Best Snowboards in 2022


Snowboards

For a fun snowboarding experience, you have to choose the right equipment. That is why we have made a list of the best snowboards to help you decide which one to get.

With all the snowboards available on the market today, it can be challenging to find the one that will best suit your abilities. Looking for the right deck is a personal decision considering your budget, ability level, and where you will be spending most of your time on the mountain.

Regardless of your personal preference, there is an abundance of choices and the only challenging part is deciding. Fortunately, there is no such thing as a bad board, but the best snowboard can make your experience even better and will make you feel more confident.

Read along so that we can make your decision-making a lot easier.

 

Best Snowboard: Our Quick Answer

 

Go to Comparison Table

Best Overall

1. YES. Optimistic Snowboard

YES. Optimistic Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Stiff

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Advanced-Expert

The Optimistic snowboard from the YES brand is a great board for those who love riding deep powder, railing turns, and buttering around the mountain.

What we like about the YES. Optimistic is that it has more camber before starting its rockered tip and tail, which provides a chatter-free ride and stability at speed. This is a snowboard that carves like a racing car. It holds tight and long turns with precision and power. It also has a wide waist, but is easy to roll on edge, and helps manage toe drag for riders with larger feet. Plus, it has a stiff side-to-side flex pattern, which will enable a stable and strong turning platform.
The Optimistic has one of the tightest sidecuts that will allow for the most symmetrical turns on both toes and heel in all conditions. On a firm surface, the board provides a secure edge hold due to its UnderBite Technology, which is a form of edge disruption or an intentional inconsistency on its sidecut that provides additional grip in icy conditions and increased edge hold. This board provides a stable, strong, and diverse turning character while being energetic and poppy. It can hold tight radius turns and shows excellent performance on edge. It also provides good floatation in powder thanks to its powder specific shape that will allow you to ride in powder. Besides, its unique and surf-inspired tail will promote increased float and maneuverability. It also excels when bobbing through trees and performing longer turns at higher speeds. Finally, its stiff profile minimizes chatter and provides stability even for those who charge straight down the fall line.

What we do not like about the YES. Optimistic snowboard is that the graphic may be unappealing and the sizing is a bit tricky. It is best to downsize to experience its versatility. Overall, the Optimistic is one of the best snowboards for intermediate riders, as well as advanced to expert riders, and will provide a user-friendly, unreal, and nimble powder experience. It is incredibly versatile and it will give you a high-quality experience all over the mountain.


 

To get the most out of your equipment, you have to properly maintain your snowboard. Just like any other precision instrument, snowboards should be tuned periodically to ensure optimum performance. If you’re not sure about how to do this process, check out our guide for tuning snowboards

 

Best for Kids

2. Emsco Group Freeride Snowboard

Emsco Group Freeride Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: Twin

Ability level: Beginner

The Emsco Group Freeride Snowboard is a fantastic option for kids who prefer coasting down snowy hills while practicing their balance.

What we like about the Freeride snowboard is that it suits kids from 5 to 15 years old. It is one of the best snowboards for beginners and allows for quick learning of tricks and techniques. The board’s construction and design are in between a snowboarding-inspired toy and a full-on snowboard. The board is made of durable polypropylene and comes with adjustable bindings to accommodate any snow boots, so that you won’t have to invest in specific snowboarding boots. The board does not include any metal in its construction but is still made to last a long time. It has a unique streamlined design to allow for easy cruising on snow and stylish graphics that make this board unique.

What we do not like about the Emsco Group Freeride snowboard is that the fit is not very secure as the straps may not stay closed for long. It also doesn’t have the metal edge of a real snowboard, but it still is a good board that performs well for young beginners. It is a good choice for those looking for an affordable snowboard that does not require any specific snowboarding boots.


 

3. Burton Riglet Kids Snowboard

Burton Riglet Kids Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: Symmetrical Twin

Ability level: Beginner

The Riglet kids snowboard is from the Burton brand, which is devoted to making products that are sustainable and aims to reduce carbon emissions and diverts waste from landfills.

