I got a 23/24 Dancehall for $350 a couple weeks ago. This is the first snowboard I ever bought and I leaned HEAVILY on your reviews to make my decision. I couldn’t be happier!!! What a great board. I’m 49 and a lifelong surfer from Hawai’i so I’d describe myself as a rapidly progressing beginner who tries a lot of things that are way above my experience level, so I crash a lot, but the first time I went on a snowboarding bachelor party trip, I was easily cruising blues at Heavenly by the 2nd day. I’m 5’11” 185-190 sz 11.5 boots and I got the Dancehall in a 154. The other rentals and borrowed boards were 159-162 range. I LOVE the flex of the dancehall! I also live in a very rural area at 10k feet in Colorado and so I have access to lots of low and steep angle powder around my house. My kids are learning and we’re starting to set up little jumps in the yard and maybe some small rail features. I’m also trying to learn ground tricks and this board feels AWESOME for all of that. It feels very quick and nimble in the trees too. I don’t have much to compare it to, but that’s my take so far. Eventually I may add something like a U.S. Cadet in 162 or a Jones Stratos in 161W but that’s probably at least a year away. THANK YOU JAMES 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
I like Salomon boards to ride. Just not to own. I find the construction starts to fall apart on year 3. More so than any other. Even Ride boards without a top sheet are infinitely more durable. It makes me sad.
@@dootdoot1867 they are pretty cheap boards considering what you get. First one i own. I had a ride algorythm for 3 years and no problem whatsoever with topsheet
I'm 172cm x 80kg and ride a gremilin 152 and can confirm fully agree with the review. it is super fun, easy to maneuver and to pop on hard days! but it is not a good powder board. specially if you downsize it like I did.
when you place the bindings on these short board do you center them in relacion to the contact points? i just checked my gremilin and I'm slightly further back. but my front foot is close to the middle of the inserts...
Great review. It is much appreciated that you show the width under the feet. I know the Hybrid is gone but I would like to ask if it would have made it to this list and how it compares to the boards on this list? Thanks
I'm 170cm (5'7") and around 61kg (135lbs) boot size 9 in Ride The 92, I want to pick up Gremlin but I'm torn between 148 and 152. I don't want something that can't hold edge when it's too icy or be stuck with low speeds but I also don't want a stiff plank.
It doesn't rank on this list and didn't make it this year but did in the past. Its a very good board though and if you want something like the Orca but with a more mellow flex in the center and a faster base it could work for you.
I've got a rome service dog for party/powder riding. ~200lbs size 10.5 boot. I am looking for another board to complement this one, specifically something a little more twin (preferably still directional) that's stronger on some steeper terrain/variable terrain that still has the pop for some larger jumps/side hits. What would you suggest?
Need Height to know for sure (need all three). Need a lot more info to properly help but based on the info I have maybe the Stale Crewzer would be good or Warden for the similar price point. Not a chill board like Rome Says. Watch my review. Almost full camber and very energetic. Maybe something like the Nitro Alternator could work. If you want to get into it more, hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I am feet 46EU (combined with bulky Supermatics) and I love to do eurocarves and feel knees and elbows scraping the snow, however it is extremely hard to find a good board for that for 100kg person :(
@@pauld984. I wouldnt say I ride east coast ice but do ride a lot of man made crap at Big Bear in SoCal. It holds really well! I can feel the camber holding steady as I rip through the mountain. I also took it to Colorado last week where they had pow pockets in the trees and pristine groomers. I had a great time zooming around.
Great list. I'm 140 lbs, size 9 (US) boots, 5'9" tall. Currently I'm using Burton Custom 154. I do carving and switch. Which board you recommend from this list for carving and switch? Thank you for your help.
Snowsurf Favorites are next which is close to what you are asking. If you go here and filter by Snowsurf you can see the boards I've reviewed. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1 I'll try to do something about Japanese Brands specifically but I'm so back logged right now that it might not come out for a long time.
