Curated Expert Arielle Busch got her hands on the 2023 Yes. Hello and put it to the test at Powder Mountain in Utah this spring. Check out how it performed in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but don’t forget, every rider is unique; if you have any questions on the Yes. Hello or would like recommendations on what board would be ideal for your needs, reach out to a Snowboard Expert here on Curated.

Before we jump in, a quick note that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands, all of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does Yes. claim about this board? Yes. claims that this board is an intermediate directional resort quiver killer.

Overall Impressions

What's your overall impression of the board? My first impression of this board is that it's exactly what it's advertised as: it is going to be a perfect resort board. I think this board would be perfect for an intermediate rider who’s looking for their first setup. They've taken a lesson or two and have gotten their turns down; they’re not brand new to snowboarding, but they hang out at the resort a lot. They also like to stay on groomers, and maybe dip a little bit in and out of the trees.

I also want to mention that this board is a 149, and my average size board that I ride is about a 144 to a 145. I'm a pretty tiny human. I'd like to think I have strong legs, but for me, I struggle a little bit to bend a 149 board that's not the softest. But if you do fit into a 149, I don't think you would have any issue getting a little bit playful with this stiffness. And just to keep in mind, I usually ride a little bit of a smaller board; and when I get into some longer boards it tends to just be a little bit harder for me personally.

Carving

How does it turn? This board features a cam-rock profile. It’s got camber in between the feet and then rocker on the tip and the tail, where the camber becomes a little bit more mellow underneath your feet. And because of that profile, it's going to be really easy to turn, which is why I would recommend this board for more of that intermediate rider that maybe wants a confidence-inspiring board but doesn't need too much help.

How is its edge hold? With its underbite edge tech, it really grips into the snow. So when you are making those turns, especially when you're getting into some carving, it does really grip to the terrain, almost like a magnet. It's got more contact points, which really clip you in, make you feel super stable, and make it a great board to get into carving with.

How is stability in turns? When you are an intermediate rider, you start getting away from those skidded turns and want to pick up a little bit more speed in those carves, and this board is definitely going to help get you there. And then it's going to be super confidence-inspiring when you're in those carve turns because it's got great edge hold. And it can really rail into some carves.

How is it in terms of speed? I wouldn't say that this is going to be a speed demon board by any means. You'll definitely be able to keep up with your friends, or any of the skiers that go a little bit faster than you. And it definitely wasn't a slow board. But like I said, it's not going to be the fastest board.

For someone who is progressing more and wants to start getting into steeper terrain and learning how to carve, I think this is a great place to start because you're not going to go that fast.

Freestyle

How is its pop? It wouldn't be my go-to park board. But that being said, because it is a resort quiver killer, it can absolutely go through the park. It would be great on some jumps. It's got a little bit of pop from that camber in between the feet. And it definitely would do fine on some rails and boxes if that's what you wanted to do. It's not going to send you to the moon, but it's definitely not going to be the hardest to ollie.

How is it riding switch? This board can definitely ride switch, which is great if you are looking to get into some carved turns, or want to progress your riding a little bit beyond just a beginner board. It is a directional twin, so you don't have to ride switch on it, but it is very, very capable of riding switch. You can definitely throw some 180s and feel pretty confident landing with your other foot forward.

How is it for buttering? Playfulness is a mid flex, so you can definitely press it, do some tail presses, some nose presses, and some butters. But it's not going to be your softest noodle in your quiver, and it's not going to be the stiffest feel like a plank of wood.

How is the board on jumps and how is its stability on landings? I think this board will absorb your jumps and be a dampener enough for you if you want to get into some little or intro jumps. It would not be my go-to board if all I wanted to do is send it on all the jumps. I think there are some other boards that are better for that. But if you do like to stay on the ground mostly, cruise, get some speed, get into some carves, and be really in control and feel really stable, this is going to be your board.

Freeride

How would it be in powder? It would not be my go-to powder board. But it would sit right in the category of resort board, hit the groomers, and maybe go through some trees.

To sum up, what terrain is this board ideal for? The ideal terrain for this board is nice groomers. If you can grab it with some corduroy early in the morning, I think you'd have a blast cutting through with the Hello.

What terrain should riders avoid with it? I wouldn't feel too confident taking this particular Yes. board into some deeper powder. There are definitely some other boards in their lineup that are going to be way better for float ability.

Any location in the world that it might be good for? It would really excel out on the East Coast, where you do get a little bit of that steeper terrain that gets a little icy, and you really need to grip in. The edge hold on this is pretty insane, and it's going to keep you locked in even on the iciest of runs.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? This board is perfect for someone that rides occasionally throughout the year. Maybe in that 5–20-day window where you do a couple trips, either out East or out West. I also think this board is perfect for a female rider or a smaller male rider who wants a mid-stiff board who rides a lot on the resort. They want to be able to keep up with everyone but don't want to go too crazy, don't necessarily need to spend all day in the park, and don't necessarily need to go into the side country and hit all the big jumps in the pow. But maybe an intermediate rider who wants to cruise along with their family and friends, and wants something stable, in control, and can get them into their carves

Who should avoid this board, there are better options for them out there? Although it wasn’t the hardest, turning this board also wasn't the easiest. And for that, I would say there are better boards out there for a beginner rider or someone who has maybe never been on a board before.

Snowboards work differently for different types of riders. If you want help finding the right board for you, reach out to Arielle or any other Snowboard Expert here on Curated for free, personalized recommendations. Note that the 2024 version of the Yes, Hello is linked below - same tech, just different graphic: