This is something new that I don't usually do, but since I rode this two boards together one day and because of their similarities, I thought it would be interesting to do a head to head of the Yes Greats vs Capita Asymulator.
Common Ground
The two boards certainly aren't the same, but they do have some common traits that makes them worth comparing, namely:
There are of course some differences too, like:
OVERVIEW OF THE SPECS
Check out the tables for the specs of both the Greats and Asymulator
Specs
Cell | GREATS | ASYMULTOR |
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $549 | $499 |
Ability Level: |  |  |
Flex: |  |  |
Feel: |  | |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast | Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber (2-4-2) | |
Shape: | True Twin Asymmetrical | True Twin Asymmetrical |
Setback Stance: | Centered | Centered |
Base: | Sintered | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal | Really Light |
TESTING DETAILS
Demo Info
Board 1: YES Greats, 156cm (259mm waist width)
Board 2: Capita Asymulator 154 (252mm waist width)
Date: April 1, 2019
Bindings angles: +15/-15 on both
Stance width:
Greats - 540mm (21.3”)
Asymulator - 580mm (22.8″)
Stance Setback: Both Centered
Width at Inserts:
Greats - 273mm (10.75“)
Asymulator - 262mm (10.32")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight:
Greats - 2920grams (6lb 7oz)
Asymulator - 2560 grams (5lb 10oz)
Weight per cm:
Greats - 18.72grams/cm
Asymulator - 16.62 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.45 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of 51 boards that I've weighed in 2019 and 2020 models. So the Greats is slightly heavier than normal but pretty close to normal, especially considering the extra width. The Asymulator is considerably lighter than normal.
OBSERVATIONS
These are the main things that I found to be different between the two boards:
Speed
The Greats feels a little more stable at speed. Part of that was down to size differences, but overall the Greats just has that little bit more stability
Uneven Terrain
The Greats felt a little better in crud and uneven terrain
Maneuverability
The Asymulator was more maneuverable at slower speeds and quicker edge-to-edge, which is saying something as the Greats is no slug in this department
Pop
They are equally as poppy but the Asymulator has a more "snappy feel". Again this is saying something as I would describe the Greats as more snappy than smooth. That's how snappy that I felt the Asymulator.
Spins
For spins, the Asymulator was a little better. It was a little shorter, but I think it would be better anyway. Part of that I think comes down to how light it is. Again though, the Greats is a good spinnner, so it really just highlights how easy the Asymulator was to spin.
Weight
The Asymulator is lighter. The Greats isn't heavy - it's normal weight, just that the Asymulator is particularly light.
Butterability
They are both really close in terms of how buttery they are but if I had to pick a winner it would be the Asymulator. Though in the same size, I suspect they would be very equal
Jumps
For jumps I preferred the Greats overall. Both are very very good for jumps, but the Greats just has that slightly stronger landing platform. So you can stomp those landing a little more. But both very fun for jumps.
Hard/Icy Conditions
The Greats is better in hard/icy conditions
SCORE BREAKDOWN COMPARISONS
Check out the breakdown of the scores for each board in the table below.
GREATS | ASYMULATOR | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
SWITCH | 5/5 | 5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
SPINS | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
BUTTERING | 4/5 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Overall I would say that the Greats just has it over the Asymulator as an all-rounder but both are very good boards. But of course it also depends on what you're looking for.
If you want the most nimble, snappy, spinny, light asym all-mountain-freestyle board going around, then the Asymulator has a good claim on that.
But if you want something that is still quite snappy/nimble and spinny, but has a little bit more for speed, carving and is better in hard/icy conditions, then the Greats is the call.
Hi Nate,
Would you recommend these 2 boards for an advanced beginner/intermediate? I am trying to decide between Yes Greats, Yes Typo, Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, Capita DOA, and Capita Asymulator. May I know which one among these 5 is a little forgiving when it comes to catching an edge? TW, Yes Type or Capita DOA are safer bets, but I really like what Greats and Asymulator offer, but little worried that it might be a little bit advanced for me. Should I just go for one of these two? I am comfortable in greens, and ride blue terrains fairly well. My goal is to start learning Ollie, and progress my jumps.
If I choose Greats or Asymulator, do you think I need to get another board for powder days? Or can they handle well?
Also, for Yes Greats, can you recommend the size for me? I am 5’10”, 185lbs, boots size 8.5. I keep going back and forth between 154 and 156. May I know which one you recommend among these two?
