Hello and welcome to my YES Jackpot review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Jackpot as a freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Jackpot a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Jackpot 2019
Price: $479 (USD recommended retail)
Style: Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (6/10 on YES’s flex scale)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Soft, bordering on medium (4.5/10)
Rating Score: 86.8/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Boards
Out of the 36 men’s freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Jackpot’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Jackpot’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freestyle |
Price: | $479 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber 2-4-2 (rocker-camber-rocker) |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
Length (cm) | 149 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 156W | 158 |
Waist Width (mm) | 248 | 250 | 251 | 252 | 258 | 254 |
Rec Rider Weight (lb) | 125-165 | 135-175 | 140-180 | 145-185 | 150-190 | 150-190 |
Rec Rider Weight (kg) | 57-75 | 61-80 | 64-82 | 65-84 | 68-86 | 73-91 |
Who is the Jackpot Most Suited To?
The Jackpot is perfect for anyone who likes to spend a lot of time in the park but who also likes to leave the park, lay down some carves and pick up some speed.
It’s better for speed and carving than most freestyle boards – but it’s main strengths still lie in freestyle tasks, such as jumps, jibbing, riding switch and for butters.
It wouldn’t be a horrible choice as a complete beginner board – but not ideal either. But for intermediate or high-level beginners it is suitable.
It’s also great in hard and icy snow conditions, so if you encounter those a lot, then this is a great option.
The Jackpot in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Jackpot is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Jackpot 2019, 154cm (251mm waist width)
Date: March 16, 2018
Conditions: Sunny as! So yeah, perfect vis. Snow was pretty soft on groomer – mustn’t have been cold enough in the morning to ice up. But pretty crunchy/icy off groomer. As close to zero wind as you can get.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 263mm
Weight: 2740grams (6lb 1 oz)
Weight per cm: 17.79 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.21 grams/cm*
*based on a small sample size of 24 boards that I weighed. So just on the light side of normal – but a very small sample size. Roughly normal weight.
Powder
Not really designed to ride the powder. Of course, you can ride powder on any board, but the Jackpot isn’t designed for it. Better than some freestyle boards though. There’s enough rocker tip and tail to help with float.
It’s probably a 2.5/5 for one direction in powder but I give it a 3/10 for powder just because, it’s equally as good in powder riding switch, so if you like to ride switch in powder, then it’s got that.
But either direction, you’ll still have to work reasonably hard to keep it afloat – perhaps even more so for the 2019 model, which now has less rocker tip and tail.
Carving & Turning
The Jackpot is a pretty good little carver for a centered, twin, freestyle deck. Again, even more so, now that it’s more camber dominant for the 2019 model.
In terms of skidded turns, it’s quite forgiving and it’s pretty quick edge-to-edge.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Speed
For a freestyle board, it can handle speed pretty well. Even on the 154cm, which is shorter than I’d usually ride even for a freestyle board, it had reasonable stability at speed. Would be even better if I was a longer size – the rating for speed is based on what it would be estimated to be like on a longer length.
That said, since I would buy this board as a strictly freestyle deck, I’d potentially actually go for the 154. Though more likely the 156.
Uneven Terrain
It’s pretty forgiving on uneven terrain for that late afternoon crud.
Jumps
The Jackpot has some really good pop and felt really nice over small, medium or large jumps.
It’s a great board of ollies with all that pop in there and it felt nice and stable on landings.
It’s an easy board to spin – and felt great off rollers, natural hits and jumps in the park.
Switch
The only thing that would improve this board for riding switch (IMO) would be asymmetry – but some people don’t like asym, so not every freestyle board is going to be asym. And that’s only a small thing really – this board is pretty close to being ideal for riding switch.
Jibbing/Butters
Not as good with jibs as the 2018 model was – just because of that less emphasized rocker tip and tail. But still something that I felt confident jibbing on.
