The Capita DOA is at the top of our Best All Mountain Snowboards list for good reason.
It rips!
This board is a seven time award winner of the Transworld Good Wood awards. I’ve been riding this board for the past two seasons. This is my full review of the Capita Defenders of Awesome.
So let’s get right to it.
Capita Defenders Of Awesome (the Doa) 2023
Pros
- Pop – The carbon running through this board will launch you.
- Light – The 2023 version has been upgraded to include the P2 super light core.
- “The go anywhere, do anything freestyle deck.”
Cons
- Flex – to keep this spring loaded for jumps, the center of the board is on the stiffer side. The nose and tail do flex.
- Popular / often sold out and likely to see other riders on the mountain with it.
Sizes Available: 148, 150, 152, 153 Wide, 154, 155Wide, 156, 158, 159Wide, 160, 161 Wide, 162, 163 Wide, 164
Flex: Medium 6/10
First Impression of the Capita DOA Snowboard?
I got my first Capita Defenders of Awesome (DOA) in 2019, fairly late in the season. The first thing I noticed was how aggressive the board is. Its shape makes for some contact points that take some getting used to for connecting your turns.
The deck felt stiffer than I thought it would. Reading reviews, it sounds like the board is perfect for the park. I didn’t realize that there are two types of freestyle snowboards to use in the park.
- Softer flexing boards that are perfect for jibs and small jumps.
- Stiffer boards that blast off jumps and carve the entire mountain exceptionally well.
The DOA is in that second category. It has a level of pop that I’ve never experienced before and grew to love.
So if you are reading about the Capita Defenders of Awesome deck because you want to improve your butters or presses, you should probably check out a softer deck like the Capita Ultrafear. However, if you want to blast off jumps, have a responsive camber deck that can carve beautifully and still hit rails well, then get the DOA immediately.
Why Did I Buy the Capita DOA?
I chose the Capita Defenders of Awesome snowboard because it won seven Transworld Good Wood awards. It is a beloved freestyle deck, and I figured if it was good enough for the pros, it was more than good enough for me.
I didn’t realize how stiff it would be or that it would take some getting used to. However, once you do get used to this deck, it is sheer perfection.
What do I like/dislike about the Defenders of Awesome?
Likes
I love the pop this board gets. There are carbon stringers strategically placed in this deck. They give this board a springboard-like pop that will throw you into the air when you learn how to use it. One of my favorite things to do on this deck is jump. I launch off headwalls, side hits, and kickers with ease on the DOA.
I love the graphics. Capita always knocks it out of the park with the DOA. Check out the 2023 DOA line ups graphics.
I love how well the DOA can carve. This deck has a nice edge hold and the perfect level of response that you can expect from a camber deck with carbon fiber built into it.
I like how lightweight this deck is. I have the 150cm version, and on day one, I was doing 540s again. Up to that point, I haven’t spun one of those for five years. (It is worth noting that I am 38 and only just getting back into park riding.)
I like that you can size down a few centimeters on this deck. I was used to riding 154 size decks even though I am probably closer in weight to ride a 148-151cm deck. The DOA has blunted tips so you can size down on this without any problems. I wound up getting the 150cm version, and I felt right at home.
I love the sintered base. It is fast when you wax it up. It is durable enough to withstand jibs and whatever rough terrain you ride on. I am here on the east coast, and the DOA is my go-to All-Mountain/Park ice riding board.
I love that there are two versions of this board depending on your budget. There is the traditional version that I reviewed here. There is also the 2023 Capita Super Doa too. You can read more about that version here.
I love the confidence this board gives you. There is something about riding the chair, and seeing this when you look down.
Dislikes
At first, I was disappointed with how stiff the DOA is. I thought I was getting a freestyle deck that could truly do it all. Which it is. The DOA really can do it all. However, you will need to put some muscle and practice time into learning how to nose press on this deck. The nose has a sweet spot that will flex. It just takes some getting used to. I grew to love the stiffness of this deck for all of the other areas where it helps you.
