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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These snowboards span 2 categories (Freeride, All-Mountain). Scores reflect each snowboard's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Storm Chaser — riders adding a dedicated deep-day board to a setup they already own — storm mornings, trees, pillows, and anything deep enough to swim in. Mercury — riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all boards on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Storm Chaser | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 6 | 9🏆 |
| Park | 2 | 6🏆 |
| Playfulness | 8🏆 | 7 |
| Forgiveness | 7🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 5 | 7🏆 |
| Powder | 10🏆 | 5 |
Riders adding a dedicated deep-day board to a setup they already own — storm mornings, trees, pillows, and anything deep enough to swim in. Riders who want a short, wide, surfy swallowtail on a tight turn radius, and who understand what that shape costs elsewhere. Big-boot riders benefit too: the standard waists here are wider than most boards' wide sizes.
Riders buying one board for the whole season — the Mind Expander 2.0 or Hovercraft 2.0 covers far more ground. Park and switch riders, without qualification (Freestyle 2/10). Riders whose home hill is mostly firm groomers, where the Low Traction Tech grade and 3/5 flex give up hold. Riders who want to charge at speed, who should be on the mid-stiff Flagship. Small-boot riders who value quick edge-to-edge — there is a lot of width under your feet here.
Riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. Speed lovers who want edge hold and stability.
Beginners still learning to link turns. Dedicated park/jib riders — too stiff and directional. Deep powder specialists.
The Storm Chaser is best for riders adding a dedicated deep-day board to a setup they already own — storm mornings, trees, pillows, and anything. The Mercury is best for riders who want a one-board quiver that excels at carving and all-mountain riding but can still hit park features. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The CAPiTA Mercury scores highest in Stability at 7/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-snowboard choice for riders who want one board for the whole mountain.
The CAPiTA Mercury leads in Carving with a PTO score of 9/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Jones Storm Chaser is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 7/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest snowboard to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.