7.8 KiB
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
- Snowboards.eu - YES Standard
- 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
- Snowleader.nl - YES All Out 2025 - €402.50 (check stock)
- Tactics - YES All Out 2025
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:
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 - $384.95 (30% off closeout)
- Blue Tomato - Capita DOA 2025
- Blue Tomato - Capita DOA 2026
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 - €594.95 (was €699.95)
- Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape 2025
- Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape Camber 2025
- Blue Tomato - Skunk Ape 2026
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:
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 - €499.95
- Bataleon EU - Goliath+ 2025/2026 - €689.95
- Bataleon EU - Sale (25-30% off some models)
- Blue Tomato - Bataleon Goliath 2025
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 | Physical stores in Den Bosch & Oldenzaal. YES dealer with sale options. |
| Blue Tomato | Wide selection, ships to NL. |
| Snowleader.nl | Dutch site, YES dealer. |
| Funsport Makkum | YES dealer. |
| Stoked Boardshop | Belgium, good Lib Tech stock. |
| Bataleon EU | Direct from manufacturer. |
| YES EU | Direct from manufacturer. |
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
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
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
Last updated: 2025-01-02