Salomon Dancehaul Review
Based on the hard to find Max Buri Pro, the Dancehaul is a shorter, wide width, tapered all-mountain board that does a bit of everything well. I really liked how it turned on groomed runs, and had solid edge hold while still feeling playful.
This is an update to the original review, which was based on riding it at demo days earlier in 2020. I did quite like it, enough that I bought it for the southern hemisphere season. Now I have spent much more time on it, in varied conditions that give me a much better overall picture of how it rides.
how the dancehaul rides
Features of the Salomon Dancehaul
Tapererd Directional
The Dancehaul has a tapered shape, that means that the width of the tail is narrower than the width of the nose. It helps in a couple of areas, the wider nose helps float in powder, as well as making the start of turns smooth and easy.
Medium Flex
A flex that is right in the middle, with enough support to handle fast riding on rough terrain, but with enough flex that you can butter and move it around, without feeling like you are stuck on a plank. After a season of riding it, it is well broken in now, so it would be just a touch softer than it was when the board was brand new.
Rock Out Camber
One of Salomon’s most popular camber profiles, overall it has a traditional camber profile, but with a flat section between your feet, and rocker on the nose and tail. The rocker sections help to give the board extra float, and make it a little more forgiving, while the camber makes sure it is still stable and poppy. There is a good reason that this profile is used on the Villain, Sleepwalker and Assassin, it works for everything.
Sintered Base
A hard and fast material, that soaks up wax well and keep the board moving quickly. I didn’t ever run into any noticable issues with speed on the board, even if I rode it for a bit too long between waxes. If you keep it maintained there won’t be anything to complain about. They use a flip flop or opposite bases, so one board will have a mostly black base, while the next one will be mostly white. Mine was mostly white, so it does end up with plenty of marks if you ride it in the park, though they are easy to clean off if you care about things like that.
Ghost Basalt Stringers
Basalt stringers that run down the length of the board, adding stability and pop.
Popster
Core profiling, that varies thick and thin sections of the core for a more natural flex and pop.
Aspen SLCT Core
FSC certified wood, that is chosen to get a mix between keeping the board lightweight,
ABS Sidewall
Fine Stone Finish
A stone ground finish on the base, which helps the board to glide smoothly over snow.
All Mountain Edge Bevel
Overall the board has a 1 degree base bevel, that changes into a 2 degree angle between your feet.
Taper
There is 12mm of taper on the Dancehaul, which means that the nose is 12mm wider than the tail. Taper helps the board turn smoothly, and helps the nose float and the tail sink in deeper snow.
4×2 Inserts
Just regular bindings inserts, that you can mount all normal bindings to.
BA MD Fiber Glass
Sizes available:
- 143cm
- 147cm
- 152cm
- 157cm
How it Rides
Board size: 147
Boots: Salomon Launch Boa SJ 27.5
Bindings: Burton Cartel / Burton Step On X
This review is based on me riding the 2021 147cm Dancehaul, set up with my regular Cartels at angles of +12 and -9, with a stance width of just under 22 inches. I am 6 foot tall, and weigh 160lbs/72kg.
When I originally tested this board out, the conditions were quite good – firm groomers that gave good grip, as well as a little fresh snow that had blown in overnight, as well as a bit of powder up on the top of the mountain. Since buying the board and then riding in Australia, I have ridden it in the full range of conditions – light and heavy powder, ice and warm slush.
Although I tested out the 147 in Canada, I did think quite hard when it came to buying it – whether or not I should go for the 147cm that I knew, or move up to the 152. The 152 seemed like a more logical choice, it was closer to the length that I normally rode, but I had also bought/rode the Ride Warpig/Superpig both in the small (148cm) size and knew that they did well for my weight.
There is quite a bit of a difference between the two sizes, but the 147 still has a decent waist width for my boots at 255mm, while the 152 has a big jump to 264mm. With that extra 9mm of width, I imagine that the edge to edge speed of the 152 would make it a notch slower. I ended up just going with the 147, because it was the size that I had tested and knew I liked, and I was right in the center of their recommended weight range.
Camber Profile
The Rock Out Camber is used on probably the majority of Salomon boards, and there is a good reason for it. It is a good mix between rocker and camber, that is ideal for a lot of riding styles terrain. There is enough camber to still give it a bit of the traditional feel, that is still solid at higher speeds and poppy/snappy. The rocker sections help to make the start of turns smooth and easy, give it some more float in powder and let you be a bit messy and rough without it wanting to catch an edge.
Flex and Pop
The medium flex with the Rock Out Camber is a pretty good mix. It feels easy to move around at slow speed, but is still quite stable when you are riding fast. It has quite a snappy feel, so it doesn’t take much effort to get a good pop out of the board. Presses on rails and tubes don’t take a huge amount of effort, but I am not good at them anyway so mine never look that nice.
