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Gear Reviews, Snowboard Reviews 249

The 2017 Snowboard Review Recap

By Angrysnowboarder @angrysnowboard · On October 29, 2016

It’s no small undertaking to go out and actively ride a sizeable portion of the snowboards available on the market. Every year I say to myself, “I’m going to cut back, I’m going to do less.” And every year that’s a lie that I tell myself so I can muscle my way through a 150 plus day season of riding all kinds of snowboards for product reviews.

Some might think I’m a bit insane, others have no clue why I do it, and it definitely isn’t profitable (hence why if you shop online you should buy it through one of our listed affiliates). The truth is as someone that has worked in a snowboard shop and was an early adopter of the Internet being a fundamental game changer in snowboarding, I do it because I personally can’t stand seeing fucking idiots that have no tech, sales, or even snowboarding background talk about something they don’t understand. There’s something to be said about knowing the difference between how the various factories build their products as well as knowing that company X and company Y share molds, but that company Y’s board is the better bang for the buck. This is what differentiates the reviews on this site from some of the others you’ll see out there. We don’t make claims about being real riders or being upset with having too much down time so we decided to make a review site. We just snowboard a lot, have a love of snowboarding, and have the industry knowledge to back up what we’re saying. You can see it in our reviews and you can see it in the products that we’ve helped innovate over the years. Without further ado here’s a breakdown of all the boards we reviewed for this past season organized with our picks from best to worst. Do you agree? Do you want to argue? If so leave a comment below.

Beginner Boards: Because you have to start somewhere. Some people, mainly those inside the industry laugh when I ask to review these decks. The truth is these are the first hit that get people hooked and if someone is dropping even $349 for a new board they should have someone say, “yeah it’s not a pile of suck and you can progress on it”.

Salomon Pulse
DC Focus
K2 Raygun
Arbor Formula
Salomon Sight
Flow Merc
Yes Basic
Flow Viper
Rossignol Circuit

All Mountain Freestyle Boards: The broadest category of snowboards. When a company doesn’t know how to tell you it can freeride and freestyle they shove it here. The truth is this is the dumping grounds for a lot of great decks that get lumped into the middle somewhere.

Capita Mercury
Jones Mountain Twin
Rome Mod Rocker
K2 Party Platter
Endeavor High Five
Rome Mod Stale
Marhar Regent
Yes Typo
Arbor Element
Yes The Greats
Ride Warpig
Dinosaurs Will Die Wizard Stick
K2 Happy Hour
Ride Machete
Smokin Awesymmetrical
Niche Aether
Arbor Coda Camber
Dinosaurs Will Die Maet
Rossignol Angus
Niche Theme
Flow Blackout
K2 Turbo Dream
Sims Blade
Monument Tragedy
Capita DOA
DC Space Echo
Marhar Archaic
Salomon Official
Dinosaurs Will Die Kwon
Flow Rush
K2 Subculture
Smokin Buck Ferton
Endeavor Clout
Smoking Big Wig
Burton Custom Flying V
Venture Paragon
Capita Outerspace Living
Ride Helix
Capita X Volcom Pat Moore
Burton Trick Pony
Dinosaurs Will Die Geeves
Capita X Volcom Pat Moore
Jones Ultra Mountain Twin
DC Mega
Slash Spectrum
Salomon Ultimate Ride
Ride Machete GT

All Mountain Freeride Boards: While not as broad as the All Mountain Freestyle category, it’s still a vast swooping category that has room to encompass a large spectrum of the boards out there. When they’re less freestyle and more hard charging this is where they go.

Arbor Sin Nombré
Jones Flagship
K2 Carve Air
Rossignol The One
Burton Custom X
Flow Drifter
Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber
Flow Maverick
Ride Berzerker
Niche Story
Rome Sawtooth
Jones Explorer
Burton Custom Mystery
Jones Project X
Rossignol Krypto
Smokin KT-22
Venture Zelix
Yes PYL
Flow Solitude
K2 Joydriver
Jones Carbon Flagship
Ride Timeless
Slash Nahual
Monument Repeater

Park Boards: Freestyle is what changed snowboarding from being a bunch of lame asses in a one piece speed suit into a cultural revolution. It’s also what adds another fun factor to snowboarding. Plus you don’t really want to hit a rail on a swallow tail… well maybe you do, I don’t know.

Springbreak Twin
DC Ply
Dinosaurs Will Die Larson
Interior Plain Project Honalee
Rossignol Retox
K2 Bottle Rocket
Arbor Westmark Rocker
Salomon Craft
Smokin Team LTD
Rossignol Jibsaw
Smokin AnNIALator
Interior Plain Project Harrow
Capita The Outsiders
Sims Juice
Flow Era
Rossignol Jibsaw HD
Lago Double Barrel
Burton Easy Living
Endeavor Live
Bataleon Global Warmer
Niche Knew
Arbor Relapse
Endeavor BOD
Yes Public
Sims Dealers Choice
Rome Gang Plank
Arbor Zygote Twin
K2 World Wide Weapon
Burton Process Flying V
Capita Horrorscope
Endeavor Vice
Yes Jackpot
Rome Agent
Rocker

DC PBJ
Monument F.V.K.
Rome Agent Alek
Flow Whiteout
Capita Ultrafear
Marhar Half Breed
K2 Fastplant
Arbor Draft
Dinosaurs Will Die The Rat
Flow Verve
Marhar Liftem
Endeavor KTV
Rome Reverb Rocker
Endeavor Color
Smokin Lane Knack
Marhar Axiom
Capita Indoor Survival
Burton Process Off-Axis
Ride Kink
Smokin MIP
Rome Artifact
Dinosaurs Will Die Brewster
Bataleon Evil Twin
Rome Buckshot
Arbor Westmark Camber
Salomon Villain
Ride Burnout
Burton Name Dropper
Salomon Huck Knife
Degenerati
Smokin Shomo LTD
Slash Happy Place
DC Media Blitz

Directional Powder Boards: A directional powder board it has its place in your quiver. Some are short and fat, while others are long and skinny. Their varying characteristics help or hinder them depending on what you’re looking for, but one thing is undeniable their ability to make snowboarding more enjoyable.

Burton Branch Manager
Arbor Cosa Nostra
Flow Darwin
Venture Euphoria
Jones Hovercraft
Dinosaurs Will Die Pow Reaper
Lago Open Road
Yes 420 Powderhull
K2 Cool Bean
Spring Break Slush Slasher
United Shapes Orbit
Rome Blur
Arbor Clovis
Jones Storm Chaser
Rossignol XV Magtek
Salomon Super 8
Burton Gatekeeper
Venture Storm
Rider Alter Ego
Jones Ultracraft
Burton Skipjack

Twinish Powder Boards: The rise of the powder twin shows the prevalence that freestyle has in the future of snowboarding. Plus it’s always fun to make switch pow turn here or there.

Yes Optimistic
Marhar Lumberjack
Bataleon Magic Carpet
Smokin Jetson
Snoplanks Snoday
DC Supernatant
Yes 20/20
K2 Ultra Dream
Yes 420
Marhar Bohemian

2017 snowboard list2017 snowboard review list2017 snowboard review recapsnowboard listThe 2017 Snowboard Review Recap

Angrysnowboarder

More than likely he has pissed you off, shocked, amazed, or mortified you at some point with his ramblings. Yet, you still continue to read what he writes.

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249 Comments

  • Tyrone says: October 29, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Not 1 Neversummer in the whole bunch….. Wow

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 29, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      Yeah, because you know what they suck as a company and won’t respond to an invite.

      Reply
  • jae says: October 29, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    so which ones are the best and which are the worst? are they in order?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 30, 2016 at 10:29 am

      Without further ado here’s a breakdown of all the boards we reviewed for this past season organized with our picks from best to worst.

      – Paragraph 3, second to the last sentence. Know it, love it, use it.

      Reply
      • jae says: October 30, 2016 at 2:31 pm

        my bad, eyes glazed over it. haha

        where would you put the flight attendant in the powder board section? and if you were to combine the powder directional/twin sections? I know it’ll be too long but top 5 will be gravy.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 12:02 am

          I don’t know, haven’t ridden a Flight Attendant. If you want my personal top five pow boards.

          1. Burton Branch Manager
          2. Marhar Lumberjack
          3. Amplid Pillow Talk
          4. Smokin Jetson
          5. Some other board from some other brand.

          Reply
  • Shad says: October 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    K2 Fastplant is lower than i expected. Looking to pick a 154 as an everyday board. Still a solid choice like years prior for all mountain skate style? Review looked good again this year

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 30, 2016 at 10:29 am

      What can I say new stuff came out.

      Reply
  • Marius says: October 30, 2016 at 2:52 am

    Is that a random order in the lista? Or is it preference based?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 30, 2016 at 10:30 am

      Without further ado here’s a breakdown of all the boards we reviewed for this past season organized with our picks from best to worst.

      – Paragraph 3, second to the last sentence. Know it, love it, use it.

      Reply
  • Chase says: October 30, 2016 at 4:41 am

    Hey Angry,

    No love for the Salomon Villain this year? Torn between that and the yes jackpot for my next stick!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 30, 2016 at 10:58 am

      Good catch, just updated to put them in there. When you’re dealing with almost 200 boards sometimes, things get lost. The Villain though in my opinion is an over hyped over marketed deck. The Sabotage in years past was always better and the Craft is better.

      Reply
      • Chase says: October 31, 2016 at 6:25 am

        Cheers Angry!

        Found a sweet deal on a past season craft! Can’t wait!

        Reply
  • Shad says: October 30, 2016 at 9:24 am

    K2 Fastplant is lower than i expected. Looking to pick a 154 as an everyday board. Still a solid choice like years prior? Review looked good again this year

    Reply
  • ryan says: October 30, 2016 at 9:31 am

    No lib tech? Disappointed…

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 30, 2016 at 10:55 am

      You piss off one PLM with an honest opinion, you get banned from reviewing their products.

      Reply
      • Dimitris says: October 3, 2017 at 4:03 pm

        Which board was the ine with the bad review? Haha. Joking aside it is indeed too bad there are no lib techs here

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: October 3, 2017 at 10:53 pm

          There’s going to be over 20 Mervin decks in the 2018 series of reviews, which are coming REAL soon.

          Reply
  • Stufush says: October 30, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    Hey angry, could you give your opinion on the never summer boards, in particular the West?

    Assuming you have ridden one…..

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 12:04 am

      As previously stated Never Summer is a bunch of douche nozzles that are too high and mighty to want me to honestly review their boards since they value ball cupping yes men. To summarize it’s a snowboard, it’s a Never Summer which means it will be damp, have OK pop for about 30 days then deaden on you, and ultimately you’ll want to ride something else as it sucks the fun out of your snowboarding.

      Reply
  • DJ says: October 30, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    Angry,
    I remember you commenting on a post that K2 party platter had great float in 3ft powder despite riding 143.

    I’m just curious, does surface area in pow boards not matter so much?
    Even with the wider width, 143 K2 PP has equivalent surface area to around 154 cm standard boards, which I think is pretty short for a powder board at your weight. Now I’m wondering if the shape/flex of the nose and setback matters has much more impact for float?

