K2 Passport 2023 Snowboard Review

[@BedstuyDude]

thanks for all you do, I have been riding since 2015 and have often used your reviews to make purchases.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for taking the time to write this!

[@jokermtb]

running a 159wide, 210lbs, 10.5 boot, bent metal transfer bindings w/ k2 Ender boots.....very easy to manouver board, great cornering and carving - easy to crack the whip when things get spicy. Great all day fun board. My first K2 was from 1997! First one since then, and I'm please it's such a good feeling board that's effortless to ride. I'm in LUV

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take!

[@tylerwarren7716]

I'm 6' 190lb 10.5 boot. think I could get away with the 157?

[@jokermtb]

@@tylerwarren7716 depends a lot on you binding and boot, but you're on the upper range for a 157 weight range. The 157 is an inch narrower than the 159w, and you may get a touch of toe heel drag if you're cranking over hard

[@tylerwarren7716]

Thanks for the reply, do you enjoy the wide board? If I bumped up 159w or 160?

[@jokermtb]

@@tylerwarren7716 I'd go 159w with your boot size and weight. I like wider boards as the sidecut is the same, yet I never have to ever worry about my toes/heels levering me off my edge when cranked over hard. I didn't have any toe or heelside drag issues, and the board handles fantastic, with very easy turn initiation yet it's stable when hauling.....I don't think you'd gain anything by getting the 160 except for the fact that it may be more available for purchase than the 159w.

[@joseledesma4776]

I have this in the 151 size (5'4", 160 lbs) and it is stiffer and faster than my Salomon Assassin 150. Not the best around moguls but if you point this thing along the fall line, it will leave everyone in the dust. Edge hold is pretty decent even when its icy.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@Slipknoted911]

New snowboarder, 5’7 150 lbs, 154cm, as a beginner it helped me get the basics, but gave me confidence as well to try new things and carves, I’m happy I got this, I thank you for this review :)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take.

[@robertbalkovec4087]

So is good for beginners also 😊

[@valleyclimbingholds8818]

Got 5 days on my new Passport on Whistler. Rode A Turbo dream for years..loving the stiffness upgrade and overall performance of the Passport. It’s everything I was hoping it would be👌

[@thegoodridesnow]

Right on. Thanks for your take.

[@jwest150]

I love the 2024 you put me into. #worthit

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks!

[@joshuamartin4121]

Great review, I just got my new Passport 160 delivered yesterday and used your video to help me decide on my stance setup. Im going to try your suggestion of 21.5, 18, -3 for a more directional stance setup. Q: The reference setting on the 160 is @ 22 inches if I wanted to bring it to 21.5. What’s the best way to do that? Shift the front binding towards the tail with the 4x2 bolt pattern to bring it in 1/2 an inch? I’m 5’ 10” @ 220 lbs in a 9.5 boot Thanks and keep up the great videos!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Good choice for your specs. On groomers I would just set it up on reference and if you have discs that slide tip to tail just slide them in a little on each binding till you get to 21.5. On powder set that as far back as you can on the front foot and then do whatever works for a 21.5 stance width on the back. Cheers!

[@joshuamartin4121]

@@thegoodridesnow I see what you mean! - I moved the disc in 1 bolt pattern and took in that 1/2 inch, measured and now I'm 21.5 center to center on my discs. I appreciate the help! Thanks again, keep up the awesome videos.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks and glad it's dialed.

[@ryand8461]

great review regardless! This and the superpig are my primary versatile boards. Amazing boards

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks!

[@natswinter8917]

Been riding the K2 Passport at Mammoth this season, it's really held its own on the pow days. Like you said, when the ride gets choppy in the afternoon, it has no problem hanging :)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for your take and glad it's working so well for you.