@ Ohhhh sick that sounds awesome ☺️ I think I will be a nice video, because many travelers are going to Japan after their first seasons and I think a video like that for the japanese boards will boom ☺️
Thanks. Yeah while you are waiting for me to get 2025 Snowsurf live you can watch and read this from 2024 thegoodride.com/the-good-ride-snowsurf-favorites/. Many favorites on this list will be there again.
Pruce doesnt always mean better. The Pro is great but I like the regular softer more chatter absorbing flex better in all conditions. Check my reviews of both where I compare each and see what appeals to you more.
@ninjabic Thats a tough call with 14's. They dont make many boards that wide and less these days for beginners. What is your weight n height? Also where do you ride and what make/model/size board do you ride now and how does it ride for you? Or if you want in depth advice hit me here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
If you are wide you gotta go Ride wide short and fat boards. If you want bang for buck and only want to Ride a few days? as a beginner get a wide Rossignol board.
@@thegoodridesnow A Size 14 US boot is 30.2CM. By Rossignol's size guide on their web page that would give quite a few options. The "District 161 wide, Evader 165 Wide(Usually District and Evader are great options for beginners), There are quite a few. All the Sushi's and Sashimi's are some of the widest boards on the market. But would never recommend to a Beginner. The 169 XV Wide is pretty legendary for the amount of board you get.
Not true. Rossi is best for 12 and under. I've tested with riders with 14's. You seem to be going on specs. Sashimi's are not the widest board on the market. Tail/back foot is very narrow. You cant measure by waist with tapered boards. XV is not wide enough for 14's either.
It changed and the former Nidecker rep dropped the ball sending me the new model for testing before this list came out. I'm testing it now and liking it. You can check my take so far on Patreon
Beastie... ha, humor me 🤓 --- Last run on earth and you have a Biru and an Orca at the top of the lift...perfect pow up top, then into some perfect groomers and we'll finish it out with perfect soft snow at the bottom... Whattya grab?
I would grab the Biru but I'm more into camber and fast bases. The Orca will float easier, has more grip and is more forgiving so if you want a more floaty/chill ride go Orca.
You want to feel like you're about 50% better than you actually are, orca. It's fun in everything except rockhard ice and slush. It's sketchy but acceptable on ice, but it's a limp noodle when the is wet and slushy. I haven't rode the Biru that's my take after a couple years with the orca.
Sorry @ELROY-y1f I didn't see this question. Slammed this time of year. Both are great boards. I like the Biru for carving and going harder and it has a faster base. I like the Backslash for a little more mellow/slashy/a little shorter/wider playful ride. Both have lots of overlap and are super fun doing a little of everything and have similar float in pow so go with the one that appeals to you more.
Good picks own a few myself.. the first year excavator had a very fast base, kinda hard to understand what K2 is thinking detuning the alchemist and excavator just so they can run some loud graphic on it.. ut runs contrary to everything else they are doing, their current line of boards are all sick designs and full of great tech.. then they ditch the black carbon infused race base for some BS clear crown junk like burton uses.. i dont get it..
i need an advice frome someone with more expirience than me plz!(i ride 5 years now 20-30 times a year) I need a big powder board to take with me in big mountain trips. I need (stability, flotation, and the ability to forgive me in front foot heavy landings in powder) I want(surfing feeling, enjoyable ride)(i think over 164boards mostly) *I dont need swich riding so the swallowtails is in the game( i would say i prefer them) height: 1,82 weight: 75kilos boot size: 9,5 I have a: k2 excavator 154 k2 geometric 152(i am not a K2 fun boy) if anyone can help me plz be someone that has ride some boards of that type... THANKS!!!
@@thegoodridesnow I have the excavator for everyday use and I want something bigger... maybe is psychological reasons but i dont feell it can keep me stable in hy speeds in steep off-piste terrain... I was in alps lat season and i think what i NEED is the opportunity to enjoy more the steep terrain and don't be nervous about stability!!!
@@dootdoot1867 I like the orca a lot(i have ride it) and the pyl is very good on papers(i haven't ride it) but these boards will be a good choice for the replacement of the K2 excavator... I want something longer, (164 and over), that would be good in stability and in floatation... Thanks for the reply though!