    Finally, where do you put the PP if you were to rank it amidst powder boards?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 12:06 am

      There’s other variables you’re not considering such as moisture content in the snow and geographical location. Colorado has some of the lightest snow on earth due to the lack of moisture. 3 feet of snow here can be plowed through with minimal effort due to the low moisture content, but if I was in say the Pacific North West that would change things. You are right in considering setback and nose shape making the difference. It’s why boards like the Rossignol XV do so well in deep snow.

      I debated long and hard on if I should put the Party Platter in with the Powder Twin category. If I had it would have been in the top three.

      Reply
  • michal says: October 31, 2016 at 8:56 am

    So I mainly ride blue groomers, and starting to get into blacks at places like telluride. I’m also getting older so I’m realizing more as to what I wont try. I’d like to try a few park things, but if I dont no biggy.

    I do enjoy tree riding on spread on trees, and would rather do that then take huge jumbs. Currently have an arbor coda from idk 5-6 years ago? and have started to notice that with me being heavy, 215. Holding an edge without skidding requires me to be very good. So I’m thinking a regular camber board is something I should return to. IDK, I could and probably do just kind of suck, but I take lessons every year to suck less.

    Given that, Can you throw me a recommendation of a few boards to look at?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 10:00 am

      Michal, So many options out there for you. Here’s where I would look for a quick reference.

      Arbor Coda either Camber or Rocker.
      Arbor Sin Nombre
      Ride Berzerker
      Rossignol Angus
      Endeavor KTV or BOD
      K2 Joy Driver or Carve Air

      Reply
      • michal says: October 31, 2016 at 11:44 am

        Thanks, will read up on all. I’m thinking I should max out on board length to match my weight. I know I dont need to go wide, ~10 boot size.

        camber vs rocker for edge hold? After riding the coda rocker, I’m thinking that camber might hold edge better? or I could be wrong.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 12:42 pm

          You have an old Coda with rocker which had way different edge hold than the new ones. So you have to take that into consideration. Camber is really a personal preference thing.

          Reply
  • dave says: October 31, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Confuscious says buy what you can afford. All snowboards will let you ride down the mountain whether you like your new board or not depends on many things. As with all things research and hopefully trying out different boards will help you decide.
    Good luck to all.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 31, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Confuscious was a skier.

      Reply
  • snowboard review list 2017 all brands best worst | BOARD RAP says: October 31, 2016 at 10:11 am

    […] Click over to Angry Snowboarder for the full re-cap of 2017 snowboard reviews. […]

    Reply
  • ish says: November 1, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    mountain twin much preferred to the ultra mountain.

    is that due to preference of softer flex for a freestyle board?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 1, 2016 at 11:54 pm

      The regular Mountain Twin was more lively and less dead feeling. All the “Ultra” decks from Jones are over kill and in my opinion just boards for people to claim how much they spent on it, the ride isn’t any better.

      Reply
  • Mark says: November 2, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Just wondering if you ever got the chance to ride the Arbor Steepwater, and how it stacks up against the Jones Flagship and other big mountain free ride boards. Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 2, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      I did not Mark.

      Reply
  • Rod says: November 4, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Hey, just curious of your opinion here. Intermediate to advanced rider heading out to Jackson Hole for the winter. I do a lot of backcountry both in the resort and outside with our snowmobiles. I already have several boards but I’m looking for something for primarily powder, but extremely playful/fun and loaded with pop. Looking for something shorter <157cm and preferably twin tip or at least a tail you can make switch in the powder work, both for the objective of spins. The only problem I'm running into is finding a playful board powder deck that's stiff enough for big drops or larger natural features. Really curious your thoughts, thanks for all the reviews!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 5, 2016 at 8:39 am

      Ride Berzerker, Rome Sawtooth, Arbor Sin Nombre, Venture Zelix, Rossignol Krypto, Yes Optimistic, Yes PYL, Yes Tadashi Fuse, Jones Mountain Twin, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Slash Brainstorm, Slash NuHaul. You have options.

      Reply
      • Rod says: November 5, 2016 at 9:39 am

        Damn, thanks for the options! Definitely going to have to do some research but as always I appreciate the advice.

        Reply
  • The Top Snowboard Picks of 2017 - The Angry Snowboarder says: November 7, 2016 at 6:07 am

    […] 2017 was a good year for snowboards. That’s a fact, a cold hard fact. There were less crap products built that we tested, companies seem to have found the perfect balance between fun and technical, and well lets be honest it’s great to see more than popsicle shaped decks on the market. Much like in years past we have some top picks we want to talk about, these are the boards that stood out to us as being quintessential decks for your quiver and are the boards we are 100% backing. […]

    Reply
  • Justin says: November 17, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Coldsmoke?? any thoughts

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 18, 2016 at 9:07 am

      The Atomic board from 8 years ago?

      Reply
      • Justin says: November 22, 2016 at 11:21 am

        http://coldsmokesplitboards.com/voodoo-solid/

        how dare you…

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: November 22, 2016 at 1:29 pm

          Pretty easily actually. Just another garage brand I don’t need to pay attention to yet.

          Reply
  • Chris says: November 20, 2016 at 3:19 am

    Hi Angry,
    I take it you haven’t tested the Slash Brainstorm? Seems to be a lot hype about it, just wondered if you had any thoughts about the board or the brand?
    Cheers

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 20, 2016 at 9:46 am

      It’s stiff.

      Reply
  • Nói says: November 20, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Hi,

    just wanted some advice on what to do…

    Last year, I tried snowboarding for the first, for just a week. I got pretty good quickly though, and in just 1 week progressed a lot, could do small jumps, do boxes, ride black groomers, do som simple butters and so on. One night 30 inches of snow fell and I got to ride the backcountry, which was amazing.
    This year i already have som trips planned, and want to get best the best board for as little money as possible so i can spend more on travelling to the mountains! (I live in horribly flat Denmark with no mountains or hill at all)
    I love all kinds of riding, but would prefer a all mountain freestyle board since i´m not sure if i´ll be lucky enough to experience as much pow as last year.

    I can get the 2016 nitro team or nitro team gullwing used for just 250$ in size 157, which is quite cheap.
    I weigh 147 lbs and I´m 6 ft tall. So i´m quite skinny and tall teenager at the same time…
    What´s your thoughts on this? what board and length would be best for me?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Nói says: November 20, 2016 at 9:12 am

      sorry for all the typos btw.

      Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 20, 2016 at 9:49 am

      A 57 is a little big for your weight but it won’t kill you. So if you’re on a budget and those are the two decks you can choose from then get the Team it will be better to progress with and teach you how to ride on traditional camber.

      If you want other options check out the Capita Mercury, Rome Mod Rocker, Arbor Coda.

      Reply
      • Nói says: November 20, 2016 at 1:34 pm

        Thanks a ton.
        Will check the other decks out, and see if I can find them at a good price.

        Reply
      • Nói says: November 27, 2016 at 1:37 pm

        What´s your thoughts on the Lib Tech T Rice pro 2015? A local guy is selling one in size 155 with less than a week of use on it, the profile is quite different from the other decks you mentioned tho…

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: November 28, 2016 at 12:28 am

          I haven’t ridden that board in years, but the 55 is the all mountain freestyle flex and shape.

          Reply
          • Nói says: December 13, 2016 at 3:31 pm

            What about the DC focus? It´s categorised as a beginner board, but you didn´t seem to have anything negative to say about the board.

          • Angrysnowboarder says: December 16, 2016 at 12:14 pm

            What about it?

  • Nate says: November 30, 2016 at 1:16 am

    Sup man,

    First I wanna say thanks for putting the time in to review all these boards,

    I’m looking for a great one board quiver, and hoping you could help me out.

    I’m not lucky enough to have access to powder or a pipe most of the time, so my board won’t need to preform well there. I need a board that can preform well in poor conditions, Trails are either icy or lumpy & slushy but rarely in-between. I’m a pretty strong rider but my park skills are lacking, jibbing in particular is a weak point for me. I want to be able to charge and carve hard, butter and hit natural features, and lap the park. And I want to do this in a variety of poor conditions.

    I’ve read a bunch of your reviews and a few from other places. I’ve been looking at the Capita Outerspace Living, Capita Mercury, Never Summer Proto Type Two, Yes The Greats, Yes Jackpot, and Yes Typo. I know you don’t mess with never summer and I’ve had poor experiences with them in the past, but this board looks like it might be good enough for me to give them another chance. If you know anything about the Proto Type Two I’d love to hear it. Other than that, I was wondering which of the boards you have rode you think would fit my needs best.

    tl;dr: Looking for a do it all board that preforms well in all conditions except powder

    Any help you can provide would be great!

    Thanks,
    -Nate

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 30, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Never Summer decks are turds. If you’ve had a bad experience why would you go and repeat it? That just seems stupid. Out of the decks you’re listing the only three that stand out are the Mercury, Greats, and Typo. In the order I would recommend them I would go Greats, Mercury/Typo as the next options.

      Reply
      • Nate says: November 30, 2016 at 12:18 pm

        Thanks!

        the guys at my local shop are typically pretty down on never summer but they loved this one when they tried it. If it was good enough for all of them to change their tune about never summer, I figured it might be worth looking into. It does feel foolish, especially when there are other great boards on the market.

        I’ll take a closer look at those 3 and try to get my hands on a mercury in particular because the flex rating seems to vary a lot.

        I really appreciate your help, keep shredding man!

        Reply
  • Ryan says: December 17, 2016 at 11:51 am

    Great reviews. I’m an all mountain rider in Colorado. I like riding the back bowls, trees, and groomers. Right now I have a Burton Guru. It is mostly a cambered board, and it does well down groomers and plowing through chop. I recently tried a friends NS Cobra, and it made me realize how slow and cumbersome my board was through the trees compared to his board. I’m thinking of getting a new board, that performs well in all the conditions I originally mentioned, but also is much more nimble through the trees. I like to hit little jumps here or there, but don’t hit big jumps or do anything in the terrain park. The Jones Mtn Twin seems like a highly reviewed board, but maybe geared a little more towards park and freestyle. The capita mercury seems like it might be a good fit (since I think it sounds like my style is a little more aggressive all mtn) but not sure how nimble that one would be through trees. Do you have any recommendations for my style? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 18, 2016 at 9:16 am

      Ryan you have a LOT of options. The Mountain Twin and Mercury would both be great for CO. I would also suggest the Jones Explorer, Salomon Assassin/Sick Stick, Arbor Coda or Element or even the Sin Nombre, Venture Euphoria, Marhar Bohemian or Regent, K2 Turbo Dream or 86.

      Reply
  • Chase says: December 17, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    What’s up Angry,
    Need some help picking a board. Something that can handle some speed and rock all mountain but that’s got playfulness and will get it in the park. So far, looked at Fastplant and DOA but wanted to get some non-biased opinion.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 18, 2016 at 9:20 am

      How much park time are you looking for? If it’s minimal I would look past the Fastplant and lean more towards the DOA or even the Mercury if going Capita. If it’s a lot of Park time downgrade from the DOA to The Outsiders for Capita. I’ll toss the Rome Mod Rocker or Camber out there as a great alternative as well.

      Reply
      • Chase says: December 26, 2016 at 3:49 pm

        Thanks for the advise earlier angry. I split time between Big Bear (all park) and mount hood (mostly POW and somewhat groomed trail). Riding style is more playful than aggressive. I’m 5’8 200 so I’m not sure whether to go larger board (157) or smaller (154). Also, just looked into the party platter, any recommendations on that as well?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: December 27, 2016 at 10:35 am

          If you want more playful always go smaller. Party Platter is a fun board that’s super playful and good for park as well as powder.

          Reply
  • Justis Price-Brown says: December 18, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    Hey brother, thanks for putting in all the hours on testing and writing in depth reviews about all the new products this year. I thought I did enough reasearch and narrowed down my choice to the Slash Brainstorm 157, but you’ve written a couple poor reviews on the board about being too stiff and an overpriced board. Could you elaborate on other reasons why you think the board is not a winner and huck a couple suggestions my way of other boards that might suit me? I’m 6,0 185lbs, pretty aggressive rider, love the pow/tree runs but find myself on the side jumps and groomers playing with presses and butters quite a lot. Love the flex. Probably do about 2 hours in the park a week, but I’m looking to increase that this year. Basically want that quiver board that’s playful and can ride pow. Other boards I was looking at were the Burton Trick pony and the Capita DOA. Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 19, 2016 at 9:26 am

      It’s a turd. Everything you listed is the exact reason it’s a dud. It’s a board that’s over built and marketed towards the wrong rider.

      The Trick Pony would fit your bill, the DOA probably not so much and the Mercury would be a better choice. Check out the Arbor Sin Nombre, Rome Mod Stale, Jones Mountain Twin, Yes Typo/The Greats, and possibly the Rossignol Jibsaw HD.

      Reply
      • Justis Price-Brown says: December 20, 2016 at 5:24 am

        Tight. Thanks for the recommends. You probably just saved me a couple hundred

        Reply
  • Marina says: December 19, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    Hey Angry, first I wanna say thanks for all the work, you’re reviews are very helpful.
    After 8 years I’m finally looking for a new board, I’m mostly a groomer, sometimes a bit of a freerider but since we’re very unlucky with pow here, nothing too crazy. I’d rather need something for icy or slushy conditions. I suck at parks, but still enjoy doing little jumps and riding switch. My main problem with my old board (burton elite 2008-) was that I got easily super fast what I liked, but kinda felt like the board couldn’t handle the speed, since it couldn’t catch an edge in high speed. That felt quite dangerous.
    Also it was hard to do jumps since the board was wierdly unpoppy. It was not very stiff, but felt kinda chewy when riding. Not sure if that was because the board got old, or because it was to tall, or because I suck at those things.
    I’m not sure if I should go for a stiffer board to get the control I need, or if the boards nowadays have a better grip anyways, I wouldn’t want a too stiff board, as I’m an intermediate, but not a pro, and I don’t want a board that rides me, I still wanna enjoy it, no work for it.
    I’m a girl and I looked into girls boards, but I’m not sure if i believe that they really are better for girls, or if they just tend to be pink.
    I want a board that feels good and easygoing, and can hold up speed under control, since that’s the only thing I go crazy, but still allows a tiny bit of everything else.
    SO here are the boards I thought about, what do you think?
    capita mercury , never summer proto type two, lib tech t. rice pro HP, jonex explorer, Capita defenders of awesome, ride berzerker, burton custom
    Thanks a lot in advance

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 20, 2016 at 8:05 am

      You’re a woman and unless you’re not built like a normal woman then you should be looking at female specific boards.

      Reply
  • Chris says: December 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Hey mate,

    Looking for a quiver killer for mostly flying down both groomed and ungroomed trails, through trees, and also some pow. Absolutely zero park, and it would be good if it could help initate turns quickly for navigating moguls.

    Any recommendations?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 22, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      Jones Explorer, Arbor Coda/Element, Ride Berzerker.

      Reply
      • Chris says: December 22, 2016 at 12:57 pm

        Which ones are more trail focused? Or are they all about the same?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: December 23, 2016 at 10:02 am

          Any snowboard is trail focused.

          Reply
  • Jamie says: December 26, 2016 at 10:40 am

    Great site and great reviews. Thanks for the unbiased info and taking the time to do beginner boards, not enough trusted info out there. I think I have read almost every review you have given on beginner boards for the last 3 years, I wish I would have found this site before I bought anything! I have been boarding for a year with my 3 boys and wife, and I really think I would like a different type of board. ( Or maybe I just suck…!) I want something more flexible and forgiving for butters, presses and flat tricks and gradually try some park stuff. Current board 2015 Rossignol Jibsaw 158W and Ride Revolt Bindings with Burton Concord Boa’s. I am 48 6″2″ and 200lbs size 13 boot. I ride in Wisconsin so its mainly blown snow groomed ice or slush and usually shorter steep runs are my local choices. I was looking at what you recommend for last year and this year and I wasn’t sure if the conditions I normally ride in would change the order of your list. I was leaning toward a Flow Verve or Merc with the Now Brigade bindings. I haven’t been able to find an Arbor Formula online or locally. A few local shops have a Capita Horroscope 153W or 155W and a Arbor Westmark Rocker or I will just click your links to Evo to buy. I ride switch quite alot so a true twin or even the Merc would be preferred…. I have to try to keep up with my 5 year old so I need all the help and practice I can get ! Ha. Thanks for reading and I look forward to any advice you can give !!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 26, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      Jamie, honestly it’s not the board or bindings. As much I want to tell you to get a new set up, I think you just need to ride a bit more. What you’re encountering is fighting the traditional camber section of the Jibsaw and as camber is designed to fight against you, you’re not comfortable pushing into the board. There’s a great sweet spot right where the rocker area meets the camber section and once that’s engaged you should be able to press and butter.

      Now if you’re dead set on getting a new deck, especially so you can press and play, and from what I’m gathering you want a full reverse camber. The bend at the center will make it easy to lean back into a tail press/butter. In that situation I would go with the Westmark Rocker or even if you can find one that will fit your big foot a Arbor Draft. The Verve would also work as well. I would avoid the Merc as that will ride too similar to your Jibsaw, actually more like a Jibsaw HD which is even stiffer.

      And yes, buy through the affiliate links on the site. I love it when I can make some cash helping people out.

      Reply
      • Jamie says: December 26, 2016 at 12:08 pm

        Shit… Thats what I thought and didn’t want to admit!…. Its tough to look in the mirror sometimes!. Thanks for the honest feedback, I wish I would have found snowboarding 25 years ago. Its a blast !

        Thanks for the quick reply. Stay Angry !

        Reply
  • Jamie says: December 26, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Oh yeah, as far as length. If I were to try another board like the Westmark Rocker would I want a 154MW or 157MW ? Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 26, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      54mw will be really playful but sacrifice some edge hold. It sounds like you want more of a playful board so I would push you towards that size to give you that desired result.

      Reply
      • Jamie says: December 27, 2016 at 2:15 pm

        Thanks !

        Reply
  • Jerome says: December 29, 2016 at 5:18 am

    Hi Angry,
    Meet u at the control station?
    Thanks for the abundance of info for all the decks you have tested.

    I am looking for a new deck to replace my NS proto HD. I usually ride groomers and some pow (if I can find any). Not into big jumps but do a little butters and some jumps off natural knuckles. Love to carve in moderate-high speed.

    Looking for something more playful but still kind of a all mtn.
    I am contemplating between this to decks yes greats and gnu space case. Both asym decks. If there are any other suggestions share with me too.

    I am 5’6 and 145lbs

    Thanks again.

    Reply
  • Chris says: December 29, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    Thanks for all of the reviews. I am an intermediate to advanced rider. This past season I rode the K2 Turbo Dream (2015) model. I previously rode a K2 Raygun for a season, and a Forum Destroyer for years prior to that. I find the Turbo Dream to be a little too “loose” for my liking, and I am thinking this may be due to two things 1) Rocker/Flat shape and 2) 3/4 inch setback. I loved my Forum Destoryer (which I believe was a traditional camber). Any thoughts on what I should look at next? I know the Forum was more of a Freestyle board, but I switched to the K2 models because I am 90% an All Mountain rider that likes to carve and slash some powder (when it’s available). I have been looking at the Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber, but I am back and forth on whether or not going back to Camber is a good solution. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 30, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      Check out the Arbor Sin Nombre as well. Sounds like you need a camber dominate board.

      Reply
      • Chris says: January 2, 2017 at 3:57 pm

        Thanks for the recommendation. Anything else worth looking at Camber wise? I have never been a slave to any one brand, so I am open to anything that rips well.

        Reply
      • Chris says: January 2, 2017 at 4:28 pm

        I have also looked at the Ride Berzerker, but not sure about it, as It does have some rocker in the tip.

        Reply
        • alex says: January 16, 2017 at 10:59 am

          I just got a jones aviator. thought I’d love the extra camber…there’s such a thing as too much camber I learned.

          Reply
          • Angrysnowboarder says: January 16, 2017 at 11:06 am

            So much camber! SO MUCH!

  • Dan says: January 1, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    I see Bataleon made a couple lists, my favorite board/brand… just curious what your specific thoughts on them are. What do they do wrong/right… ?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 2, 2017 at 2:16 am

      The reviews should give you enough insight.

      Reply
      • Dan says: January 2, 2017 at 8:19 am

        Fair enough, any insights on the company?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: January 2, 2017 at 12:19 pm

          It’s been around for almost a decade, it’s done some cool shit, it’s done some stupid shit. Not really the place to be discussing this.

          Reply
  • Chris says: January 10, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    Angry,

    I appreciate all the feedback in this thread – really tough to find a review on other sites that is unbiased.

    I’ve been riding for over 20 years and have been neglecting getting a new deck – I’m still riding a Rippey from the late 90’s. Last week at Solitude I knocked something and put a big enough notch in her that I think it’s finally time she hangs on the wall.

    I don’t know if you are familiar with the old Rippey’s, but I’m looking for a board which has the same “feel” so to speak. Old school mechanics/shape with new school tech.

    Mostly hard and fast in boundary now but def need something That won’t get stuck when there’s a few fresh inches of wet, west coast snow. I’m never in the park anymore – at least until my son gets a year or two older and I have to drag him off the mountain for dinner. Want it to last awhile like the Old Girl did. 10 to 15 days of East Coast and one trip out out West a year.

    So far research is pointing to the Coda Camber.

    Got an opinion?

    Appreciate the help,
    Chris

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 11, 2017 at 1:48 am

      Coda Camber is not going to be close to that old Rippey. If you’re doing Arbor something more like the Sin Nombre would be closer. What you’re really looking for is a more traditional cambered deck that handles all mountain freestyle or a camber dominant deck. Here’s some suggestions I would throw out your way. Interior Plain Project Honalee, Ride Berzerker, Rome Mod Camber Jones Mountain Twin.

      Reply
  • Maj says: January 16, 2017 at 7:54 am

    Hi Angry. I’ve been riding for about 20 years, mainly groomers and a little powder/backcountry. Been looking for a replacement for my 2007 Burton T6. After trying to kill me for the first few seasons, I made friends with it and now I absolutely love it. Stiff, fast, precise board with plenty of pop.

    The best replacement I can come up with so far is…. a used 2007 Burton T6! – ie keep it till it breaks. Also been thinking about a Flight Attendant or Custom X or NS 25 (I know you’re not a fan). I’ve mainly owned Burton boards over the years so not really aware of the other brands. Will check out your Freeride list – hoping to find a stiff cambered board up there.

