Hello and welcome to my YES Hybrid snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Hybrid as a surfy freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Hybrid a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other surfy freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Hybrid
Price: $549
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 90.6/100
Compared to other Men’s Surfy Freeride Boards
* note that the "surfy freeride" category is a new category here at Snowboarding Profiles - and represents freeride boards that are in that softer flex range - 6.5/10 or less. They're not necessarily "surfy" feeling boards as such - but "slightly softer flexing freeride" just didn't have the same ring as a category name!"
Out of the 28 men’s surfy-freeride snowboards that I rated:
The Hybrid is described by YES as the hybrid of the Pick Your Line and 420 - and I'd say that's a pretty apt description.
It's mostly like a slightly softer more forgiving short/wide PYL.
Overview of the Hybrid’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Hybrid’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Surfy Freeride |
Price: | $549 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber YES's Camrock 1-4-1 |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 40mm |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
153 | 260 | 140-190 | 64-86 |
157 | 264 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
161 | 264 | 160-210+ | 73-95+ |
* note the 153 is new for the 2021 model
Who is the Hybrid Most Suited To?
The Hybrid is best suited to anyone looking to go for something short/wide for freeriding and in a softer flex than more burly freeride boards. Great in powder and trees and also for carving up groomers and riding fast. Could also work as a non-short-wide option for those with larger boot sizes.
Certainly a directional board, but isn't bad for jumps and even spins - but preferably in multiples of 360.
It's got a stable feel for sure, and you can certainly carve on it and there's plenty of camber, but you can also get a more surfy feel out of it too, when you want to.
Not for a beginner, but forgiving enough for an intermediate rider.
The Hybrid in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Hybrid is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Hybrid 2020, 157cm (264mm waist width)
Date: March 19, 2019
Conditions: Sunny and really warm! Perfect visibility.
First thing quite crusty off groomer and quite hard and semi icy on groomer. Poorly groomed too - bumps and ruts and divets everywhere.
Softened up a little later which was nice.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 585mm (23″)
Stance Setback: Setback 40mm
Width at Inserts: 283mm (11.14") at front insert and 277mm (10.91") at back insert (narrower at the back because of taper, inspite of setback)
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2880g
Weight per cm: 18.34 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. The Hybrid is slightly lighter than the average, but given how wide it is, it's quite light. It felt about normal on snow, in terms of weight.
Powder
Unfortunately I had no powder to test the Hybrid in. But based on the feel of the board and the specs, it would float really well in powder. And I felt it would be a good tree board in powder.
It has a reasonable amount of taper, a good amount of setback and a little bit of rocker in the nose and tail. So, all that plus how it felt to ride, and this is board I'm looking forward to getting into some pow in the future.
Carving & Turning.
Overall a fun board to turn on. It's smooth and fun on an S turn and has little consequence when you get off your game, which was a pleasant surprise, given that it's predominantly camber.
Carving: Felt nice to carve on. I wouldn't say it was an overly aggressive carver, but you could get still get quite deep on those carves and it just had a nice feel to those carves.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It's not lightning, but it's nimble enough. Size-wise, I thought the 157 was getting a bit long for me, given how wide it is. Usually with short-wide I would prefer something more like 154 or less. But I was pleasantly surprised with how the agility of this board and in general the edge-to-edge speed, riding fast or slow.
Skidded Turns: Pretty forgiving of skidded turns. Not catchy at all. More forgiving of skidded turns than I thought it would be.
Speed
Felt really in control of this board at speed. It had a nice stable feeling and felt good at speed on some not-so-even groomers I had on the day.
Uneven Terrain
And going onto that uneven terrain, the Hybrid was really good going around and going over bumps. It did well in the crud that I encountered too.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Overall a much better jumper than I had anticipated.
Pop: Good pop and that pop was nice and easy to access
Approach: Good and stable for faster approaches and nimble enough for trickier, slower approaches.
Landing: Nice and solid on landings. You could really stomp those landings. It's got that wide landing base, and enough stiffness for bigger jumps, but also forgiving enough for smaller jumps.
Side-hits: I had fun on sidehits with this board. It was nimble enough for trickier approaches, good in uneven terrain for bumpier approaches and landings and had good and easy pop. Not the best for landing switch, but otherwise really good.