Love your work Nate. Keep it up!
Sam
Hi Sam
Thanks for your message.
Out of those 5 I would say the Typo and TW and most suited for that high-end beginner/intermediate level. They’re the safest bets. After that the Asymulator and Greats. The DOA can be a bit catchy if you get off your game.
Any of these would work for what you’re describing, but I would be leaning Typo or TW, just as they’re the most suitable for your level, IMO. The TW is the best in powder, and the Typo is a little better in powder than the Greats, DOA and Asymulator, IMO. If the powder you get is never that deep, then something like the Greats or Asymulator will be fine. It’s just when it gets deeper that you’ll find them wanting a bit.
If you did go Greats, I would be leaning 154. That’s shorter than I’d go for most other boards, but it’s a board you ride shorter. With 8.5s and being a beginner/intermediate, I would size down to the 154. 156 would be sizing down a little for your specs anyway, but I’d size down again to the 154 in your case. But that would be too short in most boards, so that’s specifically for the Greats.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I am looking to get either this years (if I can find it in Canada) or next year’s Yes Greats and was wondering if you could please provide me with a size recommendation? I’m 6′, 160lbs, 10.5 US boot and was looking at either the 154 or 156. I’m pretty set on the Greats given it appears to be the best all-mountain freestyle board for carving and edge hold on ice (east coast baby!!) and am looking for something that is more stable at speed but playful enough for side hits, the occasional park lap, and to take into the trees. I think the 156 would give me the ability to charge harder and euro carve at higher speeds but may be limiting for the quick edge to edge needed in the trees. I think what I value most is deep carving as I’m limited in nice tree runs here in Ontario but I find myself living in the woods when I make my way out to bigger and better mountains. Do you think the 154 would be stable enough for my weight to give me that speed fix I’m looking for? Either way I’m sure whatever I end up with will suit me better than my old 2014 Salomon Assassin with a 249 waist width that says “sayonara” whenever I exceed a board angle of 70 degrees.
Hi Zach
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 154 for what you’re describing. With 10.5 boots the Greats is still on the wide side for your boots, it’s nothing super wide for 10.5s but definitely on the wide side. I would put you roughly on a 158 as your “standard all-mountain” size – but you want to size down for the Greats, with 10.5s. You don’t need to size down that much but I think going to 154 would be a good size down. The 156, like you say will be better for speed and carving but I think the 154 would handle those aspects well enough at your weight. I rode the 154 (6’0″, 175lbs at the time, 9.5 boots) and I found it handled speed fairly well. Going 154 would give you more maneuverability in the trees. That said, 156 certainly wouldn’t be wrong, and if you wanted to err more on optimizing speed/carving, then it’s doable and not going to be bad in trees or anything. When I first read your post, I was back and forth between leaning 154 or 156 – so it’s certainly a close call. I own the 156 and I love that size, but given I’ve got a few pounds on you – currently 180lbs – that’s the main reason I would be leaning 154.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I reweighed myself recently and am actually 168lbs (guess I ate a lot this month) but typically fluctuate between 155-165. Weight wise though it does seem like the 154 is a good fit. Yes (the brand) actually has a sale on this season’s 154 and I’m thinking about pulling the trigger but won’t be able to ride it until next season so I want to be certain. Is there any risk of me booting out on the 154 in size 10.5 US boots (they are K2 Darkos which have a large form factor)? On my current board if I set my bindings either far forward or back I can completely euro on either side but am hoping that I will be able to euro with a proper centred stance without risk of booting out on the 154. Please let me know!
Hi Zach
With the Darko, that does make it harder, due to how bulky they are, but I think you’d probably still be fine. I measured the Greats 154 at 274mm at the inserts – with a 22.8″ (580mm) stance. If you were to ride reference stance – which is closer to 540mm (21.3″), then it’s more like 271/272mm. When I measured the outsole of the Darko, they were 3.5cm longer than mondo – so with a 28.5, that would be roughly 32cm. So you’re looking at around 4.6cm of overhang total (2.3cm per edge assuming perfect centering), assuming a 22.8″ stance. That should be plenty for most things. For Eurocarving hard to say. But if you’re referring to your old board as in the 2014 Assassin with a 249mm waist, which is likely (based on measuring a more recent version of the Assassin) to be around 258mm at the inserts, then I think you should be fine – gaining 16mm will give you a lot more room!
