2023 Capita Black Snowboard Of Death Review vs Mega Mercury, Mercury & Indoor Survival

[@greghughes8376]

This guy is solid. Awesome insight, great quality reviews and production. Come here for real information from a real person just trying to spread love for snowboarding. Thank you!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks Greg. Greatly appreciated!

[@Tattooed_Agent]

broooo... you actually ride the boards you review! Amazing!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Ha! Thanks!

[@SlothySeconds]

Thank you for videos like this. comparing the whole lineup of boards is so helpful for planning future purchases

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for taking the time to write this. Greatly appreciated!

[@jayashkumar5941]

I've used this snow blower for the past 2 years in Wisconsin kzbin.infoUgkxoHYZbq5g9fkcAtinlTqstNlje-UQkCHN and been quite pleased with my purchase. For the money this was a great deal, though you will have to buy a 15 amp rated extension cord which will probably add another $100. This snow blower was a back saver for me for the past 2years, while this isn't a 2 stage gas snow blower by any means, it performed admirably and was able to plow through 2 foot plus snow plow piles at the end of my driveway, through the 2 foot snow plow piles took quite a bit of effort and time. Still this was much easier than going at it with a shovel. My only gripe with it is with having to keep track of the cord and move it around as to not run it over, but that is part of the deal when you buy a corded electric snowblower.

[@billybobl1]

Just picked up a BSOD in a 159 this season. Love that thing

[@thegoodridesnow]

Right on!

[@NotoriousLegend]

Great info, just subbed thank you brotha

[@rocklandrodgers]

It’s the Cadillac Escalade of snowboards. If you’ve driven an Escalade you know exactly what I’m saying. It’s the smoothest board I’ve ever ridden that can smash thru any chunder. I’m always charging and it hasn’t let me down yet.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@Wick.nilson]

I’m 5’10, 165/170, 10.5 Burton ion boot. Can’t decide between the 156, 159, or 157w 🫠

[@alexanderdougin2009]

Next season we will see Mega Death...This will be interesting! Thx for the review! Still riding my 20/21 20th Anniversary BSOD and think it's its best itteration still.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah hoping to get on it soon.

[@michaelrowley1970]

Great job with reviewing the lineup! I currently ride a Burton Hometown hero, and I’m looking to switch from the Burton brand. It sounds like the black snowboard of death might be the way to go for me versus a Merc if I’m used to stiffness of hometown hero- What are your thoughts on the Hometown hero versus the black snowboard of death?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks. Hard to say based on what you wrote but I personally like the Merc over the HTH in everything but Powder. Your HTH has a lot more directional float. Hit me up here if you want real advice as it's super hard to help on KZbin. Too many skipped steps and too little info about you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@davidw6828]

Just picked up the mega merc and falcors for 700 total. So pumped to go rip

[@tannerk3732]

That's a steal. And helluva combo. 👌

[@thegoodridesnow]

Well played.

[@cameronharris2862]

How

[@FOURFTP]

Where did you get that steal ?

[@Hanh30]

I have some of these but wanted them all

[@thegoodridesnow]

That's still very good.

[@brunogourmet]

Best reviews I ever seen here. For a average mortal is very very helpful. One advice: Do you reckon the BSD is a good step up for a average rider who is starting doing some Ollie’s and riding switch? I’m 5.11, 176 pounds riding a fun dancehall Salomon 1.52., boots 10.5(usa)K2, bindings contact pro union medium. I ride more resorts in Austria, eventually some powder days. Looking for a new board to push up the limits ;) Thanks buddy, keep rocking!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks. Yeah the BSOD 159 or 162 could for sure work. It's got good ollie power and it's not ideal switch but more doable than the Dancehaul. If you want more options hit me up here so I can do a much better job at helping you properly. thegoodride.com/contact-us/

[@Luffemonster]

BSOD Vs Yes Standrard Uninc for chasing three runs an pow stashes while making the most out of the groomers? Not most days are pow days where I live. Already got a HTH I’m looking th replace because of edgehold, but otherwise I like that board. Or any Lib Tech/ GNU that would be a better choice?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both can do it but it really depends on your specs and which board fits them better. Both grip better than the HTH but the Standard Uninc is by far the best when it comes to grip. Both will not float as well as the HTH though. I don't know anything about you to properly help. 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/

[@loansbydb]