[@thenickslose]

Have been waiting for this review and a gain a great review. Thanks! I'm 6.1' and 178 lbs (187cm, 81kg). Own the K2 Handford boots size 10,5 and Union Atlas size L. Based on the K2 size chart I just bought the K2 Passport size 160. Just came back from the Austrian alps and really enjoyed the board, but I'm a bit in doubt about the sizing. I'm thinking that it could be a bit to big for me, or maybe it's just in my head because of comparing it to the sizing of other people. I also thought the waist width of the 157 could be to narrow for my boot size and would drag my toe or heel in the snow when turning sharply . Do you have any thoughts on the sizing? It would help me get rid of my doubts haha.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Yeah you are in between the 157 and 160. I would have recommended the 160 to make sure there is enough width for your Large bindings to not hang over. I would ride it a few more times and see.

[@Meddy813]

great review. I'm looking for something thats damp, easy to turn, can handle speed, and is an easy all day ride. Is there any board you would recommend more than this or similar? Would you say it’s better than the ride algorithm in choppy snow? (i own a shadowban and standard uninc also)

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! So you have a lot of quiver overlap with the Standard Uninc and Shadowban. This is a great board if it fits your specs but I would strongly suggest the United Shapes Cadet. It's one of the best daily driver/one board quivers I've tried. thegoodride.com/snowboard-reviews/united-shapes-cadet-snowboard-review Something seems off though with what you need vs. what you have. You might want to hit me here to make sure what you have fits your specs, equipment, ability level and riding style. This form give's me the info I need to help you much better and I can afford to put a lot more time into helping you properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@mazza159]

Cheers for this review much appreciated... just pulled the trigger on a 2024 model on sale, I'm running: 6ft, boot size 10.5 172lbs... hoping a 160 ain't too big. Hopefully will be something a bit more stable at speed compared to my 156 Salomon assassin (which is my first board I enjoy it but feels a bit small for my boots) and hoping this passport will hold an edge better.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! So, yeah, you are right that the Assassin 156 is pretty narrow for 10.5 boots. A 160 Passport is wider and a much better suited for your specs. Its also considerably more damp than the Assassin so that combined with it being sized right should make the board grip better and just ride better in all conditions. Cheers!

[@stafa127]

Question on sizing. Which would you recommend for 5’8”, 160, 9.5-10 boot depending on brand. Advanced rider looking to add a fun all mountain/free ride board to quiver. Ride in western Washington so lots of deep thick snow. Was thinking 157, but have been told 154 as well. Thanks for all the reviews and all that you do for the snowboarding community.

[@ElValuador]

157 to 160 ride shadowban for all mountain or passport for free ride.

[@henrydegenry]

I’m taller but lighter then you and feel the 154 is to small for me on free ride terrain. Feels great on perfect groomers though. Wish I got the 157

[@thegoodridesnow]

Height/weight/boot size?. What make/model/size/year board do you ride now and how do you like it?

[@henrydegenry]

@@thegoodridesnow 160 size 9 2023 passport, feels small

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size anf weight???

[@bosengineer]

I just ordered a 2024 K2 Passport sized 162W. I’m 6’ 3” 185lbs (I’m at my thinnest right now though and am trying to put on some muscle mass) and boot size 12. I would’ve ordered the 159w but it’s not in stock anywhere since it’s on clearance, and for a 3cm difference i couldn’t help but jump on the $274 price… Hopefully it’s a good size for me, I’m coming from a 160cm Burton Hero from 2010 that I was happy riding for the most part besides sinking a good bit in deep powder and it being a bit hard to huck back and forth for quick turns

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah that should be fine and it can handle a lighter rider for that size. It's actually a great match for your boot size (most important) and height (not as important though). Always size for your boot size first, weight second and height third. It should feel a little softer and be a bit of a lateral move vs. the HTH. One thing. You will only get marginally better float in pow though and only really because you are getting a 3cm longer board.

