Board: Capita Mercury
Size: 155
Camber Option: Freeride Profile. Camber to past the inserts, rocker, and then a Wah-Pow tip kick.
Bindings: K2 Lien AT
Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10
My Weight: 177lbs
Resort: Arapahoe Basin
Conditions: A mix of sun and clouds, some snow falling, colder temps, pockets of powder around the mountain, and groomers elsewhere.
Flex: This deck has that smooth yet powerful all mountain flex you want for versatility. It’s playful in the tips, stiffer under foot and through the middle, and has just the right amount of torsional give to flex the board when carving. It’s not over powerful, yet still has precision behind it.
Stability: Blasting through sections of knee to mid thigh deep snow with frozen chunder underneath this board never faltered, it just wanted more. It pushed itself through moguls, ruts, and the trees with ease. The only spot on the deck that seemed mildly chattery at times were the ends of the tips when pointing it down steep groomed runs.
Ollies: This board has some serious snap. Between the Carbon Arcs and Bamboo Rods in the core that couple with the camber profile you can boost. Load it up and prepare to send it to the moon. Side hits, rollers, and natural drops are this boards best friend.
Pop On Jumps: Jumping comes with ease on this deck. Come in hot, pop, and prepare to make it to or past the sweet spot. It’s one of those decks where it can handle anything in front of it.
Butterability: The slight rocker and the drastic upkick of the tips gives a big platform to butter with. Lock in right at the sweet spot which is where the camber zone meets the rocker zone and you will press your way to glory.
Jibbing: Much like this boards buttering skills it excels at jibbing as well. It locks in with ease and holds it press. Sliding sideways on anything it won’t hook up and feels like it’s hugging the feature.
Carving: The sidecut on this board not only grips in crappy conditions but rips deep hard turns when you want it. If you like soul carving then you might have found the board that has the sidecut for you. I never once had it buckle or push out when driving hard through the apex of the carve. Edge to edge initiation comes quick and fast with minimal effort.
Rider in Mind: The all mountain rider that could spend the morning blasting pow and the afternoon hitting the park.
Personal Thoughts: The versatility of this deck was great. Whether charging through some chunder and powder to get to a hit or blasting through the park it just wanted to do more. The camber profile coupled with the core construction give great pop and response but aren’t so overwhelming you find yourself having to drastically work for it. If you can only afford one board and want a quiver killer, I would strongly recommend this deck.
Comparable Boards: Arbor Coda Camber, Rome Mod Stale, Marhar Axiom
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This board was loaned to us for review from Capita Snowboards marketing department.
*Disclaimer this board did not change drastically for 2018 so we carried the 2017 review over.*
114 Comments
Hi Angry,
Could you compare 2017 and 2018 mercury pls?
Is there any noticable improvement that worth money for new model?
They renamed the fiberglass in it. It’s the exact same board.
Thanks Angry,
what bindings would you prefer?
I am looking for:
Salomon Defender
Union Atlas
Drake Podium FF
Probably the Defenders.
That’s what I wanted to read… 😀
Thanks for quick feedback, appreciated!
Really looking hard at this one.. Want to get on a more chargy aggressive board. Currently on a 15 flow drifter 159 as the daily driver, super fun/playful just wish it was a bit more damp at speed . Would the mercury overlap with th drifter too much? Would something like a flagship be a better compliment to the quiver?
Flagship for sure.
If I did get a mercury I’m 5’10” 180lb. Riding PNW. Could I get away with 57 or go 59??
59 would have better float in that heavy Cascade Concrete, but 57 will be more nimble.
Love this board in good snow. Not so much in hard/icy conditions. Felt really washy and wouldn’t hold an edge well.
other boards I ride
Arbor Element
TRS
Riders choice
Gnu Billy Goat
Thanks for review. I’m looking for stiffer board for hard/ ice conditions and I’m considering Mercury . In the other hand wanna have not typical pure camber.
If you want stiffer you might want to look at something else like the Black Snowboard of Death.
Jones UMT. Been riding both and the UMT is better in hard/icy conditions.
Hey angry,
I’m 6’2 and weigh 190lbs. Really keen on getting the mercury. My local boardshop only has the 157. Should I go for it (my current Burton Sherlock is 162) or do I need to look elsewhere for a bigger size?