Edge Hold
I have ridden quite a few Salomon boards with the Rock Out Camber profile before, so I had a good idea of what to expect. Especially with sharp and brand new edges, it grips very well even on hard and windblown snow.
Because I ended up using the Dancehaul as my board for everything, I did detune between the feet so that I wouldn’t catch on any rails in the park. I took enough off them that I would feel safe and it never gripped, though I did expect a bit lower grip when the snow was icy. My stance is fairly narrow, so the amount I detuned wasn’t huge, and I was a little surprised that it still had quite good hold on windblown Australian ice in some pretty bad conditions.
Float
There is 12mm of taper in the Dancehaul, and combined with the wider width make up for the shorter length, and it doesn’t have any problem floating in deeper snow. It naturally floats without effort, and even when I was riding in heavier Australian snow I didn’t feel like my back leg was ever getting tired trying to keep the board up. It always has a very easy and surfy feel.
Speed
It has their sintered base, so if you keep it waxed you won’t have any problems keeping your speed up.
Turns
Probably the best part of this board, it makes turning fun. With enough camber, a good medium flex and taper if makes turns very very easy and any speed. Even in deep snow in tighter trees, it feels very nimble and quick to move around.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Fun
- Good medium flex
- Solid camber feel
Cons
- Nothing major that gave me any problems, I really liked the Dancehaul.
Overall
The Dancehaul is one of the boards I have had the most fun on. It is good to cruise around on, holds a good edge and carves well on groomed runs, floats in powder and can still hold up for more aggressive riding. Even with the tapered directional shape, it is still fun in the park and riding switch is still do-able.
For what you get for the price, I think it is a pretty easy choice.
Similar boards:
Although on paper they might seem quite close (short, wide, taper) the Superpig has quite a different ride, the camber profile is way more aggressive – so the edge hold and pop are better, but the forgiveness and ability to mess around are almost completely gone.
Short and wide, though the flat to rocker profile won’t feel as lively as the Dancehaul.
An upgraded version of the Dancehaul, that has a stiffer flex, fancier sidewalls and a faster base. Currently there is one limited version, though not in many shops.
Salomon Dancehaul Technical Specs
| Length | Effective Edge (mm) | Setback (mm) | Waist Width (mm) | Nose Width (mm) | Tail Width (mm) | Weight Range (kg) | Weight Range (lbs) |
| 143 | 1075 | 0 | 247 | 294 | 282 | 50-70 | 110-155 |
| 147 | 1100 | 0 | 255 | 302 | 290 | 60-85 | 130-185 |
| 152 | 1135 | 0 | 264 | 312 | 300 | 70-90 | 155-200 |
| 157 | 1170 | 0 | 269 | 320 | 308 | 70-105 | 155-230 |
Previous Season Graphics
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020 Max Buri Pro
hi there,
Would this be a good japan board? I really like my burton skipjack camber though i would like something with a tail and a better landing gear.
Carves well? buttery enough?
looking at getting the 152 im 78kg, size 11, 511. was looking at the orca but this might be better for what i want it for?
Cheers
Tim
Yeah I would say it definitely would be. I need to update the review, because since I wrote it I ended up buying it, and it has been the only board I have really ridden this season – it works for everything. I have the 147, so going one size up to the 152 would probably be a good choice for you. There is a pretty big jump in the waist widths from the 47 ot the 52, almost 10mm so it won’t be a problem at all for size 11s, and the extra surface area will be a big help in powder.
The Orca would be a good option, but I really prefer boards that have regular camber between the feet – much more stability and pop, but you still get the float from the big wide nose.
The Dancehaul carves great, it is one of those boards that just wants to turn with no effort. Not overly stiff, at 78kg you could butter it without a problem at all.
how much down can this handle , its not a super wide board like the YES, Y if u ride mid 160s can u go to 152 like on the ORCA ?
I would definitely size it down a bit. I normally ride 155ish boards, and am riding the 147cm. There is a pretty big jump in waist widths if you go to the 152 (264mm waist) so that will definitely suit riders who normally ride around 160cm boards.
I have been looking at the getting the Ride Warpig until I saw this, do you think the Dancehaul is going to be better for a intermediate rider? I don’t ride in the park too much, but I still would like to start doing small features.
I bought a 2020 Party Platter 157 last year to use as my pow board or to change up from my Salomon Villain (love this board) daily driver. I really didn’t enjoy for my style. It seemed a little soft for carving and the blunted nose would get stuck on crusty pow days because the tail didn’t sink enough. Do you think the dancehaul a big enough shift away from a 2020 Party Platter or should I be looking a pow specific boards? Thanks.
