Board: Yes. Great Dudes
Size: 152
Camber Option: Camrocker. Camber under foot and rocker in the tips.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 22.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 T1 DB Size 10
My Weight: 170lbs
Resort: Breckenridge
Conditions: Sunny blue skies with a few clouds, warmer spring temps, snow that went from mashed potatoes to firm and fast.
Flex: They claim this board is on the stiffer side of a twin, it’s not. It’s a middle of the road park flex. Playful yet snappy in the tips, stable under foot, and a bit of give in the middle. The torsional give matches the lateral give.
Stability: This board much like many others is stable to a point. In giant push mounds as well as in moguls and ruts it didn’t buck me or feel like it was going to wash out. You can feel a bit of the vibrations underfoot but nothing so much that it fatigues you.
Ollies: This board has serious snap. You want to ollie a four foot high slow sign? Go for it. That kid fall in front of you? Boost city. The camber zone lets you load the board up while the rocker zone helps give it a skate styled snap.
Graphic from the 154 Todd Richards.
Pop On Jumps: This board is at home on jumps whether small or large. You can hit every varying sized one and not worry. The snap of this board only accentuates what the pop of a lip can do for you.
Butterability: The tips lock in really well to presses due to the rocker, but the camber gives the snap you want out. Get sideways, get weird, spin and swivel all you want. This board can do it with ease.
Jibbing: Some might struggle with slow speed jibbing because you do have to put a bit of effort into the board. Other than that the board locks into presses and slides with ease and has you wanted to do more.
Carving: It’s an asymmetrical board so of course it’s designed to carve. If you want to rip turns this is the stick for you. Lock into the carve whether toeside or heelside and don’t sweat the outcome. Short quick turns to tight radius Euro-carves are where this board is at home.
Rider in Mind: The all mountain do it all guy that wants an asym so they can carve on their heel edge like they do on their toe.
Personal Thoughts: This board never disappoints. It’s always a fun board to ride. Getting on it is like getting on a board you’ve been riding forever. You know it’s nuances and how it’s going to drive through a carve or pop off a roller. In my opinion this is the best board in the YES. lineup.
Check out the past reviews of the YES. Great Dudes from 2010 and 2013.
Comparable Board: Smokin Awesymmetrical
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This board was loaned to us for snowboard review by Yes Snowboards marketing department.
80 Comments
Just interested in your opinion, how different is this board from the 2013 one? They say they softened the flex profile last year. Sounds like you think this newer one is softer as well but you rode a 152 this year versus the 156 in 2013 so I don’t know how much is from the size difference.
It’s probably a little softer in the tips than the 2013, but not like insanely softer.
How about the 2014/2015 model? Any differences?
They mentioned the asymmetrical shape is redesigned.
There’s some slight tweaks to it from my understanding.
How well did the die cut sintered 2000 base hold speed? I ride quiet a lot of cat tracks and I hate running out of steam. Also did you find that the heel side engaged better than when you tested ’13 model?
I held speed fine on this board. Heel edge engaged just fine.
Compare with the Capita Mercury and Rome Mod Rocker 2016 , which one is ur choice ?
Don’t know anything about the Capita Mercury so can’t comment on that. But the Mod to this board just ride different and flex different. Me personally I’m a Mod Rocker guy as I could ride that everyday for what I want.
Hey Angry,
Similar to Jimmy, looking at both mod rocker and yes great dudes (2015 models). What would you suggest for a guy who hits pow, groomers, and occasional park runs? Size for 6’0″ 168 lbs?
Thanks!!
They’re both great boards for what you’re describing. If you’re spending more time ripping carves then The Greats, if you’re looking to have a well rounded do everything deck then The Mod Rocker.
Thanks for the reply – just the answer I was looking for! I’ll be going with Yes Greats. 156cm sound right for a 6’0″ 168lbs guy?
Definitely does sir. Enjoy!
How’s the edge hold on the Greats? Would it be good on the east coast? How was the overhang on the 152, did it create much toe/heel drag?