What we like about the Burton Riglet snowboard for kids is that it is a good learning tool that will allow your child to learn the basics whether in the snow, on a carpet, or even on grass. It features a flat profile between the feet that will provide stability, better balance, and continuous edge control. The tip and tail boast an early rise outside the feet for a loose, catch-free feeling. The board’s perfectly symmetrical twin shape provides a more balanced, versatile, and stable ride. The easy bevel will provide young riders an incredibly soft and forgiving board, with a convex base that can lift the edges off the snow and a super soft flex to make it easier for kids to learn balance and board control. The board has inserts for bindings and a retractable tow leash to safely and securely pull your young snowboarder across the snow, grass or at home, for practice.

What we do not like about the Burton Riglet snowboard is that it does not have a metal edge and does not come with bindings. It also has a 50-pound weight limit. All in all, this board is an excellent guide and teaching tool for snowboarding. It is constructed with quality materials and is also suitable for at-home practice and fun.


 

4. Capita Children of The Gnar Kids Snowboard

Capita Children of The Gnar Kids Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: True Twin

Ability level: Intermediate-Advanced

The Capita Children of The Gnar is a go-anywhere, do-anything snowboard, and is more suitable for kids who have outgrown their beginners’ boards.

What we like about the Children of the Gnar snowboard is that it works well on trails and shines in the park. It features a RFC Substantial Select Core that allows for a playful feel and is made of sustainable materials. Its Resort V1 profile allows your child to get the pop and response of a cambered board. Its Blended Radial Sidecut improves the board’s performance, and its extruded base is super hard and extremely durable. Plus, its laminates consist of Special Blend Fiberglass and Magic Bean Resin for increased strength and durability. Its soft flex will also allow your child to have more control, and its base is low maintenance. This is a snowboard that is made for young riders with intermediate to advanced abilities.

What we do not like about the Capita Children of the Gnar is that it may come off a bit pricey and is more suitable for pre-teens than younger kids. Overall, this is a good option for intermediate riders who want to level up and like to get air and hit some rails. It also helps make carvings and turns easier.


 

Best for Women

5. Burton Feelgood Womens Snowboard

Burton Feelgood Womens Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Stiff

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Advanced-Expert

The Burton Feelgood is one of the best women’s snowboards on our list. It has a classic design that feels good to ride.

What we like about the Feelgood snowboard is that it features a traditional and super poppy camber, and will provide a smooth, continuous edge control from tip to tail. The camber is underfoot for that edge control on groomers. Its Twin Flex is symmetrical from tip to tail to allow for a balanced ride and versatility to switch from tip to tail. Plus, its directional design with an oversized nose keeps it floaty in pow and provides control to rip in any terrains or conditions. For easier mobility, it has a tapered tip and a tail that is thick enough to reduce swing weight.

In addition, it features a FSC Certified Super Fly II 700G Core, which is made of stronger and lighter woods on specific areas of the core to give off pop and strength, and reduce weight. It also has a Dualzone Engineered wood grain located through the toe and heel edges on two continuous zones, and is perpendicular to the rest of the wood core for consistent edge-hold and additional strength. It also features Burton’s Squeezebox profile, which is versatile and improves pop and performance. This also makes the board snappier, more stable, and easy to maneuver. For an increased pop and longitudinal snap, the Feelgood is constructed with Women’s specific Triax with Carbon I-Beam for a more versatile flex and response. The base is ultra-durable and is infused with a specially formulated wax, deep into its pores, and is made of an extra-absorbent and high-density sintered material. Additionally, it features Frostbite Edges for a tremendous edge-hold on hard, icy conditions.

What we do not like about the Burton Feelgood snowboard for women is that it provides an average floating ability. Other than that, this is a good option for riders looking for a board with a traditional camber that has excellent edge-hold, and handles fast speeds and big airs.


 

6. Gnu Velvet Womens Snowboard

Gnu Velvet Womens Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Medium

Shape: Asymmetrical Twin

Ability level: Beginner-Advanced

The GNU Velvet is one of the best all-mountain snowboards for women. It is excellent for carving around the mountain, and soft enough for playing around in the park.