Hi Nate,
Thanks again, I really appreciate your responsiveness and detailed answers. I’m going to go ahead and get the 154 as it seems like the better fit and will be better suited if I decide to push my park riding in the coming seasons. I’ve already been riding these Darkos for 7 years and am on the verge of wearing holes in them so worse comes to worst I have to look into getting a smaller form factor boot or see if I can squeeze into a 10.
Anyways, thanks for your thorough gear reviews! I’ve found myself reading through tons of them over the last month while looking for a new setup. Keep up the great work!
All the best,
Zach
You’re very welcome Zach and thanks for visiting and using the site. Let me know how you get on with the Greats, if you think of it at the time.
Hi Nate,
Finally got the chance to give the 154 a rip this season and I can’t put into words how big of a difference it’s made over my previous board. Thank you so much for the recommendation! Butters and spins feel effortless and the board carves like a demon. First time i’ve ever been able to fully lean into a deep borderline euro heel side carve and be confident that my edge will stay locked in, even in hard pack ice coast conditions. My US 10.5 boots definitely aren’t too big when riding reference with -+15 foot angles and given I recently measured my feet and they’re 27.25 cm, I’m pretty sure I can squeeze into 9.5 or a 10 at the very least to completely rule out the chance of ever having boot drag.
Thanks again, really appreciate all the effort you put into your comments and gear reviews!
Zach
Hey Zach
Thanks for the update and feedback. Awesome to hear how you’re getting on with the Greats. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all of the in depth reviews. I’m going with the YES Greats. I ride a Custom
Chamber now but I want to try something new. Also, I ride on the East coast and the influx of newbies hitting the slopes has created worse than normal icy conditions.
I was hoping you could help guide me with sizing. I’m 5’11 and 3/4, and weigh 220 lbs. I ride 10.5 Photon Step on Boots with M Reflex Step on bindings. According to the Greats sizing specs, I can either ride the 156 or 159. I am ultimately looking for stability at high speeds but w the ability for quick turn initiation. Is the 159 too big or sound about right?
Thanks for all of your insights!
K
Hi Ken
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 159 for you. I would put you roughly on something around 162/163 for your “standard all-mountain” size. With this board being wide for your boots and the effective edge versus overall length being relatively high, sizing down is definitely a good idea. If it came in a 162, I wouldn’t go that long for you on this board, but I feel sizing to 156 would be sizing down a little too far, particularly given you’re looking for stability at high speeds. I would go 159 in your case.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Great comparison – I have been looking all around for this!
I’m also not quite sure about what board would fit me – started off about 15 years ago with a camber (k2 brigade), then went and bought a Banana Magic (2014). I then picked up snowboarding again the past year – and this year I tried the Capita Mercury. Really nice with speed, the edges were holding great, but was having some difficulties with “playing around” with the board on side jumps etc. However, in the park – the small/medium jumps with the board was great – you could really feel locked in before setting up with the jump and during the landing.
After the Mercury, I came back to my Banana Magic (Strata 2022 bindings). Overall, it had a really playful feeling, I felt more control on the side jumps – but when it came to medium jumps, I just could not get the locked feeling of the Mercury. The same with landings. Although it was really poppy, on the landing I felt it was not stable at all.
This is why I would be asking for some help here. I’m thinking about the Mercury, but the Banana Magic generally was more playful which I like. Would you say the Yes Greats – Capita Asymulator – Jones Mountain Twin – could potentially have that kind of ride I am looking for? Fast pace, nice edge hold, playful with side jumps, going for some buttering, but also stable for the medium jumps?
Im currently in Europe so we measure ourselves in Kilos and Centimeters (:P).
70kgs, 173cm. My banana magic is 152, however, I think around a 153-154 would be the best choice of board? Shoe size (adidas tactical lexicon 10.5).
Thanks!
Hi George
Thanks for your message.
I would certainly say that all of the Greats, Asymulator and Mountain Twin (MT) will give you something in between the Mercury and the Banana Magic. IMO, they’re all a little more playful and agile than the Mercury but all better with speed and with getting more locked in when you need to than the Banana Magic (note I haven’t ridden the Banana Magic, but comparing that to other similar Lib Tech rides).
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them as I think they all suit what you’re describing really well, IMO. One thing that could help set them apart for you is icy conditions – if you see icy conditions fairly regularly, then I would say Greats is the best option for those conditions – followed by the MT and then the Asymulator. Even the Asymulator isn’t going to be bad there, but that’s one thing that could help make a distinction for you.
