Capita Mercury Snowboard Review Part 2

More details on the Mercury: snowboardrobot...
Mega Mercury: snowboardrobot...
This is a bit of a follow up to the original Capita Mercury review I had a year or so ago. It still is a really good do everything board, though in the last season I used it a lot more in the park than I originally expected. When I first bought the Mercury I got it in a slightly bigger size so that it would handle powder better, and I had my Capita Outsiders as my park board.
This past season I ended up riding the Mercury in the park about the same amount as I rode it in powder, and it just made everything a bit easier as I didn't have to think about what about I would take out, I could just use this one board for everything.
I had kept it in pretty good condition, so I detuned the edges between the feet as they were pretty sharp, and started riding it in the park. It does quite well, and although a softer board would probably be easier to learn new tricks and have a bit more forgiveness, it was still better than I expected.
If I was shopping for a new park board I would never really consider a 157 as something I would use on tubes and rails, but it wasn't as much of an issue as I expected. It seems that the rocker on the nose and tail make it feel a little shorter than it really is.
Even after lots of use, and being broken in it is still medium stiff, so I can hardly press it, at least not enough for it to count as a proper press.

[@xbttrader8451]

Always get goosebumps watching powder tree runs, best feeling ever!

[@landonrainey8141]

Awesome video! from one of your earlier reviews i decided to pick up the Jones Stratos. Not even looking for another board and i still watch the reviews. Entertaining and informational.

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! It's a good one, you'll be able to get tons out of the Stratos.

[@rogerpye1865]

Thanks for the update. Got a Mercury last year, but because of COVID have not been able to try it out. I enjoyed watching ride it. Was kind of imagining what it feels like from the angle on your video. Looks and in my imagination it feels epic.

[@craiggibbons3268]

I have an Orca that I haven’t been able to try for 2 seasons now. If it’s not my cup of tea, I will 100% get a Mercury ( or a mega Mercury) if Snowboard Robot loves it.

[@rogerpye1865]

@@craiggibbons3268 I’ve got an Orca. I rode it for a week at Whistler in pretty good condition Jan 2020, just before COVID bit. Liked it a lot, but I think I will like the Mercury more as an all round option, with a ‘more’ traditional ‘twin’ shape.

[@stephprime]

@@rogerpye1865 Look for the Golden Orca, it's the Orca Shape as a "Switch friendly Twinnish version" !! Can't wait to test in January!

[@kurtkozyrski9500]

Great review, loved the raw footage of you riding!

[@michaeloas8935]

Sick control in the trees!

[@choski76]

Amazing trees at the end of the video

[@raulg.franco3486]

How does it compare to Korua Otto? Sole, grip, response on ice, track and off-piste? Above all, I like to go down quickly and not suffer from the soles. Some trick but little

[@Nes514]

Hi, I bought a mercury 157 i'm 8.5us boots, 67kg and 172cm Is it too long for me?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thats decently big, but with the rocker it won't feel super long. It will feel quite solid at speed, and give you good float in powder.

[@Nes514]

Ok thank u!

[@IIISentorIII]

It's slightly on the long side for sure but don't overthink it. Just like a Bike that is M or L both have slightly different strengths and cons I'm 180 cm, 11.5us, 75KG and a 41 Year old life long Swiss-Snowboarder. One of my boards is a CUBE that is 163cm long and I absolutely love it! Cheers

[@shawnchen795]

This is what I needed! Thank you for the update. Btw where did you put your camera in those tree runs? I always have a hard time placing my camera when riding in trees

[@cedlouis]

I just bought a Mercury, literally based on your 2 videos, and written review. Thanks soo much! I also ride the same Burton Step On bindings as you do, that was cool to see. Especially how fast you got in at the 3:00 minute mark, all the way at what looked like the top of your mountain! Thanks for the review, I am sooo stoked to get my Mercury! I'm also about 6ft tall, so I have a quick question regarding your Step On's. I'm currently at -12 +12, and I added a bit of forward lean. What are your stance angles, and did you end up using any forward lean?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! I never really add any forward lean to any of my bindings, although I am sure that it would be good on if I was specifically trying to carve. Years ago I played around with it a bit and added too much which was tough on my legs, so I haven't touched it in ages. I change angles all the time, but +12/9- is a pretty safe one for me, but I also go narrower in width than recommended. On most boards I put the back foot on recommended, and the front foot on narrowest.