What we like about the GNU Velvet snowboard is that it has a C2 BTX camber profile, which provides full contact and control in all conditions. It is more stable between the feet than most hybrid rocker boards, and it provides an easy edge-to-edge transitioning. The board is fun to lay into wide carving turns, and as you speed up, the flex remains stable and holds pretty well. On uneven terrains, it will provide a decent shield between your feet and crud. For a more efficient, less tiring, unreal ride, GNU constructed asymmetric balancing concepts to each side of the snowboard that harmonize with nature and allow for softer flexing on the heelside. Its G1 Asym Eco Core is made of sustainably harvested materials that are light, strong, and poppy. Plus, it has fiberglass reinforcement for strength and pop, and sidewalls that are tough enough and environmentally friendly. Additionally, its flex is closer to the softer side of the medium, its base is fast, tough, and pretty easy to maintain. Finally, its edges feature Magne-Traction that is constructed with 7-edge serrations, which are strategically placed and sized for unreal edge-hold and control in all conditions.

What we do not like about the GNU Velvet women’s snowboard is that you have to be a good rider to keep it planning above the powder, otherwise, it will not be as floaty. It is also not that poppy but can still manage, and springs with moderate effort on jumps. All in all, this is a pretty good snowboard for an all-mountain freestyle rider. It is made with sustainable materials that are tough enough to let you enjoy your time on the mountain.


 

7. Capita Space Metal Fantasy

Capita Space Metal Fantasy

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: True Twin

Ability level: Beginner-Intermediate

The Capita Space Metal Fantasy is a super fun and affordable board that will help you progress and improve your snowboarding abilities.

What we like about the Space Metal Fantasy snowboard is that it is light, flexy, and playful. It provides a nice and stable feel between the feet. It features the Park V2 Profile, a dual-reverse camber Flat Kick freestyle shape, to provide a stable skate-style feel and float effortlessly in powder. Its flex is pretty soft and easy. It is damp and more playful, and easier to turn, skid or slide on all over the mountain. It has a single radius sidecut design that will allow you to start and finish a turn on the same arc. The FSC Certified Dual Core in its construction is built to achieve a more consistent, dependable feel, which is perfect for improving your skills. The core’s foundation is made of light and poppy poplar wood, while beech wood is placed through the inserts to increase power and durability. This core offers a consistent, comfortable, and powerful ride, and has been certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Besides, its laminates are made of Special Blend Fiberglass to customize performance objectives, and Magic Bean Resin that consists of 60 percent renewable, agricultural raw material. This resin system is extremely durable, poppy, and powerful, which makes the board even lighter and causes it to achieve higher energy return. Finally, this snowboard is constructed with Superdrive Base that delivers benefits of both sintered and extruded bases to expand durability and surface strength.

What we do not like about the Capita Space Metal Fantasy is that it is not ideal in powder but still floats well for its size. It is also more for the park, and not for the pipe. All in all, this snowboard will be a good coach for riders who want to progress. It is playful and forgiving on rails. If you prefer a buttery, light and snappy snowboard, this is the one for you.


 

Best for Men

8. Ride WarpigMens Snowboard

 

Ride WarpigMens Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Medium

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Intermediate-Advanced

The Ride Warpig snowboard provides optimum quality of experience in all forms of snowboarding due to its well-rounded performance.

What we like about the Ride Warpig snowboard is that it is suitable for powder, park, and groomers. The board has a tight sidecut and wide waist width, and provides a fun and nimble edging style that is increased by a playful flex and a stable platform. Its waist width allows for an efficient edge-to-edge movement at any speed. It helps achieve excellent, short radius turns that are snappy and quick due to its tight sidecut and tapered profile. This board will give you a secure and powerful radius turn and will comfortably hold arcs with speed and precision. The Warpig has a 7-mm tapered profile, a rockered tip, and a setback stance for quality floatation. It is stable at high speeds and is one of the most versatile wider boards on the market. Its playful flex and turning style can be railed or surf-styled and slashy off of the tail — even jibbing is enjoyable with this board. The large nose and flex pattern of the Warpig provides sufficient pop for average snowboarders.

