# Snowboard Research 2025

## Rider Profile

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Height | 185 cm |
| Weight | 95 kg |
| Boot Size | EU 45/46 |
| Experience | 5 weeks (beginner-intermediate) |
| Preference | Slightly stiffer, willing to grow into more advanced board |

## Target Specs

- **Length:** 163-168 cm
- **Width:** Wide (W) required for EU 45/46 boots
- **Flex:** 5-7 (medium to medium-stiff)
- **Profile:** Camber or CamRock preferred for stability

---

## Shortlist

### 1. YES Standard (Top Pick)

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 5-6/10 (mid-stiff) |
| Profile | CamRock |
| Shape | Directional Volume Twin |
| Sizes | 163W, 164W, 165W |
| Price | ~€500-550 |

**Why it fits:** MidBite edges for enhanced grip on wide boards. Best balance of stiffness, forgiveness, and value. Ranked 92/100 on Snowboarding Profiles. Won't outgrow quickly.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Blue Tomato - YES Standard 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/YES-Standard+2025+Snowboard-735953/)
- [Snowboards.eu - YES Standard](https://snowboards.eu/yes-standard/)
- [Snowboards.eu - YES Standard SALE](https://snowboards.eu/yes-standard-sale/) (discount codes up to €150)

---

### 2. YES All Out

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 7/10 (medium-stiff) |
| Profile | Camber |
| Shape | Directional Twin |
| Sizes | 160W, 164W |
| Price | ~€400-500 |

**Why it fits:** More aggressive option for growing into. Wider platform for stability. Classic camber for response and edge hold.

**Purchase Links:**
- [YES EU Official Store](https://eu.yessnowboards.com/)
- [Snowleader.nl - YES All Out 2025](https://www.snowleader.nl/en/all-out-2025-YES_00078.html) - €402.50 (check stock)
- [Tactics - YES All Out 2025](https://www.tactics.com/yes/all-out-snowboard)

---

### 3. Jones Mountain Twin

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 6/10 |
| Profile | CamRock |
| Shape | Directional Twin |
| Sizes | 162W, 165W, 168W |
| Price | ~€580 |

**Why it fits:** Best powder performance of the group. 3D Contour Base reduces tip drag. Traction Tech edges for hardpack grip. Ranked #1 in all-mountain/freestyle category.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Blue Tomato - Jones Mountain Twin 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Jones+Snowboards-Mountain+Twin+2025+Snowboard-735863/)
- [Jones Official - Mountain Twin 2026](https://www.jonessnowboards.com/products/men-mountain-twin-snowboard-2026)

---

### 4. Capita DOA (Defenders of Awesome)

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 5.5/10 |
| Profile | Hybrid Camber (Resort V1) |
| Shape | True Twin |
| Sizes | 161W, 163W |
| Price | ~€385-580 |

**Why it fits:** 7x consecutive Good Wood award winner. Excellent value for performance. More freestyle-oriented but handles all-mountain well.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Tactics - Capita DOA 2025](https://www.tactics.com/capita/doa-defenders-of-awesome-snowboard) - $384.95 (30% off closeout)
- [Blue Tomato - Capita DOA 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/CAPiTA-Defenders+Of+Awesome+2025+Snowboard-732362/)
- [Blue Tomato - Capita DOA 2026](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/CAPiTA-D+O+A+2026+Snowboard-753328/)

---

### 5. Lib Tech Skunk Ape

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 7/10 |
| Profile | C2X Camber |
| Shape | Directional |
| Sizes | 165W, 170UW |
| Price | ~€595-700 |

**Why it fits:** Purpose-built for bigger/heavier riders. Horsepower construction balances stability and weight. Extra wide platform.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Stoked Boardshop (Belgium) - Skunk Ape Camber 165W](https://www.stokedboardshop.be/en/products/skunk-ape-camber-2025-snowboard) - €594.95 (was €699.95)
- [Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Lib+Tech-Skunk+Ape+2025+Snowboard-729939/)
- [Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape Camber 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Lib+Tech-Skunk+Ape+Camber+2025+Snowboard-729940/)
- [Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape 2026](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Lib+Tech-Skunk+Ape+2026+Snowboard-755627/)

---

### 6. Burton Custom

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 6/10 |
| Profile | Camber |
| Shape | Directional Twin |
| Sizes | 158W, 162W, 166W, 170W |
| Price | ~€670 |

**Why it fits:** 30 years of refinement. Precise, poppy, dependable. Classic camber feel with modern build. Premium option.