I got a 23/24 Dancehall for $350 a couple weeks ago. This is the first snowboard I ever bought and I leaned HEAVILY on your reviews to make my decision. I couldn’t be happier!!! What a great board. I’m 49 and a lifelong surfer from Hawai’i so I’d describe myself as a rapidly progressing beginner who tries a lot of things that are way above my experience level, so I crash a lot, but the first time I went on a snowboarding bachelor party trip, I was easily cruising blues at Heavenly by the 2nd day. I’m 5’11” 185-190 sz 11.5 boots and I got the Dancehall in a 154. The other rentals and borrowed boards were 159-162 range. I LOVE the flex of the dancehall! I also live in a very rural area at 10k feet in Colorado and so I have access to lots of low and steep angle powder around my house. My kids are learning and we’re starting to set up little jumps in the yard and maybe some small rail features. I’m also trying to learn ground tricks and this board feels AWESOME for all of that. It feels very quick and nimble in the trees too. I don’t have much to compare it to, but that’s my take so far.
Eventually I may add something like a U.S. Cadet in 162 or a Jones Stratos in 161W but that’s probably at least a year away. THANK YOU JAMES 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this and hope you get it deep.
This video is so cool for people like me heaving big feet !! Really appreciate it 😇
Thanks and glad it helps.
Great intro! Authenticity is credibility!
@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Hi, what bindings would you put on the Telos backslash? I have: 1-union ultra 2-bent metal axtion or 3-jones mercury 🤔
Excellent review! I love my Telos Backslash. Such a fun board and rips carves too
Excellent run down. Love the detailed, technical approach. Just want to say thank you!
Many thanks!
Sweet! I just ordered the Telos backslash in a 153cm. The other day.
Bought the 154 Dancehaul this year and will never look back. Jesus what a funny board. Only done groomers and blue park but i love it
Great to hear.
I like Salomon boards to ride. Just not to own. I find the construction starts to fall apart on year 3. More so than any other. Even Ride boards without a top sheet are infinitely more durable. It makes me sad.
@@dootdoot1867 they are pretty cheap boards considering what you get. First one i own. I had a ride algorythm for 3 years and no problem whatsoever with topsheet
Loved the Yes Uninc Hybrid when Yea made that board.
So bummed they stopped or it would have been on this list.
I'm 172cm x 80kg and ride a gremilin 152 and can confirm fully agree with the review. it is super fun, easy to maneuver and to pop on hard days! but it is not a good powder board. specially if you downsize it like I did.
Thanks for your take. Need your boot size as that's super important when sizing a board and sharing your take.
@thegoodridesnow boot size is US men 9.5
Thanks!
when you place the bindings on these short board do you center them in relacion to the contact points?
i just checked my gremilin and I'm slightly further back. but my front foot is close to the middle of the inserts...
Great lineup! We're still hoping to see lineups for the top low-angle powder boards and base glide boards. Happy holidays!
So behind...soo behind...
@thegoodridesnow hey you got base glide in the filters on the site! Thank you!
Sorry it took so long!
Great review. It is much appreciated that you show the width under the feet. I know the Hybrid is gone but I would like to ask if it would have made it to this list and how it compares to the boards on this list? Thanks
Thanks! Oh hell yeah! I loved the Hybrid and so did everyone in our crew. So bummed its gone.
Have you tried the K2 almanac yet? Torn between that, the dancehaul and the warpig.
Okay I know I think this every few days but seriously I feel like the Almanac could be "the one"! 😂 🤔
I haven't tried it but hope to test it this season.
I’ve been eyeballing the almanac as well! Wondering the main difference between it and the excavator
I'm 170cm (5'7") and around 61kg (135lbs) boot size 9 in Ride The 92, I want to pick up Gremlin but I'm torn between 148 and 152. I don't want something that can't hold edge when it's too icy or be stuck with low speeds but I also don't want a stiff plank.
What make/model/size/year board do you ride now and how does it work for you?
Where does the never summer harpoon rank on this list / compared to the Orca?
It doesn't rank on this list and didn't make it this year but did in the past. Its a very good board though and if you want something like the Orca but with a more mellow flex in the center and a faster base it could work for you.
