I would say a 154 if you want to play in the park, on rails, and in the pipe... or a 157 if you want to use it in POW too... With rocker you can ride it a bit smaller and still get float in a foot or two of powder.

The guys are right, your weight points you to a bigger size so it does depend on what you want to do on the board... and where you plan on riding it.

Again, I'm 6'0" 195 lbs and rock a 157 for park/Jibbing ... a 159 Wide for Powder.

Either way, you will be stoked as this thing RULES!!!

You need to look at weight, riding style and ability when trying to detirmine a snowboard size.

With your weight you should probably go for the 157 if you plan on using it as an all mountain board

The length of your board should have more to do with your weight than height. The heavier you are the stiffer board you need. But then again, the longer you are the higher your weight center will be and the longer board you need to keep it stable.

I'm 5'11" 168lbs and ride a 155 for park, 157 for all-mountain and would probably have a 159 for powder - but since I'm not made of money I use the 157.

According to the description you can size this board down 2 cm so 157 should be a pretty safe bet considering it's a all-mountain/powder board rather than all-mountain/freestyle.

In my opinion a 154 is too big... However, a 150, although it will be a little big for him at first, will give some room to grow into it.

A 146ish is ideal right now, but you have to factor growth in if your son plans on riding it for a few seasons.

How quickly is he growing? What size foot does he have? The joystick is built as a mid-wide waist width meaning it can accommodate a large foot size (up to an 11 or 12) ... if his foot is smaller than this then it will just be a little slower edge to edge while turning but provide a great surface area (stability) for him.

You may also want to check out Burton's Hero board. Similar shape as the joystick with a less deep sidecut and a softer flex. A Hero 149 would be a perfect board for him. Even though its a little big to start, the softer flex (compared to a joystick) will make it more "fun" for him even though the length is longer. As he grows, the length will still be there!

Check it here:

http://www.dogfunk.com/snowboard/Burton-Hero-Snowboard/BUR2741M.html

Or the same board with a limited graphic choice is here:

http://www.dogfunk.com/snowboard/Burton-Coalition-The-Hero-Ltd-Snowboard/BUR3221M.html

154... for sure! ... ride rocker a couple centimeters smaller.

Here's why: With rocker you have more edge to use as it is already naturally arching to your turn. Your not pressing against the camber for turn initiation. Imagine it as extending your natural effective edge without actually doing so. (I know, doesn't make sense, so here is a comparison that will)

The Joystick is my board of choice! I'm 6 foot and 195 lbs. (considering myself an advanced rider who likes tricks and powder) I ride the 157 as a park, rail, pipe, groomer stick... And then jump up to a 159 wide when its over knee high powder.

Just to note, this won the Transworld snowboarding good wood award!

Check out the full article here:

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/products/hardgoods/burton-joystick/

Here is what the non-Burton affiliated testers had to say:

“Very fun, stiffer rocker board.”
“This board is an amazing combination of flex and pop. It holds a perfect edge and struck me as an awesome park board as well.”
“Fun board to take anywhere on the mountain.”
“Super good all around board. Has reverse camber which will make it awesome in pow. Still has pop to get those big jumps stomped out. And it’s a bit pressy on rails.”
“This would be a very fun pow board. The rocker makes it feel a little soft for jumps but it still performs. Fun for butters too.”
“No confusing internet searches needed, the all-mountain rider has found its match. Fun to ride, pop for days and awesome to turn. It ain’t this thing’s first swing around the block!”