For 2018 the Hel Yes has a new core which is 10% lighter than before. The upgrade was well received among riders familiar with older models. The freeride directional hybrid camber rocker design is one of a few in women’s snowboards that will stand the test of time. It is a classic board that hopefully will be available for many years to come.

There are few women’s snowboard that compare in the range of versatility, handling, and fun.  If this board falls short of a rider’s expectations it is not the fault of the board but the fact that it may be too advanced for some.

Handling

This board handles better than most in its class however it straddles the classification between an advanced and intermediate all mountain women’s board. Depending on which boards you are comparing the Yes Hel Yes to, it either handles like an average all mountain board or a stand out intermediate all terrain charger. The slightly directional design and bamboo stringer combine for a stable ride with carve-ability to draw lines on open faces or tight trees. The directional camrock, Yes Snowboard’s signature hybrid camber rocker design with camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail, this board is highly responsive and maneuverable.

Pop + Energy

Though this board leans toward the stiff side for a women’s all mountain snowboard it has plenty of pop and energy to make the riding fun. The bamboo stringer allows for plenty of flexibility, pop, and snap. This board gives back as much energy as you put into it. It is an ideal balance of pop while still having plenty of backbone for handling speed and variable conditions, and all the fun.

Float

The hybrid camber and rocker allows for great float in soft conditions. In the all mountain test group it is a stand out for float and versatility however the Hel Yes is far from a powder board.  There is a lift in the nose for softer snow with plenty of camber under the foot for edge control, and a little lift in the tail also.

Versatility

The Yes Hel Yes is one of the best in class for versatility. It is poppy and light while still offering plenty of edge control and handling for variable snow. It is one of the best in class for versatility making it a reasonable and realistic one-board quiver that can be fun for all conditions.

Edge Hold

This snowboard features Yes Snowboard’s signature Underbite edge design. Divots in the edges at the each of the binding are designed to redistribute the rider’s weight and enhance turning ease and edge hold. The side cut is only pulled in a few millimeters and this technology makes little sense reading about it, but it seems to work as the Hel Yes was one of the best boards in its class for edge control at high speed on firm surfaces.

Sustainability/Craftsmanship

The board is made from renewable materials with poplar, paulownia, and bamboo core and seems to be well made to handle a good beating for riders who are tough on their equipment. All Yes Snowboards have a guaranteed lifetime warranty, which means they stand by their craftsmanship. The company does not advertise environmental business practices other than not printing and mailing catalogs, so it is difficult to know if sustainability is a priority.