I've got a rome service dog for party/powder riding. ~200lbs size 10.5 boot. I am looking for another board to complement this one, specifically something a little more twin (preferably still directional) that's stronger on some steeper terrain/variable terrain that still has the pop for some larger jumps/side hits. What would you suggest?
Need Height to know for sure (need all three). Need a lot more info to properly help but based on the info I have maybe the Stale Crewzer would be good or Warden for the similar price point. Not a chill board like Rome Says. Watch my review. Almost full camber and very energetic. Maybe something like the Nitro Alternator could work. If you want to get into it more, hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I am feet 46EU (combined with bulky Supermatics) and I love to do eurocarves and feel knees and elbows scraping the snow, however it is extremely hard to find a good board for that for 100kg person :(
It is for those specs and hope you found a good ride.
Please review the new amplid psychonaut!
I'll for sure try. Looks fun.
Nice. I have the 2020 Orca for Pow days. 2021 Gremlin for groomer days
My man, I literally just bought those 2 boards for the upcoming season. I ride a lot on the east coast, how do you like the gremlin on ice?
@@pauld984. I wouldnt say I ride east coast ice but do ride a lot of man made crap at Big Bear in SoCal. It holds really well! I can feel the camber holding steady as I rip through the mountain. I also took it to Colorado last week where they had pow pockets in the trees and pristine groomers. I had a great time zooming around.
You are set!
@@je5406 Thanks man, what bindings you running on each?
Great list. I'm 140 lbs, size 9 (US) boots, 5'9" tall. Currently I'm using Burton Custom 154. I do carving and switch. Which board you recommend from this list for carving and switch? Thank you for your help.
Thanks. Dancehaul 147
None from the list. Yes greats uninc. Ride Twinpig. Are what you want.
Can you make a video about Japanese brands like gentemstick, island snowboards or offshore snow shapes? :)
Snowsurf Favorites are next which is close to what you are asking. If you go here and filter by Snowsurf you can see the boards I've reviewed. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1 I'll try to do something about Japanese Brands specifically but I'm so back logged right now that it might not come out for a long time.
@ Ohhhh sick that sounds awesome ☺️ I think I will be a nice video, because many travelers are going to Japan after their first seasons and I think a video like that for the japanese boards will boom ☺️
Thanks. Yeah while you are waiting for me to get 2025 Snowsurf live you can watch and read this from 2024 thegoodride.com/the-good-ride-snowsurf-favorites/. Many favorites on this list will be there again.
No ride warpig?
Its a fun board but I liked these better. See 2:16 still could be your favorite.
Is the base any better on this years’ Gremlin than earlier models?
Seems to be the same
@ Thanks!
No lib short wide or super pig?
Two good boards but check 2:16
Why is the normal dancehaul on this list and not the pro? Is the bigger Pricetag not worth the pro Version?
Pruce doesnt always mean better. The Pro is great but I like the regular softer more chatter absorbing flex better in all conditions. Check my reviews of both where I compare each and see what appeals to you more.
Which short wide would you recommend for a beginner with a size 14 boot?
@ninjabic Thats a tough call with 14's. They dont make many boards that wide and less these days for beginners. What is your weight n height? Also where do you ride and what make/model/size board do you ride now and how does it ride for you? Or if you want in depth advice hit me here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
If you are wide you gotta go Ride wide short and fat boards. If you want bang for buck and only want to Ride a few days? as a beginner get a wide Rossignol board.
Rossignol does not make boards that fit size 14's. Please be careful reccomending boards without seriously considering boot size. Especially 14's.
@@thegoodridesnow A Size 14 US boot is 30.2CM. By Rossignol's size guide on their web page that would give quite a few options. The "District 161 wide, Evader 165 Wide(Usually District and Evader are great options for beginners), There are quite a few. All the Sushi's and Sashimi's are some of the widest boards on the market. But would never recommend to a Beginner. The 169 XV Wide is pretty legendary for the amount of board you get.
Not true. Rossi is best for 12 and under. I've tested with riders with 14's. You seem to be going on specs. Sashimi's are not the widest board on the market. Tail/back foot is very narrow. You cant measure by waist with tapered boards. XV is not wide enough for 14's either.
