- Price: $600
- Category: All-Mountain, Freeride/Powder
- Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
- Size: 156, 159, 160W, 162, 164W, 165
- Flex: 8/10
- Shape: Directional
- Profile: CamRock
- Base: Sintered
- BUY DIRECT FROM YES
Like a shinkansen straight out of Tokyo central, this is a snowboard which has speed in spades and turns on rails, all whilst riding in luxury comfort. In a slightly different twist from the short, wide and super creative shapes many people associate with YES., the PYL appears to resemble your classic freeride snowboard outline. Look a little closer, though, and creativity and innovation are still very much at the heart of its identity.
With its directional shape and sintered true base, the PYL wants to be ridden hard, fast and confidently down anything steep and (preferably) deep. The more you twist the dial on the speedometer, the more the Ash Veneer Topsheet gets to work and dampens some of the speed chatter underfoot.
“The PYL appears to resemble your classic freeride snowboard outline. Look a little closer, though, and creativity and innovation are still very much at the heart of its identity”
The PYL was the birthplace of YES’ Tapered UnderBite technology which is now making its way into newer models like the Hybrid. Indulge us for a moment as we attempt to break it down. The sidecut on a directional snowboard traditionally tapers towards the tail to allow for the difference in volume between each end and, therefore, generates increased float in powder. However, that tapering off at the end can occasionally result in a loss of grip at the latter stages of the arc.
Tapered UnderBite, on the other hand, divides the edge into three, sections stepping each one inward in a distinct disruption to the sidecut. Instead of tapering (in the traditional sense), the sidecuts remain parallel to each other and create a “hook-like” effect that delivers genuinely impressive grip in all-terrain types.
“The sidecuts remain parallel to each other and create a “hook-like” effect that delivers genuinely impressive grip in all-terrain types”
The Weightless Core is the most self-explanatory (if a little exaggerated) construction process going on in the PYL. By removing the heavier wood from less stressed areas and replacing it with more lightweight wood, the PYL doesn’t just float, it feels floaty. Combined with the Directional CamRock profile really does make light work of staying on top of the snow without compensating or shifting your body weight to the tail.
From a distance, it doesn’t look like much. The understated top sheet, black and white base and seemingly normal outline don’t give much away. You need to strap in and push your riding to really break down the barriers of just what the PYL is capable of. If you’re liking the sound of the sidecut, but want to get involved with the volume-shifted hype, check out the Hybrid instead.