    If you have any suggestions (other than the top few boards on your list), let me know.

    Cheers
    Maj

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 16, 2017 at 9:49 am

      Check out stuff from Jones or Slash if you want to stick with stiffer freeride decks. You might even like stuff from Flow such as the Maverick or Solitude.

      Reply
  • DH says: January 19, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    hi, i’m looking for a park board
    that can hit the jumps(small to medium size, maybe bigger one next season)
    and rails and boxes(I’m not good at jibbing but wanna improve my skills)

    AND i sometimes want to carve and ride whole mountain.

    do you have any recommendations?

    i’m considering
    arbor westmark camber
    bataleon globalwamrer(gw)
    dwd larson
    neversummer funslinger.

    any other options will be fine, too.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 20, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Get the Westmark Camber.

      Reply
      • DH says: January 24, 2017 at 8:18 am

        can you tell me why?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: January 24, 2017 at 3:31 pm

          Because I said so.

          Reply
          • DH says: January 24, 2017 at 4:16 pm

            i think gw and larson are bad in riding compare to other two(springbreak and westmark) because of camber profile or flex
            but why not springbreak but westmark?
            your order says that springbreak(even gw and larson) is much better than westmark camber
            can you explain to me more specifically?

          • Angrysnowboarder says: January 24, 2017 at 4:35 pm

            I think there’s a language barrier at foot here. Take the advice I gave you and roll with it.

  • Tommy says: January 23, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    What is the difference between All Mountain Freeride, Twin Powder and the Directional Powder boards in terms of riding style, stiffness and stability?

    Thanks for all the reviews!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 24, 2017 at 3:29 pm

      The names kind of giveaway the differences. Ones a twin and ones directional in regards to powder. All mountain freeride is more freeride oriented than all mountain freestyle.

      Reply
  • Scott says: January 26, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    Hi Angry, huge thanks for looking at so many boards. I’m currently demoing a couple on your list, and a couple off the list (*cough* NS *cough*) but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to outright ask for some help narrowing the board choices down.

    I’m almost purely in the trees these days, carving glades and hitting natural features as much as possible. I generally chase good conditions, so a board that can float on powder would be nice, but it also needs to be agile and precise once things get tracked out.

    Anything jump to mind? I recently had a fantastic powder day on a Capita Outer Space Living (so much pop) but I wasn’t in love with how hard I had to work to find good grip when I needed it. Starting to lean towards demoing a Capita Mercury or BSOD next.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Scott says: January 27, 2017 at 1:07 am

      If I’m reading your reviews right, it sounds like the Jones Mtn Twin or the Yes. Typo might be great options as well, especially if I keep them on the smaller side, like 155-157 (I’m about your weight).

      Reply
      • Angrysnowboarder says: January 27, 2017 at 1:42 am

        Those are great options as well as what you’re looking at. I’d hunt around and see if any of them have a better deal and go from there.

        Reply
        • Scott says: January 28, 2017 at 8:15 pm

          So, fun problem, I bought the Mercury because I’m loving the Capita boards I’ve been demoing, then saw last year’s Yes Typo for 50% off yesterday and bought that too.

          I took the Typo out today and it was exactly what I expect from the Mercury – a stiffer, aggressive all mountain freestyle board.

          So before I ride the Mercury and invalidate the return policy, I’d like your experience whether these boards fill the same niche, and whether there’s any point to owning both. If not, is one definitely better than the other?

          Reply
          • Angrysnowboarder says: January 30, 2017 at 12:45 am

            Send the Mercury back you just solved your own problem and might have an addiction to buying gear.

          • Scott says: January 30, 2017 at 5:41 pm

            Yup. Two days so far on the Yes Typo and I love it. It’s playful and forgiving, but impressively stable and precise for a 180lb guy on a 155 board. Definitely don’t need the Mercury, though I wish the Typo had a little more boost when doing last-minute ollies. Not going to apologize for gear addiction – first time buying a new snowboard in 10+ years 🙂

          • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2017 at 10:37 am

            Load it up sooner if you want to pop harder. But hey welcome to a modern deck!

          • Scott says: February 23, 2017 at 5:50 pm

            I ended up keeping the Mercury as well, and I have to say I wish you had recommended it more strongly – this board is incredible. I’ve never felt a board with this much energy underfoot. It just wants to charge all over the mountain. Whatever I do, the Mercury wants to do it harder, faster, and bigger, and yet it’s never once bucked me or felt out of control. Most fun board I’ve ever ridden, hands down. The Typo has some advantages for sure – it’s much better on ice and it generally feels more precise in the super tight stuff, but unless I’m dealing with very tracked out conditions, the Mercury is all-around the better board. Thanks again for the advice, and keep pushing the Mercury!

  • avsc says: January 30, 2017 at 4:21 am

    thank for your reviews angry.

    For a park riders(both kick and rails), who sometimes ride all mountain
    which one do you recommend
    arbor westmark camber, or
    spring break twin
    and why?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 30, 2017 at 8:10 am

      Depends on what the break down is of park to mountain. Both will get the job done, but I would push more for a park dominate person to get the Spring Break Twin over the Westmark but if it’s a 50/50 of park to mountain I would go Westmark.

      Reply
      • avsc says: January 30, 2017 at 10:57 am

        thanks.
        I’m about 40% jumps
        35% box and rail
        35% all mountain-including hard carve
        then will springbreak be better choice? i guess westmark works better on jibbing but you recommend opposite.
        or any other great board to recommend plz?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2017 at 10:35 am

          The Westmark is better on jumps. That’s where it really shines. You can’t go wrong with either of them.

          Reply
          • avsc says: February 2, 2017 at 6:20 pm

            thanks for your reply 🙂
            then, lastly, is there any cons/weak sides of those two boards ?

          • Angrysnowboarder says: February 3, 2017 at 9:52 am

            The Capita will break in faster than the Westmark. The Westmark you might find the top sheet chips a bit easier if you ram into things.

          • avsc says: February 7, 2017 at 12:39 am

            thanks a lot for your kind reply, angry.

            I recently found a friend of mine who rides a springbreak twin,
            and he says that sb twin is bit stiffer to easily jib or butter.
            and he recommend me a scott stevens pro.
            What’s your opinion about it?
            Is SB TWIN stiffer than doa?

            as already mentioned,
            i’m mostly park riders. but sometimes hit all-mountain.

          • Angrysnowboarder says: February 9, 2017 at 3:06 pm

            DOA is stiffer than the Spring Break Twin. The DOA also has a different rider profile in mind to go with it. Which from the sounds of it you want the SB Twin. The Scott Stevens board is really soft, it’s basically a Ultrafear.

          • avsc says: February 7, 2017 at 1:21 pm

            thanks. your reply is really helpful for me.
            i’m thinking about buying sb twin but recently i found friend of mine who rides sb twin and says to me that sb twin is bit stiffer to butter or jib. and he recommends me a scott stevens.
            any idea about this opinion?
            i”m mostly park riders, but sometimes like to hit all mountain.

  • Bregt says: February 1, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    Hi, first of all thank you for all the incredibly useful/helpful reviews!
    I am currently looking into buying my first board – have been riding 10 years and would consider myself advanced. I’m 60% off-piste (never real backcountry, I only go where people have gone before me) and 40% piste, park time is insignificant. I like soft, playful boards but want to lay some good carves as well.
    A store nearby has an incredible deal on a Rossignol circuit ($200 for the set), or would this be holding me back too much as it’s a beginner board? any other suggestions in the low-mid price range?
    Thanks and keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      You might have gone snowboarding over the last 10 years, but you’re not advanced. You’ve been using rental equipment and trying to figure it out. You’re a low level intermediate. The Circuit is a great starter board, but that’s where it ends. Look for a K2 Raygun instead, you can pick up an older one on closeout for around the $200 range and you’ll be able to progress with it.

      Reply
      • Bregt says: February 1, 2017 at 3:25 pm

        Thanks! The K2 raygun seems to be a pretty solid board. How does it compare to the Yes basic?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2017 at 3:42 pm

          It’s on the same level. Different camber profile, but still a great board.

          Reply
          • Bregt says: March 23, 2017 at 3:56 am

            So I found a local snowboard store with some great deals and I’m debating between a 2017 K2 Raygun (for $300) or a 2011 Yes Great Dudes (for $210). which one would you recommend?

            Also they are offering the Union Contact bindings for $150, are they any good?

            Thanks!

          • Angrysnowboarder says: March 23, 2017 at 8:54 am

            Depends on what you want the board for. Raygun to Great Dudes is two different camber profiles. The Great Dudes will be more aggressive, while the Raygun will be more forgiving. Can’t comment on the Contacts, haven’t ridden them.

  • Mike says: February 7, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    Hey Angry, thank you for your incredibly detailed reviews!
    I’m just an intermediate boarder, mostly doing all mountain
    But I’m planning on learning more ground tricks and buttering.
    I would like a board that is more playful and easy to press but still stable enough for moderate speed and carving.
    From your reviews, I figured Rossi Jibsaw, Rome Reverb Rocker, and Flow Era are good choices.
    I’m wondering which one you would recommend more?

    Also, any recommendations on bindings?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 9, 2017 at 3:11 pm

      Mike so all three of those have varying camber profiles which gives them pluses and minuses. So if you go with the Jibsaw you’ll get traditional camber under foot which is great for pop and driving a board through a hard carve, but you will sacrifice a bit of play at the flex point where it meets the rocker which could hinder you on butters. The Reverb Rocker on the other hand is highly playful and you can set an edge when carving, but driving it aggressively at speeds it starts to wash out. Then there’s the Era which due to its camber profile has solid snap, the tips are playful, and it does rip a hard carve when you stay on top of the various flex points under foot. I would probably push you towards the Era.

      As far as bindings go I would keep it with something in the mid range like the K2 Formula, Burton Cartel, or Rome 390 Boss.

      Reply
  • Justin bordwell says: February 8, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    Angry,
    Your content is awesome! Definitely gonna support and buy decks thru ur affiliates. I just got back into the game after about a decade and wow things have changed. Reverse camber is really fun and surfy and playful and the newer harder charging stuff is on point too. My issue is sizing. I am 5’10 215lbs w/ 13 boot. I cant seem to find an all mountain that works in all conditions. I feel like im too short to flex out a 159 park board…in turn that same 159 is too small at hi speeds and steeps and quits holding an edge…and if i step up to the 160 range the board seems too specific. Is it true that i may be out of luck in finding a quiver killer? If its true i guess the quiver building begins…

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 9, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Justin,
      Thanks for the support. Nothing wrong with a quiver that’s for sure. You shouldn’t have a problem flexing out a 159, that might be rusty technique or old habits designed for older boards. The good thing is there’s plenty of decks out there for you.

      But I think I have a solution for you that should work with your stats. Check out the 157MW Arbor Wasteland. The System Rocker isn’t as aggressive as other brands center reverse camber and it has added contact points under foot which will give you better edge hold and bite. The board is snappy and lively, but not dead. You will be able to flex it and it should still have rebound. The other option would be the 159 Rome Mod Rocker, it’s width at the insert packs should fit those size 13’s and the board is very skatey in how it rides but you can still push it and rip it.

      The only other thing I can think of for you is to look at any of the boards with a volume shift in them. Stuff like the K2 Party Platter, Marhar Lumberjack, Ride Warpig.