Size-wise, I would look at:
– Greats: 151 – it’s something you can size down for. You could go 154 too, but I would be leaning 151 in this case.
– Asymulator: 154 – it’s borderline too narrow for 10.5s, that would be my only concern with that one
– MT: 154 – and should be wide enough, I think
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Love the in-depth reviews you have on your site here, truly no other content on the internet like it. I may or may not have spent the last 2 hours reading through many of them…
Anyways, here’s my situation and looking for some input.
Skill level: Expert
5’8 | 170 lbs | 9.5 Boot Size
Searching for: All mountain / all mountain freestyle board to have some more fun on chiller days (used to riding YES PYL as DD)
I currently am riding a YES PYL 156 with Flux XFs using it as a daily driver but am looking for another board to take its place for more casual riding days and also more maneuverability in the park. So really just something more flexy and forgiving for groomers/park and maybe some trees if it’s not too deep. PYL will be used for pow days and days where there could be a wide variety of terrain encountered. I’ve come down to being very interested in the capita asymulator as it seems like it checks all my boxes plus the asym tech seems really interesting to me. However, upon seeing the Greats I’m conflicted on what board to get. When it comes to park I really don’t do anything crazy at most I’m hitting small jump lines and boxes so I really don’t need a true freestyle or park board but I would like something more flexy to have more “fun” with those features. Big fan of side hits as well. I’m looking to increase my switch riding which has proved difficult with the PYL directional so that’s why I’m also looking at twin boards. Seems like with asymulator and greats it comes down to having a little more speed but I think in my case I would prefer to have more playful ness with aymuilator as opposed to the extra comfort with speed on greats. Curious to hear your thoughts / advice for me in this situation. Additionally would love binding recs – currently looking at Union Stratas as a good middle ground.
Hi Nate, I’m absolutely torn right now… can you help me decide!?
I’m an intermediate rider, looking for the All-Mountain/Freestyle experience on icy groomers in Michigan. I basically just want to cruise down the resort and snap off side hits and progress on kickers.
With this information provided, which board and bindings do you reconnect:
The Yes Greats
Or
The Yes Standard
Now Brigade
Now Pilots
Now X Yes
Burton Cartel
Union Force
Hi Troy
Thanks for your message.
Both boards would definitely work for what you’re describing and both great in icy conditions, but I would be leaning Greats. I think it’s the slightly better board for jumps/side hits. The Standard is a little better for powder, but if you’re not going to be using it in pow, then I’d go Greats.
For the bindings, I would personally pair the Greats with either the Cartel or Force from that list. Just because I like to have good butterability from my bindings and I haven’t found NOW the best for that. If you’re not concerned about butterability, then you could def consider the NOW options. I wouldn’t go with the Brigade though – just because they’re a little too soft flexing for the Greats, IMO. The X YES bordering on too soft as well, but doable. The Cartel and Force a good flex for the Greats (or Standard), IMO. So in order I would choose Cartel/Force, then Pilot, then X YES, then Brigade.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! That’s super helpful. What size board should I get? (Standard/Greats)
I’m 5’6”
I weigh 155lbs
Intermediate rider.
Hi Troy
Can you also let me know your boot size. Also really important for board sizing.
Size 9 boots.
The boots help me reach the towering heights six inches beyond five feet. Ha!
Hi Troy
I would go:
Standard: 151
Greats: 151
I know that probably sounds shorter than what you’ve ridden in the past, but with the extra width of these boards, those would be the best sizes for you, IMO.
Also, would the Burton Genesis pair well with the Yes Standard??
Hi Troy
The Genesis do match with the Standard. I wouldn’t say they’re the perfect match though. I think ideally something a little stiffer. More like 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex for the Standard. Genesis to me are more like a 5/10. So they’re not a mis-match, IMO, but also there are better matches, flex-wise.
Hi Nate,
Thanks to your advices I have added an Asymulator 152cm to my quiver in addition to the Greats 154cm recently.
I have been riding each board for 2.5 days and would like to share my opinion.
My specs: 5‘9 155lbs, intermediate/adv. all-mtn-freestyle rider making 50-70 days a year. Size 8.5 Adidas tactical boots, Union Strata/Falcor bindings. My other boards: SuperDOA 154cm, Kazu Pro 157cm, Korua Apollo 156cm.
Stance 12/-12, 54cm on Asymulator and 55cm on the Greats (mini discs do not allow 54cm stance on 154 Greats…).