And it still butters just as well – really easy board to butter on.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The main change for the 2019 model, compared to the 2018 model is that it now has a 2-4-2 (rocker-camber-rocker) set up for its camber profile. Previously it was 4-4-4, So, there is less rocker there now. This gives the board a slightly different, more camber dominant feel – but certainly still notice those rocker sections so certainly nothing like trad camber.
So, overall it has a slightly more aggressive, slightly more all-mountain-freestyle, less jibby feel to it. But still butters just as well.
Changes from the 2017 Model
The 2018 model is virtually identical to the 2017 model, except that the stance width options have been narrowed (and the graphic has changed).
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Jibbing | 3.5 | 14/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Powder | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Carving/Turning | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
Speed | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
Pipe | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.8/100 |
Overall, the Jackpot is a great park board that can also take you for some groomer laps and let’s you lay down some carves and pick up a bit of speed, when feeling the need. But it’s still at it’s best in the park, particularly for the jump line and for spins – but also for buttering and jibbing too.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Jackpot, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Jackpot compares to other men’s freestyle boards or want to check out some other freestyle options, click on the button below.
maik says
October 31, 2017 at 11:54 amHey Nate! That’s a very very nice review!I ve got last years model and im looking for new bindings! Which one did you use?? I’m between a lot of models and I’m a little bit confused.. I ride the burton missions but I want something softer..(contacts?contacts pro? Ride rodeos?nowbrigade?k2lienfs?
Thanks a lot
Nate says
November 1, 2017 at 9:24 amHi Maik
I used my 2016 Flux DSs (which I used on most boards that I demoed last season to get a consistent experience). They’re an option and worked with the Jackpot and would be a little softer than the Missions – but I think the Contact Pros or Lien FS would be your best options – or the Ride Rodeo. They’re all a bit softer and have a good board feel, and have good shock absorption, which I like for riding freestyle.
You can check out this list too (which has those 3 bindings on it):
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
Hope this helps
Veil says
November 30, 2017 at 9:59 pmHow stiff is this? compared to say a NS Proto Type 2?
Nate says
December 1, 2017 at 11:25 amHi Veil
I’d say it’s just a touch softer than the PT2. I’d put PT2 at about 5/10 and the Jackpot at 4 or perhaps more like 4.5/10.
YES rate it 4/5, which in my head translates to 8/10. But no way it’s that stiff. YESs flex ratings are a bit weird, IMO – but they make awesome boards, so we can forgive them their flex rating system!
Hope this helps
Alex says
March 9, 2019 at 12:20 pmHi Nate,
Looking for some help as I can’t decide between this the YES Jackpot or the salomon assassin that you reviewed really well as they are currently on offer for about the same. I am looking for an all-mountain board with most time spent on the piste but going off the natural jumps and quick turns. Been to a few stores and they all say not much to tell between them and wanted your thoughts? I’m 6″2 and about 80/85kg if it helps?
Thanks
Alex says
March 9, 2019 at 1:25 pmJust thought I ought to add,boots are size 11 burton rulers. Not much interest in jibbing but certainly carving and messing around on the way down 🙂
Nate says
March 12, 2019 at 12:39 pmHi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Assassin is more all-mountain oriented than the Jackpot (particularly the 2019 and upcoming 2020 models – which are a little different to the 2018 and previous models). The Jackpot is a freestyle deck that could easily be categorized as all-mountain-freestyle – so it’s also got some all-mountain feel going to it. But I would say that the Jackpot is on the all-mountain-freestyle end of freestyle, whereas the Assassin (at least the 2019/2020 models) are on the all-mountain end of all-mountain-freestyle – so a little more all-mountain oriented, if that makes sense.
The Assassin (2019/2020 models) is now a directional twin – so it’s got a slightly longer nose than tail.
I just rode the 2020 Assassin, so my review will be changing a little – as the last one was based on the 2018 model.
But for what you’re describing, both boards would do a great job, so it is a very hard choice.