The shape of the DOA also takes some getting used to. The contact points stick out slightly. When you first learn to ride the DOA, it can feel like you are riding a rectangle-shaped snowboard. Your goal is to keep the rectangle’s corners from digging into the snow, and that is the part that takes some practice. If you’re an intermediate to advanced level rider, it won’t take you long to get used to it, though. The shape combined with the camber profile is where this board gets its responsiveness from.
Who Is the DOA a Good Fit For?
The Capita Defenders of Awesome is perfect for intermediate to advanced level riders who want to carve and hit jumps at the resort.
If you prefer to jump over flexing your board on boxes, you will have a blast on this deck and how fast it can charge down the hill.
How Beginner Friendly is the Capita DOA?
The Capita DOA is not the most beginner-friendly snowboard. That is not to say that a beginner will not get used to riding the board. They absolutely will. However, the Capita Defenders of Awesome is better suited for an intermediate to advanced-level rider. This board will be perfect if you already know how to carve, stop, and hit jumps comfortably. However, if this is your first time riding a snowboard, I recommend checking out an easier board to learn on.
The Capita DOA is not the best option for beginners because its contact points stick out wider intentionally to bite into the snow. This feature is exceptional when you spin off jumps because as you land, you can dig your edge into the ground to lock yourself back into place.
However, if you are still learning to snowboard, that feature can interfere with your progression more than it can help. The contact points are easy to catch in the snow accidentally, which can send you flying into the ground.
If you are brand new to snowboarding and interested in the Capita DOA, consider the Bataleon Evil Twin Plus. It is a very similar board spec and shape-wise with one key variation. Its contact points are intentionally lifted off the snow, making it easier to ride.
What Sets the Capita DOA Apart From Other Snowboards?
This snowboard has an unmatchable level of pop that will help you launch off jumps higher than most other snowboards. The added pop comes from the combination of the carbon fiber boosters, the camber dominant board profile, and an extremely lightweight core.
The Capita DOA excels at both riding park and carving everywhere at your local resort. It is rare to find a versatile park board that is also a fantastic all-mountain snowboard, and the DOA is precisely that. It can jib and jump. It also has the proper sidecut and edge hold to carve beautifully outside the park.
What’s New For the 2023 Version?
For this coming season, the Capita DOA has gotten even lighter. Capita added in the P2 Superlight core for the 2023 DOA. The new core is a blend of Poplar and Paulownia wood assembled in a way that makes the board retain its pop and durability while being incredibly lightweight. Here is an image overview of the core and its features.
After that, the only other new feature is that this board now comes in a 164 size too.
Capita DOA 2023 Specs
| Size (cm) | 148 | 150 | 152 | 153W | 154 | 155W | 156 | 157W | 158 | 159W | 160 | 161W | 162 | 163W | 164 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Edge (mm) | 1176 | 1191 | 1207 | 1185 | 1222 | 1205 | 1233 | 1239 | 1256 | 1259 | 1270 | 1280 | 1287 | 1294 | 1301 |
| Tip Width (mm) | 287 | 290 | 292 | 299 | 295 | 302 | 298 | 305 | 300 | 307 | 304 | 309 | 306 | 311 | 309 |
| Waist Width (mm) | 244 | 246 | 248 | 256 | 250 | 258 | 252 | 260 | 254 | 261 | 257 | 262 | 259 | 263 | 261 |
| Tail Width (mm) | 287 | 290 | 292 | 299 | 295 | 302 | 298 | 305 | 300 | 307 | 304 | 309 | 306 | 311 | 309 |
| Sidecut Radius (m) | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8 | 8.17 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Stance Range (mm) | 613 | 613 | 639 | 639 | 639 | 639 | 639 | 664 | 664 | 664 | 664 | 664 | 664 | 664 | 664 |
| Rider Weight (lbs) | 90-150 | 100-150 | 110-150 | 120-180 | 120-180 | 130-190 | 130-190 | 140-200 | 140-200 | 150-210 | 160-220 | 160-220 | 180-240 | 170-230+ | 190-245+ |
| Width | Regular | Regular | Regular | Wide | Regular | Wide | Regular | Wide | Regular | Wide | Regular | Wide | Regular | Wide | Regular |
What Other Benefits to the Defenders of Awesome are There?
