Many thanks and sorry I'm soo behind. It's not a favorite but a very fun, soft, long easy riding board that is much better now that it has recycled ABS on the outside. I rode the 2024 and 2025 models and the review will address both.
hey! thanks for the awesome reviews! are you making a splitboard video this season? passes are so expensive now that it is cheaper to buy a splitboard setup than a season pass!
Great channel that's been very educational for me. I'm thinking of getting the capita aeronaut but am unsure of sizing. I'm 185cm(6ft 1), 87kg (190 lbs) and wear size US 9.5 or 10 boots depending on model. Capita's website would recommend 161. However I'm an intermediate rider and not so much of a hard charger. given what I have read about the board's stiffness and your website, I am thinking if a 159 might be more suitable. Concerned that a 161 may be too much to handle. Would very much appreciate your expert advise.
Amazing video!! Thanks for what you're doing! Are the setbacks you report measured from the center of sidecut or with respect to the centre of the effective edge?
Thanks for the good words. The "setback on Sidecut" is the brands measurement based on the setback from center of sidecut. The "Setback On Board" Measurement is the difference between the nose to the second to last insert on the front foot vs. tail to the second to last insert and then divided by 2.
@thegoodridesnow thanks a lot! However now I'm a bit confused maybe you can help me out: why would it be relevant to measure the setback of the insert pack with respect to the length of the board? Different boards may have longer nose for example, but what I would think it's natural to measure is the setback of the (center of the) inserts pack with respect to the (center of the) effective edge, which goes from contact point in the tail to contact point in the nose when the board is tilted on the edge. That would describe more the "setback feel" when turning and carving on groomer I'd say, wouldn't it? Also, Burton for sure measures the setback with respect to the center of the edge: for my hometown hero for example the setback is stated to be -4cm. The sidecut is radial but the board is tapered: in this way the center of the sidecut is already moved back with respect to the center of the effective edge, naturally. Now, with such a setback for the inserts, the center of the inserts happens to be exactly on the center of the sidecut ( the minimum waist width). I think this is the reason why the HH is so versatile in riding switch, given how directional it is overall. For what I've seen, this is not the general case, and the center of inserts can also happen to be forward with respect to sidecut, while still being backward with respect to center of effective edge. That's why I'm doubting that brands are reporting the setback with respect to sidecut. But I would need to have the possibility to check them all😅😂 sorry for nerding too much, but I find it very interesting:)
Good question~ It's definitely worth it for me to put some time into this to clarify. 1. I measure the furthest you can set it back from the center of the board for easy directional float in powder because no one posts that. This is just to compare what they say the setback is on sidecut vs. what you can get on board for easy pow float, and I found that just measuring nose and tail length isn't the same. 2. Regarding your HTH, this is a unique case but I always address this. .Check my review, where I discuss what a Balanced Freeride Geometry Sidecut does in relation to its tapered directional shape. I say it differently than you, but we both say the same thing. It's usually addressed with Burton Tapered Directional boards in my review categories: "Shape" "Turning Experience" "Switch" I always talk about how a board feels on snow vs. its shape; in other reviews, though, which also addresses what you are suggesting. 3. In the reviews we are posting for 2026 and some 2025 we haven't filmed yet, I have added setback on reference stance from center of board to show where you are on the board for groomer days or if you ride on reference in pow for better landings when you get air. I've considered measuring the True Contact Length vs. the Effective Edge. For example, it would show how a board with a rocker before the nose will actually feel on snow vs. what they say the effective edge is on the specs. Many still measure like it's a full camber board, so an effective edge of 122cm is actually 114cm on groomers if you factor in the rocker before the nose, and it only feels like 122cm in powder or really soft snow. Then, throwing in where the reference stance sits in relation to this true contact location might help, too. So good suggestion! If you have any more questions or feedback, email me through thegoodride.com so I can send looms to save time if you want more explanation. I'm so behind right now.
You want to go longer for sure vs. a park board if it was sized right. Size it by boots first, weight second and height 3rd. 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/
Picked up a 2025 Gril Master to pair with the new Genesis Step On EST. Last years final edition of the Skeleton Key kinda felt like it had lost the deep flex magic of the earlier models, so hoping the Gril will recapture better times! Keep on rockin' in the free world brother man.
This is exactly the setup that I'm looking to go for. I have an 2017 Process that I want to upgrade from. I want to get the Genesis EST's with some Photons and the Gril Master.
