I am looking to replace my 1998 custom 160. I need something stiff
enough to be stable at speed, but at the same time allow me to hit the
moguls. I also need something that floats through the deep powder out
west and also versatile enough to take in the park, but NO PIPE.

I have narrowed it down to another burton custom, ride timeless, gnu
genetics, never summer evo, donek incline

I can help you my comparing the Donek Incline 160 and the Custom 160, both
of which I've owned.

I find the Incline is much, much more stable at speed than the Custom. This
is in part due to the fact that it's stiffer but also due to differences in
sidecut and effective edge (Donek has mellower sidecut and more effective
edge) and also the differences in sidecut shape and board construction.
(Donek is stiffer lengthwise, but *much* stiffer across).

In moguls, the differences will depend on your skill level and style. If
you want to slowly pick your way between the moguls, the Custom will be
easier due to it's softer flex and shorter radius. If you attack them I'd
suggest the Incline due to it's stability and ability to hold an edge on
just about anything.

Float through powder - it all depends on how big you are! The heavier you
are the more surface area on your board you need to float. I found that
neither my Custom 160 nor my Incline 160 provided ample flotation in deep
light pow - my weight was 185+-5 pounds. I now have a Donek Wide 161 and
the extra 2cm of width makes an incredible difference in flotation. Some
people prefer to go longer in powder, I prefer to go wider. (At least in
softboots - I also ride hard boots, in which case different rules apply).

Park - I do mostly just straight airs and simple grabs, on a really good day
I try 180s and 360s. I have found the Doneks are great again because of
their stability - they are very easy to land, and have the ability to rescue
landings well. The Custom is easier to bend if you want to do a lot of
flatland tricks, rails, or anything else that requires a flexy board.

Overall, I've never ridden anything that I like better than a Donek. I own
a handful... a Wide 161, an older Incline 168 that I bought used as a rock
board, a Freecarve 163 and an Axis 172. My wife has two Incline 150s. My
cousin now has the Incline 160. We all love 'em. Even at current prices
they are, in my opinion, an incredible value.

Mike T