Hello and welcome to my YES Standard snowboard review
In this review, I will take a look at the Standard as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Standard a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: YES Standard
Price: $549 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10 on YES’s flex scale)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 91.0/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 37 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
- The average score was 83.0/100
- The highest score was 91.0/100
- The lowest score was 71.7/100
- The average price was $542 (USD)
- The Standard ranked 1st out of 37!
Overview of the Standard’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Standard’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All Mountain |
Price: | $549 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Camber (3-4-3 Rocker-Camber-Rocker) |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered (with slam back stance option) |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
149 | 245 | 120-160 | 54-73 |
151 | 248 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
153 | 253 | 130-190 | 59-86 |
156 | 258 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
159 | 263 | 160-210 | 73-95 |
162 | 268 | 180-220+ | 82-100+ |
167 | 266 | 180-220+ | 82-100+ |
Who is the Standard Most Suited To?
The Standard is the board for anyone that likes to do a bit of everything but only wants one board to do it all on and not have the hassle of switching boards depending on the situation.
So, if you want to be able to ride the powder, ride the park and ride groomers and ride them in any style that you like, then the Standard is worth checking out.
Not ideally suited for a beginner (but not the worst either) but great for anyone who is intermediate or up.
The Standard in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Standard is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: YES Standard 2019, 156cm (258mm waist)
Date: March 15, 2018
Conditions: Icy in a lot of places, especially first thing but even first thing there were some softer patches. Icy patches decreased and soft patches increased as the day went on. Sunny as! Clear blue skies. So, goes without saying 100% vis.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 545mm (21.5“)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 270mm (10.6“)
Weight: 2880grams (6lb 5.6oz)
Weight per cm: 18.46grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 18.21grams/cm* (so it’s really close to average)
*based on a small sample size of 24 boards that I weighed.
Given the width of the board, it’s quite light for per cm.
Powder
Even when centered, this board rides the powder well. This is mostly based on the 2018 model, when I had more powder to test in.
If you were to set it back (and it has some extra “slam back” inserts where you can setup with a decent setback if you want) it would be even better. But I was too lazy to do it, even though I had plenty of fresh powder to play with. The reason? It was good enough in powder when it was centered so I didn’t feel the need.
Now, I was also demoing for other characteristics and I wanted to test it in it’s normal stance, which is centered, but if you had a powder day you could slam it back and it would be worth it if you were going to be surfing the powder all day.
It has a good bit of rocker in tip and tail (so riding the pow switch is also fine) and it’s also has something that YES call a “directional volume twin” – which means it’s essentially a true twin except that the tail has a little less material in there (it’s the same width and length as the nose). You notice this in powder but not on groomers – so it’s essentially a true twin on groomers.
Carving & Turning
Even though there is plenty of rocker in the tip and tail of this board, it drives a carve nicely.
And for basic turns it’s nice and it’s quite forgiving. You can definitely get away with skidded turns and it’s not catchy at all.
Flex-wise YES rate this a 7/10 but I’d say more like 6/10.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Speed
This board can handle the speed and it feels stable even when bombing. It’s not going to be the speed demon that a freeride board is – but it’s certainly no slouch, especially for a twin.
Uneven Terrain
As with pretty much everything this board tries to do, it is good in uneven terrain.
Jumps
This board is super fun on jumps and doing spins. It’s got that camber between the feet that really helps with pop and it’s got great stability for landings.
It’s got an even swing feel and with that centered stance feels really comfortable with spins.
And now that it has a lighter core (new for the 2019 model), it makes it even snappier and easier to pop and spin.
Switch
It’s basically a true twin and that shows when you’re riding switch. It wouldn’t be as comfortable riding switch in the slam back stance position but centered it’s a great board for riding and landing switch.
Jibbing/Buttering
Definitely doable – it’s not going to match it with freestyle or jib specialist boards or get close to them, but it can jib OK. It’s not something that frightened the daylights out of me when approaching jibs like some boards can (or make me skip the jib line altogether!)
Actually a really easy/nice board to butter. Easier than I expected with the flex that it has. It's perhaps a little softer tip and tail than it is in the middle.
Pipe
Though I didn’t ride it in a pipe I think it would be a really good pipe board. It’s got enough stiffness, has good edge hold in hard snow and has a decent amount of camber between the feet to help drive between the walls. It’s also centered and virtually a true twin with a good swing feel.
Changes from the 2023 Model
The 2024 YES Standard, from what I can tell is the same as the 2023 model, bar the graphic.
Changes from the 2022 Model
The 2023 YES Standard, from what I can tell is the same as the 2022 model, bar the graphic.
Changes from the 2021 Model
The 2022 YES Standard, from what I can tell is the same as the 2021 model, bar the graphic.
Changes from the 2020 Model
The 2021 YES Standard, from what I can tell is the same as the 2020 model, bar the graphic.
Changes from the 2019 Model
The 2020 YES Standard, from what I can see is the same as the 2019 model. Only change is that there is the new size. It now comes in a 167.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The 2018 and 2019 are mostly the same. The one change is that the 2019 model has a lighter core. Otherwise it's the same but this is a nice improvement. There were more major changes between the 2017 and 2018 models (see below).
Changes from the 2017 Model
There were a few changes between the 2017 & 2018 model.
Firstly, the sizings changed. There are no longer any wide sizes but the regular sizes are wider.
It now comes in a 149, 151, 153, 156 and 159. The 2017 model came in a 152, 154, 156, 158, 156W, 159W, 161W. But with that wider waist width, you can ride a shorter board if you want.
In terms of waist width the 156cm that I rode in the 2018 model had a 258mm waist width and the 2017 model 156cm had a 250mm waist width – so this increased quite a bit. The 159 now has a 263mm waist – which is wider than the 2017 159W, which had a 258mm waist.
The sidecuts and effective edges also changed for the 2018 model.
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 | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.0/100 |
The Standard is on the top of the list for me, as far as do-it-all, one-board-quiver boards out there go. As well as performing really well across all the categories I test for, it's also just got that X factor that's hard to describe.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Standard, are ready to buy or would like to check out current prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Standard compared to other all-mountain boards or want to check out some other options check out the next link.
Hi Nate – firstly, your site is brilliant and I find your reviews honest and trustworthy – big thank you from me!
I was hoping you might be able to guide me a little. I’m a new snowboarder with only about 2 weeks of experience so far (7 days longest consecutive), and able to ride greens and most blues confidently. I don’t have much desire to ride park or do large jumps, and like carving resort groomers here in New Zealand (which don’t have powder and can be icy or slushy at times).
I recently had my loved YES Basic replaced under warranty and have a store credit to get a replacement board, which got me thinking about getting something more suited to groomers than park, with top of my list based on your review being the YES Standard. The sales guy in store however, thought that something directional like the Bataleon Cruiser might suit me better, and assures me that it is actually a very easy ride which rarely catches edges, so could suit my skill level.
My issue is that from your review of the Cruiser it might be a bit tricky for my level of experience.
What are your thoughts on whether the Cruiser would be a potential match, and if not, can you suggest anything better than the Standard for me (or should I just get it!?). Note that my other favoured board (Ride Shadowban) is sold out here and the store not stocking Ride anymore.
Many thanks in advance for your reply!
Hi Jon
The Cruiser isn’t super hard to ride or anything, but I would typically recommend it to more experienced riders. It could work. But to be fair, the Standard will be similar in that sense, so you could go Cruiser, if you were thinking of Standard anyway. That said, the Standard will do better in icy conditions, though the Cruiser isn’t bad there.
If you wanted to go more directional but a little easier to ride, then you could look at something like the GNU Hyper, Jones Mind Expander or Jones Frontier.
If you’re not really riding switch, then you can certainly go with something more directional, but it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to either. So the Standard could still work – or if you want something a little easier, the YES Typo or something like the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, could also work (and both good in icy conditions).
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
first of all, thanks for all the great reviews!
I bought the YES Standard 159 last year and I really love the board. So far I have used the board with my old Flow binding and Burton boots from 2008 and now it’s time for an upgrade. I am therefore looking for a suitable binding and also new boots for my YES Standard.
My boot size is about US11-12 and I would describe myself as an advanced rider doing mainly groom and riding at rather fast speeds.
What do you think of the Burton Step-ons for the YES? I find the convenience kind of attractive.
Cheers,
Seb
Hi Seb
Thanks for your message.
The Step-Ons (either the regular Step On or Step On Genesis in terms of bindings and Photon or Ion in terms of boots) would be a good flex match to the Standard and your style of riding. In terms of whether you’d like them or not, I think it depends on the feel you’re going for. I find the Step On system really locks you in place, so there’s not a lot of freedom of movement, besides the flex of the baseplate and highback. So, I find them really good in terms of response and for carving and bombing. But not so good when it comes to board feel, in terms of pressing, ollying, etc. So, if you think you’d like that more locked in feel and don’t really do a lot of freestyle stuff, then I think you could like them.
Hey Nate,
Thanks for all your content and advice, it’s truly a godsend for the average boarder. I’m 6’0” and 175-180 with a size 11 boot. Almost never do park, but do enjoy some side hits. Don’t hit trees too often either, mostly steeps and groomers with the occasional off-piste action. Is the 159 too big for me?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159, so I think it’s doable. It’s still a little wider than ideal for 11s, IMO, but it’s certainly doable. You have the same height/weight specs as me and I really like the 156 and find the 159 too big. But you do have bigger feet than me and that makes the 159 more doable for sure. So it’s a close call between the 159 and 156. If it was me, I think I’d still ultimately go 156, even if I had bigger feet, but then I’d be doing more trees and freestyle stuff than it sounds like you’ll be doing.
One more thing to take into account in your decision. Not entirely the same as your case, but I had someone recently who went with the 162, being 5’11”, 220lbs and with an 11 boot. They were using it mostly for freeride oriented stuff too. They said they found it a bit big and thought the 159 would have been the better bet. Doesn’t mean you have to err smaller, but just another piece of info to include to give you more perspective.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much Nate, I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to messages like mine and so many others. I ended up going with the 156. Can’t wait to take it for a spin next winter.
Your hard work does not go unnoticed!
You’re very welcome Steve. And thanks for your kind words. Hope the Standard treats you well!
Hi Nate, firstly thank you for all your in depth reviews
I’m a strong intermediate rider, 83Kg, size 10 boots, 173cm tall.
I currently ride a yes typo 156W which is comfortable, soft and easy to ride.
I primarily ride in Australian conditions, which are icy, lots of heavy wet snow. However I am also going to ride in Europe next March 2024. I ride the odd black run, but mainly love side country, blue groomers and a little POW. I don’t care about park.
I am looking for an all mountain/freeride board, that can handle chunder and uneven terrain, that can do a little pow (not a pow specialist) and is good in icy conditions. I want to charge through terrain, take a legitimate step up from my typo without going to aggressive. I only ride 1 week per year, so I am typically not board fit by the time I snowboard.
The boards on my shortlist are:
Yes standard – worried this isn’t enough of a step up from typo?? Is this significantly better at crud and chunder than the typo? Your thoughts?
Yes Standard Uninc – was advised by the store that this board is more aggressive and can buck off the rider due to the carbon build. Is this board significantly better at crud and chunder than the standard? Or is standard sufficient, as in the stiffness of uninc not required/required?
Soloman Assassin Pro – Was told this was a good option, slightly more forgiving than the standard uninc. However not an ice specialist. Your thought?
Jones Stratos – I think this is too aggressive but was recommended this board and advised that this board is more forgiving than the standard uninc. However more versatile in powder.
Do you have any other board suggestions?
Appreciate your feedback
Regards
Ben
Hey Ben
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard is a significant enough step up, if you’re just looking to take a step up without going too aggressive. And does handle crud/chunder noticeably better. Not world’s apart, but noticeable nonetheless. The Standard Uninc is another step up in crud/chunder, but it is also more aggressive – you do have to be more aggressive with it to get it to respond. Though I wouldn’t say it’s too much more aggressive than the Assassin Pro. Maybe a touch. But better in icy conditions, IMO. So if you were to go more aggressive, given you need that extra icy performance, I’d be leaning Standard Uninc, but I think Standard is enough of a step up for what it sounds like you’re looking for and that’s what I’d be leaning towards.
I found the Stratos less forgiving than the Standard Uninc – not much in it, but I didn’t personally find it more forgiving. It’s noticeable stiffer in my experience. I think it otherwise works for what you’re describing, but given you still want something htat’s a bit forgiving, I’d still be leaning Standard. If anything I’d look at the YES PYL, if you were wanting to go a bit more directional. It’s stiffer than the Standard Uninc, but softer than the Stratos – but the camber profile is a little easier to manage vs Standard Uninc, so I think that would be doable. But still a bit more aggressive than the regular Standard.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you very much for your feedback,
I am now leaning towards the standard 156 and I need to select bindings.
I am deciding between the Burton Cartel and Cartel X. (I currently have Malavitas on my typo and love them).
I was recommended Cartel X, I am told that the stiffness of Cartel X is the same as the old Cartel from a few years ago. Do you believe that Cartel X is a good choice, or should I just stick with the Cartel?
I thought that Cartel X would provide future versatility in the event I buy another freeride board. I just want to ensure that Cartel X are not significantly stiffer than Cartel (i.e. too stiff).
Thanks again
Ben
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think the 156 is a great choice size-wise for the Standard for you. In terms of bindings, I would be looking at 6/10 to 7/10 flex to match the Standard best.
In terms of the Cartel. By my feel, the new Cartels are a touch softer than the Cartel’s of old, but they’re nothing super different. They have a noticeably softer highback than the Malavita, but they have a stiffer baseplate. So whilst the highback makes them seem quite soft, if you were to just judge from twisting the highback, they are still around a 5.5/10 flex overall, by my feel. Similar overall flex to the Malavitas. Just that the Malavitas have a stiffer highback but softer baseplate. The Cartel X are stiffer, but they are still a good match for the Standard, and that’s what I would personally go with on the Standard between them and the Cartel. By my feel they are more of a 7/10 flex (Cartels of old, more like a 6/10 flex – so stiffer than the new Cartels, but not as stiff as the Cartel X – at least not what I felt from them). But given that you already have the Malavitas (and whilst they are a different feeling binding to the Cartel for sure), I think the Cartel X makes more sense in your quiver, and I think it’s a better match for the Standard. The Cartel would certainly work with the Standard, but I’d go Cartel X.
Wow this is wonderful advice, thanks again Nate. You are the most helpful snowboarding enthusiast on the internet
You’re very welcome Ben. Thanks for visiting and I hope your new setup treats you well!
Hi Nate
Thanks for the amazing reviews, its helping a lot choosing the right gear for me.
I’m looking to buy my 1st snowboard but i am stuck with a few options:
Yes Standard / Yes Typo / LibTech TRS / Jones Mountain Twin
To give you a little context, i have 15 days of snowboard in total and consider myself probably low-end intermediate rider.
Starting to learn how to carve on easier slopes (can go down more difficult ones mostly with skidded turns). I do catch an edge here and there…ouch!
Ride mostly groomers (would say 90%) and some off piste/powder here and there.
I am looking for a do-it-all snowboard to hit small jumps in the groomers but that can also support my progress in carving, as i do want to ride a bit faster and keep up with my skier friends.
I mostly snowboard in Andorra and North of Spain which means that hard snow/icy conditions are quite frequent.
I’m 180cm tall ~ 5’11” / 74 kg ~ 165 lbs
My boots: Ride the 92 (6/10 flex) / Size 9
No bindings yet but looking to buy Union Ultra/ Strata / or some rear entry options like Flow NX2-TM or Nidecker Supermatic.
What you think would be the best fit for me?
If you have any other board suggestions, i’m all ears. I didn’t go super deep into my research yet
Thanks!
Hi José
Thanks or your message.
I would be leaning Typo from that list. It’s the best option for your level, IMO, and offers something you can still carve with. And it’s really good in icy conditions. The other 3 are doable though if you did want to challenge yourself more, but would be a steeper (and likely slower) learning curve. Some other options to consider include the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker and also check out >>our top 10 intermediate snowboards which has some really good options in there for what your describing (the Typo and Terrain Wrecker both in there).
Size-wise for the Typo I would be leaning 155.
If you were to go Standard, I would err shorter than that – down to the 153. The rest 154s most likely, though going up to 157 is a possibility but more of a challenge for right now. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158, but would be erring shorter, given your current level and particularly for wider boards like the Standard and to a lesser extent, the Mountain Twin.
Which bindings would depend partly on which board you ended up going with.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Thanks for the swift reply!
I agree with you that the typo is probably the best fit for my level right now, thanks for the help!
I just have some doubts regarding the size.. Im in between 155 and 158.. i do want the board to be somewhat playful but i also like to point forward sometimes and get some speed without having to pray for my life haha.
Im also planning to ride a bit more from now on (between 15 to 20 days a season) which i think will help me progress a bit faster.. Between my 1st and 2nd season there was a 3 year gap bcs of the pandemic and it felt that i had to relearn everything..
I also surf regularly and im the shape which i believe is also that supports the progress in snowboarding..
Do you think the 158 will be too much?
Which bindings do you think would fit the Typo and the ride 92 boots? Looking at supermatics/ flow nx2 and union strata
Thanks again for helping make the right gear choices mate!
have a nice day ahead!
Hi José
The 158 is doable. Between the 155 and 158, the 158 is going to be the steeper learning curve, but it will give you more stability at speed, and probably the most optimal size, once you do get to a more advanced level. Given that you’ll be riding a decent amount, you’re likely to get to that more advanced level quicker than if you were going to be riding less days, so the 158 will become more optimal quicker. But I do think you’d find the 155 more enjoyable for right now. Given you’re in shape and surf, that does help your case towards the 158.
In terms of bindings the Supermatics and NX2 are borderline too stiff for the Typo/your level, IMO. Particularly the NX2, which I’d say is too stiff (the NX2-TM not as stiff – more like Supermatic’s 7/10 flex). I would be leaning Union Strata as I think it’s the best match to the Typo and for your level. Note, if you go too stiff a binding for the board, it can result in the board feeling “twitchy”. Not sure the Supermatic/NX2-TM would be stiff enough vs the Typo for that to happen but possibly could feel a bit twitchy with those on it.
Hi Again Nate!
Thank you very much for all the detailed answers, I just bought the Typo and went for the 155. Gave a little thought about going to the 158 but i don’t want to get ahead of myself and grab a board I can’t handle yet. Besides, i still have some work to do on the fundamentals and riding switch, learning ollies, etc, so believe I made the right choice 🙂
I went a bit deeper on the bindings research and saw a few different options that might fit my setup.
Burtons Cartel
Rome Vice (probably the ones im more torn too)
Bent Metal Transfer
NOW Select PRO
Union Ultra and Strata
which one you think would be the best fit?
Thanks again for all the help!!
have a nice day
Hi José
I haven’t ridden the Transfer in a good few years, but it would do the trick, but when I rode in them, they felt softer than they’re rated. Would still work on the Typo, but the softest of the bunch I’d say and be erring towards the others. We haven’t tested the Vice but on paper looks like it would be a good match. The Select Pro is probably the stiffest option there, but still in range for the Typo. I felt them at a 6/10, bordering on 6.5/10 flex. The Ultra, Cartel and Strata would all be good bets, IMO.
Thanks so much for your responsiveness and time. Just reading your thorough responses has already helped me.
I am a very old, Northeast rider, about 20+ years of 8-10 times per year, I’m 5’7 160 lbs-ish, size 8 boots. These days I only ride blue trails, no park except for small hits occasionally. When there is some light powder I will hit it on sides and in trees when there is plenty of room around the trees.. I’m hoping to extend my riding a few more years.
I have been on the same GNU Rider’s Choice for 10 years and the rocker/camber profile and magnetraction pretty much worked for me. I ride switch when I need to get through moguls or because I’m on a long flat and have been on my toe side too long and I need a break. I find my board is kind of unstable or spinny at times (feels like I’m only riding on the center third of the board), especially at slow speeds, and at high speed I need to be on edge pretty good to hold a line and feel stable, probably center rocker? But the board has worked good eough, easy to turn, edge control on ice, ability to ride switch when I need it and I even could ride it through some small powder out west. I haven’t been paying attention to new options until now and asked myself, is this board best for me at this point?
I started out looking at Mervin boards to stay in my comfort zone and found new hybrid profiles with more camber, like the Terrain Wrecker. Then I discovered volume shift boards and flat camber like the War Pig that were supposedly still easy to turn and stop. Then I discovered Never Summer, somewhat different hybrid and edge control but great reviews and the Harpoon and Shaper sounded so good. Did I want to go directional and set back since mostly what I was riding was cruising down a blue groomer? Of course the more I read and asked around online, the more questions came up about these great boards:
1. did I really need rocker between my feet, especially with my ability now? (TW)
2. would a wider board be too much work to initiate turns especially short turns with my little size 8 hobbit feet? (Warpig, Never Summer)
3.would a camber centered board catch edges when I’m tired or going slow?
4. would a short or tapered tail be too hard to ride switch when I needed to (Harpoon)
5. would a big long nose directional feel like it’s in my way on groomers
Then I went on Reddit and someone suggested Jones Frontier, GNU Hyper and Yes Standard. I saw this review and the discussion on this thread and thought I should look into these, which I have and apparently so have others. I like what I see but except for the GNU these are going camber vs my safe, but not so great rocker.
It also occurred to me that a lot of my questons had more to do with how a board rides at slower speeds, which is the opposite of what most young bombers ask, but is my reality in the waning days of my riding. I just don’t have the muscle strength I used to and want to avoid careless riding falls because I break easy.
What are your thoughts about needing rocker centered vs camber, wider vs narrower, centered twin vs setback with some taper and the boards I have looked at. The Yes seems to check off pretty good for how and where I ride and my interest. Sorry for the long story, would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Bob
Thanks for your message. I think the Frontier, Hyper or Standard could all work for you (a bit more on that below). Some thoughts about your questions.
1. I don’t think you need rocker between the feet necessarily, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing or that, as a more advanced rider, that it’s something you necessarily don’t want either. It’s a preference thing a lot of the time. Based on how you’re describing your relationship with your Rider’s Choice (of that vintage I’m thinking it’s probably a C2 profile), I think going with something like C2X makes more sense, to give you that little bit more stability.
2. My instinct is that wider boards might not suit you that well with your boot size. Unless you were to size down quite a lot. But then you’d be going quite short in terms of effective edge. I like some volume shifted boards, but I wouldn’t personally go with one as my daily driver or one and only board and with your foot size, I feel like having one could be fun if you went really short with it, but then I think you’d be missing something at times with that really short effective edge, so I’m not feeling it as a daily driver for you
3. Most hybrid cambers (camber between the feet (and often under the feet) and rocker tip and tail) don’t feel too catchy. Not from my experience. It can depend on how much rocker they have, how pronounced the camber is, etc, but for the most part that rocker towards the tip and tail makes them less catchy than full camber. I would say the equivalent of a lot of hybrid rocker boards. Again, it depends on a few things. But I’ve experienced some hybrid rockers that are more catchy (usually when the rocker between the feet is really subtle) than some hybrid cambers and visa versa. Given that you’re used to hybrid rocker, it would likely take a little bit of time to get used to the feel, but I think you would be fine so long as you don’t go too camber dominant or too stiff. I find that stiffer boards, particularly when the torsional flex is stiffer, tends to also increase the likelihood of a board feeling catchy.
4. Does make it harder. I don’t think you need to go true twin or anything, but going with something that’s not as directional is a safer bet, IMO, if you’re going to be riding switch a reasonable amount.
5. A really big nose can sometimes feel a little cumbersome when not in powder. I don’t tend to notice it too much unless it’s quite pronounced, but it can feel a little awkward having a ton of nose in front of you, when conditions are harder.
With boards like the Frontier and Standard, you’d be switching to a hybrid camber profile, but I’ve never found either of those catchy – and they’re fairly easy going boards, without being ultra soft or playful or anything, so still good stability as well. But they’re not difficult boards to ride, IMO, and are good to ride at slower speeds, IMO. Whilst not ideally suited to switch, they are both more than capable of it (particularly the Standard). The Standard is a semi-volume-shifted board, so in terms of sizing, you’d need to be careful with that. For your specs, I would be looking at the 153. Even the 151 would be a possibility, but at that point it’s getting a little on the short side, effective edge-wise. The Frontier is a wider than average board too, so something that I would consider sizing down for as well (though it’s a board you can ride a little longer in general, so that somewhat negates that). Depending on the size that your currently riding and are used to, will depend on which I would consider the best size for the Frontier. If you could le me know what your Rider’s Choice is that would be great, particularly given you’ve been riding as long as you have, size-wise we don’t want to go too far different as you’ve adapted yourself to that size.
The Hyper would be a fairly safe bet, given what you’re used to. Not quite as good for riding switch, but doable. Something like the Terrain Wrecker (TW) would give you a little more control riding switch and might be more suitable. It’s a little softer flexing and a little more playful vs the Hyper but not by a whole lot, but I find it (TW) not quite as good at speed or on a carve as the Hyper. But not a lot in it.
The Shaper is an interesting option. It’s got a little taper but not overly directional and actually pretty good for riding switch. It is a little volume shifted, is the only thing, but you might get away with the 153. But if you could let me know what size your currently riding, I can have a closer think about the suitability of it in that size.
Hope this helps
Sorry I left that out 2011-12 GNU Riders Choice 154.5
More specs for my RC
Hey Bob
Thanks for the extra info.
It’s a tough call for the Frontier. I kind of like the 152 for you, because I think the width works better but you’d be dropping a lot in terms of effective edge – the 156 is doable but on the bigger side, when taking into account width vs your foot size. YES Standard probably still leaning 153 – again going to feel quite a bit wider than your current board. Size-wise, I really like the Hyper in 154. For the TW the 154 would work well too all be it quite a bit wider than the Hyper.
Note that Mervin boards tend to have less of a difference between waist width and width at inserts than average, whereas YES and Jones boards tend to have a bigger difference than average, e.g. YES Standard 153, 253mm waist, but will be more like 268mm at the inserts vs the TW 154, which has a 255mm waist, but around 262mm at the inserts – both assuming a roughly 550mm (22″) stance width – if you ride them with a narrower stance, the width at inserts will be a little narrower – typically around 2-3mm difference for every 40mm (1.5″) narrower or wider). For the boards mentioned (all assuming a roughly 22″ stance width):
– Standard 153: 253mm waist, 268mm inserts
– Frontier 152: 249mm waist, 267mm at back insert, 263mm front insert
– Hyper 154: 250mm waist, 258mm back insert, 257mm front insert
– TW 154: 255mm waist, 262mm inserts
I like the narrower boards for you, size-wise as it allows you to keep a bit more length without going too wide for your boots.
I would also look into the Bataleon Thunderstorm (new for 2024), which is a little different with the 3BT, but I think it would work really well for what you’re describing – or the Goliath or Goliath Plus. The 3BT makes turn initiation really easy and makes them really catch free. And also even if they’re on the wider side, they are easier to manage in terms of turn initiation. They take a little more to get them into a carve, because that engagement point feels a little further away. But once I got used to them, I really liked that feel.
The Nitro Team Gullwing in 155 also comes to mind as an option. It’s on the narrower side for a 155, so would allow you to keep a bit more length. The Team Gullwing is a Hybrid Rocker, but it’s more stable feeling, in my experience, than the likes of the TW or Hyper. The Slash Brainstorm in a 154 is also a narrower option that comes to mind. Capita Outerspace Living in a 154 as well.
Don’t want to muddy the waters with too many options, but want to give you all the options that I think would work well for you.
Thanks. I was looking at a Standard selling on Ebay and asked the owner some questions. He bought the 153 with a size 8 boot and didn’t feel like it was too wide. He ended up buying a PY which suited his style more but said he didn’t really notice much difference between the boards
I think I usually ride 21.5″ stance, sometimes narrower depending on how my back knee is. BTW not sure if you notice the stance range differences between Mervin and others, every size Hyper and TW have stance between 20.25 and 25 inches, where Yes ranges from 18.9-22.1 for the 153 and goes up from there for each bigger board. I never even thought to check!
I also checked my board today for stance and noticed my rocker seems more pronounced, think it warped over the years? .I bet the C2X will be a big help.
When I read your reviews I usally check:.
1. Turns, especially ease of turns at slow speeds and skidded turns
2. Trees, which is also a good indication of ease of turns
3. Ice/hardpack grip
These are my bottom lines.
It seems overall looking at the boards I asked about, the Hyper, TW and Standard were all highly rated for those 3 but you didn’t mention low speed turning, trees or skidded turns for the Standard…maybe in older reviews? Seems right now based on size, turning and ice grip the Hyper and TW stand out, do you think Standard is siginficanty lacking in nimble easy turns especially at slower speeds ? Are any of the new boards you listed also especially good at those 3?
Thanks again for your thorough response and I will look at the other boards. You do a great job. I hope my questions are helpful to you and others.
Hey Bob
I’ve always found the Standard to be good for slower speed turning and in trees, so long as you size it right. e.g. with 10s, and a typical all-mountain size around 159, I’ll always go 156 for the Standard and in that size (which I believe is the most appropriate for that board, for my specs) it’s always turned pretty easily for me. Maybe not quite as easy as TW and Hyper but still easy.
Hi Nate, I’m back. How about the Yes PYL? I saw your reponse to a guy on that review who is also currently riding a GNU RC 154.5 and same size as me although a size 9 boot rather than my 8 and was intrigued. It’s a narrower board than the Standard. Would I find it similar to the GNU Hyper and Jones Frontier in ease of turning?
Hi Bob
The PYL is a bit stiffer than the Hyper/Fronter, which typically means more effort to turn, at slower speeds. The PYL is easier to turn that you’d think for it’s flex though. So I think it’s doable. Given your boot size, I think it’s borderline too big at 156 (which is it’s smallest size), however, it is something that you can ride a little longer with it’s more freeride shape, so it’s doable. Width-wise, it’s 250mm at the waist, 260mm at the front insert and 258mm at the back insert, so it is fairly narrow, which helps. Not great for riding switch, but more than doable.
