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Gear Reviews, Snowboard Reviews 58

The 2020 The Y. Yes Snowboard Review

By Angrysnowboarder @angrysnowboard · On August 27, 2019

Board: Yes The Y.

Size: 154

Camber Option: Camrock 2-4-2. Mellow camber with a mellower rocker in the tips.

Bindings: K2 Indy

Stance: 21.5 Wide 15 Negative 12 Goofy

Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10

My Weight: 195lbs

Resort: Aspen Snowmass

Conditions: Overcast skies, chunder snow, ice, heavy wet fresh snow, light fresh snow, frozen groomers, blasts of blue skies, and pretty much crap conditions.

Flex: As this is the little brother to the Optimistic it’s a softer flex through and through. It’s still just past middle of the road and ever so slightly directional meaning softer nose and stiffer tail. What you notice though is there is WAY more torsional flex to it.

Stability: This board retains the stability of the Optimistic. You’ll notice it right away when going fast on a groomer, charging through chunder, or pushing it into an ice covered mogul valley of death. There’s a little chatter in the nose and only the nose but it never resonates aggressively back through to the front foot. In rutted out terrain it only got bucked twice and that took more effort than I care to admit to happen.

Ollies/Pop: There is snap in this board. Is it poppy? Eh it’s OK you do have to load it up and be a bit prepared with where and how you pop to get it to activate. You’ll feel the rebound in this board when you do load it up.

Butterability: That nose with the setback is immense and there is a sweet spot in it, but the rebound of the deck fights you. So be prepared to muscle this board a bit.

Carving: Here’s where this thing shines. The Optimistic is a sleeper carver board and this board is actually easier to engage than its big brother. It rolls from edge to edge and you can drive it into turns with ease. When you load up the camber and drive into the center of the board it slingshots out of turns. While this board isn’t as aggressive as the Optimistic it is still a ripper when on edge.

Rider in Mind: All mountain freeride charger.

Personal Thoughts: Essentially this is a softer flexing more playful Optimistic with slightly downgraded materials and a tweaked camber profile. It rides like an Optimistic but without as much drive behind it so you don’t have to really push into it. I thoroughly enjoyed this board even if the conditions were pure shit.

Support your local snowboard shop buy locally. Find a shop here.

20/20 snowboard review2020 the y yes snowboard reviewsnowboard reviewthe y snowboard reviewthe y yes snowboard review

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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58 Comments

  • Ed says: September 5, 2019 at 12:57 pm

    What would you say about the freestyle capabilities of this vs the Optimistic? I typically ride stiffer/ cambered boards and want a short/fat pow day floater option, but if I’m gonna be riding a 154 I’m gonna want to be popping and tree-weaving and helicoptering. Curious if the slight camber/flex variations might affect that and what switch landings are gonna be like. Also considered the T-Rice Orca as well.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 6, 2019 at 8:41 am

      This has more torsional flex which makes it better for getting wily in the freestyle. But if you’re looking at something to volume shift and get freestyle with I’d say you want the Hybrid instead.

      Reply
  • Steve says: September 24, 2019 at 2:48 am

    Hey,

    Are you planning on a 2020 yes PYL review or is it still the same as last year’s?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 24, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Hasn’t changed from what I was told, or changed enough to matter.

      Reply
  • Dan says: October 26, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Sizing question. According to the website, the size chart is a little shifted in the way of larger boards for lower weights. What do you think, 151 or 154 for 175lbs?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 27, 2019 at 8:20 am

      I’d get the 51 personally.

      Reply
  • Tompa says: December 20, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    I just wanted to show some love for one of the most fun snowboards I have ever ridden (since I started in the late 80’s) = The Yes Optimistic!

    I bought the first production model second hand (I’m not rich in any way) when it first came out, and have since ridden it absolutely everywhere…. groomers, pow, moguls, trees, half pipe, jumps, park, rails, in my dreams… in freezing cold on boiler plate ice to warm slushy spring conditions and even in rain… and it handles everything without hickups. Sincerely a super-fun all mountain quiver-of-one-type-board, with great construction and a great design. I rate it five stars out of five 🙂

    I am old and heavy, so I ride the 157… meaning if you are of regular or petite size you should either scale down in length or choose The Y model.

    Besides for freestyle competitions, or if you love riding fakie all the time, I really think EVERYONE would have a blast on this snowboard… so a big thank you to Alex Warburton for designing it!!!

    // TT

    Reply
  • craig owens says: January 15, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Avran Between the Y 154 and the Orca which is your call?

    Board is for Resort Pow days and all the conditions that brings from 1st chair to late afternoon rutted out crap.

    ALso I am 5’9 180 LBS so is 154 the right size or 157.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 15, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      Well the Orca I would go a little smaller with. But they’re both going to be solid choices it just comes down to which camber profile you really want.