The Dancehaul isn’t super stiff, I think it is fairly similar to the Villain overall – though the tail feels a little stiffer, but that might be because it is shorter. It has the same core, base and camber profile as the Villain, the main difference is the shape which is what I think makes it a fun board. I haven’t ridden the Party Platter yet, but it is rated as being softer. I think the Dancehaul is going to be a good match for the sort of riding you want with the features you are after.
Hey awesome review. I typically ride a 158. My weight is 165. I have size 10.5 boot. Do you think the 147 is going to be cutting it a little close?
Thanks! You could go for either – but I would probably choose the 152 so that you get the extra width and you’ll be able to turn it a bit more aggressively, which is half the fun of this board.
Thanks for the review! Do you have any recommendations for bindings that would work well with this board? I was considering the Burton Genesis but wondered if they will be responsive enough, and if something a little stiffer like the Union Strata might be better?
I don’t think you can go wrong with Burton Cartels. I really like them, and even have two pairs that I put on every board I ride. I don’t find them too stiff, they work really well for how I ride. I haven’t ridden the Stratas yet, so I can’t compare directly but they do look like a good choice.
Thanks for all your reviews!!! They are the best out there!!! For riding tight trees in pow and then switching to all mountain and some park in the afternoon, would you recommend the Dancehaul over the Capita Mercury?
Thanks! I would say for that combination of riding I would choose the Dancehaul over the Mercury, I have much more fun on it, though a bit would depend on how hard you ride – If you are pretty agressive rider, you might get a bit more out of the stiffer flex of the Mercury rather than the more playful feel of the Dancehaul.
Thanks for your help. Wish I would have learned about your reviews sooner…would have prevented some snowboard buying mistakes. Your reviews really are the best! If I’m 5’11” and 180 and size 9 boot, which size Dancehaul is best? Seems I might be able to get away with the 152, but I’m hesitant because I’ve never ridden anything that short…hard to wrap my head around the idea.
Ahh thanks so much! The 152 will be plenty for you, although it sounds small you definitely won’t want to go any bigger. For size 9’s, the 152 has plenty of width, so you will be able to carve really hard without toe and heel drag, and it will give you plenty of float in powder. I was actually quite surprised with how well the 147 rode for me, and that is quite a step down from the 152 in length and width.
The one thing that helped me work out how/why a short board can still feel stable and give me the float is how the surface area changes. The 152 has a waist width of 264mm, which is what you would expect for 160ish cm wide board, so you are really getting a lot of the stability/volume of a big board, squashed down in an easier to turn board, with a smaller sidecut to make it all feel quick and nimble.
Thanks for your help. Just ordered the 152 through the link on your website. I’ll let you know how it works out. Keep the reviews coming!!! Have a great season!!! Stay safe.
Howdy! Have you tried the Bataleon Party Wave Plus? If so, any thoughts on how it would compare to the Dancehaul? Thank you!
I haven’t ridden it yet, the closest I have ridden would be the Lobster Aaron Schwartz (super similar to the regular Party Wave). My biggest complaint of that board was I found it to be much too soft if you weren’t in nice deep snow, so the stiffer flex but similar shape of the Party Wave Plus does sound good – I’ll see if I can find one to ride this season.
Comparing (the Lobster version with the same overall shape) to the Dancehaul, the Lobster was very smooth and floaty in deep snow, but the very noticeable shaping on the nose made it feel slower for the edge to start a turn, but it was great in powder. I’ll see how once I can do a proper test, but I doubt it will feel as direct and smooth to turn as the Dancehaul, but I’m happy to be proven wrong.
Thanks for a great review!
Here’s a question from a happy old fart:
I used to love the 156 Burton Branch Manager for it’s quick edge to edge, the spring I got out of carves, and being awesome in pow. Then I wanted to try something else and 3 years ago I bought the Warpig S.
Ok in pow, hated it on groomers. Felt like a plank to me. But since I never learn from my mistakes, I now have my eyes on the Dancehaul.
I’m 5’8″, 150lbs, 9.5s, and spend most of my time hiking for pow, hitting side hits and laying down carves. Also fully ignoring that I’m old enough to have been riding for 30 years;)
Based on not liking the Warpig, would you recommend the Dancehaul in 147 (or even 143!). Or should I just forget about the Short ‘n Wide-hype and go with something more traditional with backseat camber, like the Super 8 or Hometown Hero?
I think that you would find the Dancehaul to be a really good step up from the Warpig. I was in the same boat as you, I liked the Warpig when I first rode it (normally don’t like flat boards that much) but eventually sold it.
The Dancehaul feels much quicker and smoother edge to edge, and is lots of fun just to carve on. In real life it might not be, but I think it feels lighter, springier and has a good amount of camber to push out of a turn, and have a lively feel.