Small jumps/Big jumps: It's good for all sizes of jumps. It's sweet spot is probably medium to large.
Switch
Doable riding switch. I've ridden worse. But also not ideal for it. There's a good bit of taper and setback.
Spins
Actually felt relatively light and quick to get the board around. Not the best for landing or taking off switch though. If you keep your spins in multiples of 360 all good though.
Jibbing
Not something I would jib on regularly but it can do it if you want to. Not a master jibber by any means though.
Butters
Like a lot of YES boards, it's more buttery than you expect it to be. It's more buttery than it's flex would suggest. Not something you would typically think about for this type of board, but still nice to have.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
This board was super fun. It just had that x factor that I get from a lot, though not all, YES boards. The perfect combination of the PYL and 420.
Because of the limited size options, it's not going to work for everyone but I found that the 157 worked well for me specs.
Was good to see they brought in a 153 model for 2021 - I think that will be a size that appeals to a lot of riders that didn't match well with the 157 or 161.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Hybrid, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
If you want to check out some other surfy freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Hybrid compares to other surfy freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi there! Excellent website, I enjoy your articles and I really appreciate your review methodology!
I am looking for a surfy/powder friendly board that can run groomers as well – my primary base is Tahoe so a lot days I go are “just” great days but I’ll run up there for a powder day 2-3 times a season.
Here’s the hitch: I’m 5’9″ and ~160-165 lbs but with big feet: I wear US size 12 Burton Swath. So I need a wide waist. My primary board was an Arbor Formula Rocker (159 M/W – waist 261) but it wasn’t stiff enough so I changed to a Salomon Assassin (158 W – waist 263) and it is great – I love the all around feel, the medium flex, the speed is all great – and that it works in pretty much every all mountain condition and works even in the park. BTW, my bindings are at 15/-6 – I don’t recall toe catch with the Arbor but I lived in fear of it; something I don’t worry about with the Assassin with the 2 extra mm!
So, yeah, I’d like to complement this with a surfy board that has the width to accommodate my barkers. Would you recommend the Yes Hybrid at which – 153 or 157? Or another board altogether?
Hi Charles
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think the Hybrid would be a great compliment in your quiver to the Assassin.
It’s a tough call which size is best. The 153 is my instinct, but some things to consider. If you had a smaller boot size, I would go 153 for sure. Not because the 153 isn’t wide enough for your boots, because it it, but because sizing down would make more sense with smaller boots. But even with 12s, sizing to the 153 is an option with your height/weight specs.
In terms of the width, you’re looking at something that is overall wider than the Assassin 158W, even in the 153. The back insert of the 153 Hybrid will be similar (roughly 274mm on the Hybrid 153 versus 273mm on the Assassin 158W). But the width at the front insert on the Hybrid 153 will be wider (279mm on 153 Hybrid versus 273mm on the 158W Assassin). Overall surface area will be less on the 153 Hybrid versus the 158W Assassin though. But it will still be a little better in terms of float in powder than the Assassin, given the wide long tail versus the shorter narrower tail and the setback stance. Basically you’re going to have more nose in front of you even on the 153 Hybrid versus the 158W Assassin (and less tail behind you). The 157 Hybrid will give you a good bit more overall surface area than the 158W Assassin.
In terms of groomers, I think it’s going to depend on the feel you want from it. The 157 Hybrid basically has the same effective edge as the 158W Assassin, so in terms of length, it’s going to feel a similar length – but it will be wider. So, if you’re looking for something that you can ride in the trees, even on non-powder days and be quite maneuverable in general on the groomers, then I would be leaning 153. The 153 would be a better park ally, IMO, if you think it’s something you’d do the occasional park lap on. If you want to be able to bomb more and will be doing more long arcing carves, then the 157 will be the better bet.
Also in terms of those powder days, it’s going to partly depend on where you’re likely to spend most of your time on those days. If you spend more time in the trees on a pow day, then the 153 becomes the clearer option. But if you’re predominantly in open terrain – bowls etc, then I think you’ll appreciate the 157 more.
Lots to consider I know but hope this helps with your decision
PS: This is irrelevant but just wanted to point it out FYI. The Formula Rocker (and all other Arbor boards I’ve measured) tend to be wider at the inserts than the waist width would suggest. So I would predict that your 159MW Formula Rocker was probably actually a couple of mms wider than the 159W Assassin. The Mid-Wide label on it is deceiving and not an accurate description, IMO.