Thank you again for your time and thorough answers.
You’re very welcome Bob
Hi Nate,
Love the reviews! My Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker 154 broke last week and I am looking for a new board. I’m 155, 5.7, size 9, in-between high-intermediate and advanced. I like carving, moguls, trees, doing unimpressive 1s and 3s on small/mid-sized sidehits and pointing it down here and there.
Looking to buy an all mountain board that is kinda similar to the TW. Something that is still quick and nimble edge to edge at high and low speeds, but is a bit more stable at high speed and carves just a bit better than the TW. I tried the Dynamo 156, but it felt a bit heavy and I hated the magnatraction in soft snow (btw the magnatraction feels great on my TW in both icy and slushy conditions, idk if the profile of the board is the reason?). Sooo generally something a bit more aggressive than the TW, but still kinda playful and forgiving on shitty sidehits and lazy runs at the end of the day. I need a board that is good on ice, but is not too bad in powder (5-10 inch max).
I’ve looked through all your reviews and the Standard seems to be the best choice. However, I wonder whether it is better at speed than the TW? and also how would you compare the pop for small/mid size sidehits? Also, what size would you recommend?
Any other boards that come to mind?
Thanks!
Imanari
Hi Imanari
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard would tick all the boxes for what you’re describing. In my experience, the Standard is more stable at speed than the TW. It doesn’t quite have as much pop as the TW, so that’s the only question mark really, IMO. Otherwise, I think it would be a good bet.
If you wanted to stick with a hybrid rocker, like the TW, then the Nitro Team Gullwing could also be an option. Or if you were OK going more directional, something like the GNU Hyper could work. But not great for riding switch.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the quick reply! The Nitro seems like a great option, however, I think that I want to gradually move towards camber boards, as I am starting to enjoy carving and jumping more and more (and from what I understand, camber snowboards are generally better for that).
How would you compare the Standard Uninc to the Standard and the TW? Does it have a better pop than the Standard and do you think that it is going to be too big of a jump moving from TW directly to Uninc? I worry that it might be a bit too aggressive and slow edge to edge. Wonder if that’s actually the case…
What do you think about the T Rice pro? Is it good for the riding style I mentioned or is it just another Pro board that only T Rice lovers buy 😀 ?
Kind regards,
Imanari
Hi Imanari
The Standard Uninc is a little more aggressive and a little bit more of a step up than the Standard, but I wouldn’t say it’s too big a leap from the TW. It’s only marginally stiffer than the regular Standard and I didn’t find it slow edge to edge at all, personally. The Standard Uninc isn’t as good as the Standard (or TW) in powder though, IMO.
Size-wise I would go 153 for either the Standard or Standard Uninc, and in that size I don’t think you’d find it too aggressive. Certainly more aggressive than the TW, IMO, but nothing crazy aggressive or anything.
Hi Nate,
LTNS! I have a question that might be a bit dumb, but I don’t know who else to ask. I decided to buy the 153 Uninc. 2024 BUT I WANT that sexy colorful base! I have to purchase the board online, as nobody sells YES where I live, but I don’t know how to select the colorful base (in all online stores there are two versions of the base – colorful base with black pig and black base with colored pig. Sooo how do I select the base I want? Does it depend on the size? I tried to contact YES (via IG, FB, CS and email) and a few stores, but no definitive answer at this point…Please help!
Hi Imanari
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a definitive answer either. I think it’s just a lucky dip. It could be depending on size, but I think with “flip flop” bases like that it’s usually just lucky dip. One thing you could try is: when you order it, if there’s somewhere where they let you write a special note, you could ask them there “if possible could I please get the one with the colorful base and the black pig” or something like that. Or you could message the store after you buy and give them your order number and make the request. That’s the only thing I can think of.
Gullwing and Brainstorm both look promising. How are they on ice compared to the Yes, Mervin and Jones boards I am looking at.
Gullwing seems very similar to Hyper size wise but you feel it’s more stable than the Mervin C2X of the two boards? Stable at high speed or slow speed or both?
BTW I kind of throughout the Frontier because of the goldilocks issue, 152 too small, 156 too big?
Hey Bob
I would put the Gullwing and Brainstorm just a tier below the Standard, TW & Hyper in terms of icy edge hold. On the same tier with the Frontier.
From my experience, the Team Gullwing felt just a little more stable than the Hyper/TW.
Yeah, that’s my instinct with the Frontier – the goldilocks paradox applies!
Thanks Nate. The Bataleon boards also look great, but I’m seeing comments about them in reviews that they are not so great on ice/hardpack? A step below all of the above or in the 2nd tier with Frontier, Gullwing and Brainstorm.
Hi Bob
I would say Bataleon boards on average are a step below tier 2. To put it into numbers, typically I would say 3.5/5 for Bataleon in icy conditions vs 4/5 for the likes of the Frontier, Gullwing and Brainstorm.
Hey,
I can’t decide between the Salomon Assassin and Yes Standard. I’m a good intermediate. I cans ride switch, jump, spin and carve well. I want to lern butters and ground tricks but still be able to go carving. I like my ride playful. Wich one do you recommend?
Cheers
Hi Elie
Thanks for your message.
Both would definitely work for what you’re describing, IMO. I would personally lean towards the Standard, but don’t think you can really make a wrong choice between them. The Standard is a little stiffer than the Assassin, in my experience, so if you’re a lighter rider, then the Assassin could be the better choice, but it would also depend on how you sized them. They’re both sized a little differently too, so that’s something else to be aware of. Would be happy to give you my sizing opinion. Would just need your height, weight and boot size (already have the style you want to ride and your ability level, which I also take into account for sizing).
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
thanks for your answer. My weight is around 80kg, my boot size is 26,5-27cm and my height is 178cm. I was thinking to get a 156cm board. Initially I wanted to buy the The yes great uninc, but the 156cm version is sold out everywhere where I’m from. The 159cm is still available but I think it is to long, especially because I learned to snowboard on a very small snowboard and also because I love freestyling. I’m a bit concerned that the Standard is not as playful and less good to butter and switch on as the assassin. (I switch quite a lot)
Hi Elie
Yeah, I think the 156 Standard would be your best bet. I would typically put you on a longer board, but with the Standard being wider and your preference for going smaller, I would go 156. For the Assassin, the 159 is probably the better size, but the 156 is in range, given you like to err smaller. Note though the Standard in 156 will feel bigger than the Assassin in 156.
For butters, the Standard is easier to butter than you’d think. Even though overall it feels stiffer than the Assassin, in my experience, the tip and tail are softer than the rest of the board, allowing you to butter quite easily. 156 Assassin vs 156 Standard, I found both just as easy as each other to butter.
The Standard is very good for riding switch, IMO, so that’s not a big factor between them, IMO.
The thing that might lean towards the Assassin is sizing. Whilst I think the 156 is a good size for you for the Standard, because you want to go with something smaller, the 156 Assassin might be more your size.
Hi Nate,
thanks a lot for you answer, very kind of you to take the time 🙂 much appreciated.
Ah ok, so without taking into consideration that I like smaller boards, you would put me on a 159cm on all 3 boards?
I heard that taking a board a bit smaller makes the ride more playful, and I like playful over speed. That is also why I was leaning more towards the All-Montain-Freestyle category (Assassin & Greats uninc) over the All-Montain in which the standard is.
Would the yes greats uninc in 159cm still fit for my size and ride style? Or would the 156cm be better for freestyle and playfulness?
Are the Assassin and the Greats uninc more freestyle and playful then the standard?
Hope I’m not asking to many questions. Thanks again, your answers have been very helpful.
Cheers!
Elie
Oh, I just realized that I gave you my wrong boots size. My size is 26-26,5cm (8-8.5US)
Hi Elie
No I wouldn’t go 159 for the Standard (or the Greats) for you. As I said (you may have misread), I would go 156 in the Standard. And whilst 159 is probably the more pure size for the Assassin, you could certainly go 156, if you prefer smaller boards. As per my last line of my last comment:
Sorry if that wasn’t clear. I would be leaning Assassin 156 vs Standard 156 for you, given you want to go smaller and more playful, with the Assassin 156 being a smaller feeling board than the 156 Standard.
I didn’t mention the Greats, because you only have the 159 available and I think that would be too big for what you’re describing. I would actually go 154 for the Greats for you, with what your describing. It’s a board you can size down even more for. If you have the 154 available go with that, otherwise, I would be leaning 156 Assassin.
Hi Nate!
Hope your season’s been awesome! First off, really appreciate your review and insights on all these boards!
As for my question, I’m sure you’re asked this a ton but it’s quite lengthy to skim through :p
I recently purchased and rode the Yes Standard and it’s been a blast as something to do everything in. My question is, if you could have one board only between the Yes Standard, Jones Mountain Twin, and Capita Mercury, what would you pick and why?
I’m asking this because I own the Mercury, and will be demoing the Mountain Twin soon, looking to pick only 1 out of the 3.
(I ride in the west coast but will be moving to the east coast soon. I enjoy carving/turning, some pow, and trees/bumps. Recently getting into side hits/small-med jumps, and improving my tree riding)
Thanks man!
Wilson
Hi Wilson
Thanks for your message.
In your circumstances, and in many others, I would be leaning Standard. For a couple of reasons, but a big part is icy conditions performance. Since you’re moving out East, which, from what I hear, tends to produce icy conditions regularly, having that extra performance in icy conditions would be good. The Merc/MT aren’t bad in icy conditions either but the Standard is a step up, in my experience. It’s also good for everything else you’re describing. I preferred both the MT and Standard for trees and side-hits over the Mercury, it’s still good for those but I’d lean MT/Standard for those. For speed/higher speed carving, I’d be leaning more Mercury, but again, there’s not much in it.
Overall, I’d go Standard, but none would be a bad choice, IMO. Given you’re going to get a chance to ride all 3, what you like to ride the most should also be considered, but if you’re finding it hard to choose still after having ridden all 3, then I’d go Standard to get that little better performance in icy conditions.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Nate,
Need your help on sizing with the standard im torn between 151 and 153. Boot size 41 weight 73kg height 165 cm. Using the board as my all mountain swiss army knife. Speed, slashing, carving and popping of side hits and rollers. I have a greats for park riding. Bindings are now select pros.
Hi Matthew
Thanks for your message.
It’s a close call for sure. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 155, but given that the Standard is wider, and for your boot size, I would size down a little from that. Just whether sizing down 2 or 4cm makes more sense. I would be leaning 151 for you. However, I think it also depends on the size of your Greats. If you’re on the 151 Greats for park, then I would err a little longer, given you won’t be using this in the park and given that you can size down even more with the Greats. If you’re Greats in the 149, then I’d more inclined to go 151 with this.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate, thanks for your feedback.
You’re very welcome Matthew. Happy riding!
Hey Nate thanks for all your reviews and hard work. I’m here from your mountain twin review and trying to find a fun board for all mountain riding somewhere in between a gnu rc3 and Jones stratos. I love the edge hold playfulness of the rc3 and stability of the stratos for charging. I’m a 35yo, 5’10, 220lbs, try to ride 22-23”stance, intermediate to advanced rider with 20 yrs experience. My top priority is confidence inspiring edge hold in icy Ohio/ New York conditions and then carving, then pop/ playfulness. I also prefer but camber/cam rock profiles. I probably spend at least 75% of my time on intermediate/expert groomer’s trying to carve as hard as I can and pop off any rollers/side hits I find. Maybe 15% riding park hitting small to medium kickers and 50/50 boxes or rails. The last 10% being out west riding groomers, slack country and praying for powder. I have a park specific board, I have a powder specific board. I’m looking for a playful all mountain directional board to ride 90% of the time on icy Ohio/ny conditions in between a 158wrc3 and 161w stratos. Looking at the 159 yes standard. Comparing it to rossignol one, libtech dynamo, gnu antigravity and libtech ejack knife. Thanks again for your time reading this and responding, I see you go through all your comments.
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard Uninc (the full camber version of this board), is your best bet. The biggest advantage of this over the Standard Uninc, is that you get better powder performance from this. But if you already have a powder specific board, then I would be leaning Standard Uninc, for what you’re describing.
Whilst the Standard Uninc is a little more aggressive than this, going with the 159, I think you’ll find it playful enough for when you want to get playful, but will give you more on carves than the Standard (or the Mountain Twin). Certainly more playful than the Stratos, but more stable than the MT or RC C3, IMO. So I think it would sit in a really good middle ground for what you’re looking for.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate
Thanks for the response. I looked it up and decided to buy.
Thank you
You’re very welcome Joe. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nate,
your reviews have been very helpful to me so far. You give personal insights found nowhere, even at physical stores.
I am an intermediate rider looking for a good one-quiver board that can last at least for 2-3 seasons. I mostly go on resorts/groomers as I am usually in a group of half snowboarders and half skiers. Occasionally went to powder and off track (I’d like to progress here), never gone freestyle but could in the future.
Following some advice and your review, I am leaning to the Yes Standard (other options Nitro Team, Burton Process, Salomon Craft/Assassin, Yes Typo).
The only thing is that I am quite doubtful about sizing, I am 6’1, 180 lbs and 11 foot sized and in the past I have rode pretty much everything in the range 156-162 (also wide). I’d be leaning for the 159 but I would really appreciate your specific advice.
Also, if you can give me quick comparisons with the other boards I mentioned (minus the Typo) in terms of forgiveness, ease of carving and stability.
Thanks in advance!
Marco
Hi Marco
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise for the Standard, I’d be leaning 159, but the 156 wouldn’t be wrong either. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 161. But even with 11s, the 159 will be on the wide side for your boots, so sizing down a touch makes sense. Given that you’re also an intermediate rider, you could potentially size down again to the 156. The 156 would give you a little more ease of maneuverability and better for butters and other freestyle stuff – but at the cost of some powder float and stability at speed.
Vs the others you mentioned:
Nitro Team: Standard a little more forgiving than the Team. Ease of turns a little easier on the Standard but in terms of overall carving performance I would give it to Team. Team a touch more stable at higher speeds, but not much in it (this is assuming you mean the Camber Team, since you didn’t mention gullwing).
Burton Process: Process a touch more forgiving than Standard in some ways. The Camber profile can feel a little more catchy, but the softer flex of the Process counteracts that. Overall pretty similar when it comes to both ease of turns and overall carving performance. Standard more stable at speed, in my experience.
Salomon Assassin: Really similar in terms of forgiveness – couldn’t choose. Really similar in terms of ease of turns as well. Overall carving, just a shade better on Standard, but again really close. Standard a little more stable at speeds, in my experience.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the quick reply.
Yes, I meant the Camber Team as I’ve tried gull wing profiled boards and wasn’t really enthusiast about that (especially when put into steep terrain).
To be more precise since I use metric system, I am 185cm tall (6,08 ft), 81 kgs (178 lbs in average) and I have Ride Anchors size 11 (love them). I usually bring a small rucksack with me with few things and some water. I already know that my “tabular” snowboard length is around 160, but I am pretty uncertain with this board.
Stated simply, what would you choose?
Thanks Again.
Hi Marco
If it was me with your specs, I would go 156 for the Standard because I personally like to err a little smaller – and the main reason for that is that I like to ride a lot of trees and I like to do flat land tricks and sidehits and butters etc a lot when I ride – versus a lot of speed. I do like to ride fast too – and the 156 wouldn’t be too unstable – and still decent enough in powder at your weight. But if I was to own the Standard as my one board quiver, I would be using it more often for trees/freestyle than I would be for high speed and powder. So, I would err smaller. However, if I was to get this board and be using it mostly for riding fast, on a bigger mountain and in powder when I got it – and wasn’t doing a lot of trees or freestyle, then I’d opt for the 159 for sure.
So I think it depends on how you see yourself riding most of the time. You’re a little taller than me and with bigger boots, basically the same weight, so I’d be more likely to lean 159 if I was you than I am with my smaller feet (US10 or sometimes 9.5).
Thanks Nate. Precious Information. I am quite sure I’ll go 159 since I am really not a lot into trees riding and freestyle, not yet at least.
Basing on your analysis, I got that 159 is a more “all-mountainish” choice for me. I spend about 70% of the time on groomers with firm/hard snow, so I’ll invest a little in maneuverability to get a little extra of stability at speed.
Have a good one and thanks a lot!
You’re very welcome Marco. I think that’s sound reasoning. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nate!
I’ve tried out the Standard on some Italian Alps hard snow. This board basically EATS groomers. I found myself riding faster than other good snowboarders without knowing why. Also felt great on the short powdery traits I’ve come across and for the limited buttering I am capable of.
Size-wise, 159 is my board. The generous tip and tail width wasn’t too hard to handle. I felt it sufficiently playful and very stable a board, also on moguls. (Haven’t tried 156 but I basically found 159 the right decision for me and for the context I’ve been trying it into).
Didn’t feel too stiff and aggressive overall… I think the reduced camber length has a role in that.
Thanks again for your precious information.
Hi Marco
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the board. And thanks for your update and insights. Very much appreciated.
Hi Nate,
Really great info on the site. Appreciate all your work. I’m caught between a few options and hoping you may have some advice. I’m deciding between
Yes Standard
Yes Typo
Terrain Wrecker
Yes Basic
I’m in an intermediate rider – mostly groomers, a little powder. I like a mixed bag of things. Some speed (but not bombing down), carving (but not deep yet), being quick edge to edge and keen to learn some buttering in the future. The board would need to handle some hard/potentially icy snow.
I’m 6’2, 185lbs and in size 11.5US ThirtyTwo Lashed Double Boas with Union Force bindings.
Thanks.
Forgot to mention this would be my first non-rental board (previously rented Endeavour Ranger, Lib Tech Cold Brew, Jones Frontier)
And any advice around board sizes would be great. Thank you again.
Hi Phil
Thanks for your messages.
Please see my reply on the YES Typo review.
In addition to that, as you hadn’t mentioned the Standard, the Standard could work too. It’s more of a step up and not quite as nimble in terms of quick edge-to-edge. It’s not slow edge to edge either, IMO, but just takes a little more effort to get it moving quickly between edges vs the Typo and TW. Size-wise, I’d be leaning 159 for the Standard for you. The 156 would be doable too. It’s quite a wide board, so the 156 should be wide enough. Going down to the 156 would give you more maneuverability but at the expense of some powder float and stability at speed. I really like the 156 and I’m similar specs (6’0″, 180lbs, size 10 (sometimes 9.5) boots). But your bigger feet are what makes me lean more towards 159 for you. If I had 11.5s, I would be more inclined to ride the 159.
YES Basic probably not. Partly because you mention powder and speed. You’d be taking a drop in powder and speed from the likes of the Typo and TW. It’s really quick edge-to-edge but I think you sacrifice too much else where, for how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
First of all I want to thank you for all the great content you’re putting out there, I’ve learned a lot from your page.
And now here’s my dilemma:
I currently own a Yes Typo which I guess helped me get to a solid intermediate – love the board.
But now I’m looking for something to progress even further with.
I’ve narrowed it down to Yes Standard, Yes Greats and GNU Riders Choice C2X.
My riding style is somewhat playful with the occasional pow chasing and slope bombing.
I guess, I like doing a bit of everything – lately even more on the freeride side.
What would be your recommendation?
Cheers,
Marius
Hi Marius
Thanks for your message.
I would go with the Standard, based on what you’re describing. It’s better than the Greats and Rider’s Choice in powder, IMO, and a little more freeride leaning. It’s still on the more freestyle end of the all-mountain spectrum, IMO, but less so than the Greats and Rider’s Choice.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thanks for the amazing reviews! Going with a Yes board because they’re good in icy conditions according to your reviews. Torn between Typo and Standard. Is there a big difference between the two? I’m a high beginner/low intermediate rider. Only groomers for now. Want to try to learn ground tricks, side hits this season. 5’4, 140lbs, Size 8 boots.
Hi Van
Thanks for your message.
I would go Typo for what you’re describing. It’s a really good board for high beginner/low intermediate looking to progress, IMO and will be easier to learn ground tricks & side hits too. Typo a really good option for what you’re describing, IMO. Size-wise, the 149 should be spot on, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Getting back on the board after 12+ years. Stopped riding in 2010 due to baseball neck injury which was a huge bummer .
Was skiing/riding since i was 6. Now 41yrs and wouldnt you know it my 5 year old asked for a snowboard for christmas out of the blue so got him a setup.
He’s been taking lessons at small local mountain and I need to get back out there to ride with him.
Kept last board i own and luckily found it in storage.
2006 Option Joni Makinen 158cm – all mountain/freestyle board, i dont think option is in business anymore
im 5’10” and now 210lbs, 10.5-11 boot
Id say i was intermediate +/advanced back in the day. Was moving from straight park to more all Mountain/freestyle before I had to stop.
Friends who still ride recommended YES typo/standard and never summer, i think he has NS harpoon. They ride northeast but do big mountain out west couple times a year. Im not there yet.
Loved the Option, made you work for it, definitely not beginner board, blast to ride.
With board being 17yrs old, me being 41yrs old now with two kids, any recommendations on board that 1) is playful enough i can go out with the boys, and 2) can rip it up in Northeast with adults when/if i get somewhat back to where i was.
Looking for board that i can ease into but if/when i get back to close to where i was, i wont be looking to upgrade right away. Not super technical but won’t be holding me back if i want to get after it.
Was thinking Yes standard…..
Will be riding local, MA/NH/Maine to start. So icy/hard conditions are a factor.
love your site and any advice is appreciated !
Mike
Hey Mike
Thanks for your message.
YES Standard would work really well for you, IMO. It’s a really good all-rounder and is pretty much exactly what you’re describing – something that’s not too technical or difficult to ride, something you can still ride slow and it not feel like a tank or like it needs some speed under it to hum, but can get more aggressive and ride fast etc, when you need it to. Doesn’t hurt that, in my experience, it’s really good in icy conditions as well.
I think for what you’re describing that the Typo would feel a little too playful for what you’re looking for. When riding with your kids I think you’d really like it. And slower speeds, playing around, but wouldn’t be as good as Standard for when you’re looking to ride it a bit harder. I think the Standard would be a really good balance between the factors you’re looking for.
Size-wise, I think the 159 would be a good size for you. I would put your “standard all-mountain size” closer to 161/162, but with the Standard being wider than typical, I would size down to the 159 – I think it would be just right for your specs and what you’re describing. I think with width and length combined the 162 would be too big. The 156 a little small for your specs, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the reply and great advice. Was torn between 159 and 162, forgot about the width of these boards. Just based on how i ride i agree the 159 is best choice.
Thanks for the advice.
Love the site. Definitely awesome resource for getting back on the mountain after so long.
Appreciate it.
Mike
You’re very welcome Mike. Hope it treats you well and hope you have an awesome season!
Nate,
Any recommendation on bindings for the 159 Standard?
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike
I would go with something in the 6/10 to 7/10 flex range.
If you want to get a little more in terms of carving and speed, then I’d be erring towards something on this list.
If you wanted to go a little softer/more mellow, then something around 6/10 flex from this list is a good bet and still a good flex match to the Standard.
Hi Nate,
How can you compare this board to Ride algorithm?
Pop and dampness
Greetings Rob
Hey Rob
The Algorhythm is, unfortunately, a board that has eluded me so far, so I haven’t had a chance to test it, so unable to compared them, unfortunately.
Hey Nate,
I really like your great review of the YES Standard and because of your review I’ve decided to go with the YES Standard as my next board.
I’m unsure which size is the right for me. I’m 5’11 (180cm), my weight is around 150-155lbs and my shoe size is US11-12 (EU45) depending on brand.
I’m looking forward to your thoughts and suggestion!
Cheers,
Sebi
Hi Sebi
Thanks for your message.
I think the 156 is a good bet for your specs. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 156/157 and with your boot size, you don’t really need to size down for this board, so you should be good with the 156. The 153 is a possibility too, but I would only go for that if you were in a US11. If it’s an 11.5 or 12, then I’d go 156 for sure. And I think that’s the most natural length for your specs too – assuming a relatively advanced level of riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for this amazing site. I’ve spent too many hours diving into all the reviews, and finally I’ve landed on the YES Standard. I’m now in between two sizes, 156 and 159. My specs are similar to yours: I’m 6″ and weigh 180 lbs, but I have a larger boot size of 11.5. My skill level is intermediate and my style is all-mountain – typically riding groomers in semi-high speeds to keep up with my skier friends. I do also enjoy the occasional small features in the park and would like to progress there. Love pow but it’s almost never available where I ride. I’ve been riding an old 159W full camber board, but want something a bit more nimble and playful that will facilitate in progressing my riding to quick 180s on side hits, butters like nose rolls etc, which is why I’m considering sizing down a bit. Do you think the 156 will be able to handle speed and carves on groomers with enough stability in my case? I like the idea of a more playful board, but don’t want to sacrifice too much on stability either. I’m not worried about the width, as the YES Standard has the same stance width as my current 159W. Would really appreciate your advice on this one.
Hi Markus
Thanks for your message.
Given your boot size, I think the 159 is the more pure size for your specs. With 11.5s not as much need to size down for this board. That said, I think the 156 would be wide enough for your boots, so it’s a possibility. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 159/160, so again, the 159 the more pure length for you. But the 156 wouldn’t be sizing down a huge amount – and when it comes to stability at speed, you should feel that the same as what I did, even with bigger feet. So, whilst it’s never going to be an out and out bomber, I did find it stable at speed. Now I’m not someone who looks to break the land speed record when I ride or anything. I’m not riding like 60mph or anything when I’m testing these boards, but I do make sure to get up to around 45mph when speed testing, conditions permitting, and this board is stable enough at those speeds for me.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your reply. Based on your comments, I ended up ordering the 159 🙂
You’re very welcome Markus. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hey Nate, awesome reviews man! I think I’ve narrowed my search for a new board down to the yes standard after scouring this amazing site. Now I need help with sizing. I scrolled through all the comments and can’t decide. I’m 6’3″, 215-220, with size 11 burton photon boots. I’d say I’m at the beginning of intermediate level 6, trying to get better and more comfortable in the park hitting small jumps, 50/50’s and 180’s are coming along nicely, and am getting really enjoying buttering and ground tricks. I’m coming from a Salomon Craft 158 only board, and can’t decide between the 159 or 162 Yes Standard? I ride mostly midwest, so lots of Ice and hard pack but I take a trip out west every year and love powder and tree runs. Will the 162 be tougher to progress with park, buttering, 360’s and what not for when I’m riding most of the time? I know I’m above the weight range of the 159 but the length seems more comfortable to me, not sure if 3 cm even makes that much of a difference so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Kolton
Thanks for your message.
In my experience 3cm can make a significant difference. If all that length was added outside the contact points and the boards were the same width, then I don’t think it would make that much difference, but when it changes the effective edge and the width is also difference, the 2 sizes, in my experience can feel quite different. In this case the 162 has 2.5cm more of effective edge, so that’s quite a lot of difference to effective edge. And on top of that you not only go longer but also wider – in this case by quite a bit.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 164, but given how you describe your style, I would certainly size down from that. And then I would also size down for the fact that this board is wide in the 159 and 162, even for 11s. So both are certainly within range. If you’re style of riding was more predominantly bombing and powder, I would say go 162. But in this case, given your style, I would be leaning 159. The 162 still wouldn’t be wrong, but my instinct says 159 for you for this board, given what you’re describing.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much! Just the assurance I needed, ordered the 159!
You’re very welcome Kolton. Hope it treats you well and that you have an awesome season! If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nate. What size would you recommend me on Yes Standard. I am 75kg with size 9 boots. Inrermediate level. I’ll use this mainly on groomers since we dont get a lot of pow in our area. What bindings would you recommend as well for this one?
Thank you.
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Could you also let me know your height. Whilst weight and boot size are more important than height for sizing, IMO, I still like to take height into account, because it does have a leverage value.
Im 5ft 7. Sorry didnt put the complete info.
Thank you for the fast response.
Appreciate you big time.
Hi Mark
For the Standard for you, I would go 153. I would put your typical all-mountain length at around 156/157, but with this board being wider than usual, with size 9s I would size down a little. I think the 153 would be just right.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Your site is a great resource and lots of fun for daydreaming.
I’m thinking about getting a Standard. But I’m curious about the Arbor Satori. I know it’s a very different board. Any chance you’re going to review it soon?
I’m 44, in the PNW, and learned on camber in the early 90’s. I mostly ride with my kids on groomers and get out maybe 10 days a season. I don’t ride switch, I like to carve.
My Burton Flight Attendant is too much board for me. I want something I can ride slow and easy when I need to, something I can get sloppy on when I’m tired. It needs to handle crappy conditions at the end of a busy Saturday on Mt. Hood and hold an edge in hard PNW snow-ment. But also make me smile when I want to lay down some nice turns. And I’d like it to pass muster in powder.
170lbs. US men’s 9 boot.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message – and apologies for the slow reply, have been super busy last couple of days.
I think the Standard would be a really good fit for what you’re describing. We haven’t tested the Arbor Satori yet, hopefully get a chance to this winter. On paper it looks like it could work. It certainly looks softer flexing than the FA – softer than the Standard too. It’s more directional than the Standard, but given you’re not really riding switch, that shouldn’t be a concern and will help it in powder. Given it’s all camber, there’s no rocker to help in in powder, but the directional shape and taper will help – and it sounds like it’s got some 3D shaping (what Arbor call uprise fenders) which will also help. So it should be at least above average in powder, based on specs.
Hope this helps
Hi! I read about half of all the reviews and then thought I would try to ask for some advice before I read more.