I would go for the 147, although it is technically in the short and wide group of boards, the 255mm waist width is enough to let you carve hard, but still not need any effort to get it on edge (especially for 9.5s). I haven’t ridden the Hometown Hero, and although the Super 8 is a really nice all around board, the Dancehaul was way way more enjoyable.
Great review, just wondered if you would recommend the Dancehaul over the Jones Frontier for general resort riding, no park, switch or jumps just fast cruising and the occasional bit of powder in Europe. I’m intermediate, 5’8″ 80kg’s with small UK7.
I would go for the Dancehaul, just because I think it is much more fun for cruising on, and it will still do well in powder. The width of the 147 will be plenty for those size boots, so you will still be able to carve quite hard with no toe or heel drag.
I am 175 cm for 75 to 78 kg size 9boots i was looking at 147 and then at the 152 ? What would be the best for me ?i ride a yes standart 153 atm and a yes great 154.
Also i got the idea to take 143 for my wife she is 60 Kg and size 8.5 or 8 boots . Would it be right?
Dont have any experience with this kind of board.
Thanks
I would choose the 147 for you, I think it would be the best option unless you are planning on riding mainly powder, you will still get plenty out of the board, even though it sounds so much smaller than usual. The 143 would be the best choice for your wife as well.
Your using cartel bindings right? is it better if I get a medium size or a large size binding? I have a size 10 DC boots
Yeah I am using Cartels – you could go for either, though it might be a bot more of a squeeze getting into the mediums, DC have a fairly big footprint so you might be better with some larges.
Nice Review !
I’m an intermediate – East coast resort rider – no trees or tricks. 6’2″ about 165-170 lbs, size 12 -13 boot. Looking into the Dancehaul which is considered “wide” and it seems like folks are saying to go shorter with this particular board. What size would you recommend – especially with my boot size ? – Thanks !
resort rider – no trees or tricks
I’d definitely go shorter with this board, although the 152 sounds really small, it has plenty of width for your boots, which also help to make up for the shorter length. The 157 would also be an option, it’s wider again by 5mm but you might get less of the surfy and playful feel if you are getting closer to your regular sized board.
Hi Lachlan
Thank you for the great review, a real thorough write up you have done on this product. I am in China so had to buy one locally as import duties and taxes would’ve killed me. I just received the board and the camber looks different to the one in your video. I also bought the 147, but can’t seem to press it down on the table like you do in the video review (at around 38 sec of your Youtube video). It seems like my board is an aggressive camber board. Do you think this is just due to the camera distorting reality or could it be my board is a dud? I chose this board due to the rockout camber, but it look pretty much like an aggressive camber board to me. Thank you, looking forward to your reply.
Thanks! Does yours seem flat? A new one will seem like it has more obvious camber, though the main thing would be to push down in the middle of the board, and see if you can notice a tiny bit of lift on the nose/tail rocker sections. Either way, I would just ride it and see what you think – even if it had more camber, that would probably be a good thing.
Hey! I’m 5,8″ 180 lbs, size 8.5 boots. I just bought the Dancehaul 152. but now I am realising that perhaps I have made a misstake? Is the board gonna be way too wide for me? I’m an intermediate rider, looking to use it all over the mountain in all kinds of conditions. On the groomers, the off piste as well in between the trees.
Oh no, the 152 will still be really good, the extra width will just give you the ability to get the board right over on its edge, as well as floating better in soft snow.
Hey Lachy. I stumbled upon your site today and was immediately hooked. I would please like to ask your opinion on the Salomon Dancehaul. I am 70kg (155lbs), 176 cm (5 feet 9.3 inches), size 9 US (8 uk). I would classify myself as an intermediate rider. I rarely ride switch due to a knee injury, but I do like to hit the park and do basic rails. I’m mostly a groomer rider through. I don’t like a true camber board due to it being too catchy. I’m scared that the rockout Camber could still be catchy I’m looking at getting the 147cm. Do you think this would be a good fit for my size and riding style in your proffesional opinion? Thank you and keep up the great content.
Thanks! Yeah I think that that size will suit your weight and boot size pretty well. I wouldn’t be worried about the feel of the Rock Out Camber, it doesn’t really have a catchy feel to it at all. You can be quite sloppy on it if you need to be, the rocker sections do help quite a lot, but the camber does help a bit when you need to use your edges, or getting a bit of pop from the board.
Hey Lachy,
How does it compare to the mind expander? Too much overlap? Is it better for aussie snow? The mind expander gets bucked around quite a bit.
Really good site – and great that you’re an aussie as well.
Thanks! They are pretty different overall – the Mind Expander is great in deep snow, and was surprisingly good on nice soft groomers, but struggles when the snow is chopped up. The Ultra Mind Expander would probably solve all those problems with the added camber, but is a bit step up in stiffness and price.