Thanks!
It’s doable for sure, you’re just going to make it flex a bit easier.
Alright thanks. Last questions before I feel I can pull the trigger. Will this size still give me enough float on a pow day?
Also I have ride lasso boots size 12, the board wide enough?
Thank you for your time man, really appreciate it!
Eh that’s pushing it. I’d say you don’t want to pull the trigger.
Hi- been riding for 10 years, mostly Capita .. first doa -too chattery, not enough stability, etc-, then BSOD which I found a bit too stiff, and for the last 3 years Mercury, which I love.. but got destroyed last week (not riding.. something went wrong in transport)
Anyways.. I could buy it again. But I’m also considering arbor iguchi and ultra mountain twin jones.. which one would you recommend?
Looking for all mountain, enjoyable carving, stable at speed, not catchy on slow cat-tracks, good on landings, all conditions (I do find the mercury a bit weak on icy conditions) .. boots 11/195lb/5.11
You’d probably want the Iguchi Camber over the UMT.
That was quick.. Thanks! .. Better at carving?
UMT will have better edge hold in my opinion.
Is this Capita’s former Totally F’kn Awesome? They seem pretty similar?
Yes and no.
Hi angry,
Im confused which size i will be getting,
Im 190lbs 5’9. 157cm or 159cm? Mostly groomers, just sometimes pow and sometimes park. Thank you
57 for more well balanced use, 59 if you want it for more carving and powder.
Hi,
I’ve been looking at The Mercury I’m mainly ride groomers with occasional powder when I can get it. My previous board was a Rome anthem 163 which is past its best now, obviously boards have moved on since this and there appears to be a trend towards shorter boards. I’m 185 cm Tall and weight approx. 92kg. How does Mercury compare to anthem and would you go for 59 or 61? Also looked at Rome National, your thoughts greatly appreciated.
They’re two different boards. One they don’t make anymore and one is super solid.
Hi, currently I own NS proto type 2 154 for park and salomon super 8 157 for freeriding and both are amazing for their purpose. Looking for allmountain deck like one do it all. Tried Arbor Iguchi pro camber 159, which is by the way amazing, but to narrow for carv for my boots size 10. Thinking about Capita mercury or NS heritage but I hesitate that they would be close to Super8. What is your opinion and which size mercury would you reccomend for 160lbs 177 cm height to close the gap? I thought about 157 mainly because of width
Mercury is going to overlap that Proto Type 2.
Thank you. In this case, what would you recommend for allmountain between proto and super 8?
Like something that fits between them?
Yes. Little bit more powder friendly than proto but more freestyle than super 8. In general lively, snappy allmountain board
The Ride Berzerker comes to mind.
Thank you. I will check it
Between this, the assassin pro and the jones explorer what do you think is best for powder, freeride and dodging trees. Not a park guy. I know the profile of the jones doesnt match up to the others as much. Im 6’3″ 160 and hesitating on a jones at 158w. Also heard bad things about durability with capita, thoughts?
Well if you run into a tree it’s not going to be durable. I find most people bitch about durability when they do stupid shit to their gear. Owned plenty of boards made at the Capita factory and durability hasn’t been an issue. The Jones is probably the most in tune with what you’re describing then the Mercury and finally the Assassin Pro.
Well said. Thanks
158w too small for jones? All i have available right now
Shouldn’t be.
I currently have a Never Summer West 157x. I am looking at the Capita Mercury 159. I’m 5’ 8’ 190lbs. Wondering if the Capita is a good size for me and if it’s too similar to the west. I’m looking for more pop and butter ability. Thank you for what you do.
Do you have big feet? 59 should work as long as you’re not like a size 13 boot and yes it will have more pop and butterability and not feel like a dead plank underfoot.
I have size 10 to 10.5 size boots. I like a little wider board, I wasn’t sure if I should hold out and get a 157 or if the 159 would be better. Thanks for responding!
You’re fine on just about every size of the board.