Hi Nate,
This year I bought a Jones Frontier 159 with your recommendations as my all mountain charger and have been really happy with it. And I am already looking at my next year’s more pow/freeride focused board 🙂
I am 5’6, 175 lbs on a good day, probably 180 on a winter day after lunch with 8,5 size boots.
I am looking at Yes Hybrid and I have the similar question as previous guys. Should I go 153 for better maneuverability or with 157 for a better float in pow and more carving angles on groomers? MY weight is ok for 157 but maybe my feet are a bit too narrow?
Also what are the differences between the hybrid and the Y? 157 on Y suits my weight better despite higher surface area compared to Hybrid.
I am also looking at the GNU Gremlin, How do you compare all these 3 boards for a pow/freeride/charger fatty? Do you have any other suggestions?
Should I even consider a mid-wide volume shifted freeride board next to my frontier?
I am an intermediate/advanced guy with +10 years of riding, almost eurocarving on resorts, pow/tree riding, hitting side jumps, no park/jibbing.
Thanks again for your precious input.
Hi Korer
I would go 153 for the Hybird for your specs. With 8.5 boots I think you’re going to have maneuverability issues on the 157. Whilst not as good as the 157 would be for powder, the 153 will still do well there, for sure. I prefer the Hybird over the Y personally but if you did want to go Y I would say 154, even though the weight recommendations suggest the 157 for your specs. I think again the width/length combined make the 157 too big, IMO. Doable, but I would be leaning 154 if you went Y. The Y is noticeably stiffer than the Hybird, IMO, and makes you work quite a bit harder. For more on the differences check out my The Y review.
I haven’t ridden the Gremlin yet. Hoping I can get it next week, but having got on it yet.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate as usual. I think I will be waiting for your Gremlin review still.
Hey Nate,
Great info on the site, much appreciated. Wanted to get your input on my next board. I have a 2018 NS proto type 2 154, 2021 Jones Mtn Twin 157. Love these boards, but would like to get something directional and focused on freeriding resorts. Spend most of my time riding with the wife and kids these days – groomers, off piste, powder where I can find it, and between the trees (my fav). No need for jibbing, buttering, or riding switch.
Want: Bombing on occasion but mostly groomers, off piste, and between the trees. I suppose once in a while some of the steep and technical stuff at the top when I am not riding with my wife and kids. Leaning towards the damp side.
Bindings: burton step-ons and burton genesis
Boot size: 9 in my Rulers and 9.5 in burton ion step-ons
Riding mostly in MN but go out west 2 times a year.
I have been eying the Yes PYL, Yes Hybrid, Jones Hovercraft, or Jones Flagship. I am leaning towards the Hovercraft or Hybrid as I would like to try a shorter, wider board. I was thinking of putting the step-ons on the Hybrid 153 and leveraging their high responsiveness for faster edge to edge on a wider board.
Looking to get your opinion since you have ridden all 4 boards. Which would you recommend based on what I am looking for? Or is there another I am not looking at that fits better?
Regards,
Wes
Hi Wes
Thanks for your message.
I think the Hybrid would be a nice compliment to that quiver. It gives you a point of difference for sure – and is a good tree option, IMO, particularly in the 153 (though if you can let me know your height and weight as well – just to get an idea of how sizing will work) but still something you can ride at a bit of speed too – and good in powder of course.
The other 3 tick those boxes as well, particularly the Hovercraft. The PYL and Flagship would definitely work for what you’re describing too – and are certainly different enough to compliment your quiver, but not quite as different.
But yeah, if you could let me know your height and weight that would be great, just to work out which might work best size-wise.
Yo what’s up man
Size 11.5 boot
180 lbs
5.11
I’m looking at the 157 hybrid. I like getting low and aggressive with my carving (on the border of euro carves) and I bomb
…. mostly freeride guy….. will I get toe or heel drag on the 157 ?
Hi Brandon
No guarantees, but I’d say you’d probably be OK. But can you let me know the brand/model of your boots and your binding angles too?