      Reply
  • Mikael Nyblom says: February 5, 2020 at 6:22 am

    Would you take the Y into the trees?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 5, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Every damn day!

      Reply
      • Mikael Nyblom says: February 6, 2020 at 2:54 am

        But it’s more to be seen as an addition to a quiver rather than a quiver of one (all mtn, minus urban, minus big park), right? I’m ditching my whole quiver and can snag a good deal on a 154, but not sure if I’m looking the right direction.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 6, 2020 at 9:22 am

          If you’re looking for a board you can charge on when you need to, be lazy when you want to, get into the trees, float in pow, carve hard if you want, this is it. I think you’re on the right track.

          Reply
  • Ans says: February 17, 2020 at 2:25 am

    What bindings would you recommend for this board? I currently have a set of 2017 Salomon Holograms

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 17, 2020 at 8:40 am

      Now Pilots.

      Reply
      • Ans says: February 17, 2020 at 12:17 pm

        Is there not significant overlap between the Now Pilots and Salomon Holograms?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 17, 2020 at 3:18 pm

          No.

          Reply
  • Mark says: February 18, 2020 at 1:44 am

    Intermediate rider trying to progress. 5’6″ 145lbs, size 8 salomon jp boots, now pilots. Looking for an all mountain/freeride board that favors carving, trees, powder, and natural features. Park and jibbing are lowest priorities. Mostly west coast/utah resorts. Considering Jones Frontier/Explorer or something from Yes (the Y, standard, PYL). Which, if any of those, should I throw money at? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 18, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      This board right here.

      Reply
      • Mark says: February 18, 2020 at 9:59 pm

        Sweet. I fall in the weight range of both 151 and 154. What would be better for my preferred riding areas?
        You guys are the best!

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 19, 2020 at 8:36 am

          I’d probably go 51.

          Reply
  • JC says: February 24, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    Hey Angry, I currently ride Formulas, how would they work for this? I’m thinking about picking up some Lien AT’s or should I just save the cash. 5’10” 210 size 11 boots would the 154 be about right?

    I ride a small hill in Canada but hit the mountains a bit every winter. Is this thing gonna be overkill for speed laps and working on my carves on a small hill? I do side hits and small jumps but beyond that mostly Cruze. Should I be looking at the hybrid. I’m advanced intermediate if you ignore the fact that my switch sucks but I’m old and don’t care.

    Great site!

    Regards!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 25, 2020 at 8:46 am

      You’re good with this and the Formulas will work fine.

      Reply
      • JC says: March 4, 2020 at 5:43 pm

        Does this compare to a Sims Blade or the Tom Sims Pro?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: March 5, 2020 at 8:45 am

          Neither.

          Reply
  • Andres says: March 3, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Better all rounder for resort riding, this or Yes Standard? Not interested in park, just charging around the mountain, having fun in trees and the lucky pow day.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 3, 2020 at 12:13 pm

      The Y is better for what you’re describing.

      Reply
      • Andres says: March 3, 2020 at 12:19 pm

        Thanks for the reply, however just went down the rabbit hole of reading your reviews! Would the Y recommendation still stand if throwing the k2 party platter and warpig to the mix?

        Reply
        • Andres says: March 3, 2020 at 12:22 pm

          *edit* I have a bit of a softspot for k2 as I love my raygun which I purchased following your recommendations a few years ago I must say.

          Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: March 3, 2020 at 7:33 pm

          For what you’re describing yes, stick with the Y.

          Reply
  • Chris says: March 15, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    If you had to go between this as an east coast do it all or the superpig which way would you lean. Probably 60/40 ripping groomer vs (mellow) park laps?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 16, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Superpig would be more versatile for what you’re describing or even a Warpig or a Marhar Lumberjack.

      Reply
      • Chris says: March 16, 2020 at 3:19 pm

        Thanks for the response. As far as size goes what would you advise? My main deck now is a 155 Jibsaw. I’m 6, around 180 once geared up and a 9 boot. I know they say you can size down quite a bit on the superpig/warpig so I can’t figure if I should go 151 or 154? We don’t get a ton of pow days but don’t want to be caught going too short. Thanks for your time on this, it’s really appreciated.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: March 16, 2020 at 8:24 pm

          I’d go 51 I’m about 15 to 20lbs more than you and ride the 51.

          Reply
  • Bill says: April 13, 2020 at 10:10 am

    Thanks for all your hard work I was wondering 151 or 154 on the y? 180 lbs size 11 boots icecoast riding. Thanks stay safe

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 13, 2020 at 10:56 am

      51 if you want it more playful, 54 if you want added stability.

