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Best Snowboards

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Capita 2023 Super DOA
Capita
2023 Super DOA
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All You Need
Bottom Line

A fine-tuned board that's built from lightweight yet durable materials to hold up under any snow condition.

Pros

The hybrid profile allows for great edge hold while also providing forgiveness for minor mistakes. Made from high-strength carbon that allows for superior edge hold while also adding power to your jumps. Improved base materials allow faster speeds even on sticky snow.

Cons

Can be a little stiff for beginner riders.

Best Bang for the Buck
2023 Capita Pathfinder
Capita
2023 Pathfinder
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Budget Friendly
Bottom Line

A well-built board that is great for those trying to progress their bag of tricks.

Pros

The traditional camber profile allows the board to maintain pop and hold an edge even on harder snows. Flex is on the softer side, allowing for some play in and out of the park. Built from sustainably sourced materials and made from lightweight wood.

Cons

Has very little rocker in it, which may cause it to sink in deeper snow.

Bataleon Distortia
Bataleon
Distortia
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Ride Everything
Bottom Line

An awesome women's-specific board that features tons of tech for both beginners and experts.

Pros

3BT technology raises the edges of the board at both the tip and the tail creating a catch-free ride that is helpful when learning new tricks. Crafted with carbon stringers to allow for better edge hold even on harder snow or ice. Has a good mid-flex that feels great in the park and out.

Cons

Days with heavier snowfall may make this board a tad harder to ride.

Rossignol 2023 XV Sashimi LG
Rossignol
2023 XV Sashimi LG
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Superior Float
Bottom Line

Crafted out of the idea that powder should never be too deep to handle, one of our go-to boards on days with fresh snow.

Pros

Features a directional hybrid profile that puts a huge rockered nose in the front with camber everywhere else allowing for effortless float in fluffier snow. Utilizes light frame tech to help reduce edge vibrations in poor snow conditions. Has a stiffer flex that helps maintain control at high speeds.

Cons

You may want to skip this board if you don't plan on riding deeper snow.

Burton Free Thinker
Burton
Free Thinker
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Burton has crafted something special with the board thanks to its camber profile that will hold up to any terrain.

Pros

The twin profile allows you to ride switch without worrying about the board feeling different. Crafted with both carbon and wood, it will maintain its shape for years to come regardless of how many days you ride. Has a unique graphic that is nostalgia-driven.

Cons

Mounting the bindings on the channel system may be tricky for some.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best snowboards

Winter for many people means it’s time to step onto a snowboard and start shredding. For those just getting into snow sports, using a snowboard is a fun way to get onto the slopes quickly. The basics are simpler to learn than skiing, yet there are plenty of technical challenges for snowboarders as they progress in skill.

Buying the right snowboard means finding reliable equipment that enables you to take your time gaining experience and getting comfortable with the sport. But how do you know you’re getting the right snowboard for your skill level and the terrain?

Our buying guide covers the features to look for and what you can expect to pay. We’ve also included some of our favorites, so you can find the right snowboard for you, no matter your skill level.

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The classic way to measure a snowboard is to stand it on its tail. If the tip reaches between the rider’s chin and nose, it’s the right size.

Key considerations

It’s all about you

Your height, weight, gender, age, and shoe size are the first things to consider when looking for a new snowboard. They will help you determine what size board you need.

Height and weight: Your height and weight help determine the precise length of snowboard to give you the best overall ride.

Shoe size: Your shoe size affects the width of the snowboard you buy. A snowboard that is too narrow for you will be hard to control because the toes of your boots will jut out too far, digging into the snow.

Age and gender: Kids, no matter how young, should get a snowboard that is fitted to their height and weight. That goes for women as well, who may also have a smaller shoe size and need a narrower, lighter board for better control.

Terrain

You also want to think about how and where you’ll be using the snowboard most of the time. Terrain is a big factor when it comes to snowboarding. A groomed slope within the bounds of a ski resort (park) on a day with perfect temperatures offers a different experience than icy, hard-packed snow or fresh, waist-deep powder. Also, do you plan to ride fast and straight, do some huge carving downhill, or dream of shredding the half-pipe? The answer will factor into the snowboard you choose.

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Expert Tip
Riders with big feet (above men’s size 11) will most likely need a wider snowboard.
STAFF
BestReviews

Features

A lot of thought goes into snowboard design, so it’s important to be familiar with some of its elements and the options available.

Construction

The priciest snowboards are laminated sandwiches, with a topsheet over a fiberglass layer, a core made of wood or foam, and an extruded or sintered polyethylene base.

Tip: This is the front of the snowboard, though riders can go in either direction if they wish. In directional boards, the tip may taper to a point.

Waist: This is the middle of the snowboard, often the narrowest point.

Tail: The back end of the board is usually rounded, but it may have a unique shape in directional boards.

Top: The top layer, or topsheet, is often decorated with a printed graphic.

Steel inserts: Pre-drilled holes are for attaching bindings on the snowboard.

Edge: Each side of the snowboard is edged with a strip of steel to help the snowboard dig into the snow on turns. Steel edges may be partial, running just along the sides of the snowboard, or complete, wrapping around the sides.

Base: The polyethylene bottom of the snowboard is slick and abrasion resistant to help the board glide over the snow.

Flex

An important part of the base construction is the way that the board flexes, or doesn’t. Turn a board on its side or set it down on the snow and you’ll see the following characteristics:

Camber: Concave or upward flex is good for a responsive, poppy snowboard.

