate!
I am considering buying Yes Greats 156 2022 model this season, for my freestyle progression. I am 6 foot, 185 lbs intermediate rider well versed into carving and powder riding, who just started getting into park.
My other board is Yes Hybrid, and I am looking for one bindings to rock them with both boards.
Available options in my local shop are Burton Cartel X, Union Atlas Asadachi, Union Contact Pro and Bent Metal Transfer.
What bindings you would recommend to me?
I had Cartels previous year, on my Burton Process Flying V, and liked them a lot – so I am inclined towards Cartel X.
Do you think Cartel X would be too stiff for the freestyle riding?
If that is of importance, my boots are Burton Ion.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
The Contact Pro will be too soft, IMO, for the Greats and Hybrid. The Bent Metal Transfer probably is too, though I haven’t ridden those in a long time. The Cartel X and Atlas would both work well, but I would be leaning Cartel X, because they have better board feel than the Atlas, so will work better for your freestyle stuff, IMO.
Hope this helps
Nate,
Tnx for help!
And it helps a lot!!! Since my personal experience when it comes to gear is limited to Burton’s channel system, I was in a difficult dilemma on this bindings question.
P.S. yesterday in my local shop came along one pair of Union Strata.
So, I have little bonus question – Cartel X or Strata’s? 🙂
Hi Michael
The Strata are a very good match for the Greats, IMO, so it’s a close call between them. The Cartel X would work very well as well. But I would be leaning Strata, as I feel it’s the more pure flex match (a touch softer than the Cartel X – they’re 6/10 vs 7/10 on the Cartel X, by my feel). And just a touch better for freestyle progression, IMO. Both would work, but I’d be just leaning Strata, in this case, for this particular board.
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for your help, I appreciate it a lot!
So, this season it is going to be Yes Greats and Union Strata for me.
Best wishes from Serbia!
You’re very welcome Michael. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate, first off I’d like to say this website is fantastic.
I’m looking into a new board and I can’t decide between a the Greats and the new Standard Uninc. I currently ride a Process Flying V 155 and it was my first board, but now I’d say I’m a 7 on your riding scale (but not in the park) and want something that I can perform with best at my level.
I ride mostly in extremely steep terrain, but speed isn’t my focus but rather control. I ride a fair amount of powder as well and want something that can do okay there too. I dabble in the park and would like to progress there but it isn’t my main concern.
Basically I feel like the Greats would give me a bit more control in my turns but not do as well in powder, while also working well as a park board. Whereas the Standard Uninc would perform a bit better in powder and for speed, but maybe a little more difficult to make tighter turns? Not sure there. Obviously not as much as a park board but I would still have my Process if you think that would work as a park board?
I am an instructor and my main concern is just having a board that will help me with my AASI certifications so maybe that’s good to know.
I’m 6′ and about 170lbs, progressing quickly, and would love some insight into what you think!
Sorry for all the jumbled ideas, hopefully this conveys where I’m at!
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Greats is a little easier on heel side tighter turns. I find that asymmetry does make a difference there. But otherwise there’s not too much difference. Neither are awesome in powder, but yeah, I would say the Standard Uninc a little better, courtesy of those slam back inserts allowing you to setback a little further for those powder days. The Process Flying V can certainly work as a park board, IMO. So, if you found the Standard Uninc too much in the park, then you could always use your Process Flying V. I found the Standard Uninc to be great for jumps in the park. A little trickier for jibs, but certainly doable.
I think I’d be leaning Standard Uninc in this case, as it gives you a little more in powder. But it’s a close call and both boards would work. Just note that in really deep powder, still not going to be amazing or anything.
Happy to give my opinion on the best sizes, but will just need your boot size.
Hope this helps
HI Nate,
I have the Yes Greats 156, and am in need of bindings. I’m a quickly improving, Intermediate rider that likes to charge a bit, carve, ride switch and hit the park a bit too. Probably the definition of an All Mountain Rider, with ~ 10 days/year on the snow. Given the Asym Yes Greats board, my riding style and skill, what bindings would you recommend for me?
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
For how you describe your riding, and to match the board, I would be looking at something with a 6/10 to 7/10 flex. I would also look for something with good board feel and shock absorption, given that you’re riding a bit of park on it. Check out the following and pay attention to the score breakdowns, there should be a few good options in there that will suit you well.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Note that some in the first list will be a little softer, so pay attention to the flex as well.
Hope this helps
I think I’m landing on Union Strata’s…. for a bit more shock absorption and versatility, but still stiff enough?? What do you think?
Hi Alex
I think they’re a good bet and stiff enough for the Greats, IMO. Bonus with the 2023 model is that the price has gone down quite a bit (which is almost unheard of in this industry!). The hardware has been downgraded from Magnesium to Aluminum, but if that doesn’t bother you, then they are a real bargain now, IMO.
Already ordered them…$250!
Thanks again, Nate. You’re the best.
Actually, US $200 w/free shipping on Moosejaw, if anyone else is interested!
Hi Nate,
I just read through pages and pages of your responses and I can’t believe how helpful and prompt you are, thank you and good on you!
Just another sizing question. I can’t decide between Greats 154 and Greats 156. I’m 6 ft, 185 lbs, riding Burton Ion US 10 (but previously 32 TM Two US 9, Burton Sabbath US 9.5) and currently trying out Union Atlas Medium bindings.
I like to carve, pick tree lines, hunt down drops, charge at speed on groomers but without missing any of the side hits – often basically carving from one hit to the next with lots of fakies to speed check. I pop odd 180s or ollies of rollers. Speed and precision are very important and fundamental to my riding but I also love drops and air time, and spending time in the trees, or butter and pop flat tricks every chance I get on the groomers.
In the past (when I was lighter more in the 170 lbs range) some of my favorite boards have been:
K2 Zeppelin Camber 158 (Burton Sabbath, Burton CO2)
K2 Slayblade Flatline 158 (Burton Sabbath, Burton CO2 or 32 TM-TWO Burton X-Base)
Rome Agent Camber 156 (was too playful eventually for the bigger lines) (and 32 TM TWO, Burton C02)
Yes Tadashi Fuse Ghost Camber 156 (my favorite board of all time for stomping landings and general charging) (32 TM TWO, Burton C02)
I’m concerned that the 156 might be a little wide for me and not quick enough edge to edge, but 154 on the other hand, not enough board at speed and off-piste, and during landings.
I’m smack-bang in the middle for weight range recommendation for 156, and in the top 1/3 of the range for 154. But will the 156 be sluggish edge to edge and not give me enough pop? Or, on the other hand, will 154 just not be enough board at speed and landings?
What standard size would you put me at, and what about on the greats?
(I also just bought a Gnu Banked Country 159 for a charging/carving machine as well for those icy mornings, concrete conditions, and big days of freeriding with the crew).
Any advice from you would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Dimi
Hi Dimi
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 156. I don’t think the 154 would be wrong for your specs, depending on your style of riding, but I think how you describe your riding, the 156 is the most suitable. There are some arguments to go 154, but I’d be leaning 156. I would put your standard length at around 160. The Yes you want to size down for, for sure – and the 154 and 156 are what I would be debating for you. Ultimately because you still want to have that stability at speed, that’s the tie breaker for me between those 2 lengths. I ride the 156 Greats and am very similar specs to you (6″, 180lbs, US10 boots) and I find it just right – for doing all the things you’re describing. I still really enjoyed riding the 154 – and if it was going to be the board I used as my freestyle dominant board and wanted it a little more playful and easier to spin and butter etc, I would be happy to go for the 154. But as my do everything (apart from powder) board, I love it in the 156. And my do everything is relatively freestyle heavy anyway (and I have a softer freestyle board for when I want to be particularly playful).
The argument for the 154 is that you’ve already got the bigger board in your quiver with the 159 Banked Country – and going smaller would offer a bigger difference. But honestly between the Banked Country 159 and 156 Greats, there’s already a really big difference.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks, Mike. You’ve rationalised it perfectly. The fact that you’re happy with the 156 definitely gets me over the line. I’ve also thought about 154 to get that huge contrast when stepping down from the GNU, but I think 156 will be more versatile. With how my riding and weight have been, I couldn’t see myself riding a TDF or Rome in size 156 nowadays, so I think Greats in 156 should be the right step down.). There is a new model in the YES lineup as well, 2023 Standard Uninc Camber (comes in 156 and 159 among other sizes) – have you come across it yet? It would be great to see a review on one!
Nate* sorry!!
Hi Dimi
All good 🙂
Yeah, I got to ride the Standard Uninc this winter. A sick board for sure – really liked it. Much like the old YES Ghost – the 2018-2021 models, more so than the earlier models. The TDF was a precursor to the Ghost. If yours is called TDF then it’s likely 2017 or earlier. I think it was for the 2018 model that the width changed to be wider, like the YES Standard. And essentially became a traditional camber version of the the YES Standard. Which is also basically what the YES Standard Uninc is – though I did find it was marginally stiffer than the Standard – but more like 6.5/10 rather than 6/10 on the regular Standard – it’s not hugely stiff or anything. But yeah really liked it. I rode it in the 156 and really liked that size. I think I’d find the 159 too big, because of the width of it. If it was the TDF 2016, then I would ride it in the 158, rather than 156, but the new Ghosts and the Standard Uninc, I think 156 is best for me.
HI Nate, thanks for the great reviews. I know you’re a fan of The Greats, as many others are also. I’ve got a deal on a 156, but I’m not sure on the width and sizing. It’s not a volume shifted board, so should I size down? I do like the idea of a 156 as it will be more nimble for me.
I’m 6’0″, 183lbs and wear a size 11.5 shoe. I’m getting new boots this season and will opt for a low profile boot in hopefully a size 11, so I figure that will bring my needs down a bit in terms of width. I currently ride a 26.1cm width board and my foot touches edges just about perfectly barefoot at the inserts. I ride +12/-12 and am an early intermediate rider.
My question is: Should I go for the 156 Greats or do the 159 (which is only 3 cm wider at the waist)?
Thanks for your help and your great site!
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
Whilst technically it’s not considered a volume shifted board, it is wider than usual – and at the inserts it’s wider than you’d think based on waist width. With an 11.5 boot, I think your more pure size would be 159 for this board, but with smaller feet, the 156 would be just right. But even with the 159 being the more “pure size”, the 156 is certainly doable – and given you’re an early intermediate, I would be leaning towards sizing down, so I think the 156 would work well. The other thing to take into account is that there is quite a lot of effective edge when compared to overall length, so even with bigger feet, the 156 will feel a little longer than a typical 156.
Width-wise, I don’t think you’d have any issues with 11.5 boots – particularly with those binding angles. With 11s, definitely no issues, IMO. The width at inserts of the 156 is around 27.4cm (assuming roughly a 22″ stance), which is likely more than your 26.1cm waist width board, depending on the board.
Hope this helps
Thank you , Nate… I really appreciate you taking the time to answer comments and questions . It means a lot .
My current board is a Yes Basic 159W, so about 270mm at the inserts. So the Greats 156 is 4 cm wider . I’m pretty comfortable from a boot size standpoint , just don’t want to ride smaller than I should . I’m a Level 5 , and get about 10 days/year in, though I’ve progressed quickly thus far.
Here are my literal options :
– Ride Algorythym 160W
– Capita OSL 157W
– Yes Greats 156
– Yes Greats 159
I like a quick turning board , but a stable board (for small jumps and side hits) with decent pop (ollies, etc) that will allow me to ride freestyle all over the mountain and some park , some carving, some trees , some pow but I’m in Tahoe so it’s not buckets of pow.
I can get a good deal on any of these boards , but really want to make the right call.
I appreciate your thoughts .
Hi Mike
Apologies for the slow reply. Have had some personal things to sort out.
From those options, for what you’re describing, I would be leaning Greats 156. I haven’t ridden the Algorhythm, but in that size, it’s bordering on too big, given that you want something quick turning, trees and freestyle. If you were predominantly charging and carving, then it could work, but borderline too big IMO for what you’re describing. The OSL in 157W would work too, but I’d be leaning Greats, as it’s a board I prefer – just has a bit more x-factor.
Even versus the 159W Basic, the 156 will feel more stable than it – I would say – haven’t ridden the 159W Basic versus the 156, but have ridden the 158 Basic and the 156 Greats is considerably more stable at speed than that was.
I hope everything is sorted out for you, and please don’t ever apologize for answering (slowly or otherwise), as it’s a real service that you provide all of us with your amazing reviews and your consistent feedback.
Anyway, I’m glad to read your thoughts again, as I just received my Yes Greats 156 today! Less then US $400, all in, so I’m pretty stoked.
I looked at width at inserts, radius, overall edge, etc. This board just stands out in every respect for me…now the hard part: waiting until next season to ride it! I have Union Strata’s but very open to another recommendation if you prefer another for this board.
I WILL update you and let you know about the board and my experience, so hopefully it helps others (and reduces the amount of questions for you).
Take care and thank you again Nate.
Thanks Mike – and yes all resolved. Glad you were able to get a good deal on the Greats.
IMO the Strata’s are a very good match for the Greats.
Look forward to hearing how you get on!
Hi Nate, thanks for so much great info on this site! I have another sizing question for you: I’m 5’9”, 175 lb (without gear) intermediate, 15/-15, Strata bindings (L), Adidas 3MC ADV boots (size 11). I’m definitely more toward the all-mountain side than freestyle – no park in my future, but I do want to get better at buttering. I got the 156, which was all I could find anyway. It feels like a perfect fit for my feet (haven’t taken it on snow yet). [Side note: Don’t ask me why, but I was given a Huck Knife Pro 155W for a recent rental when they didn’t have The Greats and I asked for something comparable. I struggled mightily with turns on what should have been easy groomers, and when I returned home and looked it up, I was disappointed to learn I’d been given a park-specific board with a min rider weight of 176 lb. I felt I couldn’t hold an edge, and wondered if that’s because I’m a hair below the minimum weight, or if it was just because park boards aren’t good at that anyway, or maybe both (I’ve never ridden a freestyle board before).] Anyway, now doubts are creeping in about being too close to the low end of the Greats 156 weight range, as opposed to smack in the middle of the 154 range. I expect to be 165-170 lb by next season, so my question is, given my size 11 boots and L bindings, is the 154 vs 156 performance difference at 165-170 lbs enough that I should consider sizing down to the 154 to be more in the middle of the range? Thanks!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re good on the 156. For your height and weight, I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 158/159. It’s a good idea to size down with the Greats, so I certainly wouldn’t go 159 for that board. And whilst the 154 would certainly work for you, I think the 156 is more optimal for what you want and your specs.
If you had smaller feet, then I’d more inclined to go 154, but with 11s, the 156 isn’t overly wide for 11s (which is often one of the reasons to size down for this board), so I don’t think you need to size down more than that. Also, if you were more freestyle oriented, then I would be more likely to lean 154, but given the style your describing, I think the 156 is the best bet. The 154 wouldn’t be wrong, but the 156 is what I would be erring towards.
Hope this helps
Definitely helps! I feel a lot better about my decision and appreciate your take.
You’re very welcome Jason. Thanks for visiting the site and hope your new board treats you well!
Hi Nate,
Thank you very much for all the detail you put into your reviews and comments. It’s definitely helped me narrow down the decision for my next board. I’m an intermediate-advanced rider and looking to get an all mountain freestyle board to replace the 2018 Gnu Carbon Credit I currently use as my daily driver. I also ride a Jones Mind Expander for powder days and an older Custom X for any super aggressive riding (which I’m not huge into). I’m looking keep the quiver to 2 main boards for most of my riding, the new one and the Jones.
I typically spend most of my time in the trees and on ungroomed trails, but want to have a board that can still perform well on the groomers. I like finding all of the side hits and spend some time in the park too. I’m right around 190cm tall and fluctuate around 90kg. My boot size is an 11/11.5.
The 3 boards I have been looking at are the Greats, Salomon Assassin Pro and the Gnu RC. I think I would like the camrock profile a little more than the hybrid rocker, but I haven’t ridden a board with it yet. The Custom X is a fun ride, but I want something more playful and forgiving.
Of those 3, which do you think is the right complement for the Jones? If I was to get the Greats, it looks like I should choose the 159, but they’re out of stock everywhere. The 156 should still work, but not sure if that would be too small. Are there any other boards you would recommend?
Thank you!
Hi Drew
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking to go hybrid camber then the Greats and Assassin Pro are good options for what you’re describing, IMO. The GNU RC would work too, but if you’re looking for that more stable feel of the hybrid cambers, then the Greats and Assassin Pro. Both will be more forgiving than the Custom X – both in terms of flex and having that rocker towards the tip and tail. The Assassin Pro is a little stiffer and a little more aggressive feeling – but it’s still more playful than the Custom X.
For the Greats, the 159 would be your best bet, IMO. I think you get away with the 156 if you were going to be using it predominantly as your freestyle/park board, but as your daily driver, I would go 159. If you did go 156, expect it to feel softer, more playful, more maneuverable, easier to butter but less stable at speed and not as good for carving as I found it.
For the Assassin Pro, it’s a tough call. If you wanted to err more playful, then the 158W is a definite possibility – it’s still going to be hold up to speed and carving better than the Greats in the 156, IMO – and being the stiffer option to start with, I would def consider that size. The 162 is probably not quite wide enough (unless you’re in low profile 11s and +15/-15 binding angles or similar – but it’s a really close call and would restrict your boot choice) but otherwise could work. The 163W is an option too, but for what you’re describing, with a lot of trees, it’s getting on the too big side, IMO. I would be leaning 158W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, that definitely helps solidify my choice! I was able to find a 159 Greats and it should arrive in the next week or so. Can’t wait to try it out!
You’re very welcome Drew. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
ciao Nate,
first of all thank a lot your awesome review! It give me a precision view of what i need.
I’ve been snowboarding for a few years … there’s not something I don’t like doing.
“Yes great board” respects what i want, I am worry about only to the “freeride aspect”…
In order to increase powder specs (or stable speed), make sense buy a more big size of board?
My number
boots Adidas Acerra 3ST ADV US 11 (long feet :D)
Height 1.80
Weight 165 to 170 libs
I think to buy 156 size… but not sure if is better to buy 159 in order to increase a little powder specs (or stable at high speed). Which do you think is the right size?
I am just an intermediate for now, but I think that on the future i will buy a specific board for freeride/deepsnow.
best regards from Rome
Fabri
Hi Fabri
Thanks for your message.
I think if you’re going to go for a more freeride, powder board in the future, I would optimize the size of this board for what it’s good at. So I would go 156 in your case. It’s true that the 159 will give you more in terms of powder and speed, but it does come at the sacrifice of other things, such as manueverabillity, butterability, etc. I think the best size for you for this board would be the 156 and that’s what I would go with and then look at another more specific freeride/powder board later. If you got the 159 now, then when you get your second board, it won’t be the optimal size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, firstly thanks for all the great reviews and advice. Awesome site!
Hoping you could give me advice on size for the Yes Greats, please. Looking for a softer more playful alternative to my Yes PYL to use on resort trips with family. Love the PYL off pist but find a bit dull when slowing down so want another board for those kind of days, but still want it to be a really strong carver. Looking to carve the mountain, get better at jumps, working on my switch and just riding more playful than I do on my PYL where I tend to be quite aggressive. I’m 185 cm, 85 kg and size 11 vans verse, Jones Mercury bindings. Thinking 156 or maybe even 154 (my boots to big?). Want it to be playful so was thinking the 159 might be too big since I won’t use it to bomb or go steep, got the PYL for that. Am I right? Also carving is more important to me than jumping, if that could be a deciding factor?
Thanks!
Hi Johan
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats will work well for what you’re describing and a great compliment to the PYL. Since it’s part of your quiver and the purposes you want, I would also go smaller than the 159. But I would be looking at the 156. The 154 would be wide enough, IMO – it’s wider than the waist width makes it look. But given that you value carving over jumps etc, then I would err to the 156. I ride the 156 and love it for carving, but it’s still playful enough to have fun with butters, park, jumps, sidehits etc (I’m 6’0″ (183cm), 180lbs (81kg) and size 10 boots). If you were going full park/playful and not too worried about any carving or speed, then the 154 would certainly work, but I would go 156 – it’s going to be playful enough for you for all those things, but will be the better carver.