This board is marketed as a do it all quiver board but it’s terrible on groomers. It’s a volume shifted powder board (shorter and fatter than usual) so the area from the front binding inserts all the way up to the nose is super wide. Not like a little wide like holy cow when you actually get it in the mail. It was concerning but I need a powder board regardless so decided to ride it as a do it all quiver. Haven’t had any pow yet but I’ve ridden it 5 times on groomers and the turn initiation on this board is sooooo slow. Just brutal. I’m not being dramatic when I say that it’s so bad I don’t even want to ride gnar trails until my next board comes in. It’s not bad if you ride literally wide open, perfectly groomed, flatter trails but I ride steep rutted nasty terrain at Whiteface and need a board with maneuverabilitythat can weave threw bumps and this thing is brutal. I’m an advanced rider, 35yo now and have been riding since I was 10 years old so I’m making it work but man it’s a chore if you plan on using this for all day resort riding along as a pow board. It just kills your fun because the turn iniation is so slow. Which sucks because again it’s marketed as an all moutain board. Pretty misleading. Suspect of these other user reviews tbh. I will say however this board is savage just powering over bumps. The dampness on this is very impressive. It’s a crazy heavy board so its very very damp even for a 225 lber(riding a 161) when I’m bombing ending of the day east coast groomers. Not my style but thats how I’m riding now because that’s how it performs best. Feels stiffer than medium too if anyone is wondering. Feels 7/10.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your input. Really appreciate it.
Funny that you found this board to be this way. I found it surprisingly nimble for how wide it is. I typically find wider boards to have really slow turn initiation like you found with this, but the Hybrid was one that I didn’t get that from. I do think that 157 might have been the better size for you, despite the weight recommendations from YES. Because of how wide it is, I would have sized down from 161 for your specs. Even with 11 boots (referring to your comments from another post), this board is wide, so going to 157 would have been the better way to go. I rode the 157 and found it pretty good edge-to-edge for how wide it was. At the time they didn’t have a 153, but I would likely ride this board in the 153, if I was to buy it.
I do agree that it shouldn’t be considered a do it all quiver board necessarily – it’s certainly freeride oriented, but I certainly had a better experience on groomer than what you describe. And I had some pretty cruddy, hard conditions too. But yeah, personally I think for this board 161 is too long, even at 225lbs, so I think that’s part of the problem.
Anyway, again, I appreciate the insight and I’m sure others will too.
How does the hybrid compare to the yes Standard? I love the way the hybrid sounds around the entire mountain and in between trees cutting fresh lines, but want to make sure its good enough to take through the park 1 or 2 times each time I’m at the resort. I don’t spend much time in the park, although I do make a couple passes through each time I make a trip to the mountain. Mainly I hit the larger jumps if I’m in the park.
Hi Bryce
Thanks for your message.
In terms of large jumps, I think you would be all good – felt it jumped well and you can really stomp landings on this thing. The only thing is if you’re going to be hitting 180s/540s etc, then landing and taking off switch not that great. That’s where the Standard would be better. Certainly it’s better for powder and similar in terms of speed to the Standard.
So yeah, it’s good enough for the park, but straight air better – certainly for 360s it’s fine, but just that setup and landing switch not ideal – doable but not ideal.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thanks for a great review.
I want a board to charge aggressively on hard packed groomers ( pointing & carving holding stable edge.
I also need good/excellent pow float to take it to the Alps.
Before the Hybrid came I was thinking about the PYL..
Im 177cm long, 74 Kg with US 9,5- 10.
Which board & what size do you recommend?
I lean towards the Hybrid 157, its effective edge and contact length seems to match what I need to feel stable providing enough edge hold and surface. I just wonder if the 153 will still be stable enough, (I prioritize stability rather than playfulness for this board)
PS: I may add that I own a Yes greats 2020 154 and I like how wide it is.
Hi Javier
Thanks for your message.
I think the Hybrid would certainly match your needs, but the PYL might match them slightly more, just because it’s a little better for charging, IMO. But the Hybrid would certainly work for what you’re describing.
In terms of sizing, I think 157 and potentially even a little longer works for your for length for a freeride board. And going a little longer, since you already have the 154 Greats is a good idea too, particularly because you’re looking for bombing, carving and float in powder. My only concern would be how wide it is, in combination with the length. Given that I think you could go a little longer than 157 for a freeride board if you wanted to, means that 157 could be sizing down a little in overall length, making up for that extra width. I also understand you like the width of the Greats, but the Hybrid 157 is a good bit wider than the 154 Greats. For reference:
Greats 154 – waist 256mm – width at both inserts 269mm
Hybrid 157 – waist 264mm – width at back insert 277mm, width at front insert 283mm
So it’s significantly wider. So that would be my only concern. I still think it’s doable and an option, but that should be taken into account.