Although it isn’t that stiff, the Dancehaul does handle unpredictable and chopped up snow better than the Mind Expander, most likely just from the camber profile. I don’t think you can really go wrong with it at all.
Hi Lachlan, great review once again!
I’m 5’11, about 82kg (180 pounds) with size US 10.5 boots, wondering if 152cm or 157cm is the best size for me?
Thanks so much
Thanks Barry!
I would go for the 152, it is still nice and wide for your 10.5 boots, but still quick and easy to move around.
Sorry I dont know how old these comments here are and if you will see this but I’m considering this board for next season. I rode a 156 Hovercraft a few years ago in Japan and enjoyed it, I think that was actually too big for me for average conditions that aren’t feet of pow so I’m considering the 152 for the Dancehaul. I’m only about 150lbs but over 6′ but the minimum weight as advertised by Solomon is about 155. Do you think that is fine or should I step down even further, but I’m a bit skeptical to go that short and would like some stability at high speed as well.
Hey Bryan,
Yeah the 152 would be a good choice, it will do a good job for most conditions, especially compared to the Hovercraft which is a bit of a beast. No need to go down to 147, you will get all the advantages you need in the 152 (stability/float).
Hey man, would you say this is softer flexing than the warpig? I demoed it but was way too stiff for me (5”8, 60kg, 7UK boots for reference). Looking for something to use all over the mountain, groomers, jumps/side hits and some powder on the rare occasion NZ gets it. Would you recommend the dancehaul for this and if so would you say the 143 or 147 size?
Once it breaks in I think it did feel a little softer than the Warpig, but a bunch more lively with the camber. I could easily recommend the Dancehaul over the Warpig. For your weight/boots I would go for the 147, and if you get a really big powder day I would just set the bindings all the way back.
Sweet cheers mate. How would you compare this against the assassin? Tossing up between the 2 at the minute
What size do you recommend for US size 10 boot, 5ft 9in height and 170 lbs?
Also, do you like the Dancehaul Pro version? Thanks!
Both the 147 and 152 would work, if you want to go faster and carve a bit harder, the extra width of the 152 might be more helpful. I just had a look at the Pro version, I have had other Salomon boards with that base/core and sidewalls, so I think I would like the faster stiffer version, hopefully I can try it this winter.
Great review… its actually stopped me from pushing the purshase botton on a Jones Stratos.
Currently riding Mahar Lumberjack and Capita Slush Slasher and have really enjoyed the Slush Slasher directional style and was wanting another board that fits in with groomers and side hits, no park.. Do you have any thoughts between the two boards… Stratos v DH ? Riding conditions Aus Hotham and Falls. cheers Matt
Hmm, I actually got to ride the Stratos last season and it is really good, I will hopefully have the video review out in a week or two. The Dancehaul is a giant step up from the Slush Slasher in every category, though it is nowhere near as stiff as the Stratos. The one thing you could look out for is the new stiffer Dancehaul Pro, though I am not sure if it is in Australia yet, I have only seen it for pre-order at Evo so far.
The Stratos is a much more serious board, it handles speed very very well (and has better edge hold), but the Dancehaul will be a lot more fun for messing around on sidehits.
I am actually curious about how much nose is longer than tail, it shows centered about the board, is it related with binding settings or how many cm the nose is longer than the tail, i am in to this board too much cant wait to try ????
I just roughly measured my 147, seems to be about 51cm from the recommended binding on the front foot to the nose, and 41cm to the tail. I guess that the sidecut is centered between the bindings, not between the nose and tail?
Hey Lachy, have you also tried 152 in addition to 147? I am also 70kg, but I have 10.5 boot, I am leaning towards 152 because of the added waist width. At the moment I have NS Proto 2 155x with 260mm waist width and sometimes I am booting out when carving harder, in that sense Dancehaul 152 with 264mm waist should be better. My only concern is the added stiffness, as I am on the lower end, although, maybe it is a good thing as I also like riding fast.
Nah I haven’t ridden the 152. It does sound like you will be better off with the 152, especially if you are hitting the limit on your Proto. I wouldn’t worry about it being much stiffer, maybe just the tiniest bit more torsionally. Going fast the longer effective edge and width are only going to make it better I think.
Lachlan
Great review! I watched the whole thing and it looked like you were having a blast. I’m 6′ 1″, ~200lbs and wear a 105. boot. I normally ride an ancient 162cm board and just pulled the trigger on the 157. I am now wondering if I am going to miss the “surfy-ness” of the shorter version or if the 157 seems appropriately sized. 152 seems pretty short but I don’t see you recommending the 157 to anyone. Any thoughts?