[@cedlouis]

@@SnowboardRobot Ok awesome, thanks so much for the info!! Keep posting videos! I'm really enjoying this Mercury!

[@N0VA2097]

How would you compare this board to a Jones Stratos. I am an intermediate to advanced border and am looking fro a new board. I rarely ride park or switch but am fairly aggressive. Which one would you recommend?

[@SnowboardRobot]

I would go for the Stratos if switch and park aren't a big deal, you might as well get all the help you can from the proper directional shape/taper. If you did want to keep a Capita board as an option, I would look at the BSOD kzbin.info/www/bejne/harde4Sopd2Hrq8

[@jameswood494]

Lovely videos and awesome camera work - keep them coming. How does the mercury compare to the Salomon ultimate ride… I’m looking for a fast all mountain board that I can do some switch riding and general low level freestyle playful type riding - but need to be able to keep up with my fast skier friends on groomers and some pow. I had the ultimate ride for a short time and struggled to make it work for me. Is the merc more forgiving and a little less dialed in? Thank you

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! I had both the Mercury and Ultimate Ride (older twin version) that I used for everything, but still in the park on rails a little bit as well. The Mercury is a little bit more forgiving, but not a huge deal. The brand new Ultimate Ride is probably going to be a better choice than the old one, the new one is a little softer, set back and with a bit of taper, so is a million times better for carving and powder. I wouldn't be worried about riding it switch either, it doesn't feel that unnatural anyway. I would happily own either, though neither is really soft enough to make buttering and small freestyle stuff too easy.

[@jameswood494]

@@SnowboardRobot thank you for taking the time to reply. Would you say the new mercury and old ultimate ride basically feel and ride the same?

[@giorgosdimakis]

Hi I bought the 155 mercury. I am 5'10 168 libres. I used to have 157 snowboards but I wanted to buy one a little sorter to be more maneuverable. Did I do the wrong choice? Should I have gone for the 157?

[@SnowboardRobot]

No not at all, that is the ideal size. I just went for the longer one as I wanted to ride more powder on it, but the 155 probably would have been the better overall choice for me now.

[@itsssssjohnny]

What is it about the 157 you don’t like that makes you wish you had the 155?

[@CSxHAWAIIN]

Hey, I got a random question for you lol. I’ve watched a few of your reviews and it seems we have the same body measurements (145lb, 6’, 9.5 US boot). Well I just got a 157 Capita Mercury and I was wondering what your stance width was on your Mercury board? Just looking for a reference point cuz I’m in between some of the inserts when I stand on my board. Thanks in advance!

[@SnowboardRobot]

I'm not sure on the exact measurements, but I have the back foot on the recommended position, then the front foot on the narrowest, which makes it just the tiniest bit more directional.

[@CSxHAWAIIN]

@@SnowboardRobot ok great! Thanks!

[@joshw5343]

How does this board do in icy conditions? I'm thinking of replacing my 2010 custom x with it.

[@SnowboardRobot]

It does decently, maybe not as good as a stiff full camber like your Custom X, but not really that much of a downgrade

[@jamesnicholas7078]

I just got the 2022 mercury and love it. I also have burton step on bindings and they're great. Do you know where i could get a pair of the 1st gen X step ons? The new ones have clips that i hear are breaking so i would love the 1st gen x but can't find them anywhere

[@SnowboardRobot]

I guess you could look on ebay, but I would definitely get the newer version of the X if possible

[@RakymzhanZhumabaev]

Hello. I want to buy capita mercury 23/24 but I can’t decide between 155 and 157, which one would you recommend? I have a height of 175 cm and a net weight without equipment of 69 kg

[@RakymzhanZhumabaev]

shoe size 10.5 but I want to buy 10

[@SnowboardRobot]

Go for the 155, even if you have 10.5s

[@RakymzhanZhumabaev]

@@SnowboardRobot Рахмет

[@rogerpye1865]

Hey Lachy, nice update. Did you get sore legs riding the Mercury in the soft snow/powder?

[@SnowboardRobot]

No not that I can ever remember, I think that the stiffer flex helped as well as having the front foot set back a little as well.

[@michaelyu1944]

Hey Lach! great videos! Just wondering where you are at around the 3:00-3:40 mark as well as the 6 minute mark, those tree runs looked epic! Also have you had a chance to ride the GNU Gremlin, tossing up between that and the Capita Merc. Cheers!

