I bought this board last week. Took it out in some spring conditions. I struggled for 1/2 the day. Changed binding angles and was much better. I have last years d.o.a and the d.o.a was instant easy to ride. I feel like this board will show you your weakness if you're lazy. At slower speeds and not really carving, to me it was catchy. If i was on a constant carve it was fine. End of the day i got use to the board. A bit different than what i was used to. Lots more stable at higher speeds imo. I gained roughly 10 km/hr over the d.o.a on a rip on the groomers.
I took it out again for the last time this season. Spring conditions. I ended up at +15 and -6 with a 20.75 stance on the union ultras. I also detuned the edges and that seemed to help my riding style. I gained another 10km from last time. I didn't record the steep run where I was before, but compared to the last time I was significantly faster. I'm enjoying this board the more and more.
Love the top-sheet and base design of the prior year model. Ps. The Mega Deth has no fiberglass. It’s a board with a base similar to the Mega Merc, but it’s basically a carbon-fabricated plank sandwiching its core. That board is in a league of its own. Love the video. Keep up the good work.
What a beautiful board. I know it's stupid to look for aesthetics, and there's nothing better than a black sole, but come on, this board, all its editions, is just sexy as fck. I love structure to be honest, you just have to wax it, PROPERLY, not the "wax to iron and make it rain" method, but rubbing the wax block on the sole and then ironing it. You don't even need to use the scrapper, let alone the amounts of wax you save, like up to x10. That's my favorite method... unless there's scars and I am too lazy to repair that day 😂. In that case, yeah, a big stream of wax in that area lol. By the way, I don't know if you have a video about the topic, but the wax is another whole world in itself. It would be great a video about the different types of wax, which is better for pow, for slush, for that awful sticky snow which is pow after sudden high temperatures, what do you like, if you mix them or not... I am not a wax freak but it would be interesting (as an idea for content).
Thanks. Yeah wax is a lot and hard to test/compare. I would need 5 of the same boards in the same size to do a proper wax test but to talk about different waxes for different conditions would be a good idea.
I'm an intermediate rider through and through, 6'2" 175lbs 10.5 boot size. I reaaaally love this design and the rocker/camber/rocker is attractive to me. This would be my first board purchase but I've ridden once every year for like.. 6 years, always renting. I believe a 160 cm board would be good for me but me being an intermediate rider, would you recommend something like this? I don't do butters often, mostly because I don't know how to but I don't realllly care for it at the moment. That being said, I like to do wide carves, occasional shorter carves, and I do like to go at medium speeds. All the reviews I'm seeing are saying this is more for the advanced to expert riders but will it be that big of a problem? I also like to hit the terrain parks at resorts, haven't ridden mountains or fresh pow before if that helps with giving any advice or an answer... great review btw!
160 is fine for your specs and ability level if this calls to you. No I wouldn't recommend this based on what you wrote but it is forgiving and easy to ride if this calls to you. The 2024 with the more forgiving hybrid camber profile that has rocker in the nose/tail and that is the only one I'd recommend. Do not get the 2023 or earlier with more camber. This is fine if you want to do everything but jib. If you want to jib a lot you would like a softer board.
It comes down to personal preference. I like this centered on groomers and set back in powder. Maybe start with that but play around with it to see what you like. That being said, this has very little set back on board.
I own last year's model and love it. I got it as a powder board but I realized it was fun everywhere. I ended up getting an aeronaut this year and plan on using that as my everyday / freestyle board and the kazu will be set aside for powder days. I'm excited for the aeronaut but I really do love the kazu. It's so fast and responsive and I progressed a lot on park jumps and side hits after getting it. I also ride flite pros on my kazu and it makes for a more playful / freestyle oriented ride. Planning on putting flites on the aeronaut too
I'm really excited to try the aeronaut after seeing both these reviews. I thought the kazu has a ton of pop compared to the last two capitas I owned (ultrafear and outdoor living) so the bamboo pandacore initially drew me to the aeronaut. Then I saw the waist width and camber profile were similar but it was slightly softer so I decided I wanted it
Yes PYL has more camber, better grip, a little better pop and better float in pow for directional riders. The Kazu is more for those that want to ride centered and have a tapered mtn freestyle ride.
First time viewer, Im comfortably riding blue/black runs, looking to push myself next season and powder hunting in Alaska and Japan. I am really looking at this board to add for powder days since it's now last season's model and on sale. Im 5'6" 160lbs with a size 9 boot. I have only ever ridden in a centered stance as my boards have been twins so your review was very interesting. My main board is a 151cm Lib Tech Off Ramp. Currently looking at either the 151 or 154, any recommendations?
