Best snowboard reviews on the web James, keep them coming. I found my Korura Dart 156 to be a little hesitant to turn in low-angle pow and hit a tree with it. I gave it to my cousin who is 6’5” 199lb and he reported no such issues. It was a fantastic carving board but it’s a little thicker deck than most IMO.
I can see where you come from on this description in regard hesitant to turn, my first few days on the Dart I wondered what I had done and couldn't square the GoodRide review to what I was feeling (carving and in pow), It took a week of experimenting with my stance angles and position on the board to sort that out, but I did sort it. Initially with a front weight bias and very positive, as I got used to the board and how to drive it (front foot carve, rear foot pow for me) those adjustments came good. I love it now.
I think the Dart just needs a lot of speed in Pow to really perform well. Glad you figured out what worked for you though, what’s really important about Korura, IMO is the innovation and differentiation they brought to the industry. We are right now, living in the Golden Age of snowboarding. JMO. @@philpryor3152
This video makes me so happy. It’s my favourite subcategory of snowboarding right now and almost all of the boards on this list are either boards I own (that Moss Jellyfish is incredible and probably my favourite board right now) or am strongly considering!
I would be curious to hear your take on the Elevated SurfCraft 5’5” Egg. I see lots of riders in Japan ripping on similar pintail designs from the Gentemstick & Moss lines. I have the Elevated Goldfish and I love it. I’m thinking to add the Egg next
These Korua boards look like so much fun, but do you think they can be reliable on steeper more challenging terrain? Previously I've used my park board(huck knife) on the whole mountain, even trees and open, steep, rocky terrain. I want to add a better carver and powder/trees board as a second board, and I'd like to be able to take on the steeper stuff with it. These look great for carving and pow but I'd be new to the directional forward stance riding, so I've been debating between something like this and a Jones Freeride... Even if u don't have time to answer my question ty for making all these detailed reviews, your videos and website have been super helpful in my gear search, so thank you.
Thanks! If you can ride a Huck Knife in steep terrain you can ride most of these. I don't have enough info to properly help but if you want to ease into more directional riding and your specs (boot size/weight/height) match well with a Transition Finder, that might be a great addition to your quiver. So could the Jones Mind Expander. 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/
Thank you James for all the work you've done and this great review !! As a surfer (beginner to intermediate), I am looking for a snowsurf to get this surfy feeling we love on the snow. Would you say the Korua Café Racer has a good back foot pivot point ? (such as the Elevated Whisky Jack)
Many thanks! So the whiskey Jack might be easier as a beginner/intermediate. The Cafe' Racer is pretty technical/catchy. Hit me up here so we can get into this in better detail and I can properly help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Alright, thanks a lot ! I was wondering because I'm fine on surf skates (Yow, Smoothstar or the very turny Swelltechs) so I was wondering if I could manage the Korua without that much damage to my butt haha ! I'll get on your website with your link when I'm done with my day of work but thanks already for your quick answer 🤙
Hey, I picked up a storm wolf and love it. (You really gotta try the 157) And I’d like to add a tighter turning surfstyle board. I’m about your size body and foot riding in the PNW. Suggestions?
You mean the 158 Storm Wolf? I did. Liked it better than the 162 but liked these boards on this list more.Gotta update the review on the site. So maybe the 2025 Storm Chaser with camber will work. Going to be a favorite. Super fun grromer ride now. If you want more detailed help hit me here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks! I had been avoiding the storm chaser because it sounded too much like the early noodley mind expander. Didn’t know it got cambered up more. I’ll check it out. How would you compare it to the UME?
Totally different rides. Storm Chaser 2025 is a short/wide/set back snowsurf swallow tail kind of ride. It's an entirely different ride from the 2024 and earlier models. Hit me at the link above if you have any further questions or want real advice.
I rode that and it's a very fun recommendable board. It just didn't give me the same magic as some of the longer boards like it did on the list. Glad you like it' and it's your personal favorite.
Hey, I’m a surfer who rides front foot heavy (175lbs, 8.5 shoe) I currently have a 159 Banked Country and a 154 UME. Both feel somewhat surfy but I want more surfy-ness and I prefer damp over lively being 56 years old. I’m really attracted to how the Japow sounds but not really sure where to start trying out something new. What do you think?
You might like a 159 Japow and it could for sure work for you. Maybe consider the Nidecker Beta 157 as well if you want something that drives hard on the front footl. Hit me up here if you want to get into it more. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Rode it. These ride almost on the tail. The Morning Glory doesn't ride that set back. It's a fun ride and it feels set back/turny/surfy for a freeride board but nothing like these. Review is coming.
Check this breakdown if your head hurts and it explains it pretty well. th-cam.com/video/i2acv3O6_gE/w-d-xo.html Or go to the actual site and check out the sotr/filters to see how its broken down. I could never just own one board. That is my ultimate torture and why I started The Good Ride. Hit me up here if you want to find the best one for you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Loved the video! Could i ask where the gentemstick spoonfish 152 fits on this list? Was eyeing one of them for the snowsurf capabilities and surprised to see that it isnt mentioned here
Thanks! Great board. I just like the Barracuda and Barracuda HP better. I often recommend the Spoonfish and Spoonfish 152 for smaller riders. It's an exceptional board so if it works for your specs definitely go for it! Just doesn't come in a very recommendable size for most North American and European riders.
It will be small for your specs. I'd go with something a little bigger. You might really like the Gentemstick Barracuda HP more or the Dart Plus 156 for your specs. You can hit me up here if you want to get into it more. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Thanks! Its Freeride and nothing like these boards on this list. You can see how things are categorized here by using the filters. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1
I would say it really comes down to the board you choose and your riding style/binding preference. It's also more about response than flex. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail and get real advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I love my Bataleon Surfer, which Bataleon could have easily name the “Molly Brown” instead since it is just plain unsinkable, and boy did I have plenty of opportunity to try last season in Utah!
Would the Season Forma be considered in this category or does the camber profile keep it from being considered surfy? Saw your review on that was very positive and was surprised it didn’t make this list.
Yes you can always find where boards sit here in the sort/filter thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1 or on the actual review itself. It was a favorite a few years ago. Love how this board turns. Just like the boards on this list a little more in powder.
Sorry, but I have no idea because I know literally nothing about you and those are two very different boards. 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/
@@thegoodridesnow fair enough. was just gauging to see whether you might have a clear personal favorite, as both seem to have great overall reviews tho the Mosquito ones possibly a bit more passionate. Appreciate you guys. 🍻
Thanks. If you want to know my opinion i like the Mellow better. Thats why its a favorite but if you like a stiffer full camber more tapered ride go Mosquito.
It can be done if you like this style and it's not as hard as it used to be in the Full camber days. To find the right board I would need to know a lot more about you to help properly. Otherwise I'm just guessing. Hit me up here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Would the Nitro Quiver Pow be considered a snow surf? Fits all the attributes you listed at the beginning - or what do you even consider as the difference between a true power board and a true snow surf? Got an end of season one and I cant wait to ride
@@thegoodridesnow interesting, I thought I had a powder board this whole time - but now I'm a bit confused, how would a true powder board ride differently from these? Would it be a stiffer harder ride like a freeride board that just happens to have a lot of float, or is there something else I'm missing?
1:21 explains it. You have a board that floats incredibly well in pow but can also carve groomers. Just rode your board recently and the review is coming. To learn about pow boards check this. thegoodride.com/the-good-rides-favorite-powder-boards
I would say all do pretty well for their width but the Beta's did best but only if you size correctly for your specs. The Shift and Jellyfish did well too though.
More of a centered big mountain surfy ride for those that want to slash but also get big air in steeper terrain instead of ride super set back towards the tail like most of these.
