Korua Transition Finder 2022-2023 Snowboard Review - New Shape Compared to Otto and Cafe' Racer

[@stokedonphotos1]

Just bought a 54 a few days ago and have ridden 2 nights on it at the local city hill. Holy balls to the wall batman. It's a rocket and the spring that you get out of turns is unreal. I'm 5'9, 195 and 9.5 boot so sized down a bit as I prefer a little smaller of a board. I have dedicated pow sticks for super deep days but looking forward to getting this out into the mountains this weekend and really putting it through it's paces. It reminds me of a stiffer full camber version of the dancehaul, both leave me grinning at the end of the day

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks for taking the time to give us your take and glad you love it as much as we do. Cheers!

[@rafalrozalski8178]

Not sure if its relevant but it just got an email from Korua informing me that the Transition Finder is made in China and not Poland. Figured I'll share that info since you guys have PL as the country of Manufacture. Keep up the amazing work💪🏻🤙🏻

[@thegoodridesnow]

Many thanks! Very relevant. I'll confirm with Korua about the rest of the line.

[@rafalrozalski8178]

​@@thegoodridesnow here's the full response from Korua : "Our Transition Finders are produced in China, well as the Cafe Racer, Pencil and Otto. The Darts, Plus and Splitboards are produced in Poland." It's also stamped on the the tail side inserts where its centered out, just bit hard to see. If you look at it at an angle you can see it 😁

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks!

[@vaa7446]

Hey Davy remember when they pulled out reuben and cherise at buckeye lake in 91. . That was pretty cool. Thanks for the review

[@thegoodridesnow]

Davey wasn't born yet but thanks.

[@tn3492]

Would the TF be overlap paired with my Yes Basic Uninc? Or the Burton Show Stopper a better quiver with Yes Basic Uninc?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Practically zero overlap. Two incredibly different boards. That would be a fun 2 board quiver. The Showstopper is a great board too and it has some similarities to the TF. I think it just comes down to which of those two call to you the most or best fit your specs.

[@raulg.franco3486]

How does it compare to Capital Mercury? base, grip, response on ice, track and powder? Above all, I like to go down quickly and not suffer from the soles. Some trick but little

[@thegoodridesnow]

It doesn't really compare at all. They are massively different. The Mercury is a mid flexing light almost twin with minimal camber between the feet. The Transition finder is a mostly camber, tapered, set back, directional, stiff, super hard carver and a great floater. Definitely on opposite ends of the riding spectrum.

[@sfwdijkmans328]

Hey Guys im new to the Chanel but it was a super helpful review i was thinking of buying a snowboard and i think im gonna get this one. I dont have experience with buying a snowboard so i was hoping maybe you Guys have a good snowboard i like to carve and i was looking for a all mountainbike snowboard and most of the time just normal terrain and sometimes of pist so a little bit powdery and im a little bit on a budget. What snowboard should i get?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Happy to help but I don't have any info I need to help. I'd just be making wild guesses. I've been reviewing snowboards full time for almost 14 years and found I need you to fill out this form so I get the info I need to help you properly. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@ANETOKILLE]

I own a YES Hybrid DCP 153. I wonder if the TF 154 will overlap much. What do you think in terms of carving and powder? I ride in Sweden with hard snow & ice, and the hybrid edge hold is brilliant and I'm happy with it.

[@thegoodridesnow]

There will be some overlap for sure but they do have some differences. You won't get the same grip in hard snow but it's a stiffer, more damp ride with more camber and it carves harder. If you want a good condition carver this could be a lot of fun. Both float really well in pow so it might come down to personal preference on which one you like better.

[@tn3492]

Does the new taper, and slight shape changes on the 2023 Transition Finder make it that much better over the 2022 Transition Finder? Also, if a 2022 can still be found at a great discount would it justify getting the 2022 or would I be missing out on what the 2023 offers. I’m an intermediate rider but I like Davey’s comment on “just getting it, you’ll learn!”

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yes we like the new TF but the old one is still pretty good. If you like a lot of taper and a little quicker turning ride you could go with the old one. You might want to hit us up here though before pulling the trigger to make sure it works for you. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@christophersimm1083]

I'm looking for a primarily pow board. Not interested in the Dart or others. Is the '22 version better or worse in pow than the new one?

[@elrusokow1698]

Im 176 cm and 74 kg vans infuse 7.5 small feet.. i like hard carving , pow on a big mountain.jumps in the resort and carve. 154 or 157?

[@thegoodridesnow]

154

[@wilsonking5547]

Hey mate what stance angles would you recommend

[@thegoodridesnow]

Really depends on you. It can handle any way you like to set it up. If you aren't riding switch much or at all then go maybe +18/-3 or even +18/-6 but if you want to do harder directional carving go posi and try something like +24/+6, +27/+9 or +30/+12. Just play around till you find something you like.

[@justindiver633]

Between the otto and the new TF, which board has the better edge hold? I’m on the east coast and ice a regular occurrence. Coming from a burton skeleton key and I need something that’s a little more locked in.

[@thegoodridesnow]

They are about the same. It just depends on how you ride. You might like the Otto better if you don't want a tapered board and like to drive off the front foot or ride center weighted. If you like to lean back and drive through a turn on your back foot the TF will be more fun for that.

[@catkoala]

How big of a difference is there between the old and the new updated version? When you ride it?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The old one felt much more tapered and tail light. The new one feels more centered and bigger for each size but better matches its name/is better for getting air. If you want more tapered/surfy go older one. If you want what I described above get the new one.

[@catkoala]

@@thegoodridesnow You say the old one need more backfoot when carving? Do you consider it being a dealbreaker between the old and new version?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Kind of but Korua does a good job at making it not feel very back foot heavy. No it's just about how you ride and what you want from a board. If you like a really tapered feel you might like the old board. I don't understand your perspective are and what you are looking for so it's hard for me to help. If you hit me here I would. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@tylersouza601]

I've been looking at this board for a while and it seems like a great fit for my riding style. I mainly carve icy east coast groomers and glades when they fill in with a few big trips out west for steep and deep tree runs and powder. But, I have seen recently that you really like the Yes PYL uninc and it seems like a board with a lot of crossover to this one. Which one would you recommend between the two for a new daily driver? 6', 195 lbs, US 12 boot

[@thegoodridesnow]

For east coast riding I'd go YES Hybrid 157 or 161, Gnu Gremlin 158 or PYL Uninc 161 over the Transition Finder 157 or 160 only because those have a very disrupted sidecut that grips better out east. If you plan to mainly ride good conditions go Transition Finder as it has a very satisfying turning/carving experience.

[@soul_turns]

Great reviews, these are super helpful. I recently broke my 2019 Yes PYL in 160w and am looking for a replacement (or two). I ride a lot of resort, steeps and trees, but also like to carve hard. I'm an expert level rider, 5'11", 185lbs, with a 10.5 Burton Ion, and also have a Jones Mtn Twin 156w for fun days with the kids. Thinking of adding a TF 157 for carving and steeps, then a Dart for deep pow tree riding or Pin Tonic for charging hard. What do you think?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! Love the TF/Pintonic combo better than the TF/Dart because there is a little less overlap. With the TF you can ride steeper pow but also have a great board for groomers/getting air. Then with the Pintonic you have a longer board for super deep days. The Dart is great but it doesn't handle low to medium angle pow as well so you might get more quiver diversity.

[@Scliff]

Funny enough I broke my 2019 160w PYL too, and recently picked up a TF. Very different boards, but each serves a purpose. PYL is a great free ride daily driver, where as the TF is more fun for carving and messing around on (while mostly staying on piste). I’m going to replace my PYL for hard charging days where I’m doing steeps/ice/trees/off piste, and then use the TF for more tame days where I’m spending most time on-piste, carving, side hits, etc. TF is okay off piste and has okay edge hold, but not even close to as good as the PYL in that regard. TLDR: don’t expect to replace your PYL with the TF, but both are great boards for their specific purposes.