I want a snowboard that is good in off pist when I get the chance to ride some, but not so stiff that it I can’t do butters well, I love to play like that and want to be able to ollie/jump over a rope too if I feel like it. Since it’s not snowing every day and I’ve got kids now I would say that is equal as important as a really good offpist board. I don’t have money enough for both skis and two snowboards (and equipment for the kids) so I need one snowboard for everything.
I grew up with skiing (started when I was 5), then switched to snowboarding when I was fourteen and did a couple of seasons in my twenties snowboarding day in and out for months I France and Canada, mainly offpist but later in spring more or less only in the park, I could jump all the big jumps I wanted when I was in my twenties, never any good with spinning though, and now I’m a little too scared so I won’t jump the biggest jumps anymore (and 15 years later the biggest jumps are also quite a lot bigger..) Now I haven’t been snowboarding for some years and it’s time (and I have the opportunity) to pick it up again! but more like a couple of weeks / year maybe 4 in total, not 3-4 months like before. One of my favourite brands way back was Sapient, I remember I had a board from them that was really good for both ollies, butters and offpist, but they are out of business since long ago.
I’m 173 cm tall and weight about 67 kg and I’m 37 yrs old.
Best regards (from Sweden)
Bertil
Hey Bertil
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I think the Standard could work. It’s something you can certainly ollie and butter with and it’s a decent board off piste as well. It’s not the poppiest board out there, but it’s got reasonable pop. Size-wise I would put your “all-mountain” length at around 154. For the Standard I would look at either the 153 or 151, depending on boot size. If you could let me know your boot size that would be great.
Quite a few options for what you’re describing, but some other notable ones include:
– Jones Mountain Twin
– Bataleon Goliath Plus
– Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
– Slash Brainstorm
If you were interested in any of those and looking for sizing opinions, I’m happy to give mine but would just need your boot size.
You could also go more directional with something like a mellow freeride board, which would gain in terms of off piste, but lose in terms of buttering.
Hope this helps
First of all, thank you BOTH for this amazing website and for taking your time to reply! I bought the yes standard 🙂 found a nice deal and just went for it. When I was waiting to get my parcel I was jumping up and down 🙂 it was a long time since I was that excited 🙂
Can I use the drop back feature on the Yes Standard with Burton Malavita?
Which boots would you recommend with the Yes Standard and the Malavita bindings?
Bought Malavita in medium and Cartel in small at the same time as I ordered the YEs Standard (Cartel in small since Malavita was not available in small).
Went to Burtons flagship store in Sthlm today, measured my feet and tried the Photon boots for fifteen minutes as well as the Ion Boa and tried them on medium and small bindings.
My left foot is 25,5 cm, my right foot is 25 cm.
Tried the boots in a medium and in a small Malavita binding, I can use a medium binding but it’s not optimal.
Burtons small bindings suits my boot size better.
So if someone out there is like me, walking around with a couple of 25-26 cm feet thinking they’re almost in between small and medium, you’re not, go for Burtons small bindings 🙂
So now I think I will return or sell the bindings I ordered (and got) when I bought the Yes Standard. Feels like I rather want the Malavita binding in small then in medium and somehow I think I rather want the Malavita then the Cartel.
Last but not least lesson learned today was that trying boots were a bit of shock. In the last couple of years I’ve got used to only wear vivo barefoot and Joe Nimble shoes (both sneakers and boots), in short both brands make shoes with plenty of space for the toes, wider in front then even most wide sneakers and super soft, you can easily roll the shoe into a ball.
I had my last snowboard boots for quite a while so I had been snowboarding two seasons (2*90-100 days plus a couple of weeks for some years to follow) AND I also think todays boots are much stiffer then boots 10-15 yrs ago…
Now I feel a little bit overwhelmed, especially if I’m to walk around in every pair of boots for fifteen minutes before I try the next pair… quite time consuming with all the brands and models out there! Please help!
🙂
(Bought a 153 cm Yes Standard, felt right since my old board is 153 and I really liked that one).
Hi Bertil
Firstly, I would have gone 151, given your boot size. The Standard is a wider than normal board and likely wider than your previous 153, so sizing down a little would have made sense. That said, the 153 is still doable, just on the bigger side for you when you take into account length and width.
Good to know re small and medium burton bindings when you’re on the cuff like that. With 9.5 to 10 boots (depending on brand) I don’t get the chance to try small bindings, so that’s great information. Can you let me know, was that using Burton boots?
Snowboard boots will always feel stiffer brand new and they will soften up over time. They won’t keep their flex as long as hard ski boots, for example. After breaking in they will feel softer and more molded to your feet. That said, not all brands agree with all feet. Sometimes it’s a case of trying some different brands, as some will be more compatible with your particularly foot/ankle type than others. The Photon are a good flex match for the Standard/Malavita combo. The Ion would work but are a little stiffer and not as good a match, IMO, and it sounds like your preference is to not go that stiff. Also note that even though the aim of Mondo is to match your foot length, it’s not always the case. In fact in most cases I find you’ve got to go above your mondo. For me, I have a mondo of 27.3cm left foot and 27.0cm on my right foot. So based on Mondo I should be 9.5 every time, but very few brands work in a 9.5 for me. I usually have to go to a 10. So if you were only trying on 7.5s, then it would be worth trying on 8s as well. Did they measure your feet for width as well? If it’s the case that you have wide feet, then going with a wide model or a brand that tends to have a wider toe box might be a good way to go.
Some more on boot fitting:
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Wide Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet
Oh, and yes, you can use the slam back inserts on the Standard with the Malavitas.
Hi Nate!
Thank you once again for all of your feedback!
Hope I’ll like the Yes Standard even though I bought the 153 🙂 great to know that I will be able to use the slam backs with Malavita. Looking forward to test all of it! We had some snow today, soon our local hill will open up hopefully.
Malavita:
Now I’ve ordered Malavita in small. Burton had a deal on Malavita in small on their swedish website , they were grey in color (last item on their website) so I guess that’s last seasons Malavita binding. On their website I got the impression that the only difference between last season and this season Malavita is the colour.
Can’t reply on your comment so I reply on this one instead to answer your question.
Reply to your question:
Yes, we tried two Malavita bindings in small and medium and only with Burton boots since I was in a Burton flagship store (would have been interesting to try different brands): with the Malavita s and m bindings we tried the Ion boa and the Photon model, both in size 8. I first tried a 7,5 Photon, but I felt directly that I almost had to curl my left big toe in it “to fit”. I couldn’t see how it would be a good fit even if we used an owen to heat that boot up.
Malavita Bindings small / medium:
I could use a medium binding with both boots in size 8 since there’s so many options with moving the straps using a screwdriver, but I didn’t have so much options for adjustability with the medium binding, it was only on “hole” that worked for the front strap (to get it fit perfectly on the boot) when we moved that one to different positions, and then I had about 1 cm left on both the straps when had the boots really tight in the bindings (I almost had to push the straps to the bottom).
Boots:
I guess I’m looking for something that is quite stiff, but still have great dorsiflexion, so that I can squat somewhat normal (and not only like was in a squat smith machine). Comfy goes without saying 🙂 maybe I’m looking something a little bit wider.
Burton boots:
One thing I found interesting with the Ion Boa is that although it is a lot stiffer in many ways, it felt like it was much easier to dorsiflex (dorsal flexion) in the Ion Boa compared to the Photon.
This is something I find quite important since it’s simple biomechanics that you need to be able to have good dorsiflexion to be able to squat. So from that perspective I would say Ion was better actually. But it was really tight around my ankle.. 🙁
I haven’t measured how wide my feet are, good idea!
That dorsiflexion “bonus” didn’t come straight away though I had to wear them for 15 minutes and I also did some “weird” stuff pretending I was snowboarding in the shop, jumping , jumping around on my toes, standing on one leg jumping etc first. Then I had one 15 min warm Photon on my left leg and another 15 min warm Ion Boa on my right.
My guess is that the difference would increase over time wearing them.
Once again thank you for everything!
Hi Bertel
Thanks for that. Good to know that a Burton 8 fits best in a small Burton binding versus a medium.
Yeah last year’s Malavita is identical to this year’s as far as I know, apart from the colorways.
Once they start breaking in that flexion will become easier in any boot – but yeah if it started out easier in the Ion for you, then it’s likely that it would be better for that dorsiflexion in the long run too. Note as well that you can speed up the break in process with heat molding the liner. It’s not going to make the boot feel fully broken in the first day you ride it or anything, but it will mean you’ll get to that point quicker. That said, if you can I would try on some other brands before committing as they might feel better. If the Ion was really tight around your ankle there’s a good chance that with heat molding and after riding for a while that would come right, especially if it was just tightness and no specific pressure points in any one place on your ankle. But no guarantees and ideally you would want to try a few different brands to see which fits best, if you can.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all the information provided, it really is a deep rabbit hole to fall into haha. As most people on here I am currently looking to buy a new setup.
Riding style: I would say mostly All-Mountain with some free riding (so fast grooming, tree runs, side hits), not a lot of buttering and park
Me: 5’11”, 155 lbs
Narrowed it down to the Capita Mercury 155 and the YES. Standard 153, which both seem great and I can probably get them for similar money. Given your reviews here I assume you would agree that either one should fit my needs, right?
I am struggling a bit more with selecting bindings, current favorites are Union Atlas, Falcor or Strata – leaning a bit towards the Strata since they are quite a bit cheaper, but I don’t know if they are a bit too soft for my riding style (or if I would even notice), so any help would be appreciated!
Cheers
Hi Jona
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, both would certainly be suitable for what you’re describing. I would personally be leaning a little to the Standard, mainly because I prefer it in the trees – at least in the trees when there’s no fresh snow.
Size-wise those are probably suitable, but if you could let me know your boot size to confirm.
In terms of bindings, the Strata are a flex match for both boards, IMO, but the Atlas/Falcor probably a better match for the Mercury in particular. Given your style, I’d say probably Atlas or Falcor just to drive the board a little harder than the Strata can. But that said, the Strata would work well with both boards.
Hope this helps
Great, thanks for the fast reply! Boot size is US9/9.5.
I am leaning Standard + Falcor – read reviews from a couple of people praising the good on-board feel of the Falcor and it seems to be right in between the Strata and Atlas in terms of stiffness, so that should be perfect.
Hi Jona
For the Standard I think the 153 would be just right. If you did go Mercury, then 155 would be best too, IMO.
The Standard/Falcor would be a really good combo, IMO. And yeah Falcor really good board feel. A couple of things to note:
1. I felt the Falcor a little stiffer than the Atlas. I felt the Atlas at 7/10, Strata at 6/10 and Falcor at 7.5/10. But Falcor and Atlas very close. Atlas not as stiff as rated, IMO.
2. The Standard has “slam back inserts” which is an extra set of holes just behind the main insert pack. They’re 4cm back from the insert pack, which means unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to use those holes with the Falcor. If you don’t think you’d use those holes (main purpose is so you can setback further if you want to move your bindings back on a powder day for extra float), then it’s no issue, but if you think you’d use them, then unfortunately the mini-disc won’t do it. Same goes for the Strata, which also uses a mini-disc. The Atlas uses Union’s Universal Disc, which will work on those slam backs.
Thanks again, really appreciate it! Standard + Falcor/Atlas it is and then I will just decide based on what kind of deal I get.
You’re very welcome Jona. Hope you’re new setup treats you well and you have an awesome season!
Hello!
Do you know is there any difference using union bindings with mini discs or normal discs?
Witch Union binding do you feel will work good for allmountain riding for the standard board?
Hi Marko
Thanks for your message.
Union bindings that use the mini-disc tend to have better board feel. There’s less dead spot under your foot, so you can feel the flex of the board more easily. Some really like this, myself included, and typically if you’re doing more freestyle stuff it’s a feeling you’ll like. If you don’t really ride much freestyle and want a more solid connection with the board, then using one of their universal disc bindings is a good idea. The best matches to the Standard with a mini-disc are the Strata and Falcor, which one would work better for you would depend on your riding style. If you went with a universal disc option, then the Force or the Atlas would be your best bets, IMO.
The one thing to keep in mind when it comes to the Standard is that the Standard has an extra set of inserts behind the main insert packs (which they call slambacks). These allow you to increase your setback. However, with the mini-disc you can’t use these slambacks – as the disc isn’t wide enough to straddle between the main insert pack and the slamback inserts. If you think you’d make use of the slambacks on the Standard, then you’d need to go with a universal disc binding.
Hope this helps
Thanks a lot! Very good advice! Helped 🙏🏻
You’re very welcome Marko. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
I have been looking for a new board for this season and have been debating between the Nitro Team Gullwing, YES Standard and the Jones Mountain Twin. All these boards seem like a perfect fit for my style of riding where I like to try out everything the mountain has to offer. What would you say the differences are between the 3 and what would you recommend (I’m guessing you would say the Standard since it is your top choice)?
My main question here is if I were to get the Standard what size would I get as a 5’6 145lb rider with 9.5 size boots? The two boards I have were 150 and was wondering if that is the right size for me.
Thank You so much for this page. So much information in such a nice concise format. I love reading every review even when I’m not looking for a board.
Hi Terron
Thanks for your message.
Definitely not a wrong choice between them, so it could come down to sizing.
Some differences to consider:
– The Team Gullwing is just a little looser in feel vs the other 2. But it’s very subtly so, it’s nothing super loose or anything.
– The Standard has the best icy edge-hold of the 3, IMO, but the other 2 are still good in hard/icy conditions
– They’re all very similar in terms of flex and in terms of powder performance and carving and turning
– Also quite similar in terms of jumps and butters, jibbing etc.
– The Standard a little better for riding switch, but with something like the Mountain Twin you could center it up and it would be almost as good – probably not a difference you’d necessarily even notice, if you centered it up
So yeah, more similar than they are different.
Size-wise, I would put your “all-mountain length” at around 152cm.
The Standard is a little wider than you’d think based on waist width, but I think the 151 would still work size-wise, though the 149 would be a possibility as well. Between those 2 sizes, it would depend if you wanted to get a little more in terms of float in powder and stability at speed (go 151) or a little more maneuverability and ease of buttering, jibbing etc (go 149).
For the Mountain Twin, the 151 would be your best bet, IMO.
For the Team Gullwing, the 152. Even though it’s not that much narrower at the waist, it’s narrower at the inserts than either the 149 (or 151) Standard or 151 Mountain Twin. It should still be wide enough, but that’s the only borderline too narrow option, IMO. If you’re riding with like +15/-15 binding angles or similar and.or low profile boots, you shouldn’t have any issues. But if you had bulky boots and a flat back binding angle, then it could be pushing it.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the great work you do with this website. Such a wealth of information.
I’m quite conviced that I want to buy the YES standard as my next board (despite the fsct that thegoodride’s review isn’t very positieve, everyone else seems to like the board a lot. Just want to check in sizing with you. I’m 189cm tall (6″2 I believe) and 80kg. Boot size EU 43 (US10). Which size board would go well with this? I have a 162 now but wonder if I could step it down one size to make it a bit more playfull.
In addition, I do have burton imperiaal boots which are still in really good condition. Would they be alright to use with this board? And any advice on which bindings would go well with this combination?
Thanks in advance.
Niels
Hi Niels
Thanks for your message.
I think the 159 would be your best bet. I would put you at around a 161 as your “standard length”, so at 162 with a regular width board, I think is probably a good size for you with your current board, but for the Standard I would size down. The 162 in the Standard would be too big, IMO. The 159 will still be wide for your boot size so sizing down to the 159 is your best bet, IMO.
The Imperials should match well with the Standard, IMO.
In terms of bindings, I would look at something around 6/10 to 7/10 flex. Something from one of the following is a good place to start.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Awesome thanks Nate! I guess the binding will be the union strata then.
One question about the union strata if you don’t mind. I can pick up a pair for €200,- which seems a good price. I think this is the 2022 model (it has a lot of small holes in the high back). Would you buy this one in favour of the 2023 model (€250)? I think I read in your review that they downgraded the hardware on these bindings a bit to make them more affordable. So, that would make the 2022 model better AND cheaper in this case won’t it?
Hi Niels
Yeah, if you can get the 2022 model for cheaper, I’d go with that, assuming they have the right size for you. The 2023 model wasn’t a big downgrade – the big price drop was mostly just where the Strata ended fitting in Union’s pricing Heirachy, but all the same, if you can get the better hardware on the 2022 model and it’s the same price or cheaper, then well worth doing.
Thanks Nate. Can’t wait to go try this setup out 🙂
You’re very welcome Niels. Hope your new setup treats you well and that you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate!! Thanks again for all your extensive research. After spending several hours on your site I have decided to go with the Yes. Standard, purchased from evo.com if course, for my next board.
I’m 5’9″ 145 lbs and wear a size 10 vans verse boot which seems to run on the smaller side considering all of my shoes are size 9.5.
I can’t decide between the 151 or 154. I mostly do very technical tree runs and steep chutes. I’m worried about toe overhang on the 151 but also concerned that being on the low end of the weight limit of the 154 will make the board more sluggish and difficult to turn in tight tree runs.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
It’s a close call between the 153 and 151 for you. The 151 might be wide enough though. It’s wider at the inserts than the waist width suggests. With around a 21″ stance, you’d be looking at around a 260mm width at inserts. With a 22″ stance, it would be more like 263mm. Which is a range that’s typically good for 10s, IMO, but can be borderline depending on binding angles and profile of boots. The Vans Verse’s that I’ve measured have been around 3cm longer than mondo on the outersole (so 31cm for a 10). So you would be looking at a 5cm total overhang (or 2.5cm (1″) per edge, assuming perfect boot centering) with a 0 degree back binding angle (assuming a 21″ stance width – with a wider stance, there would be less overhang). This is doable for a lot of riders, but if you’re laying down bigger carves, it’s pushing it. I’ve had no problems with deeper carves (I’m not eurocarving or anything though) with this kind of width, but I typically run +15/-15 binding angles and that angle does make quite a bit of difference. So depending on binding angles and how deep you carve, the 151 could be doable width-wise.
The 153 shouldn’t be overly big for you though. For your specs, I would typically put you at a around a 153/154, so it’s right there. Whilst you could argue it’s on the slightly wide side for your feet, it’s not super wide, so overall, I think it’s a size that shouldn’t feel too big. If you want that extra maneuverability the 151 would give a bit more in that sense, but it’s up to whether you think it’s too risky boot drag-wise.
Hey:) I have a Standard in the 151, 135lbs size 9.5 boot. Got a great deal on some 2018 Malavitas although I’ve heard those are a bit too soft maybe for this board. Getting new boots and Do you think K2 Ender’s with the Malavitas for this board would be a good match? I ride PNW mix of heavy snow, groomers, and deep powder.. Bombing groomers, side hits a plenty, trees, carving like a maniac:) Thanks.. your reviews are always great!
Hi Spaceship
Thanks for your message.
I think the Malavita work fine with the Standard. Maybe marginally softer than ideal, but still a match, IMO. The Ender are a good flex match, IMO, to that setup and should work for your style of riding too. You could also go a little stiffer, if you wanted to, but they should work well. I would say a boot with a 6/10 to 7/10 flex would be your best bet. The Ender, to me, is a 6/10 flex.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate, what size Standard do you recommend for 6’2” 200 lbs rider? I wear 10.5 Burton Photon boots. I was thinking about the 159 considering I spend most of my time on piste. Thanks
Greg
Hi Greg
Thanks for your message. I agree that 159 would be your best bet. I’d say your “normal” all-mountain size would be more like 162, but with the width of the Standard being wider than normal for 10.5s, sizing down to the 159 makes the most sense.
Thanks Nate. Could I get away with the 162? Just curious. Thanks
Greg
Ps: love your site. Lots of great information! Keep it up!
Hi Greg
Yeah, I think you could get away with it. But note that it would likely differ a little vs how I felt the 156 Standard. Most likely it would feel a little stiffer than I felt the 156, be a little more stable at speed, a little less maneuverable, float a little better in powder, be a little harder to butter and a bit more effort to pop and spin.
Hi Nate,
I am looking to get a my first snowboarding gear and thanks to your reviews along with other sources, I am set on getting the 2023 Yes Standard as a do-it-all snowboard that’ll last me as long as it possibly can.
I am currently 60kg, 5’9, US8. Would probably put myself on the low end of the intermediate range – I can make turns but still struggle a bit on worn out steeper sections of the trail where there are combinations of ice and powder. I see myself mainly carving on groomers mainly but with the occasional jumps or jibbing.
I am wondering which board size you’d recommend for my case? Based on the specs, I believe either the 149 for 151 would be great for me but I can only get the 151 locally where I live – would that be much of an issue if I did went with the 151? or would you recommend another type of board for my case?
Also, with regards to the bindings, I’m stuck between the Union Strata and the Burton Cartel. Which of the two would you recommend? or perhaps another type of binding?
Many thanks!
Hi Ken
Thanks for your message.
I think the 149 would be your best bet. I would put your “standard size” at around 151, but with US8 boots, the 151 is a little on the wide side. The 149 would be a great size for you for the Standard, IMO. But the 151 is getting into the just a little too big territory. It would be doable, but not as optimal as the 149, IMO.
If you can’t find the Standard 149, I would also look into the Slash Brainstorm 151 or the Jones Mountain Twin 151. Even though they have similar waist widths to the 151 Standard, they’re not as wide at the inserts. You could also look at the 149 YES Typo. But again, the 151 Standard is doable – it’s not way out of range or anything, just the 149 would be more ideal.
Both the Strata and Cartel would be good matches for any of those boards, IMO and there’s not really a bad choice between them. I would personally go with the Strata. I prefer them a little more. But they’re both really good bindings and both a good match for the boards you’re looking at. Only thing I would caution is that the Strata has quite a long baseplate and the Medium could be a little long for those boards widths. Hard to say for sure without setting them up and you’d probably be OK, but there is some risk there. You may fit in the Small Strata if you have low profile boots, but no guarantees there either. So, based on that the Cartel would be the safer bet. It will fit fine in the Medium and you can probably go either medium or small with 8s. If you have bulkier than normal boots, then I would go Medium with the Cartels.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I just bought a yes standard 153. Do you have any recommendations for what bindings to pair with this board? I ride a lot of park and when i´m not in the park I like to ride the whole mountain as a park kind of. I have a pair of union stratas, but I would like to buy another pair of bindings to use with this board since the minidisc on the stratas dosen´t give much room for stance adjustment, plus I cant use the slam back inserts on pow days. I really like the feeling of the stratas and the simplicity of most union bindings. So i´m thinking either union force or burton Malavita but Im open to other suggestions as well. How similar is the force to strata? Malavita seems nice but I have read on a few forums & reviews that they tend to dent the topsheet of the board sometimes. Have you ever had that problem with your malavitas?
Im 174cm tall 67kg and ride US 8.5 burton Ion boots
Thanks a lot for your help!
Cheers
Hi Mika
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Force are quite different to the Strata. They have a more smooth, even feel to their response versus the Strata, which is a more “explosive/springy” kind of response. Also the board feel of the Force isn’t as good. I would go Malavita in your case, given that you ride a lot of park and ride the mountain like a park. I think you’ll appreciate the better board feel of the Malavita over the Force.
I haven’t had any issues with denting the top sheet with my malavitas. Leaves some marks when you take them off – but all bindings do that in my experience, but no denting that I’ve experienced.
Hope this helps
Hello! I am looking into getting this board and was hoping to get some help with sizing. I am 5’11” and weigh 160 pounds with a shoe size of 11. I am an intermediate rider who has gone snowboarding a decent amount but who has never owned a board before. I mostly stick to groomers but have an interest in doing some tree and park runs. Do you think I should go with the 156 or the 159? I can’t tell if the 156 will be too narrow for my feet.
Hey Mitch
I’d go 156 for sure. 159 in this board too big for you, IMO. And the 156 shouldn’t be too narrow for 11s. The width at the inserts is around 272mm (assuming a roughly 22″ stance width) which is a really good width for 11s, IMO. I mean, if you’re euro carving with bulky boots and zero angle on your back binding or the likes, then it might be too narrow, but otherwise, all good. I think the 156 would be the perfect size for your specs.
Hope this helps
Thanks so much for the response Nate! Thats really helpful. Love your website by the way!
Hey Nate, sorry for the double message. Wanted to actually ask 1 more question. Do you have any suggestions for boots and bindings for this board? I read through your guides but theres a lot of options so wasnt sure if you could help narrow it down.
Hey Mitch
For boots, I would look for something in the 6/10 to 7/10 flex range. I know that doesn’t narrow it down a whole bunch, but the best fitting option in that flex range would be the way I’d go. If you’re unable to try on for fit, this might be some help.
For bindings, something in the same 6/10 to 7/10 flex range. Look out for things like board feel if you think you want to be trying butters, ollies, jibs etc. Good shock absorption also helps if you’re going to be doing jumps and can help with chatter in more bumpy terrain. The following have really good options for the Standard, IMO. Though I would personally try to not go to 5/10 flex, if you can help (there’s a couple in the first list below that are 5/10 flex.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hi Nate,
Thank you for all your time and energy in writing all these reviews. I could use your expertise in helping me find my next board and I’m considering the Yes Standard. I have been riding a very stiff Ride No.4, fast and aggressively for the last 15 years. I’m looking for a fun daily driver that can be just as fun, just as grippy on groomers or icy snow, but that is also less forgiving than my current stiff board. I’m also at a point where I want to goof around a little, buttering from time to time. I demoed a Lib tech Ejack knife last season and loved it. It was just what I was looking for except that it didn’t have a ton of pop in the park and was slightly on the stiffer end. The Yes Standard seems a bit less stiff. Not having the opportunity to ride, and seeing that you rode and reviewed both of those, which one would you recommend for a daily driver, groomer, ice, some park, some butters, some pow?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Pablo
Thanks for your message. The Standard is certainly a little softer than the Ejack Knife and more suited to park and butters. Not quite as good for powder, but still OK for powder. And not quite as stable at speed or as good on a carve, but still decent in those areas. The Standard, in my experience has really good edge hold in icy conditions, so you would still get that aspect. So I think it could definitely work for you. Another option, given that you liked the Ejack Knife would be to look at something like the Lib Tech TRS (though the biggest weakness there would be in powder) or the GNU RC C3 (again powder being the biggest issue there). But I think the Standard would work well for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi ante I got this beauty ,153 (finally) along with a pair of atlas, I’m a hit concerned since I also have a pair of stratas I am not sure with one of them would ahit better.
Regards
Hi IJ
Both the Strata and Atlas would pair with the Standard. If you have an Aviator (looking at your comment from the Aviator post) and the Standard, then I would put the Atlas on the Aviator and the Strata on the Standard.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
You recently offered me some advice on the Yes Typo review where you recommended a 158 size for my 74kg and size 9(UK), 10(US) shoe size.
I’m a low-end intermediate who rides groomers and maybe some powder. No park rides for me.
I’m struggling to find a Typo in the UK, end of season and stock is nill, and Yes, don’t ship directly to the UK.
I can still find a few Yes Standards, but I’m struggling to work out the correct board size for the Standard. Is it 156 or maybe even 153 because of my 74kg weight?
Is the Standard suitable for my level and riding preference? I think it is from reading your excellent review.
Thanks for your help; greatly appreciated.
Hi Spike
The Standard is certainly a step up from the Typo and I would say solid intermediate would be best. It’s doable for low intermediate, but will likely be a little more of a challenge to begin with.
Size-wise, those are the 2 sizes I would be debating between. Because of it’s width, I would certainly go a little smaller than what you would ride the Typo in. And as a low intermediate erring on the shorter side is also advisable. Given that you’re not looking to do any freestyle, I think the 156 is the more pure size for your specs – and it’s still sizing down a bit from what I would consider your “standard all-mountain” size. But as a lower intermediate rider, there is an argument to size down a little more again to the 153.
It’s a tough call. The 156 is a size that would serve you for as long as the board lasted, IMO. The 153 might be something you’d want to upgrade from, when you get to an advanced level of riding.
Some other things that might help with the decision:
– The 156 will give you better stability at speed, be faster in general, and better float in powder
– The 153 will be a little easier to ride, be more maneuverable at slower speeds and better/easier for freestyle stuff (but that’s not a concern from what I understand).
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate — as every thank you for the prompt and quality advice.
It really is an excellent service you provide. Your reviews are very well written and structured, so a big thank you to you.
I’ll go and see what Standards I can find …. otherwise I’ll have to wait for the new season stock to come in.
Thanks again for your help.
Back again 🙂
I was just reading your 1-8+ levels for snowboarding skills …. I would say I’ve completed 5 but not started 6 yet.
Would that still mean that the Standard could be a bit challenging?
Thanks
Hi Spike
If you’re around a level 5, I don’t think you should have any issues riding the Standard.
Hi, looking at buying a standard. Intermediate level. I am 5″7 and weight 140lbs with a size 8.5 salomon launch boa boot. Would you recommend 153 or 151? I believe both will work but which one would be better?
Hi Bobby
I think your the same Bobby I just answered, but yeah, I would be weighing up between the 151 and 149, and think the 153 would be a bit too big. Given that you’re thinking between 151 and 153, I think the 151 is your best bet.
Hi, I am about 172cm 5”7 weight 140lbs with boot size 8.5 Salomon launch boa. I’m looking at the standard yes 153cm . Do you think it will fit ? I’m an intermediate rider who will mostly do regular slopes and not snow park
Hi Bobby
Thanks for your message.
The 153, IMO, is a bit too big for your specs. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 152, but with this board being wide for your boots, I would size down from that. So I would go 151 for the Standard at the longest, and would seriously consider the 149, but the 153 is bigger than ideal, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’ve been rocking the YES Standard for 2-3 seasons now and I bought it to grow into after Burton’s Clash. Although I’ve gained lots of experience and advanced as a rider, I occasionally feel that the Standard feels too stiff or not playful enough. When thinking about a second, more playful and easy going board, what would you recommend to “downshift” into?
I was thinking about the Basic/Typo models but not sure if they would be too similar, any other options are more than welcome as well.
Thank you!
Hi Tuomas
Thanks for your message.
The Basic/Typo are quite different feeling boards, so I wouldn’t say they would be too similar – and both certainly more mellow than the Standard. If you adding the new board to pair with the Standard in a quiver, I would go Basic over Typo, to give you that bigger difference (Basic is softer flexing and more rocker and just more playful overall). If you wanted to go full freestyle with your second board, then I would also look at:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
Every board there will be more playful than the Standard, IMO. The one that I probably wouldn’t go for is the Jackpot – just because it’s not going to feel a lot more playful. It’s certainly still a different feeling board to the Standard, but in terms of playfulness it’s not going to be that noticeable a difference, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks a lot Nate, I appreciate it.
You’re very welcome Tuomas. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Like almost everyone who leaves a comment here I have to start by saying how much I appreciate the in depth reviews, but also the detailed and personalized responses to each comment.
To start I am 31, 6’3, and float between 185 – 195 lbs with a size 11-11.5 boot. I have a more slender foot and the 11.5 fits my toe a little better usually, but I like the hug of the 11s around my foot. I currently rock Burton Photons in an 11 and had them heat molded to push the toe back a little bit. I would say I am in between intermediate and advanced, with some aspects of my riding being advanced and other still needing to be progressed. I boarded a lot as a teenager and in my 20s I would only go like once or twice a season, but in the last few years have been getting up there as much as possible. I am definitely an all mountain style rider with a lean towards freestyle. I LOVE to hit kickers and on a confident day can pretty much take down any jump on the mountain, and I love to charge hard once or twice a day. I am not a big jibber but hit some easy rails / boxes, but am really trying to work on my switch riding, buttering, carving, and getting more comfy on the smaller park features.
I never really took the time to try and master switch riding until this season and I have started to really enjoy the feeling that comes with total mastery of the board. I am still progressing switch but looking forward to improving my butter tricks / edge control on carves. So, I want a board that can handle the occasional charge and larger features, but I also want something suitable to progressing the switch / butter aspects of my riding that are lacking.
When I started getting serious about the sport again I just went and got a Burton Custom with some light research and it seemed like a good all mountain quiver of one, but after being on it for my second season it doesn’t seem like the fit for me. It’s a 162 and it can really charge down the mountain, rip a carve, and great for landing the big jumps (even saves my knees a bit when I overshoot haha), but it feels labored when I am trying to play around / progress buttering at slow speeds. It is also just a bit unforgiving, I love the launch out of turns, but I feel like I am always having to be on my game (especially switch). I also see a lot of hard snow / icy conditions being in California and only 1 or 2 light powder days a year.
So, I am going to get a new set up at the end of the season and after reading your reviews and a ton of research I landed on the Standard. I am thinking of going with the 156 to have some playfulness, and was hoping the mid-wide flex could still handle the occasional bomb and big feature I throw at it. I wanted to see if you thought that was accurate or if I should go with the 159.
For Bindings I am leaning towards the Strata, the Rome Vice, and the NOW select Pro. I like my Burtons, but I am not a fan of the toe straps, I just can’t seem to get them to lock in how I would like. I am definitely leaning towards the Strata, but I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the set back inserts the Standard has. I don’t see many powder days in California though and was thinking I could always rent when I do. I know you don’t review rome or NOW, but I was wondering if you heard people liking the skate tech or thought they could be a good fit just hearing about preferences.
Thanks for reading such a long comment and I appreciate all the effort you put in!
Take care,
Justin
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard would suit what you’re describing well. It’s a bit mellowed out from the Custom for sure, but can still handle some speed. It’s easier to butter too.
Size-wise, I think I would be leaning 159 though. For your specs, I would say something around 162 is your “standard all-mountain” length, but given the aspects you want to focus on, sizing down is certainly an option and with the Standard being a wider board, it makes sense for that reason as well. However, I think sizing down to 159 would be enough. If you wanted it to really be something for focusing on freestyle, the you could certainly ride the 156, but with 11s, the 156 would be a good width for you – rather than being on the wider side. The 159 is on the wider side for 11s, but it’s still in a good range for the 11s. If you were riding 9.5s, 10s that kind of thing, I would give more consideration to the 156, but with 11s, and your height/weight specs, I would be leaning 159.
For reference in terms of width at inserts, on the Custom 162, you probably, depending on your stance width have a width at the inserts of around 267mm. On the Standard 156, it would be around 270mm. On the 159 Standard around 275mm.
For bindings, if you weren’t concerned about not being able to use the slam backs, then I think the Strata would work well. You could still set it back on the regular insert pack, but just not as far back as you can with the slam backs. I haven’t tested the NOW Select, but I have tested a few NOW bindings – for the most part I like them – but I’m not a fan of how their board feel for the likes of butters etc – and given that’s something you want to work on, that would be my only concern with NOW bindings. I haven’t to date tested any Rome bindings.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I appreciate all of the advice, and I actually like the idea of a 159 as well I think I just got a bit weary of the larger size because the core on the 162 Custom felt way heavier then the 158 and stiffer. It almost felt twice as heavy when I picked up someone elses 158 after I got it, and I just want to be sure these sizes don’t have the same jump in heftiness. If that’s not the case then I am definitely open to the 159.
Yeah I was worried about that with the NOW’s so I will probably steer clear, thanks!
I thought I would also add, I have also been re-examining the Yes Greats, and thinking it could be really good for learning some of the things I had just mentioned. When I went back and looked it seemed you mentioned it could handle some speed as well (maybe even 4/5), and I was wondering if you thought that could potentially be a good fit too, and if so what size? 159 as well?
Thanks again Nate!
Also, I saw you ride Falcors on your Greats board and was wondering why you prefer those because they are a bit stiffer – and if you had any other bindings you would recommend.
This is a little random as well, but I was looking at the Goliath and Whatever at first but wrote them off because they seemed to have trouble in hard snow, which I ride most often, but I saw you rode one in a comment and was wondering if you would agree.
Appreciate the time.
Shoot I am the worst, I forgot to mention I wanted the binding recommendations with a slightly canted footbed around 1.5, I think it would help my knees a bit with my wider stance!
Hey Nate,
Sorry to blow you up with comments! You can delete this comment and the Bataleon one as well. I have decided to go with the Yes Greats! It just feels like the exact balance I want with a great switch experience, but I a super stuck between the 156 and 159. I am just worried I will find the 159 has a similar jump in heftiness from the 156 that I experience on the custom from 158 to 162. I can’t find any local ones to play around with either, let me know what ya think!
Appreciate it,
Justin
Hi Justin
Thanks for your messages.
I think the Greats would fit what you’re describing really well. Just note that it’s not as good in powder as the Standard – but it’s not any worse in powder than the Custom. Though if you do end up going 156 in the Greats, then it won’t float in well as powder as the 162 Custom, IMO. But if powder isn’t that important or if you don’t see any deep powder that much, then I think it should work really well.
In terms of sizing – when it comes to the Greats, the 156 is more doable than the Standard 156 for you, IMO. Like the Standard it’s wider, as you know but it’s also got a lot more effective edge versus overall length vs the Standard. Again it’s not super wide since you ride 11s, but I would still size down to 159 even without taking the effective edge into account. When taking the effective edge into account you can ride this board in a shorter size than the Standard if you want to.
I rode the 154 most recently on this board, and it didn’t feel too small at all. It’s a size I could happily ride on this board (I wouldn’t suggest you go as small as the 154 though, with your boot size). I own the 156 and I really like that size too, but I would never go 159 personally – would feel too big for me. I think you could, with your specs, ride the 159, but the 156 is definitely doable – and it seems you’re liking that idea. You would get a little less stability at speed – and certainly versus the Custom 162, there would be a drop there – but I don’t think it would end up being too wobbly or anything.
I ride the Falcor’s on my Greats – it’s a combo I like. I really like carving with the Greats 156. But I do like it with my Malalvita’s too – it doesn’t need stiffer bindings. And if were to ride the 154 I would likely ride it with softer bindings. Also note that my Falcor’s are the 2019 model. The 2022 model got a bit stiffer than previous models, so I’m not sure I would put them on the Greats. If it was between the 2022 Falcor and the Strata, I would go Strata.
I appreciate all the added help! I think I am leaning towards the 156 and I will keep you updated on how it goes!
You’re very welcome Justin. Look forward to hearing how it goes for you.
The fact I had to scroll this far to comment speaks for itself. You’re a cool dude.
I’m currently on my first board a 2009 Riders choice 157.5 which I have been riding for 4 years and it’s time for something new. I guess I’m intermediate now. I was originally set on just getting the new Riders choice but your review on the Standard is starting to change my mind. It seems to check all the boxes so now I’m confused haha. I love trees and small natural hits so I need nimble. It has been difficult to enjoy the pow on my current setup as I start cramping from needing to lean back so much, so something with more float would be nice. I’m not too concerned about speed but I’m looking forward to more stability and better turning. No park for me. Mostly off piste when I can so free ride?
I’m 6 ft 185-190 lbs with 11.5 boots. I was settling on the Standard 159 but I’ve seen you recommend some people size down to the 156. I’m 32 years old and consider myself fairly strong and athletic haha. Not sure if that helps. Or do I stick with riders choice and get the 158W?
Hi Devon
Thanks for your message.
If you went Standard I would actually go 159 in your case. With the same specs and size 10 boots, then yeah, sizing down to 156 would be an option for sure, and I’d be leaning that way for this board. But with 11.5 boots, the 159 is a good width for your boots, so no need to size down (I typically only recommend sizing down with this board for smaller boot sizes).
The Standard, IMO, will give you more on a carve, better stability at speed and be a little better in powder – particularly if you make use of the slam back inserts. In terms of nimbleness, comparing the 159 Standard to 158W RC, I’d say the RC is probably a little more agile, but not heaps in it. Given your riding style, if you wanted to go with something a little more directional twin, then you could also look at the Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, if you wanted something similar to the RC, but a little better in powder (though you’d have to size up to the 161W or down to 156W). But I think the Standard fits what you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Helpful? Yes and no! Haha. Thanks for replying but now I’m intrigued by the TW. There are too many options. So yea I live for the trees. Unfortunately good powder days are far in between where I live. I’m still leaning toward the standard as you’ve suggested even though I don’t think I’d really utilize the slam back much. It would just be nice to have that option on those rare occasions. I’m hoping any wider modern hybrid board will be better than what I have now, and since I don’t have much experience with other boards I wonder if I’ll notice the subtleties. So with that would you say just get the standard and don’t worry about it, or would you say maybe the TW would be better if it is indeed more nimble, playful, snappy? I also noticed they have different bases does that play much of a factor? Size up or down the TW? And you know it may also just come down to whatever I can get my hands on as stock seems to be diminishing…
Hi Devon
Yeah, I would say TW more nimble and playful, but the Standard certainly isn’t unnimble or unplayful. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice. But the Standard will be more of a different feeling to what you’re used to, given you’re used to riding a 2009 Rider’s Choice. Especially given that back then it was BTX – so basically all rocker – or at least pretty rocker dominant. The new Rider’s Choice is C2X, which has more camber in it than the BTX – and the TW is also C2X. But they still have the rocker between the feet – and having that pivot point between the feet, compared to camber between the feet can be quite a different feeling. Of course that’s not the only difference between them, but it’s definitely a noticeable difference and one that can take a bit of getting used to.
With the TW, my instinct is that you’re going to find the 161W a little too big, particularly because trees are a big part of your riding. So, I would be more inclined to go the 156W – though that feels a little on the small side! But if you’re coming from a 157.5 RC – regular width – then size-wise the 156W is probably actually a slightly bigger feel than that. In terms of surface area, it’s still going to give you a little more, which is good for powder – and being a little more directional than the RC, it’s going to be better for powder in that sense as well. But going 156W smaller will lessen how much better it feels in powder – but I feel like it would be the better balance between keeping things nimble, whilst also giving a bit better powder performance
Almost forgot to tell you I went ahead and sent it and snagged a standard 159. It seemed like I was weirdly in between on the sizing for the TW, plus they’re hard to find in stock. It might take some adjustment going to more of a camber board but I’m excited for the challenge. Just need some more snow this season! Thanks for taking the time to give in depth and thoughtful advice. If you’re interested maybe I’ll share my thoughts when I finally get to ride it.
Hi Devon
Nice! Hope it treats you well. Would definitely be interested in hearing your thoughts, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
Finally got to test out the Standard, and it was awesome! Very happy with the upgrade. First thing I noticed was how light it was compared to my old board. My first camber board and no problem getting the hang of it, though this could just be a more forgiving board too. Less squirrely on the cat tracks, and much better take off and landings on jumps. It was a mixed day with firm ice base and fresh pow on top. The float was so nice. I do think the magnetraction is a little bit better in the ice, but the Standard did ok still. No problem riding switch on the groomers. Had a great time in the trees. I noticed I could get a little bit of snap out of turns which was new for me and fun. Overall amazing and no regrets. Thanks for the review and recommendation.
(also sorry I replied to an earlier post because there wasn’t a visible button on the latest one)
Hi Devon
Thanks for the update. Always great to hear other’s experiences and awesome that it’s treating you so well. Enjoy!
Hi Nate,
I’ve been riding a Lib Tech T. Rice 153 for the last 8-10 years and looking to switch over to one of your top ranked all-mountain boards. Other than the Standard, I’ve been looking at the Typo, Jones MT, and Ride Algorythm, but I’m having a ton of trouble figuring out which is the best fit for me.
I ride a lot of groomers out west but love to hop into the trees and am looking for something that’s easy to maneuver. I’m starting to do a little more park but more so just hit little features around the mountain and ideally would have something that can handle itself pretty well on pow days. Definitely want something stable at speed too but I’m not a crazy aggressive rider either. I feel like the MT is a great fit but I’ve read a ton of reviews about the top layer peeling off and it seems like it’s become a pretty consistent and major problem. Have you heard of experienced anything like that?
Other than that, any lean on any of these options? Thanks so much, really appreciate the help!
IP
Hey IP
Thanks for your message.
I got your other one on the Mountain Twin review as well, but will delete it to keep things tidy as I don’t think there was anything different to your comment here.
I haven’t had any issues with Jones boards topsheets peeling, but I only get them for so long. That said, sometimes I get them after they’ve been ridden a bit – demo models from reps and I haven’t noticed it. I don’t recall anyone mentioning to me either, but I get a lot of comments, so it’s possible someone mentioned it and I can’t remember, but off the top of my head, I haven’t heard of it, so I’m not sure how common it is with the MT. That aside, I think the MT would be a great option for what you’re describing. As would the Standard, so that’s definitely an option too.
I haven’t ridden the Algorythm yet, so I’m not sure about that one.
The Typo would certainly work for what you’re describing and, IMO would be the most manevuerable for the trees – but will be the least in terms of powder. Still OK in powder but not as good as the Standard or MT, IMO. It’s the most playful of the 3, IMO, so if you wanted to go more playful, it’s an option, but it’s not as stable at speed. So, my instinct says the MT and Standard probably better fits, but if you wanted the most maneuverable in trees and the most playful and were happy to sacrifice a little in terms of speed and powder, it’s definitely an option.
Happy to give sizing suggestions for each of those, if you wanted it – would just need your weight and boot size – got your height (5’7″) from your other comment already.
Hope this helps
Awesome thanks Nate (sorry about all the comments), super helpful! 5’7 150 which I’m guessing puts me on the Standard 153 and MT 154 probably right?
I’d say I’m in the trees more than I’m in powder just for being unlucky missing the good storms but definitely looking for decent in both. Am I missing any other top options outside of Standard, Typo, MT for my riding style?
Thanks again for the help!
Hi IP
Got all your messages (deleted the others for tidiness). They just need to be moderated, which I typically just do as I reply. A little slower replying right now because it’s the weekend – and also because I’m on the road doing a bit of ski resort tour.
I would say around 154 in terms of length for your specs, generally speaking as your “standard all-mountain” size. However, given that the Standard is a wider board, I’d look at the 151 – size down a bit to make up for the fact that it would be wide for your boots. As you mentioned in your other post, you picked up the 153 – it’s doable, but on the big side for your specs, IMO, I think the 151 would be the more optimal size.
For the MT, the same thing applies really. All be it not quite as wide as the Standard, it’s still wide for your boots (and the 154 only actually marginally narrower than the Standard at the inserts) – so again, I’d probably be leaning 151, rather than 154. Again, 154 doable, but I’d be leaning 151.
Yeah, the Typo is a little more playful/more freestyle focused board than the other 2, IMO, but it’s not like a park board or anything. It’s a little bit down in terms of powder, but it’s not terrible for powder either. I actually really liked it in the trees – really nice and nimble. Size-wise, I agree with 152 as you mentioned in your other comment, if you were to go with that one.
Thanks a lot, Nate. I ended up swapping out the 153 for the 151 Standard. I checked the SB Database and saw my Lib Tech is actually from 09 lol so I’m pretty excited to get on a new board. Really appreciate the help (and your article about how to figure out what width board is for you).
Best,
IP
You’re very welcome IP. Hope the 151 Standard treats you well! Happy riding
Hi Nate, (fellow Nate here)
Intermediate snowboarder here with 3-4 years experience. I am 5’9,” 175-180lbs, wearing size 9.5 Ride Rooks. I reside in Southern California and expect to ride in June and Mammoth a lot, with a trip planned to Steamboat Springs, CO and Big Sky, MT each. I primarily ride groomers, trees, and enjoy some speed. However I did want to spend more time in the park this year with jumps and rails and keep practicing switch. Big Bear is usually just groomers and park, but mammoth can see pretty good pow and last year steamboat and big sky blessed our trips with plenty.
Last Year I rode an old buddy’s Rome SDS LoFi 155cm. That a women’s board with a 149 waist width that definitely wasn’t meant to handle my weight so powder runs were pretty rough. There was toe drag, but it still carved decent, and I enjoyed the park on it none the less.
I actually just purchased the Yes Standard in 153cm, but am on the fence about exchanging for the 156. My concern with 153 is really about my weight for the board. When I put the Yes Standard 153 up against the old board, it’s (to my inexperienced mind) only a bit wider wider at the nose, tail, and waist. I know it’s unwise to compare the two, but I still worry about my weight on the board being to high for the 153 and just sinking miserably again in powder, but on the flipside I worry that I’ll lose responsiveness and turn initiation on the 156 due to my boot size and not navigate well through trees.
Sorry that was so long, let me know which size you think would be best.
Thank You
Hey Nate
Thanks for the message – and great name!
The Rome Lofi is relatively wide for a women’s board (and really the max length that women’s boards typically come in). So the Standard 153 at the waist isn’t that much wider (249mm on Lofi vs 253mm on Standard), but the overall width is quite a bit more (299mm at the nose/tail versus 293mm at nose and tail). It doesn’t sound (and doesn’t look) like much, but makes quite a big difference to the overall surface area of the board. And, importantly, at the inserts, the 153 Standard would be considerably more. Assuming a fairly moderate 545mm (21.5“) stance width, the 153 is around 265mm at the inserts. And a bit more if you were to have a wider stance width than that. As I’ve never measured a Rome board, I don’t what the Lofi is likely to be at the inserts, but I’d be surprised if it was more than 259mm. So, I’d be very surprised if you got boot drag issues on the 153.
All of that said, I think the 156 is the better size for you in the Standard. The 153 is doable – and it will give you better powder performance than the Lofi, IMO, but I would be leaning 156. I’d put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 159. However, given the width of the 156cm Standard (270mm at inserts assuming that 545mm (21.5″) stance width) is quite wide, sizing down a little makes sense, but I think sizing down to 156 makes more sense than to 153. I really like the 156 and ride either 9.5 or 10 boots (6’0″, 185lbs last time I rode it) – height is the least thing to worry about and your weight is similar – I’m typically between 175lbs and 185lbs and I’d still ride the 156 when I’m 175lbs.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate thanks for the great reviews!
I’m trying to decide on a new board. I’m currently riding a 15 year old Burton Canyon in 168W.
I’ve been riding for 20+ years and would say I’m an advanced rider.
I’m 6’2″, 230lb, and US 13 Burton boots. Would the Standard in 162 work well for me?
Also considering the Jones Mountain Twin in 165W. Was also looking at the Lib Tech Travis Rice Pro in 164W or the Skunk Ape in 165W.
Would the Burton Cartels, Cartel X, or Union Atlas or Forces be a good choice for any of those boards? Using Burton Photon boots.
Thanks!
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
I think the Standard could work in the 162 for you. Possible you could see a reduced stability at speed, given the size drop, but I’m not sure what the Canyon was like. The Canyon was before my time testing boards, so I don’t know much about it – and can’t find much either, but what I could find, it sounds like it’s similar to the old Custom. Assuming that translates somewhat to the new custom, then size-for-size, you’re looking at a bit of a drop in terms of stability at speed. That said, it’s an older board and you can afford to size down more these days. Not taking your old board into account, I would say 162, for the Standard, is a good size for your specs.
For the other boards I agree with your sizings on those too. The Mountain Twin would be doable in the 162W, but with 13’s I think the width is a safer bet on the 165W – and length-wide, I’d be leaning that little bit longer too – especially given the board you’re coming from.
In terms of bindings, I would go either Cartel X or Atlas if you went T Rice Pro or Skunk Ape as the Cartel and Force would likely be a little soft for them. Any of those would match the Standard and Mountain Twin but I’d still be leaning Cartel X and Atlas.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome thanks for the reply. Yup the Canyon was the wide version of the Custom back in the day.
I think I’ll go with the Mountain Twin 165w with Cartel Xs. Just for that bit more stability at speed.
Thanks again!
You’re very welcome Ben. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
I’ve just purchased the YES Standard 2021 board thanks to your great reviews!
I’m now looking to get some bindings for the board and was looking at the NOW X-YES Men’s Snowboard Bindings 2020. I thought they would be compatible with the YES Standard board. I have seen some that were £250 but now half price now at £125, and don’t really want to pay much more than this for some bindings.
I was wondering if you know anything about the quality of these bindings and if they are decent. Also, maybe give me a few suggestions to look at that would be good for this board.
I am in between an intermediate and advanced level, and have a shoe size of 9/10. I bought the 156cm board.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Will
Hi Will
Thanks for your message.
The NOW X Yes are good quality bindings. My biggest thing with them and other NOW bindings is board feel, in terms of feeling the flex nose to tail for butters/presses and the likes, but otherwise, they’re good bindings. I think ideally I would go 6/10 or 7/10 in terms of flex for the Standard – I felt the X YES at 5/10 flex. So a little softer than ideal, but still doable for sure. For more on the X YES, you can check out my review of them here.
As bindings get stiffer they tend to get more expensive, so if you’re looking at that kind of price range, then they might be your best bet. But if you can find past season versions of others you should be able to get them cheaper than normal. Since those are 2 seasons old, they will be cheaper than if you were to find one season old, but anything that’s not current season should be discounted.
Some good options to look out for that are reasonably priced (and even better if you can find them in past season model) and would be a good match to the Standard are the Burton Cartel and Union Force.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the info Nate, I appreciate your advice and opinion! I’ll take a look at your suggestions
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the review sounds like a great board. Right now I’m riding a 155 GNU Headspace, and while it is exceptional board I find that my riding style is a little too aggressive for it and am looking for something more stable at speed an uneven terrain etc as well as something with a bit more pop. I’m 5’10 150lb and wear 10.5 boots and was looking at the 156 Standard. Was between this and the Mercury but this sounds a little more stable and wider. But one thing that I really do like about the Headspace is the edge hold and how well it carves, so I was wondering how the Standard carves and if it’s more suited to longer drawn out carves out shorter carves etc.
Thanks!
Hi Ian
THanks for your message.
Versus the Headspace I’d say it’s a little more suited to long drawn out carves, but it’s still not one for super long drawn out carves, if that makes sense. I wouldn’t say it’s more stable than the Mercury. Similar though. The 156 would work for you. It’s on the big side for your specs, IMO, when you take into account length and width, but doable, particularly if you’re looking for it to be more stable at speed and more aggressive. Versus the 155 Headspace, it will be that for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Okay cool thanks for the info! Yeah now that I’m looking at the recommended rider weight specs for the Standard the 153 might be more suited for my weight. And yeah I feel you on the carving etc , just want to be sure it’s decent as I like something that isa well rounded board especially since I can’t demo it . Still a little on the fence between this and the Mercury haha but I know I can’t go wrong with either boards!
You’re very welcome Ian. Yeah both really nice boards, IMO, so not a bad choice between them. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go with and how you get on, on snow. Happy riding!
For sure thanks Nate !
Hi Nate !
Sorry to bug you again haha. But I really want to get the Standard and only the 156 is available. Do you think it will feel to unresponsive for my boot size etc ?
Hi Ian
I think it’s mostly weight that make this board on the big side for you. With your boot size, it’s not actually super wide for you. I would put you on around a 155 for your weight/height specs as your “standard all-mountain” size. So the 156 isn’t far off that. But it’s on the wider end of a good range for your boots, so that in combination with being on the high end of your length range, makes it on the big side of your range overall. But it’s doable.
Ah ok yeah I totally understand. Normally I ride around 155 or 156 so that’s why I was a little hesitant to go for the 153, but as you said I’m more in the weight range of the 53. I actually was able to hunt down a 153 ! Rode it a couple times so far ,and it definitely is a small amount wider than my 155 Headspace was . That extra width def helps with railing carves you can really lay this thing over. It also really does feel like the perfect balance of having stability for charging, but also being playful. Much smoother at speed than the my Headspace yet still easy to butter and def has more pop than the headspace . I even hit some park features and it feels great in the park too :). The only thing I had to get used to a little, which was more due to the conditions was that it doesn’t have the same edge hold as my Headspace on super hard / icy snow. Probably due to the little bit of rocker in the ends but also its kind of hard to beat magne traction for that haha. But yeah overall the Standard is definitely a super versatile all mountain board, I can see why it ranked so high with you and thanks for the help ! 🙂
Hi Ian
Thanks for the update and your insights. Very much appreciated. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all the work you put in your website, amazing reviews and so helpful! I’ve been looking for the right snowboard for me to buy (my first own board), but I’ve now looked at so many different options that my head is spinning, so was hoping you could maybe help out a bit!
I would say I’m an intermediate to advanced (more on the advanced side) snowboarder that likes to do a bit of everything. I like to play around when going down slopes, like to do (small) jumps and tricks wherever I can, like to explore off piste and look for tree roads or soft snow, like to get up to speed and being able to carve well. If we pass a park I’ll get in there for sure, but won’t spend hours there. Focus for me is more on going down mountains, freestyle, exploring off piste, getting up to speed etc. I would think I would need an all mountain board, directional twin, that’s playful but still able to hold carves and get up to speed. Below are the options that I’m left with after research, but with each I have concerns (but maybe it’s just me looking too much for the perfect board).
– Yes Standard or Greats (worried that it’s too stiff)
– Salomon Assassin (worried about performance at speed)
– Bataleon Goliath or Evil Twin (like their specs but worried about 3BT and the learning curve, and how it’s manoeuvrability will be in tight spots)
– Jones Mountain Twin (seems to be not great at icier parts)
– LibTech TRS (really like this one but worried about performance in powder, since it’s a true twin)
– GNU Rider’s Choice (worried that it’s more of a park board and that it will perform bad off piste and in powder)
– Burton Custom Flying V (worried about stiffness and edge hold)
A lot of options as you can see, but just getting stuck at what would be the best option for me. FYI – I’m between 5”10 / 5”11 (180cm) and around 170 pounds (77kg).
Thanks in advance!
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for your message.
Given that you need something that will do well in powder, I would probably cross off the TRS and Greats. And given you want to ride fast as well, I would probably cross off the Rider’s Choice. It’s not terrible at speed, but I think you’ll likely want something that’s a little better at speed. The Assassin is OK at speed, but not quite as good in powder as others on the list you have. The Custom Flying V isn’t great in icy conditions – that’s it’s only real downside, but since you were concerned about the Mountain Twin (MT) in icy conditions, it’s probably going to concern you more. The Mountain Twin is decent in icy conditions – and certainly better than the Custom Flying V, in my experience. It’s as good as the Assassin. Not quite as good as the likes of the Standard/Greats, or the GNU/Lib Tech options you’ve listed, but still decent.
I haven’t ridden any Bataleon boards, so can’t say much there.
So, I would be leaning either Standard or MT. Standard not as good on a carve as the Greats, IMO, but it’s better in powder – and a more all-rounder, which you seem to be looking for. And not as stiff, IMO, as it’s listed as. I would call it 6/10 flex – same as the Mountain Twin.
But long story short, I’d be leaning Standard or Mountain Twin for what you’re describing. If you can let me know your boot size, I would be happy to make a sizing suggestion.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for your response. Really helpful, this has really narrowed down the options for me and I’ll likely go for one of your recommendations.
What size would you recommend for the MT and Standard? I have boot size 10 to 10.5, I’m 5”10 / 5”11 (180cm) and around 170 pounds (77kg).
I was thinking the 156 Standard or 157 MT? I could get a Standard 159 fairly cheap, but worried that the size is a bit too big.
Many thanks!
Hi Jeremy
I’d be thinking the same for your specs (156 Standard, 157 MT). Yeah, unfortunately, I think the 159 would be a little too big for the Standard for you, IMO.
Thanks Nate for your amazing site and content.
I’m looking to upgrade and get an all mountain board that fits my needs better. I’m 5’8 180-185lbs size 9 DC boots, athletic/strong. Currently riding the step ons but also have some malivita’s that I rode the last two seasons.
I have a 153 Rome stalefish so I don’t necessarily need an all mountain board that handles deep pow.
My current all mountain board is a 2018 Yes The Greats 156. I like it but feel like there’s something better for me.
I’m 43 (but still think I’m 25) intermediate rider. I look for natural jumps, side hits, rollers, etc. but not in the park too much other than some small and mid ramps and no jibs. I’m decent switch and getting better, same with butters.
I’m looking for something that I can both carve and ride fast, but also something with decent pop and can really have fun and play with and progress with.
I just can’t decide between several boards.
The Standard
Typo
Assassin/assassin Pro
?????
Also, after having the stalefish last season I enjoyed the directional nature of it and how it handled. So I’m torn if a directional twin is the better option too.
I’ll likely only land jumps switch and play around switch but doubt I’ll be launching switch. If that helps at all.
Any suggestions on boards and what size you’d go with.
Thanks in advance.
Jonathan.
Hi Jonathan
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of riding switch, I think you’ll be fine with something directional twin, given what you’re describing. The likes of the Standard, Typo and Assassin/Assassin Pro are going to be fine riding switch.
My instinct is leaning towards the Assassin Pro, given that you’re athletic, strong and want to carve and bomb, but still have a little bit of playfulness and good pop. I’d be leaning 156, but you could go out to the 159, if you were wanting to go a little longer.
The Standard would certainly work too. In that I’d go no longer than 156 – it’s a wider board. But I’d be leaning Assassin Pro, just because I think you can get a better carve out of it than with the Standard. Same goes versus the likes of the Assassin and Typo. Particularly with the Typo, you may not get the stability at speed that you’re looking for.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome. Thank you for the feedback. I’ve been watching more of Ryan Knaptons videos and as I age could see myself playing more with carves, butters, and more ground type freestyles as well. I think the assassin pro fits the bill even more if that’s the route I end up going. Is that accurate?
Any suggestions on a better suited board for that style? Just curious. Thanks so much for your feedback already.
Hi Jonathan
It kinda depends. If you want that mix of being able to carve but still butter well, then I wouldn’t necessarily go with what Ryan Knapton would ride. That guy can butter anything, no matter how stiff it is. But one thing you could consider is going with a twin, full camber board (if you weren’t planning on riding much powder). But I probably wouldn’t want to go as stiff as what Ryan would go, if you want to include butters – unless you’re a powerhouse butterer like he is!
Something like:
– Burton Blossom (or Freethinker – though you’d want to be pretty strong to butter the Freethinker easily)
– YES Jackpot
Or something mostly camber, like:
– Niche Crux
– Ride Burnout
– Ride Benchwarmer
– Salomon Huck Knife or Huck Knife Pro
Or full camber, but directional twin, like:
– Arbor Shiloh Camber
– Burton Custom Camber
Thank you sir. I just ordered the assassin pro 156. I appreciate all your help and suggestions.
You’re very welcome Jonathan. Hope it treats you well. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Dear Nate,
Thank you for your review!
I would like to ask your opinion, I plan to buy my first own board+binding. I’m currently 230lbs, but plan to reduce to 210 and stay there, 6.3 feet, own a Salomon Dialogue Boa US10.5, intermediate level, riding for about 3 years, mostly groomers, bits of trees and powder.
I’m considering the yes. standard (162), typo (161) or capita mercury (160w) with Falcor/Atlas/Cartel X bindings.
What do you say, am I on the right track regarding SB designs and sizes? Or should I consider other options?
Thank you!
Hi Gabor
Yeah, I think you’re on the right track. Some things to note.
The Typo is the most playful of those 3 – the quickest edge to edge as well. Not quite as good in powder or in terms of stability at speed as the other 2. The Mercury is the most aggressive and takes the most power to ride. The Standard is in between.
Size-wise, I think you’d be better to go 161 for the Mercury. It’s well wide enough for your boots, IMO. You don’t need to go as wide as the 160W. For the Typo, the 161 could be bordering on being too narrow. It’s probably fine, depending on your binding angles and depending on how deep you carve, but it could be pushing it. The 163W isn’t overly wide for a wide board – and is a doable length for you – so that’s an option too. The Standard 162 is plenty wide enough, in fact a little too wide for 10.5s. Even the 159 is wide for 10.5s. You could consider sizing down to that. The 159 Standard would be more in line with the 161 Typo, in terms of sizing.
In terms of bindings, all of those would match the Standard and Mercury well. Bordering on too stiff for the Typo though, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you Nate!
Actually I’m leaning more and more toward the Standard. What mixes my situation a bit, that my boot will be probably a bit short (my feet are mondo 285). Will the Standard 159 also work with a US11 (or even US11.5 … in case) Salomon or would be too narrow?
Thank you again!
Hi Gabor
The 159 Standard is wide enough for 11.5s. It’s as wide as a typical wide board – wider than some wide boards.
Hi Nate
Thanks for such detailed reviews.
I’m a novice here and this season will be my forst time snowboarding. I’m working hard to get my carving down. I’m about 6’ tall and currently weigh about 200 pounds but typical weight range is 165-175. (Lots of covid weight lol) my boot size is 10.5
I’m interested in an all mountain board that I won’t have to grow out if as my skills get better. Looking at mostly groomed trails, some powder, and just wanna do more aggressive carves at decent speed. I’ve narrowed down between the Standard 159 and the Typo 158. My current weight is on the edge of the Typo 158s weight range but would you be able to recommend between the two? I shouldn’t need to get a wide board correct? I have Burton Moto boots with the mission reflex bindings also by burton.
I’ll be honest I’m more drawn to the Typo because the design looks so sick but obviously that’s meaningless at the end of the day. Thanks in advance!
Hi Mick
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Typo for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s the easier board to progress on. It’s one of the better boards for those who are higher-end beginners that want a board that will last them as they get better. It’s still not something I would typically recommend for a first timer, but at a stretch I think it’s doable – and certainly more doable than the Standard. The Standard isn’t super advanced, but you’d want to be a solid intermediate rider, IMO. It’s something that could slow down your progression at the start, even if it’s going to be something you may never grow out of.
Secondly, in terms of matching your boot/binding combo, you’d ideally want to go a little stiffer in both boots and bindings. For the Typo, the bindings match well. The boots are still on the softer side for the Typo but still doable.
Size-wise, the Typo in 158 would be perfect, IMO. As a beginner you want to size down a little – at your current specs, I would consider your “standard all-mountain” size to be roughly 161. So 158 works well, IMO. Then if you do get back to your typical weight range, by that time your skills will be improved and at that weight range you “standard all-mountain” size drops to right around that 158. So the timing could work perfectly.
If you did go Standard, I would actually go to 156. The Standard, even though it doesn’t specify wide sizes is a wider than average board. In the 159 it’s quite wide for 10.5s and the combination of width and length makes it on the big side. For your current specs, it could work, if you were a more advanced rider. But if you get back to your typical weight it’s on the big side. Even the 156 is on the wider side for 10.5s, but that little bit of sizing down compensates for that, making the 156 a good bet for at your normal weight range. But I would go Typo anyway.
Hope this helps
Hey thanks for such a great review! I’m 6’1″ , around 210 pounds, and wear a size 12 or so. I used to have the Yes Greats from 2021 (wider board) and got the longest one I could at 159 cm.
Any advice on the size for this one?
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
I would typically size the Standard either similar to the Greats or go a little longer with the Standard, depending on how someone wants to ride them. For your specs, particularly given you’re riding 12s, I would be leaning 162. Not because the 159 would be too narrow, but because I think around 163 is what I would consider your “all-mountain” length, so 159 would be sizing down, IMO, which I’d recommend if you had smaller feet, but given your boot size, I don’t think you need to size down with this board.
Also, compared to the Greats, there is less effective edge versus overall length on this board, so you can go a little longer than you would on the Greats.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hugely helpful! One last question – is it safe to safe, then, that 167 cm would be too big?
Hi Mark
Yeah, 167 would be going too big for you, IMO. I would sooner go 159 than 167, if I was you. Ideally 162, but if it was between 159 and 167, I’d go 159.
Hi Nate,
First, thanks for all you do here and providing a wealth of knowledge and patience with people. Several members of my family have used your page for educating themselves and with purchases.
6’ tall, size 11-11.5 boot, and usually fluctuate between 187 – 197 lbs. I was a solid intermediate rider but have taken a couple years off riding. Before this I routinely borrowed a never summer west and a burton don’t remember the name (I believe it was either 159 or 161 ?) Looking to get my own setup now and am torn between the Yes Typo and Standard. I want an all-around mountain board (carving, powder, groomers, side hits, a little trees) and this season I may venture into the park for the first time for just a bit. I skated for over 10 years in my youth, so why not. Looking for a size recommendation on both those boards if you think they’ll work. I was thinking about not going to big, because I’d like something that turns edge to edge a little better than what I’ve rode in the past.
Thanks!!
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
Between those two boards, the Typo is the more playful (Standard certainly isn’t overly aggressive by any means though) and is going to be quicker edge-to-edge. But if you size the Standard right it will be fine edge to edge. But if edge to edge speed is what you’re looking for, then the Typo is a standout there. The Standard is a little better in powder, it’s better at speed and on big carves, but still quite buttery (though Typo more buttery) and nothing that’s super aggressive or stiff or anything.
Size-wise, I would be looking at (based on roughly 192lbs):
– Typo: 159W is probably the best all-round size for you for this board, IMO. But given that you want to go nimble, the 156W becomes an option. I rode the 155 last time (6’0″, 175lbs, size 10) I rode the Typo and whilst it felt on the small side, it wasn’t crazy small, but it was super nimble. It’s not going to be one for bombing without wobble in that size (even the 159W isn’t going to be a bomber really, but more so with the 156W), but if that’s not a concern, then it should work. And will be a good size for getting started in the park too.
– Standard: 156. This is sizing down from I would consider your typical “all-mountain” size. It’s a wider board, but with 11-11.5s it won’t be wide for you. So you could ride the 159 for sure. But given that you’re looking to get something more nimble, I would be leaning 156.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
My specs: 5’7 155lbs Size 10 boot
I am having a hard time deciding between a board. My top 5 in order are:
1. Yes. Standard 153
2. Yes. The Greats 151
3. Jones MT 154
4. Capita Asymulator 152
and I was probably gonna add the Union Force or Burton cartel X to one of those boards
I ride the entire mountain cornice runs @mammoth, rails/boxes, butters, trees, dad park jumps, powder (when available, but I want to be able to enjoy it), and carving at high speeds.
I previously had gnu boards, Burton custom, atomic hatchet, and I just felt like they did not do everything I wanted them to do. So this time I am tryin to get that Quiver of 1.
Thank you!
Hi Bradley
Thanks for your message.
Given that you want to have that powder performance available when you get powder, I would be leaning Mountain Twin or Standard. If that powder is never more than a foot or so deep, then you could definitely get away with the Greats and Asymulator, but if you wanted to be ready for the bigger dumps, then I’d be leaning MT or Standard.
Size-wise, I think you’re spot on with those sizes – the only one I’d question is whether to go to the 154 for the Asymulator. The 152 doable, but that would be the only debate. I would be happy to give that more thought, if you were to decide to go with it.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey nate, I’m having a really hard time picking between this years standard in a 153 and the basic in a 155. I’m 5’10 180lbs with a size 10 boot. I’m an intermediate-advanced level rider who loves to ride the whole mountain. I rode the basic a couple of years ago and loved it… but from everything I hear the standard is even better. I really prioritize maneuverability over all, and like a board that’s quick edge to edge but can also bomb when need be. Any thoughts?
Hi Groove
Thanks for your message.
The Basic is the most nimble of the 2 for sure. The Basic is really easy to maneuver – and particularly if you go with the 155, it’s going to give you super easy maneuverability. The Standard isn’t bad in terms of maneuverability though – and particularly if you size to the 153 with your specs, it should be plenty maneuverable and still offer you more in terms of bombing/stability at speed. But for pure edge to edge speed, the Basic 155 will outdo the Standard 153, IMO.
Have you considered the Typo? It’s as maneuverable, or at least very close to, as the Basic, but it’s a little better at speed. Not to the same extent as the Standard, but it’s a little better in terms of speed.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, I’m going to buy the Yes Standard and trying to figure out the right size. I’m 5’10”, 170lbs with a ~9 boot size. I’m an Intermediate rider (on the lower end since I’m just getting back into it, but should be at my past solid intermediate level soon) that mostly rides groomers in Colorado, but excited to venture out in between trees and whatnot. Don’t do much park, but won’t rule it out. I want it to be stable carving and at higher speeds, but I don’t get that fast compared to others. I’d prioritize turning and carving vs freestyle riding. I’ve been reading that the 156 is going to feel a bit more nimble and easier to initiate turns, but the 159 might be more stable at higher speeds. I think the 156 is better for me as I won’t be doing any crazy speeds, but curious what you recommend of any of the size. Also, any recommendations for boots/bindings that would be good for this board and my style of riding? From your bindings lists and other things I’ve read it seems like Union Forces, Union Strata, and Burton Cartels are good options. Your reviews are awesome!
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
I think 156 for this board for you. For your specs, I’d put you on around 158 for a standard all-mountain length (assuming a relatively advanced level). But given the width of this board, I think it’s better to go down than up. Given that it sounds like you’ll get back to solid intermediate fairly quickly, I wouldn’t necessarily size down at all for ability level reasons, but because of that width I would size to the 156. The 159, when you combine the width and length is getting on the big side for you, IMO.
For bindings, the Force, Strata and Cartel would all be a good match, IMO – and the K2 Lien AT. Anything with a 6/10 to 7/10 flex would be your best bet, IMO. So any of those 4 (6/10 flex) or you could also check out:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
If you wanted to go a little stiffer.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate, appreciate the help! So stoked I found your website. Keep up the good work it’s making an impact.
You’re very welcome Chris. And thanks for the kind words. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
Amazing amount of information and expertise on your site – hoping you can help me out!
I’m looking at a Standard and deciding between a 156 or a 159. I’m 6’1”, 180lbs, 10.5 boot (Burton) and 12/12 duck (on previous board). I like to ride a bit of everything – cruise and carve the groomers/pow, follow the kids on side hits and some trees. Not much park for me, though.
Feel like I’m right between sizes with both weight and boot. Any advice to help me decide would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Can see your debate between those sizes – it’s a tough call between them.
You’re very similar specs to me in terms of height and weight, but just that little bit longer in the foot. I really like the 156 personally, but part of the reason I like to size down to that is that it’s a bit outside my preferred width-range. Ideally I like to be somewhere between 260-265mm at the inserts. With the inserts on the 156 at around 270mm, it’s just a little wide, but then I’d typically ride an all-mountain board a little longer (more like 157-159), so sizing down to 156 works nicely. With 10.5s that shifts that width range a little, so less need to size down. Going to the 159 however, you do go to a 275mm width at inserts – which is getting wide for 10.5s – and 159 wouldn’t be sizing down for you, IMO.
Hope all that makes sense! I don’t think either size is wrong for you, but I think it depends no what you want to prioritize the most. E.g. if speed, stability at speed and float in powder are more important to you versus maneuverability at slow speeds (e.g. trees, sidehits) – then 159 will probably work better – just make it harder in the trees/sidehits. Visa versa, then 156.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for this – it does help! I think I’m leaning toward the 159 to for the speed/stability. Really appreciate your perspective!
You’re very welcome Chris. Hope you have an awesome season! Let me know what you go with and how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow (if you think of it at the time).
Hey Nate,
Awesome review, and something that really helped me decide on this board. I ended up changing my mind from a 162 to a 167, after speaking with a guy from Evo over the phone based on my weight and riding style. I go off small and medium jumps here and there, have yet to master spins off them but like the idea of switching off natural “jumps” while cruising at a good clip. I normally enjoy most of the day going fairly fast and carving in safe spots on blues (haha I live in the Northeast, so we have a fair amount of ice).
My question is did I go too big on the length? I weigh 250 lbs and am 5’10”. My current board is a 158 K2 Zeplin which I bought in 2000 (I was 15). I always felt it was too short as I grew a bit, and now with my weight I know I’ll be in the 160+ range. I have two kids who love to ski, take me into the park sometimes, but I never follow them in the trees on a board. I would like to start buttering a little and still be able to negotiate spins, but spend most of my time cruising and wanted to get your thoughts on 167 vs 162. I also bought burton step ons to make life a little easier and so the kids aren’t waiting for dad. The guy I spoke with said it’d take a bit to get used to a 167 from a 158, but over time I’d like it for its stability at higher speeds. I’d like to hear your thoughts given my style, height/weight, and conditions here in the Northeast.
Thanks, Dave
Hi Dave
Thanks for your message.
In this case, IMO, it’s really going to depend on your boot size. The 167 actually looks to be marginally narrower at the waist and so will likely be narrower at the inserts as well, depending on the stance width you were to ride it with, but it’s not so much about getting your boots onto the board, it’s more about whether or not the board is wide for your boots or not. If you’ve got 12s or 13s or something like that, then I think the 167 is going to be fine, but if you’ve got smaller boots, then sizing down makes sense. I don’t think 167 is too long for you, but if it’s too wide for you and that long at the same time, then I think it’s getting a bit big overall, given you want to be able to butter and spin with it. You would definitely get more stability at speed from the 167, but it might be at the cost of maneuverability, if it’s too wide. Going shorter makes up for the maneuverability if the board is too wide. So if you could let me know your boot size, that would really help (and out of curiosity – did you tell the guy your boot size or did he ask for it?)
Hey Nate,
He didn’t ask but knew because I ordered an 11 wide burton photon boot which fits a large step on binding.. I told him my height and weight… I told him I ride a 158 since teenage years and I’m in the Northeast. A 9cm jump didn’t seem too big when I saw it was a little over 3.5 inches, but everything I’m reading puts me in a 162 besides my weight… which both the 167 and 162 say 220+. I assumed a 167 would be better for 250lbs but now I’m not sure, given the unknown of how hard it might be to butter, spin, and maneuver. I don’t currently butter or even spin, but didn’t want to rule it out. I measured up 3.5 inches from my old board and it’s just above my mouth but below my nose, it comes in Friday. Haha its so hard because I can’t return it once I ride it.
Thanks, Dave
Hi Dave
Yeah makes it hard when you can’t return it once you ride it, for sure.
I think 167 is fine for your height/weight specs in terms of length, it’s just whether the combo of the height and width is too much. The 162/167 are on the wider side for 11s. Not ultra wide, but wider than ideal, which means sizing down can make sense. You’re looking at around 280mm at the inserts on the 162 and 278mm at the inserts on the 167, depending on stance width. I’d say ideal width range at inserts for 11s would be around 270-275. So it’s not crazy wide for you or anything. It’s a tough call. If they had something in between – a 164 or 165! If you wore 10s for boots, then I’d be more definite about saying go 162. With 11s, it’s 50/50 on those sizes.
So yeah, I think it comes down to whether you’d prefer to optimize stability at speed and float in powder or maneuverability and butters/spins etc.
Good day Nate,
Hope this message finds you well! First things first, I chanced upon your website and have spent hours digesting your thoughts on various board/bindings, as well as combed through most of the comments and replies – wealth of knowledge there, so I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to every message that you get in detail.
About me – been riding on/off for the past 10 or so years, usually less than 5 trips each season. I have been riding on a hand me down Burton Custom that is probably >15 years old (design indicates late 90s/early 00s) with Burton Freestyle v11.0 bindings. I always thought it was just acceptable, and never truly felt confident coming down the mountain.
I got new boots last year after realizing I was wrongly sized at the Burton store (go figure), and got new DC Judge boots which greatly improved my overall experience. I figured this would be the year to get a new board/binding that will last for a while.
I ride 90% mountain, occasionally through the trees and small jumps, and predominantly board in the North East (unpredictable weather, slush at times, icy during others, rarely nice powder). I generally prefer slightly stiffer boards as it exudes a greater sense of control, but not set in stone with that.
From all the research I have done, it seems like the following are boards I should be considering:
– YES. Standard/Typo
– Jones Mountain Twin
– Bataleon Whatever
I believe these are mainly all-mountain boards, which is in line with my goal of having one board that will “do it all”. Both YES. boards seem to be highly reviewed, with the ability to deal with icy conditions whereas the Jones is not quite rated for that (per your reviews). Between both YES. boards, it looks like the Standard is slightly stiffer, which is something I would like, unless I am missing something? The big curveball is the Bataleon board – I am unable to find much reviews on it but everything I’ve read indicates that it is a strong contender as well. Do you have any experience with the brand/board?
I had previously considered the CAPiTA D.O.A. as well, but that seems to be more of a all-mountain freestyle board, which is not quite suited to me.
Question: I’m 6’0″ and about 190 lbs, with 290CM/US11.0M sized DC Judge boots. Does my size call for a wider board? I am having issues with overhang on my current setup (I really noticed it coming down a steep trail last season), and would really like to not repeat the same mistake. The Standard seems to come in 156/159 so I assume the former would be better, and the Typo comes in 158/159W and I’m assuming the latter in this case?
As for bindings, the following are what I have narrowed them down to:
– Union Strata
– Union Force
I’m leaning more towards the Strata from the fact that it has better padding, and seems to be the more comfortable option. My question is: will the mini-disc be advantageous/disadvantageous from a board feel, or even maintenance perspective? From your Strata review, it looks like a mini-disc provides better butterability/board feel?
Question:
– Seeing as I have a stiffer boot, does it make sense to naturally do with a slightly stiffer board/binding setup so all parts of the setup jive with each other? Or it doesn’t really matter?
Please feel free to correct any misunderstandings that I might have, or to recommend something different altogether. I am not locked in on any one of these, and would rather purchase something with input from someone who has experience with them, rather than my WAG (wild-a**-guess).
Thank you for your time, Nate.
Best,
Jay L.
Hi Jay
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would say between the Standard and Typo for what you’re describing, I would go Standard – it’s a little stiffer. Both the Mountain Twin (MT) and Standard are around a 6/10 flex (by my feel), with the Typo more of a 4.5.
The MT isn’t as good in icy conditions as the Standard, but it’s not bad either. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say Standard 5/5, or maybe 4.5/5 at worst and MT 4/5, so the MT can handle hard/icy conditions pretty well.
In terms of matching gear it’s a good idea to try to match the flex relatively closely, but doesn’t have to be exact. As a general rule, I prefer not to ride softer boots and bindings on a stiffer board, but if the boots and bindings, particularly boots, are a little stiffer on a softer board, that way around works better for me than the other way around, if that makes sense. Still wouldn’t go too crazy though. A 10/10 flexing boot on a 4/10 flexing board for example wouldn’t be ideal. I haven’t ridden the Judge but couldn’t say for sure. It has a flex rating of 8/10, but based on my experience with other DC boots, I’d predict it would be closer to 7/10. Whether 8/10 or 7/10, I think it’s still in range for a 6/10 flexing board/binding combo, so I think you’re good there. I probably wouldn’t go Judge with Typo though, I think the gap is getting a bit big at that point (too stiff a boot/binding on a softer board can make the board feel a bit twitchy).
For bindings, both the Strata and Force would be a good match for either the Standard or MT. The mini-disc definitely makes for better board feel/butterability, IMO and in my experience. A flexier base plate also helps with board feel. Whilst the Force has a rating of 7/10 for base plate and highback, I felt it had a softer highback and stiffer base plate versus the Strata. Overall on snow, they both feel like around a 6/10 to me. I would say one difference which might also help is that the Strata has a more explosive/springy kind of response, whereas the Force has a smoother, more even response, if that makes sense.
Size-wise, the Standard is a little wider than the average “regular width” board, so in terms of width you should be good on either the 156 and 159. Both sizes work for your specs, I think the best way to really decipher is whether you want to optimize agility (particularly for trees), ease of jumps, side hits, buttering etc (then 156) or if you want to optimize for speed, stability and float in powder (then go 159). Also if you’re a more advanced rider, I’d be leaning 159, if more intermediate, then more to 156.
Size-wise for the Mountain Twin, in between the 156W and 159W. Again both would work, and would depend on the same as discussed above.
From what you’re describing, probably leaning 159/159W, but 156/156W are doable, depending on how you’re predominantly using them.
I don’t currently test Bataleon boards unfortunately, so I can’t say much there. Hoping to get on some in the future, hopefully as soon as this winter.
Hope this gives you more to go off.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the great review. I’m considering the Yes Standard 2022 for this season. I’d be using it mostly for trees, side hits, groomers, some speed, and powder when it’s available. Not really much in the park. I’m 5’7.5″ and 160 lbs, and I just got Ride Lasso size 9.5 boots. What do you think would be the best length if I go with the Standard? Is there a different board you’d recommend instead of the Standard? And can you recommend bindings that would let me take advantage of the slam back inserts if I come across a powder day? Really appreciate your reviews and any feedback you have! Thanks!
Hi Jon
Thanks for your message.
For your specs and how you describe your riding, I think the 153 would be your best bet. I think the Standard in 153 should work well for what you’re describing. There are of course plenty of others that would also fit what you’re describing, but I think that’s a good bet. I think you’d likely find the 156 not maneuverable enough for trees with your specs, and the 151 would be too small for powder and speed, so I think 153, the sweet spot for you, for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
I’m doing a complete equipment upgrade this season and your reviews and comment sections are incredibly helpful. Thanks a lot dude!
First, some stats. I’m 5’11” (180 cm) and currently around 155-160 lbs (70-73 kg). I have a US size 10 (EUR 43) boot, but I might try going for a 9.5 for the next pair. I’m living in Italy and most of my riding is at resorts in the Alps. I ride a lot of groomers, but I have the most fun looking for deeper stuff which often involves mixing in some trees. Might do a couple of passes through the park per weekend.
I’m currently riding an older (2013) Burton Custom, full camber, 158W that I picked up used for cheap. Its fine on the groomers, but I’d like an All-Mountain that can handle more powder. It also feels too big for me and I’d like something that’s more playful, nimble and quicker edge to edge.
I’ve narrowed it down to three options:
– Yes Standard
– Jones Mountain Twin
– Lib Tech Golden Orca
From what I can tell, Standard and Mountain Twin are neck and neck. Similar boards, similar pricing, great reviews everywhere (a friend who has tried both says he preferred the Standard and its hard to go against a personal recommendation). The Golden Orca is a step up on price and is brand new so there is less info available. It’s probably more board than I need, but seems like its the best of the three for serious powder. The T.Rice marketing is working…
FINALLY SOME QUESTIONS:
– I was thinking of going as small as possible on length (agility over powder performance). I can only find the Standard in 156 (153 is sold out) while the Mountain Twin is available locally at 154 and 157. Any advice you can give between these options? Would I be missing much in the deep stuff with the smaller boards?
– Ignoring the cost, is there any reason to get the Standard or Mountain Twin over the Golden Orca? (maybe you haven’t tried it yet, so could be impossible to say for sure…)
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of length, I think something in the 155-158 range is probably a good bet for height/weight specs, but if you’re looking to go shorter to prioritize agility over float/stability at speed, then 154 is doable (i.e. Mountain Twin 154). Note that part of why the Custom will be feeling so big is that it’s a wide board. In my experience, you don’t need to go wide most of the time with 10s and usually wides are too wide for 10s. Some wides are OK, as they’re not overly wide, but the 158W is overall too big for your specs and it’s largely because of the width. If going with a board that wide, when you’ve got 10s, then I’d want to ride a shorter length to compensate for it being too wide.
With something like the Standard, which is wide for a regular width board, I’d look to downsize a little bit. The 156 is still a possibility, as it will still feel smaller than the 158W Custom. But 153 is also a possibility (if you had availability), given that you’re looking to prioritize agility. 153 is still well wide enough for 10s, IMO.
For the Mountain Twin (MT), typically I’d say go 157 and that’s going to be a good width and length. But given you want to prioritize agility, the 154 makes sense and would definitely work for your specs. The MT is also wider at the inserts than the waist width would suggest, so you’ve definitely got something wide enough for 10s, even in the 154, but it’s not as wide overall as the Standard. Some spec comparisons for reference:
– 154 MT (251mm waist, 264mm at back insert, 292mm tip and tail)
– 157 MT (254mm waist, 267mm at back insert, 296mm tip and tail) – note this is at a 560mm (22″) stance width – it’s a couple of mm wider at it’s reference stance of 600mm (23.6″) but that’s a really wide reference stance, so I ride it narrower than that.
– 153 Standard (253mm waist, 265mm at back insert, 299mm tip and tail)
– 156 Standard (258mm waist, 270mm at back insert, 305mm tip and tail)
In terms of powder performance, definitely looking at not as good on the smaller sizes. It’s a noticeable difference, but fairly subtle when talking about a 3cm length difference. But yeah, definitely sacrificing a little in terms of float in powder and stability at speed, but gaining more agility and playfulness.
I haven’t tried the Golden Orca yet, but I have tried the Orca. Definitely going to be better in powder. But in terms of getting something that’s quicker edge to edge and more playful, not going to be that, IMO. I didn’t find the Orca very quick edge to edge – it should ride really well in powder (I didn’t get any to test it in, when I rode it), but on hard pack it’s not quick to edge to edge, in my experience. To get it to feel playful and or quick edge to edge, you’d have to go pretty short with it, IMO. Golden Orca doesn’t look to be quite as wide as the regular Orca, so maybe don’t have to size down quite as much, so might get away with the 153. If you were to regular Orca, I’d go down to 150 at least. I find T.Rice boards to be really good for when your bombing the mountain fairly straight lining it. They seem really good for bombing with aggressive, straight big lines. But not so good for maneuvering in tight spaces. I haven’t met a Travis Rice model that I’ve liked riding in trees. With lots of powder in the trees, I’m sure the Orca would be amazing, but otherwise, not the most nimble. Again, this is all based on the regular Orca and I haven’t ridden the Golden Orca.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Loving your review on the Yes Standard. I am looking at the Yes Standard 2022 for this season. I’d be using it more for carving trees, buttering, speed, and some powder – not as much on the parks and rails. Weight fluctuates between 140-150, height between 5’7″ and 5’8″, boot size 8.5, currently riding a 153cm more for parks/groomers. Leaning towards a 153 again if you think that’s appropriate? Any recommendations/feedback would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
Typically I’d say around 153 would be a good length for you, with a narrower width board, but with the Standard being a bit wider than average, and with 8.5 boots, I’d size down a little on this board. The 153 is around 265mm at the inserts, which is even a little wider than a typical regular width board in a 156-159 length range. In this case, I think the 151 would be more appropriate. It’s still on the wider side for 8.5s, but sizing down that length a little compensates for that. Even the 149 is in your range – and I think if you were going to be doing more park/freestyle with it, then I’d be inclined to give the 149 some thought as well. But I think the 151 would work well. But 153 a little too big overall, IMO, particularly if you’re going to be using it in trees and buttering.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m deciding between YES Standard and GNU Riders Choice Asym C2X.