Hi ! Superbe video as usual :) My girlfriend has set her eyes on the Nidecker Beta :D What about the Jones Storm Wolf ? You did mention that it carves hard on groomers
Thanks! Nice. Hopefully it fits her specs. Yeah the Storm Wolf does and its a fun board. I just preferred turning these boards more in groomers and powder.
Thanks! No it holds very well in hard snow. Nothing does great in icy snow except for a few really disrupted sidecuts. Hit me up here if you want to know for sure this will work for you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Nothing carves as hard as a Korura IMO. They also plow through chunder like nothing. I can’t speak to the plus series but if a carving board for groomers is what you want you won’t be disappointed by anything made by Korura.
Thanks for asking. Greatly appreciated and that is a fun ride. If you click through and buy on any link in the Where To Buy on this review it really helps. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/jones-frontier-2020-2024-snowboard-review/
Great review as usual! Has the Dart been "unfavorited"? I prefer that most of my quiver are favorites :). That said.....if you had a Dart and added a second surfy Korua....which one is the most unlike the Dart? Cafe Racer or the Pintonic? Keep the reviews coming!
I also thought this, much love before for the Dart, love mine, purchased on the back of the previous ‘over dinner’ review. I love how it carves but also sits in powder.
The Dart is still an honorable mention and a highly recommendable board. The Soul Shift just rode a little better and edged it out by just a touch. So don't feel like you should get rid of it.
Still a lot of love for the Dart. Its still always on the recommendation list. The Shift just edged it out by a little. I still recommend the Dart a lot because the Shift only comes in one size. Thanks for watching Peter and I eat, drink and chat about that board.
Best snowboard reviews on the web James, keep them coming. I found my Korura Dart 156 to be a little hesitant to turn in low-angle pow and hit a tree with it. I gave it to my cousin who is 6’5” 199lb and he reported no such issues. It was a fantastic carving board but it’s a little thicker deck than most IMO.
Many thanks and also thanks for your take.
I can see where you come from on this description in regard hesitant to turn, my first few days on the Dart I wondered what I had done and couldn't square the GoodRide review to what I was feeling (carving and in pow), It took a week of experimenting with my stance angles and position on the board to sort that out, but I did sort it. Initially with a front weight bias and very positive, as I got used to the board and how to drive it (front foot carve, rear foot pow for me) those adjustments came good. I love it now.
I think the Dart just needs a lot of speed in Pow to really perform well. Glad you figured out what worked for you though, what’s really important about Korura, IMO is the innovation and differentiation they brought to the industry. We are right now, living in the Golden Age of snowboarding. JMO. @@philpryor3152
This video makes me so happy. It’s my favourite subcategory of snowboarding right now and almost all of the boards on this list are either boards I own (that Moss Jellyfish is incredible and probably my favourite board right now) or am strongly considering!
So glad it does and thanks for sharing your Jellyfish take. Such a fun ride.
I got a jellyfish just because of your reviews, Love it! please review more Moss boards! Mini Log and Mahi reviews would be sick
Thanks and I hope you love it as much as we do. I'll reach out to them again and try to get some more reviews going.
This is my favorite category of boards. Wish I owned every single one you talked about hahaha!
Ha! Hope you liked it.
Thanks for the great work!!!
Thanks for the good words!
Awesome reviews as always 😎🤙
Many thanks
I rode the Pin Tonic full duck stance no problem :D didn't have the chance to try it on groomers though...
Yeah we are talking about posi for the best carving experience on groomers. We found you can ride board like this any way you want in pow.
I would be curious to hear your take on the Elevated SurfCraft 5’5” Egg. I see lots of riders in Japan ripping on similar pintail designs from the Gentemstick & Moss lines. I have the Elevated Goldfish and I love it. I’m thinking to add the Egg next
I'll try to get my hands on it.
Nice, it looks like a fun one, and last year’s usage & endorsement from JJ Thomas carry some weight for me.
Hi! Do you also know the italian brand Sandy Shapes?