No toe/heel drag that I noticed. The edge hold is amazing on this board. It’s designed to grip it and rip it.
Which would you choose: Yes Greats or Never summer Ripsaw? ps. Thank you for your insight.
Yes Greats, ALWAYS.
Having heard both being good boards, what makes it such a unanimous choice for you?
Because the NS will decamber after 30 days. It will be dead and lifeless compared to the Yes. The Asym on the Yes is one of the best sidecuts of its kind I’ve ever ridden. Did I mention it’s not a NS so it won’t be a pile of crap?
Oh I wasn’t aware of durability issues with NS. I am 145 lbs and wear a size 9 Burton boot. Would you recommend the 152 or 154 Greats?
52 for more playing around, 54 for more all mountain use with an emphasis on freeride.
Thanks for taking the time and answering all my questions. Cheers.
Great info here. I am also 145 lbs size 9 boot. I rode a medium flex 157 Jones Mountain Twin for most conditions and a softer 156 Yes Jackpot for Spring conditions. I believe both at the time were made by GST. The Jones was good for Patrolling in uneven terrain, but the tips flapped at high speed. The Yes great in uneven terrain, again not the best at speed. I was wondering what you thought about this deck at speed (or the 156 Noah)in comparison at speed an uneven terrain?
Sorry, in comparison at speed and uneven terrain.
I think if you know how to bend your knees and absorb chatter it’s not that much of an issue.
For short and wide radius turns, natural features, and a little buttering between this and the One Magtek, which would you pick? Thanks in advance.
This board for sure Dan.
Hi there Angrysnowboarder,
I’m thinking about getting either the Yes Greats or the Jones Mountain Twin Ultra for the season ahead.
Mainly for resort riding hitting of the side of groomers a run in the pow as and when and the odd run in the park. So pretty much All Mountain! But i want a board to hold speed good speed!
Which should i go for..
Cheers
Can’t really speak on the Mountain Twin Ultra, but the Yes Greats sounds perfect for what you’re describing.
Thanks for the advice man.
Is there any other board you would recommend?
There’s plenty I could recommend, you should just read through all of these http://www.angrysnowboarder.com/category/gear-reviews/board-reviews-gear-reviews/
Current ride 155 Flow Era, 70kg US 10.5 I am a advanced rider on piste, spin off side hits/rollers, bomb the odd groomer then slow down mess around slow and higher speed butters. Mountain is my park guy. I want a lively board that is still stable, carves exceptionally well. I was considering 154 Greats, Capita Outsiders, or 154 IPP Honalee. Pretty much want a slightly more stable board, better carving, but retaining some of the playfulness of the Era of possible?
Then you definitely want The Outsiders or The Greats, the Honalee is great for carving but not the most playful board out there.
That’s good to know, as I’ve seen some great deals on the 14/15 Honalee but wasn’t 100% sure how playful it would be. I’ll focus on finding the best deal on one of the other two. Thanks
The Harrow is the more playful board from IPP in case you see a deal on a last years of that.
I bought the 154 Greats in the end. Another spot on review. I’ve had two days on it so far and I’m loving it. Thanks for the honest reviews and for answering my questions.
Rome Agent Rocker vs.
Yes The Greats
-which one would you choose for carving groomers (sometimes smooth carving, sometimes quite aggressive), popping of libs/rollers, but also playing around on piste, surfing some pow here and there?
I would describe myself as a quite experienced and versatile rider (15 years on Snowboards now; 155 lbs/70 kg, 1.77m, size 9 boot) and am looking for a new do-it-all in exchange for my 2008 Custom (camber).
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Felix
Yes The Greats.
Thanks for your reply Angry!
Glad you’d recommend the Greats, too, since I orderered one in between for a great offer..;-)
Cheers, Felix
Hey Angry,
How does 2016 Greats compare to the 2013 Greats (with chainsaw-like sidecut). I’ve been riding the 156 the last few season on ice, groomers and light pow days. It’s been super stable and fun, but a bit longer for how I’m riding (more jibbing lately).
