The Ride Warpig and the Capita Defenders of Awesome (DOA) are two of the most popular all-mountain snowboards on the market. While both boards excel in versatility and performance, they cater to slightly different types of riders and styles. The Warpig is known for its volume-shifted design, making it shorter but broader than your traditional snowboard, which allows for enhanced maneuverability and float in powder. On the other hand, the DOA focuses on precision and pop with its camber dominant profile, making it a favorite among freestyle riders.
| Ride Warpig | Capita DOA | |
|---|---|---|
| Camber | Hybrid Camber | Camber Dominant |
| Shape | Directional | True Twin |
| Flex | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| All-Mountain | ||
| Park | ||
| Powder |
The Ride Warpig features a unique, volume-shifted shape that allows you to ride a shorter board without sacrificing stability or float. Its directional shape, accompanied by a slight taper, provides excellent maneuverability and float in powder. The Capita DOA, however, adopts a true twin shape, making it highly versatile for freestyle riding. This twin shape allows for symmetrical performance, whether you're riding regular or switch.
Comparing Shape
These board have quite different shapes. Where the Capita DOA has a traditional, true-twin shape, the Warpig has a Volume-shifted, directional shape. Volume-shift means the board boards are squashed into a shorter wider shape. This gives a more rapid, responsive and fun ride whilst maintaining the surface area of a traditional shape for the same float and cut-through in powder.
Comparing Camber
Both boards have distinctive camber profiles that contribute significantly to their riding feel. The Ride Warpig employs a hybrid camber profile with rocker tips. This profile enhances lift and float in powder while retaining enough camber underfoot to maintain edge hold and stability on hardpack. Conversely, the Capita DOA utilizes a traditional camber profile between the bindings with reverse camber sections towards the tip and tail. This design provides excellent pop and control, which is ideal for jumps and technical riding.
Flex and Construction
The flex of both boards is tailored to optimize their respective performance characteristics. The Warpig has a medium flex rating, which is roughly a 5/10 on Ride's scale. This balance helps the Warpig to be playful and surfy, making it excel in tight trees and powder. The Capita DOA sports a slightly stiffer flex, around a 6/10, offering more responsiveness and pop, which is perfect for aggressive all-mountain and freestyle riders. The construction of the DOA is notably advanced with features like Capita's Fortress Kevlar Bound Sidewalls, adding durability and impact resistance, whereas the Warpig uses Ride’s standard high-quality materials but lacks the extra reinforcement.
How the riding compares
Both boards are highly capable across various conditions, but their designs influence their specialty areas. The Ride Warpig, with its shorter length and broader profile, excels in low-speed maneuverability, powder, and tight spaces. Its shorter length makes it nimble and quick to turn, ideal for creative, surfy lines. The Capita DOA, with its camber-dominated profile, is best suited for high-speed carving, jumps, and technical park features, offering stability and precision. Let's see how this affects the riding.
All-Mountain
For all-mountain performance, both snowboards bring unique advantages to the table. The Warpig's surfy, maneuverable feel makes it adaptable and fun across varied terrain, while the DOA offers strategically enhanced control and stability, especially on groomers and when hitting jump
Park
The Capita DOA shines in the park due to its true twin shape and camber profile, offering excellent pop and control on various features like jumps and rails. Meanwhile, the Warpig, though less tailored for park, can still hold its own thanks to its versatile design and playfulness.
Powder
In powder, the Ride Warpig is a standout. Its broad, volume-shifted design enhances floatation, making it easy to ride in deep snow. The Capita DOA, while competent, is not as effortlessly buoyant in powder but still performs well enough for occasional off-piste adventures.
Which one would I choose?
In conclusion, choosing between these two will come down to your preferred riding style. If you are looking for a playful, maneuverable ride that can handle powder with ease, the Ride Warpig is your best bet. However, if you prioritize pop, control, and a versatile freestyle board that excels in the park, the Capita DOA is the clear winner.