This deck is durable. There are reinforced sidewalls, and the edge runs 360 degrees around the entire board. So if you accidentally run into a park feature or hit a rock, you will be fine.
The board is created in an environmentally friendly factory. The Capita Mothership factory in Austria makes everything with clean energy.
Overall Rating for the Capita DOA
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Resort Riding | 5 |
| Powder | 3.3 |
| Carving / Turns | 4.3 |
| Responsiveness | 4.8 |
| Speed | 4.6 |
| Ice / Poor Conditions | 4.4 |
| Switch | 5 |
| Jibs | 4.4 |
| Jumps | 5 |
| Durability / Quality | 4.6 |
| Buttering | 3.6 |
Editor’s Rating of the Capita DOA: 
So Do I Recommend the Capita Defenders of Awesome?
Absolutely, this is hands down the best all-mountain freestyle deck you can buy for the 2022 – 2023 season.
I am even considering buying the supercharged version the 2023 Capita Super Doa.
Which bindings go well with the Capita DOA?
I’ve ridden this with both the Union Force and the Union Stratas. I prefer my Union Stratas for this board. However, the truth is both are phenomenal to pair with the Capita DOA. I would make your decision based on these two points.
- If you will be carving and taking runs more than going through the park, go with the Union Force bindings.
- If you will be carving and still taking a ton of park laps, go with the Union Strata bindings. They are flexible and still responsive enough to carve with.
2023 Capita Doa With Union Strata Bindings Bundle
2023 Capita Doa With Union Strata Bundle
When is the Capita DOA 2024 Release Date?
The 2023 DOA is currently still available. The new graphic for the 2024 Capita DOA is expected to be released and ship on September 19th, 2023. Here is a preview of the new Capita DOA graphic.
This snowboard tends to sell out, so get your size now while it is still available.
Where Can You Buy a Capita DOA?
Here is a chart showing the sizes each retailer still has available for the Capita DOA.
| Retailer | Sizes Available | Board Link |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity Coalition | 148, 152, 154, 157 Wide, 159 Wide, 161 Wide, 162, 163 Wide, 164 | *On Sale* See Price |
| EVO | 153W, 158, 162, 164 | See Price |
| Sun and Ski | 148, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162 | See Price |
| REI | 156, 158, 161 Wide | See Price |
| Backcountry | 160 | See Price |
| Dreamruns | 148 | See Price |
| Peter Glenn | 150, 152, 154 | See Price |
| Buckman’s Ski Shop | 152, 153 Wide, 154, 156, 158, 162, 164 | See Price |
The Capita DOA sells out fast. You can order the 2023 DOA here.
Capita Defenders Of Awesome (the Doa) 2023
You can order the Capita Defenders of Awesome DOA snowboard online here.
Other Comparable Snowboards to Consider
Here are four other boards that are similar to the Capita DOA.
About the reviewer
Rider Name: Steve Weber
Home Mountains: Big Boulder, Jack Frost, Montage – North Eastern Pennsylvania (Lots of east coast ice.)
Size / Model: The board I reviewed was a 2019 Capita DOA size 150cm.
Rider Weight: 138lbs
Days Rode this Deck: 100+ I wrote this review after riding this deck for a season and a half.
Related Reviews:
- 2023 Union Strata Snowboard Bindings Review
- Jones Tweaker Snowboard Review
- Bataleon Evil Twin Plus Snowboard Review
- Jones Mountain Twin Snowboard Review 2023
- Capita Ultrafear Snowboard Review
- Gilson Undead 2023 Review
- Capita 2024 Snowboard Lineup Preview
Steve Weber is an avid snowboarder and skateboarder. He has been snowboarding for 26 years, skateboarding for 20, and is always looking for a new board sport to try out. When he is not riding or skating, he runs a marketing agency. Board of the world is Steve’s blog for skateboard and snowboard gear reviews. The blog’s goal is to help people find the right board for them and encourage people to have fun outside.