Hello and welcome to my YES Hel Yes snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Hel Yes as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Hel Yes a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Hel Yes
Price: $549
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 89.8/100
Compared to other Women’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 24 women’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Hel Yes’ Specs
Check out the tables for the Hel Yes’ specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $549 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Smooth/Snappy: |  |
Dampness: |  |
Playful/Aggressive: |  |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 10mm (0.4") |
Base: | Sintered (YES' "Sintered True") |
Weight: | Lighter than normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
146 | 239 | 100-140 | 45-63 |
149 | 241 | 110-150 | 50-68 |
152 | 242 | 120-160 | 54-72 |
155 | 244 | 130-170 | 59-77 |
Who is the Hel Yes Most Suited To?
The Hel Yes is best suited to anyone who likes to do a bit of everything and go everywhere, but wants to do all of it on one board and not have to have a quiver of boards.
But could just as well be used as a groomer only board, if that's your thing. It's super versatile.
Not for beginners but well suited to intermediate and up.
The Hel Yes in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Hel Yes is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Hel Yes 2023, 149cm (241mm waist width)
Date: March 3, 2022
Conditions
Cloudy with some patches of blue at times. Really high cloud so visibility was all good.
Temperature was -2°C (28°F) degrees. No wind.
24hr snow: 4cm (1.5")
48hr snow: 23cm (9")
7 day snow: 64cm (25")
On groomer: Some icier sections in places but for the most part medium firmness with some softer areas. Fair bit of crud with not all that much groomed but some well groomed areas as well.
Off groomer: Some left over freshies! Untracked in places even. Mostly tracked but some nice untouched spots to explore.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-12
Stance width: 510mm (20.1″)
Stance Setback: Setback 10mm
Width at Inserts: 248mm (9.8") at front insert and 250mm (9.9")
Weight: 2500g (5lbs, 8oz)
Weight per cm: 16.78g/cm
Average Weight per cm: 17.29 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of around 30 women's boards that I've weighed in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 models. The Hel Yes is lighter than normal and that could be felt on snow. Didn't feel ultralight or anything, but a little lighter than normal.
Tester: Jade
Rider Height: 5"7" (170cm)
Rider Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
Rider Boot Size: Women's US6.5 Thirty Two Exit
Bindings Used: Burton Lexa, Medium
Powder
We got a little bit of powder to test in which was great. It wasn't epic, waist deep powder or anything, but enough to get a feel. Based on that feel and looking at specs, the Hel Yes is a board that can handle powder fairly well. Certainly above average but not something that's going to match it with more specialized powder boards, naturally.
It's got a small setback stance and a directional twin shape plus rocker in the nose and tail, all help. But it's not setback a long way - and there's no taper or anything.
Carving
The Hel Yes is very capable on a carve. And it belies its flex and profile in some ways. It rails carves like it's a stiffer, more camber dominant board. But because there is that rocker and because it's not super stiff, it's also very capable at slashing turns at slower speeds as well.
Turning
Ease of Turns/Slashing: As mentioned above, the Hel Yes has a great balance between being able to rail higher speed carves, but at the same time is something that you can happily slow down with and slash around when you want to.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Really good maneuverability at slower speeds. Not up there with the quickest edge-to-edge at slow speeds, but still really decent - and when you couple that with how well it rides at moderately fast speeds, it strikes a really good balance.
Skidded Turns: Pretty easy to skid turns on. Jade didn't find it felt catchy at all.
Speed
Whilst it's never going to be an out and out bomber at its flex, it handled good amounts of speed really well. Felt stable at most speeds and got up to speed fairly well too.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: It wasn't bucked around super easy, but it could bucked around when the snow was really churned up. But it was pretty easy to correct when that did happen.
Bumps/Trees: Pretty quick edge-to-edge, so it weaved between bumps and trees well. And hugged bumps well too.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Overall the Hel Yes performed well on jumps.
Pop: There's not oodles of it there. But there is a good amount that's easy access. And then when you wind it up you get a bit more. But overall it's not epic pop, but not lacking pop either.
