- Price: £439 / $500
- Category: Freeride/Powder
- Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
- Size: 146, 149, 152, 155
- Flex: 7/10
- Shape: Directional Twin
- Profile: CamRock
- Base: Sintered
- BUY DIRECT FROM YES
Not for the faint of heart, the Hel Yes is one of the de facto top choices if you’re searching for a high-end women’s freeride board. Created as the pro model for legendary big mountain rider Helen Schettini and geared towards women who demand the very best from their equipment.
Couloirs, cliff drops, and crazy steep faces are the name of the game with the Hel Yes. The rockered nose and tail give that extra lift when you’re in the deeper snow, and the slamback inserts give the option to throw your bindings way back when you’re blessed with a nipple deep day.
“Make no mistake this is a board that is made to be beasted”
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Although the rocker in the nose and tail can create the illusion of an easygoing, mellow ride, make no mistake this is a board that is made to be beasted. The HEL will perform best when pushed to its limits, whether that’s hurtling down icy groomers, dropping into steep faces or smashing through piles of chunder.
The flex is on the stiffer side and with the added stability of the camber between the feet it won’t flinch when you have to cross a nasty cat track or smash through crud. Backing up its piste chops is YES’ signature Underbite edge profile. This disrupts the edge pattern of the board, pulling in by the inserts to redistribute energy where you need it most during turn initiation, hold and release. The Hel favours aggressive and powerful riding, with the Underbite edge profile making it a solid choice even when the snow is less than ideal.
“This disrupts the edge pattern of the board, pulling in by the inserts to redistribute energy where you need it most during turn initiation, hold and release”
Stepping up from other models in the line, The Hel’s core features a mix of Poplar and Paulownia to keep it lightweight, yet ensure long-term durability. Bamboo stringers sit in the core, running the length of the board to add some extra dynamic pop into the mix. It’s this attention to detail that take the Hel to the next level, and allows riders to really step up their game.
Keep the sintered base waxed and ready and you’ll be shooting to the front of the pack. Less confident riders, take a look at the spec’d down Hello, but for those eyeing up Alaskan spines and chutes the Hel is where it’s at. Can this board handle it? Hell yes it can.