Besides, it features a directional shape, a Tapered Bi-Radial Sidecut, a Performance Core, which consists of high-strength aspen and bamboo with paulownia woods to provide a balance of strength and lightness. Its laminates consist of Double Impact Plates, Carbon Array 3, and Hybrid Glass, which together provide maximum board control, balanced torsional flex, and stiffness for better response with speed. Its sidewalls feature Ride’s Slimewalls, which is durable and impact-absorbing, and a Roll-in construction for overall board strength.

What we do not like about Ride’s Warpig snowboard is that you will feel a little chatter on the rockered nose when you push the board to its limit, although its flex pattern will provide additional security. Overall, this snowboard is versatile, has a fun and strong edging style, and suits beginners, powder rippers, and park riders.


 

9. Weston Backcountry Backwoods

Weston Backcountry Backwoods

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Medium Stiff

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Advanced-Expert

The Weston Backwoods snowboard has a powder-inspired shape with freeride characteristics and is suitable for riders looking to turn and surf the mountain.

What we like about the Weston Backcountry Backwoods is that it offers a quick, powerful, and accurate performance. It consists of a micro-camber with rocker in the tip and tail and a volume shifted profile, which means that it has a wide waist and shorter length to allow you to downsize. The Backwoods excels at fast, medium, and short radius turns. It is incredibly nimble to move around bumps, and it provides a lot of response and power through turns. It has a very competent grip that holds well in harder snow while being a fun board that rides powder and groomers equally well. The length and playfulness of the Backwoods provides a stable ride and will give you a solid platform due to its cambered profile and a wider waist. Its nose resists chatter well when straight-lining, and feels secure and enjoyable when going down the mountain fast and making quick edge transitions. This board is playful and will allow you to slash around and rip turns, and provide sufficient pop when taking off side hits and jumps. It features a long nose to provide a good platform, a tail with a V-shaped stringer of carbon that helps with pop and landing security, and adequate support on hardpack landings. Additionally, its fast base makes it glide really well and will offer you a pretty impressive ride.

What we do not like about the Weston Backcountry Backwoods is that it is not as forgiving due to its camber, which is on the semi-locked-in side of the spectrum. Plus, it is not suitable for beginners and intermediates who like to skid their turns a lot. However, this snowboard is a good choice for upper-intermediates and advanced riders who prefer a refined and versatile ride in all conditions.


 

10. Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Stiff

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Advanced-Expert

Burton’s Deep Thinker snowboard is suitable for aggressive riders who like going big and who mainly ride in good conditions.

What we like about the Deep Thinker snowboard is that it provides a secure grip on hardpack. It has a narrow width, which makes it easy to roll edge-to-edge and makes it incredibly responsive. Combination with a stiff flex, the board gives a fast and aggressive fall line oriented turning experience. The stiff flex and narrow width also provide secure onboard experience and stability when straight-lining and on edge. There was also limited to no nose chatter, even though the nose is long.

The board is floaty in powder, thrives in deeper snow, remains nimble through the trees, and is stable when doing open turns in bowls. This is due to the setback stance, taper, and long-rockered nose. It popped very well due to its stiff flex and even stiffer tail. It is fast edge-to-edge and can slalom through a tree line with ease. For strong riders, the deep thinker can really power through a hard turn. It also excels in soft and forgiving conditions.

What we do not like about the Burton Deep Thinker snowboard, however, is that it is not very buttery and snappy. It is also not for riders who don’t know how to turn. But, if you are a strong, aggressive rider with advanced to expert abilities, this board is a good option. It is responsive, floats well, and will enable you to skid turns well. It also has a retro look, a modern shape, and is overall aesthetically pleasing.


 

Best for Beginners

11. Burton Men’s Ripcord Snowboard

Burton Men's Ripcord Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Beginner-Intermediate

Burton has been around since the beginning of this snow sport, making their gear legendary. And for beginners, Burton’s Ripcord snowboard is a solid and affordable choice.