This would be one of the last boards I would buy for powder but it depends on your riding style. If you want to ride centered, switch in pow over have easy directional float maybe but there are better boards for that too Like the Spring Break Powder Twin 156. If you want easy directional float in pow get the Spring Break Pow Glider 154 or 158. Or get the 154 or 157 Spring Break Powder Racers. It will make powder riding effortless and chances are you will see some really deep snow in Japan and AK. 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/ as I take advice seriously and have been doing this as a full time job for 14 years.
@@thegoodridesnow I wish I could say there will be more powder than those two trips but I only got lucky with a few pow days (out of 35 total) last year. Mainly riding Mammoth and Big Bear in CA. Thanks for the response!
Mammoth, AK and Japan often get massive storms with super deep snow. You luck is going to change so you want to be ready if you set it back. The Kazu isn't a great option for that. If you are stuck on the Kazu, I'd go 154 and possibly 157 if you like speed/carving/easier float but I would get a different board.
@@thegoodridesnow I can't lie Ive been eyeing it for a while now and it's at a good price. I'll probably just get it for the speed factor and then get a different board for pow days. My top speed is 40 mph on the Off Ramp but it started feeling shaky trying to go past that
After snowboarding for two weekends last year and planning to invest in my own gear this season, I've been drawn to this particular board and the kazu bindings from this year mainly due to their amazing designs. However, I'm starting to wonder if this might not be the most suitable choice for a beginner. Any tips or suggestions?
I have a 2019 kazu board. I'd say I got lucky and was able to buy it used off of Craigslist. Decent deal I suppose as I paid a small fee to get the base\edge repaired. I was a beginner. Before last year I've only ridden 3 times. I started riding on my old 2006 board last year 6 times and finally decided I'm diving into the sport. I would have loved it if I had gone to a bigger resort in the west coast. I stayed at a smaller resort because the ticket prices were cheaper. I bought a couple used boards and the simplest one was a camber with rocker in the middle (Burton flying v rocker 2021, big bear picture) it was very easy to learn on. I bought the kazu because of the design at first. So beautiful the Phoenix design. When I rode it I had to adjust a bit to the full camber. But after a few more days it was amazing especially when I was able to ride in a dump day. So much pow my first time I could bury myself (which I did). It rode very well but if it's not steep enough you'll sink. I don't know much about riding in pow much since this would be my full season. At any case, after getting used to riding regular, I have started to learn to ride switch. Knowing what I know in riding regular, my switch is progressing faster. I don't feel I need a beginner board. So to answer your question, this can be harder to learn on but you can learn on it and ride it well eventually. If you plan on sticking with the sport, then go for it. I was going to pick this up myself but decided on the older one so I could try out a few designs. I will be picking this one up eventually to add to my collection because of the design as well. A Phoenix and a dragon board. I'm still new I feel but I'd probably be considered intermediate now by others. Do your drills, watch videos, visualize in your head after the videos. Also, go down blue and black diamonds when there is heavy powder (the less steep ones). Even if you fall, you won't really feel a thing except fresh chills on your face. Take it slow and slide on your butt if you have to get down. I'm going down black diamonds now and tumbling over when there's so much pow that it makes it even more enjoyable.
They aren't that similar. Kazu is pretty much a centered mountain freestyle ride with taper in the tail. Very unique ride. The Passport is more a true tapered directional ride that has a more set back on board and a much more directional feel. Yeah base is far inferior to the Kazu though.
Difference from Kazu to Indoor Survival? Cause Both are directional twin and All Mountain/freestyle, I’m intermediate and want something AM/F for my riding level
The Indoor Survival is a directional twin but the Kazu is not at all. It has 9mm of taper and a pretty directional shape but just a centered stance. It is more forgiving than the IS so you might like it. The tail will be a little more washy though due to that taper on groomers. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail and get real advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
Sorry but no its not a good fit. Especially if you carve hard or ride in steeper terrain. Just don't feel comfortable recommending it. You might boot out and get hurt.