      Reply
  • Leo B says: February 10, 2017 at 11:35 am

    Hey Angry, first of all thank you very much for all the great reviews, Ive spent countless hours on your website and find it great to know I can read honest and fun reviews.

    So, Ive been riding for a few years now and I’ve aways had a 2015 Smokin Awesym 159, which I love and pretty much used it to develop my carving, jumping kickers and pretty much bombing down the slopes. Now Im really getting into park and jibbing and I find it slightly stiff to butter and a bit too large, I tried a friends board which was super easy to butter and had a blast doing it, so now I’m looking forward to buying a all around park and jibbing oriented board with good butterability.
    I was pretty much set on buying the 2017 Burton Off Axis Process 155 and the only thing keeping me from doing it is your review, which wasn’t too good and also mentioned it constantly washed out, though you did mention it was slightly small for you.
    So now I’m not sure, I’ve looked into the 2017 Trick Pony but think its too stiff for what I want, also thought of the arbor westmark camber.
    Does the off axis kinda suck?
    Any suggestion?

    Thanks very much

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 10, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      Off Axis is whatever at this point, personally I’m not sold on it, but some people claim it’s the greatest thing ever. The Trick Pony isn’t want you would want that’s for sure.

      So what you’re encountering with your Smokin is the length is hindering you from buttering. You’re right in dropping down to the mid 150’s. The Westmark is a well rounded park board and the cambered version is more towards jumps in my opinion, while the rocker version is better for buttering and jibbing but still decent on jumps.

      The good thing for you is that there’s a ton of options out there. Here’s what I would look at Rome Agent, Salomon Craft, Interior Plain Project Harrow, Capita The Outsiders, Rossignol Retox.

      Reply
  • huffin says: February 11, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Hey Angry,

    First of all, cheers for this whole recap. It’s been a little while since I’ve bought a new stick and your reviews are really helping me out. I currently have a ’54 YES jackpot, which I love but feels tad big for me (I’m around 5’9 140lb). Although, the flex still fairs me well in the park for jibbing but is still stiff enough for freeriding through the trees with a lil backcountry. I’m torn between getting a more mountain-oriented board w/ a stiffer flex and just using my YES for the park, or getting a strictly park board and just using my YES for the mountain.

    Few questions, why is the DWD Brewster so low on the park list for you? It seemed it held well in the park in your review. I’m also open to your thoughts on which path I should be goin for. For park boards, I’ve been looking at the ’54 Brewster and ’52 Spring Break Twin. For mountain boards, I’ve been looking at the ’56 Nitro Blacklight (I’d love to hear your opinion on this one) and the ’59 Ride Alter Ego. The ’50 DWD Wizard stick seems to be a middle-of-the-road option if I wanted to go for that.

    Thanks again man, I’d love to hear your thoughts

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 11, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      Did you see how many boards we rode? DID YOU SEE! The Brewester and the Larson overlap a little, but the Larson just seemed to be better, plus when you see the next year Brewester you’ll understand.

      My .02 cents on this topic is keep the Jackpot as your all around board and go for something softer and smaller for strictly park.

      Reply
      • huffin says: February 11, 2017 at 5:25 pm

        Appreciate the input, thanks man

        Reply
  • Razvan says: February 12, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    Angry, love your website, I just stumbled upon it and I keep on reading the reviews. I am asking for your help as I am having a tough time understanding what setup I need.

    I will try to keep it short, I am 6’5″ 200 pounds, size 12.

    I started riding 5 years ago but with just 2 weeks/ year of riding, I think my skill level is intermediate, I still can t switch!!!, anyway, I started riding with my current board Burton process flying V 162 EST 2011 – Malavita 2012 – Burton Invader 2012, that I loved! This setup got me to where I am today, almost intermediate i guess.

    I decided I need to “upgrade” so I kept my board, bought Burton DIODEs 2016 – Burton ION 2016.

    I hate this setup, I rode it 4-5 days and it crushed my confidence, I don’t like the stiffness at all, compared to my previous binding/boot combo I feel like I have a pair of LOGS instead of legs, I have no fun or freedom at all! I only ride groomers but due to a lack of snow in recent years, they get pretty bad after a few hours, bumps, ice, uneven terrain and I have a very hard time breaking/stopping, turning on these conditions, I have had a few crashes due to cluttered narrow portions of the slopes as well as hard snow/icy conditions that seem to be a constant in my country.

    I went stiffer thinking i can get more control but to me, it feels the other way around, it seems like my legs are very constrained and the fun just went away without benefiting from the stiffness.

    I want to sell my setup but I don’t know what to get. I read hundreds of reviews but anytime I find a good board its either too stiff(even the sound of stiff gets me scared now lol) or too soft and won’t hold the edge very well.

    What say you?

    Thank you very much! Keep on rocking, love your reviews
    Razvan

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 13, 2017 at 9:16 am

      So here’s the issue, it’s not the board or bindings that’s hindering you, it’s really just the boots. You’re not at a level with your riding ability or your muscle memory to need something that stiff because you don’t know how to drive the boot properly. So what you need to do is ditch those boots and try on a few pairs till you find something that’s more comfortable and flexes to your preference. After that just look for something that’s a mid flexing all mountain freestyle deck and you’ll be golden.

      Reply
      • Razvan says: February 13, 2017 at 4:03 pm

        I just sold my board and bindings, I will sell my boots too. So I can start fresh, I never liked to be restricted to EST only.

        I washed out a lot with the process V, even with my previous setup. It was very chattery at medium/high speeds, but except these two drawbacks, I loved the board.

        I just found a great deal on burton custom binding 2016, I think I am going to buy them, what board would you recommend for them? I basically want a process flying v, but just a tad stiffer and one that has a great edge hold. What about a good medium flex boot?

        I will go and find myself a good boot, Burton decided to stop making half numbers over 12 and I had to get a 13 and my heel lifts a lot, jbars help but It kills my ankles, i am so sore after my first ride.

        I am so thankful for the help!

        Have a great day!

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 13, 2017 at 4:16 pm

          Best boot is the one that fits your foot and fits your needs. There’s a lot of boards out there for what you’re describing. I would look at stuff like the Rome Mod Rocker, Rossignol Jibsaw, Yes Typo, Yes The Greats, Jones Mountain Twin, Capita Mercury, Ride Burnout.

          Reply
          • Razvan says: February 14, 2017 at 6:22 pm

            Great. Few choices, found yes basic 163 at 320€ vs typo 400€, worth the difference?

            Also I found K2 Indy bindings at 143€ vs burton custom 117€. I am also considering some Flow bindings, having some back issues and being tall is a bitdifficult to put on regular bindings but its fine, just athought. What Flow binding is worth buying over the other two?

            Thanks a bunch!

          • Angrysnowboarder says: February 14, 2017 at 11:22 pm

            Typo is a way better board than the Basic. I would go with that over the Basic. Why don’t you bump up the bindings a bit more from that entry level stuff to something more mid level.

          • Razvan says: February 16, 2017 at 6:23 pm

            Shopping done. I got the Yes Typo 163w, tallest board they got, I am 6’5″, the board will arrive next week. I went to my local shops and got the 2017 Malavitas, they were at a discount 230 euro, same price as the Cartels and even though I wanted a soft binding, I could not buy The Cartel at the same price, Malavitas seemed so sturdy and well made, much more than the Cartels so I took them, I hope i will like them, I did love the 2012’s but I guess they were softer, fingers crossed. I got boots too Nitro Venture TLS at a discount, they were so confortable and well made too, much more than the IONs, they are mid flex, even though Nitro states they have a 7 flex rating, thry feel more like a 5. I can t wait to test my new setup. I got all 3 for under 850 euro, I think its a gread deal.

            Thank you for all your time and advice, I will continue to read and spread the word about your wonderful website!

  • Josharp says: February 14, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Im a skateboarder taking over the snow what park board should i get? And go….

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 14, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      One that turns right and left and can pop up in the air.

      Reply
  • Alex says: February 15, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Hey Angry! What about Burton Mystery? is it far from top because of price? I’m traveling more and more and tired of taking few boards and bindings. I wanna get one board for everything. I do a lot of switch, carving and flat tricks (I use burton custom twin for this). And I do a lot of off-piste when conditions are good (YES Standard). Reason for Mystery – channel (super easy to move bindings), camber (which is not as hardcore as Custom X), only 10 mm setback, so it’s possible to adjust and have comfortable switch riding. Questions – will it carve great in size 158 and will it be easy to ride switch? How does it compare to Custom X in terms of switch riding?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 17, 2017 at 10:53 am

      It’s just not that great of a board and then you factor in the price and it’s over rated. Yes it will carve, yes it will ride switch. There’s still better boards out there. It’s about the same as the Custom X.

      Reply
  • Max says: February 15, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    Aye man, can’t tell you how much I appreciate all these reviews. It’s killer. I’ve been riding a burton hero since 2010, but now usually just rent when i go out west (10 days a season or so). I ride almost only all mountain with maybe 2 or 3 laps a day in the park, but i’m kinda nubeish in the park, but tryna get better. Anyways, I recently used the Salomon Craft for a week and loved it. The flex and pop made it fun to butter and hit everything i came into, but i felt like i washed out on it a bit when on the peak 7 and 8 bowls and 6-chair/imperial runs at breck. I also like that it was bi directional, because I’ve really gotten into putting freestyle in all over and riding switch. This is a lot but I guess what i’m looking for is something that is super playful like the Craft, but maybe a little better suited for turning hard, hitting the trees, and bigger mountain terrain. Anything helps. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 17, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Bump up to the Assassin Max. That’s what that board is really designed for or take a look at the Rome Mod Rocker or Jones Mountain Twin.

      Reply
      • Max says: February 21, 2017 at 7:14 pm

        Thanks man. Rock on.

        Reply
  • David says: February 21, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    Hey Angry,
    First off, awesome reviews! Really appreciate having uncensored opinion when looking for boards. I’m an intermediate rider and newbie instructor, on my second season, got about 40 days this season so far and less than 10 last year. I ride everything from park to trees. Getting used to L jumps in the park. I can do any groomed runs, love hitting side hits & can drop smaller cliffs & gaining more confidence on tighter and steeper tree runs. My ride is a 2016 149 Mod Rocker (5’6 125, sz 7 boots) and I love it so far for practically everything. I’m thinking of getting something cambered or RCR for more aggressive carving and pop on the bigger stuff. Ideally the board is something I can drive carves and hit trees and steeps with but will still be ok for jumping and pressing. Any board recommendations? I’m currently looking at a 2016 152 Yes Greats for 350$. Further than that into the future I’d also like something for side/backcountry. I know I love the off piste, just feel I need to be better and totally comfortable with everything my mountain can throw at me before going out of bounds. I’m not in any rush to get that. Would be greatear what you think
    Thanks,
    DP

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 22, 2017 at 11:27 am

      You’re on the right track with the Greats. I would just snag that deck honestly.