What we like about the Ripcord snowboard is that it has a flat rocker-type profile, which provides stability, better balance, and continuous edge-hold. The early rise rocker helps in initiating turns, while its directional flex features increased pop in the tail and a resilient nose that will allow for an easily maintained control through any terrains and conditions. Its classic, directional shape is designed to offer plenty of float, flow, and control. Besides, the thickness of its tapered tip and tail minimizes its swing weight for easier mobility. Plus, the snowboard’s core is made of the simplest of Burton’s cores. The Fly 900G core consists of two kinds of wood that is light but strong, and gives it pop and flex. Its Squeezebox Low technology creates a more direct energy transfer to the tip and tail and enables a soft, smooth flex between the bindings. Its laminates consist of Biax fiberglass for a jib and park-friendly feel. Additionally, the extruded base requires little maintenance and its edges provide riders with a soft and forgiving board that will help them easily learn how to balance and control the board. Additional features include Burton’s exclusive technology, Infinite Ride, which provides maximized pop and strength and allows the board to maintain its flex, pop, and feel. The board also consists of Super Sap Epoxy, a resin made with bio-based materials that minimizes the board’s carbon footprint by fifty percent.

What we do not like about the Burton Ripcord snowboard is that it is not really suitable for upper-intermediate riders, but rather for beginners looking for an affordable, all-mountain board that will help them progress and master their craft.


 

Snowboarding is an amazing activity to enjoy in winter but it can be a bit intimidating for first-timers. If you’re a first time snowboarder, we have a guide on learning how to snowboard as a beginner that is filled with tips and tricks to help you get started.  

 

Best All-Mountain

12. Burton Custom Flying V Snowboard

Burton Custom Flying V Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Medium

Shape: Directional Twin

Ability level: Beginner-Advanced

Burton’s Custom Flying V is a stereotypical all-mountain snowboard that is versatile enough for beginners to advanced riders.

What we like about the Burton Custom Flying V is that it is easy to ride due to the blend of camber and rocker that also enhances playfulness and float. Its subtle camber zones underneath the feet focus on edge-control to allow for crisp snap, pop, and powerful turns. It features a twin flex and a classic snowboard directional shape for a balanced ride and will give you plenty of float, flow, and control in any terrains and conditions. It has a medium flex and poppy wood core with a carbon layer for additional pop, strength, and reduced weight. Its laminates consist of 45° Carbon Highlights to provide a more aggressive ride. Additional features include a Sintered WFO base and Frostbite edges for excellent edge-hold on hard, icy conditions, and allows the board to be smooth, flowing, and forgiving. Finally, the Custom Flying V is responsive, playful, and powerful when needed.

What we do not like about the Custom Flying V is that it does not excel when carving at speed on hardpack and ice, which makes it not suitable for hard-chargers. All in all, this is one of the best all-mountain snowboards, as it is super versatile. It can be suitable as a first board for beginners, and performs well for intermediate and even for advanced all-mountain riders.


 

Best for Powder

13. Lib Tech T. Rice Orca Snowboard

Lib Tech T.Rice Orca Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Stiff

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Intermediate-Expert

The Lib Tech T. Rice Orca snowboard is the best for floating even in the deepest powder days and holds up well even when snow isn’t good.

What we like about the T. Rice Orca is that it skid turns easily and grips excellently. It comes equipped with Lib Tech’s C2X technology, which consists of a short but aggressive rocker with cambers that sit more underfoot, as well as extra solid tip and tail pressure for power and pop precision, and stability from end-to-end. This technology allows the board to carve with ease, edge-hold on ice, and float in pow. The stiff flex, along with the rocker in the middle, will make it easier to butter. Plus, it has great pop from the center or tail and has a lot of energy underfoot. Its sintered knife cut base is great for those who don’t like to wax constantly. In uneven terrains, it doesn’t have that bouncy feel, unlike many shorter and wider boards. Its Magne-Traction base allows the board to grab hard due to the strategically-placed edge serrations. The board will also allow for quick, easy turn initiation, and approaches a jump well.

The T. Rice Orca features a Horsepower Construction in the core, which consists of 60 percent aspen wood, and 40 percent paulownia wood, which is lighter and smoother. Its laminates consist of Triaxial, Biaxial fiberglass, and Basalt alloy. The top sheet is made of eco sublimated bio beans, and the bindings are compatible with 2” x 4” inserts.