[@NickS-pf4jb]

Great review, as always! Stuck between 157 and 160… (180lbs w/o gear, 5’10, size 9.5 Burton Rulers) Currently on a 157 Shadowban for more playful and park laps, but looking for something to add to quiver that is a lil stiffer. With the added stiffness, not sure if I’d want to go to 160. I feel like the stiffness would still be decent on the 157 and would be relatively stable at higher speed vs SB. Just don’t know if worth getting another 157 deck although different than the SB

[@thegoodridesnow]

This is pretty similar in flex. Just a little more damp, more tapered and a little more directional. If that is what you want then it could work but if this is a second board I'd look for something more directional, tapered, more floaty and a little stiffer if that is what you want. Or if this calls to you go 160 as it will help diversify your quiver a littler better. You can hit me up here if you want to get into it more. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@bagelman7187]

How would you compare the Passport to the Jones Frontier?

[@thegoodridesnow]

A little more float with the Passport but more grip and a little more pop with the Frontier.

[@ard1778]

Hi! I’m looking for an all-mountain board that would be good on groomers, pow, steep terrain and ice, but flexible enough to ankle steer in the trees and deal with the uneven terrain without getting stuck. Would you choose the K2 Passport over the Cardiff Crane or Goat? Thanks for all hard work

[@thegoodridesnow]

No. The Passport is a very good board but it doesn't grip as well in ice. Maybe the Crane and possibly the Goat depending on how you ride but it's really hard to recommend a board knowing literally nothing about you. If you want to do this right and get real advice, hit me here to give me the info I need to help you much better. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ I take helping people pretty seriously and asking for advice on YT is a great way to end up with the wrong ride.

[@ard1778]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks for the quick reply. I’ll definitely that out.

[@jones5039]

Hi, what of you had to choose between the 2024 mind expander or the K2 passport? Can't take a decision Thank you

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say. Two pretty different boards. I would need to know more about you to help. Hit me up here if you want to make a better decision. I need to learn about you to actually help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ Mind expander is stiffer, has a faster base, much more directional/tapered, rides more set back on board and more float. The Passport softer damper flex that's better in all conditions and a more centered ride on board.

[@tylerwarren7716]

If you were to buy the board would you stay at the 157, or bump up to the 160? 5’11 190lb 10.5

[@seanc3250]

I'm about the same and I'm gonna go 160 as my daily, keeping this and a an Orca for pow days

[@thegoodridesnow]

For your specs you should go for the 160. I would stay with the 157 with my size 9's but 10.5's need more width. You could even go 163 if you carve really hard. You could also consider the Insrument 157 or 160 as it runs a little wider.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Oh just noticed this follow up comment. As long as you don't carve super hard the 160 shoudl be fine.

[@thomasdgardner]

Mid-Atlantic rider here. I like the reviews of the passport, think it matches my riding style. However worried about how well it handles east coast conditions, ice in morning, slush in afternoon, hard pack and chunder in evening. What are your thoughts?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Not the best for east coast. Excellent West Coast board though. It's no slouch but there are boards with more grip for out east.

[@connectme728]

How does the K2 Passport compare with the Nidecker Thruster....which one would you pick as your go to board? I'm trying to decide between the two.

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Passport feels more directional/tapered/set back and has a little better float in pow. The Thruster has more pop but less dampness and a better turning experience (not float) in pow. It feels closer to a true all mtn board that doesn't feel tapered on groomers where the Passport feels more freeride.

[@connectme728]

Many thanks for your reply@@thegoodridesnow .....really appreciate it!! Though it hasn't made my decision easier but at least some more clarity on their differences. At this point i'm leaning more towards the Thruster as i want a better turning experience. Even though i'd have to sacrifice with the float in powder which the Passport has. I guess I'll take the 162 wide to compensate with the float in pow :-))

[@thegoodridesnow]

Get the size that best fits your specs. If you go wide with a board like the Thruster and you don't have big feet it could be a hard board to turn. Hit me up here if you want to make sure you are making the right purchase. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@connectme728]

Thanks again. Okay i'll hit you up on it when i'm ready to make a purchase. Btw i do have big feet size 12

[@wooltron1]

Any reason to consider this board if you already have a Niche Hawthorne? Seem rather similar but I can grab a passport for pretty cheap right now and I have a hard time saying no to a deal.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Never rode the Hawthorne so hard to say. Looks similar spec wise though.