Hope this helps with your decision
Great Nate, that completely answers my questions. Thank you!
Before I started researching the Greats I had my mind set on a Jones Mountain Twin (I really want a Jones board..) but then figured it’s not that far off from my PYL and also doesn’t seem to be as good on carves as the Greats so felt it wasn’t really filling the hole I wanted it to. Am I right?
Also do you have any other board suggestions you think I should consider and compare against the Greats?
Thanks Nate!
Hi Johan
I’d say that’s fairly accurate, certainly in terms of that I find the Greats the better carver over the Mountain Twin – it’s not worlds different, but it does carve better, IMO. And the MT is closer to the PYL than what the Greats is, IMO in a lot of ways – apart from that carving feel – but I wouldn’t say it would be close to the PYL – it’s in between in a lot of ways. It’s better for powder than the Greats, but not quite PYL – but it’s a very similar to the Greats in terms of flex. And the shape of the Mountain Twin, whilst certainly being different enough to the Greats, is also quite different to the PYL. It’s got a little bit of a setback at reference stance – though you can ride it centered on effective edge as well – and the nose is a little longer than the tail (by 1cm). The Greats is true twin and asym. The PYL is quite a bit more directional. And it’s noticeably stiffer than the 2 of them as well. So, overall, I’d say the MT is different enough from both, but if I had to choose one that it was closer to, it’s slightly closer to the Greats.
You could also consider the Salomon Assassin, GNU RC C3, Lib Tech TRS Capita Asymulator – though not as good a carvers. Or you could look at the Never Summer Proto Synthesis (note that you’d be switching to a hybrid rocker (rocker between the feet) – as would be the case with the RC C3 and TRS. The Niche Crux is another worth looking at. It’s a little more aggressive, but a really good carver, IMO – especially for a softer flexing (5.5/10 flex by me feel), twin board.
Ok, thanks Nate. Think I’m decided on the Greats now. On the others boards there’s always one aspect or characteristic I’m not so keen on. The Greats ticks all the boxes.
Cheers!
You’re very welcome Johan. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi, Nate
I’m an intermediate rider who rides Lib tech Golden Orca and Capita Super DoA
I’m trying to pre order 2023 Yes Greats. I’m 5’ 10 with 168 to 172 lb and I’m hesitating with size between 151 and 154.
I love side hits and it’s the most important thing for me to choose the board size. I also like sliding turns and some of carving turns.
For me, my golden orca (153cm) is much easier to ride than my super doa (154cm)
Can you please advise me which size I should go with?
Hi Mason
Thanks for your message.
If you could let me know your boot size, that would be great. Important for sizing, IMO.
My boot size is 9. Thanks.
Thanks Mason
I don’t think either would be a wrong choice, but I would be leaning 151. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 157/158, assuming an advanced level. The Greats is a board you should ride shorter, particularly with 9s, and whilst sizing down to 154 would be enough, if you were going to be using it as your only board and were predominantly using it for speed, carving etc, then I’d lean 154. But given that your most important thing is side hits, I would err a little shorter.
Also to note, the 154 will likely feel a little bigger than your current boards. It doesn’t have the effective edge of the Super DOA 154, but it’s considerably wider – and whilst the waist is narrower than on the Golden Orca, it’s a little wider tip and tail – and probably similar at the inserts, but overall, it’s probably got a little more surface area than the 153 Golden Orca. Hard to say if it has more effective edge or not than the 153 Golden Orca, as Lib Tech publish contact length and not effective edge. But I’d say it would feel a little bigger overall. If that’s what you want, then 154 would certainly work.
Hope this helps with your decision
I should go with size 151. Thanks a lot for your advice. It really helped me choosing size.
You’re very welcome Mason. Happy riding!
Hi, super great reports. Thanks for this.
I am interested in the Yes Greats or Basic. I have about the same height and weight as you.
184 cm and 79kg.Shoes US10.5. I snowboard for many years but mostly only ski slope or some deep snow, which is almost never available. Pipe and jumps are not mine. My current board is an older Ride Manic 161cm, super easy to ride, very forgiving but nothing more. Carving does not go at all, which I love to do. The years before I had a Salomon, which I found very aggressive and in no way forgiving, but which could be carved well.However, I also fell down more often because it was not at all forgiving. I’m therefore a bit averse to aggressive boards, but it may be that this is no longer the case, as boards have evolved in the last 15 years…. My question now, which of the two boards in what size would you recommend me based on your experience. The German support of “Yes” recommends me the Greats 159cm and the Standard at least 159W. Both sizes sound very big according to your reports. You also had both Greats in 154cm and 156cm for comparison.Which one would you choose today?
Many thanks and greetings
Roland
Sorry, the standard without “W” in 159cm.
Hi Roland
Thanks for your messages.
Given you like to carve and everything else you’re describing, I would go Greats. The Basic is a very forgiving easy to ride board, and whilst it’s OK for carves, the Greats is better – and it’s still not anything super aggressive, so you shouldn’t have problems with it in terms of being too aggressive.
Size-wise, if it was the Basic then I’d be looking at the 158 or even potentially the 159W. But for the Greats, I would size down a little bit. For a couple of reasons – for one it’s on the slightly wide side for your boots. With 10.5s, it’s not super wide, but it’s still on the wider end of your range. This board also has quite a lot of effective edge versus overall length, which is another reason to err a little shorter. I would go 156 for you. I rode both the 154 and 156, like you say. The 154 didn’t feel small – which a typical 154 would for me – but for what you’re describing it’s not the size I would get. If you were doing more park/freestyle, then I think you could ride the 154 – but given your style, I would go 156, for sure.
I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 159/160, but for this board you want to size down, IMO. Given that YES has weight recommendations of 77-113kg, it seems strange that they would suggest the 159. You’re within the weight range, but just barely and with the width of it, I would only suggest someone at 79kg to ride the 159 if they had like size 12 boots and were 6’4″ or something. Even then, could still consider the 156 (IMO)
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey there, awesome website and great information!
Wanted to know if you can provide me a tip, I have definitely decided to get this board, it seems that it will do well on Ice Coast where I live, I’m just torn between deciding which size to get 154 or 156. (154 they currently have in stock at a local store, 156 I would have to get online and wait.
I’m around 160lbs 6ft in height, and my boot size is 11.
Im confused because it seems my weight matches better for the 154, but based on your comments on boot size and height maybe I’m better off with 156.
what do you think?
Hi Nazar
Thanks for your message.
You could definitely either size, so I get the dilemma. I would put you on roughly around a 157/158 for your “standard all-mountain” size, but this is the kind of board you size down for, even if it isn’t overly wide for your boots. It just depends no how much you wanted to size down – sizing down to the 154 or 156 would both be reasonable in your case, IMO.
I think it would depend on how your mostly going to use it. If you plan on using it for freestyle and/or trees a fair bit, then I would be leaning 154. If you were more looking to carve/bomb most of the time, then the 156 is probably more suitable. Another to think about it is – if you want it more on the playful side, then the 154 would work better – if you want it a little more aggressive, then 156 would allow to ride it faster – and do bigger high speed carves.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am considering getting this board and just wondering which size is better for me.
I am 5″10 and around 150-155 lb with 8.5 size boots. Love freestyle, ground tricks, and some aggressive carving when I want to bomb the slope. Not many powder days in the nearest resort so I think greats is just perfect for my condition. Anyway, which size would you recommend for the 2022 greats, 151 or 154?
Thanks!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
Whilst I think 154 would be doable, I would be leaning 151. 154 wouldn’t be sizing down much from what I would consider your “standard all-mountain” size of around 155/156 – and with the width of this board coupled with the large amount of effective edge versus overall length, I think the 151 would be the most suitable for your specs and how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reply. I am thinking about 151, too, according to the Yes. size chart. I am glad to hear that 151 is more suitable for my style.
But one thing I am concerning is whether the 151 are able to handle the aggressive carving well. As you said, I would normally ride 154-156. I believe the 154 would handle speed better. But if 151 also has a solid ability to deal with high-speed riding with my given spec, I think I will go for the 151 then. What do you think about it?
Thanks!
Hi Jason
The 154 would give you more stability at speed for sure. All else being equal, the longer board will always be more stable at speed, but I think the 151 would still be decent at speed for you. I would say you’d feel the 151 as good at speed as I felt the 154 – which was solid. Never going to be a bomber, but a solid 3.5/5 for speed, by my feel.
Gotcha, thanks!
Thanks for a fantastic site!
I’m currently something like 5,5 on your rider level scale and riding a Process Flying V.
I mostly enjoy fooling around, practicing my switch riding and mainly want to get better att butters and smaller jumps and tricks along the sides of the groomed slopes.
Now and then I’m in conditions with hard packed or icy slopes or a mix of bumpy loose patches with hard/icy patches between. At those times the Flying V lacks edge grip and is generally a bit too loose I think, even if my main interest is in the flat-ish, simpler, freestyle domain.
So, enter The Greats. Will it be too much of a board given my humble level and ambitions?
I’m 187cm, 98kg, 11,5US – would 156 or 159 be best for me?
My bindings are some Burton “Custom” reflex, which I suppose are in the soft/medium span, which I think matches my Burton Ruler boots. Would the Greats do better with a stiffer setup?
A lot of questions, thanks for your patience
Hi Joakim
Thanks for your message.
The Greats is certainly a step up from the Process Flying V – but it’s not ultra aggressive or anything like that. A lot more stable than the Process Flying V though – so if you still wanted a little bit of looseness but not quite as much as the Process Flying V, then there would be better options. The Greats isn’t what I’d call “locked-in” or anything – it’s what I consider stable – which is right in between locked-in and loose. But for a level 5.5, I don’t think it would be too much board. If you did think you wanted to stick with something a little on the loose side, but more stable than the Process Flying V and with better grip in hard/icy conditions, I can certainly recommend some good options.
But if you did want to go Greats, I think it could certainly work. Size-wise, I would be looking at the 159 for your specs.
Ideally I would go a little stiffer in the boots/bindings for the greats. I think you get away with the Ruler’s (5/10 flex by my feel), but the Custom’s (4/10 flex by my feel), might be a bit soft. Also if you’ve had your boots a long time, then they’ll be a bit softer than when they started. But if your boots are still in good condition, I would keep riding them, but when you do change boots, you could up the flex a bit. Given your style or riding, I wouldn’t go much stiffer though – up to a 6/10 or at most 7/10 flex for boots and bindings.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply, it certainly helps!
Regarding Greats or another board I’d appreciate suggestions on other boards too. If I could always choose the conditions I’d say I wanted to stay on the loose side. But now and then I’m simply “stuck” with less than ideal conditions and then I still want to make the most of it and need some more edge grip and stability.
Availability of boards in suitable sizes seems to be a problem at the moment too, quite a few options I’ve looked at are simply unavailable.
I wouldn’t mind having 2-3 boards in total though, if that makes a difference for your advice.
Thanks!
Available for me is also GNU Riders Choice in both 158W and 162W. That seems to be very close to Greats (based on e.g. your review) but have a bit more loose feel and more flex.
Given my previous question how do you think RC would compare to Greats in my case? And what size would you recommend between 158W and 162W?
Thanks again! 🙂
Hi Joakim
The Rider’s Choice was actually one that came to mind. I wanted to establish the feel you were looking for first. The RC is something that’s still on the looser side (not as loose as the Process Flying V but still on the looser side of stable) but something that grips icy conditions better. Since you’d prefer to stay on the looser side if you can, then I’d go RC over Greats, and you still get good grip in icy conditions.
Size-wise, you could certainly ride 162W for your specs – it’s probably the more “pure” size for your specs, so that’s definitely an option. However, given how you like to ride, I think the 158W would work well. Note that for your specs, I’d put you on roughly a 163W as your “standard all-mountain size”. But you can size down if you’re going to be riding a little more casual or more freestyle.
Thanks for all the feedback and support!
I’m going for a Riders Choice 158W and a pair of Union Strata to go with it.
Thanks for the great site and content, it’s really helpful.
You’re very welcome Joakim. I think those bindings are a really good match too. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get your new setup out on snow. Happy riding!
Man your reviews are great. Really putting me in a hard place though!
154 Yes Greats vs 156 Yes Standard(maybe 153?)
I’m 5’11”, 170lbs, size 9.5-10 US.
I have been riding for about 10 years. If I am in the park I focus on mid-size jumps and love pipe. I live in the mid-west (tons of ice and not much pow). Have been riding the same 153 jibstick for years now and am looking for a board to head out west and be able to a little bit of everything with then come back and be able to use here.
Any reason why I should go one over the other? It seems like the Greats is the same/better at almost everything but pow and still capable with a little more effort.
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think that’s fairly accurate that the Greats is better at most things (IMO) except for powder. But the Standard isn’t bad at anything – no real weaknesses, just doesn’t quite carve as well as the Greats (IMO) and not as good for more freestyle things either. The Standard would help you when you do get good powder – especially if you’re willing to take the time to put those bindings back into the slam back inserts on powder days. But the Greats can handle shallow powder fine.
Size-wise, I would go 154 Greats and 156 Standard. Both are boards you size down for a bit, but the Greats is bother wider than normal and has a lot of effective edge relative to overall length, so it’s something you can size down more so than the Standard. Even though your used to a 153, going 156 is still sizing down a bit for your specs, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
First of all I wanna say thank you for this amazing site and all the work you put in reviews – it’s great stuff!
I am considering to buy the Greats 159cm and I was wondering if you have an opinion on it’s fit for me:
Height: 197cm (~6.46ft)
Weight: ~183 lbs
Bootsize: 12 – 12.5 US
In general, I don’t mind riding rather short boards and prefer a playful / relaxed ride over racing.
Thank you so much in advance.
Cheers,
Constantin
Hi Constantin
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats in the 159 would work for you. I would say your closer to 162 for your standard all-mountain size, but this is the kind of board you can definitely size down for. Given your boot size, you don’t need to size down for width (but it should be easy wide enough), but it’s one you can size down for anyway, because of higher effective edge versus overall length. That plus the fact that you prefer playful, makes the 159 a good size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
thanks for your reply, definitely helped! I just ordered the board + a pair of 2021 union strata bindings. Really looking forward!
Have a good day!
You’re very welcome Constantin. Happy riding!
Nate
Nate
I just started snowboarding this season. I bought a Salomon sight X to help me learn. I quickly outgrew that board, i definitely felt that I had to work harder if I wanted to dig in and hold an edge. I out grew that board the 6th time being up and I was lucky to buy a old Capita DOA 2013/2014. That board really put everything I was trying to do like carving and bombing down the hill so effortlessly. I thought I would step it up and demo a golden orca and that was not the case. Board to stiff and I couldn’t be lazy with my technique. By all means I have alot to learn but riding that orca made me realize that having a stiff board can make you a better snowboarder by making you use proper technique. That board was just too stiff. Would the YES greats be too stiff as well?
This board sounds amazing and I can grow into. I’m wondering is this board maybe a little bit much for me? By your rating a DOA is a 5 flex/stiff and the YES greats is a 6. Is it that big of a difference in stiifness 5 & 6?
I’m using K2 boundary boots and union strata bindings
5,8
195LBS
8 size foot
Thank you all your reviews it has helped me a lot in what I’m looking.
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message (I got your other messages too, but were just repeats of this one, so I deleted them to keep things tidier).
I actually feel the DOA at more like a 6/10 flex. Capita rates it 5.5/10. I would say the Greats is stiffer through the middle of the board than the DOA, but it’s softer tip and tail.
But yeah, I think the Greats would suit what you’re describing well. Particularly as it sounds like you’re progressing super fast. It’s certainly not as stiff as the Golden Orca (haven’t ridden the Golden Orca, but regular Orca is rated 7/10, same as golden Orca. I felt the Orca at 7.5/10).
So yeah, if you’re having no issues riding the DOA, I don’t think the Greats will be too much board for you. Note however, that this is based on newer models of the DOA. I never rode the 13-14 version (earliest version I rode was the 16-17 model.
Size-wise, I’d be leaning 156 or 154 for you for the Greats. For your specs, I think something around 159 as your “standard all-mountain” length, but the Greats is a board you ride a little shorter anyway (because of quite a lot of effective edge versus overall length) and with 8s (it’s quite a wide board), sizing down also makes sense. As a first season rider, I would be leaning 154, but 156 is doable. If you could also let me know the size of your Sight and your DOA, that would be helpful for calibrating the right size as well.
Hope this helps
Nate
Thank you for replying and all this is super helpful. My sight X is a 159 and my DOA is 156. I found it difficult to initiate turns on my sight X at fast speed or maybe it just took a lot more effort. So I switched it up to the DOA and it felt amazing. I just automatically assumed it had to be the length that made the difference for me turning. Again thank you for all your work and this site has been so helpful.
I apologize for the double post before.
Hi Stephen
Thanks for the extra info. The DOA is also a board I’d ride a little shorter, but not as short as the Greats. So, I think if you liked the DOA in 156, that I’d go 154 for Greats. 156 doable, but with 8s and given how you liked the DOA in 156, I’d be leaning 154.
Is there big difference in between the greats 2020 & 2022 versions?
Hi Stephen
The Greats, as far as I can tell hasn’t really changed since the 2019 model, so 2020 and 2022 models essentially the same, as far as I know (apart from the graphic)
Thank so much and I found a 2020 model but was too late. Guess I’m just gonna have to buy the new one. Please keep up the great work on here.
You’re very welcome Stephen.
Hey Nate,
I’m currently deciding between the Yes Greats 149 and the Endeavor Pioneer 152, and I’d love your opinion.
I’ve been riding the same board for the last 10 years and would like to finally purchase a new board. I would consider myself intermediate.
I will be focusing on carving, butters, spins, and mostly ground tricks type of freestyle.
I am 5’6 and weigh ~145lbs.
I am also planning on getting Burton Step On bindings.
Suggestions on other boards are also welcome!
Thanks!
Hi Homan
Thanks for your message.
Both of these boards are suited to what you’re describing, IMO. The Pioneer being the softer, slightly more playful option of the 2.
I would say the Greats is better for carving and at speed. Both fairly similar for buttering – even though the Greats is stiffer overall, it’s still quite buttery in the nose and tail. For spins both really good. The Pioneer maybe just a touch easier to spin, but very little in it.
Size-wise, I think 149 Greats and 152 Pioneer are just right. But if you could also let me know your boot size, that would be great.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the reply Nate 🙂
My boot size is Men’s 8.
Hi Homan
Thanks for the extra info. Yeah, I’d 152 Pioneer and 149 Greats for sure.
When they say they added the 149 for more riders to ride, does that include women? Like Lib Tech did with the Orca. I have an Orca and absolutely love it.
I have a Yes Basic but it’s a few years old and cracked near the bindings after landing a small jump. I love the Basic but am looking for an upgrade.
I have been looking at the board for a while and it just looks like a heap of fun but it always seemed too wide.
My stats are
1,8m tall
65kgs
8.5 US women size
My Basic is a 155 and the Orca is a 147.
My riding style is rad mom 😉 I follow the kids around and look for features to jump off of next to the piste. I venture into the park and like the jumps. Not into jibbing or rails. I like bombing down the groomers and carving. Powder days I abandon the kids and let the Orca loose.
Hey Blake
Thanks for your message.
The 149 is still going to be really wide for your boots – but 149 is sizing down quite a bit for your specs, so I think it could work.
For reference for the width, the Greats 149 will be around 260mm at the inserts (but that’s assuming a 540mm (21.25″) stance width – if you rode it at a narrower width, then it would a little narrower). Comparing to your Orca:
– Orca 147 – 257mm waist, 266mm front insert, 265mm back insert (assuming a 530mm (20.9″ stance width), 303mm tip width, 293mm tail width
– Greats 149 – 245mm waist, 260mm inserts (at a 540mm (21.25″) stance width), 297mm at tip and tail.
So still narrower than your Orca, but more length and more effective edge. So I’d say it’s equivalent size-wise to the Orca, or maybe marginally bigger, but smaller than your 155 Basic (which IMO is a bit big for you, when taking width and length into account). So yeah I think it’s definitely doable.