What we do not like about the Lib Tech T. Rice Orca is that it is not ideal for laying into a hard carving turn due to the rocker in the middle. But overall, this is one of the best powder snowboards on the market. It is great for powder and for hard to icy snow. It performs above average on groomers and is awesome in deep powder.


 

Best Budget Snowboards

14. Burton Chopper Kids Snowboard

Burton Chopper Kids Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: True Twin

Ability level: Beginner-Intermediate

For kids who want to enjoy a smooth ride and have a quality snowboard that will not break the bank, the Burton Chopper is a good choice.

What we like about the Chopper snowboard is that it is designed so that young riders can control and balance it with ease. It features a flat rocker profile for stability and edge control. Its twin flex is symmetrical from tip to tail for balance and it is soft and playful, which is great for progressing. It has a FSC Certified Fly Core and Biaxial fiberglass as laminates. Its extruded base provides speed and strength and requires less maintenance while its Easy Bevel Edge Tune is engineered for beginner riders and is lifted for a catch-free ride. These features are great for children as they enable easy and fun learning. Safety is also ensured due to the super soft flex and a convex base that lifts the edges off the snow. The forgiving design will let your child slide up and down various terrains safely. Plus, it is right sized for young learners and will help them gain confidence to improve their skills.

What we do not like about the Burton Chopper kids snowboard is that kids may grow out of it quickly. But besides that, this is a good value option that is well-suited for young riders. It is easy to use and handle, and is stable and flexible. It is a well-designed and affordable snowboard, perfect for children who are just starting out and for those who want to master the art of sliding down the slope.



15. Rossignol Gala Womens Snowboard

Rossignol Gala Womens Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: Directional Twin

Ability level: Beginner-Intermediate

The Rossignol Gala snowboard is a very inexpensive choice that is good for those who are just starting out. It is very forgiving and versatile and will be a good guide for beginner to intermediate riders.

What we like about the Gala snowboard is its stability and versatility. It is a good choice for riders who want to try everything but will most likely end up riding on the mountain. It features AmpTek Auto Turn Rocker, which is a ratio of 80:20 rocker/camber blends that allows for easy turn initiations and playful rides. This board’s soft flex is ideal for improving riders and its wood core adds durability and performance. The core is constructed using sustainably harvested materials from responsibly managed forests. It also gives this board a lot of pop and snap with a combination of a deep sidecut to initiate shorter turns. For increased torsional resistance and stability, its laminates consist of glass fiber that also deliver a  customized flex. Additionally, its ABS Sidewalls enhance durability while keeping the core moisture-free.

What we do not like about the Rossignol Gala snowboard is that it does not have that dynamic feel underfoot that some riders might want. But overall, this is a very stable snowboard that does a good job all over the mountain and offers consistency when it comes to learning.


 

16. Burton Instigator Men’s Snowboard

Burton Instigator Men's Snowboard

Click to view on amazon.com.

Flex: Soft

Shape: Directional

Ability level: Beginner-Intermediate

For faster progression, the Burton Instigator is a good value option. It is beginner-friendly and will help intermediate riders to improve more with their skills.

What we like about the Instigator snowboard is that it is great for learning. It can take you into any type of riding, and in any terrains and conditions. The flex of this board is on the softer side, which allows it to be playful and gives an abundance of torsional flex. The snowboard is best for doing simple and smaller tricks but can be easily manipulated and buttery. Besides, it will allow for easy turn initiation.

The Instigator features a flat top rocker profile for better balance, edge control, and stability. Its twin flex is symmetrical from tip to tail to offer you a more balanced ride, and its directional shape will give you plenty of float and control. The tapered tip and tail of the board reduces swing weight for easy mobility. In addition, its core consists of Super Fly 800G Core, Dualzone EGD, and Squeezebox Low for maximum strength and performance, a consistent edge-hold and for more control without having to exert much effort. Additionally, its laminates consist of Biax Fiberglass for a softer torsional flex. Meanwhile, its extruded base allows for speed and pop, and its edges help in the progression of new riders and improvement of good intermediate riders.