[@cozytown5540]

If you could only choose one, would you go with your Basic uninc or shadowban? Which would be better in trees?

[@thegoodridesnow]

I actually own both. That would be tough. I would go Uninc if you want more edge hold and Shadowban if you want something a little more damp. Both do equally well in the trees and both float equally well in powder.

[@taylordanetriplett]

I’ve been riding a yes hybrid for the past few years. Looking for something that’s not as directional, has really good turn initiation for trees, and pretty aggressive for fast riding. Is this a good choice or do you have other recommendations?

[@thegoodridesnow]

So knowing so little about you it's hard to say this will be the right call. Hit me up here so I can get all the info I need to properly help though. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ Short answer is yes this is a very different ride from the Hybrid. If sized correctly it initiates a turn faster and will be better in the trees and it is more damp for speed. However, you have to ride this longer and the turning radius is more shallow so across the groomer turns are not as tight. Also the base is a little slower.

[@lefty5189]

What are the chances you'll review the K2 Antidote?

[@thegoodridesnow]

We asked to test one last time we were reviewing K2 but they didn't have one to test. Hope to get on it this year.

[@havoctrainingmethods]

I’m 6’1 190lbs size 12 boot. Should I go 159w or 162w for the passport as my daily driver. Thanks in advance.

[@thegoodridesnow]

162w

[@Ridee_1981]

What are the difference between passsport and Excavator ? Which one would be better For Big footer who mainly goes „on piste”

[@thegoodridesnow]

Two very different boards. Excavator rides shorter/wider and has more pop and a deeper sidecut that is more across the groomer to circle carve friendly. Better float in powder too. Passport is more like a traditional freeride board that you should ride a longer. Not as poppy or as fun to carve but flex is better in all conditions. Excavator might be better for a big footer.

[@Ridee_1981]

@@thegoodridesnow great thank you - time to catch those bad boy :)

[@PapaSmurphhh]

If I already have a yes typo, would the k2 passport or jones frontier be an upgrade?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Both are definitely more directional. The Frontier is the stiffest and has the best turning experience in powder. It's also got better grip and a faster base. The Passport is better in uneven snow and actually has a little more float even though the turning experience isn't as good. If you are adding to your quiver then maybe don't get either. If you are replacing the Typo then yeah either could work. 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/

[@andykirkwood]

Hi, what would you say is the main difference between this and the Capita BSOD? Am looking for a carving board with great edge hold that I can also ride switch. Thanks

[@thegoodridesnow]

Neither have great edge hold but both are competent. BSOD has more pop out of the turn, rides switch a little better, and a faster base but Passport is more damp/better in all conditions and has better float in pow when set back. Neither come to mind as a carving board though. Hit me up here if you want real help. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@dejvix6574]

im 5 10 size 10.5 160 lbs should i go for 159 wide or 160 or is 157 enough ?

[@thegoodridesnow]

You are in between sizes. 160 would be best for your boot size but 157 is better for your weight. 159w is a little too much board for your boot size and weight. What make/model/size/year board do you have and how does it work for you? Or hit me here if you want to get much better, more in depth advice. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@thegoodridesnow]

Sorry! Didn't see this. 160 is the best fit but you could go 159w if you like a wider board and carve super hard. If you don't carve hard or ride steep terrain and want a really easy turner the 157 can work but you might ocassionally boot out if you do. The 157 Instrument could work too.

[@maxb3399]

Great video! How does the Passport compare to the BRD?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! More grip, way more taper, more set back on board, and a little slower base with the BRD. The BRD is more of a back seat ride.

[@brianj.r.7630]

I wanted the Jones frontier but ended up buying the k2 Passport. Now i'm sitting home thinking if i did well...is the Passport a batter allmountain than the Frontier for an intermidian snowboarder?