Thank for your channel!
No but always down to try new brands. Thanks!
These Korua boards look like so much fun, but do you think they can be reliable on steeper more challenging terrain? Previously I've used my park board(huck knife) on the whole mountain, even trees and open, steep, rocky terrain. I want to add a better carver and powder/trees board as a second board, and I'd like to be able to take on the steeper stuff with it. These look great for carving and pow but I'd be new to the directional forward stance riding, so I've been debating between something like this and a Jones Freeride...
Even if u don't have time to answer my question ty for making all these detailed reviews, your videos and website have been super helpful in my gear search, so thank you.
Thanks! If you can ride a Huck Knife in steep terrain you can ride most of these. I don't have enough info to properly help but if you want to ease into more directional riding and your specs (boot size/weight/height) match well with a Transition Finder, that might be a great addition to your quiver. So could the Jones Mind Expander. 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/
Thank you James for all the work you've done and this great review !! As a surfer (beginner to intermediate), I am looking for a snowsurf to get this surfy feeling we love on the snow.
Would you say the Korua Café Racer has a good back foot pivot point ? (such as the Elevated Whisky Jack)
Many thanks! So the whiskey Jack might be easier as a beginner/intermediate. The Cafe' Racer is pretty technical/catchy. Hit me up here so we can get into this in better detail and I can properly help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Alright, thanks a lot ! I was wondering because I'm fine on surf skates (Yow, Smoothstar or the very turny Swelltechs) so I was wondering if I could manage the Korua without that much damage to my butt haha !
I'll get on your website with your link when I'm done with my day of work but thanks already for your quick answer 🤙
Hey, I picked up a storm wolf and love it. (You really gotta try the 157) And I’d like to add a tighter turning surfstyle board. I’m about your size body and foot riding in the PNW. Suggestions?
You mean the 158 Storm Wolf? I did. Liked it better than the 162 but liked these boards on this list more.Gotta update the review on the site. So maybe the 2025 Storm Chaser with camber will work. Going to be a favorite. Super fun grromer ride now. If you want more detailed help hit me here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks! I had been avoiding the storm chaser because it sounded too much like the early noodley mind expander. Didn’t know it got cambered up more. I’ll check it out. How would you compare it to the UME?
Totally different rides. Storm Chaser 2025 is a short/wide/set back snowsurf swallow tail kind of ride. It's an entirely different ride from the 2024 and earlier models. Hit me at the link above if you have any further questions or want real advice.
What about the amplid snowmelier???
I think has its place on that list
I rode that and it's a very fun recommendable board. It just didn't give me the same magic as some of the longer boards like it did on the list. Glad you like it' and it's your personal favorite.
Nice selection🎉
Thanks!
Any Experience on the Sims Solo Board? If so, how does it compare to other swallowtails in this video? Surfy feeling, powder, carving? Thanks!
No. Sorry.
Hey, I’m a surfer who rides front foot heavy (175lbs, 8.5 shoe) I currently have a 159 Banked Country and a 154 UME. Both feel somewhat surfy but I want more surfy-ness and I prefer damp over lively being 56 years old. I’m really attracted to how the Japow sounds but not really sure where to start trying out something new. What do you think?
You might like a 159 Japow and it could for sure work for you. Maybe consider the Nidecker Beta 157 as well if you want something that drives hard on the front footl. Hit me up here if you want to get into it more. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Amplid Morning Glory feels super surfy in pow and slushy conditions and you can get the 22/23 version for 400 euros if someone is on a tighter budget
Rode it. These ride almost on the tail. The Morning Glory doesn't ride that set back. It's a fun ride and it feels set back/turny/surfy for a freeride board but nothing like these. Review is coming.
@@thegoodridesnow mhh ok, so they feel even way surfier? if you could pick one of the boards in the vid, which one would it be?