What we do not like about the Burton Instigator snowboard is that it is not very damp and you’ll feel little chatter when going fast. It is also not suited for hard-chargers. With that in mind, this snowboard best suits riders who are just starting out and intermediates looking to progress. It is easily manipulated and will allow you to have fun while you improve your skills.


 

Best snowboards comparison table

Foto Snowboards Flex Shape Ability Level
YES. Optimistic Snowboard

1. YES. Optimistic Snowboard

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StiffDirectionalAdvanced-Expert
Emsco Group Freeride Snowboard

2. Emsco Group Freeride Snowboard

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SoftTwinBeginner
Burton Riglet Kids Snowboard

3. Burton Riglet Kids Snowboard

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SoftSymmetrical TwinBeginner
Capita Children of The Gnar Kids Snowboard

4. Capita Children of The Gnar Kids Snowboard

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SoftTrue TwinIntermediate-Advanced
Burton Feelgood Womens Snowboard

5. Burton Feelgood Womens Snowboard

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StiffDirectionalAdvanced-Expert
Gnu Velvet Womens Snowboard

6. Gnu Velvet Womens Snowboard

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MediumAsymmetrical TwinBeginner-Advanced
Capita Space Metal Fantasy

7. Capita Space Metal Fantasy

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SoftTrue TwinBeginner-Intermediate
Ride WarpigMens Snowboard

8. Ride WarpigMens Snowboard

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MediumDirectionalIntermediate-Advanced
Weston Backcountry Backwoods

9. Weston Backcountry Backwoods

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Medium StiffDirectionalAdvanced-Expert
Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

10. Burton Deep Thinker Snowboard

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StiffDirectionalAdvanced-Expert
Burton Men's Ripcord Snowboard

11. Burton Men's Ripcord Snowboard

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SoftDirectionalBeginner-Intermediate
Burton Custom Flying V Snowboard

12. Burton Custom Flying V Snowboard

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MediumDirectional TwinBeginner-Advanced
Lib Tech T.Rice Orca Snowboard

13. Lib Tech T.Rice Orca Snowboard

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StiffDirectionalIntermediate-Expert
Burton Chopper Kids Snowboard

14. Burton Chopper Kids Snowboard

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SoftTrue TwinBeginner-Intermediate
Rossignol Gala Womens Snowboard

15. Rossignol Gala Womens Snowboard

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SoftDirectional TwinBeginner-Intermediate
Burton Instigator Men's Snowboard

16. Burton Instigator Men's Snowboard

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SoftDirectionalBeginner-Intermediate

 

FAQs

Is a longer snowboard better?

A longer board can rise as high as a few inches above your head. Its performance can depend on the snow conditions, and this type of board is most likely used for powder. It requires more effort to manipulate but it accelerates quickly.

On hard-packed snow, a long board can pick up too much speed, which will result in a loss of control. Riders who are into racing use longer, narrower, and stiffer snowboards because they allow more edge contact in snow and more stability at high speeds.

Length is only one factor that can differentiate a snowboard from another, so don’t feel like you have to change sizes just to feel the difference. At the same time, there is no point in choosing a longer board unless you specifically want its features and benefits, like a more effective edge and stability at higher speeds.

How long do snowboards last?

An average snowboard should last between 150 to 200 days of riding, assuming that the board is handled well. A rider should have about a 100 days of high-quality riding with a new board, and the following days may or may not be as good but will still be enjoyable. If you ride a snowboard for longer than 200 days, you will start to notice typical wear and tear, like a damaged core or broken rails.

If you don’t grind the base on the rocks every time you use it, keep it waxed, take care of the edges, and have a base grind once every couple of seasons, then you can get more days out of your board. Therefore, a snowboard can last a long time if it is properly cared for.

 

Buying guide

If you still feel like you do not know what’s the right board for you, we’ve written down the main things to consider to help you choose the best snowboard.

Length

In choosing the right board, you have to consider your height and weight, and the type of snowboarding that you want to do. The rule is, if the board is upright on its tail, the nose of the board should reach somewhere between your nose and chin, but it is better to use the recommended size charts that are provided by the manufacturer. Fast and aggressive riders would most likely choose a longer board, while park riders may want a shorter board that will enable them to maneuver easily.