No. There isn't a size Kazu that works for 12's. You would boot out on most turns and you need a board that comes in wide. Hit me up here if you want to get in depth advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I ride the union flites on my kazu and they work fine. Anything above them within unions line (everything) should be good. The flites with the kazu make it really playful and freestyle oriented type of ride that is freeride capable. Putting something like the atlas or falcor would make it more of a freeride board
@@kodyridders5813 Really appreciate the feedback buddy! Had the flites on a rossi retox. Yeah the union are well know for their good response... honestly has doubts that will loose the potential of the board pairing it with the strata, but this won't happens for sure. Luckily i am having the atlas so like this can always play with both and rotating them... When in playful freestyle mood - with the strata, when riding the steep backcountry - with the atlas
I’ve been riding the 21-22 model and its pretty aggressive board with no taper in back. You have to be ‘on it’ and focused but it rips the carves and chowder. You get out of it what you put in it. I would not be your board to ‘cruise’ he mountain.
Thanks for your take. One thing though. The 21-22 model does have taper. Did you mean no rocker in the back? The 21-22 did have camber all the way to the tail vs. this 2024 model.
I have the 20-21 model and I have hammered almost 300 days on it. I work in a shop and out of all the boards I have ridden, it is long and far my favorite. I’m so sad that they rockered the tail… I have been holding off the last two years to see if they would go back to the old camber profile, but leaks of the 2024-25 look to keep the rocker. Sad day for the Kazu purists.
I've been eyeing this off for years (love Kazu's style) and it's finally sounding like a board that I'd love
Cool. Would love to hear your take after you ride it.
I bought this board last week. Took it out in some spring conditions. I struggled for 1/2 the day. Changed binding angles and was much better. I have last years d.o.a and the d.o.a was instant easy to ride. I feel like this board will show you your weakness if you're lazy. At slower speeds and not really carving, to me it was catchy. If i was on a constant carve it was fine. End of the day i got use to the board. A bit different than what i was used to. Lots more stable at higher speeds imo. I gained roughly 10 km/hr over the d.o.a on a rip on the groomers.
Thanks for your take.
I took it out again for the last time this season. Spring conditions.
I ended up at +15 and -6 with a 20.75 stance on the union ultras. I also detuned the edges and that seemed to help my riding style. I gained another 10km from last time. I didn't record the steep run where I was before, but compared to the last time I was significantly faster. I'm enjoying this board the more and more.
Love the top-sheet and base design of the prior year model.
Ps. The Mega Deth has no fiberglass. It’s a board with a base similar to the Mega Merc, but it’s basically a carbon-fabricated plank sandwiching its core. That board is in a league of its own.
Love the video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your take.
What a beautiful board. I know it's stupid to look for aesthetics, and there's nothing better than a black sole, but come on, this board, all its editions, is just sexy as fck.
I love structure to be honest, you just have to wax it, PROPERLY, not the "wax to iron and make it rain" method, but rubbing the wax block on the sole and then ironing it. You don't even need to use the scrapper, let alone the amounts of wax you save, like up to x10. That's my favorite method... unless there's scars and I am too lazy to repair that day 😂. In that case, yeah, a big stream of wax in that area lol.
By the way, I don't know if you have a video about the topic, but the wax is another whole world in itself. It would be great a video about the different types of wax, which is better for pow, for slush, for that awful sticky snow which is pow after sudden high temperatures, what do you like, if you mix them or not... I am not a wax freak but it would be interesting (as an idea for content).
Thanks. Yeah wax is a lot and hard to test/compare. I would need 5 of the same boards in the same size to do a proper wax test but to talk about different waxes for different conditions would be a good idea.
I'm an intermediate rider through and through, 6'2" 175lbs 10.5 boot size. I reaaaally love this design and the rocker/camber/rocker is attractive to me. This would be my first board purchase but I've ridden once every year for like.. 6 years, always renting.
I believe a 160 cm board would be good for me but me being an intermediate rider, would you recommend something like this? I don't do butters often, mostly because I don't know how to but I don't realllly care for it at the moment. That being said, I like to do wide carves, occasional shorter carves, and I do like to go at medium speeds. All the reviews I'm seeing are saying this is more for the advanced to expert riders but will it be that big of a problem?
I also like to hit the terrain parks at resorts, haven't ridden mountains or fresh pow before if that helps with giving any advice or an answer... great review btw!
160 is fine for your specs and ability level if this calls to you. No I wouldn't recommend this based on what you wrote but it is forgiving and easy to ride if this calls to you. The 2024 with the more forgiving hybrid camber profile that has rocker in the nose/tail and that is the only one I'd recommend. Do not get the 2023 or earlier with more camber. This is fine if you want to do everything but jib. If you want to jib a lot you would like a softer board.
I’ve set mine back a bit and will use in a few weeks. You think i should ride this centred Jim? I got the 160
It comes down to personal preference. I like this centered on groomers and set back in powder. Maybe start with that but play around with it to see what you like. That being said, this has very little set back on board.