If you were to go PYL, you could size up to the 160W if you wanted that extra width and wanted to maintain around that 1190mm effective edge (similar to the Hybrid 157 and Greats 154). A board like the PYL is something that you can size up for. I would put you at around a 157 for an “all-mountain” length. You can certainly go a little longer for your freeride length, particularly if you’re prioritizing stability and carving, bombing and powder, and particularly when you have a smaller board in your quiver already. Typically I would say go 159 in the PYL, rather than 160W, but since you like some extra width, I think the 160W is certainly doable. And it’s not overly wide for a wide board either. It’s around 267mm at the back insert and 270mm at the front insert – so quite similar in width to the Greats 154. And similar effective edge – you’ve just got more nose to work with for that extra powder float.
I would say equivalent sizes of the PYL and Hybrid probably would be 157 versus 160W.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi
Many thanks Nate for your quick feedback.
I truly appreciate your elaborated answer giving objective arguments based on geometries.
I’m also concerned about the width since I enjoy both long and short radius fast turns with quick edge to edge transitions…
I will let you know if I finally purchase it.
Have a nice season
You’re very welcome Javier. Hope you have a great season too!
Hi Nate,
really like your reviews, because of you ill probably buy the Hybrid as it really looks to fit my needs, but im not sure which size to get. I already own an all mountain board (ride algorythm) and want to add something more freeride focused. Im looking to do a lot of trees, sidehits, carving and powpow. Im 180lbs and have size 9.5 boots. Im choosing between the 153 and the 157. On one hand im not sure if the 157 will be nimble enough for the trees with my specs, on the other hand the 153 might not have the same float (pow)/ carving ability/or might be too soft with my specs. And i also dont want the new board to be too similar to my algorythm (dont know if i even have to worry about that).
All that taken into consideration, which size do you think would fit my needs more? Would love to hear your opinion.
Hi Hans
Thanks for your message.
I’m yet to ride the Algorythm but based on my experience other similar Ride boards and the specs of the Algorythm, I would say they aren’t going to feel too similar, even in the same size. I imagine you have the Algorythm in either the 157 or 161? If you could let me know which one, that would also help.
Definitely a tough call between those 2 sizes for your specs – and you’ve hit some great points in terms of what the compromises between the size entails.
I have similar specs (185lbs and size 10 boots) when I rode this board and I found the 157 more agile than I was expecting for how wide it is. I typically don’t find wide boards very agile unless I size down quite a bit (to more like 153-155), but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. Still the 153 would of course be more agile and I am curious to try that size, if I can get my hands on it.
It probably comes down to whether the 153 would have a great negative effect on float/carving vs the effect on agility of going 157. And that will also depend on which one you’re more willing to compromise on.
In terms of flex, the 153 will feel softer than what the 157 will feel for you, for sure. Not massively so, but certainly noticeably so. I found the 157 to be around 6/10 for my flex. I imagine I would find, based on testing other boards at different size/a rough guess, the 153 to be more like 5/10 or maybe 5.5/10. So for you, it’s probably going to be similar. I often find Ride boards to feel a little stiffer or about on their flex rating and YES boards to be a little softer than their flex rating. The Hybrid is rated 7/10 but I felt it more at a 6/10. The Algorythm is rated “medium”. Other Ride boards that are rated medium I’ve tended to feel on the higher end of medium – so more like 6/10, but tough to say without having ridden it. So flex-wise, I feel like you will likely feel them to be similar in that regard. But if you’re looking for a slightly softer feel than the Algoryhm then I might be leaning 153, but if you want something a little more powerful, then lean 157.
With all that said, I think it’s going to come down to what you typically ride in an all-mountain size. i.e. what your Algorythm is. If you ride the algorythm in a 161, then I would be leaning towards the 157 Hybrid and if you ride the 157 algorythm, then I would be leaning 153. But it also depends on how whether you’re more concerned about agility or float/speed. You will have to sacrifice to some extent on one or the other depending on the size.