Check this breakdown if your head hurts and it explains it pretty well. th-cam.com/video/i2acv3O6_gE/w-d-xo.html Or go to the actual site and check out the sotr/filters to see how its broken down. I could never just own one board. That is my ultimate torture and why I started The Good Ride. Hit me up here if you want to find the best one for you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Loved the video! Could i ask where the gentemstick spoonfish 152 fits on this list?
Was eyeing one of them for the snowsurf capabilities and surprised to see that it isnt mentioned here
Thanks! Great board. I just like the Barracuda and Barracuda HP better. I often recommend the Spoonfish and Spoonfish 152 for smaller riders. It's an exceptional board so if it works for your specs definitely go for it! Just doesn't come in a very recommendable size for most North American and European riders.
Ah gotcha! I'm 178cm (5'10") and 65kg (143 lbs), do you think it'll work on me?
Appreciate your input!
Boot size?
@@thegoodridesnow 9.5e!
It will be small for your specs. I'd go with something a little bigger. You might really like the Gentemstick Barracuda HP more or the Dart Plus 156 for your specs. You can hit me up here if you want to get into it more. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Love your content, thx! Would you also put Jones Stratos in the snowsurf category of boards or would this be too freeride-oriented?
Thanks! Its Freeride and nothing like these boards on this list. You can see how things are categorized here by using the filters. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1
No Bataleon Surfer??
Very fun board but we liked these a little better
What sort of bindings do you want to put on these? How do you want them to be stiff?
I would say it really comes down to the board you choose and your riding style/binding preference. It's also more about response than flex. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail and get real advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Will there be a new bataleon surfer review?
Not this year but hope to test Bataleon's 2025 line this year and publish reviews next summer.
@@thegoodridesnow🤙🏻
I love my Bataleon Surfer, which Bataleon could have easily name the “Molly Brown” instead since it is just plain unsinkable, and boy did I have plenty of opportunity to try last season in Utah!
@@SteveThompson-li2fc what size and how much do you weigh?
Surfer LTD 158. I weigh 177lbs, size 10.5 boots. @@giladlavi4393
Surprised the Burton fish isn’t on this list. Remember you saying it was one of your favorite. Why didn’t it make the list?
It's a Powder Favorite. thegoodride.com/the-good-rides-favorite-powder-boards/
Elevated Surfcraft? not liked them? thanks
Sentences?
??
@@brianp9268
They make good boards. Just liked these a little better.
Hit me up - next time you're at Snowbasin. I'll love to show you the goods. Time for another 24" of pow up there today. Happy turns!
Many thanks! I would love that!
Would the Season Forma be considered in this category or does the camber profile keep it from being considered surfy? Saw your review on that was very positive and was surprised it didn’t make this list.
Yes you can always find where boards sit here in the sort/filter thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1 or on the actual review itself. It was a favorite a few years ago. Love how this board turns. Just like the boards on this list a little more in powder.
Did you ride/test the United Shapes Experiment yet?
No. Sorry.
I just bought the Korua dart and I’m going to Colorado soon with it. How does it handle carving and trees?
If you sized it right very well on both. Check our review thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/korua-dart-2019-2024-snowboard-review/
@@thegoodridesnow thanks!!! I’ve watched that review so many times getting me excited to go
Is the Burton Forager close to this category? I know you reviewed it but I can't find it in the comparison tool. Keep up the good work!
Yes it's very much snowsurf. For some reason it wasn't marked as anything on the back end. Thanks for pointing that out. Fixed now.
@@thegoodridesnowJust bought a Forager, stoked for winter :)
Which of the boards on this list would you say resembles Burton Forager the most?
Its really its own board but kind of inbetween the Japow and Shift. Its a fun ride
If had to choose between Nidecker Beta APX and the Mosquito….?
Sorry, but I have no idea because I know literally nothing about you and those are two very different boards. 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/
@@thegoodridesnow fair enough. was just gauging to see whether you might have a clear personal favorite, as both seem to have great overall reviews tho the Mosquito ones possibly a bit more passionate.