Love this! How would you compare these boards to like the DOA and super DOA for aggressive all purpose. Just like a one board for a bit of everything?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The DOA and Super DOA is not really an all mountain/do everything board. It's more of a Mtn Freestyle board you ride centered. You can't set it back much or at all in pow and it doesn't float well in comparison to these boards in this review. Even the Indoor Survival. They are very good mtn freestyle boards though and are closest to the Indoor Survival. All three pop very hard on an ollie and track well into a jump. The camber of the Indoor is more fun for us for carving and as an all around ride but the DOA's aren't bad either. If you want something more forgiving go Mercury. If you don't ride switch I'd probably go BSOD. If you want more detailed advice hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@extravaganza69]

How come this channel had only 10k subs, it's pure gold! Cheers! Currently I ride NS proto hd and I enjoy it both regular and switch. It's quite agile, however now I think about something more directional for the wider runs with more carving and freeride ability, also with more pop. I can't decide between korua otto and yes basic uninc. Which one do you think would be better? What I expected the most is the pop for ollies, edge hold and not being dead under foot so not to stiff. Occasionally I'd want it to be switch capable for transitions. Thanks :)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! I have only been on YT for a little while and moved all the vids over from Vimeo when they wanted to charge me a ton of money. So hard to say based on the info you gave me. I think the Basic Uninc and Otto are pretty different rides. The Otto is much more stiff/damp and more directional. I would also include the YES Standard Uninc and a few other boards. If you want real advice hit me up here. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@kylemartin4010]

The HD was my first board. Get something more camber oriented. The Yes would likely be a better board to come off the NS.

[@extravaganza69]

@@kylemartin4010 finally I ended up with a rome ravine select for this season :) once I come back from the holidays I'm listing my never summer proto...

[@kylemartin4010]

@@extravaganza69 ha good to hear. That is quite a massive step up in terms of stiffness eh? Sounds like it's working for you tho. Ive been toying with the idea of making the select my charging board.

[@extravaganza69]

@@kylemartin4010 it is given I also sized it up a notch. However paired with katanas and ride trident boots it feels like I can shred anything with it. It's not the easiest to steer though, but it just flies and grips very well..

[@Asceticism_N]

I enjoy bombing diamonds but I now want to learn to do butters and jibbs. I am wondering if the BSOD I can learn to butter on? What draws me to the BSOD is that it sounds very stable at high speeds listening to the reviews. If not what board would you reccommand that is stable at high speeds but also can do butters and jibbs? Thanks for the videos! Really enjoying your snowboard reviews.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Not an ideal board for buttering and jibs. You need to compromise a lot more when it comes to speed and dampness to learn to butter and jib. You also might want something more forgiving. Maybe go Mercury as it feels softer in the tip/tail on snow and is much more forgiving. Or hit me up here if you want in depth advice. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@MashiroRedo]

Great review. Which one would you buy: Indoor Survival, Yea Basic Uninc, or Jones Mountain Twin?

[@thegoodridesnow]

It's not about me and all 3 are favorites on the site. I actually own the Indoor Survival and Basic Uninc. I love the Standard Uninc but couldn't swing it. It comes down to your specs, where you ride and how you ride. If you want real in depth advice hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@JFF-99-00]

How would you compare the BSOD to the Rome Ravine Select? And personally which would do you like more?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Two pretty different rides. The Ravine Select has lifted sides before and through the nose with more set back on board. The BSOD has a more centered, less tapered more all mountain feel and also has a different camber profile. The BSOD feels a touch more catchy off the back foot with the flat section there.

[@JFF-99-00]

@@thegoodridesnow oh, interesting. I thought they were similar in the sense that they are both all-mtn, freestyle boards. Would you say the BSOD is geared towards everything (including jumps and hips in the park) while the Ravine isn't for that at all?

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would say neither is amm mountain freestyle. I would head over to thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/?mens=1 to check both reviews to get my take. There is a comparison tool as well.

[@BDLT001]

For aggressive riding off the top of mammoth, do you recommend this BSOD or a 23 Arbor Annex? Thanks

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both can rip the top of Mammoth but it just depends on what you are into. More directional/set back/easier float/stiff go Annex. Faster Base/More centered/better landing gear for big airs/easier pop go BSOD

[@Martin-ps8em]

Hi! I love your reviews and comparisons of Capita Snowboards and I have a question regarding BSOD size. Is it intended to be larger that for example Mercury? I do currently have a Capita OL 156 and i feel it a little chatty at high speed. Im currently 5’8 170lbs US 9 boot and wondering if should stay on 156 size or should take a leap of faith and take the 159. Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

The 156 will BSOD will be more stable and more damp. I'd only go 159 if you want a lot more speed at the expense of control. Hit me up here if you want to get into more detail. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@papasgormita]