Approach: Was a good mix of stable but also maneuverable, so that you could make adjustments to speed or line when necessary.
Landing: Solid when you need it to be and forgiving when you need it to be - when you get the landing a little wrong.
Side-hits: Good maneuverability and enough easy access pop - as well as being able to handle less than ideal approaches and landings.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Medium jumps is its sweet spot, but can handle smaller and larger jumps as well.
Switch
It's pretty good riding switch. It's not exactly the same in both directions, but feels pretty natural. Transitioning to switch was fine too.
Spins
Pretty good setting up and landing switch, decent enough pop and overall felt pretty easy to get the spin around. Thanks in part to it being light.
Jibbing
It's not the ideal jib board. But it held its own OK and if you're an experienced jibber should be fine on it.
Butters
As is the case with a lot of YES boards, pressing the nose and tail feels easier than you think it's going to, given the overall flex of the board. Quite easy to press and lock into that press once you're there.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
Overall, the Hel Yes is one of those boards that just doesn't let you down wherever you take it and whatever you throw at. It's really the definition of do-it-all and probably the best out there at doing it.
The ultimate one-board-quiver for riders who like to do a bit of everything.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Hel Yes, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other women's all-mountain snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Hel Yes compares to other all-mountain snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hello Nate,
I’m 5’6″, 165 lb. Boot size 9. I’ve been riding a beginner 153 cm flat board and thinking about a upgrade. Do you think the Yes Hel Yes 155 cm would be good for me?
Also, what bindings do you recommend to go with the Hel Yes borad?
Hi Rose, thanks for your message.
If you feel like you’re at a pretty solid intermediate level, then the Hel Yes should work well and it’s nice and versatile. I would say if you feel like you’re around a level 5, according to this scale, you should be good.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 152/153, so I think you’d be better on the 152.
In terms of bindings, ideally I’d go with something that’s a 6/10 flex or close to. Some good options here and here to consider. Look for the score breakdowns, if you have anything you want to be particularly good (e.g. board feel, slow speed response, carving, shock absorption), but any of those should match the Hel Yes well.
One thing to note though, is that if you want to use the extra set of inserts (holes your bindings screw into) that sit behind the main insert pack, then you probably want to skip the Union Legacy – it uses a mini disc which isn’t wide enough to span the gap between the main insert pack and the setback inserts.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
First, thank you for all that you do. This website has been a big help in researching for snowboards and where to start as I look to buy my first snowboard setup.
I am an intermediate snowboarder (5’4″ – 120lb – size 7.5). I am considering the Yes Hel Yes board (size 146 – will this be too long?) as a good board for different terrains (west coast) and growth as I progress to more carving, blacks, powder, switch, tree runs, and moguls (mainly freeride/all mountain, not park).
I’ve been looking into Union Legacy Bindings (though I recognize that the yes slamback inserts are not compatible with this binding- how important are these?) and would Now Conda or Vetta Bindings be a better fit? Or even the Burton Lexa EST Bindings?
I would also appreciate any input on how to know which boots to choose. I know that Double BOA seems to be preferred. So I’ve been looking at the Burton Limelight BOA Snowboard Boots and Ride Hera Snowboard Boots.
What do you think and do you have any other suggestions? I know I have a lot of questions, so thank you for taking the time to read this. Would very much appreciate your input. 🙂
Hi Audrey, thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 144, so the 146 isn’t massive for you or anything. A little longer than ideal, but doable. Otherwise, the Hel Yes would be a good choice for how you describe your riding.
A close alternative would be the Jones Twin Sister, which you could go 143 in, which I think would be better size-wise. It’s a little wider (at the inserts), but that shorter length makes it a little smaller overall and a little more optimal size-wise, IMO.
If you were happy to go a little more directional the Jones Dream Weaver (145), and Bataleon Thunderstorm (144) would be worth looking at as well.