[@therealchickentender]

I really need you to talk about where the hell you got that epic starry night boba t-shirt, James. 😅😍

[@thegoodridesnow]

Ha! I think the company I bought it from is out of business but you might be able to buy it here. www.neatoshop.com/product/Starry-Wars?tag=103541

[@therealchickentender]

NICE! @@thegoodridesnow

[@agnesfun3911]

Amazing review! How's the ride compared to a Hovercraft? I ride a 146 Hovercraft and it seems that the smaller TF at 150 would still be a little too big? Love your videos, keep it up!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks. Very different boards. The Hovercraft is a very damp race board, with a super shallow sidecut and a chopped tip/tail meant to go super fast. It doesn't circle carve easy but it can float super easy for those who like to go super fast in pow. The Transition Finder has a touch slower base (still very good though) but a more turny side cut and more spring out of the turn. Both are very different but very fun rides that appeal to different riders.

[@wilsonking5547]

Hey there I’m 5’11 80kgs love to carve but also love airs 154 or 157 cheers?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size?

[@wilsonking5547]

10.5 mate

[@thegoodridesnow]

157

[@loganmatthewolson99]

Cant decide between the 157 or the 160, I want the classic TF because Ive heard its better for all day conditions having one board, but im 6’4 165lbs so tall and skinny. Boot size 13

[@thegoodridesnow]

161 for sure. You can't ride the 157 with 13's unless you plan not to carve or ride steep terrain.

[@nicholaskho989]

Hey - I am 5'9, 154 lbs, size 7.5 mens. I am using a Yes Basic Uninc 152 and loving it. Should I get the TF 150 or 154? This will be my first directional board, but also want to take it out into deep powder. Slightly worried that 154 may be too much board, both length and width wise.

[@thegoodridesnow]

You are for sure in between sizes. 150 will be easier to turn with 7.5's for sure but it might feel a little small. It's got more float/carving power than what you have now but it might not feel like what we described. The 154 will carve a lot harder, ride faster and float easier but it will be much harder to control/turn when conditions are uneven/messy mid day. It might feel like too much of what we described for you. If you want more detailed advice hit me up here so we can do this right. thegoodride.com/snowboard-boot-reviews/vans-infuse-2013-2022-snowboard-boot-review/

[@aaronjohnson5151]

5'8 155 lb, what size would you recommend? I'm looking for a 1 board quiver that can handle whatever a resort weekend has in store. Switch/Park are not a factor for me.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Can't help if I don't have your boot size.

[@ZachariahSolis]

I have the CR and I love it for it's speed and turning capabilities, but it's not nimble enough to hit moguls. Is the TF better in moguls/tight trees? I was looking at the Dart for my next board, but I really like to send it on side hits and off cat tracks... I am worried that the Dart will not have enough of a back end to stomp landings, but I am also worried that the TF will not have enough float for when I catch pockets of deep stuff in the trees. What are your thoughts? I was surprised to hear you say that the CR is better in pow than the TF, and I guess that has me worried. Thanks for the time!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah that isn't the CR's strong point. Yes the TF is better if you size it correctly. Yeah the TF is a great fit then. I don't think it's surprising that a much shorter, less set back TF doesn't float as well as the bigger more set back, more directional, more tapered CR you have. That being said the TF still floats like a champ and I don't think you will care unless it is super deep. I would give it a go. If you want to know for sure if it's best for you hit me up here so I can learn more about you and help you properly. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@lyonkoo4752]

Which will you choose between Cafe and TF for the purpose of Euro carving while keeping the powder attribute? I really hope to have a daily board from Korua which can be taken to the mountain and ride

[@thegoodridesnow]

The Cafe' Racer is an amazing carver and has really exceptional float in powder. The TF is no slouch either but it is a little behind the Cafe. You said you want a "daily board" and if you plan to ride this all day you might like the TF as an all day/daily driver better than the Cafe Racer. I love the Cafe Racer for clean pow and morning groomers but it isn't the easiest for me when conditions get uneven. All day riding is better with the TF.