On your recommendation i was planning on buying the 2019 mercury, but I can see in their catalog they are replacing the carbon stringers with something they call: “AMPLITEX V TECH AMPLIFIER” “grid wowen tech tape feature the response of carbon with the dampness of flax.
Is this just re-wording carbon or what the fuck does the above mean? And will it noticable change the ride of the board? I know you prob didnt ride the 2019 yet, but your guess would be better than mine.
It’s basically the more “eco” friendly version of carbon weave. Board should ride very similar to what it was.
Recently purchased a mercury 155. Looking at some new bindings, and I have the chance to buy Burton Cartels or Union Falcon for a very good price.
Which would suit this board best?
Thanks
Cartels.
I’m looking to purchase a capita board and your review of the mercury peaked my interest. I do however, currently own an Arbor Coda Camber. Do they overlap too much?
Or is there something else you would recommend as an aggressive all mountain board?
It’s a little stiffer than the Coda Camber. How aggressive do you want to get? The Libtech Hot Knife is pretty damn aggressive.
Does the Mercury provide more float than the Coda Camber?
I’m shopping around for an all mountain board bordering on a free-ride.
I’m noticing that the Coda Camber tends to sink a little too much in the powder and we get a lot of powder.
Mostly powder, carving and some jumps. Not so much on pipes.
If you’re going mostly powder you should get away from the Coda Camber and Mercury.
Would the mountain twin be better in that regard?
In what regard chief?
Any recommendations for a lively board that does powder, carves well, pops nicely and that can ride switch?
You mean just about every all mountain freestyle snowboard?
Hey Angry,
Is there much of a difference between the Mercury and 2018 Yes Standard?
Is there a significant difference between how the two jib?
I’ve got a Standard already, but want one board quiver that’s more jib friendly whilst having plenty of pop.
Thanks
Oh god yes. Mercury is WAY more jib friendly.
Cool, thanks.
Is the 25.49 waist on the 155 big enough to accomodate a size 10.5 boot, or am I pushing it? The board seems mid-wide overall. I ride 15/-15 duck. Cheers!
You’re fine.
Hi Angry, big fan here – thanks for the only real honest reviews out there!
I have a dilemma; I have a capita doa 159 and a bataleon camel toe 158 currently.
I kind of want to go back to riding a single board as jetting about with two boards is a pain.
Do you think that Mercury is the board for me?
Is it actually easy in powder almost as much as a shape such as the camel toe?
And would I be able to do the occasional show-off buttering trick on it, think a nose press or three.
Also should I go for 159 or 161?
I feel the capita doa at 159 is a bit wish washy for me at 6ft1 190lbs size 12 US, for reference.
There seem to be a few 159s on offer from last year and I’m tempted to just go for it but feel like the 2 extra cm would add a fair bit of stability when I need it and I’m strong enough to still make it bend when I need it.
Have you thought about the Kazu instead or even the Nagivator?
Thanks for the speedy reply!
Navigator looks interesting just seems a bit too powder centered for a one quiver board maybe?
Is the mercury more fun for playing around and freestyle?
P.S. The kazu got me really curious and I can actually get a good deal on a 160 now! Do you prefer kazu or mercury personally? I don’t actually get enough powder days so do end up just charging the piste boosting off features and buttering.
Here’s the thing the DOA is stiffer than the Mercury. The issue I don’t want you to have is getting a board that’s going to be too soft. The Mercury is a quiver of one but for what you’re describing it might be too soft and that’s where the Kazu comes in as being able to nose roll and butter like you want but still charge and rip a carve. Otherwise I’d say maybe a Jones Mountain Twin would be better for you if you’re worried about stability but still want to butter every now and then.
I love the graphics and sound of it so with the offer I mentioned the Kazu just seemed too tempting so I’ve gone and bit the bullet. Thanks for your recommendation – can’t wait to try it on this year.
ou should try and get affiliate deals with some UK shops such as absolutesnow
Now on to selling my First year DOA signed by Scott Stevens and Jess Kimura – any takers lol?
5 dolla!
Since you are saying mercury is soft – I’m guessing it’s either 5/10 or 6/10 on a normal stiffness rating? Could s guy who rode a total of 21 days use the Merc as a daily driver? I can go down reds just fine currently. Black takes a few almost stops. I just want a good board I can use for many years and won’t outgrow.