I love to make the whole mountain my playground and love laps through the park (from jibs and rails to meadium/large jumps). Jumps are my favorite. I am slowly spending less time in the park as I get older though, lol. I love riding switch and playing around with natural features on the hill. Sometimes I bomb the hill or carve up the groomers for most of the day. Snow near me is usually hard/icy.
What do you think between these 2 boards?
I think the more freestyle/playful oriented GNU is winning out. I rarely get to ride deep powder. Also, really want to try out an Asym board…
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
You’ve narrowed it down to two really good options for what you’re describing and you wouldn’t be disappointed with either, IMO.
But yeah I agree that the Rider’s Choice is a little more freestyle oriented and a little more playful and not quite as good for powder, so given what you’re leaning towards and that you want to try an asym board, that’s probably the way to go. Both are really good in hard/icy conditions, in my experience.
The only other thing to consider is sizing. It’s possible that there’s one option that’s a better sizing match for you. I’m happy to let you know my sizing opinion, if you don’t already have sizes in mind. Would just need your height, weight and boot size (already have your riding style, which also comes into play for sizing).
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate!
I’m 5’11” , 150ish lbs, size 10 boots. I ended up going with last years riders choice model in the 154.5 length. Can’t wait to ride it! Previously I was on a 155 Ride Buckwild from 2012. I notice the new GNU RC seems a little softer flex compared to the Buckwild.
Hi Kyle
I think that’s a great size for your specs.
I never rode the Buckwild but looking at specs, looks like Buckwild 2012 was rated around a 6/10 flex. Rider’s Choice, by my feel, is around a 5/10 flex (GNU rate the 154.5 a 5.5/10). So it is likely a little softer. But also, sometimes a board feels softer to flex in hand and that doesn’t always translate to how it feels on snow. I always flex boards in hand before I get them out on snow to test them. And often boards might feel the same in hand, but then feel softer or stiffer on snow. Or one might feel stiffer in hand, but end up feeling the same on snow as one that felt softer in hand, etc etc. I still think it’s likely to feel a little softer on snow than the Buckwild, though, but I guess you’ll find out soon!
Hi, Nate!
Thanks for the detailed review. I am looking for a daily driver all mountain board that performs while in powder and the YES standard looks like a great choice But I am having an internal dilemma about what size I should get 153 or 156. I wear size 10.5 Van infuse boots, weight 155 lbs and I’m 6 1′. I’ve been riding a long time, I’d consider myself a advance rider, but have never tried out a volume shifted board before. I love to ride in the trees, off piste, rip sit hits and send cliffs. Always looking for that ungroomed natural terrain. Also like to ride switch and do some spins, but I stay away from jibbing. Will hit jumps in the park though. Life is all about those 10+ inch powder days, so I am leaning towards the 156 to maximize performance/float in powder. But my specs seems to line up with the 153 better, i guess I am a little scared to downsize that much. Currently riding a mid 2000s camber 158 burton custom that i have had for far too long. Whats size standard would you recommend for me?
Hi Sam
Thanks for your message.
I can see your dilemma for sure. It’s a tough choice between those 2 sizes. And I can see your hesitation to size down as much as 153, and ultimately I think it’s a good hesitation to have, as I think it would be sizing down a little too much. It’s borderline, but with 10.5 boots, I would say go 156. If it was a wider board – like a full on volume shifted board that was wider (the Standard is kind of in between – it’s definitely wide for a regular width board, but it’s not super wide that I’d class it as a full on short/wide board) – then definitely I’d say down to 153 or even shorter, depending on the model. But with 10.5s boots, the Standard 156 isn’t actually that wide for you. It’s at the wider end of a good range, IMO.
So, yeah, whilst it’s a close call, I’d say 153 is sizing down just a bit too much. With size 10 boots or less, or certainly 9.5 boots or less, I’d probably be leaning more 153, but I think 10.5s makes the 156 the best option, IMO, for your specs and how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome, thanks for the response, I really appreciate it! I was leaning towards the 156 and this has helped me solidify my decision. Happy shredding!
You’re very welcome Sam. Happy shredding!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all of the intel – your posts are super informative and helpful.
Been snowboarding for 14 years (guessing 80 days total) and owned a couple boards. Am looking for an all mountain board. I love glades and jumping (park and natural) but also want something that isn’t going to be terrible in either hard/icy conditions or powder (live in the NE, take trips out west every year). I do also enjoy riding at speed but don’t care much about jibbing.
I weigh 160 lbs and wear US 13 boots (down from size 14 street shoe). From the SP width sizing, I’m looking for boards that are 267+ mm at the waist (and that’s using the lower end). Most boards I’ve checked out (using your all mountain/all mountain freestyle lists) aren’t especially wide for the recommended lengths.
Waist widths:
* Yes Standard (263 mm for 159, 268 mm for 162)
* Jones Mountain Twin (261 mm for 159W, 263 mm for 162W)
* GNU Rider’s Choice (268 mm for 158W)
Currently riding a 156W skate banana (which is super chattery at high speeds).
Any recommendations for a lightweight bigfoot interested in my type of riding?
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Width sizing based off waist width is a convenient way to do things, because it’s what brands publish, but the more accurate way is by using width at inserts, which can differ, often quite a bit, for the same waist width.
The Yes Standard, for example is a board that’s wider at the inserts than the waist width suggests – the 159W, for example is around 275mm at the inserts. The waist width suggestions on the width sizing post assume a few things – one of them being that the difference between waist width and width at inserts is roughly 10mm. For the Standard it’s 12mm, so you could kind of say that it’s closer to a 265mm waist width (for the purposes of trying to fit your boots on it).
The Rider’s Choice is the other way around a little bit – the 158W has a waist width of 268mm, but the width at inserts is more like 276mm (so more like an 8mm difference). So very similar width at inserts for the Standard and Rider’s Choice, despite the waist widths looking quite far apart.
The Mountain Twin is another that has a wider width at inserts than the average. E.g. the 159W with a waist of 261mm is around 276mm at the back insert (275mm front insert), if you’re riding at the 600mm (23.6″) reference stance. Which is another thing to take into account. These numbers are all based on reference stance. If you have a wider stance, then that gives you more leeway width-wise. A wider stance puts your feet at a wider part of the board. I’m not sure what your preferred stance width is, but if you know and could let me know that would help and if not, if you could let me know your height as that will help to predict a stance width as well.
Another thing to think about is – have you ever had boot drag on your 156W Skate Banana. I would predict the Skate Banana to have roughly a 273mm width at inserts (if you’re going to measure yourself to confirm that, measure from the base of the board, from outside of metal edge to outside of metal edge at the reference stance). If you’ve never had any boot drag issues with it, then you should be good on anything at least that width. Because other things, like binding angles, the profile of your boots (some are bulkier than others) and how deep you like to carve, all effect the chances of boot drag as well.
I think ideally at your weight, the 156 Standard would be better. But at 270mm at the inserts, it might be pushing it. If you ride it at a wider stance though, you’d get a bit more leeway. The reference stance on the Standard is quite narrow at 545mm (21.5″). If you went out to a 585mm stance (23″), you’d gain 2mm of width. And for MT 156W, you’d be looking at around 274mm at the back insert (273mm at the front insert), assuming a 600mm (23.6″) reference stance. So depending on your stance width and depending on whether or not you’ve had any issues with the width of the Skate Banana, those are possibilities. If you’re thinking that the Skate Banana feels too short, then of course, you could move up to the 159 or 159W as well. But want to try to get the best length as well as width.
If you do have trouble with boot drag on the Skate Banana and are looking for something wider than those options, I would be happy to have a good look into the options and come back with some wider options, whilst trying to keep within a good length range. But yeah, if you could let me know your height and typical stance width (if you know it) and your typical binding angles and the brand and model of your boots too, that would be great.
Hope this helps.
Wow – thank you. It would be handy if manufacturers posted widths at the inserts (or even CAD files so you could adjust for stance width). Just did some measurements for my current board/feet.
I am 6’3″ with a stance width of 23.5″ and my feet are just over 12″ (30.5 cm).
My boots are Vans Tri Fit X (size 13) and my toes are up the end of the toe box so not sure if I could realistically drop to 12.5. I’m open to getting new boots if it would make a difference.
Current binding angles are +12/0 (have ridden more duck footed in the past).
I haven’t had any trouble with drag on the Skate Banana but I also don’t carve hard. It’s the thing that I’m most looking to improve this season (I have my sights set on eurocarving).
I like the maneuverability of a short board (big fan of the glades) but I’m pretty unstable once I get up to speed. Have been looking at some of the volume shifted boards (specifically the Dancehaul 152) to stay short but also be a bit more stable. Do you have any thoughts on volume shifted boards? Also I don’t care too much about riding switch for long periods of time so I wouldn’t might a slight directional.
Really appreciate the time you take to write such useful responses!
Hi Alex
Yeah, it would be awesome to get CAD files for sure! But I think they’d be too paranoid people are going to steal their designs, I guess? Or they see it as too complicated for the general public. Personally it would make my job much easier! From my experience, it’s almost always around 2mm extra width for every 40mm (1.5″) of extra stance width.
Given that you’re looking to eurocarve – and that you’ve got a zero degree back binding angle, I think you’ll need to go wider than those boards. But I’d try not to go longer than around 159.
If you don’t mind going directional, then I think volume shifted boards could be a good way to go. But, given your boot size, you wouldn’t have to size down in the same way. You can almost just treat them like wide boards. Sizing down on a volume shifted board is mostly so that you can compensate for the extra width with a shorter length. Also, the downside of sizing down if you’re also looking to carve and need that stability at speed, is that you usually have quite a short effective edge on a volume shifted board – so you’re stability at speed isn’t typically amazing when you’re on edge, when on a board that short. But in your case, I think you can go volume shifted, but in the longer lengths. E.g. the Dancehaul, you could look at the 157. I haven’t ridden the Dancehaul, so I can’t give any firsthand insight as to how it rides or what the width at inserts is or anything like that.
Something like the YES Hybrid in 157 (277mm at the back insert at a 23″ stance width) could work, though it’s not a lot wider than something like the Mountain Twin 159W with a 23.5″ stance. But you’d gain a couple of mm of width.
The Arbor Single is worth checking out (new for 2022, I rode it in the winter and a really nice board) – it’s 268mm at the waist and 283mm at the back insert on the 152, so if you went 156, you’d be looking at roughly 285mm at the back insert – and that’s at a 21″ stance. So probably more like 287-288 at the back insert, which would give you more room to make eurocarves.
I haven’t ridden a ton of volume shifted boards, but the Single stands out as an option to really give you that extra width for eurocarves.
The Dancehaul is probably suitable too, I just don’t know enough about it.
Hey,
Thanks so much for your reviews, they’re great.
I think I’ve narrowed my list down to 3 boards, with available prices, the One LF 2019 (£230), the Slash Brainstorm (£240) or the Yes Standard (£340). I was wondering if you could give any tips as to what might suit me best, and if the standard is worth the extra outlay.
I’ve boarded for 2 seasons, would see myself as intermediate/advanced, and this will be the first board i buy after initially getting whatever the cheapest one was. I like having the freedom to cruise round through all terrain, and most of my freestyle will come on hits rather than the park, although i do like the odd park day. Hoping to be hunting powder whenever possible!
175cm and 150lbs with size 10 US boots
I’ll be skiing in France this season but will be hoping to keep hold of this board for a few seasons to come.
Cheers for your help
Hi JC
Thanks for your message.
If the price is a big factor in your choice, then if you can save £100 it’s probably worth doing. They’re all really good boards. The Standard is my personal favorite of the 3, but if saving £100 helps, then you’re still getting really good boards in the One and the Brainstorm. One caveat to that is the sizing. I think it’s worth the extra outlay if you couldn’t find the One or Brainstorm in the best sizes.
From what you’re describing they’re all definitely suitable. For the Standard, I would be looking at the 153. The Brainstorm the 154. It’s borderline too narrow for 10s though is the only thing. If you ride with +15/-15 angles and don’t tend to carve too aggressively and/or have low profile boots, then I think it would be fine. Otherwise, if might be pushing it being too narrow. The One LF, I’d say go 156. 153 is also a possibility in the One LF, but I’d be leaning 156 for that one, particularly for that extra powder float.
So yeah, I’d go for whichever you can find the best size in. i.e. if you can’t get the 154 Brainstorm (or are worried it’s too narrow) or the 156 One, then I’d look at getting the 153 Standard. But if you can get one of the 154 Brainstorm (and aren’t worried about width) or 156 One LF, then I’d go for one of those to save the cash.
Hope this helps with your decision
You are amazing, I really appreciate your thorough response to me and to everyone else. Your reviews are amazing and so is your care for people who respond. Thanks again, you’ve been a real help!
You are a true G and hopefully one day i’ll see you on the slopes!
You’re very welcome JC. Itching to get into the mountains and onto a board again! Hope you have an awesome season when it rolls around!
So decided to bag to Rossi board, found a great deal online so got the 2019, just completing my set now and was looking at Salomon Launch Boa boots and Salomon Trigger bindings? I was wondering what you thought of those? Do you maybe have any budget friendly suggestions for boots and bindings? Really wanna be mostly in the backcountry (looking to head to st anton) but do prefer a playful ride than just charging down
Hey Nate,
I grabbed the Rossi One based on your advice, found a great price for the 2019 online so jumped on it. Just need to complete the set now, I was looking at Salomon Trigger Bindings and Salomon Launch Boa boots (not committed to brand, just a coincidence) and wondered what you thought of these? Looking for something as budget friendly as possible. I’ll be riding in St Anton this winter so hopefully plenty of backcountry pow but I’m probably more a little more playful out there than a full charger but like to get some carves in before the skiiers come through.
Hi JC
I think the Launch and Trigger would work for boots and bindings. If you were being Fussy, I’d say they’re just slightly on the soft side for the One, but they’re in a range that will definitely work with the board, IMO.
For reference, I would consider the Trigger and Launch to be around a 5/10 flex versus the Rossi One being more of a 6/10. So, it’s getting pretty fussy, so I think you would be absolutely fine with those and they wouldn’t be a wrong choice. But some budget friendly options, in case you did want to look at something just a little stiffer:
– Bindings: Union Force or Burton Cartel (not quite as budget friendly as the Trigger, but still quite reasonable)
– Boots: Vans Invado Pro or Salomon Dialogue. But for boots also note that fit is the most important thing. So go with what fits best first, so long as it’s in a good flex range, and then think about other things.
But yeah, I think the Launch and Trigger work as a combo to go with the One, but those are some other slightly stiffer – more like 6/10 – options that you could consider.
Hey Nate, love your site man. Learned to board on a typo thinks to your recommendations and now want to move up to the standard. I’m 6 ft, currently 225 pounds but in the process of losing weight. Expect to be at least 210 maybe 200 by December. Size 11 boot. What size do you recommend?
Hi Ricky
Thanks for your message.
Assuming 200lbs, I would go 159. With size 11s, this board isn’t going to be super wide for you, but it’s still on the wider side for 11s in the 159. I’d say at 200lbs something around 161-162, assuming a relatively advanced level, but with the board being a bit wider, sizing to the 159 is your best bet, IMO. At 225lbs, I would be leaning more to the 162. At 210lbs, I’d still be more inclined to lean towards the 159, but only just and the 162 wouldn’t be a wrong choice then either. I’d be 60/40 towards the 159 at 210lbs. At 200lbs, more like 80/20 to the 159. At 225lbs, more like 80/20 towards the 162.
Hope this helps
I’m a classic over thinker. Realistically it’s only a 3 cm difference between the two boards I’m looking at though I guess wider also. Will it make that huge of a difference? Fwiw I’m far from advanced so I feel the 159 will be better due to that fact. Plus I think it will be more playful overall which is what I want. I’m just out to have fun.
Hi Ricky
Yeah, given you’re looking for more playful and more intermediate, I would go 159. 3cm makes more difference than you’d think. It’s not a mind bending difference, but it’s more noticeable than you’d think. I used to think the same, but after testing identical boards head to head in different sizes a few times (sometimes even only 2cm difference), you do notice the difference. Obviously the bigger the size difference the more effect it has, but even 2cm you can notice.
Hi Nate, I need some advice choosing between the Yes Standard vs Yes Greats.
Here’s the context: I’m an intermediate rider in the Midwest, mostly icy groomers. I’m looking for the best All-Mountain experience that will help me evolve at the park as well. I’m especially looking for pop off medium-sized kickers, and small side hits. Something smooth and fun to carve, comfortable and forgiving. Not likely to catch an edge in uneven terrain.
Which of these two boards do you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Troy Winslow (Wisconsin)
Hi Troy
Thanks for your message.
I think both would treat you really well, but here’s some things to see if can help you to make your decision.
1. The Greats, IMO, is a little better for anything park related. Both will do the job there, but the greats would get my tick as the better board for the park, jumps, side hits etc
2. Both are really good in icy conditions, in my experience. If I had to choose one that was better over the other, I would say the Greats, but I wouldn’t take that into account as both are really good in that respect
3. I slightly prefer the Greats for carving (like proper carves). It’s got that little bit more of a camber dominant profile – and I just find I can rail carves a little harder on it. The asymmetry might help there too. But again, the Standard is pretty good for carving. There’s not a big difference, but my preference for carving would be the Greats.
4. The Standard is less likely to catch an edge. The Greats isn’t catchy by any means, but the Standard is a little more forgiving of skidded turns and a little more forgiving of errors in terms of catching an edge.
If you’re going to be seeing any significant powder, I think I would go Standard. Or if the edge-catching is a bigger priority than carving/park performance (again, I don’t find the Greats to be a catchy board, just more so than the Standard). But if you’re not going to be seeing significant powder and carving/park performance is more important, then I would be leaning Greats.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! One more question… you listed the Yes Greats and the Proto Slinger as both great freestyle boards. What does the Yes Greats have that the Proto Slinger can’t do? I’ve heard they’re both great all over the mountain… (except pow, of course)!
Hi Troy
The Proto Slinger is quite a bit softer than the Greats. It’s what I feel as 3.5/10 in terms of flex. It’s quite a different board to the Greats, IMO. Different shape – more traditional in terms of it’s width. And in terms of performance, it’s more buttery and better for jibs than the Greats, but not as good for big carves and not as stable at speed. For medium kickers and side hits, it’s awesome though. Not quite as good for bigger jumps as the Greats, but it’s good more pop than the Greats, IMO.
Even though it’s predominantly camber, it’s pretty hard to catch an edge on. More catch free than the Greats, IMO (and again, the Greats isn’t a catchy board). And in terms of carving, it’s pretty fun on shorter/sharper, slower carves, but not as good for bigger carves or higher speed carves, IMO.
So yeah, I think if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of stability at speed for a bit more forgiveness and are OK with that softer flex, then it could definitely fit what your describing well. But certainly quite a different ride to the Greats.
Hi Nate,
been reading your reviews for a long time now and always love ’em. By far the most informative and consistent out there!
Currently struggling to find myself again on the hill after a few years away. I don’t really ride park, and these days with how much I can get away it’s mainly groomers and cruising the resort, hitting jumps etc and otherwise bombing and getting some nice carves. I don’t seek powder unless it’s there…blasphemous!
For that reason I wound up with a NS Ripsaw in 2018, having had a Yes Greats 2017 before that.
The Greats I loved at the time. Nimble and quick and I remember loving the asym (whether in my head or not!). I didn’t use it for Freestyle other than jumping about but I still enjoyed it. But I put on a lot of size and strength and physically outgrew it.
So I got something far heavier and more aggressive in the Ripsaw which, at the time, was amazing. But now, after a couple of years, having lost that size and strength, it suddenly feels far too hard to ride and enjoy consistently. It can be so much effort to turn and trying to slow down and chill at all, even to gaze at the scenery whilst riding slow with some mates, is more work than it should be.
I used to ride the Greats 2017 156 with Burton Cartel Re:Flex and Thirtytwo Lashed.
Now I ride the Ripsaw 159 with Rome DODs and Thirtytwo 3XDs. I feel that part of my issue is the sheer weight difference in the setup as well as the fact I lost weight myself, meaning the Ripsaw became even more work.
So now I’m thinking I want that perfect middle ground again. I’ll be keeping the boots and bindings but I want a board that is FUN and can be slowed down with, but also carves and holds an edge really well and can at least fly at a good old speed (the Ripsaw is super quick for a twin, but even anything close would be nice). Again, I’m primarily riding groomers.
FINALLY MY QUESTION:
Since the Yes Greats has reportedly changed a lot since my old one with the new Mid Bite tech and whatnot, I’ve considered trying it again. If it really holds that edge and carves as well as they say whilst still being a fun board to ride at any pace, I’m down.
But I also think the same of the Standard.
And I’m also considering the Capita Mercury.
Given everything I’ve said, moving back from an overly stiff and aggressive Ripsaw and yet still wanting something more than just middle of the road, would you recommend any of these three and if so what are the benefits I would have do you think?
I love the idea of getting an Asym again but no idea if it’s the old placebo effect!
Oh, and I’m an all round intermediate.
Massive thanks for reading all this and any help you can give!!
Cheers man,
Nick
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Ripsaw is pretty aggressive and quite stiff, so if you’ve lost weight and are looking to ride more casually at times now, I definitely get it. The Ripsaw wants you to ride it hard all the time and can be punishing if you want to be a bit more casual on it. I think you’re on the right track with the boards you’ve mentioned – getting a little more playful, but still something you can ride at speed and carve. The Greats is one of the better carvers for it’s flex and shape. Carves a little better than the Standard, IMO. There’s not a lot in it, but I put just over for carving – and it’s pretty good at speed too. I rate it 3.5/5 but borderline 4/5. Standard maybe just a touch better at speed, but they’re very close. Not quite as good at speed as the Ripsaw, for sure, but it’s never going to be when you’re shedding that much stiffness.
The Mercury is, IMO, just a little stiffer than the Greats and Standard. It’s what I would call 6.5/10 in terms of flex, so still certainly softer than the Ripsaw. But it’s good on a carve and good at speed. Again not Ripsaw speed, but it’s not all that far off. The Mercury is particularly light, so if lightness is a consideration, then that’s something to consider. It’s as good at riding slow or being playful as the Greats or Standard, IMO, but it will still be better in that respect than the Ripsaw.
I really like asym boards. And I’ve certainly also considered whether or not it’s a placebo effect, but it’s hard to say. I consistently find asym better for riding switch, so my instinct is that it’s more than just placebo.
Greats now definitely holds an edge better than the 2017 model and it’s my go to in my quiver for hard/icy conditions. It’s really good for those conditions – the Standard is also. The Mercury isn’t bad in that respect, but not as good as Greats/Standard, IMO.
Hope this helps
Oh and if you’d like a sizing opinion, happy to give one. Would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hi Nate,
massive tha is for the reply there, really helpful!
I’m 5ft 8″, 175-182lbs generally and boot size US 10.
I feel like the Mercury may be that middle ground of what I’m looking for (good speed and carving but still possible to slow it down when needed and not super unforgiving, from what I read) and so am considering the 157. Do you think this would be about right for me?
Also, with the increased widths of the new Yes boards, what would you reccomend for those? Possibly a 154 for the Greats? What about the Standard?
Many thanks man,
Nick
Hi Nick
Yeah, I agree, the 157 is probably your best bet with the Mercury.
For the Greats I would say 154 for sure. For the Standard I would up it to the 156. Standard has a little less effective edge – and it’s also marginally narrower than the Greats, so I probably wouldn’t quite go down to the 153 for the Standard.
Hello, first off THANK YOU for doing what you do.
I am looking to replace my DOA with the Yes Standard. I am allmountain/freestyle always looking for natural features to spin off, and doing lots of flat ground butters, nose rolls, switch riding.
My question is which size youd recommend if I enjoy buttering quite a bit. Im 5’10, 190, size 12 boot.
I was debating the 159 vs the 162… should I go with the 162 so that my weight isnt too high and I dont over bend the board for butters? My DOA had lots of resistance and I could comfortably put my weight over the tail and not have it wash out.
Thanks again and I will be looking to purchase through your links if possible. Your awesome!
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
I would be looking at the 159 for your specs and how you describe your riding. The Standard is a little easier to butter than the DOA, so I get your concern for overbending, but whilst the Standard is pretty buttery, it’s still not overall a soft board or anything – so there’s definitely some resistance to press against there still. For your specs and style I think 159 overall will be the better size. But if you could also let me know the size of your DOA? I’m guessing it’s either 158W or 161W? Unless you have the 2021 model, in which case maybe 159W? In any case, if you could let me know the size, then I can have a better think about how different it will be to butter versus your current board.
I had the 158W for the 2017 DOA. It was sad to let go of the DOA but from all your detailed responses it looks like the standard is going to be a blast for how I ride.
Im interested to see how the pop will compare between the boards, and how the Standard feels for edge to edge speed in the trees. I forsee them being very similar given my wide board before and my size 12 boots.
Thanks again for your response and all you do!
Thanks Joe. Yeah, I think 159 for sure for the Standard for you. And yeah probably very similar in terms of edge to edge speed in the trees, I would say. The Standard 159 is wider than the 158W DOA, but I found it nimble for how wide it is, and with 12s, I would predict a similar overall edge to edge speed to the 158W.
Hey Nate. Mate I love the reviews. I just read them for fun!
I was curious what you thought. I have a 156 2021 standard. Just wondering if that’s what you would recommend size wise. I’ve ridden it twice in spring conditions a mix of ice and spring corn in NZ last year. Just picked it up at the end of the season. I’m 76kg, size 9.5 us ions and 5’10. I ride a 158 custom Flying V and a 2011 159 trs c2btx and a 156 hovercraft split in japan. I felt like sizing down to the 153 was too much, as powder performance is important to me. But I keep looking at it and thinking dam it’s wide. But riding I didn’t notice any issues. The edge hold is amazing and turn initiation seemed on point. I think I’m over thinking the waist width issue, however the goodride guy was pretty uncomplimentary about it’s turning speed and performance in general. I bought it after reading your review and the number one ranking and am glad I did..
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message. Must be getting close to starting your season in NZ?!
Size-wise for the Standard, I would have being weighing up the 153 and 156. And between those size would have depended on how you were looking to ride it. If you wanted to ride predominantly park/freestyle and/or a lot of trees, then I would have been leaning 153. But if stability at speed, carving and float in powder were more important, then I would have been leaning 156.
For me I find the 156 just right – with fairly similar specs to you (6’0″, ~80kg, size 10 typically but sometimes 9.5, sometimes 10.5, depending on brand). I’ve never found it to be a particularly slow turner. Not like I’ve found with some other wider boards. I wouldn’t say it’s up there with the quickest turners that I’ve ridden, but far from being a slow turner or anything, from my experience. I would typically ride a board like the Standard at around 158/159 and found sizing down to 156 was enough to counter the width. I wouldn’t ride the 159 in the Standard, which I would with other similar boards that are narrower, but I didn’t feel I needed to size down anymore than to the 156. And I spend a fair bit of time riding trees, park/freestyle, as well as opening out on the groomers, getting into powder when available of course and laying down some good carves.
So yeah, long story short, I think that size is fine for you – it’s what I go with, and whilst you’re specs aren’t exactly mine, they’re pretty close and unless you’re predominantly using it for trees and/or park, I think 156 is the best size for you.
Hey Nate. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Mt Hutt opened yesterday and Cardrona I believe this weekend. Might need to get out the splitboard to escape the crowds this season is going to be busy.
I kind of went through the same thought experiment and came to the same conclusion about the 156.
Also from the 2 days riding I felt pretty happy with the turning speed. I might give you a midseason update.
Have a great summer.
Cheers from NZ.
Chris.
Hey Chris.
Yeah that’d be great to get a mid-season update. Hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate,
Would you be able to help me pick out a board? I’m a little stuck between the Yes Typo and the Yes Standard
I’m a 21 year old who hasn’t ridden in about 7-8 years, but from what I remember, I was about a beginner/intermediate rider (but closer to beginner than intermediate). I could ride pretty comfortably, but never learned to ride switch unfortunately.
I’m hoping to pick up a board that can do it all, but more resort focused. I also don’t want it to be too difficult in learning to ride comfortably again/switch, but something that I won’t grow out of too quickly and can still keep when as I get better.
My first choice would be the Typo, but given that I’m not able to find any in stock, I thought maybe the Standard would be a good alternative, but I’m open to any other boards you might suggest.
I’m about 5’7, 165lb and size 8.5-9 US boot
Thanks in advance!
Hi Des
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I would definitely leaning Typo. The Standard isn’t an overly technical/difficult ride or anything, but will be a noticeably more difficult progression. And the Typo is something that you shouldn’t grow out of too fast. Also, in terms of sizing, the Typo is better for your specs, IMO. The Standard is quite wide for 8.5-9s, so you’d probably want to size down quite a bit in length to compensate for that.
Size-wise, I think the 155 Typo would be a really good size for you. For the Standard you’d want to size down to the 151, IMO. I think it would work in that size. But when you have to size down that much in length, you’re shaving off quite a bit of effective edge.
I would check out the following list, which I made specifically for those looking for a high-end beginner to low intermediate level board, that they won’t grow out of too soon:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
You’ll see the Typo is on the list.