[@lyonkoo4752]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks so much. That really helps.

[@thegoodridesnow]

No prob!

[@fabdatasolutions]

Thanks for the video! I'm between the Pencil and the TF for cruising and carving and eventually powder, do you think the TF would be best option for more cruising and carving? Thanks a lot

[@thegoodridesnow]

Those are super different boards. Not sure who you are as a rider, your specs, where you ride, your stance angles, and many other factors so hard to say. If you want to ride super posi in your stance angles and make more high speed carves go Pencil. If you want something a little more well rounded for getting air and a little easier as a daily driver go TF. Pencil will be better in powder (especially low angle pow) but both are pretty good there.

[@rarrbear]

I'm 5'7", 160 lbs with a size 8 boot, and really considering the TF, but I'm unsure if I should get the 150 or 154. My other 2 boards are the 153 Otto and 152 Dart. What would you rec, probably the 150 TF for me?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Based on what you own now the 150 is going to be a little too small and the 154 maybe a touch big but based on your specs you are closer to the 154 than the 150. I am not sure the 150 will have enough width on the back foot for you to carve hard.

[@sassychang007]

I'm 5'6 145 lbs with size 7 boots, would you suggest the 150 or the 154? I'm into carving but also finding side hits.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Tough call. I think you might be better with the 150 if you want a daily driver and more control. The 154 will feel like a lot more board. It will be better for good condition carving and powder though.

[@tn3492]

With the tweaks for 2023 TF, would you prefer the new TF over the now discontinued 2022 Burton Show Stopper? Trying to find a good daily driver and I was torn between the 2022 TF vs 2022 Burton SS (all from your prior reviews) but with the new improved 2023 TF coming would that be the more superior board?

[@thegoodridesnow]

I liked them both equally well but they each ride a little different. The SS likes a tighter radius turn like a circle carve more. The TF can still circle carve but likes to track straight a little better which makes it better getting air...like it's name. The TF does have better edge hold. Hit us up here if you want legit help in narrowing it down. thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@spenserrr]

Searching for general consensus, including talking to korua. I'm a TF 57 rider. I know things are spaced out over time, but if you recall, does one of them strike you as stiffer than the other? I would assume the original, but hoping the new one in that size is not actually softer. I've heard from a friend who talks to them regularly that they only softened the smaller sizes, but who knows.

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think several years ago, they had a batch that was stiffer than all the others, but overall, it's been pretty close year over year. Korua makes stiff boards, and I didn't feel the new shape is softer than the old shape. If it is, it's so minor it's hard to tell. Wood is not all the same, though, so some boards are stiffer, and some are heavier in the same size.

[@spenserrr]

Thanks, that's helpful. I know the true OG TF was stiffer & regarded as a door (probably to my liking, actually). I like the beef. Wood is interesting! I've had some strange one-offs from small brands, in that regard.

[@thegoodridesnow]

From what Korua told me it was just one batch a few years after they started. It wasn't the original batch. I've had it with almost every brand. Major and Minor. It's super hard to keep every board at the same weight and flex.

[@spenserrr]

I don't mean it was a batch variance with the first year models, I have just heard from many people that the very first boards were a bit different.. dead/door were common terms used. They changed it for all the following years. So I think the batch you're talking about is an individual story, but also interesting! I had a relationship with fullbag out of Quebec for a while, while they were still making boards, and one of the blunt diamonds I got was ridiculously stiff. Absolutely the stiffest board I've ever felt in my hand. It was a fluke - not sure if it was the wood, or something else in production, but I've experienced those variances we're talking about. Thanks for the feedback

[@thegoodridesnow]

Gotcha.