What about the Nidecker Mellow? It didn't deserve a spot in the list?
It changed and the former Nidecker rep dropped the ball sending me the new model for testing before this list came out. I'm testing it now and liking it. You can check my take so far on Patreon
Gremlins are huge on the east coast
Right on. That would for sure be in my quiver If I rode out East.
Hey James, do you do phone calls for gear advice?
Yes but only at the 2 highest tiers. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Beastie... ha, humor me 🤓 --- Last run on earth and you have a Biru and an Orca at the top of the lift...perfect pow up top, then into some perfect groomers and we'll finish it out with perfect soft snow at the bottom... Whattya grab?
I would grab the Biru but I'm more into camber and fast bases. The Orca will float easier, has more grip and is more forgiving so if you want a more floaty/chill ride go Orca.
You want to feel like you're about 50% better than you actually are, orca. It's fun in everything except rockhard ice and slush. It's sketchy but acceptable on ice, but it's a limp noodle when the is wet and slushy.
I haven't rode the Biru that's my take after a couple years with the orca.
Same Question, but it's a Biru and Backslash?
75kg, US SIZE 11, riding since 89. 2nd board for small hills and tree runs on vacation.
Sorry @ELROY-y1f I didn't see this question. Slammed this time of year. Both are great boards. I like the Biru for carving and going harder and it has a faster base. I like the Backslash for a little more mellow/slashy/a little shorter/wider playful ride. Both have lots of overlap and are super fun doing a little of everything and have similar float in pow so go with the one that appeals to you more.
@@thegoodridesnow Great, thanks for the input and taking the time to respond! Much appreciated!
Good picks own a few myself.. the first year excavator had a very fast base, kinda hard to understand what K2 is thinking detuning the alchemist and excavator just so they can run some loud graphic on it.. ut runs contrary to everything else they are doing, their current line of boards are all sick designs and full of great tech.. then they ditch the black carbon infused race base for some BS clear crown junk like burton uses.. i dont get it..
Thanks! Yeah heard it had a faster base and bummed they got rid of it too. I tried K2's higher end bases and they were great.
@@Diesel0807 Agree. When watching you this can't help but think, a slightly damper / fast base on the excavator would be king of short wides
Turn radii are key here also
Love my Pocket Rocket for the deepest days 🫡
Otherwise I’m a lot on my alchemist 159W or the stalefish
i need an advice frome someone with more expirience than me plz!(i ride 5 years now 20-30 times a year)
I need a big powder board to take with me in big mountain trips.
I need (stability, flotation, and the ability to forgive me in front foot heavy landings in powder)
I want(surfing feeling, enjoyable ride)(i think over 164boards mostly)
*I dont need swich riding so the swallowtails is in the game( i would say i prefer them)
height: 1,82
weight: 75kilos
boot size: 9,5
I have a:
k2 excavator 154
k2 geometric 152(i am not a K2 fun boy)
if anyone can help me plz be someone that has ride some boards of that type... THANKS!!!
The orca has the hype for a reason. It's good at all you list.. I would try to get a demo on a Yes PYL uninc. It will probably become your goto.
9.5US? What do you like/not like about the Excavator?
@@thegoodridesnow I have the excavator for everyday use and I want something bigger... maybe is psychological reasons but i dont feell it can keep me stable in hy speeds in steep off-piste terrain... I was in alps lat season and i think what i NEED is the opportunity to enjoy more the steep terrain and don't be nervous about stability!!!
@@dootdoot1867 I like the orca a lot(i have ride it) and the pyl is very good on papers(i haven't ride it) but these boards will be a good choice for the replacement of the K2 excavator... I want something longer, (164 and over), that would be good in stability and in floatation...
Thanks for the reply though!
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for the reply!!!
I visit the site and take the test....
The only choice was the amplid snowmelier 166...
What do you think???
Thanks, each review helps choose the best board,.. maybe each boarder has also a personality preference..😅
Was wondering what happened to you. Wb!
Sorry! Was being audited...lots of fun.
@ ouch!
I look for your videos everyday. I’m glad you didn’t stop.
Thanks!