Hope this helps.
Awesome thanks for the advice Nate! I accidentally posted this comment on your Typo review as well, so feel free to ignore that one!
You’re very welcome Des. Yeah saw the other one too, but didn’t have any info this one didn’t have, so I just deleted it, for tidiness.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking to pick this up for the New Zealand winter this year to replace my ancient Nitro T1. I don’t spend much, if any time in the park but still want something a little playful for the rest of the mountain. We also very rarely get decent amounts of powder here and most of the time it’s groomed tracks and ice. Our choices for boards can be quite limited too.
Anyway I’m just worried about the size of the board, I’m 5’11, ~154lb, and wear size 11 boots. For some reason I always seem to size up with snowboard boots. Weight wise the 153 seems the best fit but I’m worried about boot overhang. Any suggestions or recommendations for other boards? I was also looking at a Capita Mercury.
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
The Standard is a little wider than it looks, when just looking at the waist width, but still might be pushing it a little on the 153, in terms of overhang. The 153 will be around 265mm at the inserts, which in some cases you might be able to get away with with 11s, but it’s borderline. If you have low profile boots, binding angles +15/-15 or similar (a decent amount of angle on the back foot) and don’t carve too aggressively (i.e. carving deep, e.g. eurocarving), then you would likely be fine width-wise, but you’d probably want all of those things in place to get away with it.
The 156 is possibility. I wouldn’t typically recommend it with your weight, if your boot size was smaller. But given your boot size, then the 156 won’t be overly wide for you – and 156 at the right width isn’t a bad length, if you’re not doing a lot of freestyle riding. That said, if you feel like your feet are small for size 11, then that’s something else to consider – because it’s your feet that provide leverage to the edges. So when we’re talking about going too wide, it’s referring to too wide for your feet. Too narrow is in relation to boots (if that makes sense! – I can explain that further if it doesn’t make sense).
The Mercury is going to be narrower, even if you went to the 155 (and I wouldn’t go any longer than that for your specs for the Mercury). The 155 is 255 at the waist (versus 253 at the waist of the 153 Standard) but it’s only around 263mm at the inserts, so you’ve actually got less leeway. Between the Standard 153 and Mercury 155 (or 153), I would go Standard 153.
If you don’t get that much powder, I would also consider the YES Greats 154. I think that would be a really good size for you. It’s a little wider than the 153 Standard – it’s around 270mm at the inserts, which I would be pretty confident with with 11s, depending on the profile of your boots, binding angles and how aggressive you carve, but in this case you wouldn’t have to be as strict on those things as there’s more leeway.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the detailed reply, it really does help. That also makes sense regarding foot size vs shoe size, my feet are around 27cm-27.5cm in length and boots (Burton Photon Wides) roughly 33cm long.
Sounds like both boards are kind of out of the running but I’ll check out the YES Greats. I have also just noticed the Jones Mountain Twin comes in a 156W, would that be a good enough fit?
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Mike
I think ideally you’d be in smaller boots and go regular width with 27-27.5cm feet. But all feet are different, even when at the same length and sometimes you don’t fit in the boots that the mondo was designed for – based purely on foot size, I would have thought you’d get into a size 10 Burton boot. But like I say, feet are a bit strange and fit different. If you were in a smaller boot, the likes of the Mountain Twin 154 and Standard 153 would be ideal.
But given your boot size, I think the 156W would work. It’s a good length for you, IMO. It’s on the wider side for your foot size, so not ideal, but it’s not so wide that your feet will be swimming inside the edges, so I think that’s a good bet, and a safer bet, if you want to avoid boot drag. The Mountain Twin is a really nice versatile board too, than is really consistently good in pretty much any conditions and any type of riding, so it’s a solid all round choice, IMO.
Cheers Nate, I actually took my boots back to the store today to double check and they seem to think the 11 is a good size. My left foot is a little bigger and actually looks closer to 28cm. I’m probably somewhere between 10.5 and 11.
Anyway I’ve gone with the 156W Mountain Twin and it arrives in a few weeks. Thanks for the help mate!
You’re very welcome Mike. Hope the board treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi Nat, thanks for the awesome review. I’m 6’ (183cm) tall and 160lbs. Wearing a burton US size 9. My local store only has the standard in 156, wondering if that would work for me. I’m a intermediate trying to progress, currently riding a Jones frontier 159. Is the yes standard a better board for me? I’m trying to improve my carve and not doing any park.
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message.
I think the 156 could be doable for you – and probably the closest equivalent size to the 159 Frontier. So, if you felt like the 159 Frontier was about right size-wise, then 156 Standard would be your best bet. But if you felt like the 159 Frontier is a little big, then 153 is probably the better bet for the Standard. In saying all of that, I think the Frontier is a good option for what you’re describing (Intermediate trying to progress and not doing any park), so if you like the Frontier, then there’s no reason to change. If you feel like you want something else, then the Standard would certainly work too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate! I do find the 159 frontier hard to turn sometimes, especially when I’m going to steeper slopes. Not sure if that’s me being lack of skills or the board being too long. I can’t find any Standard in 153 but I do find one in 151. That would be too short right?
Hi Peter
Yeah, unfortunately I think the 151 would be going too short.
Thanks Nate. I ended up finding a 153 on sale in my local store. I currently have the burton Genesis Bindings and the burton swath boots, wondering they are good match with the yes standard. I was planning to upgrade my boots to either burton Photon, or Vans Aura Pro. Do you have any recommendation for the boots? Thanks!
Hi Peter
Nice one on finding the 153 on sale! I think the Genesis and Swath match pretty well with the Standard, so if you didn’t want to change, they are going to work fine, IMO. If you wanted to get really picking, something a little stiffer would be ideal. Around 6/10 to 7/10 flex would be the ideal, IMO. I rate the Genesis 5/10 flex and the Swath also 5/10 flex. The Aura Pro also feel more like 5/10 flex to me, so don’t think that would be worth changing to, IMO, assuming your Swath are still in good condition? The Photon more like 7/10, so if you were going to make a change, I would be leaning towards them. But if you’re Swath are in good condition still, they’re not a major mismatch with the Standard or anything.
Hey Nate, what’s the difference between the Yes Basic, Yes Typo, and Yes Standard? I can’t really find the comparisons anywhere…
Hi Jay D
Thanks for your message.
The Basic and Typo are quite similar, but the main differences are:
– Typo has a 2-4-2 camrock profile versus the 4-4-4 camrock profile on the Basic – essentially means there is more rocker in the profile on the Basic than the Typo
– Small (5mm) setback stance on the Typo
– Sintered spec (kind of in between sintered and extruded) base on the Typo versus extruded base on the Basic
– The Typo is a little stiffer flexing than the Basic. It’s not massively stiffer, but it is a little stiffer
The Standard is different in a few more ways:
– 3-4-3 camber profile
– stiffer (6/10 versus 4.5/10 on the Typo and 4/10 on the Basic)
– Directional Volume Twin shape
– Sintered base (full sintered)
– Different core, different glass
– has mid-bite – and it is quite a bit wider than the Basic and Typo
– different effective edge (relative to overall length)
– different sidecut
– basically a lot of differences. Where the Basic and Typo are quite similar in a lot of aspects, the Standard is different in almost every one of those aspects
Hope this helps
What bindings do you recommend for the Yes Standard?
Hi Jay
Thanks for your message.
For the Standard, I would be looking at anything around 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex. My picks in those flex ranges are, in order:
6/10 flex
Union Strata
K2 Lien AT
Burton Cartel
Union Force
7/10 flex
Union Falcor
Flux XF
Burton Cartel X
Union Atlas
Salomon Highlander
I know that’s a good few options, but anything there would work well with the Standard, IMO. I have reviews on the site for all of those if you wanted to check out the relative strengths and weaknesses of each to see which might suit you best, but all should be a good match to the Standard, IMO
Hope this helps
Nate, which bindings would you put on a Yes the Greats: Now X Yes or Burton Cartel?
Hi Jay
I’d go Cartel personally. Just that I find it the better all round binding. Better board feel for buttering, similar response. Given that the Greats is a wider board – if you’re riding Medium bindings, then the X YES will give you a little more leverage on the edges, as it has a longer baseplate. So that’s definitely one plus of the X YES over the Cartel on this particular board. The X YES has better shock absorption, but the Cartel isn’t bad in that department. Both would match with the Greats, IMO, but I would personally go for the Cartel. If board feel isn’t that important to you, then the X YES is a good option too though.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate! Would you give the Cartel the nod over the Now X Yes on the Standard as well? I ride a medium size.
Hi Jay
Yeah, same applies for the YES Standard for me. Again, if you’re not too fussy over board feel and you want that little bit more leverage, then that might sway you to the X YES. Personally I like to have good board feel and would prioritize it over that extra leverage. Also to note, that the leverage you get from a longer baseplate is relatively subtle, IMO, as that leverage predominantly comes from your feet.
Would the Strata mini discs work for the Standard?
Hi Jay
It works for the regular inserts – but not for the slam back inserts. So if you were wanting to setup on the slam back inserts, then you wouldn’t be able to with the Strata (or any binding with a mini-disc) unfortunately.
Hi Nate,
I used to ride a 2017 DOA for the past few yrs (5-6 times a yr) and this year I want to try something more lively and fun. Brought a used 2019 Capita OS Living and really like the feel compared to DOA. It is coming to season end and I want to get a new 2021 board for next season and I am looking at the YES Standard. What do you think of switching from Capita OS Living to YES Standard? or if you have other suggestions, please advise. thanks!
5’11, 180lb, intemediate rider.
Hi Wing
Thanks for your message.
It depends on how you want your riding to be. Between the OSL and the Standard, the Standard is a little stiffer, not quite as easy going/playful as the OSL. But still quite easy to butter, and certainly lively. But I would say that the OSL is more playful. If you were wanting a more playful ride or an equally playful ride, then there are other’s that might suit your needs better. But the Standard is certainly lively.
The Standard will be just as good for carving, jumps, spins, butters, and almost as good for riding switch. It will give you more stability at speed and be better in powder, IMO.
Size-wise, if you could also let me know your boot size, that would help to determine the best size.
Hope this helps
thanks for the comments! I kind of want more stability when I am at a higher speed. I found that the OSL is a little bit choppy when I get up to decent speed. My boot size is addias 10 with union force binding, thanks!
Hi Wing
The Standard should provide better stability at speed for you (from my experience). Still not as stable at speed as much stiffer boards, but if you didn’t want to go too much stiffer, but gain a little in terms of stability at speed, it’s a good way to go, IMO.
Size-wise, I would go 156 for the Standard with your specs.
Thanks so much for the review. Aside from the YES STANDARD, any other board I should look at?
Hi Wing
Given that it sounds like you don’t want anything too aggressive, but want a bit more stability at speed versus the OSL, I think the Standard is a really good option. You could also go Capita Mercury or Niche Story if you wanted something a little more aggressive, or something like the Assassin Pro or Niche Crux. But I think the Standard would be a good option for what you’re describing.
Hi Nate,
I am looking for a YES STANDARD right now. However, I can only locate a 153. Will it still be ok for my specs?
Hi Wing
I wouldn’t go as short as that in the Standard for your specs. The 156 is already sizing down for your specs (taking into account the width, it’s a good size down). So whilst I think it’s good to size down a little with this board with size 10s, taking into account width, going down to 153 would be sizing down too far – especially considering that the 153 is narrower too.
Thanks Nate!! I found a 156 =)
You’re very welcome Wing. Awesome that you found the 156!
I’m torn between the 153 and the 156. I’m 5’9, weigh 168 pounds, and my boot sizes are 9/9.5.
I usually do a little bit of everything but really enjoy powder and tree runs. What size do you recommend?
Hi Hec
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, I would be leaning towards the 153. It’s a trade off, as the 156 will float better in powder for you, but the 153 will be better in trees. And just overall I think 153 would be preferable for everyday riding on groomers too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate.
Im intermediate rider.Jm riding powder and carving usually.Which one do you prefer forme.Jones MT or Yes Standart.
My second question which size ?
İm 6.0 , 190 lbs and Us size 11.5 .
Thanks you .
Hi Kerim
Thanks for your message.
There’s definitely not a wrong choice between those 2, based on what you’re describing. If I had to choose one for carving, I think I’d go Standard, but really very little in it. For powder, the Mountain Twin is a little better in it’s reference stance than the Standard, but the Standard has those slam back inserts which make it as good when you use those. If you didn’t think you would be bothered to shift your bindings back on a pow day, then I’d say the Mountain Twin in reference is a little better versus the Standard in reference for powder.
Size-wise, I’d say 159W for the MT and 159 for the Standard would be just right for your specs.
Hope this helps
Dear Nate,
First of all thanks for your reviews. I’ve had a crush on the Yes.Standard for a while now, since a friend of mine has it and always speaks wonders of it. I just found it on sale and was wondering what size to pick. I’m an atypical rider.. 6’6” around 211 lb and 10,5 foot size. Been riding most of my boards 160 (Rome Slash for example) and lately a skate banana 1,59 and I plan to leave it for the park and get a new deck to carve and hit jumps since the skate banana washes out terribly for me both in landings and carves. With all this, what size would you advice for me?? Im thinking 162.
I stay put for you comments, thanks in advance.
Cheers!
Hi Jay
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise for you for the Standard, I think it’s between 162 and 159. Probably leaning 162. The 162 and 159 are on the wide-side for your boots, but for your specs, I think you could ride up to a 165. With a board on the wider side like this, it’s a good idea to size down a bit. So I think going 162 is a size-down for you and gives you that longer size to complement your 159 Skate Banana. The reason I consider the 159 as well, is that it sounds like you’re used to something around 160, so compared to what you’re used to 162 is sizing up rather than down. So, if you think you’d prefer something more similar to what you’re used to, then 159 is certainly an option. Some things to consider:
– The 159 will be more agile, feel a little softer flexing and generally be more playful and nimble. Better for spins and boxes/rails, IMO
– The 162 will give you more stability at speed, better for landing big jumps, and give you more float in powder.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you Nate you are the boss!!
Im tilting towards the 162, but, just tried a Capita DOA 161w (half a cm narrower that the yes.Standard) and I was completely blown away, so I’ve to think it through but I will let you know what I end up doing. Yes is not a brand that I really know well and would love to give it a try.
Cheers!
You’re very welcome Jay. Look forward to hearing what you go with.
Dear Nate,
Ended up getting my own DOA and I’m enjoying a lot. It is really letting me unlock aspects of my riding that the skate banana couldn’t. I deffinetly keep Yes. As a brand to try in the future tho.
Thank you so much for your attention and time.
Cheers!
Hi Jay
Thanks for the update. Awesome that you got your new board and that you’re enjoying it!
Hey Nate,
5′ 9″, 155 lbs, boot size 9.5-10 depending on company, been riding for 20+ years, but only get 5-10 days max a season. I’d say I’m advanced at best, no expert here. Was looking at YES. Standard vs. PYL, but can’t make up my mind. From the west coast, living on the east coast, so hit up what I can in WV and PA, but visit my brother in Bend, OR and hit Mt. Bachelor about once a year on top of maybe one other trip like Tahoe with wife’s family.
Search for powder wherever I can, but my destinations may not deliver enough of it to warrant the PYL. Stuck between what I’d like (PYL) and what I think I should get (Standard) for a one-board quiver. Any thoughts/insight or clarifying questions that could help?
Finally, want to get all new gear (it’s been ~10 years). So would be curious of thoughts on bindings and boots to compliment whichever board you’d recommend.
Thanks in advance, dude!
Charlie
Hi Charlie
Thanks for your message.
If you think you’d prefer your board to be closer to medium flexing and if you ride some freestyle stuff – riding switch, sidehits/jumps and/or buttering and/or park, then I think the Standard is your best bet. If you’re not getting that much powder, the Standard can certainly handle powder pretty well too, particularly if you set it back into the slam back inserts.
But if you’d prefer or are good with medium-stiff flex, ride one-direction pretty much exclusively and don’t really do park and are an advanced rider, then I would be leaning PYL, even if you don’t see that much powder.
Size-wise, for the PYL I think 156 would be perfect.
For the Standard, I think 153 would be the better bet. It’s a wider board and something I would size down for.
To match the Standard I would be looking at boots and bindings around 6/10 to 7/10 in terms of flex. Some options:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>My Top All Mountain (medium to medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
For the PYL I’d be looking more like 7/10 to 9/10 in terms of flex. Some options:
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots
Hope this helps
Nate – You’re a champ. Thanks for putting in the time and giving such a great answer. With your info, looks like it’s up to me now. I’ll message again once I’ve decided and let you know my rationale. Thanks again, dude.
Best, Charlie
You’re very welcome Charlie. Looking forward to hearing what you go with.
Hi Nate, so I ended up going for the 156 but I have about a 1.25 inch overhang on my heel side even moving my bindings as much as possible. I’m worried it could be a problem laying down a hard carve. Is that too much or am I just overthinking it? Thanks.
Hi Michael
I personally haven’t had heel drag issues going up to 1.2″ in heel overhang. Don’t remember trying as much as 1.25″ so I’m not sure. Just to make sure, are you measuring that overhang from the outside of the metal edge (as opposed to the edge of the top sheet)? Because it’s that metal edge that really matters. If so, it’s probably more than ideal but might be fine. Hard to say for sure. Also, how much toe overhang do you have out of curiosity? – I know you can’t get the boot further forward at this point. And is this with your 11.5 Burtons or 11 Adidas boots?
That’s with some 11 vans, the 11 adidas are slightly less. Measuring from the metal. I barely have any overhang at all toe side, less than a cm, which is good so I wish I could bump up the bindings more.
Hi Michael
Thanks for the details. Yeah it’s a shame you can’t bump up the bindings any more, because total overhang sounds like it’s in a really good range. What bindings and what size do you have?
Large. So I figured out if I pair it with union bindings I can adjust the heel cup, which the Burton doesn’t have, to push the boot forward just a tad and even it out and it should be perfect.
Hi Michael.
Thanks for the extra info. Yeah with Burton there’s no heel cup adjustment and even their large bindings tend to not have that long a baseplate/footbed. Union does allow you to adjust the heel cup, so yeah, if you’re happy to change up your bindings, I think that would be a good way to go.
Hi Nate,
I’m relatively new to Snowboarding and this is my 2nd season. I’m 5’11, size 10.5 (10 in Adidas ADV) 200-205lbs. I had a GNU Hyak 160cm which I struggled to turn with and recently bought a 158cm Yes Typo after reading your review. I have to say that my confidence quickly grew and I am now on graduating to blue runs. However, I still find it a little long as while its not super difficult to turn, there are times I wished I could turn faster.
So I’m now considering the Yes Standard 153cm or the Never Summer Snowtrooper 154cm – taking off 3-5cm as a beginner. (both 253mm width which is just nice for my boots).
1. Are those too short or should I consider the 156 Standard / 156 Snowtrooper? my aim is to build confidence and progress faster so as I can enjoy the mountain.
2. between the NS Snowtrooper and standard, which would you recommend?
Thank you.
Hi Gabriel
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think the Snowtrooper is the better option, and a really good option for a high-end beginner, IMO. Size-wise, though, I would go 156. 156 is already taking off 5cm, IMO, so I wouldn’t go shorter than that. The width on the Snowtrooper 156, with 10s, should be a really good fit too.
The Standard is a little more advanced and whilst going down to 153 will make it easier to handle, I’d still be leaning Snowtrooper 156. Also to note, that the Standard 153 is still wider than the Snowtrooper 156. It’s wider at the inserts versus the waist than something like the snowtrooper, so overall wider. I would actually sooner go 155 Typo before 153 Standard for what you’re describing. I think you could work the 153 Standard, but given your goals, I would say 155 Typo or 156 Snowtrooper. And I would be leaning 156 Snowtrooper in this case, particular since you already have the Typo in 158.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Thanks for your quick response and appreciate your advice.
I managed to let go my Typo to a buddy and will look at the NS Snowtrooper.
Your reviews help a lot and wished I knew about your site before I got my gears.
You’re very welcome Gabriel. Happy riding!
HI Nate,
Firstly, thank you for your reviews and advice as it helped my progression greatly. I can say your reviews are accurate and that means a lot of many of us at the crossroads of investing in a board.
As you recall, I was just good beginner weeks ago when I struggle with my 160cm GNU Hyak and got better with the Yes Typo 158cm (which I deemed a little long, then). Instead of the NS Snowtrooper, I got the Yes Standard and boy, in a matter of weeks, I was able to build the confidence and ride down blacks. The standard’s firmness helped a lot especially when on flatter and bumpier terrains as it just pave the way and never once caught an edge.
Im working on moguls now and the 153cm is easy to turn & now I’m dreading if I should have gotten a size larger. I went back to my old GNU 160cm the other day and could ride them easily – thought they were too soft and in many instances, caught an edge where the standard didn’t.
Anyways, to those, like me, who struggled to find the right board, if you are a good beginner and looking to progress, this board is absolutely a great investment. Im 5’11 and 195lbs (lost some lbs with all those weeks practice) and I think a size larger than 153 will still be manageable.
Just my 2 cents back to the community from my experience and your guidance as i wished I had come across your site before my first board purchase.
(I’m now looking at some carve boards, hope you can review the Jones Hovercraft or Ultracraft. ; ) cheers!
Hi Gabriel
Thanks for your feedback/insight. Much appreciated. Happy riding!
Hey man, so looking at the yes standard. This will be a first board for me and I’m a beginner but I’m willing to put in the effort to get it done. I’m torn between 159 and 162. I’m 220 pounds but trying to get under 200 by summer and I’m an 11 boot. Thoughts on size for my first board. I want to kinda do it all but I’m not gonna hit some crazy huge jumps. Just some smaller stuff. Thanks.
Hi Ricky
Thanks for your message.
Not something I would typically recommend for a beginner, but if you do go for this one, I think the 159 is your best bet for sure. Even as an advanced rider I would say 159 for your specs assuming around 200lbs. At 220lbs, maybe the 162, but as a beginner, I would go 159. Which might work out well for you, if you start out 220 on the 159 and it feels softer than it would at 200lbs. Then once you loose that weight you’ll hopefully be at a more advanced level where the 159 won’t become too much board, if that makes sense. So whilst, I think it’s not the ideal choice as a beginner board, if you’re set on it, it could work out, but I would definitely go 159.
Hope this helps
Awesome, helpful reviews!
I am looking to get a new all-mountain board because I am over powering the softer board I currently have. I have been stuck between a few different boards, but it seems like the Yes. Standard might be best. I am an upper-intermediate level rider that likes to do a bit of everything, but prefer going fast and hitting natural jumps than park riding. I ride mainly on the East Coast in PA, NY where it is pretty icy and sometimes go out West. I am 6’1, 195lbs, and size 12 Burton boot.
Do you think the Standard would be the right choice, and would a 159cm be a good size?
Thank you!
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the Standard would work for what you’re describing for sure. Just so long as you’re not expecting anything super stiff or anything. It’s a 6/10 flexing board, IMO, so just at the stiffer side of medium. Definitely a good do-it-all board and I think it will suit what you’re describing, just so long as you’re not expecting anything super stiff.
Size-wise, I think it’s a weight up between the 159 and 162. I think I would be leaning 159, but 162 certainly wouldn’t be wrong for you either. 162 would give you more stability at speed and better float in powder. The 159 more maneuverable, better for trees, a little more forgiving when riding slower and better for butters and jumps (unless you’re hitting really big jumps).
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for the advice. Went ahead and ordered the 159!
Love the site and all the reviews!
You’re very welcome Nick. Thanks for visiting the site. Hope the board treats you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hey Nate, I was thinking about getting a freeride board but I don’t think I use it enough for Bowls, trees, and Powder, so I’m looking for a more aggressive and stiffer all mountain board then the two all mountain medium flex boards that I own ( 2019 Proto 2 154, 2019 Outerspace Living 154) that can do Powder, tree runs and bowls when I go out to Colorado which is about 10 days a year. My riding style is I love to Carve on groomers ,basic butters and jumps off small side hits, but when I go to bigger resorts I want to be able to ride in bowls, trees and Powder. I don’t really bomb it flat base but I do want to be able to carve at higher speeds. I’m 5’9” 175, size 8 boot, I currently have the adidas sambas which getting adidas was a mistake because they leave smaller footprint, so I got the thirty two tm2s on the way. Will the 153 be suitable for me? I do want something quick edge to edge, and want to be able to ride slow also. I had the warpig 148 and I hated it because it was too wide for my size 8 and with the adidas sambas not helping it either. Will this board suit my needs, I also was looking into the Capita Mercury 155 too. Thanks again for all your content and input, its sooo helpful.
Hi Peter
The Standard is a little stiffer than the 2 boards you have currently, but not massively so. I’d say the Standard feels like a 6/10, with the PT2 and OSL feeling more like 5/10. So if you want to just go subtly stiffer, then it’s a good choice. Does also give you a bit more in powder (particularly so, if you put it in the slam back inserts). And a little more at speed too. So definitely a subtle improvement in those areas.
I think length-wise going longer than 153 would be ideal, but since the board is going to be very wide in the 156 for your feet, then the 153 probably does make more sense. The 153 is still going to be wider than your current boards, but sizing down should help being back that maneuverability for trees/riding slow. For reference, the 153 is probably around 265mm at the inserts versus the PT2 154, which is more like 258-259mm and the OSL 154 more like 258-259mm as well.
Having a narrower waist does help with maneuverability as well though, so with the narrower waist and coupled with the narrow width at inserts compared to the 148 Warpig, it’s overall definitely more suitable for your foot size than the Warpig – even with going that much shorter, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Nate – great reviews, much appreciated. Really deciding between a few boards: Standard, ejack knife, assassin pro, and the Mercury (no need to go over that one again since it’s in here 10 times). Do a lot of everything except park. Bombing, tons of trees, side hits, love powder obviously. Been on a skeleton key but when the conditions aren’t perfect it’s really not enjoyable. Also can’t stand the channel. Looking for something that takes care of those harder packed days that I can still go hard with minimal chatter and through the trees with confidence. Thanks man.
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
I think I would be leaning Standard or Ejack Knife – the better bets in hard conditions and good in trees and powder. The Assassin Pro everything except powder. Still not bad in powder but not quite as good. Mercury the least agile at slow speed of that lot, IMO, so the trees thing not ideal. Really good in trees when there’s powder. Something about the Mercury it becomes more agile in powder than in non-powder conditions (more so than other boards).
Ejack versus Standard. Ejack a little better at bombing, a little better for powder. Standard better for side hits, riding switch etc. Getting the sizing right also important, but yeah assuming good sizing, I think I’d be weighing up those 2.
Hope this helps
I’m 5 10 180 11.5 in my Burton’s, 11 in my adidas. So really between the 156 and 159 standard. Don’t really have a choice with the ejack as I’d probably have to go 159w. I know the 156 would maybe be more fun and the 159 might be more stable but maybe not quite as nimble as I’d like
Hi Michael
I would be leaning 156 for the Standard. 159 definitely doable and would be more stable, but overall, I would be leaning 156 for your specs. You would sacrifice some for speed and powder but better for trees and sidehits. So it would definitely be a matter of which you wanted to optimize more.
The Ejack Knife 159W is actually a little narrower overall than the 159 Standard. The Standard 159 is roughly 275mm wide at the inserts versus the the 159W Ejack Knife which would be around 270mm at the inserts roughly. So, it is a little narrower, but still certainly wide enough for your boots. I think it’s a good width for your sized boots and the length works too. Again, you would be looking still at it being less nimble than the 156 Standard, but it’s kind of in between the 159 Standard and 156 Standard, size-wise. Still closer to the 159 Standard than the 156 Standard – and also a little stiffer. But just wanted to put that out there, because I think the 159W Ejack Knife is definitely a doable size for you. But so are the 156 and 159 Standard – with the stated pros and cons of each mentioned above.
Ordered the 156 Standard actually right before I read this. Went to a local board shop and they only had the 159 and I laid the 159 mercury over top of it and noticed the standard was a good bit wider at the inserts so it gave me confidence to go with the 156. Really appreciate all the help!
You’re very welcome Michael. And awesome that you’ve got your board ordered now. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
Hi! I found this board on sale. Thou only in 156. I am 184cm an weigh about 80-85kg. Size on boots 9.
Last season i rode a 158 nitro beast but i didnt have too much fun on it (lol). Would you say 156 on the standard is good or should i size down on the board? Best regards, Albert
Hi Albert
Thanks for your message.
Typically for your specs, I’d say 158-160 for an all-mountain board, assuming a relatively advanced skill level. However, with size 9s on the Standard I think sizing down to the 156 is a good idea. It’s a little wider of a board, and sizing down helps. I’m similar specs – 183cm, 80kg, size 10 or 9.5 boots and I really like the Standard in 156, though I would typically ride/prefer 157-159 for all-mountain boards. So I think for this particular board, the 156 should be just right.
The Beast is a considerably stiffer/more aggressive ride (from what I’ve heard of it – it’s not a board I’ve ridden yet). So even in the same size, the Standard would be a more easy going ride. I imagine it’s the kind of board that you would want to always be driving hard and always being on your game on. Doesn’t strike me as a board with a lot of forgiveness. The Standard is like super soft/playful or anything, but it’s what I would consider right in the middle of playful/aggressive, if that makes sense. It’s got some forgiveness to it, but you can still bomb/lean into carves when you want to.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate, your review on boot sizing really helped me pick the pair I own now, and I’ve been scrolling through your reviews since! Im after some trusted advise in regards to picking the right first board if you can help please.
I’m at an intermediate level of riding. Enjoy resorting, carving and side jumps along the way with occasional off piste. Not really into park, although I want to start learning switch and 180s in the near future (Freestyle purposes).
Height is 5ft 5, weight 67kg and boot size 8 UK.