The other option might be the 152 Rival, if you wanted a more traditional shape, in terms of width and length. It’s not the equivalent of the Greats, it’s the equivalent of the Jackpot, but still something that gives you more performance than the Basic and would suit how you describe your riding. But in saying that, I think the Greats would work for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi there,
Thanks for your reply. I tried the Greats and while it’s super fun I did have a bit of a hard time manipulating it. I think I need something with a bit of a softer flex.
The Basic is definitely a bit too big for me. I bought it before I lost the baby weight…
I never really thought of a “park” board before but the Rival looks awesome. I did find a ladies choice on a great sale – 50% off it also looks like a fun board as well. I am however torn between the 153.5 and 151.5. They both have the same weight limits. Perhaps I am just overthinking everything.
They also have the Union Legacy bindings on sale 🙂
Hi Blake
If they have the Legacy on sale, I’d go them over the Strata, as per our previous conversation.
The Ladies Choice could certainly work too. I would be leaning 151.5 for Ladies Choice, especially given you already have the Orca for powder days. If you’re going to be with the kids and given the style you describe when you’re riding with the kids, I think the 151.5 would work best.
Thanks for your help. I just ordered everything. Now do to the snow dance and hope for good snow.
Hey Blake. Awesome! New snowboard gear is exciting. I’ll sacrifice some pineapples to double the efforts of your snow dance!
Hi Nate, I am 5’9 US men, weigh 180lbs, and use size 9 boots. I was wondering what size you would recommend for me? I want size that would lean slightly more towards a freestyle riding style. I spend about 60% of my time at the park and 40% riding the rest of the mountain.
Hi Israel
Thanks for your message.
It’s between the 154 and 156. I think if you were more all-mountain, less park, then I’d be leaning 156, but given that your 60/40 park/mountain, I would be leaning 154.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
first of all, amazing website you’ve got going here! It helped me a lot in gathering information for my next snowboard.
I’m 6’0”, about 170lbs and am currently riding the K2 Raygun 157w. It was my first snowboard and i was really happy progressing my snowboarding with it. By now i would say I’m an advanced rider all mountain and on the stronger side of intermediate when it comes to freestyle.
When I’m riding I would say I’m carving groomers for about 65% of the time and I’m looking for sidehits, trying out some butters and am generally messing around at the mountain for 35% of the time (unless there’s powder, then I’m chasing lines all day).
I’m looking for a board that’s agressive and stable enough to bomb the mountain and lay down proper carves, but that can also be ridden slow and be played around with. I especially wanna work on improving my butters and learn some spins beyond the 180 (and maybe even inverts) using sidehits and natural kickers. I’m fairly confident riding switch when the slopes are still in a good shape, but that’s also something i want to improve in the future.
I’m rarely in a resort with a proper park, but if there is one i favor the small and medium jump lines with the occasional jib.
The main boards I’m considering at the moment are the Gnu Rider’s Choice, Gnu RCC3 and – after looking through your all mountain top 10 – the Yes Greats (which is my favorite pick at the moment).
I’m very happy with the way my Raygun performs in powder, so I’ll probably keep it in my quiver for those days. Therefore I’m not that worried about powder performance of my next board.
The past few days I’ve been trying out the Gnu Müllair and I loved the edgehold and the carves you could put down on it (despite the very hard snow conditions). Despite it being the first camber-dominant board i’ve ridden, I had no issues catching edges whatsoever. The pop and the stability at high speeds were amazing, riding Switch worked quite alright, but I definitly felt the directional profile. I was underwhelmed by its performance in powder and I could barely butter with it, because of its stiffness. Therefore it’s not quite the addition to my quiver I am looking for.
Now back the Yes Greats: Size-wise I was considering either the 156 or the one 159 to help with stability at speed and carving.
Do you think the Yes Greats would be a good choice for my intentions or do you have any other recommendations?
I hope you can give me some insights for my search and I’m looking forward for your input!
Cheers, Thomas
Hi Thomas
Thanks for your message.
Given you want something more stable for carving and speed, but still with butter performance, I think the Greats would be a really good fit. The RC C3 too. I would go RC C3 over the Rider’s Choice for what you’re describing. RC C3 has the same camber profile as the Mullair, but it’s, of course, softer flexing and twin (not the only differences of course, but to point out some of the main ones).
In terms of sizing, it’s going to depend on your boot size. If you could let me know that, I would be happy to recommend a size for the Greats.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I‘ve got the Nitro Anthem TLS boots in US Size 11 (44 in EU) and K2 Cinch TC bindings in large.
Would you favor the Greats or the RC C3 for what I‘m describing?
Best wishes from Germany and thanks for your help!
Hi Thomas
Yeah, I would be leaning Greats or RC C3 for what you’re describing.
Size-wise:
– Greats: I would be leaning 156. 159 is doable, but it’s getting on the big side, when taking into account length, width and the fact that it has a lot of effective edge, compared to overall length. The 159 would be more stable at speed, but it’s not going to be as easy to butter or other types of freestyle or ride in trees. Compared to how I feel the board, it would likely feel less playful and a little stiffer.
– RC C3: 158W
Okay, thanks for the sizing tips!
So in the end now I’m struggeling with which one of those two boards to get. I’m pretty sure I would enjoy riding either of them.
I found quite a sweet deal for the 20/21 Version of the Greats for about 375€, while the GNU would be about 580€ (gotta go with the 21/22 version as there are no wide versions available in the previous year).
Which one would you get, if you had to choose?
Hi Thomas
Definitely a hard choice as both boards are sick! And I’d say you’d definitely enjoy either one. I’m really partial to the Greats, so I’d be leaning that way – and with that price difference, makes it more enticing. But I’m also really fussy on sizing. So, for me, if I had the choice between the 159 Greats (which I find too big for me and the way I like to ride) and the 157.5 RC C3 (which is my preferred size for that board), I’d go 157.5 RC C3 every time, even at the greater cost. If that makes sense. If I had the option of the 156 Greats and the 157.5 RC C3, then the decision is really hard, but I’d opt for the 156 Greats – and with that price difference, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Great review !
how does it perform in Trees? Thanks
Hi Aaron
It’s pretty good in trees. It’s pretty nimble – depending on how you size it, but that could be said for a lot of boards. I find the 156 pretty nimble – it’s not like the ultimate in edge to edge speed, but still pretty good. It also absorbs bumps pretty well when going over stuff when you don’t want to get air.
Hope this helps
I’m 6′ 185 lb, 10.5 boot, Union Strata L bindings. Between the 154 and 156. I’m leaning 154 as I’m looking for a more nimble/playful. Foresee any issues with my size and the 154?
Hi Blayne
Thanks for your message.
I don’t foresee any issues with going 154 for this board. It’s short for your specs, but even in the 154 it’s wide for 10.5s, so some sizing down certainly recommended. I think 156 would be the more pure size for your specs, but if you’re looking to go more nimble, and happy to sacrifice a little in terms of speed for it, then 154 is certainly an option and within your range. I recently rode the 154 (6’0″, 175lbs, 10s) and it didn’t feel crazy small or anything.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thanks so much for the reviews
I have the greats 2019 model (save the humans). Is there any change in the 2022 model? The asym side cut look the same and the Flex is rated the same. Could you Tell me? Thanks
Hi Nas
As far as I can tell the 2022 model is the same as the 2019 model (apart from the graphic). I own the 2019 model as well. And I tested the 2022 model last winter – allbeit in a 154 and I own the 156. Nothing appears to have changed specs-wise and it felt like pretty much the same board. The only change that I felt was from the size – otherwise, yeah, as far as I could tell very much the same board. Only thing new is that it got a 149 size, which it hasn’t had before.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for the reply
You’re very welcome NAS. Happy riding!
Hi Nate !
Thanks for your greats reviews, I’ve learned a lot reading them !
Sorry to annoy you again with board size question, but I’m really stuck in my buying decision since I’ve got a really weird body !
Weight => 139 pounds (63-64 kg)
Height => 5’10” (177 cm)
Feet => … 11.5 US (45 fr)
I’ve got really long feet with really light weight, it become really hard for me to choose board since they expect someone more heavy for this feet size.
I’m intermediate rider, I like more to ride mountain and do butter than going to snow park. I like powder too !
I already bought my boots (Vans infuse 11.5, thanks to your review again !) and Union Strata (Thanks agaaain for your review).
I really don’t know which board size I should buy, if I follow the Yes spec, I should go for 151 but with 11.5 I thinks I should go for 154 maybe ? Do you think it would fit my spec (63kg ?) and it would not be too heavy to do butter ?
I’ve already bought Niche Crux 156 days ago, but some guy at shop told me that 254 waist width was too short for my feet size so I send it back. So now I’m looking for another board that would be wider.. Hard to find good boards with that kind of spec I’ve got.
Hope you will be able to help me in this difficult time ahah
Have a good day !
Hi Flo
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the 151 is the better length for you in the Greats. I think the 154 will be too big, given your weight. And going to be quite hard to butter, IMO. The 151 would likely be noticeably easier to butter for you.
In terms of width on the 151, it’s borderline, but doable if certain things are in place. If you have roughly a 580mm stance width on it, then you’re looking at around 271mm at the inserts. This is still bordering on narrow for 11.5s, but with Infuse (quite low profile) boots and +15/-15 binding angles (or similar), then I think you should be fine on the 151 width-wise. Asym boards like this are recommended to have a mirror duck stance anyway, so I’d recommend similar angles to that anyway. It just depends on your stance width. E.g. if you went to 540mm stance width or thereabouts, then you’re probably looking at more like 268/269mm which is probably pushing it.
I agree that the Crux 156 would be too narrow. Even though it’s a similar waist to the 151 Greats, it’s not as wide at the inserts. I measured the 156 at 265mm at the inserts. Also, I think the 156 is a bit too long for you as well – and I think you would have struggled a bit to butter that. The 151 Greats a better option, IMO – will just depend if it’s wide enough, which is going to depend mostly on stance width, IMO.
Another option that could work is the 151 Twin Pig. I haven’t ridden it yet, but the specs look like they’ll work. I’ve got a Twin Pig coming to test right now, but I won’t get it out for another month or so, I would say.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Your reviews have helped me pick out my first ever snowboard! I’ve been going for 3 years now and I’m so keen to get my own gear rather than rent.
Could I please ask your advice?
I’ve seen the Burton Cartel X on a really good deal ($200 AUD) and wanted to ask how you think they’d go with the Greats?
I’ve also found the Malavita for $240 AUD and Union Strata for $300. Just trying to get good value haha
Thanks so much for your work!
Hey Jake
Thanks for your message.
For the Greats, I’d be looking at anything around 6/10 to 7/10 flex, so I think the Cartel X would work well (7/10 flex, by my feel). I’ve ridden the Greats with the Malavita as well and they work well. But my favorite setup on the Greats is my Union Falcor 2019s (7/10 flex). The Strata also a good match. So you can’t really make a wrong choice with any of those 3, but if you want to go Cartel X (Re:Flex of course – make sure it’s not the EST model as that’s only compatible with channel boards), I think that would be a good match, particularly given my experience with similar flexing bindings on the Greats.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for your detailed reply! You’ve helped a lot. At the time of writing the sale for the Cartel X is over and the Strata was the cheapest. I was pretty happy with how well reviewed they were and grabbed them!
I’ll be purchasing a board soon and thought the Typo, Standard or Greats would be a good board for an Intermediate 5.5 (using your guide).
I’m looking for an all mountain board and I’m venturing off the groomers into untouched snow and tree runs, but also want to hit rollers, sidehits and jumps. I’ve just been popping off natural features on my runs and am aiming to learn how to butter and 180 front side next season.
I’m in Australia so powder isn’t really a common thing unfortunately, so I don’t think powder performance will matter too much.
Do you think a The Greats (156), Standard (156/159) or Typo (159W) will be okay for what I’m looking for?
I’m 5’9”, 205 lbs and wear size 11-11.5US shoes (yet to buy boots).
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Jake
The Strata are great bindings, IMO, so can’t go wrong there – and they’ll match to any one of those boards.
If you had more powder, then I’d say go Standard, but given powder isn’t a big thing, I’d be leaning Greats. The Standard and Typo would definitely work for you as well for what you’re describing, but my instinct says Greats in this case. Personally, taking into account not too much powder, I’d go Greats over Standard. The Typo is a good all round board and a little more playful. Definitely not a wrong choice either, particularly if you think more playful is appealing. The Typo is the easiest to butter and the most maneuverable at slow speeds (read: best in the trees). And would be the easiest to spin with to begin with as your learning. But the Greats will give you more when you’re riding at speed and better for carving – but still good at those freestyle elements – and once you’ve gotten those spins down better for spins overall, IMO – and jumps overall. And it’s certainly not something that’s hard to butter. It’s more buttery than you’d expect for how well it carves. Also note that the Typo is the easiest to ride, but neither the Greats nor Standard are hard to ride or anything.
Size-wise, 159W for the Typo would be just right, IMO, if you went with that board. I mention the Typo for sizing first, only because it’s the easiest choice!
For the Greats, it’s a tough call, but I’d be leaning 156. Typically for your height/weight specs, I’d say go around 160, give or take. For the Greats, if you had size 10 boots or less, I’d quite confidently say go 156. With larger feet, the 159 becomes a possibility in your case. But I’d be leaning 156 for couple of reasons a. because of how you describe how you want to ride. The shorter size will be easier/better for trees, sidehits, butters, 180s etc – and it sounds like you’re going to be spending a fair bit of time on things like that. b. the 159 is wide, even for 11s (if that’s what you end up in). Not ultra wide for 11’s, but it’s still getting pretty big. The Greats is something you can size down on, even without taking width into account, as it has a lot of effective edge versus overall length. And the 156 is still wide enough for 11.5s, if that’s what you end up in.
If it was the Standard, I’d be leaning 159. It’s marginally narrower than the Greats, which is one reason, but that’s not the main reason. Main reason being that the effective edge on the Standard is quite a bit shorter, so you can afford to ride it longer. If you had 10s or less in boots, then the 156 would become a possibility, but in your case, I’d go 159, if you were to go Standard.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello Nate,
you had reasons yes specs are wrong, stance goes to 54 or 58 cm.
At this point in the demo I think I tried the yes the greats 156 board at 54 cm stance with bindings now select pro which I liked.
I am happy with the stance at 56 I had never tried 54, I am 187 cm tall and weigh 82 kg it seems strange to me to swing with a tight step at 54 but I must say that after the demo you have to think again I like to play all over the mountain side shots 180,360 butters …
You have seen that laps is 54 or 58 what are your impressions?
also i have
a Malavita bindings like it
do you see coupled to the table? the
now select pro tried it seemed to me more responsive.
I’m waiting for your info … great super professional Nate.
Hi Peter
I like the Greats at both 54 and 58. I will typically go with 56 or close to (I’m 183cm tall), but I’m happy to adjust to 54 or 58 – don’t like going much narrower or wider than that though.
I mostly ride it on the 58 stance now. I just like that extra stability for landing jumps and riding at speed. But the 54 stance does give a bit more maneuverability.
I like the Malavita on the Greats, but I typically ride it with my Union Falcors – I like the extra response I get from them. I haven’t ridden the Select Pros, but not surprised they are a little more responsive. The Malavita definitely works with the Greats though, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I’m considering buying this great board. I’m an intermediate rider that is looking to get mostly an all mountain board, but interested in learning to do some freestyle. I’m a resort rider and ride grooms and want a board that can carve decently and maintain stability on bombing. What size should I get?
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 155lb
Shoe size: 8.5 US men
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
I’d say, for this board, it’s between the 151 and 154. Typically for your specs, I’d say 156, but this is a wider board – and for 8.5s it’s quite wide, so sizing down for that reason makes sense. Also this is a board with a lot of effective edge versus overall length, so you can size down anyway regardless of width. So 156 too big in this board for your specs, IMO.
It’s whether to go as short as the 151 or just down to the 154?
Neither would be wrong, but the following might help with your decision:
– The 151 will feel more playful, be easier to butter and easier in general for learning freestyle stuff, in addition to being easier to maneuver at slower speeds (trees etc)
– The 154 will feel faster and have better stability at speed – and better for big higher speed carves – and better float in powder.
So I think it’s between which of those you’d prefer to maximize. Not saying the 151 will be terrible at speed or that the 154 will be impossible to maneuver at slow speed or anything like that, but one will be better at the other than the other, if that makes sense!
Hope this helps with your decision
Will the 154 be too wide for my 8.5 foot size? Will it still be buttery if I go for the 154 opposed to the 151? Will it be a lot harder to control the 154? Thank you for the help!
Hi Jake
It will still be buttery in 154, IMO, but it will be less buttery and requite more muscle to butter it. The 151 will be more effortlessly buttery for your specs, IMO. The 154 will take more effort to maneuver than the 151 for sure. Wouldn’t say it would be too hard to control, but will require more effort.
The 154 will be wider than what I would consider a “good range” for width at the inserts. It’s around 271mm at the inserts (assuming a 54cm stance width). I prefer to be in a range of 260mm-265mm at the inserts personally with 10s, and even slightly narrower is typically good for me too. But sizing down length really helps when a board is on the wider side. I own the 156 Greats (around 273mm at the inserts) and I love it. It’s wider than I’d typically go for but also shorter (I’m 6’0″, 175lbs, size 10 boot). I typically really don’t like boards that wide but sizing down really helps. Also, the actual waist width does have some effect as well, IMO, on how wide the board feels, so the width at inserts is a lot, but having a narrower waist does still help.
I felt fine riding the 154 too. Didn’t feel too small for me or anything. I’d still stick with the 156, but was fine with the 154.
The 151 is also still wide for your boots (roughly 268mm at the inserts), but going down in size from what you’d typically ride in length, I think that size wouldn’t feel overly wide.
I think I’d be leaning 151, if you’re looking for more effortless buttering and maneuverability.
Hello born,
I have to buy the yes the greats 156 by mounting Burton underworld bindings (like yours) you know well that with burton bidings I cannot maneuver the stance horizontally.
Stance is important to me.
Are you sure your stance on yes the greats 2002 is 58cm. Because from the demo where I tried the board and from the web yes reference it would be 56 cm.
Thanks
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
YES reference stance width is often off from where they have the reference stance on the board and what they have the reference stance published as on their website or in their catalog.
My 2019 YES Greats 156 is listed in their catalog as having a 56cm (or 55.88cm to be exact) reference stance, but the measurement on my board is 54cm (or 53.9cm to be more exact). If you want to go wider with the Re:flex disc, and at the same time keep the stance centered, then you’ve got to go out to 58cm (or 57.9cm to be exact). If you wanted a 56cm stance, you’d have to move just the back binding one set of holes from the reference stance – but then you’d be riding it with a small setback stance. I find I can get a 56cm stance fine with my Union Falcors (mini-disc) but you can run that disc horizontally, so you’ve got more micro stance options.
I didn’t test the 2022 YES Greats (tested the 154 model this time), so I can’t say for sure if it’s got the same discrepancy between published specs and actual reference stance on the board. You’d think they would have fixed it by now. But on the 2022 154 that I rode reference was at 54cm (and is also published as 55.9cm for that size). I rode it at 58cm. So based on that the discrepancy still exists. That was a demo model, so maybe it was just an error on that board. But my 2019 156 is a production model.
The other thing confusing with the 2022 154 that I tested is that they had actually setup the reference stance markers on different holes on the front insert pack and the back insert pack. I assume that was an error, for sure! They make great boards, but when it comes to publishing reference stance specs, they leave a lot to be desired!
That’s not to say that the 156 2022 production model would be the same. The consistency isn’t there to assume anything! Your best bet would be to contact a shop or YES and ask them to measure it and make sure you’re going to get that 56cm stance option, if it’s really important to you.
Hope this helps
Hi,
I’m really interested to buy this board after reading your review. I’m 1.7m tall and weight around 57kg (125lbs), which size would you say suit me most, 149 or 151? Many thanks.
Hi Jay
Thanks for your message.
I’d say most likely 149. But if you could let me know your boot size as well (also important for sizing), that would really help.
My apology for forgetting about the boot size, mine is us 9.5.