      Reply
  • Bill says: April 13, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Which would be more playful 151 y or 151 warpig. Looking for something for just fuckn around and cruising? Want to support some snowboard shops while things are slow. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 18, 2020 at 12:53 am

      Warpig.

      Reply
  • Fil says: October 11, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Hey Angry,

    Would this be a good board for a big mountain resort like Kirkwood CA? Saw a great deal on a used one. Looking for something to ride on the technical black diamonds and in the gullies thats also great in backside powder. looking to complement my yes nsb. What’s your take on this board for riding through moguls or is this a board for groomers and not the rough stuff? Only non skier in my group.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 11, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      Why the fuck you riding moguls, you a skier? It’s a softer Optimistic you’d probably want that board instead.

      Reply
      • Fil says: October 13, 2020 at 1:08 pm

        Fair point. Ignoring Moguls. Would you say its still better to learn towards the optimistic instead of the Y for big mountain riding and open technical terrain?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: October 14, 2020 at 8:38 am

          Yes.

          Reply
  • Fil says: October 14, 2020 at 11:18 am

    You’re a legend! Thanks man!

    Reply
  • Trogdor says: October 16, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    Hey angry,
    I’m trying to decide weather to get the y, or the hybrid. I’m mainly looking to bomb groomers, pow, hit some natural features and some trees. Not interested at all in jibbing or park riding, maybe some jumps though. What would you recommend?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 17, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Hybrid since you want to bomb. It’ll be a bit more stable.

      Reply
  • Truck says: December 15, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    Just reading these comments, was recommended this board by the guy in my local snowboard shop. I’m a 46 year old, 200 lbs dad getting back into snowboarding. I’m a beginner -intermediate. Just want to have fun, carve it up and take it easy. Do you recommend this board for the older guys? I was told the 57 was the size for me..thoughts? Thanks for the help.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 16, 2020 at 10:16 am

      They nailed it, get out rip a carve, and have some fun.

      Reply
  • Pat says: December 28, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    Hey Angry,
    How accurate is the weight range? I’m 75kgs (165 pounds), but I can get a great deal on a 151. I’d be happy with that size and this board would be a lot stiffer than I’m used to. Looking to carve groomers and cruise. Could I get away with the 151?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 29, 2020 at 8:28 am

      Just a recommendation not an exact since, go get it.

      Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 29, 2020 at 8:28 am

      Just a recommendation not an exact science, go get it.

      Reply
      • Pat says: December 29, 2020 at 11:30 am

        Would you choose this or the Hybrid for intermediate rider carving and cruising?

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: December 29, 2020 at 1:42 pm

          This.

          Reply
  • Noah Davis says: January 11, 2021 at 7:52 am

    Love your stuff man. Backgroud: I’m 41 been boarding since ’93. Old ride (Salomon 163 capped camber Clicker BSLT w/Shimano Skylords). Demo’d some new stuff. Bought the Burton stepon system, and loved it! Rode my 1st rocker board (Arbor Element 158). Loved the ease/lazy aspect of rocker. Didn’t kill my legs. Missed the pop of the energy load in the middle of a carve. Hated the butt hole puckering mid turn surfy feeling. Stability at speed sucked. Chunder ride was meh.

    Need a quiver of 1 board capable of Utah/Co resorts, NE resorts, and shitty NC local mountains. Zero park. Prefer carving, taking rollers, and making 20 year olds say “Dayummm look at that gray beard”.

    Goal: find a board when I’m feeling froggy I can really push and drive, but when my legs feel my age I can back off and still enjoy a lazier less technical ride and not have to fight the board. Short list: Optimistic, Y, Arbor Shiloh, and Custom Flying V.

    From your review it sounds like that is the Y. I was thinking 154. I’m 6’0, 210 lbs.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 11, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Why the fuck would you ever look at a Custom Flying V? Fuck that thing. Get The Y.

      Reply
      • Noah Davis says: January 11, 2021 at 10:01 am

        Thank man. Any others I should add to my demo list beside the Y? Yeah I watched your Flying V review after I posted…..Immediately marked it off the short list 🙂 I’ll go check out your Rad Dad’s videos again just to check.

        Reply
  • Matt says: January 21, 2021 at 1:53 am

    Need to replace my Lago Open Road that I just blew a hole in. Looking at Yes Y, Yes Hybrid, Capita Navigator or another Open Road for Colorado pow, trees, spinning off natural features, drops, pow butters, slashing and carving and surfy slashes between stashes. Also open to other suggestions. I’m 200 lb with a 12.5 boot.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 21, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      I’d go for that Hybrid out of that list or maybe check out a Superpig or Telos Backslash.

      Reply
      • Matt says: January 21, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        Don’t know how I forgot about those. Ordering Backslash in 153.
        Thanks

        Reply

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