Length-wise, for your specs, your style and this style of board, I would say that something around 158 to 160 would be a good range to look at.
Width-wise, if you were to ride with +15/-15 angles – or at least a reasonable angle on the back foot, and since you have Burton boots, then I think you’d get on the 158 Jackpot fine – especially given that it has mid-bite, making the width at inserts (266mm) a little wider than you would think based on waist width. But if you liked to get really deep carves in, then you might still want to think about going a little wider.
The 158W Assassin is likely around 272mm at the inserts (based on measuring a different size), which is a good width for 11s, IMO, if you’re wanting to ride a straighter back binding angle, and/or wanting to get really deep on your carves. The 159 (likely 264mm at the inserts) would also be doable, depending on binding angles etc.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Alex Gould says
March 15, 2019 at 3:10 pmThank you very much, much clearer that the assassin is way more towards my style of riding than the jackpot.
Though will probs now get the 2020 model as off to slopes tomorrow for a week!
Nate says
March 16, 2019 at 8:32 pmYou’re very welcome Alex. Hope you have an awesome trip!
CW says
January 20, 2018 at 3:18 amHi Nate,
Have you try GNU Headspace C3 ?
Which one will you recommend between these two boards for a freestyle beginner?
Thanks.
Nate says
January 20, 2018 at 1:45 pmHi CW
I haven’t ridden the Headspace since it got it’s C3 camber. It used to be BTX (so basically all-rocker) and now it’s mostly camber.
Generally speaking camber can feel catchy and quite aggressive when there’s little rocker to balance it out. So, based on other C3 models, I’d say that this wouldn’t be the best for a beginner. It sounds like you’re a beginner just in the sense of freestyle, so you can already ride? (let me know if I have that wrong though) – but even so I would say that something more forgiving in terms of the camber profile would be better for leaning freestyle on – even if you can otherwise ride competently. Looks like it’s still got the same flex (which is on the softer side of medium) so in that respect, I think it would be fine but it’s the camber profile that would put me off for a beginner in freestyle.
The YES Jackpot would be a better bet, IMO – still not overly beginner friendly, but relatively beginner friendly. It feels closer to medium flex than soft flex – going with something softer would be an easier learning curve – but it’s not a bad bet, and based on the camber profiles, I’d say a better bet than the Headspace C3.
Size is also important. You’ll want to go for something shorter than you would for all-mountain riding – going shorter will to make either of these boards better for learning freestyle on, compared to if you went with a longer length. If you’d like a length recommendation I’d be happy to provide one if you could let me know your height and weight.
Hope this helps
lawrence says
February 15, 2018 at 7:48 amHi there, I’m 165lb us11 … Using a ride reduced footprint boots…What size u think I should get?? The 154 or 156?? I will be the park board for me as I will use my old board for other stuffs…Thanks!
Nate says
February 15, 2018 at 2:14 pmHi Lawrence
Given that you will just be using it as your park board and that you have reduced footprint boots, I think either will be ok for width – assuming you’re riding with a decent angle on your back foot (e.g. 15 degrees).
In terms of the length to go with, I would probably be leaning towards 154 for your weight, but if you could also let me know your height and the size of your other board, then I can make a more accurate recommendation.
Hope this helps
lawrence says
February 16, 2018 at 2:37 amI’m 5’10, yea, I’m leaning to get a 154 too. Thanks!!
Nate says
February 16, 2018 at 1:25 pmHi Lawrence
Yeah, you could ride either of those, but I would still lean towards the 154, since it’s going to be your dedicated park board and assuming your other board is longer.
Tony says
April 24, 2018 at 5:45 pmHey Nate, I’m 5’3″ 150lb, I generally ride 154. I tried the 154 jackpot and loved it. But, should I size down? Thanks
Nate says
April 25, 2018 at 10:49 amHi Tony
Yeah I would size down a little for it. But personal preference and what you’re used to do come into it as well. Ordinarily for your specs, for this board, I would say 149 – but since you are used to 154s and since you tried this board in the 154 and know you liked that size, then I think the 152 is probably your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Carmine says
January 10, 2019 at 1:45 pmHi Nate.