Appreciate you guys. 🍻
Thanks. If you want to know my opinion i like the Mellow better. Thats why its a favorite but if you like a stiffer full camber more tapered ride go Mosquito.
I know these are more intermediate but I’m crazy and wanna ride this style 🤦🏻♂️ any suggestions outta these for semi noob?
It can be done if you like this style and it's not as hard as it used to be in the Full camber days. To find the right board I would need to know a lot more about you to help properly. Otherwise I'm just guessing. Hit me up here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Would the Nitro Quiver Pow be considered a snow surf? Fits all the attributes you listed at the beginning - or what do you even consider as the difference between a true power board and a true snow surf? Got an end of season one and I cant wait to ride
Yep snowsurf
@@thegoodridesnow interesting, I thought I had a powder board this whole time - but now I'm a bit confused, how would a true powder board ride differently from these? Would it be a stiffer harder ride like a freeride board that just happens to have a lot of float, or is there something else I'm missing?
1:21 explains it. You have a board that floats incredibly well in pow but can also carve groomers. Just rode your board recently and the review is coming. To learn about pow boards check this. thegoodride.com/the-good-rides-favorite-powder-boards
so which one is the most nimble one, best for tight turns in the woods etc?
I would say all do pretty well for their width but the Beta's did best but only if you size correctly for your specs. The Shift and Jellyfish did well too though.
How does the cardiff swell compare?
More of a centered big mountain surfy ride for those that want to slash but also get big air in steeper terrain instead of ride super set back towards the tail like most of these.
@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for the response.
Hi !
Superbe video as usual :)
My girlfriend has set her eyes on the Nidecker Beta :D
What about the Jones Storm Wolf ? You did mention that it carves hard on groomers
Thanks! Nice. Hopefully it fits her specs. Yeah the Storm Wolf does and its a fun board. I just preferred turning these boards more in groomers and powder.
What about the Korua Pencil?
Fun board. Check our review. Just liking the Pintonic a little better lately.
@@thegoodridesnow well base on Your reviews I have bought it :) - it is great!
Could the Pitch Wing fit in this category?
Yes it does. You can find all that do here. Just sort by Snowsurf. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1
I'm, thinking about buying the cafe racer. Somebody told me i would hate on icy slopes. What do you think? Thx for the great videos!
No problems at all on icy slopes
Thanks! No it holds very well in hard snow. Nothing does great in icy snow except for a few really disrupted sidecuts. Hit me up here if you want to know for sure this will work for you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Nothing carves as hard as a Korura IMO. They also plow through chunder like nothing. I can’t speak to the plus series but if a carving board for groomers is what you want you won’t be disappointed by anything made by Korura.
Hey, i'm going to buy a jones frontier. your reviews have been quite helpful. Can you send me a clickthrough link so you get credit?
Thanks for asking. Greatly appreciated and that is a fun ride. If you click through and buy on any link in the Where To Buy on this review it really helps. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/jones-frontier-2020-2024-snowboard-review/
Not interested in SnowSurf Boards, but interesting video full of detail as per usual!
Thanks. More like these coming so hopefully one hits your interest.
👍👍
Great review as usual! Has the Dart been "unfavorited"? I prefer that most of my quiver are favorites :). That said.....if you had a Dart and added a second surfy Korua....which one is the most unlike the Dart? Cafe Racer or the Pintonic? Keep the reviews coming!
I also thought this, much love before for the Dart, love mine, purchased on the back of the previous ‘over dinner’ review. I love how it carves but also sits in powder.
The Dart is still an honorable mention and a highly recommendable board. The Soul Shift just rode a little better and edged it out by just a touch. So don't feel like you should get rid of it.
Still a lot of love for the Dart. Its still always on the recommendation list. The Shift just edged it out by a little. I still recommend the Dart a lot because the Shift only comes in one size. Thanks for watching Peter and I eat, drink and chat about that board.