Better Capita Navigator or the Nidecker Mellow for a fun powder board to go trough the tree line? I found both 2021/22 models at the same prize, which one I have to buy and in what size??? I’m 170lbs 5,60 intermediate level with a Lib Tech Orca 150 in my quiver, which one can be a good mate for my big fish??? Thx for the reply

[@thegoodridesnow]

I don't know. If you have an orca in your quiver there will be overlap with the Mellow 150 which is the size you should get. It has a different ride compared to the orca because of the camber profile but they both do the same thing. Float well in pow and carve groomers. Both are very set back on board. The Navigator doesn't float nearly as well and has a softer mountain freestyle flex in a tapered directional shape. It is very different from the Orca so that might be fun to have a very different board in your quiver. So two very different boards.

[@ezzybro1]

Would really appreciate someone helping me out with a decision here. Trying to choose between the BSOD or mercury. Intermediate/advanced rider here. No park riding for me. Love hard carving and off piste. Want something that does well in powder aswell. I do want the board to be playful enough to have fun when not charging hard though. Which one is best going for? Cheers!

[@thegoodridesnow]

As an intermediate I think the more forgiving Mercury is a better choice. If you want to get into this more hit me here so I can get all the info I need to actually help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@ezzybro1]

@@thegoodridesnow I was just reading what an intermediate rider actually is… turns out I’m an expert hahahaha. Oops… I’ll check out the link :)

[@tribalart88]

Black Death 159 more appropriate for 5 10” 182lbs 9.5 boot?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yep that is a great size

[@Calisnr]

Good work, been following you guys for ages. Almost exclusively ride NS (25, WB, Proto, TT), but grabbed a Mercury. Never ride park, but with only a few trips to CO or Utah a year, just want one board to cover all my bases. Will the camber on the Mercury be a large learning curve? Been riding since about 2007 10 days or so a year. What about edge catch? Detune quite a bit between contact points? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! The 25 was an excellent board and a favorite of ours back in the day. The Mercury is very different. It isn't tapered and not very directional so that might take the most getting used to. The board is very forgving like the 25 because there is rocker before the tip/tail. You can de-tune at the end of the effective edge but I found it's not that necessary with camber profiles like this. It isn't a very catchy ride.

[@frotocsr]

Hey James, thanks for making this video and many others. I have the first run of mega mercury and decided on a new BSOD this year. I ultimately wanted more of a freeride gun, but im concerned I’m going to have a lot of overlap between the two. Do you think the two can complement each other for general allmtn and freeride? I have a separate park setup so I’m really coming from a freeride perspective. Thanks and cheers from CO

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! Yeah lots of overlap. They are pretty much the same board with different construction. You aren't getting anything more from the BSOD except for a better ride in soft uneven snow. Do you have another board for powder vs. the BSOD/MegaD? You might want to hit me up here if you want to do this properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@frotocsr]

@@thegoodridesnow I was worried you would say that. Yes, I have a slightly downsized endeavor archetype as a tree/pow tool. Thanks for the link

[@thegoodridesnow]

Oh good. That is much better in pow.

[@kamilwalczuk1970]

Hi, I am 100kg, 183 cm, us11.5. Should I take BSOD 61w or 65w? Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Tough call. Boot size and height would be best for the 161w but at 100K you might prefer the 65w. What make/model/size do you ride now and how does it work for you? Or hit me up here if you want to do this right and give me all the info to help you properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@marceloc6691]

I am an intermediate snowboarder from east coast going to my 3rd year, really willing to buy this board. Considering my background, would it be harmful in anyway to get this board? Is it "too advance" or too unforgiven that would harm my progression in any way?

[@thegoodridesnow]

It's a lot more forgiving than full camber but there are more forgiving boards out there. There are boards that grip better out east as well. All that being said, I need to know a lot more about you to give you real advice though. Hit me up here if you want to do this properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@marceloc6691]

@@thegoodridesnow Thank you, actually I couldn't control myself and got the board. It is truly amazing, I loved the board and it is not challenging at all for intermediate. It is fast, but controls very very nice.

[@Durer13]

Thx for the review! How does it compare with Arbor A frame in your opinion? Thx!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Two different boards. If you compare the BSOD to the A-Frame it is lighter, less damp and less stiff when it comes to flex personality. The lifted sides of the A-Frame actually make the A-Frame less catchy than the BSOD but it can also feel somewhat edgeless and washy in harder to icy snow until you get used to it. The BSOD is more centered like an all mountain board where the A-Frame is more than twice as far set back on board. The A-Frame is more freeride and the BSOD is more all mountain.