Condition: 2 days w/ 20-30cm powder, 3 days good groomer with hard patches.
Pow:
For me, the Greats in 154cm offers just enough float and rides much more relaxed. On the Asymulator I had to lean back more and keep the speed, therefore only for occasionally pow laps…
Pop:
The Asymulator feels snappier, more lively and easier to pop. The Greats feels less lively under my feet but pops okay.
Jumps:
No park here yet. But they are similarly good on side hits. The Asymulator feels lighter and easier to spin with. Whilst the Greats feels slightly more stable on takeoffs and landings.
Butters:
Originally bought the Asymulator to replace the Greats hoping it would be easier to butter with. However, the difference is marginally, despite the size diff. They are both very good to butter with.
Maneuverability/Carving/Speed:
I do a lot of euro carves and love to bomb. The Asymulator feels more camber and is faster edge to edge but the Greats is not bad either. The Greats offers much more grips with the mid-bite and more agile coz of the much tighter sidecuts. I have also less toe/heel drags with the Greats. They feel similarly stable on speed but the Greats gives me better confidence with its better edge hold.
Conclusion:
I will definitely keep the Greats and try to sell the Asymulator, since the Greats is a better allrounder for both hard packs and pow. The Asymulator would be better for not icey groomer days – that is a bit too specific for someone who is not living in the mountains, like me. When I miss the snappy and lively feeling, I could take out my Super DOA 🙂
Hope this helps.
Zhou
Hi Zhou
Thanks for your detailed insights. Really appreciate it and great for anyone reading this.
Hi Nate,
Came across your site as I just ordered a Yes Greats 2020 154 but then started looking at the Capita Asymulator. Love the comparison between these 2 boards.I was actually thinking of getting the Asymulator as well just cause it was on Sale:)
Hi Rico
Thanks for your message. Both awesome decks for sure! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on on the Greats, once you get a chance to ride it
Hi Nate, I’m considering getting an asym board and the two candidates are Nitro Fury and YES Greats. I’m not sure which one I should get tho… Can you please give me some advice and list the pros and cons of these two boards? Thanks
Hi Frank
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Nitro Fury unfortunately, so can’t give you any first hand experience on it.
Based on specs, it looks like the Fury is a little stiffer. YES rates the Greats 7/10 and Nitro rates the Fury 7/10 for flex. But the Greats is closer to 5 or 5.5 from my experience. Nitro boards that I have ridden tend to feel pretty much as they rate them (from the 3 Nitro boards I have ridden), so if the Fury feels more like a 7/10, like Nitro says, then I would say it feels a little stiffer. That and maybe there’s a bit more camber – those 2 things would make the Fury more aggressive than the Greats. I would say the Greats is a board that’s in between playful and aggressive and the Fury is likely to be further up the aggressive side of the scale.
Apart from that, it’s hard to say much else – and that’s just a guess there. Hope that’s somewhat helpful
Great comparison nate, although I have owned the greats 19 in a 156, I bought a 154 2020 a few weeks ago (suits my specs)and will demo the Asymulator when the season starts here to see if I should buy it. The greats 54 has a effective edge on 190 which is like the length of other 56 I own/owned. Look forward to trying it with some stratas mini disc to widen the stance a lil bit.
Still, the Asymulator sounds my jam I’m just a lil skeptical about width but I will see when I try it.
Cheers!
Hey Tim
Thanks for your message. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the 154 Greats and the Asymulator, once you’ve had a chance to get both out on snow. Hope you have a great season, when it gets started for you down under!
hey nate, i did a head to head test between the yes greats 154 2020 and the yes jackpot 2021 154(now with full camber).i think the 154 greats is more than enough board for me. i didnt find the 156 i had too big but the 154 def fits me better. the yes jackpot 154 is a great lil carver and awesome for the park. felt a little bit small especially compared to the 154 greats but i did buy it for park(and to carve on way to park) would like to try the 56.
Greats is more damp, a lil stiffer and doesnt carve quite as well. still a better all mountain board than the jackpot. i think yes should do a limited run greats with camber and see how she goes.
Jackpot carves better, presses better, just not as stable. id say the pop is equal with greats.
i do prefer the feel of asym though.
Bought a asymulator 156 should arrive next week ill let you know how it goes!
tim
Hi Tim
Thanks for the comparison. Some great insight there. Always good to get others perspectives and input. Look forward to hearing how you go with the Asymulator!