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Snowboards

Yes PYL 2019-2020 Snowboard Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the YES. PYL Snowboard for 2020/2021 by clicking here.

  • Sizes: 156, 159, 160W, 162, 164W, 165
  • Flex: 8
  • Profile: Setback Camber
  • Shape: Directional
  • Price: £529
  • BUY DIRECT FROM YES

FYI, DCP rides the PYL. No wonder, it’s OTH. Most people will be more familiar with YES snowboards’ short ’n’ stubby shapes like the 20/20 and 420, but the PYL takes the more conventional freeride shape and gives it a couple of tweaks, making it one of the most effective weapons for launching an assault in the backcountry.

At a glance, it looks like your standard directional shape: Setback stance; wide nose; narrow tail. Look a little closer and you’ll find the Tapered Underbite. Each side of the board’s effective edge is segmented into three distinct parts. Calling it a ‘taper” is somewhat misleading. Where each of the segments meet, the edge actually steps in, horizontally, using YES’ tried, tested, and bona fide  “underbite” technology. Where traditional tapers can sometimes wash out at the end of a turn, the PYL creates a hook-like effect at the tail of the board. The result is insane edge hold that slingshots you out of every turn.

“Where traditional tapers can sometimes wash out at the end of a turn, the PYL creates a hook-like effect at the tail of the board. The result is insane edge hold that slingshots you out of every turn.”

Whether that’s in the deep stuff or on the hardback, the snowboard caters to both worlds, so picking your line has never been easier.  A more pronounced rocker in the nose combines with the shape to deliver effortless float.

At low tide, the camber between the feet provides solid levels of response, while stiffer triax fibreglass and YES’ own Weightless Core keeps the overall weight… well, you can imagine.

Newbies and intermediates need not apply. When a snowboard boasts these credentials, along with a high grade sintered base and ash veneer topsheet for soaking up any chatter on the descent, you know the kind of rider it’s designed for.

Tester’s Verdict

Rob McCreathWhitelines

“This was the first board I tested last season and it set the bar mighty high. The PYL isn’t the most eye-catching board in the lineup – especially when its sat next to the likes of the 20/20 or 420PH. Don’t judge it by those understated graphics and seemingly conventional shape though, there’s a cocktail of radness oozing out the sides of this thing.

The Tapered UnderBite is the most obvious feature to talk about. I was blown away at how well it worked. We scored fresh snow on the first run of the day and you can close out every heelside turn almost to the point of tripping yourself up. As someone who loves the simple pleasures of a good old turn as much as anything, the PYL catered to my tastes down to a T.

“Don’t judge it by those understated graphics and seemingly conventional shape though, there’s a cocktail of radness oozing out the sides of this thing”

Fortunately, it’s got a great shape and a rock-solid core to back it all up. It’s incredibly stable and handles the worst of conditions better than most. I was pretty surprised at how soft the nose felt. By the time I was heading down to hand it back in I’d started buttering around and chucking in nose rolls over the powder bumps.

Every turn is a gift on the PYL. If you ride fast and don’t want to compromise between the pistes and powder., this is a great contender for your next deck.”

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