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Location: Winter Park, CO
Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers
Setup: I rode the Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome with Union Atlas bindings and Vans Veil Boots size 8.
Size: 155cm.
First Impression: The name of the totally fk’n awesome was definitely on point…it is a totally fk’n awesome ride down the mountain.
Weight: Average
Flex: Tad softer than the BSOD but with the same stiffer flex in the nose and tail with a softer torsional flex between the bindings. Overall it still has the same aggressive riding that the BSOD has and charges the mountain just as much. It features freeride FK which is camber between the outside inserts, reverse camber outside of the bindings and wah-pow on the nose and tail.
Turning: This was the first board of the day so it got the hardpacked conditions on the mountain, it gripped the snow and held the best carves without hesitation. The turn initiation was quick edge response with a directional sidecut (up in the air whether it’s directional but I thought it rode different switch) that really delivers the three stages of a turn. Initiation was easy, into the carve was held and you powered out of each carve.
Stable: Handled the higher speeds with no problem and felt stable on the conditions, didn’t wash out or not hold an edge when I needed it.
Pop: Very poppy and powerful to ride. It was fun to pop off rollers with it, it’s got pop but definitely not a soft playful board. I actually thought my BSOD was easier to press and butter than the totally fk’n awesome which was very surprising.
Switch: A tiny adjustment to riding switch with slightly setback stance and directional sidecut. I still found it very capable of riding switch and just as aggressive as switch.
Overall Impression: The Totally Fk’n Awesome was a very popular board, it definitely powered through the mountain and was extremely solid on carving. You could just rally the board through carves and have so much fun with it down the mountain. I later watched the board be ridden and see someone else have the fun I had when I rode it, that’s a good feeling to see a board impress so much.
Shay’s Honesty Box: I love the BSOD and the Totally Fk’n Awesome kept with the same flow but with it’s own ride. It’d be fun to compare them ride after ride. It was a favorite from the demos but I also wish I could have tried the BSOD and Fk’n back to back to really compare the flex better.
Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome or shop their full line of CAPiTA snowboards
On Snow Photo
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Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome description
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Review Disclosure: I rode this board at the SIA on-snow. Please be aware boards may change, this review was done in February 2011.
Tyson
February 7, 2011 at 4:41 pmI find it confusing that Capita would basically make a slightly wider version of the BSOD. I really wish this board was a little softer and more playful. I love my BSOD for charging but here on the East Coast I tend to use my ’08 LIB TECH skate bananna more. I just much funner to butter and play around on the smaller resorts. Maybe next year.
Shay
February 7, 2011 at 4:46 pmTyson, Capita does make other boards like the indoor survival, ultrafear that are softer and more playful. I’d check those out because they are definitely worth considering.
lee
February 7, 2011 at 5:08 pmAlso skate banana has completely different tech. Hence the implied playfulness that “skate” brings with it. It’s reversed from the BSOD. That camber is there for a reason. But Shay makes a good point. Try some of the others out. Maybe they are what you’re looking for.
bambam
February 8, 2011 at 1:22 amHi shay. How were the atlas bindings?
yessi
February 8, 2011 at 6:51 amTotally fk’n stupid graphics. My 2c.
Capitaaah!
February 8, 2011 at 8:56 amFYI, this board does not have a directional sidecut. The inserts are setback but the sidecut isnt directional like the BSOD.
Capitaaah!
February 8, 2011 at 8:57 amAlso, just one more bit of clarity… the camber extends out past the outside of the bindings by a few inches. 😉
Shay
February 8, 2011 at 9:39 amAtlas review is coming up!
Capitaahh!
Fixed the camber mention, thanks for pointing that out. Hard to see from the catalog sometimes! Also here’s the info on the sidecut, so when I say the name i’m using the name of it and how I interpreted it as I rode it. When I rode switch, it was as aggressive and definitely didn’t feel like true twin.
New Age Directional Side-Cut – A true progressive sidecut consists of two or more radii blended together to accommodate the three stages of a turn. They provide easy turn initiation, while offering greater control and stability throughout the turn, and maximum power when exiting. Capita’s New Age Directional sidecut incorporates Death Grip – a reverse sidecut arc in the midsection of the board. Due to a reduced effective edge as a result of hybrid camber shapes, this reverse camber arc provides a point of contact to retain consistency throughout the turn.
Capitaaah!
February 8, 2011 at 10:03 amDefinitely true for the BSOD but it’s a catalog blunder for the TFK’nA.
Check out the specs on the TFK’nA, it has a sidecut radius is the same on both sides of the Death Grip contact point. On the BSOD specs you’ll see it has two different radii. The one towards the nose is larger, therefore that board is directional.