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! Its the Easter Chutes, starting from around the Knoll. I am pretty sure that the trees around 6:00 are on or near Powder Gulch, on the way to powder chair just off the side of the groomed run. I haven't been able to ride the Gremlin, but it looks like something that I would like.

[@Heyyyydaddy]

What are your thoughts on this vs The Greats? Mercury much better overall? Or is the Greats just not as good in powder? Im looking for a good all mountain freestyle deck. Currently have a Dancehaul and Bataleon Beyond Medals Whatever. Not really loving 3bt so trying to replace it with something. Love the Dancehaul but not really for riding switch.

[@SnowboardRobot]

I like the stiffer flex of the Mercury a bit better, but there isn't anything wrong with the Greats - it depends if you need the extra width of the Greats, or you can stick to the regular style of the Mercury. They are both pretty safe choices, if you want a stiffer board I would go for the Mercury, or a touch softer the Greats.

[@ethann9999]

I am getting a mercury rn, not too sure which size I should go for. I am 178cm and 75-82kg, I work out a lot. should I go for the 157 or 159? my boot size is 8.5. I can tell mercury is your favorite one after watching all your video. Love your reviews !

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! I still do love it, one of the few boards I haven't wanted to replace. I think that the 157 will be all you would need, the only exception would be if you ride fast a lot of the time, then you might get a little bit of an advantage from the extra size of the 159.

[@ethann9999]

@@SnowboardRobot Thanks for the kind reply! one more question, does the tail part give the energy or pop from edge to edge? I am worried about the rocker section couldn't give enough pop just like my mind expander if not I will prob go bsod. Appreciate!

[@willywombat9542]

How would you compare Merc with Burton custom or Nitro's Team (camber versions)? Naturally Merc is better in pow but any difference in let's say carving groomers or moguls? Would traditional camber's longer effective edge give better grip on hard pack/ice?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Yeah both the Custom and the Team will have better edge hold on ice, and in general. Technically the rocker on the Mercury will help it start turn smoother, but in reality all three are pretty good. Depending on the exact size, the narrower Team will probably feel the fastest and easiest to turn edge to edge.

[@stokedonphotos1]

Wait....Im looking at this being like, there's no way he's riding where I think he is. Good ol Wolverine park :D SSV is one of my main mountains these days.

[@SnowboardRobot]

Oh yeah! I worked my first couple of seasons at Sunshine years ago, way before there was the little park park there!

[@bbolanda18]

Thanks for the update I have the same board in a bigger size and step on's and I was wondering how you like the X bindings and what boots do you wear?

[@SnowboardRobot]

I do like the X bindings, I prefer stiffer bindings anyway, and the X seem to be have at least the same amount of response as my regular Cartels. I have the Photons, which are really good, Ions are probably a better choice for me but they are so expensive.

[@bbolanda18]

@@SnowboardRobot yes they are.

[@dylanm7319]

I always know sunshine village when I see it! Been riding the mercury for 2 seasons now its an absolute beast! You in banff area a lot?

[@SnowboardRobot]

It's a good one! I worked there for a couple of winters years ago, but only ended up there in spring this year when Whistler closed.

[@EssenceOfTrance]

Hey! I'm interested in picking this up as a replacement for my Korua Tranny Finder. The Korua was too stiff for my liking and feels like a boat to turn at slower speeds. I think I prefer a more twinish shape too. How do you compare the flex between these two boards and the Salomon Assassin as well? I liked the Assassin's flex but I'm looking for something just slightly stiffer and more all mountain focused. I know you rode all these boards and are a lighter guy as well.

[@SnowboardRobot]

I know where you are coming from, the Mercury will still be stiff enough and stable, but not anywhere near as much work as the Tranny Finder. It has been so long since I have been on the Assassin, and it felt quite soft to me that I really need to ride it again. Although a little bit more directional than the Mercury, I have almost finished a video on the Yes PYL which could be a good option as well.

[@EssenceOfTrance]

@@SnowboardRobot I have looked at the PYL before but disregarded it because of the waist width which is just a bit narrow for my feet. But it might be okay because of the underbite which seems to widen the width at the inserts. Thanks for your input! I'll definitely watch your review.

[@jameswood494]

Ok so I’m pretty sold on the Mercury…. I currently ride a 2012 K2 fast plant, I know you have ridden both as I watched your review of the fast plant from a few years ago! Should I spend the money and get the capita for faster riding, or just stick with the fast plant, are they hugely different at speed?