Thanks! Oh no the 157 will still be good, especially coming from a regular 162 board. It will feel a whole bunch smaller and surfier with the rocker, and even the 157 has a small sidecut so the turns will be quite different/fun. As soon as you ride it you’ll see!
Hey Lachy,
Would you recommend the Dancehaul or the party wave as more of a dedicated pow board? My other board is a Mercury and want something maybe a little more on the fun side and able to float well, but still hold up if I need to open it up for some speed.
The Party Wave will float better seeing that it is pretty much just a giant rectangle, and it does do decently at high speed, but it does get to be harder work with the softer flex when the snow gets chopped up, where the Party Wave + might fix that problem, but I haven’t ridden it to know for sure yet.
The Dancehaul has a good mix between float and being a fun board for riding anywhere, especially if you get it in 152 or bigger. It is quite different than the Mercury, seeing that there is no need to have them crossover much.
The only other board I would add would be the Yes Powderhull, just because you mentioned a dedicated powder board. The float is pretty crazy, and although it is good, at speed it is not as stable as the Mercury.
Great review of this board. I’m picking one up this weekend and had a couple questions.
-Where did you set up your bindings on the board for the 22″ width? on the recommended holes? shifted forward? backward? Did you experiment with that at all?
-Any chance you’ve ridden a K2 Carveair and can make a comparison? I had a Carveair and could not get along with it. There was something about it that just wasn’t fun for me. Looking at the specs, I think it has something to do with the effective edge. The CarveAir 154 I had has an effective edge that’s 10cm longer. Seems like the shorter effective edge (on a similar length board) would lend itself to be a little looser (and more what I’m looking for).
Thanks! When I first demoed it I think I would have been on the recommended width – centered around the markings on the inserts. When I got my one, I did play around with the stance a bit, though I think the majority of the time (and on most boards) I set the back foot at the recommended, and then narrowest on the front foot.
I never ended up setting the stance back, even if there was a lot of snow, it rode well in my regular stance but I don’t doubt it would improve it a little.
I haven’t ridden the Carveair, though I think that the difference you might notice is that the Dancehaul has a smaller sidecut, as well as taper so everything to do with turning should feel miles better than the K2.
First off awesome videos man. Its been a great resource when trying to line up a new board. Question, I was wondering how the Dancehaul floated in powder at your size or if you’d jump up to the 152 for powder focus and stiffen it up away from the park/rails. I’m moving out to Nelson Bc and will be riding Whitewater so looking to line up a powder board since it sounds like I will definitely need one. Currently have a DOA 154, Nidecker Tracer 153. I’m 5’9 155lb(70kg) in the morning and size 8-81/2 boots. Love Sidehits, carvings and soon to be pow chasing. I’ve had some people suggest 152 if looking for more powder/then others say 147s fine but not sure if at that larger size the dancehaul would lose is charm given the waist with jump(you mentioned the 147 waist being the same as your mercury). Basically just wondering if the Dancehauls powder float capabilities are awesome enough to slot it in as a powder board in the quiver primarily that can still handle if its tracked out with, all mountain side being a nice bonus. Looking to try a 150 Orca as well just to compare, which I feel like will handle the backcountry better. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks man!
Thanks! Both would work well, but I think that the 152 would probably be the best choice. The 147 did float well for me, but if I wasn’t riding it in the park so much the 152 would have done a better job (mostly in deeper snow). I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being a board that turned into something you take out most times, just because it does everything so well. Even though it does get a bit wider, I wouldn’t expect that the flex would get too much stiffer, if at all. Depending on how hard you ride, it might even be worth looking at the stiffer Dancehaul Pro, I would expect that it would feel more solid in chopped up powder – and at high speed though I haven’t ridden it yet.
I just bought dancehaul 152cm, i am 5’7 1/2 weighing 162-165 lbs. 10.5. Boot size. Groomers rider, small features at the park. Currently riding 152 cm Capita DOA. I am intermediate Rider
I was hoping i made a ride choice. Someone told meI if ever i get lib tech orca i should get 147.
Don’t worry, it’ll be good! Although it is wider than what I rode, you also have bigger boots so it will work out to be pretty close.
Hi, thank you for a great review on Dancehaul. I’m 175cm tall and 170lbs with 10us boot size. Normally ride groomer with some off piste in Japan. Not sure I better go with 147 or 152?
Thank you.
I would go for the 152, get a bit of extra width for the off piste, and it will still let you carve quite hard.
Hello, I’m 5’9″, 140 lbs, size 10 boot. I like to carve hard but the 147 seems a little narrow with 255 waist width, should I go for the 152 even though I’m a bit lower to their recommended weight
Oh yeah if you want the extra width, there won’t be a big downside going to the 152, it is still going to have the easy to move feel of a smaller board.
