Rich Goodwin Testing the Yes Sender XTRM Snowboard | Photo Mike Hardaker Mountain Weekly News
YES Sender XTRM Review: Bridging the Gap from the UNINC Legacy to Modern Freestyle Soul
The UNINC Legacy: From Burton Offshoot to YES Snowboards
If you remember the mid 2000’s you might remember a groundbreaking offshoot of Burton Snowboards called UNINC. This was a rider designed and marketed brand led by Romain De Marchi, J.P. Solberg, David Carrier-Porcheron (DCP), Gigi Rüf, Jeff Anderson, and Danny Davis. These guys were on the cutting edge of riding at that time and knew exactly what they wanted in their boards and marketing. For whatever reason the sub brand was dismantled and in its wake came YES snowboards.
I had the rare opportunity to work closely with these riders throughout my career and I have the utmost respect for their vision and talent. With that being said I have never had the chance to ride one of their boards. So when we got the YES Sender XTRM I jumped at the opportunity to test ride it, and let me tell you it did not disappoint.
Balanced Freestyle Design: Pop, Snap, and Creative Flex
What makes this board special is its balanced freestyle design. It has a responsive yet forgiving flex that feels lively underfoot, delivering superior pop for ollies, clean snap off jumps, and smooth control on rails.
The shape feels dialed for creativity, whether you’re lapping the park, hitting side features, or taking playful lines across the mountain. It’s the kind of board that rewards progression without punishing mistakes.
Beyond the Park: Stability Across the Entire Mountain
Where this board really shines is everywhere freestyle riders actually ride—not just in the park. While it excels on rails and jump lines, it’s equally at home on groomers, natural hits, and chopped-up resort snow. It holds an edge confidently, stays stable at speed, and remains predictable in variable conditions, making it ideal for riders who see the entire mountain as their playground.
Rider-Driven Intent: Small Company Performance with Soul
Why this board stands out is the intention behind it. This isn’t a mass-produced design driven by trends or marketing hype. It’s built by a small company with a deep understanding of how freestyle riders move, land, and push their limits. Every detail feels purposeful, from the flex pattern to the materials chosen for longevity and consistent performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Elite Freestyle Versatility: Combines superior pop and snap for park riding with surprising stability and edge hold on fast groomers and natural hits.
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Rider-Driven Authenticity: Built by a small company with deep industry roots, the board offers a purposeful flex pattern and a sense of “soul” that mass-produced decks often lack.
Cons
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High Energy Requirement: The lively and responsive flex rewards aggressive riding and progression, but it may feel a bit too energetic for casual or novice riders looking for a mellow cruise.
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Freestyle-Forward Bias: While it handles the entire mountain well, riders primarily seeking effortless float in deep, technical powder may find it lacks the specialized surface area of a dedicated directional powder board.
Built for the Long Haul: Real-World Testing and Durability
How it comes together is through quality construction and real-world testing. Durable materials, a fast base, and one-of-a-kind graphics creates a board that holds up season after season. The result is a freestyle snowboard that feels authentic, reliable, and endlessly fun—built with passion and proven on snow.
Beyond performance, there’s a real sense of authenticity behind this board. Built by riders who live and breathe snowboarding, the YES Sender XTRM delivers pure freestyle performance with soul.
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