Yeah, you can’t use the slamback inserts with the Legacy. They’re only really useful for when you’re in deeper powder and you need to help it float – be being more setback on the board you get more weight to the back of the board naturally without having to strain your back leg as much – this just makes it easier to keep the nose above the snow with less effort. If you think you’ll see deep powder fairly often, then you might want to go with a binding that allows you to use the slam backs, if you were to go Hel Yes. The Lexa would work, but make sure to get the “Re:Flex” version, rather than the EST version. The EST version will only mount on channel mounting system boards (like Burton boards) but the “Re:Flex” model will work on all boards.
The Conda would be a good match for the Hel Yes (or any of the other boards we discussed). The Vetta might be a little on the soft side, flex-wise. The only real downside of going Conda, in my experience, is the board feel, but if you’re not really doing anything freestyle, then you’re not likely to notice that.
Double Boa are popular for sure. They are easy to tighten and if you have trouble getting traditional laces or speed laces tight enough, they make it much easier to get your boots tighter. Double BOA > single BOA, because you get some customization between the lower boot and upper boot (though be careful because some double boa boots work a little differently and you don’t always get that upper lower adjustability). Not as adjustable as traditional laces, but much easier/faster to tighten. The Limelight and Hera would both match the rest of your potential setup. I would go at least 5/10 flex (which the Limelight and Hera fit into) and up to 7/10 flex, but probably best around that 5/10 to 6/10 flex range. For some other options check out this list and this list.
Hope this helps
I am currently looking at the jones dreamweaver 139 or 142 which one think is better? Do you think this will be fine for icy conditions as well? I’m 5’1 and 131lbs using size 7 us boots.
Hi Marie, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 145, but with your boot size, sizing down a bit makes sense for this board. But I wouldn’t size down as much as to the 139. I think the 142 would be a good size for you. The Dream Weaver is pretty good in icy conditions, in our experience. Not quite as good as something like the Hel Yes, but would be fine, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m 5’1″ 130lbs what would you recommend as an alternative if 146 hel yes is too big?
I live in icy conditions so lots of hard pack ice. I currently have the bataleon push up but heard it’s not really for icy conditions.
Please advice
Thanks!
Hi KC, thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 145, so I think you should be OK with the 146, so long as it’s not too wide for your boots and so long as your at least a solid intermediate rider. But yeah, if you could let me know your boot size, that would be great, as it may be too big if the width is wide for your feet. I would say 146 is at the longer end of your range, so that coupled with it being too wide, would make it too big overall, IMO. If it is, I’m happy to find some alternatives that will abe good in icy conditions.
In addition to boot size, if you could also let me know how you typically rider. e.g. trees? powder, when you get it? high speeds or not? carving or just turning? park/freestyle? if so, only jumps/side-hits or do you also butter, other ground tricks, ride switch, do boxes/rails? etc. Whatever you can think of, is helpful to narrow down the best options.
And I already have your typical conditions.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking at getting a Yes Hel Yes board. I’ve outgrown my beginner board and am looking for something I can enjoy in all terrain (groomers, powder, in the trees, etc) and this seems like the top choice.
I’m wondering if you might be able to give me some advice on picking the right size board. I’m 5’7.5” and weigh 145lb. I currently ride a 155 board (Rossignol circuit), but feel like it’s maybe a bit big, especially in the trees. I do sometimes have a harder time making those tighter turns.
I was thinking of sizing down to a 152 with the Yes board, but have been cautioned that it might be less stable. I’m also wondering if a smaller board would be less powder friendly.
What do you think? Would very much appreciate your input 🙂
Hi Astrid
Thanks for your message. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 151, so I think the 152 would be your best bet. Versus the Circuit you’re still going to get better stability on the Hel Yes, even in a smaller size, so that won’t be an issue, IMO. In terms of powder, yes bigger (or more accurately more surface area) will help with float in powder, all else being equal, but I wouldn’t be concerned with powder float on a 152 for your weight. In that size, the Hel Yes should be fine in terms of powder float, IMO. the 155 is too big for you, IMO. Particularly in trees, I imagine it’s something you would have to wrestle with and work hard with. The Circuit is a soft easy turning board – the 155 Hel Yes will be harder to turn than the 155 Circuit. But in the 152 the Hel Yes should be fine in trees and will still give you better edgy ice hold, stability at speed and as good a float in powder too, IMO.