**Note:** Wide sizes often sell out quickly.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Blue Tomato - Burton Custom 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Burton-Custom+2025+Snowboard-728732/)
- [Burton UK - Custom Camber](https://www.burton.com/gb/en/p/mens-burton-custom-camber-snowboard/W25-106881.html)
- [Burton CH - Custom Camber](https://www.burton.com/ch/en/p/mens-burton-custom-x-camber-snowboard/W24-106891.html)

---

### 7. Bataleon Goliath

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Flex | 6/10 |
| Profile | 3BT (Triple Base Technology) |
| Shape | Directional Twin |
| Sizes | 161, 161W, 164, 164W, 167W |
| Price | ~€500-690 |

**Why it fits:** 3BT profile reduces edge catches (forgiving for progression). Built for bigger riders. Good all-mountain versatility.

**Purchase Links:**
- [Bataleon EU - Goliath 2025/2026](https://eu.bataleon.com/products/bataleon-2526-goliath-mens-snowboard) - €499.95
- [Bataleon EU - Goliath+ 2025/2026](https://eu.bataleon.com/products/bataleon-2526-goliath-plus-mens-snowboard) - €689.95
- [Bataleon EU - Sale](https://eu.bataleon.com/collections/bataleon-sale/snowboards) (25-30% off some models)
- [Blue Tomato - Bataleon Goliath 2025](https://www.blue-tomato.com/en-GB/product/Bataleon-Goliath+2025+Snowboard-734294/)

---

## Comparison Summary

| Board | Flex | Price (€) | Powder | Carving | Forgiveness | Value |
|-------|------|-----------|--------|---------|-------------|-------|
| YES Standard | 5-6 | 500-550 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| YES All Out | 7 | 400-500 | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jones Mtn Twin | 6 | 580 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Capita DOA | 5.5 | 385-580 | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lib Tech Skunk Ape | 7 | 595-700 | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Burton Custom | 6 | 670 | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Bataleon Goliath | 6 | 500-690 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |

---

## Dutch/EU Retailers

| Retailer | Notes |
|----------|-------|
| [Snowboards.eu](https://snowboards.eu) | Physical stores in Den Bosch & Oldenzaal. YES dealer with sale options. |
| [Blue Tomato](https://www.blue-tomato.com) | Wide selection, ships to NL. |
| [Snowleader.nl](https://www.snowleader.nl) | Dutch site, YES dealer. |
| [Funsport Makkum](https://www.funsportmakkum.nl) | YES dealer. |
| [Stoked Boardshop](https://www.stokedboardshop.be) | Belgium, good Lib Tech stock. |
| [Bataleon EU](https://eu.bataleon.com) | Direct from manufacturer. |
| [YES EU](https://eu.yessnowboards.com) | Direct from manufacturer. |

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## Price Timing Tips

- **End of season (March-April):** Clearance sales
- **Summer (July-September):** Best discounts on previous year models (20-40% off)
- **July 4th / Labor Day sales:** US retailers often have deals
- **Black Friday:** Some EU retailers participate

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## Recommendation

**Primary choice: YES Standard 163W or 165W**
- Best balance for your weight, experience, and growth potential
- MidBite technology works well on wide boards
- Strong value proposition

**If you want more aggressive / stiffer:**
- Jones Mountain Twin 165W (better powder)
- Lib Tech Skunk Ape 165W (built for your weight class)

**Budget-conscious:**
- Capita DOA 163W on closeout (~€385)
- Bataleon Goliath on sale

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## Notes

- At 95 kg, you naturally soften any board's flex by ~1 point
- Wide (W) boards essential for EU 45/46 to prevent toe/heel drag
- Camber/CamRock profiles provide better edge hold than pure rocker

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*Last updated: 2025-01-02*