2025 Salomon Assassin Snowboard Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 30th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (4/5)
The 2025 Salomon Assassin snowboard emerges as a standout option for riders transitioning from rental gear to owning their first or second board. Our testers found the new Assassin to be more playful and forgiving, ideal for those looking to progress their skills. Notably, it allows for easy maneuvers like buttering, thanks to its enhanced torsional flex, though it's noted that it isn't specifically built for hard carving.
Connor, testing the 156 cm model at Loveland, CO, highlighted the board’s suitability for riders who prefer a looser style, making it less daunting for less experienced riders. Meanwhile, Todd experienced the 158W size at Mission Ridge, WA, and appreciated its capability in various conditions, including slush. He found the board to be on the stiffer side, suggesting that it may be more suitable for advanced riders than complete beginners.
Max’s experience with the 157 cm board in Brighton, UT, confirmed the board's all-mountain capability, from groomers to park and even bowls. However, he noted that the board occasionally wanted to wash out during turns, likely due to it being slightly undersized for his weight.
Overall, the 2025 Salomon Assassin is recognized by our testers as a solid choice for advancing riders, providing a blend of playfulness and the potential for skill progression without being overly aggressive.
Technical Details
"The Assassin was built fusing our best powder and freestyle shapes to create the ultimate one-board quiver. While staying true to its origin, the Assassin has evolved over the years with a longer nose and tail shape for enhanced performance in deeper snow, while maintaining its superior freestyle abilities in both the park and in the backcountry."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 150, 153, 156, 159, 162, 165, 158W, 163W |
| Shape | Directional Twin |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rock Out Camber (Rocker/Camber/Rocker) |
| Flex Rating | 4 (1 Soft - 5 Stiff) |
| Core | Aspen Select Core + Popster Eco Booster |
| Laminates | Biaxial Medium Density Fiberglass, ABC Wrapper |
| Binding Compatibility | 2x4 Inserts |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Salomon — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Salomon Assassin Snowboard:
In assessing the 2025 Salomon Assassin, we enlisted three of our evo employees, bringing a mix of advanced skiing abilities and styles that include all mountain, freeride, and freestyle, as well as groomers/carving. These evaluations unfolded at three mountains: Loveland, CO; Mission Ridge, WA; and Brighton, UT, challenging the snowboard across a spectrum of conditions and terrains. Our diverse group of testers ensures our review encapsulates a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making it a reliable resource for those considering the Salomon Assassin. Read on for each tester's perspective.
Connor Paulson
Store Lead - Denver Store
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 156 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
Mellower ride than previous Assassins
"The all-new Salomon Assassin is now a much better option for those looking for those looking to graduate out of rentals, but feel experienced enough to not want a beginner board for their first or second board. It is now more playful and forgiving, while still allowing room to progress. It can butter around with ease due to the torsional flex. It isn't a carving machine, but still does decent. Definitely suited to a looser style of riding. If you're looking for a board you can easily progress on, this is it."
Todd Cohn
Customer Care Rep
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 158 W
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Great option for advanced and expert rippers!
"Solid all-mtn option and a nice upgrade to the Assassin for 2025. I wear a 10.5 boot and was worried about the 158W being too wide but I was able to maneuver it well and lean into my carves. Works well riding switch and did just fine on a slushy day at Mission Ridge. The board is on the stiffer side and might be a touch aggressive for beginner or intermediate riders. Paired well with the Salomon Highlander bindings."
Max Garvey
Service Shop Technician - Salt Lake City Store
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 157 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Perfect All-Mountain board! Great for beginner to intermediate riders!
"This Salomon Assassin is a very playful and capable board! It absolutely rips groomers and would be really fun in the park. Even took it into the bowls and it held its own no problem! I am 5'10 and 230 pounds and rode the 157. Still handled my weight just fine. It wanted to wash out occasionally in turns but that is strictly because the board was to small for me."
Pros
Versatile Performance: This model has demonstrated solid all-mountain capabilities. It performs well in various conditions, including slush and groomers, and adapts well to both freestyle and freeride styles.
Wide Spectrum of Sizes: Salomon's expanded range of size/length options allows the Assassin to accommodate a wide range of body types and boot sizes.
Cons
Not a Carving Specialist: While it handles most tasks well, the board is not the best choice for riders who prioritize sharp, aggressive carving.
Stiffness Could Intimidate Beginners: The stiffer nature of the board might be slightly aggressive for true beginners or intermediate riders, possibly limiting its appeal to those new to the sport.
Who Is It For?
The 2025 Salomon Assassin is best suited for snowboarders who want one board to do it all and/or those who are looking to step up from beginner gear without jumping straight into highly specialized equipment (like the Assassin Pro).
This snowboard thrives under riders who bring a dominant approach to all-mountain riding. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for various terrains and conditions, accommodating everything from groomers to park laps, to pow days. While the board is great for advancing intermediates, its stiffer nature means it might not be the best fit for beginners who might struggle with controlling a stiffer board.
For the most advanced/aggressive riders desiring absolute edge control on high-speed descents, this board might not meet all expectations in terms of precision and response in very technical scenarios — but alas, that's why there's an Assassin Pro. The regular Assassin is an excellent middle-ground board, making it a perfect choice for intermediate riders aiming to refine their skills and possibly explore different styles of riding.