I’m torn between the yes standard and mercury.. both seem like great boards, although unsure what one would suite me best for the description I’ve provided and what size to choose!
Any help would be much appreciated!
Many thanks
Kye
Hi Kye
Thanks for your message.
I think I would be leaning towards the Standard based on what you’re describing. Both would certainly work for everything you’ve said there, but I think as a first board, the Standard would just be that little bit more suitable, even if you’re already at that intermediate level – and also subtly better, IMO for switch/180s.
Size-wise, I would be looking at the 151 Standard. I think that would be spot on. You could ride the 149 too – and that would be more freestyle friendly but if you’re not going in the park, I think the 151 is the better size.
If you went Mercury it would be 153, which would definitely work, but combination of length and width, it’s on the bigger end of what would work for you, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Really good review – I’m looking to purchase the Yes Standard now. Quick question from me, I’m 6’2″ at 180 lbs with 10.5 size boots. Would you recommend the 156 or 159 size board?
Hi Ken
Thanks for your message.
Tight call between those 2 sizes for you. 156 is certainly sizing down for your specs, but being on the wider side for your boots, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just whether it’s sizing down too much. Even the 159 is a small size down, but it’s also wider still, so it’s whether that’s enough of a size down. I think it comes down to how you would be riding this board. I really like the 156 (6’0″, 185lbs (when I last rode this board), size 10 boots) but the way I like to ride this board is “do-it-all” – riding trees, butters, park as well as carving, bombing and just cruising. But I think I would be leaning on an all-mountain-freestyle use of the board, and valuing maneuverability a little more than stability at speed.
I think if you predominantly wanted to carve and bomb, with less emphasis on freestyle stuff/trees, then I would be looking at the 159. If you value maneuverability and freestyle a little more, then I think the 156 would be the better bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate – that makes sense. I’m an intermediate rider looking to foray into butters, jumps and park this season. Seems like the 156 is the way to go for me.
Thanks for the quick reply and valuable advice! Hope you have a great season 🙂
You’re very welcome Ken. Hope you have an awesome season too!
Your site is awesome. I think I have spent about 10 hours reading reviews over the last year. Many thanks!
I am 51, 195lbs, 5’10”, boot size US 8.5. I mostly just ride groomers these days. But occasionally might run through the park or have a pow day. I have Burton step ons because my kids make fun of me when I stop to strap in (harsh) which happens a lot because the hills are short around here. I’m probably a level 6 intermediate according to your scale.
Lots of icy conditions in my neighbourhood.
Currently I’m riding a very old Ride 156 from when I was like 20lbs lighter.
This seems like a decent board for me. Do you think there is any better choice? And would you recommend the 156 length of this board. I’m thinking about the 159 cause … well … weight fluctuates.
Hi Jacques
Thanks for your message.
My biggest concern with going with the Standard, particularly in the 159, is the width. Everything else about it I think works well for what you’re describing. I think purely on height/weight/ability/how you ride, something around 159 makes sense. But with the Standard 159 being rather wide for 8.5s, I would be inclined to size down to the 156. If you wanted to step up to a 159, then I would go for a narrower board. I think this would work in the 156, but I wouldn’t be as confident to say the same for the 159.
There are certainly other options that would work for you. Let me know and I would be happy to provide some other options, if you think you’d prefer to go longer/narrower.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I appreciate the great comparisons of boards on your site! I’m looking at the Yes Standard right now as my do-it-all board. As a 5’9, 185 lb., size 10 shoe, mid-to-upper intermediate rider, I’m worried that the 156 is going to be too wide for me, but the 153 will be too small for me.
As a fellow size 10 shoe who rode the 156, did you experience any issues with the width of the board?
The other board I’m looking at is the Capita Mercury, which I feel might be not be forgiving enough/comfortable enough for my skill level. Do you have any advice between the two for someone in my position?
Thanks,
Josh
Hi Josh
Thanks for your message.
I really liked the 156 and had no issues with the width. And I usually really don’t like wider boards. I don’t typically like anything over around 265mm at the insets. The 156 is 270mm at inserts. There’s a couple of reason’s why the width wasn’t an issue in this case. Firstly, because 156 is a length that’s sizing down for me. Typically for an all-mountain board I would ride 157- 160. The other reason is that the waist isn’t overly wide – width at inserts is probably the most important factor, but a narrower waist does seem to help with maneuverability too, irrespective of the width at inserts.
For reference I am 6’0″ with size 10 boots and was 185lbs when I last rode the YES Standard.
I think you would be fine on the 156 and that’s the size I would recommend for you. I think the 153 would be going too small.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I could get my hands on the Yes Standard board for a decent price and I’m thinking of buying it but I’d like to get your opinion if this is suitable board for me. I’d say I’m on level 5ish on your skill level chart (solid on blue, somewhat struggling but haven’t died on black runs, occasional pow runs). I’m looking for an all-mountain board that’s not too catchy or too stiff but would still have a good edge control on icy slopes. I also would like to start riding more powder so the board should have a decent float.
I’m 183cm (6’0), 80kg (175lbs) and ride EU45 (US12) Burton Ruler boots. Which size would fit me best? I was looking at the 156 or 159. Also do you think the Standard could be too much of a board for a low-intermediate level rider?
Cheers Mikko
Hi Mikko
Thanks for your message.
Definitely fits this description well, IMO.
In terms of float. It’s pretty good when centered – I’d say 3/5. And then when in the slam back inserts it would ride a good bit easier in pow. So, I think it would depend on how willing you were to move your bindings back for powder days. Some people don’t like the idea of having to setup their bindings different for a pow day, but if you were good with that, then I think you will find it good for powder days.
Size-wise, it’s a tough call between the 2 in terms of length, but I would be leaning towards the 159. I like the 156 (I have similar specs to you), but for me, with 10s, the 156 is wider than I would normally ride – it’s also shorter than I would normally ride for an all-mountain board, but I like to size down a bit if it’s a little wide. If I had size 12s I would go 159. Also, the 156 might be pushing it in terms of being too narrow for 12s.
That’s a tough one. It’s certainly not an overly technical or stiff ride. It’s what I would say is “solid” intermediate and up. Certainly don’t need to be high-end intermediate to ride it, IMO. For low-intermediate, it’s hard to say.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate for your detailed answer!
I also had my eye on the Yes Hybrid, so could you advise how does the Hybrid compare to the Standard? Do you think the Hybrid could be a good option for me and if so what size would you recommend based on what I described earlier?
Thanks again
Hi Mikko
The Hybrid is a little more technical. They’re both a very similar flex, IMO, as far as I can tell the same. The Hybrid has less rocker tip and tail though, so it’s more camber dominant, which can make it catchier. I didn’t find it catchy at all, but that’s something to keep in mind. Also, note that it’s quite directional, so if you were wanting to ride switch (or take off/land switch for 180s and the likes) it’s less suitable than something like the Standard. It is better in powder though.
Also, the Hybrid is quite wide, so you wouldn’t have any issues width-wise. I think the 157 would work well for your specs. So, size-wise, I think it’s a good fit (in the 157), the only question mark really is around the reduced rocker (mostly because you were concerned about the Standard for low-intermediate and the Hybrid is that little bit more advanced) and whether you were wanting to ride switch/do tricks etc
Hi Nate!
Can you help me? I want to get a Yes standard board. Im 5.10 ft , weigh 143 lbs with a size 9 shoe. My binding angles are 15 and -15 degrees. Im an advanced aggresive rider. Should i buy the yes 149 or the 151 board?
Love your work, thank you.
Hi Jurij
Thanks for your message.
Those are the sizes I would be debating for for you, too. But I would be leaning towards 151 for you, given that you’re an advanced aggressive rider. If you were more intermediate or less aggressive, then I’d give the 149 more consideration but in your case I’d go 151.
Hope this helps with your decision
How does the yes standard compare to the capita mercury and ride superpig? My boot size is actually 9.5. Not 9 as i said before.
Hi Jurij
I haven’t ridden the Superpig, but on paper it looks more like a freeride board – and also a short wide. So quite a different ride compared the Standard and Mercury (which I categorize as all-mountain). The Superpig has a good bit of taper, looks to be stiffer and is 265mm at the waist on the 151 model. If you were to look at something like that, I would say go down to at least 148 (142 would be getting too small, but if there was like a 146 or something might be suitable).
The Standard versus Mercury. The Mercury is subtly stiffer than the Standard and is a little “more board” if that makes sense. It’s a little better for hard carves (IMO) but not quite as good for jumps/spins/riding switch and not as buttery. For speed and powder they’re similar – but if I had to choose one for out and out speed, it would be the Mercury. The Mercury is a slightly more aggressive rider.
The smallest size of the Mercury (153), would be a bigger overall feel vs the 151 Standard. Not only is a little longer but subtly wider too, and wider at the waist. Around 261-262mm at inserts (versus around 259, 260 on the 151 Standard) and 253mm at waist versus 248mm at waist on the Standard.
With 9.5s, it’s more doable than with 9s. And the 151 for the Standard is even more attractive versus the 149 Standard.
If you want something a little more aggressive than the Standard and don’t mind going a bit bigger to get it, and are willing to sacrifice a little in maneuverability, particularly at slower speeds, then the Mercury 153 in option.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate
Have been back and forward reading your reviews and the comments over the last few weeks and still struggling to make my decision so just though I would jump in and ask your opinion…
I am 186cm, 93kg and Ride Lasso size 11US boot (foot 28cm)
Upgrading my gear for first time in about 10 yrs I am tossing up between the YES PYL 160W and the YES Standard 159 or 162
Based in NZ, used to ride a lot but have 2 young kids now so only getting up a handful of days a year. In a good year one of those days is back country heli-boarding or a trip to canada/japan. Rest of the time is NZ resort, off piste and side country if there is soft snow, no park. Try to ride switch and hit off stuff when there is no fresh.
Also struggling with the binding decision because its not something I have paid much attention to in the past, for some reason leaning towards the union atlas at the mo, but also considering union strata, force & rome crux (force and crux quite a bit cheaper). Burton cartels are available too
Current board is a 158 burton supermodel (which is too small for me now) and bindings Union Contact pro
appreciate your thoughts.
cheers
Paul
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
Both could certainly work for what you’re describing. Some things below to consider that will hopefully help with your decision:
The PYL is better in powder and big mountain kind of stuff, so going to be better for your heli-boarding trips and Japan if you’re getting good powder. And overall better for that side-country stuff. Standard is better for riding switch/side hits. My instinct is that it sounds like you’re leaning more towards having the better sidecountry/backcountry performance over the side hits stuff? If that’s the case, then I would be leaning PYL.
Standard can still do that stuff pretty well, but not to the same extent as the PYL. The PYL too, whilst not as good as the Standard for side hits/switch/freestyle in general, isn’t something that you can’t do that stuff with. For a freeride board, it’s pretty good there.
Another thing to consider is flex. The PYL is stiffer – by my feel around 7.5/10 – than the Standard (6/10 flex feel). I haven’t ridden the Supermodel, but from what I can find out it sounds like it would be closer in flex to the Standard than the PYL. I don’t think you’d loose much in terms of powder with the Standard vs the Supermodel. Though the Supermodel certainly more suited to powder than Standard in some ways (being more directional, tapered etc), the Supermodel is traditional camber and the Standard has some rocker in there. Centered, I don’t think the Standard would be as good in powder as the Supermodel, but if you put in the slam back inserts, I’d say it would be relatively similar. Having not ridden the Supermodel, I couldn’t say for sure, but that would be my guess.
Apart from being stiffer, the PYL is otherwise more similar to the Supermodel (though still not that similar) in terms of taper, setback, shape.
In terms of bindings, I would def go stiffer for either board you go with, than the Contact Pros. Which would be best will depend on the board you end up going with. If you go with the Standard, then something like the Strata, Force or Cartel’s would be a good bet. If PYL, then I would go Atlas or Falcor, if going Union. The new Cartel X or last season’s Genesis X, if going Burton. Some other options in the following list that would go well with the PYL, IMO:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Don’t know what you’d have available in NZ from there, but from what you’ve mentioned I would say Atlas for PYL and either Strata, Force or Cartel for Standard. Could do Atlas for Standard as well, but I’d be leaning towards the others.
Size-wise for the Standard, I would be leaning towards the 159. Not a lot longer than your supermodel, but it’s a good bit wider. And going 162, you’re going to get something quite wide for your boots, and longer. I think the 159 would work well for you. For the PYL I agree with the 160W size.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome thanks Nate, appreciate the advice
You’re very welcome Paul. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Your assessments are so thorough and spot on. Thanks for the hard work.
Looking for some quick advice, I’m caught between sizes. My specs:
46 years old
5’8” 160lbs
Solid intermediate rider
Size 9 Burton Swath Step on system
Ride about 20 times a year.
Currently own a 2016 155cm Typo
I do find the stance width a little wide, but love the edge to edge transition and forgiveness of the Typo. I do find the base a little slow.
Thinking 151 vs 153 Standard as an upgrade.
Thoughts?
Thanks and looking forward to your input.
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
I think the 153 would be your best bet. Because of the width of it, I would certainly size down a little, but I thinking sizing down to the 153 is enough. I think that would be a really good size for you for the Standard.
The base on the Standard isn’t super fast, but it is faster than the Typo, so long as you keep it waxed. The Typo has a sintered “spec” base which is basically in between an extruded and sintered base – and the Standard has a sintered “true” base, which is a sintered base, so a bit more speed there vs the Typo, assuming you keep it properly waxed.
The Standard isn’t as quick/easy edge to edge as the Typo, but the Typo is super fast/easy in that sense. The Standard is still pretty good – so long as you size down a little, which you would be with the 153, though. The Typo is just particularly quick/easy in that area. The Standard also not quite as forgiving, but it’s still certainly not ultra-aggressive/rigid or anything either. Not quite as easy to butter as the Typo, but still pretty easy to butter.
You do an upgrade in a number of areas though. Better for carving, better at speed and just a springier/snappier feel – a bit more personality/x-factor vs the Typo. Better for jumps and powder too, IMO. So definitely an upgrade overall, with different strengths/weaknesses.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the prompt reply. Looks like the Standard has many boxes ticked for me.
I happened to notice Yes is bringing out a 153 in the Hybrid. I’ve heard it’s excellent for cruising the mountain and carving.
Possibly an even better option than the Standard?
Thanks again.
Hi Mike
I really liked the Hybrid and was glad to see them bring out the 153 size. I felt it needed a smaller size. There were a lot of people I had interested in it, that would have been suitable for it, if not for the 157 being too big for them.
I rate the Hybrid as just that little bit better in terms of carving. But pretty close. Definitely better in powder and definitely not as good for riding switch. Note thought that even though the Standard is a little wider than the average board, that the Hybrid is considerably wider. At the inserts the following widths at inserts are (estimated):
– Standard 153: 263-264mm at back and front inserts (253mm waist width)
– Hybrid 153: 271-272mm at back insert and 277-278mm at front insert
That extra width is great for float in powder, but can make things slower edge to edge. Going from the Typo 155, with width at inserts of 259mm, you’re going quite a bit wider there. I didn’t find the Hybrid slow edge-to-edge (and I rode the 157, which is even wider (though I did ride it with 10s)).
So yeah, if you’re not really riding switch and see a bit of powder, then I would be leaning towards Hybrid, if you think that width wouldn’t be too much of an adjustment. Otherwise, I would go with the Standard.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Your website is very useful 🙂
I’m also thinking of buying the Standard 149. I’m 5’4”, 123 lbs with US 7 size boots (the Burton boots length are 28cm). I ride 50-60% groomers (carving + a bit ground tricks), 30-40% pows and trees and only 0-10% park
Is the board too big for me? If it’s too big, will it be worth trading off slower edge-to-edge for lesser overhangs and more stability?
I saw you did recommended Standard 149 for a guy just about my size (on March 23, 2018), but he was on US 7.5 boots, and you recommended Yes Hel Yes 146 for another woman (on November 9, 2019). Not sure which would be the best option for me.
Thanks!
Hi Kevin
Generally speaking I would say something around 147,148 for your specs. So not far off with the 149. And because they’re on the wider side for 7s, even on the 149, it’s on the bigger side for your specs, IMO. But, if you’re used to riding boards longer than 149, then it’s definitely an option.
Whether it’s worth the trade off to go for the wider width of this board, which is the biggest thing really, IMO, for you as 149 would work for length, depends really on what you value more. If you’re looking to really carve deep and bomb, then having that lesser overhang and stability might be worth it. But it would be that much more effort to get the board moving edge to edge – so not as good for riding trees or other tight spaces. You get the bonus of a wider landing platform for landing jumps too, but you trade off some agility for setups too. And one of the biggest bonuses of having that extra width is for the extra surface area for float in powder.
If you feel you wanted the board more nimble, you could look at the Hel Yes too – even the 149, though I think the 146 would also be a good size for you.
So yeah, 149 Standard certainly doable, depending on how you aggressive you’re looking to carve and how much you’re willing to give up a little agility. 149 isn’t like super long for you or anything, but just because it will be on the wide side for 7s, it’s that combination of length and width that makes on the bigger side for your specs, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate for the answer. It does help a lot especially on the tradeoffs part.
I’m still more inclined towards the Standard 149 (vs Hel Yes) because I feel that it’s easier to minimize the agility tradeoff (e.g. by adjusting bindings – forward lean or heel strap position, using stiffer ones, or just riding slower in tight trees) rather than to minimize tradeoffs from foot drags, stability or floats if I were to use Hel Yes. Though, I think these differences would be minor as these boards are very similar. Overall, I think the Standard has more “limit” if I am to push and progress on my skills too.
Not sure if the rationale above make sense to you (would love to get your opinion on this)
Also, given that I want to minimize this agility tradeoff, which bindings would you recommend? I’m thinking the Cartels might work because of its stiffness and adjustability. Any other options? (e.g. the new Cartel X, Union Atlas, …).
Btw, I do not plan to change my boots (Burton Imperial) this year. It fits perfectly and still in a very good shape.
Thank you in advance for your help on this!
Hi Kevin
Imperials are a good match to the Standard, IMO, so definitely no need to switch boots.
Don’t think you’d have any drag issues on the 146 or 149 Hel Yes, unless you’re really like Euro carving or something, but even then, with 28cm long boots (and a good bit of toe bevel on the Imperials too), you’d have to get some serious angle in really soft snow, IMO, for that to be a concern.
You’re looking at around 3.4cm of total overhang (predicted) on the 146 Hel Yes and 3.2cm of total overhang on the 149 Hel Yes. That’s around 1.7cm and 1.6cm respectively per edge, assuming perfect centering. In my experience that’s well within a safe amount. Personally I’m comfortable with up to 2.5cm on the toe edge and up to 3cm on the heel edge. You might want more leeway than that, but the Hel Yes would give you that. The Standard 149 in comparison you’re looking at around 2.4cm of total overhang (1.2cm per edge assuming perfect centering). It is wider at the inserts vs the waist compared to the Hel Yes, due to the Mid-Bite, so it’s wider at the inserts than it looks, just looking at the waist width. And this all assuming a 0 binding angle. With binding angles this reduces that overhang. So yeah, in short I don’t think you’d have any issues on the Hel Yes in that sense.
But yeah, there are things you can do to increase that agility. But it’s actually when you’re riding slower that it has the biggest impact, IMO. It’s easier to get momentum to changing edges when you’re riding faster than when you’re riding slow. So when there is something that affects how easy it is to change edges (like being wide or being really stiff) it affects things more at slow speeds, when you’ve got to provide more of that momentum to get the board to change edges yourself, rather than getting more assistance from gravity. When the board is wide for your feet (causing your feet to be quite far inside the edges of the board), then it takes more energy to transfer leverage to the edges.
Doing things like having your bindings baseplate as close to the edges, without going over, certainly helps with leverage, but it’s your feet (as opposed to boots and bindings) that have the most affect on leverage on the boards edges. The boots are certainly what determine if you have too much overhang, but it’s the feet that ultimately determine if there’s too much “underhang”.
So I wouldn’t go too stiff with bindings either. Same as with stiff boards being less maneuverable at slower speeds, so are stiff bindings. That said, you will get a bit more out of the Standard going stiffer in the bindings, I just wouldn’t go too stiff. So something like the Cartel are a good match, IMO. Stiff enough without being too stiff. The Cartel X isn’t something I got on this past season, unfortunately (I tried, and will try again start of next season). But if they’re a similar flex to the outgoing Genesis X, then they would also be a good option. Anything 6/10 to 7/10 in flex is what I would look at for the Standard. The Cartel to me feel around 6/10 in terms of flex and the Genesis X were around 7/10. Not sure if the Cartel X will be similar or not, though.
Going with something Union could make sense as their baseplates tend to be longer, so you get that extra leverage on the edges of the board, which would certainly be a plus on the 149 Standard for you. The Strata (6/10), Atlas (6.5/10) and Falcor (7/10) would be my picks to match the Standard, if you went Union. The Atlas aren’t as long in the baseplate as the Strata or Falcor, but they do have the ability to adjust the gas pedal, which the Strata and Falcor don’t have. But yeah, the Atlas or Cartel both really good in terms of adjustability.
Hope this gives you more to go off and let me know if you need any more details on any of those boards or bindings
Hi Nate,
Thanks a lot for the very detailed answer. The measurements on overhangs are very helpful. Really love these technical talks!
I spent some time researching a bit more today, and to be honest I might change my choice to the Hel Yes. Here’s what I found:
First, I measured the heights from the ground to my boots (+ bindings) to be 5.5cm (Imperials do have bevel). I also uses 15/-15 binding angles so effectively the boots’ length is around 27cm
On the Hel Yes 149, with 15/-15 bindings I’ll have 1.1cm overhangs per side (neglecting underbites) based on your numbers. I ride in Japan so if the soft snow is 0.5cm (should it be more?), it’s effectively 1.6cm overhangs. With 5.5cm heights, the triangle calculator gives me 74 degrees – that’s already a lot of angles. You’re absolutely right. I can also move the bindings back a bit as well if I want to try Euro carve.
On the Standard 149, with the same assumptions I’ll get 78 degrees from the triangle calculator which is not very different.
I also looked at bit at another website that said the Standard is slow edge-to-edge, and that’s because he was on the 156 (25.8 waist width – big size for him) with US 9 boots (26cm foot length). I’m in an even worse situation because my feet are actually shorter than the waist width of the 149 🙁
The surface area of Hel Yes 149 vs Standard 149 is also only 1 DM2 different (2.7% diff) which is still very close.
So yeah…. after looking at the numbers. I might just go with the Hel Yes combining with the Cartels (I guess).
How should I consider in picking the 146 vs 149 (the specs are super close except the length)? Which length do you recommend and why?
Thank you!
Hi Kevin
A good call, I think – and well thought out.
Between the 146 and 149, it’s a tough call. In terms of powder, you’re going to get more float out of the 149 and it’s going to feel more stable when riding at speed and a little better for big carves. The 146 would give you a bit more agility and be a bit easier to throw around. Better for butters, spins, tricks in general and better in trees. The 149 is at the upper end of your range, IMO, but the 146 is at the lower end of your range, so both are definitely options.
I think it comes down to whether you want to gain a little more agility for trees & ground tricks whilst sacrificing a little in terms of powder, speed and carving, if you go with the 146 and visa versa with the 149. Given you’re in Japan and you’ve mentioned a majority of riding groomers and pow, that I’d be leaning towards the 149 – but if depends on how much you’re pow is in the trees, and how much you’re doing ground tricks vs carving when on groomer. And which you want to emphasize the most.
The other thing to consider is what size you’re more used to. If you usually ride closer to 149 or to 146, then that’s could be another pointer towards the right size.
Nate,
Saw your review and many others, and after digging around the internet for all-mountain boards, decided to pull the trigger on this bad boy today! 5’11”, 185-195lbs, 10.5US and I opted for the 156. Any ideas on a decent set of bindings for this thing? I ride pretty much everywhere – bowls, speedy groomers, side hits, deep deep, and park (though I haven’t gotten around to messing with rails (yet)) – and besides craigslist have no real experience purchasing equipment. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Trevor
Thanks for your message.
Main thing I would say is to match up the flex pretty close. So, for the Standard, I would go either 6/10 or 7/10 in terms of flex. Check out the following for some great options in that flex range:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
First your website is GOLD!!!!!
I m about to buy the Standard which discovered here, after long reading of your all your articles, i came to the conclusion i should go for the 153, but im still hesitant with the 156.
my specs are 176 cm for 78kg and a size 9 burton photon.
could you help to confirm my choice please?
thank you
forget to mention that i want to change my boots for Adidas ADV who should be 8.5 as they fit larger than burton, but i cant confirm as i didn’t try them yet.it is just assumptions of what i have read everywher.
Hi Stephen
For the Standard, I would say go 153 with your specs. For a lot of other boards, it would be more like 156, but in this case I would go 153, given your boot size vs the width of the Standard.
Same would go if you change for Adidas ADV in 8.5s, and yeah I find that I have to go half a size down for Adidas boots (I usually wear a 10, but I’m 9.5 for Adidas boots), so if you’re 9 in Burton, then 8.5 in Adidas is most likely the best size for you.
Hope this helps
Hi, Nate
Thank you for your help and also Thank you to share your knowledge about snowboarding with us.
So the buy is done 😀
153 standard with Now pilot bindings .
I had a little run and i m a really happy man.
Thanks again for your help and keep up doing your fantastic work.
You’re very welcome Stephen. Happy riding!
Sorry Nate just for correction. My weight is -75 lbs 75 kg without gears. And I am 178cm tall with boots size 8.5-9.
Hi Tim
Thanks for your messages.
Firstly, in terms of mid-bite vs magnetraction, that it’s a very close call – and it depends on the level of magnetraction. I would say very aggressive magnetraction has better hold in icy conditions vs mid-bite. Not by a huge amount but is a little better. But can sometimes feel “grabby” in softer snow. I never get that feeling from mid-bite. Mid-bite has better grip than more mellow magnetraction. In terms of the mid-bite vs the magnetraction on the Rider’s Choice, I would say maybe the Rider’s Choice by a very small margin, but all 3 boards are very good in that area, so I wouldn’t decide solely on that as I think you’ll find them all good. Also to note, that the Rider’s Choice has never felt grabby to me.
The Standard isn’t technically true twin, it’s directional volume twin, but it’s essentially a twin – except when you’re in powder, then it gives you a bit more in powder. Still really good for riding switch.
Given that you like to ride powder, the Standard is the best option for that in my opinion, particularly if you make use of the slam back inserts on powder days. Followed by the Rider’s Choice, followed by the Greats.
For carving, the Greats is the best, IMO, followed by the Standard, followed by the Rider’s Choice.
They’re all about equal in terms of buttering, IMO.
For jumps the Greats and Rider’s Choice the best, IMO, but the Standard still very very good in that area.
There isn’t a bad choice between them for what you’re describing, but hopefully that gives you more to go off for your decision.
In terms of size, I would say the following for each:
– Standard: 153 (this and the Greats are sizing down a little from a size I’d usually recommend but for your boot size and your overall specs, and given these are wider boards, this is the best size for you, IMO)
– Greats: 154
– Rider’s Choice: 154.5 or 157.5 – I think probably 154.5 given the style you’re describing. It sounds like when you’re on the groomers you like to ride freestyle quite a bit – buttering sidehits etc – and you ride trees a bit by the sounds of it. But if I have that wrong and you do like to ride fast and straight line it more than I’m thinking you do, then the 157.5 is a possibility, but from what I’m getting from you and from your specs, I would say 154.5.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Thanks for your answer.
For Yes board, I found they also have underbite like Yes basic. How is underbite compared to midbite in edge hold?
Time to pick LoL, really need your help.
What if I only pick one board which board should I pick (among those three or you have other better recommendation)?
What if I can pick two boards, the reason is that one board is freestyle-all mountain and another is all mountain-freeride, which two would you recommend? (Not limit to those three but please take edge hold into consideration).
Thanks
Hi Tim
Underbite just as good as Mid-bite for icy conditions, IMO. Maybe even slightly better. But overall, I prefer the likes of the Standard, Greats, Ghost or Jackpot for all-mountain-freestyle riding, over something like the Basic or Typo.
If you can only pick one board, then I think I would go Standard, just because it gives you that little bit more versatility in terms of powder.
If you were to go for one all-mountain freestyle and a more freeride oriented option, I would go YES Greats or Rider’s Choice for the all-mountain-freestyle option.
For the more freeride option, that opens up a whole new thing. Would you want it to still be able to ride switch OK, or would you be happy with it being considerably more directional? Would you want to go stiffer or keep things around that mid-flex range? Would you be using it predominantly for riding trees and powder? If you can give me a bit more information as to how you would use the 2nd board in your quiver, that would help to narrow down some options.
Hi Nate
For the second board for all mountain free ride I still prefer ride switch. I am okay with stiffer flex or keep the medium flex either way is okay. And yes this board will be the main board for riding powder and trees. What do you recommend? Yes standard or PYL? The standard might be a bit overlapping with riders choice?
Hi Tim
Yeah, I think going Standard and Rider’s Choice would be going with 2 relatively similar types of boards. Certainly not the same boards by any means. They both have a very different feel to each other and different strengths and weaknesses, so they’re certainly going to offer different things as part of a quiver. But personally I would go for a bigger difference, and go with something a little more directional than the Standard. Something like the PYL would work well, I think. You can certainly still ride it switch. Not as good for switch as the Standard, but certainly doable.
Other options could include the Lib Tech E Jack Knife or Niche Story, but I think the PYL would go well with the Rider’s Choice in a two board quiver.
Hi Nate,
I will go Yes Standard. Just the size issue, I look at the Yes table, 153cm has 25.3 WAIST WIDTH (CM). I check back your post for “Men’s Waist Width Chart” at 15°, for boots size 8.5, it is minimum 237 to maxium 247. Should I go Standard 151cm? It has less underhaul for me. I read many reviews says this board