3 great boards. Doubt you'd be disappointed whichever. With the Custom you'd only need to take the Vita's which would help with packing - boots and bindings take up much more bag space than boards. Pretty sure they go DOA/Custom/Assassin stiffest to softest but there's not a huge amount in it. The Assassin us plenty stiff enough for all mountain fun.

 

I read a few reports of the custom twin being pretty stiff - but at 156 i think it should be alright?

I should have said, i actually owned the DOA a few years ago (2015/16 i think). Great board and suited my riding style for sure - only sold as i like to try new things. But it's a board that i know is a good all rounder.
But again thinking of being more adventurous and trying something new.

Also if you bring the Katana you'd be able to mount it on any board (channel and no channel).

All the boards you mentioned are fine. DOA is a sweet choice. also add Salomon Villain if you want more playful than Assassin. Or endeavor Live for something similar to Custom with channel, but with rockered tips (if 2017).

Thanks. i did look at the villain too but felt might be on the soft side compared to assassin for the more aggressive riding i do (in and out of park, i.e. carving, decent sized jumps, high speed).
i did think of endeavour - my impression was the "camber" custom twin has some sort of flat tips in a similar fashion and my local shop stocks burton but unfortunately not endeavour.

Have to say - my impression is that the initial hype on the assassin a few years back has died down quite a lot... in comparison to doa which is still winning awards every year etc.

To complicate everything I'd add Rome Mod Rocker and Capita Mercury

Oooo - Mercury over DOA?

 

Also if you bring the Katana you'd be able to mount it on any board (channel and no channel).

All the boards you mentioned are fine. DOA is a sweet choice. also add Salomon Villain if you want more playful than Assassin. Or endeavor Live for something similar to Custom with channel, but with rockered tips (if 2017).

 

To complicate everything I'd add Rome Mod Rocker and Capita Mercury

 

Pretty sure Nivek or BA (or someone?) said that they messed with the Villain's side cut this year and pretty much ruined it?

I was looking at these board's a couple of years ago and would have got a DOA if I could've found a deal. I ended up with a Lago Double Barrel.

 

Pretty sure Nivek or BA (or someone?) said that they messed with the Villain's side cut this year and pretty much ruined it?

Despite that, I brought one (because dealz) and I actually really like it. Is the sidecut more aggressive than a board in it's class usually has, or needs? Yes. Does it ruin it? Not at all, just makes it a bit more precise. That said, I'm not a jibber, though it is my park specific board. Last millisecond corrections before my switch 270 on 270 off isn't a thing because...I can't do that > If I could I'd probably want something a little less precise. For general park riding and some all mountain playing, it fits the bill well. It's a touch stiffer this year than lasts as well.

But OP, don't buy a Villain. It's not what you're looking for. Endeavor Live or B.O.D are solid options to add for the channel. Assassin Hype has died down a bit but it's still a very well rounded board. For me it's a board that disappears under your feet, it never lets you down but never really 'wows' you either. Definitely fits the quiver of one, jack of all trades category. The Assassin Pro on the other hand 'wowed' me. That thing has a ridiculous amount of pop, while keeping enough rocker in the tip and tail to keep it semi playful. I say semi because I had to bust my ass to butter it, but it was an absolute blast to charge around regular or switch and launch off anything in front of you. Not doing many rails, I'd push you towards that over the regular Assassin if it's a consideration. Probably similar difference between DOA and Mercury.