Hello, Thanks a lot for your detailed review. Thats why I think the Dancehaul is the right board for me. I’m 168 cm and 63 kg. I love my Yes Basic 146, choose after trying a lot of boards from 143 to 150. My second board is the Lib Tech Orca 144. I find it takes me much effort to get edge to edge. It works but it feels not comfortable. My aim is fun carving and some deeper carves and a bit float in powder and play around would be a nice benefit too. I’m not sure witch size should I take, the 143 or 147. I lean on the 143 because of the narrower waist width. The 147 has the same waist width (255 mm) as the Orca 144.
Can you help me?
Thank you so much!
Thanks Andreas!
It sounds like you prefer smaller boards, so I would choose the 143cm Dancehaul – as long as your boots aren’t going to be too big. The smaller 143 Dancehaul will turn much quicker than the Orca, and overall should feel a lot more nimble. Then only thing to keep in mind is that the narrower waist (247) width might stop you getting deep carves, but it all depends on your boot size.
143 or 147? I’m 5’6 142lbs. Spend most of my time carving up groomers with the occasional powder day. I come from a surfing background and currently ride a Salomon Super 8 154cm. I’m looking to get into a little bit of freestyle–mostly jumps and buttering.
A bit would depend on how you find the size of your Super 8. If you have no issues moving that around, then the 147 will probably be a really fun change, still smaller but without getting really narrow.
Sorry I missed this, I will put this reply on the site as well. I think that the 147 will be the best choice for you. Although you could size down to the 143, it gets a bunch narrower, so you won’t be getting as much help carving as you would with the wider 147. It will still be plenty playful for buttering, and stay solid enough for jumps.
Hey Lachlan,
I love your reviews, it helps me really narrow down which boards I should be adding to my quiver.
I am looking to pick up a Dancehaul but I’m torn between the sizing of the 147cm and the 152cm.
I’m 170cm and weigh 175lbs. I ride a 150cm Orca and find that to be a good size for me. From the other comments, you are recommending a 152cm for people with similar stats to me. Would a 152cm take away from the nimbleness of the board? I am looking at the Dancehaul for my powder-oriented board, but still want to be nimble enough in the trees and around tight moguls so I was leaning towards the 147cm. Which size do you recommend?
There are no retail stores carrying the Dancehaul around me so I can’t see the height for myself.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks! The main thing in either size that you will notice, is that it is pretty flexible. The 147 will feel a bit softer again. It is a decent jump up in width to the 152, but that will suit your weight better. Even though it is quite wide, the taper will cancel out some of that extra width, so it should still feel relatively nimble.
Plus, for powder the extra surface of the 152 will be a big help.
Hi for a 5’5 130 pound female would you recommend the 143-or 147 for all mountain and pow.
I would definitely go for the 143cm for that sort of riding.
Hey Lachlan,
I ride a Capita Indoor Survival 154cm which has the same waist width as the 147cm Dancehaul (255mm) and I find that my boots have a little bit of overhang on the Capita. However, I am in the weight range of the 147cm Dancehaul.
I also have the Salomon Launch BOAs, so I was wondering if you ever experienced any boot drag when laying into deep carves with the 147cm Dancehaul you tested? Should I size up to a 152cm?
You always want some overhang – without it just getting the board on its edge will feel like work. The big difference between those boards is going to be the taper. The Dancehaul will turn easier because of it.
I didn’t notice any drag on my 147, but I never got super deep either. If carving is the main difference that you want from the board, then the extra width of the 152 will be a big help, but the 147 will have a bit more of a playful feel.
Hi,
Is there some cross over between this and the Stratos from your experience? I have a 156 Stratos and sometimes it feels like too much board, but I like it most of the time and it does suit my style of riding. I’m 5’9, 145lb size 9boots and think the 153 would have been the one. Looking to get a board that is more playful all around, but similar. I have yet to go “volume shifted”. Would the 147 Dancehaul fit that description or would you point me towards something else? Trying to fill the gap for all mountain joy riding to have more fun and be a little less serious than I find myself being on the Stratos.
Thanks!
I don’t think that they are crossing up a whole lot – even though they both have a bit of shape, the Stratos does stay in the more “serious” set of boards, rather than the just “fun” like the Dancehaul.
I think that the 147 would be a good match, especially on how you are finding the 156 Stratos. At the 147 it isn’t going to be overly wide, but still plenty for your size 9 boots. Overall it is going to be much more fun, easy to move around, press and lots less work than the Stratos.
Hi,
I am 5’7″ and weigh 185 lbs with a size US 9 boot size. I daily a Jones Mnt Twin 157 and love it but, also purchased a Stratos 159 last year for a few trips out West . I to find the Stratos to “serious” and am looking at the Dancehaul for something to ride on fresh snow days and in the trees and on groomers that is a little more forgiving and a little more nimble. I was looking at the size 152 but see this year Salomon added a 154 to the line. I actually ordered the 154 last night before finding this tread. Should I reconsider the 152 before they ship the board? Thanks for an input!!