Hi Jay
Thanks for the extra info. Yeah, I’d still say 149 for you for this board. Even with the waist at 245mm, I don’t think it’s going to be too narrow for 9.5s. It’s wider at the inserts than you’d expect – around 260mm at the inserts for the 149 (depending on stance width, but based on roughly a 540mm (21.25″) stance width). I think 149 is a really good length for your height/weight and that width is pretty much spot on for your boots – so I think it’s a really good size for you.
Really appreciate the advice. Thank you so much.
You’re very welcome Jay. Hope you have an awesome season! If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hey nate, looking for a new daily resort driver. I’m 180lbs, 6’, and 11.5 boots. I currently ride a 155w NS prototype2 daily and a 158 Jones mind expander on pow days. I love my prototype2 but I’m looking for something a little less twitchy/squirrley when racing friends down to the lodge but also something that’s still forgiving and can turn quick like the prototype2. I think going camber between feet and go a little bit longer will help stability. Looking for something that I can point down the hill but also something I can turn easily while going slow. I was looking at the 2022 greats in 156 and 159 or the pyl in 160w. Leaning towards the greats in 159 but wondering if 123.5 affective edge will be a slow turner? Would you recommend any over the other? I spend most of my time on the mountain but I do like to hit small to medium jumps and boxes when I pass by the park and love hitting side hits on groomers. I would like to work on my switch, I can get down the hill but not nearly as fast as regular . I’m in the central Sierras so I’m usually riding Mammoth/Tahoe type of snow (hard in the cold mornings and softer but tracked out in the afternoon). Also since I already have the mind expander I do not care how the new board performs in powder.
Other options I was considering were capita Asymulator and yes optimistic.
Thanks for the help and all the content that you have researched for us!
Hi Cambo
Thanks for your message.
I think I’d be leaning Greats, for what you’re describing. Firstly, because you still want to be able to ride switch – the PYL you can do it on, but it’s not ideal. And secondly because the PYL isn’t as easy to ride slow. It’s not something that’s horrible riding slow, but my instinct from what you’re describing is that you’re looking for something a little more forgiving than the PYL (or the Optimistic). And given that you don’t need it to be good in powder, that’s another reason. The Asymulator also gives you that great switch riding ability and that forgiveness, but not, IMO, going to give you the bump you’re looking for in terms of speed.
The Greats is something I’m always caught between giving it 3.5 or 4 for speed – and I’m not going down that rabbit hole of giving things 3.75! But, I would say that it’s, even size for size, just a little better at speed than the PT2. And if you compare the 156 Greats to the 155X PT2, you get another little boost in that stability, with the extra effective edge. Going up to the 159 Greats and comparing to the 155X PT2, you’re looking at a bigger difference of course.
I ride the Greats in 156 and love it in that size (very similar specs to you 6’0″ 175lbs). Biggest difference is that I ride 10s. I’d never go to the 159 for the Greats, but the combo of the length and width is too big for me. I rode the 2022 Greats in the 154 and I liked it in that size too. But I really like my 156, particularly when it comes to speed/carving, over the 154 – but still pretty forgiving. With 11.5s, that opens up the option of the 159, as it’s not too wide for your boots. And if you really wanted to gain that speed advantage over the 155X you’d get the most noticeable difference there. But would sacrifice in terms of quick turns at slow speeds. It wouldn’t become a tank or anything, but there is a trade off there.
So, I think between the 2 sizes the decision probably comes down to whether you a. want to get a decent bump in terms of speed, whilst maintaining a similar level of quick turns/forgiveness, or b. want to get a bigger bump in speed, with a less agile at slow speed, less forgiving ride (but still not going to be ultra-unforgiving or tank-like, I wouldn’t think).
Hope this helps
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!! I think I’m gonna go with the 159 and use it as my all mountain bored that I can hopefully still play around on. I want both sizes but I feel like there might be a lot of overlap with my prototype2 in the similar size. Thanks again for everything! Yeee!
Board*^ lol
lol! You’re very welcome Cambo. Hope if treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow
Hi Nate,
Firstly, thanks so much for such a brilliant website! There’s so much information on everything and I’ve found it all so helpful.
I wondered if you could help with sizing for me – I’m 178cm tall, weigh 63kg and boot size 10, so I’m torn between the 151 and the 154. I’m enjoying getting into the park equipment (currently just boxes and jumps, but will hopefully soon be on pipes/rails etc) but I also want to feel stable when travelling at speed. From your ability rating list, I’d say I’m on a 5.
Also, is there much difference between the 19-20, 20-21 and 21-22 boards? I can’t seem to find any previous reviews on them, and can’t see a difference in their descriptions, but thought I’d best ask you!
Thanks in advance!
Hi Laurence
Thanks for your message.
The 18-19, 19-20, 20-21 and 21-22 are all essentially the same as far as I can tell. You can find my past reviews at the bottom of this review in a tab (sorry if it’s not obvious – it’s just above the social share icons – you’ve got to click on it to expand it). The 18-19 changed a lot from the 17-18 model.
Size-wise for the Greats, I would go 151 for your specs. It’s a particularly wide board – wider than you’d think just looking at the waist width, so going down rather than up in size is a good idea. For you, I’d say something around a 153 would be your “standard all-mountain” size, but for this board, particularly being wide – and also having a high ratio of effective edge versus overall length, you want to go down from there. I think the 154 is probably too big.
Riding the 154 with a 580mm stance width (22.8″), the width at inserts was 274mm – which is quite wide for 10s. Narrower of course with a narrower stance width but only be a couple of mm.
So yeah, long story short, I think the 151 would be the best size for you, and I think it would be a really good size for you.
Hope this helps
Ah sorry, I’ll have a proper read of them now, thanks for pointing them out.
Thanks so much for the detailed response, really helpful!
You’re very welcome Laurence. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate
I’m from Japan.
I’m torn between YES Greats 20-21 and 21-22 due to price and design, is there any major difference between them? Also I am 173 cm tall and weigh 71 kg. My foot size is US 8. Please tell me which size is more suitable for me.Thank you.
Sorry for my English.
Hi Akira
Thanks for your message. And your English is perfectly fine.
As far as I can tell the 20-21 Greats and 21-22 Greats are exactly the same, so if you prefer the design and can get the 20-21 cheaper, then that’s a great option – assuming it’s in your best size. I wouldn’t compromise on size, but if you can find the right size in the 20-21 model, you’ll be getting the same board as the 2022 version as far as I can tell.
And onto sizing – I think the 151 is your best bet. I would say your “standard length” is around 155 for your weight/height, but with size 8 boots and the Greats being quite wide, I would size down to at least the 151. The 149 is a possibility as well. If you were going to be riding predominantly freestyle/park/more playful, then I’d consider the 149. If you’re looking for a board to do a bit of everything, then I’d say 151 is best.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello Nate! I’ve decided to pull the trigger on the Yes Greats, based off your reviews for edge hold over uneven terrain, icy groomers, carving and mid-sized jumps/side hits.
If you could choose the perfect pair of bindings to match the Greats, which would you choose?
Burton MalaVita
Union Strata
Burton Genesis
Help!?
Hi Jayson
Thanks for your message.
I would go Strata for the Greats. The Malavita would be a close second though and definitely matches well with the board, but my first choice would be Strata. Genesis would work too, but if I had the choice I’d go Strata or Malavita, with the Strata slightly in front of the Malavita.
Hope this helps
Why not the Genesis, exactly? I found an epic deal! :-/
Hi Jason
Wasn’t saying no to the Genesis. All 3 options you gave would all work on the Greats, IMO. But in order of what I would think would work best out of those 3, it would be Strata, then Malavita, then Genesis. Mostly because I’ve found I’ve enjoyed slightly stiffer/harder driving bindings on the Greats and the Genesis is the softest of the 3 options, by my feel. But the Genesis do work well with a wider range of boards than a lot of bindings, so even at a 5/10 flex (by my feel), they’re certainly not wrong for the Greats – and if you’ve got a good deal on them, it wouldn’t be a bad choice to put them on the Greats or anything, I would just personally go Strata or Malavita first.
Thank you so much, bro! You’re a legend.
All good man. Thanks for visiting!
hi, i’m a french guy.
I am interested in this board but I am a boot size of 8.
I wanted to know if the board will be ok for me. I measure 1.80m for 65kg.
Size 151 is not too small for me?
(sorry for my english :))
thank u very much
Hi William
Thanks for your message.
Typically I’d say something around 154 for your height/weight specs, but for the Greats you’ll want to size down from that, particularly with size 8 boots. I would be debating between the 149 and 151. 151 is still going to be wide for 8s, but that little bit of sizing down will help. I think I would be leaning towards the 151 if it’s going to be your one and only deck and you want to be able to ride it fast, have decent powder float and do big carves on it. If you’re do a lot of park riding and freestyle stuff is the thing you do the most, then I would probably go 149 for this board.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, i purchased a Yes Basic in 2018 as my first board as per your recommendation and am looking to progress further
Height 181cm Weight 68kgs.
Intermediate rider looking for an all-mountain/freestyle board, not into park/jibbing.
My Yes Basic is a 152cm and i am feeling the instability at higher speeds.
Should i go with 154 for the yes greats or 151?
Hi Anson
Thanks for your message. I think the Greats would suit what you’re describing well.
Size-wise it really depends on boot size in this case. If you could let me know your boot size, that would really help determine. Even in the 151 the Greats will be more stable at speed than the Basic, so you’ll definitely get a step up there. But it might be that the 154 is the better size anyway – but it really depends on boot size.
Hope this helps
Size 9 US. Im afraid that going 154 will make me lose maneuvrability as i’ve read the greats is a fairly wide board.
Hi Anson
With 9s, I would be leaning 151. The Greats is wide for 9s – particularly in the 154. Even in the 151 it’s on the wider side for 9s and going to be wider than the 152 Greats. But sizing down to the 151 because of that width will really help with that maneuverability – and like I said before, the Greats in the 151 will be better at speed than the 152 Basic for sure – so you still get that stability at speed improvement, without sacrificing on maneuverability, at least not too much. For reference, the 152 Basic (250mm waist) is around 259mm at the inserts versus the 151 Greats (253mm waist), which will be around 267mm at the inserts.
So yeah, long story short, I would go 151 in your case, for the Greats.
Hi Nate thanks for the awesome review. I’m 6’0” tall and 160-165 lbs. Wearing Burton Swath US 9. I’m a intermediate level ride trying to get into some freestyles. Should I go for 151 or 153? Thanks!
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
I think it depends on how much you’ll use this board for freestyle stuff. If you’re going to have it as your predominantly freestyle/park board and you have another board for freestyle stuff, the I’d look at the 151. If it’s going to be your do-it-all board, then I would go 154 with your specs.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for all the awesome gear advice on your site! I am considering buying the Yes Greats, but I am a bit concerned whether it would work with my large feet.
I am looking for something that rides well all over the mountain, carves really well and is quick edge-to-edge. I ride switch a lot and enjoy buttering. Sometimes I do some basic jibbing and jumps in the park, but that is no priority. Powder is no priority either, there are too few powder days here.
Feet size: 46EU / 13US
Inner boot size: 30.5 cm
Outer boot size: 32.5 cm (low profile Salomon boots)
Length: 1.88 m / 6’2 feet
Weight: 79 kg / 175 lbs
If I can get away with my feet size, I would prefer the 156 over the 159 because I think the 156 might be more playful.
Really curious to hear what you think!
Hi Joost
Thanks for your message.
Assuming you ride it with +15/-15 angles (which is highly recommended on an asym board like this), then I think it’s possibly doable, given how low profile your boots are. Some numbers.
On the 156: At a 15 degree angle you’re looking at extending the width at inserts to around 27.9cm (27.3cm straight across the board). With 32.5cm boots, that leaves you with 4.6cm of total overhang. If you can get a little more of that overhang on the heel side (let’s say 2.4cm heel, 2.2cm toe), then I think you would probably get away with it. If you’re doing eurocarves in soft snow, then it might still be pushing it, but otherwise, I think you get away with it.
On the 159: Total overhang would likely decrease to around 4.3cm.
Both of these numbers are based on a 555mm stance width (22″). If you ride it with a wider stance than that, then you’ll reduce the overhang. If your stance is narrower, that overhang will increase.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you very much for the elaborate reply – it helped a great deal!
I decided to opt for the 159 after all 🙂
Many thanks!
Joost
You’re very welcome Joost. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Will do!
Thank you greatly! (pun intended)
Hi Nate,
I’m considering the 2021 YES GREATS board. But I’m not sure which size to choose. Should I go with 151, 154 or 156? I’m 186 cm, 75 Kg and wearing Ride The 92 boots size US 11.
Based on your skill levels I’m between Intermediate and advanced. I can tackle any terrain but not good at freestyle riding. So I want to progress more into freestyle riding. But also still be able to bomb the mountain, sometimes take the pow.
Based on weight 151 should be ok for me. But will it be enough width for my boots size? Also will it be enough in the powder?
156 probably is ok, but will it be maneuverable at low speed?
Or maybe 154 is the best for me?
Thanks in advance.
Regards 🙂
Hi Egidijus
Thanks for your message.
I think you could ride the 154 or 156, with some aspects being better on each. The 151 is too short for you, IMO – and it’s pushing it being too narrow for 11s too. But I think it’s too short anyway, so I would cross that one off anyway.
Between the 154 and the 156:
– The 154 will give you more maneuverability at slower speeds, be easier to press and generally better for freestyle riding in general, except maybe for really big air
– The 156 will give you more stability at speed and more float in powder
For what you’re describing, given that you’re looking to up your freestyle game, I would be leaning 154. But 156 wouldn’t be a wrong choice either.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Thanks for your help.
I’m leaning towards 154 🙂 Maybe the only concern will it be ok for my boot size US 11? At the back my angle is -6, so I’m worried about overhang. Or it should be ok, given that it is a wider board. What do you think ? 🙂
Regards !!!
Hi Egidijus
I think you’ll likely be fine width-wise. The 154 is around 270mm at the inserts straight across the board. Personally I never run into any boot drag issues for anything around 260mm+ and even slightly narrower than that. That’s with 10s. With 11s, the equivalent would be 270mm+ at the inserts. That’s typically with a 15 degree angle at the back, but 6 degrees does give you a bit more leeway. A couple more millimeters. So I’d say you’ll be fine width-wise.
Also to note, that asym boards are typically recommended to be ridden with a mirror duck stance (e.g. +15/-15). Not sure the exact reasons why but that’s what they recommend. That said, I have ridden them with different angles and it hasn’t felt weird or anything.
Hey Nate, thanks for all the reviews!
I currently have a Burton process flying V 159 with 11″ Burton swaths (I’m 5’10” 195lbs). I’m not happy with the board but it could be because of my skill level (beginner to intermediate). My biggest gripe with it is that I feel it is really lacking in edge hold, especially on harder packed snow. When I try carving there seems to be a tiny sweet spot where it won’t get a good carve or it wants to immediately turn hard. I also find it difficult to track straight going into a jump unless I’m on some sort of edge. For buttering if I want a deep press it wants to slide out.
Based on my limited research, I’m thinking about the yes greats. I would love to demo it but know near the resorts I go to carries it. So before I just buy it I’d figured I’d ask someone with more experience if its right for my needs.
I’m looking for something to ride in harder packed snow that will give me confidence in holding an edge. I want to be able to euro carve and carve at higher speeds. I’m looking for something that’s not super catchy that allows me to butter and ride switch. I like to ride park (small and medium) and definitely want something to make lining up for jumps easier and with a flat base. Currently I’ve only hit boxes but eventually do want to hit rails as well. My powder experience is limited and not a priority. I’m basically looking for a board to ride the mountain, do side hits and just give me more confidence in going on the direction I point it.
Is this a good board for me or do you recommend something else? Would the 156 be better for me due to my boot size and weight?
Thanks again!!
Hi ivwshane
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Process Flying V I have never found great in harder conditions. The Greats is really good in hard/icy conditions, IMO. And should have no problem pointing it straight.
It will certainly feel stiffer than the Process Flying V and it’s wider. But if you’re looking into getting into Eurocarving, it’s certainly better equipped for that than the Process Flying V, IMO. It’s not as easily buttery, but it’s still pretty buttery and if you’re looking for more resistance in a butter, then it will give that a little bit.
My biggest question would be the beginner to intermediate that you mentioned. I think you’d want to be solid intermediate for this board. But it sounds like from what you’re describing, that you’re past beginner. But you’ll be the best judge of that. I think if you’re a good intermediate rider, then this board will suit what you’re describing. Not bad for jibs, but also not like really well suited to jibs either.
Size-wise, I would go 156 for your specs and what you’re describing. Oh yeah and I’m assuming by 11″ Burton you mean US size 11. But if not, let me know.
Hope this helps
Thanks.
Yeah I’m using Burton 11 US and step on bindings.
To me I feel like I’m still a beginner but really I’m just comparing myself to what I want to be able to do that I’m currently not able to do. For instance, I can barely ride switch but could make it down an easy blue run. Riding normal I can get down easy black diamonds but I’m not bombing down any run (my fastest speed is about 50mph). I can pop and ollie on flat ground but not with confidence at high speed. I can do some carving but not euro carving. I can go off of small and small/medium jumps but I can only do straight airs. I’ve done a couple of 180’s but only when going slow.
To me that makes me a beginner intermediate rider but you could probably better tell me where I fit in.
I guess I just feel like my biggest issue is edge hold and not feeling confident/locked in what trying any sort of trick. It could be that I just suck and need to work on the basics more or maybe a different type of board would help. Any advice is welcome!
Hi ivwshane
50mph ain’t that slow! I would say you’re probably at an intermediate level. But if you wanted something that helped you to really progress your tricks, then I would look at something like:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
But I get you’re also trying to up your all-round game, so:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Are also appropriate, but some in that first list aren’t bad for carving either.
I think if you’re looking for something with better edge-hold and a little more stable, then moving away from the process Flying V isn’t a bad idea.
From that first list, I would be looking at:
– Endeavor Pioneer
– Niche Wraith
– YES Dicey
– Never Summer Proto Slinger
Some of the others on that list are either too loose for what you’re describing or not good enough edge-hold. I would look at those if you want to prioritize tricks/freestyle.
From the second list, I think anything there works, but the likes of the Proto Synthesis and YES Greats, the biggest question mark is if they’re slightly beyond your ability. I think you would be fine on them from what you’re describing, but if you’re not sure, then I would look at the others there. These would be best if you want to work on your all round game, getting more confident at speed and for bigger carves.
I just read your snowboarding skill level article (I really need to explore your site more), and based off of what you have written, I’m definitely at level 5 intermediate.
I decided to buy the yes greats so hopefully my skill level will be compatible with it.
Hey ivwshane
Sounds good. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Alright I’m back with one days experience on the board!!
Where: alpine meadows northern ca
Weather: bluebird no wind
Snow conditions: hard packed with a couple of inches of dusting and softer slush towards the end of the day.
Bindings: Burton step on large
Boots: Burton swath 11US
Board: yes greats 156
What I liked about it: edge control in hard/icy conditions! Omg! I was able to charge down the mountain with confidence! On one black Diamond run I could hear boards and skis just scraping against hard packed snow and ice. When I dropped in on the run I had absolutely no problems maintaining an edge and getting down the run with no issues. On my Burton process Flying V I would have been scraping and siding down the run.
This board also gave me much better carve control and I see some lay down euro carves in my future:D Heel side carves were a little too easy and I will have to adjust my technique to take advantage of the asymmetric shape of the board.
When people say the board is stable, it is, flat basing was as easy as point and go. However because I had issues with the process my trust in the new board was limited, I suspect as I get more used to the board and trust it, my level of riding will increase.
The yes greats did feel a little playful however, unlike the process, it was easy to tame with a little applied edge and it got right back in line going where I wanted it to go. On the process, it could be a struggle to tame the playfulness and it always required me to do way more speed scrubs and setup turns.
Butters on the greats is very easy and I was able to get deeper presses than I could on the process, not because the process isn’t as flexible but because when I tried deeper presses the board wanted to slip out. That being said, on the greats, if I pressed too far it too would slip out but it was way easier to not only find that point but it was easier to recover.
I feel like ollies on both boards were comparable (but that may be because of my lack of trust in the greats at this moment in time) however the greats was super solid on the landing.
The greats definitely had less chatter when I was charging down the mountain and it only added to the overall feeling of stability.