On top of the specs provided, I measured myself. 🙂
Capitaaah!
February 8, 2011 at 10:04 amForgot to add, I set mine up centered and ignored the setback inserts. Perhaps the reason you felt it rode different is because of the 1″ setback.
I have a few days on mine and loving it so far…
lee
February 11, 2011 at 1:42 pmThe core is directional. So you’re both right. Directional twin.
stiva
March 6, 2011 at 9:38 amHi Shay,
I currently have a 2009/2010 Ultra fear . I want a board that will perform better in the powder but still rip the whole mountain. After the Charlie, What in your eyes is Capita’s next best performing board in the powder? Is the Totally F’ Kn perhaps that board?
Shay
March 6, 2011 at 9:40 pmStiva, Capita BSOD after the Charlie in my opinion. I rode the BSOD on a powder day at June and it handled feet of snow no problem. It was the same day I saw someone else riding a fish in the conditions. So definitely BSOD, then Fkn awesome.
stiva
March 7, 2011 at 10:26 amThank you for you quick reply Shay. What in essence is the difference between the BSOD and the FKN ? ( as the seem like very similar decks to me ) Is the target market different?
lee
March 7, 2011 at 8:22 pmShiva..tfa has similar construction but not the same. Has a directional core but a twin shape.
L.E.D.
March 8, 2011 at 9:30 amHere’s a better explanation …BSOD has P2 superlight core with basalt stringers. Has a directional shape,sidecut, and core.
TFA has a twin sidecut,directional core, carbon load bars. No die cut base. From what I’ve been hearing about it ,from people who’ve ridden it, its incredible. The hybrid reverse camber that capita uses is a ton of fun, and putting that into a full on park/freestyle machine sounds like fun to me.
stiva
March 8, 2011 at 12:53 pmThank you Lee & LED.
Much more clear now…
Have you heard anything from people who have ridden the TFA in Powder? Does it rip the Powder? I’m going to Revelstoke next season and want a board that will perform in Pow ad be fun on the mountain… I’m 170-175 LBS and 6 foot. Im thinking the 157cm TFA.. I have been on a 2009/2010 Ultra fear 155cm this year and suffered in 1-2 foot of fresh powder in Austria last week.
Is the TFA as light as the BSOD?
L.E.D.
March 9, 2011 at 9:23 amJudging by the different make ups of the two boards I’m gonna say that the BSOD is probably lighter. It’s probably not a deal breaker though. As for pow and a board that shreds the whole mtn why not just go with the BSOD? Do you like the twin sidecut of the TFA? Basically why the one and not the other?
stiva
March 9, 2011 at 1:46 pmHey LED, I do like the Twin sidecut of the TFA.
Both should in essence perform similar in Pow. or not?
Also the graphic is pimp on the TFA
L.E.D.
March 9, 2011 at 9:36 pmWell there ya go Stiva. The performance in pow is probably gonna be very similar. My BSOD on a pow day earlier this year was amazing.
Shay
March 10, 2011 at 8:26 amDef agree with Lee/LED.
lewis
May 15, 2011 at 12:44 pmstiva,
I’m the same weight and height as you…if you’re looking for a better board in the pow…I’d say go with the 159, that’s what I’m riding this year for a pow board and those extra cms will give you better float. Especially if you think the 155 ultra suffered in pow you might want more than a 2 cms increase
Frank
July 27, 2011 at 7:28 amthis board do have “the Death Grip contact point” too like BSOD???
L.E.D.
July 27, 2011 at 8:18 amFrank….yes it does.
Shayboarder’s 2012 Top Picks – Shayboarder.com
August 22, 2011 at 7:19 am[…] Capita Totally Fk’n Awesome […]
ben
September 24, 2011 at 4:20 amhi i am looking for a new board if any one can help?
i am teaching in canada but have only ridden forum boards so don’t know what to expect from other companies.
i am looking at 2012 boards, trice 157 (not hp) capatas T fk’nA 157, ultra fear fk 157, outdoor living 158, bataleon riot 157 and lobster park board.
you could say i will be doing all mountain freestyle, when there is pow will be dropping lines and hitting jumps other then that riding down to the park tricking about and in the park will be mainly for jumps doing 7s and trying more and hitting rails in the line too.
i know its a lot but would love some help about the tech, ride, pop landings… thanks
L.E.D.
September 25, 2011 at 5:11 amTFK is a good choice. It can handle all that. Also check out the indoor series.