[@ImNotSoll]

Hey great video! Looking for some combined advice for this board. I’m 71kg, 5’10”, US11 boot. I’m looking for a board that I can rip the piste with but also something for powder. I currently ride a DOA at 154, and also have VS 147 k2. I think the 57 would be good option as I could have more of a powder focused board. I’m an instructor so ride everyday, and I’ve noticed a lot of instructors tend to ride bigger boards than normal. This would be my after work, sidehits and jumps when on the groomers or when the snow comes, head to the powder. What do you think? Thanks.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! I think the 157 TF would be a good call for your specs but you are riding a super small board right now with the 154 DOA. I would have recommended a 155w DOA so you don't have toe/heel drag. So I guess if you like smaller more narrow boards for size 11 US boots, the 154 could work for you and it should be a good bit wider than the 154 DOA.

[@ekramhossain1982]

Korua vs Stranda................what is better for carving?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Haven't ridden Stranda so can't say.

[@rorymatson3190]

Assuming Davy would now pick the the new size 160? That waist width seems big at 278 mm. I have size 13, but damn that just seems big even with taper?

[@thegoodridesnow]

yes that would be better for his specs for sure. What is your weight and height?

[@rorymatson3190]

I am 6’2” and 215 lbs. I want a daily driver that carves hard, can handle steeps/technical, and rude switch decent.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah 160 will work

[@mikhailkuznetsov8277]

Im 6' 3" and 195, riding a 161 proto synthesis with union forces right now, looking for something that can carve and get some air, and handle powder for my yearly trip out west (based in the East). James, you said you feel like you want to size down for the TF, would a 160 be too much board for me? Also would the TF be able to handle the icey steeps we get on the east well or should I look elsewhere

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size?

[@mikhailkuznetsov8277]

10 ride lasso @@thegoodridesnow

[@thegoodridesnow]

I think you might like the 157 better for size 10's. If you were an 11 or 12 I'd say 100% go 160 but I found the TF is harder to turn with smaller boards. Most other Korua's aren't but this one is. If you are primarily riding out east you might like the 155 Gnu Gremlin or YES Hybrid 157 better as they have a lot more grip. Hit me up here if you want more in depth advice shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@oscarbonini97]

hello, nice Oscar I'm very undecided between the TF 57 and TF60. weight 160 lbs height 5'10'' 10.5 boots Many recommend the 157 for my weight, but I love carving and the boot is very bulky, the extra width of the 160 would be useful. what is your opinion? Does an extra size make sense on this type of board or is it better to aim for something else?

[@thegoodridesnow]

157 will be fine. Even with a 10.5 with a long footprint boot. The 157 will work really well for you. I'd only go 160 if you are used to riding a much bigger board for your specs.

[@oscarbonini97]

@@thegoodridesnow thank you so much for the clarifications

[@peterdai3224]

Hi James thanks for the review. Deciding on 154 or 157 for this board. I’m 6’ and 165 lbs, wearing US 9 boots. Mostly into carving. Any recommendations?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The 157 is going to be tough when the snow gets uneven but it will be soo much fun in wide open and clean groomers. It will be great in untracked pow too. The 154 would be a better daily driver but will have less of that hard carving power that the 157 does. So if this is a daily driver probably best to go 154. If this is a quiver choice and you have something else for uneven snow go 157.

[@peterdai3224]

Thanks James. Yea I’m currently riding a yes standard 153 as a daily rider. Just looking for something for hard carving and maybe for a good powder day. I have someone selling a barely used 157 locally for a good deal. Thinking about getting that :)

[@peterdai3224]

Also thinking about the Rome Stale Fish. Have someone selling stale fish in 153. Which one would you recommend?

[@Polly-he7mo]

How does this compare to the Gnu Gremlin? Is one better suited for ice and hard snow?

[@thegoodridesnow]

The TF has a faster base and better float in pow. The Gremlin has more grip and that is why it's a hard snow favorite on the site. The TF has solid grip but nothing we have tested grips as hard as the Gremlin when comparing similar shape's/styles of ride. I would check out the comparison tool and the sort/filters on thegoodride.com to see how they compare across the board.

[@Bitzue]

Hey guys, great video. I’m thinking of getting the 23-24 TF, and I’m not sure whether to get the 154 or 157. I’m 6’1, 185lbs, 10.5 boot. I want it to be my daily driver. I like tight trees and moguls, so i’m leaning towards the 154 for maneuverability. won’t do a huge amount in the park bc it’s not great where i go. just wondering if the 154 will float in a reasonable amount of pow and be stable off drops at my weight (i also have a japow for the real deep days, which I bought because of your review btw :), so i don’t need insane float from the TF). Thanks!

