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Snowboards

YES Hel Yes 2018-2019 Women’s Snowboard Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2019/2020 Yes Hel here

Since it first appeared, not a year has gone by that our test team doesn’t have a crack at the YES Hel Yes women’s snowboard. Our testers are drawn to Helen Schettini’s pro model like moths to a flame. Its reputation precedes it, but it never fails to live up to the hype.

One reason is that serious, freeride-focused snowboards for female riders are a lot harder to come by than their counterparts in the men’s market. That being said, even if a lot more brands were getting involved, the Hel Yes would probably still stand apart.

“The board is actually slightly narrower right at the bindings, splitting the edge into three zones of contact”

Naturally for a board that’s all about backcountry freestyle, this had a directional twin shape and a fast sintered base. It’s also got a mixture of camber and rocker in the profile (mostly the former), which is great for pop and not bad for powder float either.

With its biax glass and relatively mellow longitudinal flex, the YES Hel Yes is perhaps less aggressive than you would think, but it’s tough enough to be pushed hard as and when required.

As for edge hold on firmer snow, YES’ signature ‘Underbite’ takes care of that. The board is actually slightly narrower right at the bindings, splitting the edge into three zones of contact. As you initiate, ride through and exit each turn, they all play their own part for a seriously stable ride.

Looks like it’s going to be another banner year for the YES Hel Yes women’s snowboard.

Tester’s Verdict

Joy Dutchsnowboard-asylum.com

“This is the Ferrari of women’s snowboards – smooth, slick and supremely fast. It handles like an absolute dream, is super-fast from edge to edge, and stiff enough that you can always feel what’s going on underneath your feet.

You can see why carving is making such a resurgence when you have boards like this making it almost impossible not to want to get down low and crank in turns. Yet despite such a nice on-piste performance, you’re not left wanting in other areas.

“It felt really nimble and quick even through the tighter tree-lined sections”

The Hel surfed right through the knee-deep powder we had. It felt really nimble and quick even through the tighter tree-lined sections, and even though we didn’t get any super deep backcountry riding done, I have no doubt that it would keep up with more powder-specific boards with ease.

It’s not a board I would recommend for complete beginners, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants a board that will keep you at the front of the pack.”

Tester’s Verdict

Lauren MacCallumprotectourwinters.uk

“Well well well, look what the Schettini dragged in! This board doesn’t disappoint. The slightly directional and set back inserts give this deck a solid foundation to work from. I tested the Hel Yes on pow, piste and porridge, and I can tell you it eats anything that gets in its way.

I found the board holds an edge incredibly well. YES call it “Underbite” which sounds more like why teenagers’ mouths ache, but they’re referring to the indented shape that gives you more edge control.

“I tested the Hel Yes on pow, piste and porridge, and I can tell you it eats anything that gets in its way”

Fret not, no oral corrective devices or legs of steel are needed here because this board is insanely light. I found it really easy to chuck about and pop, with the flex being soft enough to manipulate but stiff enough to get nice solid turns out of the camber.

The sintered base also means it goes like a bat outta hot hell, something I really enjoyed. I also like the graphic (sorry not sorry).”

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