I am 27 yo and I am an intermediate rider (following your guide about the ability level). I would like to start to learn some tricks and enter in the park. I would like to buy an all-mountain freestyle board that allows me to go on groomers and carve well but also behave well in the park. I don’t care about powder.
I’m undecided between the yes jackpot 2019 and the salomon assassin 2019. I can buy both for the same price.
Which one you would buy?
They seem pretty close.
I’m 5’93” 190lbs and my boots are 10us(280cm). Which measure do you suggest?
I have union factory 2014 bindings l/xl.
Are they good for these boards?
Thank you very much for your attention.
Nate says
January 12, 2019 at 11:54 amHi Carmine
Thanks for your message.
Yeah both are pretty similar, but certainly not exactly the same. The main differences, IMO, are:
1. The Jackpot is a little better for jibbing
2. The Assassin is a little better for jumps
3. The Jackpot is better in hard/icy conditions, though the Assassin not bad there either
4. The Jackpot is a true twin, the 2019 Assassin is a directional twin (a little longer in the nose than in the tail) – the 2018 was a true twin but the 2019 changed a bit
5. The Assassin is a lighter board – the Jackpot isn’t heavy by any means (on the lighter side of normal) but the Assassin is very light.
The Union Factory would work fine with either of these boards, IMO.
Size-wise, I would go 156 for both for you. You could also go 158 for Jackpot and 159 for Assassin, but I think the 156 would be better suited.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Carmine says
January 13, 2019 at 5:39 amThank you Nate for your answer! I’m considering also the yes greats 156 of 2017/18 since I can buy one at the same price of the salomon assassin 2019. Which one would you prefer between the assassin and the greats as an all mountain freestyle board? Does the greats 17/18 edge hold sucks with respect to the assassin? How are their pop compared?
I also go sometimes off-piste but always something easy (close to the groomers) since I’m not interested too much in the Pow.
Thank you very much for your help I promise these are the last questions 🙂
Carmine says
January 13, 2019 at 6:40 amLast thing I’m 5’11” (181cm) not 5’93”. Sorry for my conversion error
Nate says
January 14, 2019 at 5:10 pmHi Carmine
Thanks for the correction. That makes something closer to 159 more appealing. But something around 156 is still an option too – given that you’re intermediate, wanting something that’s poppy and good for freestyle and not too worried about powder. The longer sizes would give you a bit more in terms of stability at speed, so you’d have to weigh that up, but 156 would certainly work for what you’re describing.
The 2017-18 Greats, doesn’t have the same edge-hold as the 2019 model but it’s still pretty good. I would say similar to the Assassin’s. The 2019 Greats better than the Assassin and 2017-18 Greats, in that respect, IMO. Pop-wise, they would be pretty similar – both have really good pop.
It’s certainly a close call between the 17-18 Greats, and the 2019 Assassin, but I would be leaning towards the 17-18 Greats. Even though I feel the 2019 Greats is an improvement on the 17-18 Greats, the 17-18 Greats was still an awesome deck, IMO.
But neither would be a bad call. Both are really good boards and would be suitable for what you’re describing.
Carmine says
January 15, 2019 at 3:56 amThank you very much Nate for your help in this choice. You re very kind! Your advices are precious!
I will go for the Yes greats then!
I have the possibility also to buy a greats 2019 for a bit more but in the size 151. I’m thinking that since the increase in width of this year this size could fit my boots size but I’m bit worried about stability on groomers.
What do you think about?
Nate says
January 15, 2019 at 12:34 pmHi Carmine
I think the 151 would be too small. I would still go 156 for the 2019 model. The 154 at a stretch, but the 151 too small, IMO. I’m similar specs (6’0″, 185lbs, US10 boots) and I like the 156 for the 2019 model.