Frank
September 26, 2011 at 4:34 pmL.E.D. or Shay
How is the holding Edges and damping on groom, hard snow, even icy spot compare to snowboard like Raptor 159 (Vario Grip) or T.Rice normal Not HP 157.5 (Magne Traction) …. Cause I really looking a lot about the TFA 157 or 159 …. But just want to make sure that will be as good for our Icy condition of the East Coast. Thanks for your advice.
Shay
September 26, 2011 at 5:15 pmFrank, MTX has 7 contact points, Vario has 5 contact points. Those will grip better because they have more contact points but again with ice, I place a lot of judgment on rider level. Riders on the east coast have ridden and held edges on on ice long before MTX and can ride anything. Honestly a board can only do so much, the rider level plays a huge part in the handling.
Frank
September 26, 2011 at 6:39 pmThanks Shay, sure I understand, it is like a Driver as well with any cars some times it depends on the Driver more than the car… 😉 I guess all of the 3 snowboars mentions are good… thanks
ben
September 27, 2011 at 8:18 amthe TFA is twin shape but set back an inch right? could you set it up to ride twin? cause i will be riding switch alot while teaching
Todd
October 2, 2011 at 2:20 pmI’m really interested in getting the TFA. A few years ago I was riding a Lib 153 MC Kink, then last year a Gnu Park Pickle 153. I also had a skate banana 156 that I’d take out on deeper days and used for the month I was in Japan.
I’m 5’6″ 145-150lbs and rock size 7. I live and ride everything in Whistler not much park anymore nor pipe but I use the whole mountain. I used to ride 156s or 157s then dropped down to 153 with reverse camber.
Would the TFA work for me in 153?
Too wide?
Is it ok to set it up twin like Capitaaah! says?
I have a pro-form so either way it will be a Capita…
Shay
October 4, 2011 at 8:32 pmBen, definitely could play around with it and set it up centered. I’ve ridden directional boards switch, there’s just some adjustment but it doesn’t take long to figure out a board.
Todd, just left you a comment on the ask shay section. You’ll be fine on the TFA, definitely would handle Whistler riding and since you don’t ride park/pipe, it’d handle better than the more park specific boards you’ve been rdiing. I think you’ll be fine on width.
ben
October 6, 2011 at 10:45 amthanks shay that has helped. but still stuck between this the trice and a friend mentioned dc devun walsh ?
you have ridden the TFA and Trice and are both on your top picks could u give me a little help between them ? thanks
Alan
October 12, 2011 at 8:16 amHi Shay, I sm really imterested in the capita fkn but am also considering the Jamie Lynn Phoenix. I have been boarding for about 10 years and currently ride an arbor element cx 155. Mostly big mountain riding groomers, powder, bowls, trees, lift lines…no park or pipe. I am 5’7″ 175 size 10.5 thirtytwo TM boots union force bindings. Want a board that gives that camber feeling on groomers but floats better in powered with good edge hold. What do you think Jamie Lynn Phoenix in 154cm or capita tfa in 155cm? Thanks!
Alan
October 12, 2011 at 4:54 pmHey Shay, Totally interested in the Capita TFA but am considering the Jamie Lynn Phoenix as well. I have been riding for about ten years but only about 10-15 days a year – all big mountain like Whistler/Mammoth. I like hitting fast groomers, bowls, powder, trees, lift lines, some back country..no park or pipe. I am currently on an Arbor Element CX 155cm, am 5’8″ 175 lbs, size 10.5 32 TM boot, Union Force bindings. Looking to try a new hybrid camber/rocker board and have narrowed it down to a few, including the Capita TFA in 155 cm or a Jamie Lynn Phoenix in 154 cm. Really want a board that charges like the Element, is great on groomers and powder but also has great edge hold. What do you think would suit me better? Thanks!
Shay
October 12, 2011 at 5:24 pmBen, I’ve ridden both those boards and they both rock. Personally the Trice is wider than I need so I would rock the TFA over it but both boards hold their own.
Alan, Sweet on your riding! Definitely the MTX would have better edge grip over the Capita, just more contact points on the edges. Honestly I think the Phoenix might be too easy for you. It’s a good board for sure but I think if you like fast and ripping, the Billy Goat might be a better option in my opinion. TFA would be suitable but also with flat kick will be more like camber than the mervin options. Are you able to demo any of the boards at a demo day or from a shop?
Alan
October 12, 2011 at 5:44 pmThanks for the insight…I live in Chicago so there aren’t too many relative demo’s here in the Midwest. So I am doing a lot of research…really enjoy your reviews! The Billy Goat in a 156 cm? Have not considered that deck yet. What are your thoughts on BSOD (not sure I am into the progressive sidecut) or YES Big City or Pick Your Line. Thanks again Shay!