So, I’m thinking of replacing it with this years in a 154 for a bit more playfulness (160lbs, 5’7″ and 9.0 boots). Skeptic if the new model has gone softer overall since I want to downsize. Or should I Iook into the Typo 155 instead?
Pete,
It’s honestly a different board from what you have. I would say for what you’re looking to do, definitely go down to the 54 or even 52 Greats. The Typo is also a great board. Either way you would be stoked on both.
Super thanks. Just saw the 2017 Greats Uninc and might have to hold off till next season.
I really can’t decide between the Greats and Bataleon Evil Twin. Tested them both at the weekend (albeit at an indoor small slope) and I instantly got on with the Yes, it did everything I asked. The ET, felt stiff but did get better the more I rode it (I’ve seen a few people saying that so tried not to be too judgemental), I just seems that for everything I do, everyone says I should pick the ET, and I might end up loving it, but like you say – the Yes is just instantly great..excuse the pun.
I ride mainly on the pistes (or just off the sides), little bit of pow when it’s there and some park but not the bigger jumps. I can’t decide, help!!! Oh, also, the boards I tested were Yes 158 and ET 157, so a little long for me being 5ft8 150lbs, not sure what influence that could have on the boards as I was thinking 154.
You know you like The Greats, you’ve ridden and liked The Greats, so why not get a great board? Smaller sized boards will be softer.
I agree but then why does everyone say the ET is the one to go for! Is Yes a smaller company that not as many people know about/haven’t tested? Considering they are both all mountain boards I’m surprised to not see a direct comparison. My last board (Simon Chamberlain Stepchild) gave me zero confidence to go fast (I could actually go faster on my friend’s Skate Banana). The only pro’s the ET has that I can see (apart from the cheaper price) is that it doesn’t catch edges, which is quite a big bonus, but as I haven’t tested the Yes on the mountain I can’t say if it’s catchy or not.
I think I’m still going for the Yes haha…cheers dude.
I have no clue who everyone else is or what the fuck they’re talking about and I try to keep it that way. They’re not all mountain boards they’re freestyle boards that will survive outside of the park. As far as catching an edge if you have bad technique of course you will catch an edge, if you don’t you’re fine.
Hey Angry. Just a quick one from me. I’ve got a Greats 2014/2015 and love it. Sadly I only have a pair of Burton Missions on it now and want to upgrade for a late season trip in a month or so. I use the board for mainly free riding as I have no park talent whatsoever at this stage, but a binding that will work in the park whenever I progress there would be enough. Priority is a binding to help me improve my turning and edge control.
Currently considering Cartels, Now Selects or Union Atlas. Got any other suggestions or a preference of the three?
Thanks in advance. Always appreciate the advice.
I would say the K2 Formula’s or the K2 Lien AT’s would be a good contender.
Hi Angrysnowboarder,
Really appreciate the insight from the review, just wanted to ask how playful is the board and how does it perform treating the mountain a bit like a park?
Considering the 152 at 5″7, 142lbs and looking for a do it all for whistler
Thank you for your time!
It’s around a middle of the road flex which makes it enjoyable for riding around the mountain and treating it like a park. I don’t think you’ll make a bad choice if that’s a determining factor for you with this board. You may way to bump up to the 54 though if you’re riding Whistler the 52 might not be enough board.
Thanks so much!!
will 154 and 10 boot size work together as in heel/toe drag?(i’ve actually got the greats thought)
thanks.
You’re fine.
thanks a ton!
I’m heavier guy, around 210 lbs and 190 cm. Do you think it would hold up for me in higher speed/carves? Going for 158 ofc.
I think you’ll be fine on the 158.
Hi, thanks for a great review.
Im considering this board for next season.
I am 177cm and 72kg, boot size 9,5 US, intermediate rider, 40 % freeride and pow (if lucky), 60 % park (only jumping, basic spins, no rails).
Would you recommend the 156 or the 154 for me?
I am thinking about matching the board with Burton cartels or Union Contact pro, which one do you think fits better for my type of riding?
Thanks in advance.
Cartels would probably fit better. I would get the 54 sir.
