50 Snowboards in 103 Days
50 Snowboards in 102 Days: My Top 3 Rides This Season
This season has been tough with the lack of snow in the west. I set out with a massive goal, and I’m proud to say I’ve officially ridden 50 snowboards in 102 days. From a few deep powder days to icy morning carves, I’ve put a lot of gear through its paces.
While every board has its place, three specific decks stood out from the crowd. These are the boards I found myself reaching for time and time again. Whether you’re looking for a precision freeride machine, a volume-shifted carver, or a surfy powder slayer, these three are the boards I rode the most.
1. CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro
The Precision Freeride Weapon
The Kazu Kokubo Pro is legendary for a reason. Designed to mirror Kazu’s own legendary style, this board is built for high-speed maneuvers and serious mountain charging. It’s quick, maneuverable, and packs an incredible amount of power into a compact chassis.
The Specs
- Style: Directional Freeride
- Profile: Alpine V2 Profile (Camber through the inserts with a reverse-cambered nose)
- Core: Panda Hover Core™ (Ultralight with Bamboo Power Rods)
- Sidecut: New Age Directional with Death Grip™
- Flex: 6.5/10 (Stiff and Responsive)
Available Sizes
151, 154, 155W, 157, 158W, 160, 161W
Geometry Specifications
| Size | Effective Edge (mm) | Tip Width (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Sidecut Radius (m) | Stance Setback | Rider Weight (lbs) | Width Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 1170 | 196 | 251 | 289 | 8.0 | 0.8" | 100-150 | Regular |
| 154 | 1200 | 300 | 253 | 292 | 8.2 | 0.8" | 100-160 | Regular |
| 155W | 1214 | 310 | 263 | 302 | 8.3 | 0.8" | 110-170 | Wide |
| 157 | 1222 | 301 | 255 | 295 | 8.4 | 0.8" | 130-190 | Regular |
| 158W | 1244 | 314 | 265 | 306 | 8.5 | 0.8" | 130-190 | Wide |
| 160 | 1254 | 307 | 257 | 297 | 8.6 | 0.8" | 140-200 | Regular |
| 161W | 1262 | 316 | 267 | 308 | 8.7 | 0.8" | 150-210 | Wide |
Our Test Notes
We tested the 158W, and it felt like the perfect balance for an aggressive rider with larger feet. The wide platform gives plenty of toe and heel clearance, while the slightly tapered tail and powder-focused nose make it unsinkable in the deep stuff. The camber underfoot provides incredible stability when you're laying down carves on hardpack. It's not a board for the lazy—it demands input—but the reward is unmatched precision.
Shop the CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro here
2. Gnu Gremlin
The All-Mountain Disruptor
The Gremlin is a "one board quiver" designed for advanced riders who want to take over the entire mountain. It’s a volume-shifted beast, meaning you should ride it shorter than your traditional board to unlock its full potential. It’s built to sniff out powder and pop over everything in its path.
The Specs
- Style: All-Mountain / Directional
- Profile: C3 Camber (Aggressive dominant camber for maximum edge hold and pop)
- Core: G3 Eco Core (Aspen/Paulownia)
- Edge Tech: Magne-Traction® (7 serrations for "ice-cutting" grip)
- Flex: 7/10 (Firm and Powerful)
Available Sizes
144, 148, 152, 155, 158, 161
Geometry Specifications
| Size | Effective Edge (mm) | Tip Width (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Sidecut Radius (m) | Stance Setback | Stance Range (in) | Width Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | 1020 | 300 | 255 | 288 | 6.6 | 2" | 18.5-23.25 | Mid-Wide |
| 148 | 1040 | 303 | 258 | 291 | 6.8 | 2" | 18.5-23.5 | Mid-Wide |
| 152 | 1060 | 309 | 261 | 297 | 7.0 | 2" | 19.25-24 | Mid-Wide |
| 155 | 1080 | 313 | 264 | 301 | 7.2 | 2" | 19.25-24 | Mid-Wide |
| 158 | 1100 | 321 | 270 | 308 | 7.5 | 2" | 19.25-24 | Mid-Wide |
| 161 | 1120 | 326 | 275 | 313 | 7.7 | 2" | 19.25-24 | Mid-Wide |
Our Test Notes
We tested both the 152 and 155 to find the sweet spot. The 152 is incredibly nimble in tight trees with its volume shift, while the 155 offers a bit more float and stability at speed. Both sizes showcase how the Magne-Traction® edge tech ensures you never wash out on icy mornings. It's a board that tells the truth—it carves phenomenally well and feels stable even when you're pushing triple-digit speeds (well, almost). Ride it 2cm shorter than your normal board to unlock its full potential.
3. Lib Tech Son of Birdman
The Surfy Powder Legend
Inspired by the original Mike Olson "Birdman," the Son of Birdman is a modern, poppy take on a classic powder shape. It features a massive "floatation device" nose that is virtually unsinkable, paired with a directional camber tail that gives you the drive you need to blast through tracked-out slush.
The Specs
- Style: All-Mountain / Powder Directional
- Profile: Directional Camber (Early rise nose with powerful camber through the tail)
- Core: OP+ (Original Power Construction - Light, Environmentally Nice, Strong)
- Base: Eco Sublimated TNT (Fast and Low Maintenance)
- Flex: 6-7/10 (Depending on size)
Available Sizes
160, 165, 170
Geometry Specifications
| Size | Effective Edge (mm) | Tip Width (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Sidecut Radius (m) | Stance Setback | Stance Range (in) | Width Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 950 | 307 | 260 | 296 | 7.6 | 2.5" | 19-24 | Regular |
| 165 | 980 | 311 | 262 | 298 | 7.8 | 2.5" | 19-24 | Regular |
| 170 | 1010 | 314 | 266 | 303 | 8.0 | 2.5" | 19-24 | Regular |
Our Test Notes
We rode the 160, and the float was effortless. This compact powder machine is incredibly responsive, yet it's not just a "deep days only" board. The directional camber puts real power in the tail, allowing for surfy carves on hardpack and enough pop to hit side hits on your way back to the lift. It's the perfect magical compliment to a freestyle twin, and the 160 size is ideal for riders who want maximum maneuverability without sacrificing float.
Shop the Lib Tech Son of Birdman here
Final Verdict
Riding 50 boards in 100 days has taught me that there is no "perfect" board, but there is a perfect board for you.
- If you want unmatched precision and freeride power, go with the Kazu Pro.
- If you want a nimble carver that handles ice and trees with ease, grab the Gremlin.
- If you want to float forever and feel like you're surfing the mountain, the Son of Birdman is your pick.
Stay tuned for more deep dives as the season continues!
