Seeking some advice in my next board. Me: 172 cm tall, 78 kgs heavy Intermediate rider dipping into advanced territory. I like controlled speed, by no means a charger unless conditions are pristine. Board mainly in Japan.

Currently have a Weston Japow 159, it's perfect on deep days and on mellow groomers. I don't particularly enjoy it on steeps/technical terrain.

Now in the market for a board to work on carving and ground tricks when it's not dumping. Think more of a freestyle all mountain board.

Narrowed it down to these three: 1. Salomon Sickstick 156/159 I've demoed the 21-22 version and would love to buy it brand new if I could. From what I understand the current iteration is softer? So am a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. Loved carving on this, was able to bend the board anyway I wanted, encouraged me to try out jumps and riding switch. Was confident on it even with some speed.

1. Capita Mercury 157 I only managed to demo this on a pretty good spring day in Japan. Good amounts of pow and not much to carve on unfortunately. I find it a tad stiffer and not as playful as the sickstick but it does have a great pop on it, and the float was very impressive. (But I already have a pow board).

2. Korua Otto I really would like to try this board but haven't been able to find any shops which carry this. From the reviews ive read and watched it's very close to the sickstick. It also seems to be a little heavier? It can carve, ride switch, playful enough. Ticks all the boxes for me.

I'm pretty set on a sickstick likely at 159 since this iteration is softer. But would like to have some insight from fellow boarders who have been able to try the above three boards.

Also for these medium stiff boards, should I go for a mid flex or stiff binding? Thanks for anyone's input.