I did try to do some 180’s on it and while this is a trick I’m currently learning, it is definitely easier on the greats. I don’t know if it’s because I’m riding a 156 vs a 159 or if having a more stable platform to take off of helped me to focus my energy on spinning but either way, it is easier although I still suck.
I rode switch with it a couple of times and I’ll just say I need more practice and no board is going magically make me better at it, it felt just as weird on the greats as it did on the process.
I did ride some untouched snow but I don’t know if it’s considered powder as it wasn’t super deep and it was a little crusty but the board handled it perfectly and I had zero issues with keeping the nose up as well as the speed.
In terms of speed, it could be because of the factory wax but it definitely felt faster than the process. There are several flat spots on the trails at alpine and I didn’t get stuck once.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to try any park features so I’ll have to save that for another time (I plan on going to North Star which has a better park anyway).
So what are the negatives?
The biggest negative is that the top sheet is super slippery so I found it hard to control when one footing it on/off the lift and I completely slipped out one time like a noob. Luckily this is an easy fix with a stomp pad. On my process the top sheet was textured and it didn’t require a stomp pad.
I’m also a little concerned with the build quality as there is a slight gap where the mid bite is. I don’t think it’s an issue right now but I’ll keep an eye on it.
Other than that I love the board and now I feel like I know what I need to work on to improve.
Thanks again for your help!!
Hi ivwshane
Thanks for the feedback and details. Much appreciated!
End of season follow up:
I really love this board! It has given me the confidence to try new tricks so far the only thing that’s held me back is my own mental blocks.
I can bomb down mountains with this thing no problem, on edge or flat base (which I have now learned to trust this board). In fact I hit a new top speed of 64mph (according to the squawalpine app).
The edge hold on this is ridiculous when going down icy trails, nothing but confidence when I do turns, no slipping.
I’m still working on my butter technique but I don’t slip out as easily as I was on the process Flying V.
This thing is stable, whether it’s one footing off the lift, flat basing down the mountain or on cat trails, and most definitely on landing. I now try to hit anything I can find in terms of popping/ollying and the landing is the least of my worries with the setup line being right behind it in terms of having any concerns, point it and it goes there.
I do feel like I could use some more pop out of this though but it’s a skill I’ll be working on more next season, so hopefully I’ll be able to get more out of it.
My concerns about the durability still hold as this board shows more wear than I expected. The top sheet has already chipped due to my boots (not rocks or other ski equipment). The sintered base, while fast, is very wax thirsty. I have to wax it basically every other trip but it hasn’t gotten me stuck yet and I love passing people on the cat trails.
Thanks for all your help and your reviews, I try and send as many people here as I can.
Hi ivwshane
Thanks for the update. Glad it’s treating you well – and hopefully those durability issues don’t get worse. I’ve had mine for a couple of season’s now (all be it that I don’t ride it that many days as I’m always testing new gear) and it’s held up fine for me so far. Hope you get many more awesome days out of it!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for this review it is exactly what i needed to feel confident in my decision to pull the trigger on this one. Hoping you could help me with sizing:
Im 5’10, 65kg, Size 9 boot
I’m a mid level intermediate rider looking for a quiver of one to push my carving and freestyle riding to that next level. I spend most of my time on groomers searching out every side hit i can find, in glades, and every once in a while in the park mostly hitting jumps. 151 seems to be the most logical size for me, but i’m really interested in a stable ride, esp at speed – probably the only reason im considering a 154.
Do you think stretching to a 154 would be worth the compromise? or do you think the 151 will still offer enough stability for me? Any help is much appreciated.
also considered the protosynthesis 152, yes standard 153 and jones MT 154..but i’m pretty set on the greats.
Hi CJ
Thanks for your message.
I think you’ll find the 154 too big with your specs, and the 151 should feel stable enough at speed for you, IMO. I think the small amount of stability you sacrifice going smaller would definitely be less impactful than the loss of maneuverability, pressability, ease of pop etc, that you would lose from going up to 154. 154 is, IMO on the long end for you, but not super long or anything, but when you add in the width of it and take into account the size 9 boot, I think it’s overall too big.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks for all of the work you put into making these reviews! You’re the best!
I’m stuck making a decision between the Greats or the Standard. I’m more of the expert side in skill level. I do a lot of hiking bowls, backcountry, and trees. However, I do enjoy barreling down groomers at very high speeds, carving and jumps. I’m around 6ft/205 lbs and have a 11.5-12 boot size. I’m trying to figure out which board would be more inline with my profile. Thanks for your help!
Hi Leon
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I would certainly be leaning more to Standard, just because it’s more in line with the style that you’re describing. Though I would probably actually be leaning more to the Pick Your Line for what you’re describing, from YES, unless you’re also riding park as well.
Size-wise, for the Greats, I think 159 would work best and 162 for the Standard. But if you have any personal preferences on sizing that comes into it as well. The 159 Standard wouldn’t be undoable either, particularly if you wanted more maneuverability in the trees. For the PYL if you wanted to consider that as well, I’d say probably 164W. It’s something you can ride a little longer. 160W would be doable if you had a preference for shorter, but it’s almost borderline too narrow, even though it’s a wide board.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the tip! I have decided to go with the PYL 164W. Do you foresee any issues maneuvering glades with that length? Also, what are your suggestions in regards to the best boot/bindings combination for the PYL that would be optimal for my profile? Thanks again!
Hi Leon
With your specs, I think it will work fine in the trees, though I wouldn’t say it would be optimal. If you do a lot of glades and wanted to optimize more for in there, with some sacrifice to bombing, powder, more big mountain stuff, then the 160W would give you a board that’s more leaning to tree performance (and still be fine for those other things but just not as good as the 164W). With 11.5s, I think you would get away with the width of the 160W, particularly if you have low profile boots, but with 12s, it might be pushing it. With low profile 12s, maybe, but it’s borderline.
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the reviews, been a huge help in finding my next board.
I’ve decided to go for the greats, and am ready to buy, the only thing i can’t seem to decide is sizing, which is proving more complicated than I thought.
I currently weigh in at 152 lbs, height is 6″1 and boot size is 11.5 (US).
I originally though the 156 because of my boot size but weight wise it looks like the 154 might be more suitable. What do you reckon?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Rob
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think I would be leaning towards the 154 for you, for this board. You could certainly ride a little longer in other boards but for the type of board, assuming you’re looking to ride an all-mountain-freestyle style, I think 154 makes the most sense. Should still be wide enough for 11.5s in the 154. Only just, but assuming you will be riding +15/-15 binding angles or similar (which is recommended on an asym board anyway) I think you should be OK. The Greats has “mid-bite” which is great for edge hold in hard conditions but also makes the width at the inserts wider than you would think from just looking at the waist width. If you’ve got really bulky boots, then it might be pushing it, but otherwise, I think you should be fine width-wise on the 154.
I don’t think 156 would be wrong for you, but I would be leaning 154.
Hope this helps
Hey sir,
First of all, huge thanks to these awesome lists you’re making. Makes it so much easier for me to pick a board which fits my needs.
I’m an intermediate+ boarder, looking to get more into ground tricks, jumps and features. For the past 6 years or so, I’ve been boarding on a 159 cm Lib Tech Attack Banana (2014), which I really like for speed, powder days and improving my carving. But due to the board size, compared to my weight and size, it’s pretty stiff and I can’t really butter it, nor do I have much manoeverability et cetera.
This board really got my attention, as it’s got all I’m looking for. I want a more flexible board, allowing me to butter, make tighter corners, really work on my switch and generally speaking, a board that will give me all the tools I need to start improving on all the freestyle aspects of snowboarding.
My questions are:
– As your article states, this is probably the board I’m looking for. Would you agree?
– Does this board work well with Burton Cartel EST (2014) bindings?
– Is it true that I should pick a size 151, weighing around 70-72 kg and being 177 cm tall?
Again, huge thanks for all your awesome efforts!
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Ruben
Hi Ruben
Thanks for your message.
I would say the Greats could definitely work for you. If you’re looking for something freestyle optimal, then you could check out >>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards – the Greats is something that’s more of a do-it-all board, but with a freestyle flavor, if that makes sense. So it’s geared towards being able to carve and bomb a bit, as well as freestyle stuff. If you wanted to maximize your freestyle progression specifically, then something from that Freestyle list is likely more suitable. But if you still want that all-mountain board, but more on the freestyle end of the spectrum, then this is a good choice.
Won’t work with EST bindings unfortunately. EST bindings only work on a board with the Channel mounting system. But are you sure your bindings are EST? EST bindings wouldn’t work on the Attack Banana either. If you’ve been mounting them on your Attack Banana, then they must be Cartel Re:Flex, in which case they will work well with the Greats, IMO.
Size-wise, it would be between the 151 and 154, IMO. But would depend on your boot size. I would say most likely 154, but if you can let me know your boot size, that would be really helpful.
Also, are planning on keeping the 159 Attack Banana and having this as your second board, predominantly for riding freestyle? Or are you looking to get a new board to use for everything and replace the Attack Banana?
Hey Nate,
Thank you for the informative and quick response.
I stated that wrong indeed, I’ve got the Cartel Re:Flex bindings. My apologies, but glad you figured that out already ;).
I’m using Burton Imperial boots, size 43,5 (EUR) / 10,5 (US).
I am looking for a board that perfectly suits the idea of using the mountain as park, but I want it to be a nice (enough) board for carving too, because I just really like doing/practicing that. I am someone who won’t be found in a park, nor bombing off a mountain (bombing maybe in future). No big jumps either. Also, this new board will most likely be my primary board. I’ll keep the Attack Banana as a secondary board, predominantly for powder / snowy days.
I did check out the freestyle list. Seems like some of those boards, especially the YES jackpot, suits my wishes as well. As you state in your article, the YES jackpot is a good all-mountain freestyle board as well. The Proto Slinger also has my attention, as you stated that it’s particularly well suited for using the mountain as a park. But seems like I’ll give in a bit on carving with that one compared to the YES greats / jackpot, which I don’t prefer.
Hope this makes it all more clear!
Thank you and looking forward to your response,
Ruben
Hi Ruben
Thanks for the extra info.
I would be leaning 154 for the Greats for 10.5s with your specs. But the 151 is certainly doable if you wanted something a little more playful feeling and a little more agile. For the Jackpot, which I think would work really well for what you’re describing too, the 154 is also what I would be looking at for you.
Proto Slinger is a good carver for how soft it is. Just when you get it going too fast it gets a bit more wobbly than the likes of the Jackpot and Greats. The Greats is the best carver of the 3, IMO. But the Proto Slinger is certainly the most buttery and playful. It’s got a good bow of camber in it, so you can get really good pop and spring out of it, but it’s quite soft flexing. I own both the Greats and the Proto Slinger – 2 of my favorite boards. The Proto Slinger is what I take out if I’m going to mostly ride the park or playfully ride the mountain like a park – or if I’m out with my wife and just want to have a cruisy playful day. The Greats for everything else (unless it’s a pow day) – riding the mountain freestyle, but also bombing and carving it up in between.
I think the Jackpot is in a lot of ways in between the 2. It does have more camber than the Greats, but is a little softer. But still stiffer than the Proto Slinger.
Hey Nate,
Seems that I’m in for a close call – both the Jackpot and the Greats seem to fit my desires really well. I’m skipping out on the Proto Slinger, just because that extra bit of carving / speed is important to me.
If I have to choose right now, I’d pick up the Greats 154, as I feel that I will gain a bit more on carving than I will lose on playfulness, compared to the Jackpot. I don’t think I could go wrong here, either.
Unfortunately, the next time I’ll be boarding is december next year, due to covid-19.. I’ll probably pick up the Greats soon, but I might just wait for the 2022 boards, as time is with me.. Either way, I’ll let you know once I’ve made a choice and shred a few rounds :).
I’ve learned a lot about boards the past days, thanks for that. You’ve been of great help!
Greetings,
Ruben
You’re very welcome Ruben. Thanks for visiting the site and if you do think of it at the time, definitely be interested to hear what you go with and how you get on.
Hi Nate,
I’ve been looking at getting a new snowboard recently and am torn between a newer version of my current board and the Yes Greats. I currently ride a 154 Happy Place and have loved it, however every now and then I like to charge around the mountain at speed and to throw in the odd eurocarve. I love how buttery and fun the Happy Place can be on side hits and jibs, but it suffers just a little at high speeds and I struggle to lay out carves on it. Would a Yes Greats be a good replacement for the Happy place or would I be sacrificing certain elements that are better on the Happy place than they are on the Yes Greats, if so, what would they be?
Thanks for any help dude and thanks for the rad reviews!!
Hi Andy
Thanks for your message – and you’ve explained the pros and cons of the Happy Place very well!
The Greats isn’t as buttery and not as good on jibs as the Happy Place. But it’s still certainly a board you can hit jibs with and still relatively buttery – but it is a step down in both facts versus the Happy Place. It’s not as playful overall – but it’s not ultra aggressive either.
For carving and speed, the Greats is a good step up from the Happy Place, IMO, and for jumps, they’re probably equally as good for smaller jumps, but the Greats better if you’re looking to go big.
So you will be sacrificing a little in terms of butters, jibs and playfulness, but you certainly make up for it in terms of speed/carving. And I’d say you gain more in speed/carving than what you loose in jibs/butters, but you certainly loose some in that aspect. So I think it depends on which you value getting more performance on.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m shopping for a new board and I’m eyeing the Capita Outerspace living (157W) as a replacement for my oh way-too-narrow for my size 12 boots 2013 Capita Indoor Survival FK. After reading your write-ups (thanks for doing a great job!) I added the Yes Greats to the mix.
I like riding all mountain, carving, bombing down the slopes, trees and all that. Occasional powder days happen when I get out West (I live on the Ice Coast). Parks are usually just little rails and small jabs. If I could butter all the way down from the top – I would, but I guess the narrow indoor survival is not the best choice.
I’m 5’11” at around 190lbs, size 2 and as mentioned I’ve been riding the indoor survival 156 since ‘13. I love it, but as I realized that my toes dig in way more often than I’d like (base width is only 25cm) – I’m looking at a replacement.
Any opinion? Whether it’s on the board or size. My previous board was a super stiff old 159 burton and I hated it.
Since the width on the Greats is a lot different, would the 156 still work or is the 159 better.
If you have other suggestions – please don’t be shy.
I do love the Capita boards.
Once again, thank you for the reviews.
Lex
Sorry, had someone else’s comment highlighted and it copied it below mine.
Hey Lex.
All good, I’ve deleted that off the end now.
I definitely agree that you need something wider. In terms of width, I think the Greats 156 would be wide enough for you. The 156 Greats measures around 273mm at the inserts and the 157W Outerspace Living is likely around 273mm at the inserts too (the Greats a bigger difference between waist and inserts). So either one should give you a good bit more leeway than the 156 Indoor Survival. The 2021 156 Indoor Survival is around 260mm at the inserts, and I think the 13 model was a little narrower.
Length-wise, you certainly could go a little longer – 159W for Outerspace, 159 for Greats, but you don’t necessarily have to. If you’re comfortable with that 156 length, as it sounds like you are, then no reason you shouldn’t stick with that. The longer length would give you a little extra float in powder and some more stability at speed – but at the cost of a bit of agility and less suitable for freestyle. But my instinct says stick with 156/157 – with powder you’ll get more out of the 156 Greats or 157W Outerspace vs the 156 Indoor Survival anyway, because of the extra width and more rocker involved in the profile. And based on how you much preferred a mid-flex 156 to a stiffer 159, I think it’s probably the best way to go.
Between the Greats and Outerspace Living, there really isn’t a bad choice, IMO. I slightly prefer the Greats overall, but the OL is a little better in powder, and since you ride powder occasionally it’s got that going for it. Since you like Capita it’s got that going for it too. The Capita Asymulator would also be an option if you wanted to go Capita. Lose a little in terms of powder but otherwise a great option. And anything from the following:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
You’ll see the Greats and Asymulator there – and the Outerspace living was only 1 off (was 6th) making the list too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thank you for awesome reviews!
I’m kinda rad dad, so riding mostly groomers with my kids, looking for sidehits, doing buttering stuff or laying down carves if there aren’t any. Totally not a bomber, but like to hit some trees on occasion. I’ve got 151 greats from 2019 and after a season my old ’14 ride capos seem to match it not really well.
So here is the question: are union stratas a perfect match or contact pros fit my needs just fine? There’s a sweet deal on the latter so I’m about to pull the trigger.
Thank you in advance!
My weight is about 150 lbs if that matters.
Hi Tommy
Thanks for your message.
And apologies for the slow response – have been on vacation so a little behind in replying.
Weight definitely comes into it a little for bindings. A heavier rider will exert more force on bindings so will find bindings not as stiff as a lighter rider would. But that said, I think matching flex to the board is the main thing – not necessarily exactly but as a rule of thumb getting close to a flex match makes sense.
So between the Strata and the Contact Pros, I would put the Strata on the Greats. They are a great flex match and should go really well together. The Capos are really quite stiff and, IMO, lack a bit in board feel. So, IMO, not a great flex match to the Greats and at 150lbs you probably feel them even stiffer than I would. Also, going that stiff in bindings isn’t a good match to the style of riding that you’re describing. Stiffer bindings tend to mean less maneuverability at slow speeds. Stiffer bindings are better for bombing and laying aggressive carves.
The Contact Pros would certainly work and for your specs and style of riding I would put them on the Greats before the Capos, so if you did end up buying them, or still considering buying them, I think they will work better for you than the Capos, but I think the Strata would be the best match.
Hope this helps
Thanks, Nate! Really appreciate your reply.
You’re very welcome Tommy
What would you say the differences were between the Greats and GNU Rider’s Choice? Saw they were ranked 1 & 2 for freestyle all mountain. I know they are both asym and seem to similar other features.
I am 5’8″ about 160 lbs with size 10 boots deciding between the two. Most of my riding realistically is groomers and some trees with side hits but like the occasional park lap. I’ve enjoyed looser boards knowing I don’t have the urge to bomb for speed. Curious if that description speaks to either boards strengths.
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
Looking at your last sentence, I would be leaning towards the Rider’s Choice. The Greats isn’t super locked or super aggressive or anything, but the Rider’s Choice is certainly a slightly looser feeling ride. On a scale from loose to locked-in, with “stable” being in the middle, the Greats is what I would call “Stable” and the Rider’s Choice “semi-loose” (aka in between loose and stable).
And that’s one of the main differences between the two, IMO.
From a technical standpoint, they have a few differences:
1. Rider’s Choice has a hybrid rocker profile (the rocker is between the feet) vs the hybrid camber on the Greats (the rocker is outside the inserts). This is predominantly, if not solely, what gives the Rider’s Choice that slightly looser feel.
2. The Greats is a wider overall platform. A little wider at the waist, but considerably wider at the inserts and tip/tail.
3. Sidecuts are quite different too
There are other technical differences, but those are some of the main ones.
Size-wise, because you have 10s and because of the width of the Greats, it’s something I would ride slightly shorter than the Rider’s Choice. For me I like the RC in 157.5 and the Greats in 156. For you, I would go 154.5 for RC and either 154 or even 151 for Greats. Especially given that you don’t really bomb and like to hit trees, I think the 151 would be worth considering in the Greats. But overall from what you’re describing, I would go with the RC and I think the 154.5 would be a great size for you, in that board, given your specs and how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Excellent feedback. Appreciate the response.
You’re very welcome Joe. Thanks for visiting!
Hi Nate,
I’m thinking about getting Yes Greats, on the other hand I saw you tested Never Summer Proto Slinger.
I like riding all mountain, I like carving, smaller jumps and bombing, sometimes even a bit powder. I don’t spend too much time in the park, but I would like to learn more ground tricks (buttering and etc). I also like riding switch.
At the moment I’m thinking that Yes Greats would be better for occasional bombing and pow, but Proto Slinger seems also promising, but not sure how well it is suited for all mountain riding.