The Hybrid is likely to be a similar surface area on the 153 as the 157 Algorythm and the 157 Hybrid similar to the 161 algorythm. But given the more directional/tapered nature of the Hybrid, it will float better than the algorythm size-for-size (or more accurately surface area-for-surface area if that makes sense). So that’s one reason I think it depends on the size you’re riding the algorythm in – if you’re after more float than the Algorythm – which I’m guessing you’re after, then you’ll want to size accordingly.
I think both sizes would work but one will certainly be more tree dominant and the other more powder/carving/speed dominant, but both won’t be terrible at the other, if that makes sense. Probably hasn’t made your decision that much easier – but it really is a tight call with this one. Anyway, hopefully that gives you a little more to go off for your decision
Wow thanks for the fast and elaborate reply! I own the 161 Algorythm, and after hearing your answer im pretty sure im going with the 157 hybrid. Ive only owned all mountain or freestyle decks ever since i started snowboarding, so to get some more of that freeride feel i think the 157 will fit me better. Thanks for the help nate appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Hans. And yeah I agree, I think the 157 would be a good way to go, given you ride the 161 Algorythm.
Hi Nate,
Am thinking about the Hybrid for a fun carver and pow/tree board, but I have US8.5 feet. Would the 157 be too wide for me? (eg on hardpack) I can pick one up on sale at the moment. Or best to wait for the 153 to come out? (or another board)
Am also considering the PYL, but I need something that works at slow speeds as well as fast and suspect its too stiff
P.S I’m 180 lbs
Cheers
Hi Baz
Thanks for the message.
For your specs and what you’re describing. I think the 153 would be the better option in the Hybrid. And I think the Hybrid in that size would suit what you’re describing well, but I feel it will lack the maneuverability you are probably looking for for riding in the trees, if you were to get it in the 157.
The PYL is better at slow speeds than you would think. It always surprises me. It’s not going to be as maneuverable at slow speeds as the Jackpot 154 (looking back at our previous messages), but better than you would think for its flex. I think if you were to size to the 156, it would be a good balance of float in powder and good maneuverability in trees – and in the 156 would feel a little softer than if you were to get it in the 159. So, I think that’s certainly an option – and would be a good compliment to the Jackpot. The Hybrid 153 would also be a good compliment to the Jackpot and would definitely work also. Just depends on if you want to wait for it, or try to find a past season PYL 156. But I think they would both work, in those particular sizes for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thanks for replying to my post so quickly. Wow, it looks like I nailed it, just goes to show how detailed your reviews and support information is.
The widths at the inserts are great detail. That Hybrid front insert is really wide.
Whilst there may be some logic to sticking with Never Summer, I am thinking that the extra width of the Hybrid won’t hold me back and the underbite will give the Hybrid the better hold of the two on hard/icy steeps?
Do you personally recommend one or the other for my specs?
Thanks again
Hi Dave
I don’t think there’s a bad choice between them. The Hybrid is that little bit better in hard/icy conditions. The West Bound isn’t bad there though, but the Hybrid just a little better. Another reason to potentially lean to Hybrid is that you do get something that’s a different brand and you get that different brand feel. Though that said, the West Bound is a quite different board to the Funslinger, of course.
Thanks for the advice Nate. Ordered the Hybrid 157
You’re very welcome Dave. Awesome that you have the board coming. Hope it treats you well, when you get a chance to take it out. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you get it out on snow
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reviews, they make great reading and have helped me narrow down the board to buy.
Stats: 183lbs, 5’10, 11 boot. Level 5-6 using your system. I ride 12-15 days a year with 3 years experience.
I feel I am level 5-6 as I am confident, competent with turns on blues and reds but slide out when trying to control speed on steeper reds. Not felt confident in my speed control to ride blacks yet.
I have a NS Funslinger in 154x and Jones MT 2018 154. The Jones I bought too small and I use the Funslinger mostly. I now want a Freeride/All mountain board as I try to finish my turns without skidding and progress to off piste, trees etc.
I am looking to have something competent in resort powder (if I’m lucky), gives me more confidence to ride faster and suits my progression to make good turns on steeper terrain. No park.
I don’t want a 160+ length board and your review has made me think that the Yes Hybrid 157 or NS West Bound 158x could be suitable considering my experience and stats.
I have considered the NS Proto tt but I feel that it would make sense to get something directional.
Please would you give me your opinion and feel free to make any siggestions
Hi Dave
Thanks for your message.
