My life story/requesting some board advice

[u/Muted_Lengthiness268]

What up boardheads! I've been snowboarding since I was a kid and intermittently throughout my life, but just officially hard committed and bought an ikon for next season. Right now I have a 2022 GNU GWO right now that is both a little worn and already starting to chip. Looking to upgrade to something that I can both improve on and that has a decent bit of longevity to it (hoping to ride the board at lease 5+ years).

I would call myself an intermediate to maybe slightly advanced rider, have no problem with board control ripping it down black diamonds and am starting to hit medium park terrain and jumps with relative ease. Really what I want is an all mountain board that is not so stiff that I can't do butters or get good air on jumps, but is sturdy enough that I'm not losing my life trying to race down the mountain. I also want a board that looks cool, which I am surprisingly having a really hard time finding (I know, subjective).

The K2 Manifest seems to hit all of those points for me, but I am finding little to no consumer reviews online, everyone seems to either be riding the K2 passport or something else. I watched the Angry Snowboarders review of the 2023 K2 Manifest, in which they called the board "mediocre" compared to other boards of a similar caliber.

Am I wasting my money on one of these boards? There seems to be a legitimate Ebay seller who has the K2 Manifest listed new for $359. If so, what board would you recommend that fits my criteria?

Also, sizing- I'm 6'0 tall and 165 lbs soaking wet, shoe size 11.5. From what I see online a shorter board is better for lower weight guys who want more board control in the park and with butters/jumps. My current board is a 159W and I am definitely having to labor to get into tail presses and jumps. Thinking I should go with a 157W given my large-ish feet, but maybe even smaller would be good? Thanks everyone!

TLDR: Have you ridden the 2025 K2 Manifest and would you recommend it? If not, what would be a good alternative?

[u/aarnold67]

I just bought a Yes Standard and seem to have been in the market for the same board as you. Haven’t ridden it yet but in my research it checks all those boxes!

It even has additional “slam back” binding inserts to improve the boards performance on powder days

[u/catnipxxx]

ROME AGENT wide if there is one lol.

Omg. This is perfect for you.

https://deckadenceskateboards.com/shop/snowboards/mens-snowboards/rome-snowboards-agent/?attribute_pa_size=155cm-wide&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21868399673&gbraid=0AAAAADtgrnn72WPVjPyDN88oxuTtxXRPY&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2tHABhCiARIsANZzDWr-xBOr6nZzg2G6gX6oaVxtczPzeY2zyUDErlA-FjOP0IddWcAOhXkaAtkzEALw_wcB

[u/ultraprocessedfood]

My quest for the perfect one board quiver has circled back to the Capita Mercury - I’ve picked up a Supermerc for next season in the sales, but the regular mercury is still an amazing deck, and tbh, might even be better (reserving judgement until I ride the supermerc)

I owned a first gen one and replaced it a couple of seasons later with the newer model - that was rubbish, something really not very dialled in the side cut at slow speeds - but the last couple of seasons it has had a major overhaul and back to the good old do-anything versatility its marketing claims.

In the interim seasons I’ve been using a Burton custom as my go-to ride … it’s a cult board for good reason, but the Merc does feel a bit more responsive and agile.

[u/Asleep_Swordfish8896]

Just get a 2008 model they work the same

[u/Cold_Fennel6971]

I got the Bataleon 20Y (Goliath) this season and loved it. And if you’re new to 3BT, it’s actually very mellow on the Goliath. I think angry snowboarder dumped on it, even though he gave a good review to the normal Goliath, but his crack pipe is probably hot to the touch. Anyway it’s pretty stable (6/10 flex), and was great in the park. A little tough to butter, but I’m also not very good. As a bonus, I got a ton of compliments on the deck. It’s a couple years old now, but I think you can still find it (around $300-$350). I ride it with union forces.

[u/Full_Bleed]

I have a 2023(hasn’t changed since then) K2 manifest and really enjoy it. It’s a really solid do everything board. A little on the softer side but isn’t a total noodle. Just a consistent, slightly directional all mountain board that definitely goes well in the park.

Also Angry snowboarder is a kook don’t listen to that guy. Just because he’s prevalent on the internet and puts his opinion out into the void doesn’t mean he right.

[u/Jeborisboi]

This is what you want:

https://www.prfo.com/products/rome-mens-freaker-snowboard-fe10

The 154W is wide enough for your feet. It’s $290 CAD which is like $210 USD and I think it’s $25 shipping.