      Reply
      • David says: February 23, 2017 at 10:45 am

        Sick. Would you say that the greats overlap a lot with the mod and i should go stiffer or is it a completely different board? Got a chance to try out my friend’s flight attendant and while i like that it turns way faster than the mod does (i find myself getting thrown off sometimes the first couple runs) I can’t get over how i can barely press it at all.
        Thanks,
        DP

        Reply
  • UncleSquishy says: March 7, 2017 at 9:48 am

    Hey AS,
    I love your site and appreciate your consistent feedback to your readers. I’ve been a skier for 30+ years, but switched to snowboarding after a few knee surgeries. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with boarding and am set on buying my first setup. I’ve rented for the last couple years, but seems difficult to find demos that fit my size/build. I’m 6′ and 210# with a size 12 boot and the largest I’ve been able to demo is a 157W. I live in the South, but take a couple trips a year to board. Maybe 10-15 days a year. I believe I’ve quickly progressed to the upper beginner, lower Intermediate stage. I’ve been researching every day for the last few months, and seems that every day I find another board that peaks my interest. I’m not much of a park rider, just prefer to barrel down the groomers with family and friends, so I was thinking an AM/Freeride may be suited to my style. I’ve looked at the Snowtrooper X, Agent Rocker, Process Flying V, Jones Mountain Twin, Pulse/Assassin, etc. As I said, everyday I find another that I think would work. I want a board that I can enjoy, but continue to progress on. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 8, 2017 at 12:43 am

      K2 Raygun Wide.

      Reply
  • Rick says: March 7, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    Yo Angry! Thanks for the great resource, I’ve been reading your reviews obsessively trying to figure out my next board.

    I’ve ridden pretty stiff boards for the last 15 years and currently own a NS Cobra. I spend most of my time in the trees/sidecountry/backcountry, jumping boulders/side hits and just charging the mountain. I’m looking for something a little more freestyle friendly and something that will be fun during the spring months when all the fresh sierra snow gets tracked out.

    Currently looking at the DWD Kwon, Rome Mod Rocker and the Gang Plank. I was looking at the Yes Typo and Capita Mercury but I can’t find any for sale this late in the season. Any advice on this?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 8, 2017 at 12:46 am

      Typo and Mercury are highly sought after boards, get em while they’re hot before they’re gone. If you want playful for Sierra cement style riding I would say look at the Mod Rocker.

      Reply
    • Brandon says: March 9, 2017 at 9:33 am

      Hey Angry,
      I’m 145 lb looking for a 152 board. Currently looking at Typo and Jones Mountain Twin but they are both sold out. Do you think they will restock. Also, any recommendations on an All-Mountain freestyle for an intermediate rider?

      Reply
      • Angrysnowboarder says: March 9, 2017 at 9:37 am

        Once they’re gone, they’re gone. The skies the limit with boards for all mountain freestyle. Arbor Element, Arbor Coda, Rome Agent, Rome Mod/Mod Rocker, Capita Mercury, Capita DOA, Rossignol Jibsaw Hd, Ride Burnout, Ride Machete, Burton Custom, etc. etc.

        Reply
  • Uncle Squishy says: March 8, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    AS,
    Thanks for the K2 Raygun Wide recommendation. Any other boards in that class you would recommend, just so I can have a comparison?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 9, 2017 at 8:41 am

      No.

      Reply
  • Chad says: March 13, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    Thanks for the honest reviews as always. Looking for some advice on a board. I just got back into snowboarding after a 15 year hiatus and bought a cheap Ride Manic to get back in the swing of things and a lot of the brands that are popular today are somewhat new to me. The Ride Manic is, um, meh…as expected. I ride primarily groomers with my 10 and 7 year old boys, but every couple runs I would like to drop into the park and play around a bit. Then when my 7 year old gets a little more confident, I need to take him into some powder and teach him there. I need something that will fill that bill. I’m not going to be doing anything nuts like getting in the pipe or getting crazy big air, just something fun and forgiving for when my 40 year old ass gets a little carried away on some jumps because I think I’m still 20. Was thinking possibly Yes The Greats, Ride Machete, or Capita Mercury.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 13, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      The Machete would be the best out of the three you have listed.

      Reply
  • Mike says: March 14, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    AS,
    Thanks for your recommendations.
    I just got a 2017 Rossi Jibsaw 155cm that’s on sale.
    I’m 5’10” and 167 lbs
    Just wondering if I should have gotten the 153cm for a more playful ride?
    Would the flex and edge hold be significantly differently between the two?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 14, 2017 at 10:50 pm

      You’re talking 2cm’s, you’re fine.

      Reply
      • Mike says: March 15, 2017 at 2:52 pm

        Got it, thanks so much

        Reply
  • Sven says: March 30, 2017 at 5:47 am

    Hi Angry,
    I just went trough a lot of your reviews, but I think I’ll need your input directly to select a new board.
    I’m 36yo, 173cm (5’8″), weight around 78kg (172lb) and currently ride on a Rome Agent Rocker 157 from 2016.

    I’ve been riding with interruptions for 20yrs, but only like a dozen days a year.
    I can carve extremely well, but still have issues riding switch (can toe/heel turn, but not carve switch well).

    I’m looking for a board more suited to playful rides on groomed trails and pow, between trees that will allow me to improve riding switch.

    It seems I’m limited in the boards I can get here, so I’ll list what I can find and afford:
    – Bataleon Magic Carpet 156
    – AMPLID PILLOW TALK 156
    – Yes Typo 152
    – Yes Optimistic 154/157
    – Arbor Sin Nombré 154

    Could you let me know if you’d get any of those or smtg else?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 30, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      I would nix the Optimistic and Sin Nombré off the list. Those are going to be a bit more aggressive for having fun and being playful. The board that sticks out the most to me for what you’re describing is the Amplid Pillow Talk. That board carves great yet is super buttery and awesome in tight trees. After that I would go with the Magic Carpet as that is almost like the PT but with camber and TBT. Finally the Typo.

      Reply
      • Sven says: March 31, 2017 at 12:07 am

        Thanks a lot for your input. I’ll be aiming for the PT or magic carpet then.
        What bindings would you recommend?
        I have Rome targa’s on my agent rocker board. Wondering if these are ok to use on both boards.
        I did find a good price on Switchback Universe.
        Lastly, I’m also planning to get new boots soon.
        Would a stiffer boot like Burton Photon or Adidas boost be ok?
        Or would you go for the mid flex like Burton concord or K2 Maysis?
        Something else perhaps?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: March 31, 2017 at 7:58 am

          You’re fine with the Targas. Best boot is the one that fits your foot.

          Reply
  • Danny says: March 30, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    Damn RIP the Huck Knife. If you take it as an all mountain freestyle board would it make it a bit higher on a tier list in its pricepoint?

    Reply
  • Danny says: March 30, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Capita Mercury is sold out basically everywhere (i’d like a 157), but my local shop has a 155 left. Is that too small for me? 6ft0 195-200lb ish. Mostly groomers but wanna do park as well next season.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 30, 2017 at 10:18 pm

      It will flex a lot easier at your weight. Huck Knife just isn’t that great of a board.

      Reply
  • Kirk says: April 19, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Awesome reviews, cheers,

    Looking for a split (which ride different I know), but would like some opinions on the following since you’ve riddent most of the solid versions. I start my run on very steep, variably icy snow and then have fun treating the mountain like a park after. Cliff jumps, layed out nipple scraping carves, slashy aggressive movements, and glade runs. Want it to be powder capable as well.

    Looking at:
    – Jones Flag (split is the solution) or the Explorer
    – Abor Bryan Iguch
    – Venture Paragon or Zelix
    – Prior BC
    – Amplid Creamer / Milligram

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 19, 2017 at 1:49 pm

      No clue about the Prior or Amplid boards. You will over power the Explorer that board is softer than people think. I would lean more towards a Venture, but see if you can find a Euphoria split instead.

      Reply
      • Kirk says: May 3, 2017 at 12:51 pm

        Decided on a Kindred Custom board to get exactly what I want. But now looking to buy an Alaska Heli Board for charging / Freestyle? Was looking at the Niche Story, Ride Berzerker, curious what you’d bring out?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: May 5, 2017 at 11:32 am

          Rossignol Angus for AK Freestyle. Or something along those lines. Berzerker is a good choice.

          Reply
  • TNT says: May 8, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    Hi, Angry!

    There are so many questions “how stiff is this desk compare to” in every gear thread. Obviosly that’s because all brands have their own flex scale. But I’m just wondering why don’t you make some kind of your own flex-o-meter? I mean simple test, like putting constant weight on the board for example. That would be a good start point for better understanding flex section in your reviews.

    And second question. You have ridden so many boards. So just to take a look at the shape, specs and to check the flex – is it enough for you to be pretty shure how the board goes? And how often this first impression is wrong after you ride it?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 8, 2017 at 10:27 pm

      1. NO
      2. 90% of the time it will do what they say, 10% of the time something got fucked up in the factory.

      Reply
      • TNT says: May 9, 2017 at 2:22 pm

        Thanks!

        And one more question. I’m currently ridng K2 Turbo Dream which you decribe like a “true all mountain freeride oriented board” but i see it in the AM-freestyle category here. What’s the reason? And how can you compare it to Ride Berzerker or Jones Explorer which I consider as a possible replacement for the next season. Seems like they both have just a mellow camber and not shure about any stiffness difference. Is it worth it? Or shoud I stay with my Turbo Dream? I’m intermidiate/advanced rider interested to make a good turns at groomers and hit the pow at the first opportunity )

        Looking for a good

        Reply
        • TNT says: May 14, 2017 at 12:00 pm

          would appreciate your help

          Reply
          • Angrysnowboarder says: May 14, 2017 at 10:59 pm

            And I would appreciate a million dollars. Just stick with it.

  • TNT says: May 9, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    sorry

    Looking for a good one-for-everything board

    Reply
  • Nick says: May 17, 2017 at 4:37 am

    Angry,

    All-mountain quiver of one: Yes Greats or Endeavor High Five?

    Greats reviews are in abundance but High Five reviews are nowhere other than here. I’m leaning toward the HF for that extra stiffness and stability.

    Your overall choice between the two for all-mountain, hard carving and charging, bit of Freestyle and all that jazz. Not fussed about powder.

    Cheers mate

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: May 17, 2017 at 7:47 am

      If you’re looking at one that is stiffer you want the High Fives, if you want something that has an asym sidecut for carving Greats.

      Reply
      • Nick says: May 17, 2017 at 8:23 am

        High Five >:)

        Thanks dude

        Reply
  • RAZ says: June 24, 2017 at 5:19 am

    Hey Angry.
    Big fan of your reviews!
    Have been snowboarding for about 5 years on my lib tech skate banana but i am starting to realize it isn’t the right board for me at all.
    I don’t like the loose slow playful feel and want something stiffer better at bombing runs. (less rocker). I want something aggressive but don’t want a board that will punish me for skidding a few turns here and there.

    I don’t go into the park at all. I very very rarely attempt to ride switch. No jibbing. Dont care too much about buttering.
    I spend 75% of my time on groomers and 25% of my time off piste searching for some trees or pow to play in. I either board in Japan (super soft pow) or NZ (mostly ice).

    Have read through most of your reviews (and some other websites) and have come down to a few options; Yes PYL, Burton Flight Attendant, Rossi XV, Rossi One Mag.

    From research these will hold well on ice, chunder and powder and give me the speed and confidence I need.
    Any other recommendations for which board would be best for me?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: June 25, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Don’t waste your time with the Flight Attendant. Otherwise you’re on the right track. I would say probably go with the PYL for more versatility and the XV if you’re doing more pow chasing. The One is somewhere right in the middle.

