The 2023 Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) is a high-performance all-mountain board designed for aggressive riders seeking exceptional control and stability. This in-depth review delves into the performance characteristics of the 159cm model, testing its capabilities across diverse snow conditions, from groomed runs to powder. We analyze its unique camber profile, stiff flex, and exceptional edge hold, comparing it to other popular Capita boards like the Mega Merc and Mercury, as well as models from Yes. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the BSOD's strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine if this powerful board is the right fit for your riding style and skill level.Our testing focused on evaluating the BSOD's performance in various scenarios, considering its suitability for different riding styles and snow conditions. We assessed its pop, float in powder, and handling at high speeds, paying close attention to its responsiveness and overall feel. This review will provide a detailed account of the board's performance characteristics, including its suitability for intermediate to advanced riders, and offer comparisons to other top-performing boards on the market, ultimately guiding you toward an informed purchasing decision.
Pros And Cons
- Aggressive technical feel.
- Damp for a Capita board, absorbs chatter well.
- Fun to turn.
- Good on a straight line.
- Great aggressive slash technical all-mountain board.
- Good edge hold.
- Consistent personality in all conditions.
- Easy to one-foot and flat base.
- Good pop (though requires more effort than other boards compared).
- Doesn't get bucking or bouncy in wet or uneven snow.
- Great base glide.
- Balanced turning radius.
- Good spring out of the turn.
- Good in powder (though other boards floated better).
- Good riding switch.
- Good for pipe and big air, also suitable for smaller jumps.
- Turn initiation is a bit slow (due to width).
- Demo model's base structure felt too grabby in some conditions; may require detuning.
Read more: 2025 Nitro Team Snowboard: A Versatile All-Mountain Dominator
Sizing and Shape
The 159cm Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) felt ideal for my 190-pound weight. It wasn't overly wide with my size 9 boots, providing a balanced feel. The 'death grip' centered between the bindings, with slight extensions, enhances edge hold and creates a more stable feel despite the board's relatively narrow waist.
Its tapered directional shape, with minimal taper, barely affects the ride. This board rides really well when centered and slightly back foot weighted, but remains versatile for any riding style.
The shape is exceptionally well-balanced and enables versatile riding styles, making this snowboard suitable for a wide range of riders and conditions.
Camber Profile and Flex
The BSOD features a unique camber profile: flat with slight kick in the tail, camber between bindings, and early rise in the nose. This combination creates a surprisingly locked-in and technical feel, even more so than other Capita boards I compared it with.
The board's flex is quite stiff, particularly in the middle. The tail has slightly more flex than the nose, making it a medium-stiff board overall. This stiffness contributes to its damp feel, absorbing chatter well.
Compared to the Mega Merc and Mercury, both softer, the BSOD offers a more aggressive ride that's still highly manageable. The stiffer flex enhances stability and edge hold.
Pop and Performance in Various Conditions
The BSOD's pop is exceptional, though it requires more effort than some other boards. The indoor survival offers similar pop more easily. The Mega Merc and Mercury provide good pop, but their hybrid cambered profile makes them slightly less potent.
In diverse snow conditions (groomers, powder, variable conditions), the BSOD remained consistently stable and never felt 'cranky'. This is due to its dampness and stiffness, which absorb impacts well and prevent the board from feeling overly bouncy.
The board excels in higher-speed s-turns and carves and demonstrates exceptional edge hold, especially on firm snow. While grip is excellent, it may benefit from detuning due to the structured base used for this demo model.
Powder Performance and Overall Impressions
In powder, the BSOD performs well, though the Capita Navigator boasts superior float due to its softer flex. The BSOD still outperforms the Mercury, Mega Mercury, and Indoor Survival in powder conditions.
Compared to Yes. boards with setback inserts, the Yes. boards demonstrated slightly better float due to their design. The BSOD was impressive in powder, though it requires more effort and a slightly back foot weighted stance compared to the Yes. boards.
The BSOD rides exceptionally well switch, although not quite as well as the Mercury and Mega Mercury. It is also a solid choice for park riding, performing well in jumps and rails, though it is not tailored for jibbing.
Conclusion: Is the Capita Black Snowboard of Death Worth It?
The 2023 Capita Black Snowboard of Death is a high-performance all-mountain board with exceptional edge hold and damp feel, perfect for aggressive riders who prioritize stability and control. Its stiffness makes it less forgiving for beginners.
While not the top performer in deep powder, it excels in various conditions, especially groomed runs. It offers a unique balance between versatility and precision. Its structured base offers excellent edge hold but might require detuning for optimal glide.
Overall, the BSOD is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a highly responsive and aggressive all-mountain ride. The Navigator might be a better option for primarily powder riding, while the Mercury and Mega Mercury are better suited for a wider range of rider skill levels.