[@Thierry-bt1lk]

Hi, Will definitely get this year BSOD, but I am sill really not sure on the size. Need help. I am 182cm (6”11), 78kg (172lbs) and boots US10.5. I have been riding for 20 years, and plan on using this board as an all mountain, do it all board. For fast big carves on groomer, powder, trees and some side hits. Cannot decide between 157w, 159 and 162. Would really appreciate any insight. What would you recommend? Thanks!

[@Thierry-bt1lk]

Sorry, 5"11 and not 6"11...

[@thegoodridesnow]

Your weight is better for the 157w and 159 and you could do either one of those. If you carve really hard and like a wider board go 157w. It should be pretty easy to handle. If you want an easier board to turn go 159. If you have pretty reduced footprint boots then 159 shouldn't have toe/heel drag. Hit me up here if you want to give me more info so I can help you properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@Thierry-bt1lk]

Thank you, really appreciate your input! Love your reviews. My boots are Vans Infuse.

[@thegoodridesnow]

You should be good then. They aren't long in footprint.

[@Jmanji12]

The mercury fucking rips it’s a quiver killer I do wanna try some other capitas for sure

[@ThePbutler35]

What board would you advise to compliment the 2020 Orca? Ordered the 23 Atlas per your advice. Will ride same Atlas on both in a medium size 10 boots. Was looking at the BSOD for all Mtn board. Orca for power days. What’s your advice?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Based on the info you gave me that is a good 2 board quiver.

[@jeffadams9699]

210lbs, 6’1 size 11 boot. 162 my ideal size?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Remember to subtract about 3mm from the waist because of the death grip. You are probably better off with the 161w for your specs but it depends on what make, model and size board you have now as well as how it works for you now?

[@Cupidine]

Hey James is there any difference between 22/23 and 23/24 model ? I am 230lbs, 6'3 and 11,5 boot and wondering if 165w would be good. Aggressive all mtn and leaning towards carving.

[@thegoodridesnow]

In terms of shape, camber profile, overall construction and ride...not much. There is a slight tweak to the base and there might be a change to the stance location making it more narrow if you set it all the way back which better for most riders.

[@Cupidine]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks for the info. Do you believe 165w is a good choice for my specs? I am also thinking about pantera 166w or flagship 165w

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think so but not really sure based on the info I have about you. Hit me up here as there is a lot more that go's into giving someone legit advice. shop.thegoodride.com/

[@Lemon-bq3ti]

Hey hopefully you can still see this comment. I currently ride a 2019 DOA and love this board. I do want something new though because I ride much more free ride. I love to bomb groomers and get into powder and ride harder terrain such as moguls or tree runs. I don’t really ever ride switch or get to crazy into park I definitely still do jumps just more naturally occurring jumps. I am debating between the BSOD and the MEGA MERC. I would definitely say I’m a beginner advanced rider/ higher end intermediate rider. I want something that will support my freeride style more and if I decided I want to go ride park I always have my DOA in my quiver. I really don’t know what would be better a BSOD or MEGA MERC hopefully someone can help. (Helpful info size 8.5 boot 150 pounds with no gear at about 5’8)

[@thegoodridesnow]

What size DOA do you have now? BSOD would be better than the Mega Merc as that is almost a twin and only slightly more directional than the DOA. I'd probably go 156 but it depends on what size DOA you are used to now.

[@lefty5189]

Curious how you'd compare riding K2 Passport to the Navigator.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both are pretty similar rides but Navigator is softer and less competent in uneven snow but has a little more pop. I would say the Passport is a more well rounded board for all conditions riding.

[@milanjakab877]

Hey, I am 175cm (5,9) 68-70kg (152-155lbs), and my boot size is 26,5cm (8,5US). I am an intermediate rider, and I want to use the Mercury for all mountain riding, more on the aggressive side, jumps (no jib focus), side hits, and pow (sometimes). I am thinking about the 155 or 157. Could you please let me know what is your recommended size? I am currently riding on the DOA 156.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I would go 155 as the Mercury is a slower board to turn and a little wider than your DOA.

[@milanjakab877]

@@thegoodridesnow Thank you! Also, is the mercury a better option for aggressive all mountain riding?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Depends. The Mercury is a little stiffer but has a less locked in feel so some aggressive/technical riders might prefer the DOA or Indoor Survival better. The Mercury will be more forgiving so it might make it easier to charge harder, make mistakes and survive than the DOA or IS. The Mercury is better than both for powder because of that extra early rise as well. If you want real in depth advice hit me here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@FOURFTP]

Im new to snowboarding thinking about getting the mercury will you recommend it . If For freestyle/ all mountain

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes it's expensive for starting out but forgiving enough if you find a size that fit's your specs.

[@FOURFTP]

@@thegoodridesnow i was thinking about starting off with the K2 raygun pop but was recommended to just spend that little extra cash for the Mercury .Im just not that sure double guessing it now since the mercury a directional board. I like more twin. I’m 190lb 5’10 size 10.5 boots was going get the a size 157 board

[@thegoodridesnow]

So the Mercury is not really a directional board. It is almost a directional twin like the Raygun Pop. I would actually say that the Mercury is more centered on sidecut and has less set back on board. The Raygun Pop also has directional camber (camber to the tail with early rise in the nose) where the Mercury doesn't. So neither are twins but the Mercury is actually less directional than the Raygun Pop. Both are good boards though so just go with the one that calls to you more.

[@rolandcsibi6916]

Hi James, I’m having a hard time deciding what size I should get my capita mega merc. I’m 6’0(182cm) 195lb(89kg) size 10 US boot. Thinking about a 59 or 61. Also, what size burton custom camber fits me?

[@thegoodridesnow]

159 would probably be the better fit for your specs. Especially your boot size which is most important. If you are used to bigger boards maybe the 161. You are more in between sizes with the Custom Camber. 158 if you want more control and more of a mountain freestyle ride. 162 if you want more speed and a harder carver.

[@rolandcsibi6916]

Thanks for taking your time to reply! Your content helps a ton!

[@jeffstewart4162]

Would love to hear your opinion… I’m torn between BSOD and Jones Flagship. I’m 6’2 210 very experienced and like to charge hard.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size?

[@jeffstewart4162]

@@thegoodridesnow 11

[@thegoodridesnow]

The BSOD Wide that would do well for your weight/height (165w) is pretty wide for 11's and not as damp as the Flagship. The 165w Flagship fits you much better for 11's and is more damp at higher speeds. It's more tapered, set back and directional than the BSOD too so if that works for you the Flagship is the call.

[@jeffstewart4162]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks man I appreciate it. I’m not usually a fan of wide boards, size 11 Burton boots usually fit a bit smaller and I usually ride a +15/+5. I read another review that the regular flagship was a little too forgiving and that the flagship ultimate is the way to go. Any thoughts on that? Obviously I’m overthinking it but I typically keep a board for 3+ years.

[@jeffstewart4162]

@@thegoodridesnow I ended up getting the 162, just had it on a west coast Pow trip and I had zero problems with boot out etc and it carves like a surgeon… but… in the fresh heavy pow even set back it was a serious workout. What would you recommend in that heavy snow? Kinda looking at the Bataleon Surfer or maybe the amplid Snommolier or something set way back??? Your advice is appreciated

[@spencerfr1]

I recently got a mercury 158W, haven’t ridden yet, taking it to keystone in a few weeks! Do you think I should have gone 157? I am 6ft, 175lb, size 10 boot, medium union force bindings

[@thegoodridesnow]

You should have gone 159 or 162 if you want it to fit you properly. 158w is a bit too wide for most with 10's.

[@Jin66572]

I just got the Mercury with union strata bindings. Super stoked to do some rips. This being my second board and I think I’m somewhat an intermediate snowboarder. Is there anything I should watch out for on this board?

[@thegoodridesnow]

That's going to be a very forgiving ride for intermediates if you sized it correctly. So you should be ok. Atlas or Force would have been a little better but Strata will for sure work. Nothing comes to mind tip wise. It's a very easy board to ride.

[@Jin66572]

@@thegoodridesnow thank you

[@FOURFTP]

@@thegoodridesnow hi, what about some cartel Burton binding you think that will be a good set up ? I’m new to snowboarding and decided to go with the Mercury size 157. I weight about 190-200lb size 10.5 in boots . Like to ride all mountain and freestyle .

[@mattkistner9863]

@thegoodridesnow. How do you feel the black snowboard of death compares to the new Ride deep fake. It seems your more entused by the BSOD than the Deep Fake?

[@thegoodridesnow]

BSOD works better for my riding style. Has more pop but if you want a stiffer more damp higher speed carver the Deep Fake is better. The edges are soo quiet and hold soo well on a carve.

[@elliotboon7727]

Keep up it we appreciate the work

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks!

[@karljeffrey8960]

Mercury beginner to expert??. Na good intermediate to advanced

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take

[@mariankowalski9797]

Man... U have the best job in the world...

[@thegoodridesnow]

Ha! Thanks!