[@SnowboardRobot]

It looks like the 2012 Fastplant had a bit more rocker than the one I rode, but overall you will get a much more stable ride from the Mercury. It isn't a catchy feeling board with the rocker on the nose and tail, but the camber under your feet will make a big difference. Once you get used to it, I think you will be able to ride much faster with way less effort than you expect.

[@jameswood494]

@@SnowboardRobot thank you so much for taking the time to reply. That’s helped make my decision. Legend 👍

[@calebalmeida7817]

How does this compare to the Jones Stratos? Which would be the better options for someone who loves to hit pow and ride groomers as well?

[@SnowboardRobot]

I think that the Stratos is going to float better in powder with the taper, more directional shape and the 3d shaped base, though to me the Mercury does both of those well too. I think I would go for the Stratos, it sounds like it would match what you are looking for best.

[@danielagland]

Hey mate, have you had a chance to ride the mega merc yet?

[@BsK85]

This or the Burton custom camber?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Both are great, but I would still choose the Mercury, a bit more versatile with the rocker in the nose and tail for deeper snow.

[@chooseboost]

Great review. Are you living over in Canada atm? Also love to see a follow up review of the dancehaul. I’ve been considering the Merc but am thinking of going the Ravine for next year.

[@SnowboardRobot]

Yeah I have been in Canada for quite a while, just temporarily went home to Australia for the winter when covid was coming around and didn't know how it was going to affect everything. I'll see what I end up riding this winter, if I'm on the Dancehaul a bit I'll make an update for it. The Ravine looks good, I'll try and give it a shot if I can get my hands on one.

[@chooseboost]

@@SnowboardRobot I’ve bought a Ravine 155 while they’re on sale over here atm. I’m 86kg but am now wondering if I should have got the 158 to help with float. I want to do some backcountry training and get out further. Anyways I feel the 155 would be better for most of the terrain I ride. What’s the bast time of year to visit big white?

[@SnowboardRobot]

@@chooseboost Oh I wouldn't stress too much, just set it back if it snows a bunch. February is normally pretty good, most of the time the cold snap is done by then and there is a pretty good chance of regular fresh snow.

[@fordphillips5921]

do you like it better in the park vs the outsiders? how do they compare? i love my outsiders and am looking at a mercury next since i often don’t know what i’ll be riding before i get to the mountain

[@SnowboardRobot]

I think I do like the Mercury a bit better, but that is probably just because I have spent more time on it. I don't think you could go wrong with a Mercury for everything, it was great for me in the park once I was used to it, and if you have been riding the Outsiders it won't take long.

[@jayc3723]

Sick review! Are you based in Sunshine?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Thanks! No I had been based in Big White for a few years, but bought the spring pass for Sunshine this season once Whistler shut down.

[@wojciechkubik2247]

can you compare it to rome ravine? for fast resort riding,progressing in riding like carving and some pow? intermiediate rider, also for 43 boot and 83kg weight and 182cm hieght,157 would be ok?

[@SnowboardRobot]

I haven't ridden the Ravine yet, but it does look a bit more directional than the Mercury - so it looks like a good option for carving and powder. Yeah 157 sounds good for the length

[@ambisean1881]

What is the orange color binding you used on 4 min mark?

[@SnowboardRobot]

They are another pair of Burton Cartels

[@sendybro1347]

Hey bro. Do you center your bindings on the mercury for park? (Tip/tail same length?) If so how does it ride ? Just wondering if the death grip bump affects anything, is it centred on board or back abit with the setback bindings inserts?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Nah I don't have them centered, I have the back foot on the recommended position, and front foot on the narrowest to give it a little more nose. I haven't actually measured it to see what the tip/tail length is, but I would always rather the board be better regular that I ride 90% of the time, rather than have it perfectly balanced and just ok both directions. I don't think I have noticed the feel of the death grip at all, it is so subtle you have to look pretty hard to even notice it.

[@sendybro1347]

@@SnowboardRobot cool. With capita saying it's a directional flex do you find the tail stiffer then the nose ? Or both the same ?

[@SnowboardRobot]

@@sendybro1347 I don't really notice the tail being stiffer, but I generally don't cruise around riding switch anyway, it is mostly just coming into a feature or riding out of it switch, which feels more unnatural anyway. Seems pretty much the same to me.