Angry, I am intermediate-advanced snowboarder (East coast, some park jumps, big runs, no trees), 5’7″ and 200lbs, boots size 10.5
I try to go to west at least 1 to 2 times but normally don’t see much pow (whata bad luck).
I narrowed down to Assassins and The Greats, could you advise me on that?
Going for 158 as I have a Ride Buck Wild 2012 155cm which I believe is too short for my weight.
What do you think?
Thanks man!
Raf you’re right on the size thing. A 158 will work perfectly for you. I think the Greats would be more suited to what you’re looking to do than the Assassin.
Hi angry,
i’m an intermediate rider. I want to replace my rome tour. I like to carve, try some butters. And i want a really good ollie from my next board. I also like to ride in pow whenever i can find some.
I was thinking about yes the greats, rome mod rocker, bataleon boss and maybe capita doa. Which one of these boards would you recommend for me?
Thanks in advance.
I would push you more towards the Mod Rocker than all the others.
Thank you for the answer, i’m 6’0″ 185 lbs, should i go for 156 or 159 for the mod rocker?
56 for more playing around and skate style, 59 if you’re looking for better float in pow and want to charge more.
Thank you very much Angry!
[…] Check out the past reviews of the YES. Great Dudes from 2010, 2013 and 2016. […]
Hey Angry! Very late to the party, but I trust your opinion above all others. I found a good deal on a ‘16 156 Greats. I primarily am hitting big bear, love to carve and want to keep improving on hitting tricks off jumps. Not too interested in jibbing, maybe some butters, but as I said, landing spins off jumps. Do you think this board does it for me? Seems like this is right up my alley. I already have a ‘12 158 midwide Nitro Room. I’m 6’1 170 lbs, 10 boot. I love the Rook but sometimes it feels a bit too much board (especially paired with Rome 390 Boss bindings and K2 Maysis+) at Bear. I like the setup a lot but that might be more Mammoth days. I saw a good deal on some ‘17 flux ds bindings, and am thinking about pairing with this board (probably will sick with the k2 maysis boots. Again, your thoughts are invaluable. What say you, angry sir?
BUY IT!
You’re the man. Happy holidays hermano.
One last question, any rec over the Flux DS bindings? I know you like K2’s
Damn someone bought it from under me. Any recs? I’m at a loss
Snag those Flux bindings. What other decks have you been eyeing up?
Never summer proto 2. I like the idea of getting an asym board that carves well and hits jumps. Only problem is I’m on a $350ish budget and there aren’t deals for those guys.
You don’t want that thing. Check out the Salomon Craft that might be a sleeper deck you’d enjoy.
Haha okay, moving on! The craft looks pretty damn good. The other one I was thinking was the Lago Double Barrel. You still like that board?
That was one of the first decks that came to mind when you said Asym, the only thing is they have 159’s on their site on closeout.
Such a bummer because it’s at a great price but 159 is too much. Last one, what about the Never Summer Funslinger? I know you didn’t like the Proto II, is it the company in general you’re not really down with? Thanks again, your response rate is incredible.
Never Summer can suck a fart out of my ass. But that’s another topic for another time. Funslinger might be too soft for what you’re looking for. What about a Smokin Awesymmetrical? Sometimes you can find older ones online.
Okay, I found a DWD Larson, an rk1 Gangplank, and Stepchild Dirtbag all around the same price point. I’m leaning towards the DWD Larson because it seems like I’ll be able to get good butters, hit medium jumps (at most), carve smooth on pistey groomers, and jib my way to heaven. It seems the rk1 Gangplank is similar but maybe just a touch softer? As to the Stepchild I only bring it up because I haven’t read much about it and slightly holding out hope for the asym (though in truth I might wait until a spell break goes on sale one day). I know this is nitpicking, at the end it’s the rider not the board, but in the end what was the more ‘fun’ ride for you? Gangplank or Larson?
LARSON hands down.
Sick. Had a feelin you were gonna say that so I ordered it right after I posted. Thanks for all your help brother. You’re doing seriously awesome work.