Shay
October 12, 2011 at 5:48 pmAlan, No prob! Dang on Chicago, I watch the bears every Sunday 🙂 Billy Goat is one of the quickest fastest edge to edge boards I’ve ridden, there’s good reason why it wins the banked slalom most years. Capita BSOD is another aggressive charging board, definitely more than the TFA. YES Big City would fall in that category too, PYL is a bit more forgiving than those three.
Alan
October 15, 2011 at 8:57 amStill trying to narrow down my board choice…I am hesitant to try the Gnu Billy Goat because I am hearing that it takes a while to learn the C2 camber under the bindings versus traditional camber that I have been riding. I demoed a Burton Sherlock last season and hated the lack of edge hold on icy groomers as well as it wanting to constantly turn – it was awesome on the little bit of left over powder that was there that day. Do you agree on C2 taking some work to relearn? So I am leaning toward either the Capita TFA in a 155cm or the Yes PYL in 154 or 156 cm because they both have camrock How do you think these two compare? Also, how did the PYL ride, shorter or longer? Shay thanks for your help! I wish you could help out our Bears!!!
L.E.D.
October 16, 2011 at 7:16 amAlan where do you ride in the midwest? I used to live 5 min from boyne mtn and used a capita horroscope the first year they came out. In the halfpipe no less. What im saying is I know your terrain and how crappy it can get. The capita boards will work fine for you. If that helps at all.
Alan
October 16, 2011 at 10:22 amHey L.E.D. We head out west two or three times a season – Whistler, Mammoth, Telluride…I dork around at Granite Peak in Wausau a couple of times a year as well. Want something with great edge hold and better in the pow and crud that still really rails on groomed runs. I am looking to pick up a more more versatile board over my 155 Element CX – which I really love on groomers. And am concerned about the having to take time to relearn to ride a hybrid rocker like a LibTech with C2. So I have been looking at the Camrock boards with camber between the bindings and rocker at the tip and tail. So I think I have narrowed it done to either the Capita TFA in a 155 cm or a YES PYL or Big City in a 154 cm or 156 cm. Thanks for any insight!
Shay
October 16, 2011 at 12:58 pmAlan, C2 is an adjustment but nothing crazy. It just takes you riding it and getting used to it, same with any board and how they handle. Same for capita with the flat kick tech.
All of those choices will hold an edge, definitely the camber between the bindings will give you a similar ride to what you are used to.
L.E.D.
October 16, 2011 at 5:51 pmI agree with shay. The camber fk mix is pretty great. My first run on it and I knew it was gonna be a good season. As far as learning to ride a hybrid, I don’t think you’ll feel it. The relearning for me was with the rocker/fk. That takes some getting used too. I think as far as your picking goes I would chose the TFK. Am I biased,hell yes. Hahhaha!
Frank
October 16, 2011 at 6:38 pmHi Alan and others
I know I just put my opinion here… But since you ride Arbor, did you ever think about Arbor Coda 157 or Arbor Element RX 157… with 32boots where usually they have small foot print at 10.5 you should be fine and with grip tech it is suppose to hold well… Also I do have an Lando BTX 160 2009 that still rock even if is reverse camber… at your foot and size 175 pds… the 2012 Lib Tech Lando 157 should rock too … C2 with riser … long radius 8.75m to go fast… but again this is my style… maybe TFA 157 could be good but for icy spot my choice is Magne traction or Vario grip or Grip tech… Tough choice in 2012 they are all good depending of you preference and style…
Tim
October 30, 2011 at 12:46 amHey just a question about waist width, I’m about 185lbs and love riding shorter boards (Whistler). I have size 13 boots will the width of 25.7 on the 157 be enough do you think? i have a fairly open stance.
RYAN
October 30, 2011 at 12:41 pmhey, im really interested in the tfk, but ive heard that its not that wide. is this true? i have size 10.5 feet, would this size be a problem with the tfk 155
Shay
October 30, 2011 at 7:45 pmTim, really depends on your stance width. I’d say measure your current stance and the width that your bindings are currently at to see what that is, then go to a store with the Capita and measure it in the exact same spot.
Ryan, You shouldn’t have a problem with the 25+ waist width for your boot size.
Ryan
November 8, 2011 at 11:00 amKool thanks shay, also I’m 5’10” 160 lbs do u think the 155 fkn will be good for the deep and steep. I like to keep em short for playfulness and spins
Shay
November 9, 2011 at 6:30 pmRyan, Yeah that’s a good size for you, right in the middle for both.