[@thegoodridesnow]

Thanks! I'm a size 9 boot, 5'10" and 185lbs. I like the 154 only because I'm a size 9 boot but if I was 10.5 I'd for sure ride the 157. That being said the 154 would be a lot easier to turn but 10.5 boots are a little big for this board. You are right on the border of getting toe/heel drag depending on the footprint of your boots. You are a little too heavy for the 154 as well. It will turn super easy though in bumps but it will feel small for your specs. Especially when there are clean wide open groomers. I'm not sure if this is the best choice in boards for you. If you want to do this properly hit me up here shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/ and I'll put together a list of boards better suited for your specs that turn quickly in bumps/trees.

[@DC50cc]

Hi Guys, I'm 6ft 1, 200lbs. Usually ride a 162W Bataleon The Jam. Looking to get into splitboarding and considering the split version of this. It would be an all conditions board for me, but I am slightly concerned that the 157 would be a bit short? How is it in powder conditions...? Bigger mountain stuff?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size?

[@DC50cc]

@@thegoodridesnow 11 UK, so 12 US

[@jasonlorance1918]

Maybe not apples to apples, but which board did you guys have more fun on, this or the PYL Uninc?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Yeah they are pretty different rides so hard to fully compare. If you want an easier turner, more grip and a more forgiving ride go PYL Uninc. If you want something that is a more aggressive carver with more pop and better for getting air go Transition Finder. Or hit me up if you want to get into what best works for you. shop.thegoodride.com/merchandise/gear-advice/

[@leejames5702]

How does this one compare to the Gentemstick XY?

[@thegoodridesnow]

XY is less damp but has a faster base and requires a posi stance for it to shine. The Transition finder is more stance angle agnostic and likes getting air and turning at higher speeds more. If you want a base closer to the XY and more pop the Transition Finder Plus might work too if it fits your sizing.

[@leejames5702]

@@thegoodridesnow Thanks a ton!

[@efist694]

you're 240 and thought the 57 was a good size ? i think that's the most shocking part of this. im 210 and my park board is a 59W, i was only leaning for the Otto because it comes in a 61. I was nervous about sizing *down* for a board im going to use for all mountain/free ride stuff.

[@thegoodridesnow]

Davey likes smaller boards for his specs. Based on what you wrote its hard to say if the 157 TF or 161 Otto works for ya. Hit us up here and we can help properly thegoodride.com/snowboard-binding-and-boot-advice/

[@gabethababe04]

165lbs 9.5 boot I’m set on TF 154 for charging hard. When there’s zero pow and I want to spin and carve.. what size Otto?

[@thegoodridesnow]

Tough call. The 154 TF feels right to me at size 9's, 185lbs and 5'10" but I like control. I haven't tried the 153 Otto but the 157 Otto feels easier to manage than the 157 TF and that is what I ride with the Otto. What is your height and what make/model/size board do you ride now?

[@gabethababe04]

@@thegoodridesnow 5’-10” Korua dart for a season now. Loving the style but want to go switch

[@chuterence]

Go 157 Otto if you havent already. Im the exact same specs as you and have 50+ days on it this season. My favourite board

[@gavschuller7403]

Hey, 5’7” 105 lbs 150 or 154? Thanks

[@thegoodridesnow]

Boot size? What board and size do u ride now?

[@gavschuller7403]

@@thegoodridesnow size 8. Ride a 150 niche crux and a 151 spring break powder racer. The spring break I prob shoulda got in a 148

[@thegoodridesnow]

150 is the call then. That will be a pretty well rounded quiver.

[@gavschuller7403]

@@thegoodridesnow sweet. Looking forward.

[@gavschuller7403]

@@thegoodridesnow thanks for the help 👌

[@cjart190]

Скользяк - говно. Если брать, то плюс