Carmine says
January 15, 2019 at 2:25 pmThank you again Nate!
I ended up buying the greats 2017/18 156.
You’re advices were so helpful.
Can’t wait to try it on the snow!
Nate says
January 16, 2019 at 1:06 pmYou’re very welcome Carmine. Let me know what you think once you’ve had a chance to get it on snow (if you think of it at the time). Hope you have an awesome season!
Carmine says
January 18, 2019 at 3:36 amSorry If I bother you again. I have noticed some rust stains on the edges of the board. Is it normal? Since it is new and never used and still in its plastic.
Nate says
January 19, 2019 at 2:37 pmHi Carmine
I wouldn’t say that it’s normal, but it can certainly happen with past season boards that have been sitting on the shelf for a while. Hopefully it’s just surface staining and should come out pretty easily. Hopefully you could be able to find someone to clean it up for free/cheap. Getting a sharpen should hopefully take care of it. I can’t imagine it would be anything major, given that it’s been in the plastic and never used.
Carmine says
January 23, 2019 at 1:53 pmThank you so much! I will go soon to the alps to try it on the snow. Hopefully they will go away by themselves and if not I will bring it to someone. I will let you know about the greats. Hope you have a wonderful season too!
shan says
January 30, 2019 at 6:08 amI really like Yes. boards and I the versatility combined with park excellence of this board was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, they only size up to 158. I need at least a 159W. Is the 2019 Yes. Basic similar enough to satisfy my needs? Is there a board around this price point that you know of that will have my size?
Thanks!
Nate says
January 30, 2019 at 4:20 pmHi Shan
Thanks for your message
The Basic has some similarities but is also quite different in a few ways.
1. They both have a hybrid camber profile but the Basic has a 4-4-4 rocker-camber-rocker – 4mm of rocker towards tip and tail and 4mm of camber between/under the feet. The Jackpot is 2-4-2. So it has less rocker in there.
2. The Jackpot has mid-bite, which essentially cinches the waist in – so that there is a greater difference between the waist and the width at the inserts and the width at tip and tail. Comparing the Jackpot 158 to Basic 158, the Jackpot’s waist is 254mm and the Basic 158s waist is 253mm. Pretty close. But the Jackpot is wider at the inserts and tip and tail (tip and tail on Jackpot 158 is 300mm and on Basic 158 is 287mm). I like the feel of mid-bite personally and enjoy it on all of the YES boards that have it (Jackpot, Greats, Ghost and Standard).
3. The Jackpot (2019 version anyway) is just a touch stiffer, though quite similar in terms of flex. I would say Jackpot 4.5/10 and Basic 4/10 in terms of stiffness.
4. They do have the same effective edge and contact length and tip and tail length (comparing same sizes)
I would say overall that the Jackpot is a little more dynamic than the Basic. But the Basic is certainly a fun board, just not quite as snappy/lively, if that makes sense. I would say the Greats would be a closer comparison, though that has some noticeable differences too. The Jackpot is almost in between the Basic and Greats. But, as well as the differences the Greats is also more expensive.
Sticking with something with a hybrid camber profile, like the Jackpot has, you could look at the Slash Happy Place. Otherwise, if you were happy to go Hybrid Rocker, then the Never Summer Funslinger or Lib Tech Box Knife might be good options. Otherwise the Basic is probably the next closest thing.
Hope this helps and gives you some options
marco says
March 8, 2019 at 3:36 amHi Nate,
thank’s for the reviews.
I ‘m thinking about the jackpot or the typo .
I’m snowboarding since 20+ years in the Alps, I’m 35 yo now, but still want to have some fun in the park as well as all over the mountain.
My last board is a 159 true twin camber but it is now 12 years old, and I really want to try something else, something newer, something less catchy.