Width

Snowboards also come in various widths and to pick the right size, you have to check how your boots fit on the waist of the snowboard. You’ll know it is the right width board if your boots extend slightly over the edges of the board because if they overhang too much, they can make you lose control.

Shape

  • Directional

    These boards are designed to be mainly ridden in one direction. They are also great for high-speed carving. Most freeride boards and some all-mountain boards are directional in shape.

  • True twin

    They’re symmetrical in construction and display no difference in performance, whether ridden forward or backward, which is great for both the park and the pipe.

  • Directional twin

    These are good for those who like to ride all over the mountain, from groomers to the park. It is a mix of two shapes, a similar size tip and tail and a softer tip than tail.

  • Asymmetrical shapes

    Snowboards with asymmetrical shapes have a shorter heel side and a longer toe side – sidecuts with softer heel side cores. A board is designed this way to make riding easier and more fun.

Flex

A snowboard can flex two ways. The longitudinal flex is its flex along the length, while the Torsional flex is the flex across the board’s width.

  • Soft flex

    Boards with a soft flex are easy to maneuver and more forgiving. They are most suitable for beginners, park riders, and light riders.

  • Stiff flex

    Boards with a stiff flex will provide more grip when turning and will hold speeds better. They also have a better edge-hold when descending fast.

 

Types of Snowboards

All-mountain

These snowboards are best for any terrains and conditions. They can perform anywhere, from groomers to the backcountry, or even the park or pipe. They may come in a directional shape or twin. Most riders use all-mountain boards due to their versatility. These are also suitable for beginners who are still on the lookout for what terrain they like best.

Freestyle

These boards are best for the park. They are light, short, flexible, and with twin tips. Riders who want a lively ride anywhere on the mountain and those who like to push their abilities in terrain parks will opt for these boards. However, most freestyle boards are not that good for stability and for cruising on hard snow at high speeds.

Freeride

For ungroomed snow in any terrains, these boards are a good option. They are designed for the more adventurous riders who like spending their time off groomed runs. They often come in a directional shape and are meant to be ridden with one end facing downhill.

Powder

This type of snowboard is made specifically for deep snow, from the shape of the nose and tail, to the flex of the board and location of the binding inserts. Most of these boards also feature rocker for better floatation.

Women’s snowboards

Boards that are designed specifically for women have narrower waist widths to be able to match the frame and stance of most petite women. These boards also have less camber and a softer flex. Although, smaller and lighter men may find these boards useful.

Kids’ snowboard

Buying adult snowboards for kids should be avoided, even if you think that they will grow into it. Thus, you should look into boards that are specifically made for kids for them to be able to manage well and improve their skills.

 

Other features

  • Camber

    A camber allows for a lively, stable ride and provides pop. It also provides responsiveness on hardpack or groomed runs and when powering out of turns.

  • Flat

    Flat boards are nearly flat or simply flat underfoot rather than cambered. This enables quicker turns and an optimum feel while it increases float.

  • Rocker

    These boards have upturned tips and tails and are designed to excel on powder and when riding rails in the park. They are softer than cambered boards and typically have a surfy feel that will offer easy turn initiation.

  • Camber/Rocker

    The combination of these profiles will provide good edge-hold of camber underfoot and easy turning and floatation of rocker.

  • Flat/Rocker

    These boards feature a flat area in the middle for an adequate edge-hold on hard snow.

  • Binding compatibility

    You should make sure that your bindings and board are compatible. Snowboards offer a lot of different mounting options for bindings and you should be able to check what best fits your board.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right equipment is important for any outdoor activity. When it comes to snowboarding, one of the most important parts of your gear ensemble is your snowboard. If you want to really enjoy snowboarding, then you need to get a good snowboard. 

To help you with the task of choosing a snowboard, we came up with a buying guide that details all the information that you need to know when it comes to picking a snowboard. Remember the information that we have discussed once the time to make a decision comes. 

If you want things to be easier, you can simply choose one of the snowboards that we reviewed in this article. You don’t have to worry about its performance because all of the boards that we mentioned are the best of the best in their respective categories.

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