I own last year's model and love it. I got it as a powder board but I realized it was fun everywhere. I ended up getting an aeronaut this year and plan on using that as my everyday / freestyle board and the kazu will be set aside for powder days.
I'm excited for the aeronaut but I really do love the kazu. It's so fast and responsive and I progressed a lot on park jumps and side hits after getting it.
I also ride flite pros on my kazu and it makes for a more playful / freestyle oriented ride. Planning on putting flites on the aeronaut too
Thanks for your take!
I'm really excited to try the aeronaut after seeing both these reviews.
I thought the kazu has a ton of pop compared to the last two capitas I owned (ultrafear and outdoor living) so the bamboo pandacore initially drew me to the aeronaut. Then I saw the waist width and camber profile were similar but it was slightly softer so I decided I wanted it
I think you might like it then. I'd like to hear your take though after you get some time on it.
Thanks a lot for the review. Could you please explain how Capita looks vs. Yes PYL?
Yes PYL has more camber, better grip, a little better pop and better float in pow for directional riders. The Kazu is more for those that want to ride centered and have a tapered mtn freestyle ride.
First time viewer, Im comfortably riding blue/black runs, looking to push myself next season and powder hunting in Alaska and Japan. I am really looking at this board to add for powder days since it's now last season's model and on sale. Im 5'6" 160lbs with a size 9 boot. I have only ever ridden in a centered stance as my boards have been twins so your review was very interesting. My main board is a 151cm Lib Tech Off Ramp. Currently looking at either the 151 or 154, any recommendations?
This would be one of the last boards I would buy for powder but it depends on your riding style. If you want to ride centered, switch in pow over have easy directional float maybe but there are better boards for that too Like the Spring Break Powder Twin 156. If you want easy directional float in pow get the Spring Break Pow Glider 154 or 158. Or get the 154 or 157 Spring Break Powder Racers. It will make powder riding effortless and chances are you will see some really deep snow in Japan and AK. 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/ as I take advice seriously and have been doing this as a full time job for 14 years.
@@thegoodridesnow I wish I could say there will be more powder than those two trips but I only got lucky with a few pow days (out of 35 total) last year. Mainly riding Mammoth and Big Bear in CA. Thanks for the response!
Mammoth, AK and Japan often get massive storms with super deep snow. You luck is going to change so you want to be ready if you set it back. The Kazu isn't a great option for that. If you are stuck on the Kazu, I'd go 154 and possibly 157 if you like speed/carving/easier float but I would get a different board.
@@thegoodridesnow I can't lie Ive been eyeing it for a while now and it's at a good price. I'll probably just get it for the speed factor and then get a different board for pow days. My top speed is 40 mph on the Off Ramp but it started feeling shaky trying to go past that
Yeah...a better fit than what you have but far from the best fit. Make sure you get a better board for pow before you travel to Japan and AK
After snowboarding for two weekends last year and planning to invest in my own gear this season, I've been drawn to this particular board and the kazu bindings from this year mainly due to their amazing designs. However, I'm starting to wonder if this might not be the most suitable choice for a beginner. Any tips or suggestions?
Yes but you need to fill this form out so I can learn about you first. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ Otherwise, I'm just guessing.
I have a 2019 kazu board. I'd say I got lucky and was able to buy it used off of Craigslist. Decent deal I suppose as I paid a small fee to get the base\edge repaired. I was a beginner. Before last year I've only ridden 3 times. I started riding on my old 2006 board last year 6 times and finally decided I'm diving into the sport. I would have loved it if I had gone to a bigger resort in the west coast. I stayed at a smaller resort because the ticket prices were cheaper.
I bought a couple used boards and the simplest one was a camber with rocker in the middle (Burton flying v rocker 2021, big bear picture) it was very easy to learn on. I bought the kazu because of the design at first. So beautiful the Phoenix design. When I rode it I had to adjust a bit to the full camber. But after a few more days it was amazing especially when I was able to ride in a dump day. So much pow my first time I could bury myself (which I did). It rode very well but if it's not steep enough you'll sink. I don't know much about riding in pow much since this would be my full season.
At any case, after getting used to riding regular, I have started to learn to ride switch. Knowing what I know in riding regular, my switch is progressing faster. I don't feel I need a beginner board.
So to answer your question, this can be harder to learn on but you can learn on it and ride it well eventually. If you plan on sticking with the sport, then go for it. I was going to pick this up myself but decided on the older one so I could try out a few designs. I will be picking this one up eventually to add to my collection because of the design as well. A Phoenix and a dragon board.