I am 5’9″ 160lbs, current boot size is US 11.5 (Burton Ruler 2010), but mondopoint is 280mm (which is actually US10), I have to buy new boots anyway and I’m hoping to size down boots, thinking about getting Yes Greats 154.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Pets
Hi Pets
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards Greats, for what you’re describing, mainly because it’s a little better than the Proto Slinger in terms of carving and bombing. The Proto Slinger isn’t far off, but it’s a softer board and not as stable at speed. It’s great for carving for it’s flex and it’s not bad at speed for it’s flex, but still just a bit down from the Greats. The Greats is a little better for powder too – though it’s not amazing for powder either.
The Proto Slinger is easier to butter, but the Greats is pretty good there still. And I’d maybe go Proto Slinger for small jumps, but the Greats is still really good for small jumps – and is a little better for larger jumps vs the Proto Slinger. The Proto Slinger is a sick board for sure – but I would describe it more as a predominantly park/freestyle board, that does well on the rest of the mountain. Whereas the Greats is more of an all rounder and more all-mountain suitable, IMO.
The Proto Synthesis would be the closer equivalent to the Greats from Never Summer, IMO. The Proto Synthesis will take over from the Proto Type Two for the 2021 models. It’s a more similar flex to the Greats. Still a different board, but more in the same category, whereas the Proto Slinger is more park/freestyle oriented. The Proto Synthesis is no longer an asym, like the Proto Type Two was though, FYI.
Size-wise for the Greats, I agree that the 154 would be the best size for your specs. Regardless of the boots you get in. It should still be wide enough for 11.5s, but not too wide for 10s or 10.5s, if you get into smaller boots. For your foot size, and your height/weight, the 154 would be your best bet, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
thanks for the response.
I have another question? If you compare it to NS PT2, which one is easier for buttering and which one has better pop? IMO PT2 has better graphics and better shape in general, although it is not that important.
Some say that PT2 lacks pop or it is not easily accessible, also regarding buttering you have put more effort to overcome the camber zone.
What are your thoughts regarding PT2 and pop and buttering?
Hi Pets
PT2 (and Proto Synthesis) are as good for buttering vs the Greats, IMO. Still quite buttery. But not quite as buttery as the Proto Slinger/Funslinger. In my head I always think that having that camber section where it is on a hybrid rocker board, would be detrimental to buttering, but in reality it’s often not the case. Certainly with the PT2 it’s still really good for buttering.
In terms of pop, the PT2 isn’t as poppy as the Proto Slinger, but it’s not un poppy. I’d say it’s almost as poppy, but it does take more effort to access that pop, it’s not as easy to extract. Vs the Greats, I would say the Greats is somewhere in between, in terms of pop – but closer to the PT2 than the Proto Slinger, if that makes sense. It’s very close in terms of pop to the PT2.
Hi Nate,
How do you score the Mid-bite edge hold with other edge hold technoligies?
If I say Full Magne (LibTech TRS, GNU RC) is 5/5, what about Under-bite (PYL, Basic) and Mid-bite (Greats, Standard), also the Never Summer Vario (Funslinger, PT2)? Cause you have tested most of the boards, I think your guide will be very useful when we choose boards for good edge hold capability.
You are the best!
Tim
Hi Tim
Great question. I would say mid-bite and under-bite provide about the same as each other in terms of edge hold and I feel they are both pretty close to magnetraction but maybe not quite to that level. But it also depends on the level of magnetraction. Some magnetraction is more mellow than others. Some magnetration isn’t as good in icy conditions as mid-bite/underbite, IMO. But in terms of the TRS & RC, I’d say they’re just that little bit better.
I would say 4.5/5 for mid-bite/under-bite and 4/5 for Never Summer, vs 5/5 for magnetraction (depending on how mellow or aggressive that magnetraction is).
Hi Nate,
I have another technical question hope to listen your opinion, it is still about the edge hold, but from different assumptions.
1. the mid-bite. We all know it was introduced firstly to Jackpot in Yes and later Greats and Standard. However, when you set back 4.5″ on the Standard, the mid-bite will become mid-front-bite, it will be more closer to your front boot because you set your bindings back. I read reviews it will affect the edge hold and lose some edge hold capability on the Standard. I am not sure if you felt the issue when testing?
2. the underbite, the same issue will happen on the Basic if setback, but it will work fully functional in the Y and Optimistic because those two boards are already directional when setback is zero (i.e., the bite is still exactly under the foot).
3. Same issue will apply to NS Vario when setback. Is that right?
4. Magne, also has similar issue if the board is designed as twin like riders choice, TRS, Terrain Wrecker, but work fully functional in Rossi XV and LibTech EJK, Orca if the boards are designed in directional (the Magne shifted with the directional design). But I think the shift on Magne will has less effect than Yes midbite, because the way Magne works is to create more contact points, while mid-bite more replies on the body weight. So when your body weight is shifted, the mid-bite will lose the contact point.
Hi Tim
Great questions and very well thought out.
I typically test boards at their designed setback and as close to reference stance as possible, so I can’t say from experience how these things would be affected, but I would say you’re right that it would have some effect. Just not sure to what extent. I could only theorize, like you.
I’ve only ridden the Standard center stance, and haven’t tried it in the slam back stance, unfortunately. And same goes for Basic, TRS etc. And yeah, those already with a setback stance in mind, the edge tech would be optimized for that stance.
In terms of Magnetraction having less of an effect when riding setback on a board that’s designed with a centered stance, I couldn’t say for sure, like I said, but I think your theory could make sense. Since there are more “bumps” on the sidecut, the edge hold is relying less on having your weight over a certain part of the edge.
But like I say, I can’t say from personal experience what effect it would have or to what extent those effects would be.
Hi Nate,
I’m 174cm, weighing about 83kg and have US9.5 boot. Im looking for an all mountain freestyle board. Currently I am considering the YES Greats for an all mountain deck. I live in Australia so our snow down here is usually hard to icy… I am a little unsure about the sizing should I got a 154cm or 156? for an all mountain freestyle deck I usually ride a 155cm -158cm board. Also Im an intermediate who who like to progress and start using the mountain natural features as my terrain park!!
Cheers
Hi Tung
For the Greats I would go 154. The main reason for this is that it’s quite a wide board and sizing down makes sense for this board, IMO. If you typically ride 155-158 for all-mountain freestyle, I would be looking at the 154 for the Greats.
IMO the Greats is a great (excuse the pun) option for exactly what you’re describing – great in icy conditions and great for using the whole mountain as a park.
Hope this helps
hey Nate!
I’m relatively new to boarding and only been my second time this past February and I want to try to make this a regular. I’ve just fallen in love with it and been exploring getting a board of my own. I’ve been reading through your reviews and lists – and they’ve all been extremely helpful! – and I’ve landed on this board.
While being new, I aspire to be able to learn to be able to do a bit of everything. I was able to confidently S-turn, and I hope to learn to carve properly. Powder is not so much of a concern at this stage, and would actually like to learn how to ride switch, and do some buttering and jumps.
Again, what I am struggling with is the size. I’m just about 5’9″, 170lbs, Size 9 and I actually picked up a 154cm. Though, I do wonder if the 151 would have worked for me. So, I decided to drop a comment and see if you’d be able to help sort me out a bit. Really appreciate your time reading this!
Thanks.
Hi AL
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise for you for this board, I think 154 is about right. That said, as a beginner, and given the width of the board for size 9s, the 151 would be an easier learning curve. It’s not something that I would typically recommend for a beginner, so just know that it’s probably going to be a relatively steep learning curve either way. At a more advanced level, I think the 154 works for your specs, but if you’re sold on this board, then the 151 might just help to make it an easier learning experience.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, thanks for the response! That’s really helpful and I’ll keep that in mind. I might try to switch for the 151 if I can find it and start from there.
Keep up the great work! Love the site.
You’re very welcome Al. Happy Riding!
Hey Nate,
I’ve been pouring through your reviews – think they are great by the way! Extremely helpful for me who can’t cycle through demoing various boards.
The Greats is looking pretty perfect for me, but like a lot if the comments below I’m torn on size, between 154 and 156. I took a look at a lot of the reviews and for one reason or another my stats slightly differ from all the ones I read. I am hoping you can help me out?
Height: 6ft
Weight, no gear: 168lbs (can fluctuate between 165 and 170)
Boot size: US 9.5
Riding style: All mountain freestyle. I like to do everything, tree runs, carving, jumping, and bombing. I don’t spend too much time in the park, but like to know the boards ready when I am. Love the occasional pow and want to learn butters better.
Hi Gordon
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats would work really well for what you’re describing. Only thing to consider would be for powder. It’s average in powder – it’s not terrible but it’s not great either. If you’re not going in particularly deep powder, then it’s not that much of an issue, but if you were going to be regularly going in deeper powder, then that would be something to consider.
Size-wise, I would say to go 154 for this board. Usually I would recommend something longer than that, but with the Greats being a wider board, and with it having quite a bit of effective edge vs overall length, then sizing down makes sense. 156 would be sizing down a little as it is, but I think the 154 is the slightly better option. I ride the 156 and find that it’s just right for me at 6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots. You could ride the 156 too, but I would be leaning towards 154. But some things to consider – the 156 will be better, IMO, for stability at speed and for float in powder. The 154 will be better, IMO, for buttering, trees and jumping (though if you’re doing really large jumps, then the 156 will have some advantages there).
If you were to go 154, the only thing I would suggest, is probably going wider with your stance vs the reference stance. The reference stance is quite narrow on the Greats already and at 6 foot on a 154, the reference stance would probably be a little narrow anyway. Of course it depends on your preference for stance width, but that’s something I would consider. Also the reference stance stats on YES’s website and catalog always seem to be off so be careful with that too. The reference on my 156 Greats is 540mm (or 538mm to be exact) but I prefer riding it at 578mm (moving the back and front binding one spot wider each). I don’t mind it on that 540mm stance, but I prefer to go a little wider, which you might too at your height. Just something else to consider.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
In the review you say the ref stance is 54 cm but in the yes web site says is 58,42 cm for the 156cm board, Is this right? I have the 151cm and it says on the web the ref stance is 53,3cm. I will check tomorrow.
Thanks for the information
Hi Nas
Thanks for your message.
YES’s reference stances are always a little off for some reason. Not sure why. Where the reference stance is marked on my 2019 YES Greats, it measures 54cm (or more precisely 53.8cm). I like to ride it a little wider and go with a 58cm (57.8cm) stance). Most YES boards that I’ve measured seem to differ to their specs. Not sure if this changed for the 2020 model though. But the specs for the 2019 model showed 55.88cm despite that not being the case (at least not on the demo model I demoed – or on the production model that I bought). Not sure why they often differ. Will be interested to see what your one is. If it matches the website/catalog.
Hi Nate
I already measure my ref stance in my the greats 2019 and you are right. I got 51,4 cm and not the 53.3 cm advertised on the web.
Than you very much for your reviews
Bye
Hi NAS
Thanks for that. Good to know. Yeah, not sure why their stance width specs never measure up!
Hi,
Just bought the Yes Greats 156, as my one board quiver.
And I am geeking out over sizing… Is the 156 right for me, or should I swap it for a 154?
My stats:
Height: 6ft. – 183cm
Weight, no gear: 170lbs (can fluctuate between 165 and 175)
Boot size: Adidas Superstar US11 – Euro 44 2/3
Riding style: All mountain freestyle. I like to do everything, easy cruizing, carving, jumping, bombing, switch a lot. But not much a park rat. Love the occasional pow.
Thank you!
Hi Denz
Thanks for your message.
I think you made the right call with the 156. For your specs that’s what I would go with. If you had US10 or less boots (or if you were predominantly using it for freestyle), then it would be a tighter call, and potentially lean more towards 154. But with 11s, I think the 156 is the better match for your specs/how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your answer!
In normal shoes I am somewhere floating between 9.5 and 10.5. But my snowboard boots always seem to be bigger.
The guys in the shop where also debating between the 154 and the 156.
Never rode a Yes board, so I might not even know if a 154 would have been the better call.
Have you measured your foot before? If so, what’s your foot length?
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your help.
My foot length is 27,5cm.
When I fit my boots and bindings over my board I am exactly where it needs to be: 1.3cm overhang on both sides.
When I fit my feet barefooted I exactly fit on the top sheet of the board.
Hi Denz
Sounds about right. Fitting the top sheet of the board with your feet means you’re a little inside the edges (I always measure compared edge-to-edge on the base of the board) but if they’re exact on the top sheet, then it’s not too far inside the edges, so all good I would say. I ride the 156 with 27cm feet and it’s fine for me (I have a bit more weight (185lbs), otherwise I might consider the 154). I think you’re good on the 156.
Hey Nate,
I’m looking to buy a new board, I’ve been riding an endeavour guerilla 153cm for the last few years. Really like it for freestyle riding, flat land tricks, natural features, trees but always found it a bit softer when it comes to laying down carves and speed. My typical day is on the mountain (east coast), jumps, natural hits, spins, carving. Maybe a couple of laps in the park, jumps only.
Looking to get something that’s more capable of carving and riding switch hard, but still offering the playfulness of a freestyle board. Asymmetry sounds like it will help my heel side as well.
I’ve narrowed it down to the N.S proto 2 and the Yes Greats.
Height – 5’-9”
Weight – 160lbs
Boot – 9 (burton fiend)
Bindings – Rome 390 boss (may get something lighter and stiffer, any rec.?)
Sounds like the 154cm in both would work? Which do you think might suit me better and the size? Thanks!
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Certainly in terms of carving, freestyle oriented boards the Greats and PT2 are 2 of the best, IMO.
Length-wise, I think 154 is a good length for you for these boards, so I agree there. For the width, the Greats is a wider board, so it’s getting pretty wide for 9s. There would be a case to size down to 151 in that case, but then length-wise it’s getting on the shorter side. For that reason, I would be leaning towards the PT2. But if you’re OK with it being a bit wider – or if you’re OK with the idea of going down to a 151, the Greats certainly fits what you’re describing very well too.
In terms of binding recs – I would look at the following:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
Going with something around 5/10, 6/10 flex is a good idea, IMO, to match those boards.
Hope this helps
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.
Have you had experience with the capita asymulator? Looks like a comparable board in the category.
Hi Paul
Yeah the Asymulator is certainly part of that category, IMO. And a good one at that. I actually did a direct comparison review between the Greats and Asymulator (which I don’t usually do, but thought I’d do something different). You can check it out at the link below:
>>Greats vs Asymulator Review
And below you can also see that it made my top 5 all-mountain-freestyle list:
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hi Nate,
Happy New Year and thank you for all that you do for the community. I’m upgrading all my gear this season and will get this board but not sure what size board I should go with due to the boots I have.
I’m 6’0 @ 205lbs and wear a size 11 Adidas Acerra 3ST ADV boots. The boots have a reduced footprint so smaller by 1/2-1″ I believe. If the boots were a true 11 I would go with the 159, but will the reduced footprint will this board require me to go down to a 156 due to the board being wider?
Also, I’m deciding between Union Strata’s vs Falcor’s. I’m assuming the Strata’s are a better match in flex with this board?
Thank you!
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message – and apologies for the slow response (I was already behind after Christmas, then had some family issues to deal with – getting back on track now (hopefully!).
The great thing about reduced footprint boots, is that they allow you to go narrower if you want to – but you certainly don’t have to. It’s the size of your feet rather than boots that ultimately applies pressure to the edges of the snowboard. The only restriction on the boots size is if the boot is too long and causes boot drag, but it can’t be too low profile. So since, you have size 11 feet, then that’s the size to go off for the width of the board.
So, I would say the 159 is the best size for you. You could fit on the 156 in your boots for sure, but I think the length of the 159 is a better bet for you height/weight.
Yeah, I would say Strata are a better flex match with the board, but both work. I would go stiffer than the board before I went softer personally – so whilst the Strata is probably the best match, the Falcor are certainly doable if you want a more powerful binding on it. Given that you have the stiffer Acerra boots, it might go well. I often ride my Greats with Falcors and I like the match-up.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Great review. I’m choosing between the greats 151 and 154. I’m 5’8 190lbs and have us 8.5 boots. Looking for a size to ride all mountain and also improving my freestyle riding. What’s your suggestion please? Thank you
Hi Jimmy
Thanks for your message.
I think the 154 would be your best bet. It’s on the wider side for your boots, but even at 154 it’s still sizing down from what I would consider your “standard length” which compensates for that wider platform – and I think going to 154 is sizing down enough to make it easier for improving freestyle too. The 151 would make it even more freestyle oriented, but I think it’s getting too short for your specs and would sacrifice too much in terms of all-mountain performance.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, I know you’ve answered a lot of questions on this deck, but I’d like your opinion.
Im 5’8,185, 9.5 boot. Live on the east coast, hard snow, can be ice.
I’ve been on a 2019 Gnu Headspace 52, for the past 2 seasons. I ride a lot more resort these days, but still prefer freestyle decks. I like to pop in the woods, hit every side hit in sight, butter, and take maybe one or two park laps. The Headspace has actually blown me away how stable, and how well it carves. I really enjoy the Gnu, but it’s really catchy while buttering. Do you think the Greats would be an improvement? I was a little concerned about the stiffer flex in the Greats. I was also looking at the 151 sizing for the Greats. I also have Union Stratas and Contact Pros, which do you think would suit the Greats better? I like my contacts more on the Gnu. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Mic
Thanks for your message – and apologies for the slow response. A bit behind and trying to catch up after vacation.
I haven’t ridden the Headspace, but based on specs and my experience with other similar GNU boards, I would say:
– The Greats is a little stiffer, but not massively so. And it butters better than you would think for it’s stiffness. I would say that the Greats is around a 5 or maybe 5.5/10 flex and I imagine the Headspace would be closer to 4/10 flex.
– The Greats isn’t a catchy board and I would say less catchy than the Headspace, so I think in that sense there would certainly be an improvement
I would usually say 154 for the Greats for your specs. But since you’re used to the Headspace in a 152, I think the 151 would work for you – and given that you’re predominantly freestyle focused, even when not in the park, then I think it would work. And would feel more playful/less stiff vs going with the likes of the 154.
Personally I would go Strata on the Greats to be a better flex match for it and that will help to drive the board more. I would go Contact Pros on the Headspace probably, depending on how I felt it, but if it does feel roughly like 4/10 in terms of flex, then I would put the Contact Pros on that. But yeah if you were keeping both boards and bindings, I would put the Strata on the Greats an the Contacts on the Headspace. If you’re replacing the Headspace, then I would try both on the Greats to see which you liked best, but personally I would go Strata on the Greats.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Awesome Nate. Thanks so much for this. I just pulled the trigger on the 151. Hypothetically, the stiffer Stratas would help me flex the Greats out more, correct? I am most likely going to replace the Headspace with the Greats. I’ll try both bindings, but I think you’re absolutely correct, in thinking the Stratas are going to be a better match up.
Hi Mic
Awesome that you have your new deck on the way! Yeah stiffer bindings help to drive a board harder (which is more necessary for a stiffer board vs a softer one) – and to put more energy into flexing it for sure and I think the Strata will work best. But certainly no harm trying both.
So about a month on the Greats. My first day out, I thought I might have made a mistake. It took me a bit to get used to the width. But honestly, I don’t think I’ve had this much fun snowboarding in years. I truly think it’s helped progress my riding, even after all these years. Combined with the Stratas, this thing just charges. I think it’s softer than claimed, which I’m fine with. Full charging, buttering, side hits, park runs, this thing does everything. Thanks for the help. Love this thing.
Hi Mic
Thanks for the update. Always awesome to hear feedback on boards and great to hear you’re having a blast on the Greats, after getting used to the new ride!
Yeah definitely not as stiff as YES rates it (7/10) – more like 5.5/10 for me, bordering on 5/10.
Hi Nate,
First of all compliments about your website! It has already helped me a lot in my search for a new snowboard.
I’m looking for a playful and forgiving snowboard to work on my butters and small jumps. I ride 3 weeks a year in Austria. My priorities are on the slope and especially butters and small jumps I like.
But I also want to have stability at higher speeds.
My stats:
183 LBS
5’9” Tall
Size 11 Burton Concord BOA
I’d consider myself an intermediate rider (All-mountain)
How’s buttering with the Greats compared to the Lib tech Skate Banana?
I’m hesitating between the two considering playfulness, forgiveness and stability a higher speeds. Which snowboard do you recommend and in which size?
Thanks!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Hi Maximilian
Thanks for your message.