@salvm4715 if you want something that is more directional and tapered this might work but hard to say without knowing anything about you. If you only ride Burton go EST but if you aren't exclusive to Burton go Re:Flex so you don't have to buy a second pair later.
@@thegoodridesnow I'm not specifically pro Burton but I've been eyeing step ons for quite some time. I don't ride a lot of park and really like going off piste / hitting some chunder. I was looking at going with the EST as they are supposedly more connected to the board and have a bit more lateral flex. I've never tried them though. I do have a Burton store close by. So first step would be trying on a pair of boots to make sure I have a good fit. I do want to have a do-it-all kind of board. Seems there are so many options at the moment. I'm 6'5 and 225.
I'd go Re:Flex then. I get soooooo many requests for advice where riders want a ride Burton can't offer a year or two after buying EST but don't want to buy new bindings so they ask me what Burton will work like the board they want and the answer is often none. So then they are stuck adding about $300 plus to the purchase of the board that works best for them. Yes EST feels a little better on Burton so only do it if you are ok buying new bindings or are committed to this board till you need new bindings as well as a new board. Also, I need boot size to properly help but also a lot more. If you want to get into it more and do this right, hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Another great video, thanks for continuing to produce top notch content. Do you have a favorite favorite? I’m sure the choice would be biased by your local terrain/conditions, but does one of these boards put a slightly bigger smile on your face when you ride it?
Thanks! Greatly appreciated. I'm coming out with an Editors favorites. Boards I would choose if I could only have one board from each riding style. From this list it would be the United Shapes Cadet for it's versatility and easy float in pow.
No. It's still a favorite on The Good Ride and one of my personal favorites. When I get time to ride for fun and it's a groomer day I often take that out.
Two very different boards. Surfari is wider, more set back, feels more aggressive/stiffer/faster. Souly Grail turns quicker, feels more centered and more like a daily driver for me but it really depends on your specs, riding style etc.
You think the Gril Master is too much for the Rad Granddad? I’m currently on a 2022 Burton Custom, which I’m trying to get comfortable on, but honestly don’t like. I find myself grabbing my 2003 Burton Custom, which I’ll probably ride forever because it’s an easy board to ride for me.
Customs are stiff boards...even some technical good riders don't necessarily like it. You can find many other boards wayyyy softer BUT very performant. An example Jones frontier (I am not Jones fanboy but let's admit it they make some very approachable yet performant boards) . If you want to stick with burton rail system there are also endeavor boards that are nice freeride boards without being stiff planks (scout legacy or appolo directors). I also own Burton board with est system, among other boards and bindings. I still prefer traditional inserts system. Yet I admit the way the boards flexes under the bindings is very unique.
@ Thanks for the insight and advice. I agree, the flex under foot is very unique. Hopefully I can demo some EST bindings this year and see what kind of a difference it makes.
@@thegoodridesnow Boot: 10; Height 5’9”; Weight 220. The 2022 Burton Custom camber is 162cm. The 2003 Burton Custom camber is 163cm. I would classify my riding, now at the age of 54, as high intermediate.
Still a favorite but just moved that over to the Alt Freeride Favorites list coming up next. I just kept recommending it with boards like the Jones Mind Expander and Cardiff Powgoda so moved it over to that list. I think it fits better there.
Love the commitment to unbiased and thorough reviews.
Many thanks!
Keep up the great work James. The good ride reviews are spot on for the normal human snowboarder. Thanks for being you in a world that's not.
Greatly appreciated @seank1200!!!
Just picked up the Souly Grail after watching your videos. Can’t wait to get some Carves in this year 🤙
The intro was great. Very understandable and easy flowing. Chills vibes are great.
Many thanks!
Incredible board insights as always man 🙏🏻
Many thanks!
Keep up the reviews. I picked up a K2 passport after watching your review back when you posted that video.
Thanks and hope you enjoy it.
Been watching your reviews for years here in the UK keep up the good work
Many thanks @Charlie666 and glad to have you here.
This is the video I was waiting for. Much obliged, thank you sir
Glad it helps!
Fantastic review, all the information needed to make a really well informed choice. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Taka e.p. vs regular Taka
Many thanks and sorry I'm soo behind. It's not a favorite but a very fun, soft, long easy riding board that is much better now that it has recycled ABS on the outside. I rode the 2024 and 2025 models and the review will address both.