[@mackocheese]

You’re fine go shred

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Passport is a more tapered, directional, set back ride than the Frontier. So if you want a little more directional float you made the right choice. Base glide and edge hold go to the Frontier though. Both are very fun boards.

[@jackwellens7525]

There is a specific Japan version of this board, that is a 5/10 stiffness compared to this being like a 7, do you think that could be decent for lower intermediate rider? I found quite a good deal on it, trying to compare to a raygun pop which has the same stiffness as the Japanese k2 passport on paper

[@thegoodridesnow]

Hard to say without riding it but might be worth a try

[@chongryan5424]

An intermediate looking for the first broad. Would like to explore the resort area, medium carve, side hit and also floating in powder. Not interested in park at this moment. I am 168cm, 57kg, us7 shoe. My binding is Union strata. Considering capita mercury 150, K2 Passport 151, Jones Stratos 153 and bataleon goilath 153. What will you recommend? Will it be too aggressive for intermediate?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Passport and Mercury are a great choice for an intermediate. Go Passport if you want something easier in pow. Go Mercury if you want to ride park and mountain. Go Goliath if you wan more of a mountain freestyle ride and want something super forgiving. Not sure on the Stratos based on the conditions you ride. You also can't use the set back inserts with the Stratos with your Union Strata's (need full size discs) so not a good pairing. If you want real advice hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@chongryan5424]

I will mainly use it in Japan resort, the Stratos will be still good in pow even not with the back insert? Or mind expander will be better choice for me?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Not as good as the set back inserts. If you want better float with or without full size disc bindings go Mind Expander.

[@jarrodsimmons5349]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the passport or a 2022 manifest team edition. What do you think would be a better choice?

[@thegoodridesnow]

It's very dependent on how you like to ride. If you want more of a centered twin like ride that rides well switch go Manifest. If you want a much more directional set back ride that doesn't ride as well switch but floats better in powder go Passport. If you want to do this properly and make sure you get the right board for your riding style, specs, conditions you ride and a lot more hit me up here. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@jarrodsimmons5349]

@@thegoodridesnow well I mostly just cruise down the groomers and I enjoy cutting through the trees and hitting a jump on the side of the trials. I'm done with the park. I'm only considering the 2022 manifest team because I've heard great things and they don't make them anymore and I found one. Just not sure how it comes to the new passport and if that would ride better for me.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I'd probably go Passport.

[@jarrodsimmons5349]

@@thegoodridesnow Last question I promise! I'm 185 lbs 5'11"... 157 or 160? Coming from a 154 elevation that feels small.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size? That is most important when choosing a board.

[@godavee]

Hi, u think size 154 would be ok for my 9 boots, And 72 kg?

[@thegoodridesnow]

what is your height and what make/model/size board do you ride now?

[@godavee]

@@thegoodridesnow im 170cm, and got bataleon party wave 148. Thx for reply.

[@JakubNosal]

Hey! As 90kg, 187 cm, 44.5EU boot, will 159W fit me ? I can’t get my hands on 162w

[@thegoodridesnow]

It might feel a little small in a 159w and I'd only go that size if you like smaller boards that are easier to control. I think you would be better off with the 162w for your specs. Maybe 163 as well as it is pretty mid/wide so it could fit you if your 44.5 boots have a pretty reduced footprint.

[@Ridee_1981]

@@thegoodridesnow what about 193 cm, 95 kg and .46 boot ? WIll it be ok for 162W?

[@JorgieKobe]

How does this board compare to the Dancehaul?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Very different. Dancehaul is a shorter/wider ride and this is more of a regular length ride. Dancehaul has more pop but the Passport is more damp.

[@JorgieKobe]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks for the response! I’m thinking of adding a Dancehaul to the quiver as I already have a Passport. You think they would compliment each other?

[@brettstock3284]

Cool t shirt in the intro

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks!

[@monicagustafsson3316]

Manifest review coming?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes. Soo damn behind. Sorry!