I agree that your Mountain Twin is too short for your specs for what you’re looking to do. The 154X Funslinger is a good length for that board though, if you’re using it mostly for freestyle riding. But yeah, definitely going with a more freeride oriented board in a longer size to complement the Funslinger is a good idea.
I also agree that going with something directional is a good idea as a compliment to the Funslinger. The Hybrid or Westbound are great options for what you’re describing and I think you’re on the right track with something like that, for sure. Size-wise, again (I’m very agreeable today!) I think you’re right on in terms of sizing for those 2 boards.
The Hybrid is a little wider overall. They’re both the same at the waist, but the Hybrid is a little wider tip/tail and at the inserts. Width at inserts of the two boards:
Hybrid 157: 277mm at back insert, 283mm front insert
West Bound 158X: 273mm at back insert, 274mm at front insert
So depending on how wide you wanted to go.
But yeah, both would work really well for your specs and what you’re looking to achieve on them, IMO. And would both be a good compliment to your Funslinger, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Dave, I hope you don’t mind me throwing my two cents in here along with Nate (Nate gives some great advice by the way). I just couldn’t help notice the similarities with your situation, and the purchase decision I was making last year at this time. My specs are very close to yours – same height, I’m approximately 5 to 10 lbs heavier, but wear a size 10 US boot. Our skill levels sound pretty comparable – I do ride some double black terrain when the snow is soft, but I wasn’t doing that until this past season.
Last year I was between the Yes Hybrid, the NS Westbound, and the Gnu Hyperkyarve. I ended up going with the Yes Hybrid 157, and I love it for most things. In soft snow, it is fantastic. It has a very unique ride. Nate hits it pretty well with his “stable” characterization, because it doesn’t ride as back-foot surfy in powder as most freeride boards. It has more of a float on top ride, than a sink the back foot ride. My two downsides for the Hybrid are the reference stance and the turn initiation on hard snow. The reference stance is 23”. I prefer closer to 22”, and have been riding the innermost inserts on the Hybrid, which puts me at 21.5” stance. If you ride a little wider, then this won’t be an issue, but for me the front of the board rides just a little long with my front binding mounted that far back. It doesn’t bother me at all unless I’m in harder messy snow. Obviously, if you ride a 23” or wider stance then you are golden, and honestly it’s just a bit of an occasional annoyance but not that big of a deal for me. The 2nd issue is that for my specs and style, the Hybrid seems to initiate turns a little slow in hard snow. In powder, it has a very smooth transition that rolls well from edge to edge. It’s plenty capable of powder runs through the trees. Yet on hard, tracked-up snow, it can be a little slow getting from edge to edge. It’s a board that just rides pretty wide. Since you have size 11 boots, you will be fine. I don’t think that will be an issue at all. My medium bindings just swim inside the edges of this board, and it just takes a little more effort to leverage the board, so it makes my transitions slow. Part of me wishes I would have went with the 153, but I would be scared to give up how great the 157 rides powder. Also, at the time I was board shopping, I was actually wearing a size 11 boot because that’s what the rental shops had always put me in, but when I purchased Burton step-on boots I ended up dialing it all the way back to a Size 10. Based on what I thought were my specs, the 157 would have been perfect. One other thing I will mention on the Hybrid, it has a very interesting side cut with great edge hold. As my riding progressed this year, I could tell a big difference in how the side cut wants to turn based on how you weight the turn. When you center weight it and pressure the board, it does hurry the middle section of the turn along the side cut, which makes for easy speed control. But you can also get much longer arcs out of the turn by shifting your weight slightly. It’s a really forgiving board, yet very capable, and I have been able to greatly progress my riding over the last season while riding the Hybrid. Based on what you said, I think it would be a good fit for you.
One side note on the NS Westbound, when I was still shopping, I spoke with a NS rep about my sizing for that board. Keep in mind that I still thought I was a size 11 boot at the time. She highly recommended the 157 for my specs, unless I planned to ride a very low stance angle. She said you really had to be turning the board over hard on a deep carve to get toe drag on a 157 with a size 11 boot, and even then you could crank up the stance angle and get away with it. She said I would probably enjoy the added playfulness and quicker response on the 157 compared to the 158x.
Anyway, just thought I would mention since your situation sounded very familiar. Hope this helps.