Sorry for the late reply, I think you have made a good choice with the 154 anyway. You’ll still get the fun parts of the board, with a bit more stability for your weight.
Hey everyone, happy Thxgvg! I’m trying to decide between the Salomon Dancehaul 143 or 147, and I thought I’d ask for some guidance from the community!
It’s a volume shifted board, with the recommended sizing at…
– 143: 110 – 155 lbs, boot size 7 – 8.5
– 147: 130 – 185 lbs, boot size 9 – 10.5
My info….
– Stats: 5’5, 135 lbs (without gear), athletic build, size 9 boot
– Skill: Intermediate, 3 years experience
– Terrain: Mostly blue groomers, hopefully some black this year; will venture into powder and trees; no park
– Goals: Improve my carving, have good control as I try harder runs / steeper terrain; focus is on control and maneuverability, not speed (not bombing down the mountain!)
Would appreciate any advice. Thanks everyone! Have a great holiday wknd!
I would go for the 147 – mainly so you have the better width for your boots. The 143 gets really narrow, and although it is still an option, you would have a slightly harder time getting deeper carves in. The 147 is still a relatively soft board, so you will still be able to push it around easily at your weight.
Hello, have you tryed pro version by now?
Not yet! I should be able to get on one next Australian winter
May I hijack this thread because I’m one of those super light guys too looking for a new board.
I’m about 59-60kg in the winter and 176cm. I just got new Ride Boots and sized down to US 8.5 from previous US9. The outer length of the boot is about exactly 30cm.
I’m riding a Salomon Super 8 in 151cm (many years already) – Pretty happy with the sizing of it.
I’m looking for something more fun as my kids are both snowboarding now too so I really can’t bomb down any hill anymore because I have to wait for them 🙂 – I’m trying to learn with them to have more fun with them on piste, so learning to butter and stuff with > 40 years haha.
The super 8 was already shorter then what is “average” for my size so I thought 147cm should be the logical choice for the Dancehaul BUT then I saw the weight table for the 147 which is 60kg to 85kg. Usually I’m always in the middle of the Salomon weight range with my size so that would suggest a 143cm for me. I just think that is tooo short for me even tough I’m looking for a soft flex. What do you think?
The measurements of the 147cm are pretty much identical to my 151 super 8 (302 / 255mm center / 290mm) vs (302 / 254mm center / 294). Imho all points to the 147cm except the weight suggestions 🙂
Hey Andreas,
I don’t think you will need to go all the way down to the 143, even though the weight range is suggesting that. I think you should get the 147, that will be a fun change from the Super 8. It will still feel pretty soft, you won’t have a problem moving/flexing it, especially once it breaks in.
Hi,
I missed this reply. Yeah it will probably be narrow but then again I read you have 275 boots and chose the 147cm whereas I have 265 boots so I guess the 143 with the 8mm narrower waist makes it identical for me just like the 147 rides for you?
Yeah that will keep the waist/boot ratio pretty close, but I would still go for the 147. It is still short and plenty wide, but if you go down to the 143 I think you might struggle with stability a little.
Hi,
I think about the Dancehaul of 2024 as a one board solution for me. Intermediate rider with 6’2” tall and 155 pounds. Boot size 11 and I’m struggeling if the 154 or 157 would be better. The 154 seems very small to me because normally I came from lending always 160w-Beginner-Boards but want now something for my own. As the w-boards also have a similar width I thought the 157 would be good pick. On the salomon site you get the hint to downsize 3-5 cm.
Would be glad to here an advice 🙂
Hi Chris,
I would go for the 154 rather than the 157. There is still plenty of width on all sizes, but might as well get it small enough to make it fun, rather than trying to get it as close as possible to your regular board size.
Thanks a lot! I will go for the 154 🙂
Just thinking about the best binding for my setup.
cannot decide between the Union strata or the new Union force.
As you haven’t used the Union strata, I will not expect an recommendation 🙂 I will keep you updated how this ended for me…
Can’t go wrong with either of those, but I would match it with the Strata as a top choice. I have a review of it here.
It still has plenty of strength like the Force, just with a little more play nose to tail, I was surprised that it rode as well as it did, I thought it might only be good for park riding.
Hi, I am 5’3″ (160cm) and 150lb (68kg). Would you recommend the 143 or the 147?
I would go for the 143 as the top choice
I have the max buri pro, it’s awesome, it’s quick edge to edge with my 11s ride boots. Agree everything you say as a one board quiver double down on it’s surprisingly good switch and it great in the in the park. Like really good. Love it.