[@TrophyMediaCo]

I’m caught between buying the 2022 merc or Jones mountain twin. How do you compare that two? I’m looking for a board to up my progression, I love the trees and run groomers often here. I don’t ride park but like to get into some kickers, side hits and some butters (when I feel confident enough). I’d say I fall into the average/intermediate rider but trying to improve and push my limits. I’m a bigger guy 220lbs 6’2” with 12 boots so I need a wide board. I’d be switching from an arbor element rocker, definitely want to switch to the camber profile and both will be a big step up. Just curious to see how you compare the merc and mountain twin. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

[@SnowboardRobot]

The review I have of the Mountain Twin is the older style, which was very very similar overall to the Mercury - similar profile, base, edge hold though it felt a bit softer than the Mercury. The newer one has a bit of the spoon shape on the nose and tail, so it will feel a little different than the one I have been on. Coming from a rocker board, both are going to feel almost the same, they are aimed at the same type of rider. There isn't a clear easy choice, though the Mercury might be a bit lighter.

[@johannepiper6836]

What board did you end up getting and why?

[@TrophyMediaCo]

@@johannepiper6836 I ended up going with the mountain twin

[@TrophyMediaCo]

@@johannepiper6836 I mainly went with the mountain twin for the little more playful style, I’m not really into high speeds as much but even with the twin it’s super stable and progressive so it’s not a dramatic jump from my last board, but is already making me a more confident and better rider. It’s also an amazing looking board on top of it and the contoured tips and tail help when you wanna set back and go directional for powder days. I do wish it was a bit wider as I’m a 12 boot and the wide isn’t quite enough for the deep carves and I get a bit of drag but not crazy.

[@andrewheaton8351]

Hi, I weigh about 73kg and am about 5”10. I have been riding a ride society 160 which is now about 12 years old so time for a new Board. I’m thinking I might be better suited for a smaller board??.. I ride a bit of everything from powder to groomed trails and park and and not sure if I should go 159 or 157. Anyone got any thoughts or guidance they could give me?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Oh yeah I imagine that you would be able to have a lot more fun on a smaller board, so I would go for the 157 as the biggest. Still useful in powder, but will do everything else on the mountain that you need as well.

[@GabrielBok]

Hi i am interested in this board, but i dont know what size is good vor me 153 or 155. I am 170cm and 73kg. Thank you!

[@SnowboardRobot]

I would go for the 153, I think it will be the most fun size, though if you only want to ride fast go for the bigger 155.

[@chrisfaliao4675]

@@SnowboardRobot heyy if im the same measurement but i only have a 155 available to me. could i still have fun and maneuver the 155 or will i be struggling alot to have it controlled and need to go for fast speeds to enjoy it?

[@JackWutang]

what jacket/pants are you wearing?

[@SnowboardRobot]

They are the Quiksilver Beater pants: snowboardrobot.com/pants-reviews/quiksilver-beater-pants-review/ There are a couple of stores with some left at the bottom of that page. The Jacket is the Quiksilver Dome, but it is really hard to find

[@lawcifer]

how would u compare it with the ultimate ride u had from a few seasons ago?

[@SnowboardRobot]

The Mercury is a bit more forgiving overall, floats better in powder, but they were both fast boards with a similar amount of pop. The new Ultimate Ride is a whole bunch better than the one I had too.

[@lawcifer]

@@SnowboardRobot thanks! How would u compare the new Ultimate to that Mercury?

[@SnowboardRobot]

@@lawcifer I would happily ride either every day. The new Ultimate Ride is a bit softer, turns way better (directional now, set back stance). There was no problem riding it switch, and if I had unlimited money I would probably get one. Edge hold on the Salomon is a bit better with the full camber, and it really seems to accelerate out of turns if you use your weight right.

[@yamz342]

Did they change anything for 2022?

[@SnowboardRobot]

Nah everything looks just the same, and I guess that all the new stuff went into the Mega Merc

[@yamz342]

@@SnowboardRobot Angry snowboarder review said theres some catchy feeling with the sidecut at slow speeds, you ever feel anything like that?

[@SnowboardRobot]

@@yamz342 No I don't get that feeling at all, if anything I would say the opposite - though also I have been riding the board for so long I am very used to it. When it was new I do remember noting it was a bit looser than my Ultimate Ride, which was pretty much full camber.

[@myfukinarmhurts]

Sunshine ?

[@SnowboardRobot]

A bunch of Big White, then the spring riding was at Sunshine!