But if you could also let me know your boot size, to confirm.
Thank you so much for your advice Nate! It’s very helpful. My snowboard boot size is a women’s 9.
Hi Astrid
Thanks for letting me know. The 152 should be a good width for your boots, IMO, so that’s still the size I would go with for you.
Hello Nate,
I read your comments with the girl above about the twin sister vs the yes. hel yes because of size. I am 5’3″ and I am 145 pounds. I have demoed the 140 twin sister and it was so fun but I definitely know I need a size up. I was looking for something similar to that boaard and stumbled upon the yes. hel yes. I was looking at the 143 twin sister but they are out of stock. So I was thinking maybe going to the 146 yes. hel yes. Do you think the 146 would be too big for me and should I wait until the 143 twin sister comes back in stock or do you think I will be fine with the 146 yes. hel yes? Similar question to the girl above.
Also, I just have read such good reviews about this yes. hel yes it is tempting to just get the bigger board.
Hi Kat
Thanks for your message.
In your case, I think the 146 is actually a better size than 143, so I would go 146 Hel Yes (or 146 Twin Sister). I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 148/149, so even the 149 is a possibility. However, depending on your riding style, ability level, boot size and what you’re used to riding, the 146 may be the better bet. If you could let me know your boot size and a bit more about your riding and the size you usually rider, that would be great.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I think the Yes hel yes snowboard would be a perfect fit for my riding needs but there is one problem. The smallest size is 146 and I am 5’1 and weigh 110 ponds. I’m scared that the board will be too long especially since I’m now riding a 138 Nitro arial. I really liked the Yes because of the edge hold, carving and the extras of both trees and some park. I don’t know if it will be too much with that much of a longer board or if it may be okay.
Hi Smilla
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, unfortunately I think it will be too long in the 146. I’ve been hoping they would do a smaller size for this for a couple of years now. I hear plenty of interest for this and the YES Hello in smaller sizes.
I think the Twin Sister 140 would be a good bet for you. Not quite as good for icy edge hold, but still good. And covers everything else.
Or you could check out >>our top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle snowboards and see if any of those fit your needs.
Generally speaking I would put your “standard all mountain length” at around 141, so I would be looking at something around there, give or take.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for the response.
I’ve decided that the Jones twin sister would fit me the best. Now I’m wondering what bindings I’m going to buy. I’m currently riding the Burton stilettos but I think they are too soft for my new board and my k2 Contour boots. I’ve been looking into the Flow omni but they are a bit on the expensive side and I don’t know if they would fit with the board. I don’t need step ins but it’s definitely a plus.
Hi Smilla
I agree that the Omni are on the soft side for the Twin Sister. The Omni would be a good flex-match, IMO. They’re not a binding we’ve tested, but on paper they would be a good match. I would go with something at least 5/10 flex and up to 7/10 flex at most. Ideally 6/10 flex. Some good options in that flex range in the following. Note that some in the first list below will be a bit too soft:
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
>>Top Women’s Freeride Bindings
Thank you, I think I’m either gonna go with the Union legacy or Burton lexa.
The Twin sister is sold out in 140 but I have found it in 143. Do you think it could work or is it best to wait till next years model?
Hi Smilla.
Both would be good bets, IMO.
The 143 might be doable, but if you could also let me know your boot size to make sure. The Twin Sister is a little wider than the average board and I suspect that the 143 might be a little too big when combining length/width, depending on your boot size.
My boots are a 6.5 women’s us. I generally prefer wider boards but as you said it might be too much with both the length and the width.
Hi Smilla
Yeah I think the combination of length and width make it on the big side for you and if it was me, I would wait until you could get a 140. The 140 will still be on the wider side for your boots, but at a better length, so I’d wait for that. The 143 won’t be unrideable or anything for you, but the 140 is more optimal, IMO.
Thank you for all the help! I will probably wait for the next year’s model as you said.
You’re very welcome Smilla. Hope you have a great summer!