No worries James, quality over quantity! Thanks for the brief summary, sounds like the regular model would be a better option for me. 👍
Thanks, legends
Love the channel. Thank you for comparing so many boards!
Ha, glad my new board made the list!!
Thanks and hope you enjoy it!
hey! thanks for the awesome reviews! are you making a splitboard video this season? passes are so expensive now that it is cheaper to buy a splitboard setup than a season pass!
Thanks for the good words and yes. We have a new reviewer, Jay who has put together some reviews and they will be going live in the coming weeks.
Great channel that's been very educational for me.
I'm thinking of getting the capita aeronaut but am unsure of sizing. I'm 185cm(6ft 1), 87kg (190 lbs) and wear size US 9.5 or 10 boots depending on model.
Capita's website would recommend 161. However I'm an intermediate rider and not so much of a hard charger. given what I have read about the board's stiffness and your website, I am thinking if a 159 might be more suitable. Concerned that a 161 may be too much to handle. Would very much appreciate your expert advise.
Amazing video!! Thanks for what you're doing!
Are the setbacks you report measured from the center of sidecut or with respect to the centre of the effective edge?
Thanks for the good words. The "setback on Sidecut" is the brands measurement based on the setback from center of sidecut. The "Setback On Board" Measurement is the difference between the nose to the second to last insert on the front foot vs. tail to the second to last insert and then divided by 2.
@thegoodridesnow thanks a lot! However now I'm a bit confused maybe you can help me out: why would it be relevant to measure the setback of the insert pack with respect to the length of the board? Different boards may have longer nose for example, but what I would think it's natural to measure is the setback of the (center of the) inserts pack with respect to the (center of the) effective edge, which goes from contact point in the tail to contact point in the nose when the board is tilted on the edge. That would describe more the "setback feel" when turning and carving on groomer I'd say, wouldn't it?
Also, Burton for sure measures the setback with respect to the center of the edge: for my hometown hero for example the setback is stated to be -4cm. The sidecut is radial but the board is tapered: in this way the center of the sidecut is already moved back with respect to the center of the effective edge, naturally. Now, with such a setback for the inserts, the center of the inserts happens to be exactly on the center of the sidecut ( the minimum waist width). I think this is the reason why the HH is so versatile in riding switch, given how directional it is overall.
For what I've seen, this is not the general case, and the center of inserts can also happen to be forward with respect to sidecut, while still being backward with respect to center of effective edge. That's why I'm doubting that brands are reporting the setback with respect to sidecut. But I would need to have the possibility to check them all😅😂 sorry for nerding too much, but I find it very interesting:)
Good question~ It's definitely worth it for me to put some time into this to clarify.
1. I measure the furthest you can set it back from the center of the board for easy directional float in powder because no one posts that. This is just to compare what they say the setback is on sidecut vs. what you can get on board for easy pow float, and I found that just measuring nose and tail length isn't the same.
2. Regarding your HTH, this is a unique case but I always address this. .Check my review, where I discuss what a Balanced Freeride Geometry Sidecut does in relation to its tapered directional shape. I say it differently than you, but we both say the same thing. It's usually addressed with Burton Tapered Directional boards in my review categories:
"Shape"
"Turning Experience"
"Switch"
I always talk about how a board feels on snow vs. its shape; in other reviews, though, which also addresses what you are suggesting.
3. In the reviews we are posting for 2026 and some 2025 we haven't filmed yet, I have added setback on reference stance from center of board to show where you are on the board for groomer days or if you ride on reference in pow for better landings when you get air.
I've considered measuring the True Contact Length vs. the Effective Edge. For example, it would show how a board with a rocker before the nose will actually feel on snow vs. what they say the effective edge is on the specs. Many still measure like it's a full camber board, so an effective edge of 122cm is actually 114cm on groomers if you factor in the rocker before the nose, and it only feels like 122cm in powder or really soft snow. Then, throwing in where the reference stance sits in relation to this true contact location might help, too. So good suggestion!
If you have any more questions or feedback, email me through thegoodride.com so I can send looms to save time if you want more explanation. I'm so behind right now.
Great timing!! First freeride board for me but rode park boards for 15 years. How should I size a set-back board? Longer or same size?