Doable, will it make me a better rider a bit faster or is the learning curve too steep? It’s either Merc or yes greats, and I love the new Merc graphics.
Flex rating numbers don’t mean shit. You want something else.
Well that’s too bad. Should I get something CRC instead of do you have a few suggestions I could peak at?
You’re still in that beginner-low level intermediate phase. You need something that you can progress with but won’t be over powering and won’t hold you back. My suggestion Arbor Coda Rocker, K2 Raygun, Gnu Hyak or Carbon Credit, you might be able to do an Outerspace Living from Capita but I still think that would be a bit too much board for you, Yes Libre, Jones Explorer.
Hey Angry. Appreciate the work you put into riding and reviewing all these boards.
Would you recommend this board for an intermediate rider that’s still progressing? I’ll mostly be riding groomers and love to pop an ollie on small rollers whenever I get the opportunity.
I’m looking ditch the rentals and buy my own deck and reading the reviews of the Mercury it seems to be right up the alley of what I want. However, I’m not sure if this will be too much board for me and therefore should put scope on something else. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
It’s probably going to be a bit too much for you at that level.
Thanks for the recommendations, but instead of the outerspace living, what about the indoor survival?
You could.
Hi Angry,
Allready purchased a 161 mercury 2018. I’m 95kg 1,85m and size 11 boot. Wondering which bindings will work best for me? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
So many options for that board. SO MANY! I’d start with Kevin’s list here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfgM5lkzQ64
Hello Angry,
I live in Lebanon, snow is a little soft most of the season.
I am looking for a board to mainly Carve, Hit groomers, do small jumps on terrain and some butter tricks.
Do you recommend the Mercury for such snow conditions and riding style?
Thank you
Yep.
Finally narrowed it down to Capita mercury and yes typo. Reading reviews makes the mercury seem stiff but from yours it seems softer. I’m going to be on groomers some park and some tree maybe 70% 20% 10% respectively. I’m still like a low level intermediate but have been riding camber since I started so want to stick with it. I’d also like to learn how to butter so don’t want something rock solid.
What would you recommend.
Whichever one is cheaper. They’re both super solid. FYI most peoples reviews go off the marketing specs and not from actually riding them.
Same price lol.
Pick the better graphic.
Trying to decide between the DOA or the Mercury. And if mercury the 55 or 57. I’m 5’9 160 lbs size 9.5 boot. Been riding the K2 ray gun 156 for a couple years. Advanced rider, ride everything from powder in the trees, park Laps, bombing groomers, launching natural kickers. I like to go fast and hard. What board would you go with?
Get the 155 Mercury.
Got a buddy looking at the mercury as well he’s 5’10 170, 10.5 boot, suggest the 57?
Or the 155. Kind of dealers choice on this one.
Hello Angry,
Trying to decide between the Yes Typo, Yes Greats or the Mercury. I am 6’4, 220lbs and size 12 1/2 boot. Advanced Rider who rides powder in trees, freestyles around the mountain, hits natural features and everything in between. I am looking for the best quiver of one board that can do it all. Which board would you recommend? Or if you think there is a better board, what would that be?
Mercury hands down.
Thank you for the reply! Last couple questions, did you find the setback had a negative impact on the ability to ride switch every now and then? And with my weight and boot size, would you recommend the 161?
I find that people that believe that something that’s ___________ about that much have a negative effect on their ability to ride switch. And yes.
Great review.
Any substantial difference between the 2018 and the 2019 Mercury?
The fiberglass they’re using has a new name.
Great. Thanks for the reply.
Hey Angry,
Thanks for the amazing information in your reviews! I’m looking to get a new board for an upcoming 2 week trip to Aspen in February. Am a high level Intermediate who has had a break for a few years and am hoping for a board to get me back in the groove and allow future progression. 43 y.o., 179 cm/82 kg (5 10/180 lbs) and size 10.5 boots. Will not be riding park yet, mainly groomers and whatever powder stashes I can find (will be riding in Japan later too), keen to improve small to mid jumps. Would like something nimble(-ish) if I want to go in the trees.