      Reply
      • RA says: June 29, 2017 at 6:52 am

        Sorry to be a further pain to you.

        Have any of these boards changed drastically over the 2017 models to the 2018.

        I am now torn between the Rossi one mag and the Yes PYL. If you had to pick one which would it be for my profile? I’m scared the PYL will be too stiff but then I’m equally nervous about the Rossi not being stiff enough. Is the Rossi that much more forgiving and easier to cruise on than the PYL?

        I am about 150 pounds and 6ft tall with size 10 boots. Im currently on a 156wide, but would you say get the 156 or the 159?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: June 30, 2017 at 11:34 am

          Get the Rossi it hasn’t changed the PYL had some tweak to it I can’t think of off the top of my head.

          Reply
  • pete says: July 11, 2017 at 5:10 am

    Hey Angry.
    I’m a fresh snowboarder (started last year after moving from a tropical country) using a hand-me-down “15 yr old” k2 eldorado with broken custom binds. So i’m looking for a new setup and was wondering if you might give me some assistance with a nice setup that i won’t outgrow too fast (i’m fortunate enough to live 20 mins from slopes so 100 days seasons are pretty much a given since i can actually snowboard for 5h daily after work). The last season(started mid season) i managed to go from never being on snow to goin down black slopes, linking turns(some skidding might be involved if i’m too tired) and making small jumps, which is the point where i’m at waiting for the next season.
    I was considering something along the lines of the raygun or yes. Basic, so i just wanted some idea if that should be a good setup that will last me some years(price is not a problem but i’d rather not buy a new board every year) . Also i’m clueless about binds so if you point me in the general direction that would be great.
    I don’t care much for park too if that narrows down things.
    Sorry for the wall of text just wanted to be accurate in my description of my situation.

    Keep shreading. – pete

    Reply
    • pete says: July 11, 2017 at 5:55 am

      Sorry probably forgot a bit of crucial information. I’m 6,3″, 210lbs and size 12/12.5 boot. im assuming this narrows my selection quite a bit.

      Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: July 11, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Both the Raygun and Basic would be solid for what you’re looking to do, but… you’ve got a learning curve most people that snowboard won’t have. As you’re that close and riding 5 hours a day and can snag 100 days a season I think you might want to upgrade and look at something a bit more higher end. With that said I think you should check out the K2 Turbo Dream, Yes Typo, Rome Agent, Rome Mod Rocker, Arbor Element, and decks along those lines. You’ll get more bang for the buck. As far as bindings give the Burton Cartel, Rome Katana, K2 Formula a look.

      Reply
      • pete says: July 11, 2017 at 11:56 pm

        Thanks for the help. i think ill give the mod rocker + cartels a try.

        Reply
  • Kostas says: July 24, 2017 at 1:34 am

    Can’t believe Huck Knife came as low as that in park boards section, when so many good vibes around that board, starting from black snowboard test ending with SnowoardProCamp buying one for himself and staying positive about it…

    Now I’m in the market for ~155 mw or wide deck for stepping up my park game. I have 2013 Man’s Board 159 for all around and 2015 Derby 163 for pow, but derby is so much more fun, that I barely ride Man’s Board anywhere 😀

    My boots are size 10, no real need for wide, but I simply like wider boards.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: July 24, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Because there have been better boards in the Salomon lineup for years that get pushed down due to their internal marketing.

      Reply
  • Phil says: September 29, 2017 at 9:03 am

    Hey man, thanks for all the work you do. Incredibly helpful. Honest opinions are hard to come by these days. Looking for a new aggressive all-mountain stick, preferably directional twin that’s more freeride than freestyle. I’m on the east coast, so I’d love to find a board that’s fast as hell, able to carve up hard pack and rip through turns. The more power the better.

    Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate your help in advance.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 29, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      Phil Jones Flagship comes to mind or the new Capita Black Snowboard of Death.

      Reply
      • Phil says: September 29, 2017 at 9:03 pm

        Thank you sir. If you don’t mind me asking: any experience riding Bataleon boards? Was checking out the new “The Jam” earlier. Let me know if that’s comparable or if I’m better off with your initial suggestions. Thanks again.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: September 29, 2017 at 9:27 pm

          I haven’t ridden the new Jam so can’t really comment on that.

          Reply
  • Devon says: October 22, 2017 at 5:26 am

    Hey Angrysnowboarder, I have been snowboarding on and off for 7+ years. I’m probably in the intermediate level, but I haven’t really ventured in into the park at all. The problem I’m having now is that I’ve stuck to one brand my entire life and I’m looking to possibly venture out. The type of board I’m looking for is one that’s great for charging down groomers at high speeds, able to hit the pow, while still being able to butter and possibly go into the park (if I’m feeling courageous). I’m really trying to hit the hill as much as possible this year so it’d be nice to test some things out. I was looking into getting the Burton Custom, but all I’ve ever bought is Burton so I’ve become very brand loyal. Is there anything else you could suggest that might be better?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 22, 2017 at 10:14 am

      Rossignol The One, Gnu Spam, Gnu Headcase, Arbor Element, Rome National, Capita Outerspace Living, Capita Indoor Survival. Plenty more out there, start reading reviews.

      Reply
      • Devon says: October 22, 2017 at 10:54 am

        Thanks for the list, was just wondering what your personal viewpoint would be as I respect your reviews. I’ve looked into the Rome National, Capita Defenders of Awesome and also the Endeavor Board of Directors as possible boards to select. Really leaning towards the Capita Defenders of Awesome at the moment.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: October 22, 2017 at 1:16 pm

          DOA isn’t that good, you’d be better off with the Mercury for what you’re looking to do or the Outerspace Living even the Outsiders.

          Reply
          • Devon says: October 22, 2017 at 3:11 pm

            Thank you for the suggestions, I’m definitely going to start looking into those more. Already they seem like a much better choice than what I was going for.

  • Devon says: October 22, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    I’ve come to the problem I’m having with most boards these days and that is my feet are too damn big. With a size 13 shoe I’m left with a minimal amount of boards I can use. I was really excited to see if Outspace Living would work but nothing is wide enough.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 22, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      13 shoe doesn’t mean 13 boot. You sure your boots fit right?

      Reply
      • Devon says: October 23, 2017 at 5:31 am

        It’s a boot 12, 1 size bellow my shoe. The 26.0+ might work for some of the waist width with -15, 15 but I also want to change that up a bit this year as well test out some new radius’. With the max of 25.6 my boots will overhang it by quite a bit. Already afraid of overhang on the 26.0 but I know with increased/decreased radius I can kind of bend the rules a bit more. I know you hate the Solomon Villain but a lot of people are giving mad credit to it this year. The Rome national looks appealing but the lack of Flex is where it hits me. At this point I’ve gone through over 100+ board reviews and where I’m getting hit is the width. I would love something like the Rome Buckshot just for a board to play around with the softer flex is really nice but it still hits me with the 25.8 width though.

        Reply
        • Devon says: October 23, 2017 at 5:38 am

          Think I’ve finally landed on the Lobster Hallador Pro with Rome Katana bindings, sorry for the walls of text. The 160W hits me just right with the 266 Waist Width giving me the best Toe – Edge and low flex. Thank you for everything AS.

          Reply
  • Andy says: October 23, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Have you tried the Nitro T1 Board? What are your thougts about it? Sorry for the stupid Question

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 23, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Not in a few years.

      Reply
  • SnowMassive says: October 26, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    Hey Fella,
    I’m looking at the Jones Twin. Every year for the last 8, I’ve been given a new Custom X to demo for the season. This year I want to try something different, like the Jones (flagship or twin). I live in Aspen and ride daily. So, steep pow when we got it and everything else when we don’t. I am 5’11 175lbs. My question is always about length. I want to be short enough to be playful, yet long enough not to nose dive every time I jump in Pow. I’ve been pushing 162 Customs through the park for years because I like a longer stick in the deep. Do I need to??? I appreciate your thoughts and opinion. Thanks Pal. P.S. So are all the good NS reviews done by “ball cupping yes men” ???

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 26, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      I would drop down to a 59 in the Mountain Twin, that should still give you enough float for pow days in Butt Pencil but still not be too long when you’re lapping the park.

      A lot of people are given free gear from NS. They won’t bite the hand that feeds them, I always like biting the hand, lets them know I’m still hungry and a little feral.

      Reply
  • Corin says: November 5, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    Hey Angry,

    Love the site dude, always refreshing to see reviews that involve honesty and not just blowing smoke up peoples asses to get sales and free snowboards to ride.

    Usual stuff – 6′ tall, 220pound with a size 12 boot
    Spent the whole of last season (New Zealand) learning to eat less shit and throwing my fat ass around the mountain on a borrowed Burton Easy Living 155 w/ Cartels. Love charging hard and just having a lot of fun all over the mountain. Rolling and bouncing over little features and little kids alike. Keen to start hitting little jumps and what not but not going to turn into a park rider by any means (at 30 i realized that broken limbs isn’t that fun). I just want to be able to chase my buddies and missus around the mountain and have some god damn fun if you know what I mean. Pow isn’t a concern for me because we don’t bloody have any…

    I had been looking at a 18′ Ride Machete GT after being advised that it was the best thing since The Fappening (can’t wait to see your response to that). I’ve also come across the Endeavour High5 which looks rather appealing. Any advice is greatly appreciated, so thanks man, and stay Angry.

    TLDR: Big shit with big feet who has more passion than talent wants a snowboard to run over kids with.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 6, 2017 at 10:27 am

      If people are fapping to the Machete GT I assume they’re using a razorblade glove and trying to make it so they never procreate again. That board sucks donkey balls and is definitely not what you’re looking for. The High5 could be a contender for what you’re asking but I think you would benefit more from something with reverse camber in it like the Arbor Element or maybe the Libtech Attack Banana.

      Reply
      • Corin says: November 6, 2017 at 1:30 pm

        He did seem like the type…. Too much testosterone and not enough common sense.

        Cheers for the options my man. Stay awesome.

        Reply
  • Alex says: November 8, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    Hey Angry,
    Been looking for a new setup for this upcoming season in upper New England and I’ve been eyeing the shit out of the Rome Mod Rocker or Capita Mercury. I’m looking for something that I can daily that’ll handle all mountain riding here and also allow me to milk the shit out of the few pow days we get and some riding out west later in the season; while still allowing me to progress in the park. I’m 155lbs, size 11 boot, have a skate-inspired aggressive style and like to ride switch often. What do you think I should roll with? I’m coming off of a NS funslinger that I was either misinformed or ignorant to the fact that that deck is only good at jibbing and falling apart as I felt I was having a harder time that I should with anything other than that on it.

    Also 2017 models are getting hard to come by let alone in a size I’d need, so what would you advise of 2018 models? (if you have any info on them yet that is)

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 9, 2017 at 9:37 am

      The Mod Rocker might be a little too loose for New England conditions when it gets icy, I want you to be aware of that and know the Mercury will have better edge hold due to the camber profile it has. With that said the Mod Rocker is more skate style in how it snaps. As for 2018 the only real change is the name of the fiberglass in the Mercury so it hasn’t changed. If you can’t find your size, snag the current years for sure.