You want to go longer for sure vs. a park board if it was sized right. Size it by boots first, weight second and height 3rd. 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/
For weight charts, do I use what I get on the scale at the doctor, or my weight with all my gear on (boots, jackets, water bottle, helmet, ect)
Picked up a 2025 Gril Master to pair with the new Genesis Step On EST. Last years final edition of the Skeleton Key kinda felt like it had lost the deep flex magic of the earlier models, so hoping the Gril will recapture better times! Keep on rockin' in the free world brother man.
This is exactly the setup that I'm looking to go for. I have an 2017 Process that I want to upgrade from. I want to get the Genesis EST's with some Photons and the Gril Master.
Thanks @Against417 and hope it works for you as well as those old SK's did. Those were special rides.
@salvm4715 if you want something that is more directional and tapered this might work but hard to say without knowing anything about you. If you only ride Burton go EST but if you aren't exclusive to Burton go Re:Flex so you don't have to buy a second pair later.
@@thegoodridesnow I'm not specifically pro Burton but I've been eyeing step ons for quite some time. I don't ride a lot of park and really like going off piste / hitting some chunder. I was looking at going with the EST as they are supposedly more connected to the board and have a bit more lateral flex. I've never tried them though. I do have a Burton store close by. So first step would be trying on a pair of boots to make sure I have a good fit. I do want to have a do-it-all kind of board. Seems there are so many options at the moment. I'm 6'5 and 225.
I'd go Re:Flex then. I get soooooo many requests for advice where riders want a ride Burton can't offer a year or two after buying EST but don't want to buy new bindings so they ask me what Burton will work like the board they want and the answer is often none. So then they are stuck adding about $300 plus to the purchase of the board that works best for them. Yes EST feels a little better on Burton so only do it if you are ok buying new bindings or are committed to this board till you need new bindings as well as a new board. Also, I need boot size to properly help but also a lot more. If you want to get into it more and do this right, hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I can't freaking wait for some snooowwwww
Another great video, thanks for continuing to produce top notch content. Do you have a favorite favorite? I’m sure the choice would be biased by your local terrain/conditions, but does one of these boards put a slightly bigger smile on your face when you ride it?
Thanks! Greatly appreciated. I'm coming out with an Editors favorites. Boards I would choose if I could only have one board from each riding style. From this list it would be the United Shapes Cadet for it's versatility and easy float in pow.
Has the yes uninc greats changed in the past few years? I noticed you guys used to take about it much more.
No. It's still a favorite on The Good Ride and one of my personal favorites. When I get time to ride for fun and it's a groomer day I often take that out.
Souly Grail vs Surfari?
Two very different boards. Surfari is wider, more set back, feels more aggressive/stiffer/faster. Souly Grail turns quicker, feels more centered and more like a daily driver for me but it really depends on your specs, riding style etc.
You think the Gril Master is too much for the Rad Granddad? I’m currently on a 2022 Burton Custom, which I’m trying to get comfortable on, but honestly don’t like. I find myself grabbing my 2003 Burton Custom, which I’ll probably ride forever because it’s an easy board to ride for me.
Customs are stiff boards...even some technical good riders don't necessarily like it. You can find many other boards wayyyy softer BUT very performant. An example Jones frontier (I am not Jones fanboy but let's admit it they make some very approachable yet performant boards) . If you want to stick with burton rail system there are also endeavor boards that are nice freeride boards without being stiff planks (scout legacy or appolo directors). I also own Burton board with est system, among other boards and bindings. I still prefer traditional inserts system. Yet I admit the way the boards flexes under the bindings is very unique.
@ Thanks for the insight and advice. I agree, the flex under foot is very unique. Hopefully I can demo some EST bindings this year and see what kind of a difference it makes.
@emceeboogs6190 What is your boot size, weight and height? Also what size 22 and 03 custom are you riding?
@@thegoodridesnow Boot: 10; Height 5’9”; Weight 220. The 2022 Burton Custom camber is 162cm. The 2003 Burton Custom camber is 163cm. I would classify my riding, now at the age of 54, as high intermediate.
Hei
how could it not be YES PYL UnInc. DCP Xtrm 24/25 on the list?
Still a favorite but just moved that over to the Alt Freeride Favorites list coming up next. I just kept recommending it with boards like the Jones Mind Expander and Cardiff Powgoda so moved it over to that list. I think it fits better there.
@ 👍👍
I have all i need for the season. Thanks for the honest reviews and breakdowns. I dont understand the hate. Do your thing man 🫡