I'm still new I feel but I'd probably be considered intermediate now by others. Do your drills, watch videos, visualize in your head after the videos. Also, go down blue and black diamonds when there is heavy powder (the less steep ones). Even if you fall, you won't really feel a thing except fresh chills on your face. Take it slow and slide on your butt if you have to get down. I'm going down black diamonds now and tumbling over when there's so much pow that it makes it even more enjoyable.
How does this compare to the Yes PYL Uninc. Which would you chose?
Any difference to the K2 passport? Seems very similar with only a better base.
They aren't that similar. Kazu is pretty much a centered mountain freestyle ride with taper in the tail. Very unique ride. The Passport is more a true tapered directional ride that has a more set back on board and a much more directional feel. Yeah base is far inferior to the Kazu though.
Difference from Kazu to Indoor Survival? Cause Both are directional twin and All Mountain/freestyle, I’m intermediate and want something AM/F for my riding level
The Indoor Survival is a directional twin but the Kazu is not at all. It has 9mm of taper and a pretty directional shape but just a centered stance. It is more forgiving than the IS so you might like it. The tail will be a little more washy though due to that taper on groomers. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail and get real advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I come from a K2 afterblack, sono think IS will be better to help me to upgrade my Rodin style
The Indoor is back to a true twin for 2024.
Would you say intermediate can deal with it and still have fun?
If it matches up with your specs, yes. But only for the 2024.
I'm 196Cm-6'4" tall, with 11.5 boots, and around 180lbs mark. Will this board fit me?
Thanks in advance
Sorry but no its not a good fit. Especially if you carve hard or ride in steeper terrain. Just don't feel comfortable recommending it. You might boot out and get hurt.
im 6'2 200 would the 160 work also I have large union force bindings would there be a lot of hang over? thanks
Need your boot size
@@thegoodridesnow 11.5
Not a good fit for you. If you need in depth advice hit me up here so I can help properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
I’m 5’8 165lbs w/ size 10.5 boot. I was thinking of grabbing the 154 but concerned about waist width. Would that still work out with my boot size?
Did you end up getting it?
Capita > Kapita ;) great review as always!
Good lord! Thanks for catching that!
Would you recommend a 157 for a size 12 175lb rider?
No. There isn't a size Kazu that works for 12's. You would boot out on most turns and you need a board that comes in wide. Hit me up here if you want to get in depth advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/
@@thegoodridesnow thank you for the reply. I was considering a 157W Capita Snowboard of Death instead after watching your review on it
They are making a wide version that will drop soon for next year!
Hey there, what’s your opinion for: Strata with the Kazu? Do u think that i might loose much potential with that combo?
Good combo. Not sure what you thing you would loose.
How about katanas/black labels?
I ride the union flites on my kazu and they work fine. Anything above them within unions line (everything) should be good.
The flites with the kazu make it really playful and freestyle oriented type of ride that is freeride capable. Putting something like the atlas or falcor would make it more of a freeride board
@@kodyridders5813 Really appreciate the feedback buddy! Had the flites on a rossi retox. Yeah the union are well know for their good response... honestly has doubts that will loose the potential of the board pairing it with the strata, but this won't happens for sure. Luckily i am having the atlas so like this can always play with both and rotating them... When in playful freestyle mood - with the strata, when riding the steep backcountry - with the atlas
I’ve been riding the 21-22 model and its pretty aggressive board with no taper in back. You have to be ‘on it’ and focused but it rips the carves and chowder. You get out of it what you put in it. I would not be your board to ‘cruise’ he mountain.
Thanks for your take. One thing though. The 21-22 model does have taper. Did you mean no rocker in the back? The 21-22 did have camber all the way to the tail vs. this 2024 model.
@@thegoodridesnow I stand corrected. Yes, I meant no rocker. Its a camber machine. Thanks!
I have the 20-21 model and I have hammered almost 300 days on it. I work in a shop and out of all the boards I have ridden, it is long and far my favorite. I’m so sad that they rockered the tail… I have been holding off the last two years to see if they would go back to the old camber profile, but leaks of the 2024-25 look to keep the rocker. Sad day for the Kazu purists.
Where did you ride this? Was it last winter?
Bachelor last winter
just curious, what would make you say the structure is annoying from the factory?
It can feel sticky/not let you turn as easy in some conditions untill you give it a good wax.
Wax it once & it’s perfect.
Where do you ride? Seems like you always have snow to review these boards
Mt. Bachelor. I think it looks that way because I'm slow to publish.