      Reply
  • Steve says: November 10, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    Looking for advice on a new board, as my Banana Magic 157 is about 8 years old now. I’m 5’6″ 150lbs, almost all of my riding is in the trees / powder / steeps / natural shit, literally never go into the park. Groomer carving if no fresh. Was looking for a twinish powder / all mountain board, and hoping to find a model from last year on sale.

    Considering Mod Rocker 153, Bataleon Goliath 151, or Whatever 154 (might be too soft / freestyle) – all under $400. I guess I’m also considering the Yes Optimistic 151, or Yes 20/20 150…. but can’t find those on sale really ($500+)

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 11, 2017 at 12:00 am

      You don’t want the Whatever, not the right board for what you’re looking for. Mod Rocker is definitely the one that stands out the most from your list unless you can find a deal on an Optimistic.

      Reply
  • Tim says: November 18, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    Out of curiosity, how does the 2017 Flow Darwin hold up to this year’s group of directional pow boards from the likes of Burton (Panhandler), Bataleon (Surfer), Jones (Chaser), Capita (Spring Break), or others I might be missing. Can get a killer deal on last year’s model.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 18, 2017 at 6:21 pm

      Out of all those the closest it would be to is the Panhandler. Otherwise the rest of them are all very different.

      Reply
  • ZMitchell says: November 19, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Hey Angry, thanks in advance for any help! Buying my first board but I’m well into an intermediate stage. Torn between a few and feel like these are all good choices. I’m looking for an all mountain freestyle, mostly outside of park but starting to mix it in. A lot of groomed runs and like to bomb it pretty often. Any one of these stand out? I’m 5’10” and about 165 lbs. Always thought I needed a 159 but from what I’ve been reading on here, you tend to recommend smaller sizes for my weight. Thanks man.

    2016 Rossignol Jibsaw; $250; 157 or 159
    2017 Rossignol Jibsaw; $293; 157 or 159
    2017 Rossignol Angus; $293; 158
    2017 K2 Raygun; $319; 156 or 159
    2017 Salomon Craft; $319; 156 or 158
    2017 K2 Subculture; $330; 156 or 158
    2016 K2 Fastplant; $330; 157
    2017 Rossignol Jibsaw HD; $358; 155 or 157
    2017 Ride Machete; $383; 155 or 158
    2017 Salomon Assassin; $399; 155 or 158

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 19, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Nix the Raygun, Subculture, Jibsaw HD, Angus, and Machete. For the price that 16 Jibsaw would do you well otherwise that Craft in a 56 would be solid. Can’t go wrong with an Assassin either.

      Reply
      • ZMitchell says: November 19, 2017 at 5:40 pm

        Just found the 2016/2017 Salomon Craft for $240. Seems like an absolute steal. Will I be able to tell the difference between the 156 and 158?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: November 20, 2017 at 12:14 am

          The big difference will be better edge hold on the 158 while the 156 will be more playful.

          Reply
  • Logan says: November 27, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Hey Angry, thank you for the help resolving my all mountain freestyle dilemma last year! I’ve got a greats for park riding, a doa for all mountain, i’m looking to grab another board this year that’s geared more towards charging in variable conditions (chunder, melt-freeze, steeps etc). I’m drawn towards arbor and jones, i want something faster and more stable than the doa. i’m 5’10, 150 lbs, size 9 boots

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 27, 2017 at 9:59 pm

      I’d go more towards a Jones like a Flagship or Ultra Flagship.

      Reply
  • Logan says: November 28, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I will gladly take that advice! Out of curiosity – aside from better float in powder – what are the big differences between the Flagship – Iguchi Camber – Sin Nombre?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 28, 2017 at 10:02 pm

      Flex, sidecut, and construction.

      Reply
  • michael says: December 20, 2017 at 6:27 am

    hi angry,
    thanks for recommending me (6.2 ft, 165 lbs, size 10 burton boots) the typo as a playfull all mountain board.
    in the last 2 years i had lots of fun on it. i really love it on blue and red runs and for learning basic freestyle-tricks (on side-hits). now i would like to complement it with something “beefier” for carving steeper terrain at higher speed, better edge hold (esp. on ice) and better float in powder.
    the typo is a 155, do you think a rossi one in 159 would be a good addition to a then 2-board-quiver?
    or would you recommend any other boards over the one?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 20, 2017 at 10:11 am

      Well if you’re jumping up 4cm’s that will definitely add more edge hold for you. The One has decent pow float. I say pull the trigger on that or look at the Jones Flagship, Capita Black Snowboard of Death, Rome Sawtooth.

      Reply
  • Andrew says: December 25, 2017 at 8:13 pm

    Hi angry,

    I’m looking to buy my first board, I’d say that I’m intermediate looking for something all-mountain that I can also use for improving in the park. I’m in Australia so something that will do well on hard icy snow would be great.
    I’ve never had a single board for more than a few days but I’ve tried boards like K2 raygun, Rome Gang Plank and Burton Process (Flying V i think).

    I’ve been looking at boards like Rossi Jibsaw, Salamon Craft, Yes Basic or Typo.
    Any recommendations/suggestions would be appreciated!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 25, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      I would go with the Jibsaw.

      Reply
      • Andrew says: January 1, 2018 at 8:16 pm

        Thanks for that, i was just wondering how much stiffer the jibsaw is vs craft?
        And lastly any recommendations for bindings to go with?
        Cheers

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: January 2, 2018 at 12:39 am

          They’re actually about the same flex. Check out our binding reviews you’ll probably find something in there for you.

          Reply
  • Kaue says: January 8, 2018 at 6:41 am

    Hey, Angry!

    First of all, thanks so much for the very informative posts and all the replies, this is an amazing source of guidance and info.

    I’m looking to purchase my first board, and comparing all specs sheets and some of my personal traits, I’m arriving at mixed conclusions. It’d be great to hear from you on this.

    This will be only my 2nd season, and I rode for the first time a couple of years ago, for a week, in Snowmass/Aspen. At the end of that first period, an instructor I had commented he believed I had come to the start of an intermediate level.

    Also, I really enjoy riding down the mountain, but would like to learn a few tricks and maybe a few jumps as well, as I progress. With this in mind and after quite a bit of research on different boards, I’m thinking about going for a Capita Outerspace Living as my first board. Would you say it’s a legit choice?

    After choosing the board, comes the choice of board lenght. I’m 5’9″ (176cm) and weigh 187 lbs (85kg), athletic build, with a 9 shoe size (boot should be around that, which I will check in person to be sure). What I’ve gathered so far is this:

    – From the charts, purely based on my weight and height: board should be 159cm.
    – From my skill level: board should be a bit shorter.
    – For riding down the mountain and learning more speed: board should be a bit longer.
    – for learning tricks, jumps, etc: board should be a bit shorter.

    It sounds like a 159 or 160 board would last me a longer time, but I don’t want to make my learning process a pain because of it. All in all, would 159 be a good size in your opinion?

    Thanks a lot and all the best,

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 8, 2018 at 10:22 am

      No. For what you’re describing you want a 156ish sized board. Also I would say the Indoor Survival would be a better choice than the Outerspace Living.

      Reply
      • Kaue says: January 8, 2018 at 11:18 am

        Thanks a lot for the reply. Noted on the board lenght.

        On the model, do you favor the indoor survival for being an easier board for my ability level or do you just dislike the outerspace living regardless?

        Thanks again.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: January 8, 2018 at 11:53 am

          Your ability level and what you’re describing.

          Reply
          • Kaue says: January 8, 2018 at 12:04 pm

            Thanks, Angry. Really appreciate it.

  • David says: January 11, 2018 at 1:04 am

    Hey angry,
    I noTiced you reply back to basically everyone and that is really commemorable!!
    I have been boarding a lot but stopped after a few life threatening accidents but recently went boarding again and my fire relit. I learned on a 5150 but I sold it and really want a warpig. Problem is they are sold out everywhere. I’m 5’9 165lbs size 11 boot. I can possibly get my hands on a 154cm warpig but would that defeat the purpose? Any tips where to find a small?
    I really like the idea of all mountain freestyle and my favorite thing is jumping. I’m almost always on groomed snow but do want to venture out onto powder if I ever can. What “obtainable” boards would you recommend? (Preferably under 500- if possible).
    Sorry for the barrage of questions.

    Reply
    • David says: January 11, 2018 at 7:46 pm

      Went to a snowboard shop and found out I’m actually a size 9.5 lol. I got a good deal on a Capita outerspace. So my actual question now is, why is it bad for butters? As a feeestyle board I kind of expected it to be good at butters.

      Reply
      • Angrysnowboarder says: January 12, 2018 at 10:21 pm

        It’s the flex pattern.

        Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 12, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      54 is just going to be too big. Keep searching and maybe check the Ride dealer locator and call some shops that don’t have a website. You might like a K2 Party Platter or the K2 Simple Pleasure.

      Reply
  • David says: March 30, 2018 at 2:34 am

    This was awesome reading and it made me look forward to the 2018 Snowboard Review Recap, any news if/when that’s happening?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 30, 2018 at 10:23 am

      Probably when all the 2018 reviews are done.

      Reply
  • Emil says: April 9, 2018 at 4:11 am

    Hey Angry, really enjoy your reviews.
    Have been riding for around 20 years but just past few years I really progressed. I am 6 feet, 183 pounds and am riding a Rossignol Experience 2013, 163 cm, Burton Mission bindings, K2 T1 boots. This board is great for effortlessly high speed carving on hard groomers as well as in deep snow. But it is not very fun for afternoon moguls and bumps, not fun at all. What should I get for some relaxed all mountain riding without getting my knees destroyed. Good ice grip is important. I never ever go in the park, but pop some ollie and ride among the trees. Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 9, 2018 at 9:59 am

      Upgrade to the Rossignol One.

      Reply
  • Kleit says: June 1, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Hello sir! I want a quiver of one board, currently I’m looking at capita Merc, yes standard or Jones MT. My park riding is jumping. I don’t like jibbing. Also nimble in trees is quite important. Which is the best of those boards for what I need? Or is it a completely other board I’m looking for? Upgrading my old YES basic and need something high end this time. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: June 1, 2018 at 11:56 am

      Jones MT.

      Reply
  • Bec says: August 1, 2018 at 7:17 am

    Hey! I’m looking to buy my first board and I’m after a camber/hybrid board that I can ride switch and was wondering what you would recommend out of these ones as I can get good deals with bindings and boots: salomon lotus $750AUD($555USD), nidecker elle $650($480), firefly divane $500($370). Just wondering what you think would be the best value or if there are any other boards that you’d recommend instead?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: August 1, 2018 at 9:02 am

      Don’t waste your money on that Firefly. Go with the Salomon.

      Reply
  • Nick says: November 24, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    Hey – love your reviews. Unlike others, like the house (which are also good), you tell it like it is and are honest which is awesome. It seems like almost every board is great on the house reviews.

    Question – i’m a beginner (have been 5 times). 6’1, 170 pounds with 10.5 boots. Leaning towards the Raygun – would you recommend 156 or 159? Do I need a wide board? Based on width it’s 251 for 159 and 249 for 156 so i’m thinking the 156 is too small for me.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 26, 2018 at 9:59 am

      Well The House is in the business of selling snowboards first then reviewing what they sell. You’re fine with the 156.

      Reply

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