I’m 6 and 180 lb size 10 Burton( from years ago…i now the footprints are quite reduced now).
I can’t decide between the typo 158/ 156w or the jackpot 156 / 158.
My porpuse is simply having fun around the slopes, buttering, carving, going off piste and enjoy the park…nothing huge, but still able to jump medium Kickers and pressing box and rails.
From what I’ve understood, they both are nice carver, same profile, good pop and good alrounder flex.
Regarding binding, i’m riding old Ride SP, but I want to move to something a bit softer…Union strata is my option n.1.
Thank’s for your advice.
Marco
Nate says
March 8, 2019 at 10:08 amHi Marco
Thanks for your message.
Between the Jackpot and Typo, I would say the main things are:
1. The Jackpot is a little wider overall – a little more surface area size for size and slightly more stable landing platform for jumps
2. The Typo has a very subtle setback stance – which helps for powder float, but with Jackpot having a little more surface area, they both end up being about the same in powder (size for size)
3. The Jackpot a little better for jumps and riding switch
4. Overall the Jackpot is more freestyle and the Typo more all-mountain – but the Jackpot is freestyle that’s capable on the mountain, and the Typo is a very freestyle leaning all-mtn, in my opinion
There are a lot of similarities (like same camber profile, same effective edge, same tip and tail lengths, similar flex) too.
Length-wise, I think 158 is your best bet. If you were going to be riding predominantly park, then 156 would be a good bet, but since you’re doing a mixture of both, I think the 158 (for either) would be best.
Width-wise, even with old Burton’s, I think you’d be fine on either with 10s (assuming US10). But the Jackpot would give you a bit more width. I would say the 158 Jackpot is around 266mm at the inserts (estimated based on measuring a different size Jackpot), which should be plenty width-wise. I haven’t measured the Typo at the inserts, but I imagine it would be a little narrower vs the Jackpot as it doesn’t have the mid-bite – but likely at least 263mm at inserts, which should also be fine.
Hope this helps with your decision
marco paoletti says
March 12, 2019 at 8:31 amThank’s Nate,
very appreciate.
I think I’ll go for the best offer i’ll find.
What do you think about the Bindings? any suggestion? I ‘d love to try next season strata(with falcor ankle strap) or atlas within Union. Otherwize Burton cartel or Vita…..or again now pilot or flux ds(just wondering for the poor shock absorbion)
Thank’s.
Marco
Nate says
March 12, 2019 at 3:05 pmHi Marco
For bindings, I would say the Strata (like that they’re getting the Falcor ankle strap for sure!), Cartel and Malavita & DS would all work well. The Atlas might be just a tad stiff for those boards. But not by heaps. Still doable but just a little on the stiffer side. Not sure about Pilot yet, as I haven’t ridden them yet, but they might also be suitable.
Also check out, if you haven’t already:
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps
PC says
March 11, 2019 at 11:25 pmNate, I’m 5’6″ 130-135 lbs. Seasoned rider. I’m more into taking freestyle out of the park so more playing around the mountain. You think a 151 will be too big? Looking for all-rounder freestyle board that can carve as well.
Nate says
March 12, 2019 at 2:45 pmHi PC
Thanks for your message.
From what your describing, and for your specs, I think the 149 would be the better size for you, but 152 isn’t way off. It’s not going to be gigantic for you, but I think the 149 would be a little better. If you’re used to riding longer boards, then you might be fine on the 152, but if you could find the 149, I think that would work better. Can you also let me know your boot size?
PC says
March 12, 2019 at 4:17 pmThanks Nate, boot size will be between 6-7. My gut feeling is the 149.
Nate says
March 13, 2019 at 5:17 pmHi PC
Yeah with that boot size, I would definitely be leaning towards 149 even more so.
PC says
March 13, 2019 at 10:01 pmThank you so much!
Nate says
March 14, 2019 at 3:17 pmYou’re very welcome. Hope you have an awesome rest of your season!