Have been looking at Capita Mercury, GNU RC, Arbor Element, Rome Ravine and Bataleon Goliath. Would appreciate any advice or recommendations…sorry about the essay!
If you want nimble in the trees nix the Gnu RC and Goliath. Those aren’t going to be fun. The Element will be the most nimble then the Ravine followed by the Mercury. The Mercury or Ravine will be the 2 most well balanced boards and I’m partial to the Mercury myself. But the Arbor will have better float in Japow due to the reverse camber.
Thanks Angry! I’d forgotten to include the YES Typo, how does that compare to the others? If I take out the nimble in the trees requirement (and just get something like a YES 420 for that), would that change your suggestion?
If you get a pow board that changes things I’d say snag a Mercury or the Typo either would work for exactly what you’re describing. Then you’re more balanced as you have a pow board and a groomer, puts around deck, that you can still rip a hard carve with.
Hi angry, do you think the union force bindings could go well for the mercury?
Definitely.
Rad dad here trying to find a 1 quiver of love. 11 boots 205 lbs. Last year I rode the mullair 161 wide. While great in powder not my fave all mountain. Sold it and picked up a 159 mercury at a great price. I am stoked to try it out but having a little remorse i didn’t pay extra and get this years 161. Question is will i even notice the 2 cm difference. Capita lists the 159 as 200 lb max. Am i gonna explode this board or is it stiff enough for this rad dad bod?
Take a huge dump before you ride, should counteract you being over the weight limit. The only place you’re going to notice the difference is when on edge on a frozen chunder groomer. Otherwise it’ll be nimble in the trees and easier to butter.
Another Different Rad Dad 5’11 size 10 195lbs.
Ride about 25-30 days.
I bought a Rossi XV 2017 and was to stiff for me and I had to work way to hard to ride it.
I have Burton Branch Manager and and Yes Awesymetrical which I both love.
Is the Mercury as stiff as the Rossi XV, or would it be a good choice.
Also which would the Mercury work well with Union Strata or Burton Cartels?
Thanks
God no it’s closer to your Awesymetrical. Cartels yes, not sure on the Strata testing those out real soon.
Diff Rad Dad
Good to hear,on the Mercury.
Another question.
I was thinking either to go with a 155 or 157?
Also I feel the hologram defender might pair well wiith the Mercury.what are your thoughts?
I typically ride Now IPO’s but the front toe straps never feel right for me.
I’ve ridden a pair of Holograms on a Rossi jibsaw and was impressed.
57 for sure. Hologram yes. As for the XV any of the higher end freeride oriented bindings would match up well with it.
Also I’m looking for a binding that would suit the Rossi XV and Mercury, ( Burton Genesis, Salomon Hologram, Union Strata/Falcor). I know u haven’t tried the Unions.
I felt half of problem with the Rossi XV was that my binding wasn’t stiff enough besides the fact that I’m getting ancient.
I meant Salomon Defender.
Hi Angry,
Have been looking at the same boards as this guy for similar riding but also looking at some of the Jones boards like the Explorer, Mountain Twin and Mind Expander…how would these compare?
Well the Mind Expander is more powder oriented, the Explorer is a mid level Swiss army knife, and the Mountain Twin is a solid all mountain freestyle board.
Hi Angry,
I’m looking for a new board and for the second straight year I’m thinking on Mercury.
I’m intermediate-advance rider (5’11”, 145lbs, size 11). Mainly ride groomers and powder at resorts. this year also want to ride some backcountry freeride. No park.
But last week I found some custom boards: Venture Paragon and Weston Backwoods.
Would ask your advice. or maybe some other board to check.
Also thinking to buy with new Union Atlas with the board. Now have Burton Cartel 2013
Just buy the Mercury.
Angry, so many good reviews!
I mainly go searching for good tree runs and backcountry (50%) when it’s there, but still want an all-mountain board that I can take out and enjoy on groomers (50%). Very little to no park.
I’ve narrowed it down to Rossignol One, Ride Berzerker, Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber, Capita Mercury, Yes Typo, and Niche Aether.
Any advice or recommendations?
Thanks!
Find the best deal and buy that. Or find the one that visually gives you a toeside powder boner and get that.