Flat: The base sits flat against the snow to offer better control and quick turns.

Rocker: This is convex or downward flex (also known as reverse camber). It can clearly be seen in snowboards with more upturned tips and tails. It’s a good shape for powder and for novices who are learning to turn.

Mixed: Variations like camber/rocker and flat/rocker snowboards are also available.

Shape

Directional: This type of snowboard is meant to be ridden in one direction, with a designated tip and tail. It’s perfect for long runs with lots of carving down the mountain.

Twin: This type of snowboard is designed to be ridden forward or backward (or riding switch), making it good for flashy moves in the pipe.

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Expert Tip
A shorter snowboard is good for playing around on different park features, while a longer board offers more control at high speeds.
STAFF
BestReviews

Snowboard types

Knowing the conditions where you’ll be snowboarding can help you choose the right board. The following snowboards are best for the park.

All-mountain: Good on just about any terrain, in the park or the backcountry, this board can handle different kinds of terrain and is available in either directional or twin types. It’s a perfect all-around board for beginners learning different skills.

Freestyle: A shorter, flexible twin-type snowboard for riders who want to have fun, this snowboard sacrifices stability for lighter weight and lively response.

The following snowboards are great in the backcountry.

Freeride: This directional board is designed for riding across ungroomed snow, whether powder, packed, or variable.

Powder: This board is typically directional with a flat or rocker curve to float over deep powder.

Splitboard: A unique board for advanced backcountry explorers that splits in half to be used like cross-country or telemark skis to climb untracked slopes. Riders then put the board back together and glide back down.

Accessories

Bindings: Union Binding Company Union Force Snowboard Bindings
Pay attention to snowboard manufacturers’ recommended bindings, but you do have a choice in the bindings you use. These are responsive, strong, and lightweight.

Boots: Vans Hi-Standard OG Snowboard Boots
Snowboard boots should be supportive but much more flexible than ski boots. These moisture-wicking boots from Vans promote airflow and offer a comfortable, cushioned fit.

Helmet: OutdoorMaster Kelvin Ski Helmet
Falling backward and hitting your head is no fun at any age. Protect your noggin when riding. This one is ASTM certified, adjustable, well ventilated, and comes in several colors.

Wax: Hertel Wax Super Hot Sauce
An uncolored, all-temperature wax that can be applied hot or cold is an economical way to give you more speed and control on the slopes.

Bag: Demon United Phantom Snowboard Travel Bag
Protect your snowboard to and from the park by keeping it in a padded bag designed for the purpose. Ultra-thick fabric, several handles, pocket, and wheels make traveling with your board a breeze.

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Expert Tip
Materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar are pricey options for advanced riders who want a lighter, more responsive, yet tough snowboard.
STAFF
BestReviews

Snowboard prices

Inexpensive: Surprisingly, you can find wood-core twin-tail snowboards aimed at kids and lighter-weight beginners for as little as $59 to $200.

Mid-range: The choices for topsheet graphics, riding styles, and build quality improve in the $200 to $680 range, but take your time looking, because the selection across this range is huge.

Expensive: High-end, high-performance snowboards can cost $800 to $1,150 or more.

Tips

  • Wax your snowboard. Most snowboards come from the factory waxed and ready to ride, but many experienced riders opt to wax it again before its first trip. Snowboards should be waxed regularly, about every three trips.
  • Take care of your snowboard. After each trip, look for small gouges and scrapes in the base and any other damage or rust on the snowboard edges. A gouge in the base that exposes the snowboard’s wood or foam core should be repaired at a pro shop. The edges of a snowboard should be smoothed out and sharpened regularly.
  • Store your snowboard carefully. At the end of the season, clean any dirt and debris off your snowboard and dry it completely. Apply a thicker than normal layer of wax before storing it in a cool, dry spot. Never store it on a concrete floor.

Other products we considered

We found a few more snowboards that you might like. We’re impressed by the fun, buttery performance of the Loaded Boards Algernon All-Mountain Twin Snowboard, along with its distinctive graphics that veer away from the usual technicolor rage fest.

The women’s Burton Stylus Snowboard caught our eye with its stylish topsheet graphic, a channel system for bindings, and a can’t-beat-it price point.

And the XGeek Snowboard offers beginners on a budget a lively cambered board for fun on the slopes.

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Some snowboards are packaged with bindings, which removes the guesswork for new riders about which type to use. Experienced riders prefer to choose their own bindings.

FAQ

Q. Do any snowboards come with bindings?
A.
Low-priced snowboards are available, mostly for kids, with preset bindings. The disadvantages of these bindings are obvious: they don’t fit precisely to snowboarding boots, and they’re not positioned perfectly for your preferred stance. A pro shop can help you select and install snowboard bindings and tune your new board for the slopes.


Q. Kids grow so fast. Should I just buy a larger snowboard than recommended so it lasts a few seasons?
A.
If a snowboard is too large, it will be hard for a child to ride and hinder their skill development. Worse, they may get frustrated and quit. Buy the correct size snowboard for their age, height, and weight and they’ll enjoy the experience more.


Q. Should I buy a snowboard based on its manufacturer?
A.
Concentrate less on the brand of a snowboard and more on how well it fits you, the individual rider. As you gain experience and try out different boards, you may develop a preference for one brand over another. Or you may just buy boards with sick graphics printed on them.

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