Ummmmm, I am not to sure about that, regarding the stiffened up this year part, Lib Tech claims that they made no changes other than the graphic, however people do tend to forget that each size has a different flex, the 156 and 159 definitely are noticiably stiffer, but not like a T-Rice, but still great all mountain freestyle choices, the 152 and smaller are your primary park people boards due to their softer flex, However unlike what some people may claim regarding this boards capabilities outside the park, I still ride this board 95% of the time at Jackson Hole which is where I live and I only go into the park on crappy condition days or when I am on my lunch break, This board can handle alll mountain just know it is not a freeride, hardboot, tie die shirt guy,slalom board that can not be flexed by a mortal, Take that shayboarder

Hmm, I tried both, I have last years, and my friend bought this years, both 156, and I must say there's definitely a more noticeable amount of flexibility n the older board. Maybe I've worn it out haha, but I doubt it.