The Skate Banana is certainly the more playful option – and easier to butter. But the Greats is a lot more stable at speed. I would say Skate Banana 4.5/5 for buttering, pushing 5/5 but only around 2.5/5 for stability at speed. The Greats, I would say 4/5 for buttering and 3.5/5 for stability at speed. So I think the Greats would be the better balance between the two, from what you’re describing. But if buttering and playfullness is more important to you, then the Skate Banana is a little better there – you would just sacrifice in terms of stability at speed.
Size-wise, I would say 156 for the Greats and 156W for the Skate Banana. If you wanted to go more playful and sacrifice a little in terms of stability at speed, you could 154 for the Greats. I would say it would still be more stable at speed vs the 156 Skate Banana, but not as much so as the 156, but you would get something a little more playful/buttery than getting it in the 156.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you for your clear explanation Nate!
I went to the store yesterday to see the two of them.
They advise me to take a look at the Bataleon Evil Twin as well.
What do you think about this board? Is it a good compromise between the two? Or don’t you recommend this one at all?
I like the camber for more stability at speed. The TBT makes it playful, forgiving and very suitable for butters. The only thing I doubt about is that I have no experience with TBT/Bataleon.
How do you feel about this board compared to the other two?? Is it a happy compromise between the two? Or don’t you recommend this one at all?
Hi Maximilian
I don’t currently test Bataleon boards, so I couldn’t really say. Not sure what the TBT feels like or Bataleon boards in general, unfortunately. On paper, it could be an option. The camber would certainly help with stability at speed, but it looks like it’s quite a soft board, which doesn’t help with stability at speed. And not sure how the TBT affects things there. So, could definitely work, but might not as well – having no experience with Bataleon it’s hard to say.
Thanks, Nate! I have chosen the Greats 154 with Union Force bindings
Hi Maximilian
Thanks for the update. Awesome that you have your new board/bindings. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it on snow
Hey Nate,
Great reviews & the website is fantastic! I am wondering if you could help dial me in, as I seem to be smack in the center of a 156 & 159. Thanks for your reply and keep up the good work!
6’ Tall
205 lbs (could lose a few)
Size 11 Photon boot
I’m looking for more of an all mtn freestyle deck that can rip around the resort, dip into the trees & can butter some rollers. I definitely don’t spend too much time in the park anymore, beside some spring days…but am still bouncing off everything in sight. My last few twins were a 155 & 156. Overall I’m worried about jumping to the 159, especially with the super long EE. BUT it does seems to cater to my current riding style. I also have a Custom 156 Flying V…..which maybe makes the case for a longer twin this go around.
Thoughts?
Hi Jack
Thanks for your message.
I think if you had size 10 boots, I’d be leaning towards 156, but with 11s, I am leaning towards the 159. You would certainly be fine width wise with 11s on the 156 – and the 159 is going to be on the wider end of the range for 11s. But for your height and weight I think the 159 is more suited. If it was going to be your only board, given you’re used to 155, 156, then that might sway me a little more towards the 156 for you, but assuming you’re looking to keep your Custom Flying V 156, then I think having the 159 in your quiver would work. That said, the Greats is quite a different board to the Custom Flying V anyway, so even going 156 you certainly wouldn’t have 2 overly similar boards, but going in 159 gives you that bit more of a difference.
I don’t think the 156 would be a bad choice at all, and I totally get your dilemma on this one, but I would be just slightly leaning towards 159 for the reasons above.
Just for your info in terms of width, I would say the 162 is around 275mm at the inserts. Personally I tend to try to stick to under 265mm at the inserts (with size 10s), unless I’m sizing down in terms of length. For 11s, that same equivalent would be 275mm at the inserts. So I don’t think it’s overly wide for you – but it’s on the wider end of an ideal range for 11s (IMO). To note – the 156 Custom Flying V (assuming it’s not super old) is around 262mm at the inserts, so you’d certainly be going considerably wider.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, great review! Question for you, based on reading the recent comments and your responses, I’m thinking the 2020 Greats 154cm is my best bet for overall sizing (5’9″ 170lbs. size 8.5-9US) but with the new wider widths, especially where the bindings are, do you think the 154cm would be manageable for turning with my boot size? Thanks.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
The 154 is still going to be on the wide side for your boots, but going 154 would be sizing down a little, so that would, at least somewhat compensate for that extra width. Because you are going shorter that helps make it more manageable, even though it’s still wide for 8.5-9s. If it was a pre-2019 Greats (before it got wider) I would have said 156 for your specs, so I think 154 is a good option. Also to note – I ride the 156 and even though the width is wider than I usually enjoy, it’s something that I really enjoy turning on (I’m 6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots, foot measures 27.3cm). 156 is sizing down for me, but I think having that waist that isn’t that wide (still a little wider than normal but not that wide) helps, even though it’s quite wide at the inserts. Note though that, the 154 is about 3mm narrower and a size 9 foot, all else being equal is roughly 10mm shorter than a size 10 foot.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for a great review!
My stats: 177cm, 74Kg, 9,5US, intermediate/advance, 60% Park (mostly jumps, no rail/boxes Im old), 30% resort, 10% pow.
I own Greats 2017 156 and Greats 2018 154. I love both boards but I notice is a big difference within them.
Riding 156 with Union Atlas I can carve like a champ leaving hair wide tracks behind and feeling the spring in each turn. The 154 will skid turns if I am that aggressive and it does not have the spring while carving. So I use the 154 with Union Forces for park and it is the best I have had (and old UNINCs) in terms of jump approach, track and stability, the 154 is definitely softer for presses and very fun for our small slopes.
The only lack I found in both models is edge hold in hard snow and a wider platform which seems to be sovled with the post 2019 models.
So now my question: 151 or 154 in the post 2019 model? How are the new models compare with the old models in terms of size feeling?
You say the effective edge is longer in the greats than average board but as I said, I noticed it a lot just by sizing down 2 cm in the old model.
Will the new 151 feel like the old 154 in terms of size?
Will I be able to carve hard in the new 154 like with the old 156, I am assuming effective edge will be shorter but I will expect a harder torsional flex to hold that edge, am I right?
In general, which size of the new models will allow me to shred the park, jumping up to medium size, good buttering but still hold an edge like the old 156?
Thank you in advance sir!
Hi Javi
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the new (2019 & 2020) Greats 154 is in someways similar to the 156 from 2017/2018 and in other ways similar to the 154 – so I would say it’s going to feel somewhere in between. The new 154 has a similar effective edge to the old 154. But it’s also considerably wider overall (even vs the old 156) – giving it the feel of certainly being bigger than 154.
Despite having the same effective edge as the old 154, the new 154 is going to, IMO, carve a little better a. because there is now less rocker – so it feels more camber dominant. It’s now 2-4-2 (rocker-camber-rocker) where it used to be 4-4-4. And b. that extra edge hold helps it to carve in hard conditions better.
The new 154 isn’t going to feel exactly like the old 156 for carving – it’s a different board – but it will feel more like 156 in terms of size vs the old 154. So I couldn’t say for sure whether it will be the same to carve, but hopefully that gives you more to go off. I definitely appreciated that more solid landing platform going from 2018 to 2019 model, and the extra edge hold too. It’s a better board overall, IMO. Size-wise for you, I think the 154 would work well – it’s probably in some ways going to feel somewhere in between your 2017 156 and 2018 154, I would say.
The 151, you’ll be dropping effective edge vs both your current 154 and 156, and I think it’s probably going a little too small for your specs, so I would be looking at the 154, if you go with a 2019 or 2020 model.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate for this valuable feedback.
I will go for the 154, I believe in your 2-4-2 explanation. I appreciate the mix of experience and logical/scientific facts in your reviews.
Have a great season.
You’re very welcome Javi. Hope you have a great season too!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all the reviews. Getting this board for next season. Not sure whether to get the 151 or 154. I’m 5’9”, 178lbs, 10.5 US boots, and ride 12,-12. Feel like I can ride either size.
Hi Ricky
Thanks for your message.
I would say go 154. That would be the better size for you, IMO. If you were wanting it for just riding park or something like that, then I think you could get away with the 151, but for all-mountain-freestyle, I would go 154 for your specs.
The 154 is around 270mm at the inserts, which is on the wider end of the range for 10.5s, but certainly not overly wide – and since 154 is already sizing down from what I would usually recommend for you, that’s already taking into account the slightly wider insert width. I think going 151 would be downsizing too much. I prefer the 156 in this board. I’m 6’0″ 185 lbs and US10 boot. So for you I wouldn’t go as short as 151.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank Nate for your reply. I’ll be using this for all-mountain freestyle riding and I normally ride 156. so yes I was leaning towards the 154 as well but I also like to do flat tricks occasionally and some park riding so thought the 151 could be a better choice for those situations but 154 is probably better like you suggested. Thanks again!
You’re very welcome Ricky. Hope you have a great season, when winter rolls around!
Gender: Male
Weight: I hover around 170lbs (77kg) or so, give or take 10 pounds
Height: 5ft 9.5inches (166.37cm)
Boot size: between 12 and 13 depending on brand
Preferred riding style: All-mountain-Freestyle (Utah)
So, I recently moved back to the Rockies after a few years of living in the deep south US (wouldn’t recommend. Too hot, no snow or mountains) and I plan on getting back into snowboarding this winter. It’s been about 5 years since I last boarded and I’m definitely in need of a new board. I still have my old board, but its a 2006 Forum Youngblood 148 which even 5 years ago, if I’m being honest, was a bit on the small size for me. I’ve had it a long long time.
I’d consider myself an intermediate rider on the freeride aspect and basically a beginner on the freestyle side. I can carve and connect turns pretty well and bomb down a hill easy enough, but I want to get into freestyle. The last couple seasons that I was boarding, I was dabbling in the park every few runs and trying out the smaller jumps landing them every now and then. So I’m looking for an All-Mountain board with a Freestyle lean. After reading through a few of your reviews, I’ve become interested in a few but not sure which would fit me better. (YES Greats, YES Standard, and Never Summer West)
I do like speed and carving which all 3 seem to do well, but my real interest is in learning to enjoy the jumps and rails, maybe halfpipe if I’m brave enough to try it, while still being able to send it on the rest of the mountain when my backside needs a break from screwing up landings. I’m not a huge fan of deep powder so it’s not super important, but that may be just because my old board was too small for me and it seemed like a tiring chore to keep the nose above the snow in the deep. I would like to be able to enjoy those fresh powder days though without my nose constantly trying to dig in and slow or stop me. Switch riding was still awkward for me, but I tried to force myself to become comfortable with it so a twin tip or directional twin would be ideal. One of my biggest concerns is finding the happy medium between board width and the proper length considering my somewhat big size of feet.
Any advice would be great! Thanks!
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
I think you’ve narrowed down 3 good options for what you’re describing. And I would say, if you do want to get a bit more out of those powder days that the Standard and the West are going to do it a little better, but the Greats a little better for the more freestyle aspects. The Greats will still be an improvement in powder vs your 148 Forum Youngblood, though, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Size-wise for those, I would go:
YES Greats: 156
YES Standard: 156
Never Summer West X: 157W
The one concern would be width-wise. In terms of width at inserts, they are the following:
YES Greats 156: 273mm
YES Standard 156: 270mm
Never Summer West 157W: 269mm (estimated)
With size 10s I have gone as narrow as 255mm at the inserts without issue, but with 12s, I’d usually say at least 275mm at inserts to be safe – and that’s with +15/-15 angles and low profile boots. So that’s my biggest concern there. That said, if you didn’t have issues on your 148 Youngblood in terms of boot drag, then you should be fine (unless your feet have grown since then?). It also depends about how aggressive/low you get on carves. Like if you’re euro carving or that kind of thing.
Something like the Nitro Team Gullwing could be an option, and is a little wider. Estimated width at inserts on the 157W is around 274mm (so actually not that much wider than the Greats).
But yeah in terms of length something between 156 to 158 would be a good bet, IMO, for your specs and how you describe your riding/how you want to ride. If you’re really worried about width though, then going up to 159 in the Greats or Standard would give you more leeway there – or the 159W for the Team Gullwing.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
Wondering if I can fit on this board, heard lots of great things about it.
Height: 6ft 5
Weight: 220lbs
Boot size: 11.5 US
Thanks!
Hi Sam
Thanks for your message.
I think you could ride this board – in the 159. But for your specs, it probably won’t ride the same way that I experienced the 156. It’s going to be overly wide for 11.5s (very good width for 11.5s, but not so wide, that sizing down is necessary) – so I would normally put you on something longer – maybe around 163-165 for an all-mountain-freestyle deck like this. So, at 159, it’s likely to feel a little softer flexing – hard to say for sure, but feel more medium-soft, than medium for you, on the 159. So I think it would be a great freestyle/park option for you, but would be less all-mountain oriented and likely feel more playful for you.
So, an option, if you’re looking for that kind of board – but you’d likely need to lower the speed, carving and powder scores listed here to get a better representation of what the board would feel like for you.
Hope this makes sense/gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate,
Epic reviews. Wondering if you could help me with sizes also.
I’m 180-185lbs, 11.5us burton rulers, 6′ tall.
I’m a pretty good free-rider and love carving, I suck in the park as I don’t get to practice much but I enjoy boosting jumps (like up to ~40ft) and just doing some basic board slides etc.
If I’m with mates I basically just carve around looking for side hits. If I’m with the misses or in Japan it’s just riding pow, trees and some back country.
I have a pow board for when it’s really deep already so it’s not a huge concern.
I ride about 60/40 in Japan and Australia.
The size guide says 180lbs is the lowest end for the 59, but a 56 is a small board compared to anything I have ridden before.
Also, last years 59 had an elephant on it and I don’t think I’m an elephant sized person but an all mountain freestyle board for me I feel is about a 58.
Cheers,
Jarod
Hi Jarod
Thanks for your message.
I ride the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots) and it’s the perfect size for me. But it’s also sizing down slightly what I would usually ride for an all-mtn-freestyle. Not by heaps, because I like to ride a little shorter for my size, but usually I’d go 157, 158 for all-mtn-free – and 155, 156 for a predominantly park board. But a big reason that I prefer the 156 is that it’s a wider board. And it has good effective for overall length too, which is another reason. I would be perfectly comfortable riding the 154 too, but I would ride that more freestyle focused.
Since you have bigger boots, it’s a tougher call. If you had 10s, 10.5s, then I’d say go 156 for sure. But with 11.5s it’s a tougher call between the 156 and 159. I’d say you’d be fine width-wise on the 156 – especially with Burton boots and with a duck stance (which is recommended on this board, being asym) but it wouldn’t be a wider board for you – it would be a good width for you. In which case, you may not want to size down.
The 159 does have a 123.5cm effective edge, which is long vs the average 159. So, it will still ride a little bigger than that, even if it’s not overly wide for you. Would like to give you a more definitive answer, but it is a tough call. If you’re looking for it to be more freestyle focused, then 156 would be the way to go – and will be great for those side-hits – but if you want a bit more stability at speed, then 159 might be more appealing.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate
What an amazing job you do! So helpful and insightful.
I’m looking at getting a Greats, but the 2020 model which is available here in AUS. Apparently there’s no change in specs from the 2019 model, except for the graphics. The size options are 151, 54, 56 and 59.
I have been riding a 2013 Greats in a 154 and recently purchased a Gnu Mullair 159. The Greats has been my daily driver for a long time and I have really enjoyed riding it. I decided to get the Mullair as it was time to replace the Greats and I went with the 159 due to my specs. It’s a fantastic board with amazing edge hold and stability at speed (especially compared to my 2013 Greats) but in my view is overkill for the snow conditions we have down under and majority of riding I do. Which is mainly cruising around, carving, bombing, with some side hits and butters. Whilst I can do most of these on the Mullair (with the exception of buttering) I seem to have more fun on the Greats, even though the edge hold feels almost nonexistent compared to the Mullair! So I’m going to keep it for trips to Japan, the US and the (very) occasional pow days we get at my local.
Which leaves me still wanting a replacement for my old Greats. Hence the interest in the 2020 Greats.
What size would you recommend for me? I’m about 5’8″, 89KG (196lbs) riding size 10US Vans and NOW Pilots size medium. Normally I would go for the 159 but understand I can size down on this board. So 156 or 154? One of my local shops told me I could ride a 151 but I’m skeptical.
Also, are you able to provide the reference widths for the 154, 56 and 59? I like a wide stance, 23″ off the top of my head. Angles are +15/-15. I believe the reference stances on these boards are narrower than usual. Correct? Would my preferred stance width be too much ‘off-spec’ that it would adversely affect the boards’ characteristics?
Thanks!
Hi Chop
Thanks for your message.
For the 2020 Greats (which like you say is the same as 2019 bar the graphics), you can certainly size down a bit because of it’s width. I would also usually say around 159 for you, for an all-mountain board, but for this board I wouldn’t go that long. But 151 too short, IMO. So, I agree that the debate is between 154 and 156. I would be leaning towards 156 for you.
The 2020 Greats has better edge hold than the 2013 edition. The inclusion of that mid-bite really adds edge-hold, IMO. So even on the 154 you would likely get more in that sense – and you’d be riding an overall bigger board, than your 2013 Greats. So, I think it’s an option, but overall, I think the 156 would suit you better.
In terms of reference stances, it’s a little confusing. On YES’s website they are as follows:
154: 558.8mm (22″)
156: 584.2mm (23″)
159: 584.2mm (23″)
Which aren’t narrow at all – fairly normal. But on my actual 159 (2019 model) – the reference point is at 540mm (21.3″). But I ride it at 580mm (22.8″). i.e. one set wider than reference. So, it’s a little confusing. But mine rides great at that stance, so if you were to go for the 156, there’d be no issues there, IMO. In the catalog, the 2020 model is showing 22″ for the 154 and 156 and 23″ for the 159, so it’s really hard to say if they’ve changed that for the 2020 model – or if their figures are out again!
For all the things that YES do well – clarity over their stance widths is not one of them!
Hope this helps
Hi Nate. Thanks very much for your reply, and yes it was helpful! Particularly the reference stance info.
I rode a demo model of the 157 but didn’t LOVE it. Think I might try a Riders Choice in 154.5 and 157.5. Or persevere with my Mullair.
Thanks again!
You’re very welcome Chop. Yeah give the Rider’s Choice a go. Also a great board – and being Hybrid Rocker, rather than Hybrid Camber might suit you better if you prefer that kind of feel. Definitely worth a try.
Thanks Nate for your input and hope you are having a great vacation. I think I may go with the Greats. I have been looking at Asym Boards and top of my list were Space Case, Greats, and Proto T2. One last question (I promise), what size would work best for the Proto? I know they aren’t as wide as the Greats, so would the 157 work?
Hi Jacob
Yeah I’d say 157 for the PT2. You could certainly still ride the 154 – and would be a more enticing option, if you were going to use it just as a park/freestyle option. But as a one board quiver, I’d go 157 for you.
Hey Nate!
I was wondering would you recommend Yes Greats or GNU Space Case? I am looking to ride the whole mountain. I like to carve and cruise around or bomb down mountains (depending on my mood). I am trying to progress in jumps, buttering , and a little bit of jibbing. For Yes Greats I am looking to get either the 154 or 156 and for GNU Space Case I am looking at 156.
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 185 lbs
Boot Size: US 8.5 – 9
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jacob
Thanks for your message.
To add to my previous answer, the Greats would be, IMO, the better option out of those 2, in terms of riding the whole mountain. Still not going to be great in powder, but doable. But yeah, as an all-rounder a better option than the Space Case, IMO. I would go 154 for you for the Greats. I’d normally say to go longer than that with your specs, but the Greats is quite a wide board and something I would downsize for with your boot size. For more options also see the links I provided in my previous reply.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate for the reply. So would you say that 156 won’t work for me at all? Based on the sizing chart, it seems like 156 would be the board for me at my weight. What would be the pros and con of getting either the 154 and 156, if you don’t mind me asking?
Hi Jacob.
Apologies for the slow reply – on vacation with limited internet.
The main reason I would say 154 as opposed to 156 is that the 156 is getting very wide for your boots. Even the 154 is on the wide side for your boo size – but sizing down a little to 154 counteracts the wideness a bit, so I think 154 is the best balance. The weight recommendations on my review here are actually a little outdated – thanks for getting me to check – I will update them now. The 154 should actaully be 150-190 and the 156 160-200. But they really are just rough guidelines in any case – and often change, even when there’s no change to the snowboard.
Hope his helps
Hi Nate, I am having dilemma on what size to pick. I am 180cm and gliding from 90-105kg. Currently on 95. My boot size is 9.5. Currently I am riding TRS 159, but my past boards were 159 as well. What size of greats you would recommend, I was thinking about 156?
Thank you
Hi Vladimir
I agree that 156 would be the best size for you. You could also ride the 159, and that’s probably more in line with your height/weight specs, but because it’s a wider board and you wear 9.5 boots, sizing down to the 156 would be a good call. The 159 not a bad call either, but it would be getting on the wide side for your boots, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey man, Love your site an reviews.
Haven’t seen anyone here with size 14 boot as for advice yet (burton concord BOA)
am really liking the all mountain specs and park which is where i will be spending 60-70% of my time. im 88kgs and 6’2 in height. will the 159 with a 262 waist work for me?
Looks good for icy conditions which is ideal for Australia where i am from.
i roe a 160 neversummer blue rental rnx in NZ recently and i liked it a lot for buttering and park.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
With Burton 14s, I would say you’re in a similar situation to Harry in the comment above. The width at inserts of the Greats 159, I would predict based on other sizes, to be around 276mm, 277mm. With 14s, that’s going to still leave a fair amount of overhang. If you ride with binding angles like +15/-15 or similar, then that gives you a better chance. Also, if you’re mostly riding park and aren’t doing any really aggressive carving (like Eurocarving), then you might get away with it. But there is certainly risk there with that level of overhang.
You could also look into risers for your bindings. I have no knowledge about them – except to know that they exist – but that might help you to have more confidence with the width of this board especially for big carves.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I’ve just a lot of reading through all the other posts to see if my question has already been answered, and no.
I’m 6’2″ 195lbs US13 feet (32 TM3s). 23.5″ stance, 18/-12
In your opinion, will I get away with the 159 with these boots? Will I still be able to lay over a decent euro-carve, or do you think it’s likely to boot out?
Thanks bro
Hi Harry
NO way of knowing for sure, but hopefully this will help you assess it. The 159 Greats (I would estimate, based on measuring a different sized Greats) has an estimated width at inserts of 276 – maybe a little wider with the wider stance. But not by heaps I wouldn’t say – maybe 277mm, at a guess. With 34cm boots (as you mentioned in your previous post), you’re looking at total overhang of 6.3cm (or 3.2cm for heel and toe). That number would decrease at the -12 angle. But that’s still quite a lot of overhang, if you’re going to be doing Eurocarves, IMO. I would say you’re not guaranteed to get boot drag, but it would be risky, IMO.
I haven’t used them, and not sure where you get them from, but you can get risers for your bindings, which essentially ride your boots higher off the board – which allows you greater angle to work with. You could look into something like that.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hey Nate,
Going to try and pick up the 2019 Greats. I’m 5’11 3/4″, 200lbs, size 10 boot(Ride 92 Boas). I’ve been riding a 2017/2018 NS Funlsinger 156. I’m on the east coast, spend some time in the park. Been working on more spins and butters, which is why I got the NS. I find the size works for me, just sometimes will wash out when I push it on carves. Think the 2019 Greats 154 would hold an edge for me if I really layed into a carve? And could I make bigger turns if I wanted? I know you’d probably normally at least recommend the 156 for me, but I think if I can get away with some good turns on the 154, it might be more fun overall. Planning to sell the NS. I have a Rossi One LF to use if I get lucky enough to go west and hit powder.
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would definitely say 156 usually for this board, which would be sizing down as it is for your specs. For an all-mountain board, assuming an advanced level, I would say closer to 161, 162. But because the Greats is wide for 10s and because there is a lot of effective edge vs overall length, sizing down to 156 is definitely doable for this board. It’s the size I like (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10) for this board for doing a bit of everything.
In saying that, it is a board I could ride in a 154, if I was going to be predominantly using it for freestyle. But it wouldn’t hold up as well for big carves or riding at speed vs the 154. So, if I was to get the 154 I would be using it more specialized towards freestyle riding (whether in the park or over the rest of the mountain).
So, given that you want to use it for a bit of everything (bar powder), I would still say 156.
That said, I think the Greats 154 would still be an improvement vs the 156 Funslinger in terms of carves and edge-hold and at speed. Just not as much vs the 156. The 154 Greats still has as much effective edge as the 156 Funslinger – and it’s a stiffer board, which will certainly help to hold those carves. And the mid-bite tech gives it a bit more grip in hard/icy conditions, IMO.
Also, I can see where you’re coming from in wanting to go 154 to have a bigger difference vs your Rossi One. If you were going to be using the 154 specifically for freestyle/park days, then I would be more positive towards that as an option. But just because you’re wanting to use it as your daily driver, and because you’re looking for an improvement carving-wise, I think the 156 would be the better option.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I’m considering the 2019 yes greats board as well but since it’s kind of late in the game, Ican only find 151 rather than my usual 154/155. I was wondering if it’s a good idea to size down on this board or should I keep looking for a 154. Im around 5’9, 163 lbs, boot size 9.5 and intermediate.
Thanks a lot
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message.
This is the kind of board I like to size down for, depending on boot size. Two reasons – 1. it’s a little wider than the average “regular width” board and 2. There’s a lot of effective edge compared to the overall length. I really like this board in the 156, but I’d say I could still definitely get away with the 154. For this type of board I usually go for something 157, 158, depending. For reference I’m 6’0 and 185lbs with size 10 boots and I typically ride a little smaller, especially this kind of board which I like to ride a lot of freestyle on. For more all-mountain I prefer more like 159 and freeride boards, I prefer to go 159 to 161.
The 151 will have the kind of effective edge than a lot of boards have in around a 154, 155 (depending on the board of course but on average) and it’s as wide or wider than most 154/155 boards. If you’re going to be riding it +15/-15 (which is usually recommended for an asym board like this), then the width on the 151 is still going to be on the wide side for 9.5s – so that makes sizing down to the 151, especially when you take the effective edge into account, doable for sure.
I think you could also ride the 154, but it would be a bigger feeling – both in terms of width and effective edge – 154 than the 154 you are likely used to, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Appreciate your detailed response. I’m leaning towards mostly all mountain but throw in a bit of freestyle. I actually found both sizes in stock. Which do you recommend for that profile? How would the 154 feel compared to an average 156 length board?
This is going to be my only board for a while so I’m looking for it to be more all around. Which length do you like for my specs?
Hi Phil
Hard to say with accuracy exactly how long the 154 will feel in comparison to an average 156, since there is so much variety out there. But I would say it would feel at least like a 156, maybe 157 vs an “average” board.
The 154 vs the 151, will float more in powder, be more stable at speed and be better for long arcing carves. The 151 better for trees, maneuverability at slower speeds and for freestyle type stuff.
Weighing it up, since you mention that you would be riding it mostly all-mountain, with freestyle thrown in, I would be leaning towards 154. If you were taking a more freestyle approach, then 151 would likely be better. I really like it in the 156 and for other all-mtn-freestyle it’s only a little smaller than I normally ride for this style of board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m 6ft 195lbs without gear and 9.5 boots. I’m looking at the 2019 as my main board to pair with my Nitro Pow for powder days. I’d mainly be using the Greats to bomb groomers, go off piste when I can for natural hits, and I’m just beginning to hit medium sized kickers in the park and would like to keep progressing on those. I stay away from rails.
Do you think it’d be best to get the 156 or the 159?
Thanks for all your help, your reviews have helped me find my last two daily drivers.
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
I think the 156 would be a good size for you for this board. I wouldn’t normally say to go that short for your specs, but with this board, I think it’s a good call (because of the wider platform and a lot of effective edge for the overall length). The really like the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10 boots) and I think that would be a good size for you too. The 159 would be getting on the really wide size for 9.5s, IMO – and wouldn’t be sized down enough to compensate for it, IMO. So yeah, I think you’d really like the 156.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hello there,
Thanks for the review and I would like to get some advice if you dont mind.
Im 5’10 tall, 78kg with size 11 boots, currently riding with Adidas superstar with great reduced foot print.
My current board is 158 in length and has 255 waist width, I would say the boot out isnt a huge problem, its still acceptable at around 1.4cm each side, but I am looking for a short, fat board that is easily manuverable and wider (maybe 265minimum) cause I find myself enjoy carving a lot. I also ride all mountain and play jumps, and jibs a lot.
Do you think the greats 156 would be a board that suits me? Since this board seems to be wider than most boards in the market.
Another board Im considering is the Ride Twinpig, since it has huge waist width and I think I can downsize to 154 with Twinpig.
Thank you!
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message and apologies for the slow response – have been out testing a lot of gear the past few days.
If you’re looking to go a little wider, then something like the Greats is a good option – and fits the other things that you’re describing. I wouldn’t say that the Greats is a “short/wide” as such – but it is a little wider, and you can downsize a little for sure – so in a sense it’s a sort of short/wide. Certainly wide enough for 11s – and I think the 156 would be a good length for you.
The Twin Pig, is certainly a short/wide, and something you would size down a fair bit. I’d almost look at 151 for you in that board – though the 154 would also work – and if you’re looking to use it more for all-mountain-freestyle then it’s probably the better size. But if it was going to be more predominantly freestyle the 151 would work too. I haven’t ridden the Twin Pig, but based on specs, I would say that you would get less out of it for carving and speed than something like the Greats – it has a lot less effective edge and is softer flexing, for one thing. Looking at it, I would say that it’s more freestyle oriented. The Greats is more of an all-rounder (with it’s biggest weakness being powder).
Hope this helps with your decision
I Thank you for any answer, you do a wonderful world here!
hello nate, do you think Burton ion boa would fit with yes greats or should something with softer flex?
Hi Hendrikus
Thanks for your message.
Slightly softer flexing boots would be ideal, but not way off in terms of flex, and they could work with the Greats, flex-wise if you prefer a slightly stiffer boot, with a slightly softer board. Ideally, I think a 5/10 flex or 6/10 flex would be best, but the Ion (which I would rate 7.5/10) could work if you like a stiffer flexing boot. However, one reason as well as the flex, that I wouldn’t go Ion on the Greats, is that the Ions don’t have an articulating cuff. For anything freestyle – and the Greats is something that’s good for all-mountain/freestyle riding – I prefer to have an articulating cuff on the boots.
If you wanted to stay Burton – then the SLX (7/10 flex) if you want something a little stiffer, or the Swath or Swath Boa (5/10 flex) or Ruler/Ruler Boa if you wanted to go a little cheaper (also 5/10 flex – by my feel). If you were wanting to stick with something Boa, check out some of the options at the link below (some of which will be Boa/articulated cuff) – or if you wanted Burton and Boa and an articulating cuff then Swath Boa/Ruler Boa.
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Love your reviews as they seem honest and are also detailed.
Im thinking about getting the YES Greats Snowboard because of your review. I came for the assassin review but didnt find it in you top picks in all mountain freestyle.
I ride all jumps i can find offpiste and on piste and like to go to the park (but im not very experienced in park rail and stuff). I do jumps, lots of 180’s and trying rails. I want to take my snowboarding to the next level with a board that suits more advanced snowboarding.
I also like to go offpiste is a larger size like the 1.54 the best option or should i stay with the 1.51.
Im between 52 to 58 KG, length of 1.70 Meters, with a 42.5 EU shoe size.
Thanks in advance greetings from the Netherlands 🙂
Hi Guust
Thanks for your message.
The Assassin was only 1 off from making my all-mountain-freestyle list, so I think that’s still an option to consider. But yeah the Greats is pretty awesome and sounds like it would suit what you’re describing – as would the Assassin.
Size-wise, I think the 151 is the best size for your specs. Even going off-piste. If you were strictly riding park, I would say to go smaller than that (if there was a smaller available size). But if you’re used to something a little longer, that should be taken into account as well, but even then, I think 151 would likely be the best size for this board, for you. For the Assassin, I would say go 150 – and I’d say it’s just wide enough for your boots (depending on what size boots you end up in). The Greats wouldn’t be an issue width-wise with your shoe size, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, i am 6″ size 10 US boots and 158lbs. 154 or 156? looking for a fun small mountain board
Hi Greg
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, and the fact that you want a fun small mountain board, I would go for the 154. It’s still going to be on the wider side for 10s – that and taking into account your other specs, the 154 would be a great size for you, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks so much for the review and for taking the time to answer questions. I really like the greats boards when I’ve demo’d them and want to get 2019 version. I’m 185lbs size 10 US (9 uk). I’m thinking of going 154, which I know is too small for me but I do a lot of indoor riding here in UK and need something I can throw around really easy in a short park.
My question is, as much as i favour my kickers, I do a lot of rail riding too and still want to progress this. Have you ever found the asym to be catchy on rails? I know you’ve already said it’s not the ‘best’ jib board, but do you think the fact I’m going small for my size might equalize this a bit more? I do still want to progress my rail ridding as well as everything else (and ridding quick indoor park laps, you can’t avoid them!).
Should I look at a different board?
Thanks for your help.
James
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden indoors (have never lived close to anywhere indoors), so I couldn’t say for sure how it would go indoors. But jib-wise, it’s doable, just not ideal. It’s a little stiffer than I would usually prefer on jibs and more camber than I personally prefer. But I’m not a super strong jibber either. I didn’t notice the Asym affecting anything jib-wise though.
Usually I would say go 156 (depending on your height, but based on weight and boot size), but if you’re going smaller to help you out indoors, then the 154 is going to feel softer flexing, which would, IMO, help on the jibs.
If you wanted to check out some other options, some of the boards in the list below are better for jibbing, IMO, but the Greats is certainly doable for jibs and I would imagine a little easier if you go 154.
Hope this helps
Great thanks Nate,
I took a punt on the 154 and I think it was the right thing to do. It holds up fine in a carve and just means I can really chuck it around in quick laps around the park. You’re right, it’s not a jib stick, but certainly holds its own on rails and feel more confident gapping to rails / boxes than I ever did on a noodle. Kickers is where it excels most and havent lost much stability for going smaller I don’t think. Also supper easy to ride switch. Overall I would say sizing down slightly was ideal for my needs and I’m going to really enjoy riding this everywhere.
Thanks dude. Stay rad!
Hi James
Thanks for the update. That’s what I like to hear! Awesome that going 154 has worked out for you and that you’re loving the board!
Hello Nate,
First of all thanks for the great review! I would like to ask your opinion sizing.
I am 5’8″and 160 lbs with size 10 DC Judge Boa(2019) boots which are med to med/stiff flex in my understanding.
I rode for more than 10 years so I can say I am kind of intermediate/advanced.
I am in between buying 154 or 151 sized Greats. I have been using my Burton Custom 156(2011) which feels stable at high speeds but a bit too stiff / large to manuever(for freestyle riding/switch riding etc.) therefore I am inclined to get 151 for faster turns and more fun feeling but I am worried if it would be too unstable at high speed. What would be your opinion on this matter?
Also I need bindings and I was thinking of Burton Cartel or Union Atlas for this board. Do you think these bindings would go well ? I am inclined towards bindings on the stiffer side for better control and compability with my Custom.
Thank you very much!
Homer Topcu
Hi Homer
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tough call between the 154 and 151 for you. On the one hand, this is the kind of board I would usually size down for a little anyway, and then with it being wider, you can size down again. So, that could certainly end up on 151. But in terms of stability at speed, the 154 would certainly be better. Going to 154 would mean dropping the effective edge (which among other things has an effect on stability at speed) a little bit compared to the 2011 156 Custom (120cm on the Custom vs 119cm on the Greats 154), but not by heaps. The 151 Greats would drop it to 116cm, which is more significant. However, to get the fast turn/fun feeling, dropping effective edge will certainly help there. The 151 would certainly be better for freestyle and maneuverability at slower speeds, but you drop a bit in terms of float in powder and stability at speed vs the 154 (and vs your current board) – but it’s not, IMO, going to be super wobbly or anything either.
I would be leaning towards the 151 for you, if you are going to be keeping the Custom. If it’s going to be your only board, then I would be leaning towards 154.
Keeping in mind also, that the 151 has a reference stance width of 21″ and the 154 22″, in case that has any influence as well.
Bindings-wise, I would go Cartel over Atlas, and the main reason for that is board feel. The Cartel’s have better board feel than the Atlas, IMO, and if you’re going to be riding freestyle, then I think you’ll appreciate that. If you were to go Union though, I would go Strata over Atlas. A little softer flexing but not by heaps and better board feel. Or if you wanted to still go for something a little stiffer, then I would go Falcor over Atlas – again largely because of board feel. Check out the following for more:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Dear Nate,
Thank you very much! I will get 151 and cartels in the end
All best!
You’re very welcome Homer.
If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get them out on snow. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
Awesome review! I am looking at the greats, but the only size in the UK is 156, unless I go for the YES Greats Chi in a 159 – I currently have a Basic 159.
I’m 6 ft, 190lbs and size 9/10 (UK) boot. Which size would you recommend?
Thanks
Chris
Hi Christian
Thanks for your message.
I think you could ride the 156, though I think the 159 would be the slightly better option. The Greats is something you can ride a little smaller for sure, so that 156 size becomes an option. Usually I would say something around 161, 162 for an all-mountain board, assuming a relatively advanced level of riding. But for the Greats (and most all-mountain-freestyle boards) I find it a good idea to take off a little bit of length – and given that the Greats is also wider, you can take off a little more, depending on boot size.
If you are going to be using it mostly for freestyle type riding (whether in the park or on the rest of the mountain), then the 156 becomes a more appealing option. But if you’re using it more as an all-mountain option, then 159 would be better. Also if your boot size ends up being UK9, then that would also lean things slightly more towards the 156. But a UK10, I would be leaning more towards 159 for your specs. You would still be able to get on the 156 width-wise with UK10s though, but there would be less need to size down from the 159, with longer feet.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
Happy New Year! Itching for a new board and strongly considering the Greats. I am 5’11, 220lb, sz 11. Live
on the Ice/East Coast. I ride the Rossi One 159 (have 166 powder fish for twice a year powder days) but my switch riding/overall freestyle skills have taken off the last couple years and thinking of a new board that can take me to next level. I like to make the mountain my park, but not a huge park person. Greats a good board for that? What size would you recommend for one quiver (minus deep pow) 156 or 159? Widths have me a bit confused/concerned. Appreciate your help!
Hi Josh
Thanks for your message.
I think the Greats fits what you’re describing very well.
Size-wise, I think the 159 would be the better length for your specs and as your daily driver.
In terms of width, it’s on the wider side for 11s, but this is the kind of board that’s usually a little wider, and going a little shorter with it works well, IMO. Usually for an all-mountain board, I would put you on something around 163, assuming a relatively advanced level. So 159 is a great length for you for this board, IMO, given the extra width. For reference, I really like the 156 for this board (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10 boots), where I would usually go for something more like 159, 160 for an all-mountain ride.
For reference vs the Rossignol One 159, the width at the inserts on the Greats 159 is likely to be around 276mm (based on measuring the 156) vs 265mm at the inserts on the Rossignol One 159. The 156 Greats is 273mm at the inserts.
You could ride the 156 (I ride the 159 Rossi One and 156 Greats) – but I think the 159 will be better overall for your specs, as your daily driver.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate. Appreciate your help. I ended up going with last year’s Smokin Awesym 162 (got a great deal from a buddy). Has the asym sidecut, a slightly softer flex than the Rossi, and some magnetraction for my icy snow. Fingers crossed it works out.
Thanks again! Have a great season!
Hi Josh
You’re very welcome. I haven’t ridden the Awesym but based on specs it sounds like it fits the bill and given that it’s not as wide as the Greats, the 162 is probably a good size too. If you think of it, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to ride it. Hope you have a great season too!
Hey Nate,
Just want to drop in and let you know that the Awesym is insanely good. It definitely fits into the All Mountain Freestyle bucket. As compared to the Rossi One (my only real comparison, rode last 3 seasons), its lighter, but also more damp and feels more solid. I am not sure what materials/construction are being used, but you can just feel how solid it is, but then