If we want to set out to find the best snowboards, it’s probably best to tackle it based on what kind of snowboarding you like to do, right?
If you love to hit the park for some jumps, spins, and tail butter you should be looking for a snowboard designed with a twin tip. You’ll probably also want a flat board with relatively soft bindings and boots. All of this means more control and forgiveness when you’re doing tricks.
For those of you who want to get all over the mountain, this is what to look for: You’ll need an all-mountain snowboard. These boards may be asymmetrical in design with a cambered profile. You should also be looking for a binding and boots approximately mid-flex. All of this means ultimate versatility in your approaches.
Do you prefer to rip deep powder and board the trees and steeps? If so you’re looking for a freeride board. Freeride boards usually have a wide, stiff nose sometimes paired with a tapered tail. These boards usually are best ridden with stiff bindings and stiff boots for advanced riders.
To make sure you walk away with the right board for you, let’s briefly cover some vocabulary to alleviate confusion, shall we?
- Profile refers to either rocker, camber, or flat boards. These shapes change the way the board interacts with the snow.
- Twin tip boards look and perform identically both forwards and backward.
- Flex refers to the stiffness of the board, bindings, and boots. Boots and bindings should have a similar flex to be most effective.
Now, remember that there is a lot more to know about the technicality of snowboard design. However, equipped with this brief intro you should be able to begin to pick out a board to get started properly!
1. Stauber Summit Snowboard
Best Men’s Snowboard 2022
Normally I’d be tempted to consider this board an ideal all mountain board. However, because of the package deal and the extremely affordable price I’d actually say this board makes a great park beater.
Of course, if you’re giving a gift to a new snowboarder, the Stauber Summit snowboard makes a good package for the holidays.
It’s a twin tip cambered board which means this board won’t be restricted to any one area of the mountain. Watch out for edge catches on grinds, though. For riding rails, specifically, this board might not be the best pick.
2. Burton Clash Snowboard
There’s no doubt that Burton is among the best names in snowboarding. But who should use this particular board?
This is a great low-budget snowboard that has a few features for all over the mountain. While it does have a directional taper, the board is effectively a twin tip design. It’s also rocking a flat profile.
That means we’re looking at a snowboard that wants to live in the park but won’t be left behind if you decide to get after it on the mountain.
Pro tip: Make sure the bindings you choose match the channel mounting system unique to Burton boards.
3. Camp Seven Drifter
Best Snowboard for Packed Snow
Camp Seven has gotten a lot more attention lately and their gear lives up to it!
This time we’re looking at a complete set which includes board, bindings, and boots. To make sure you get the sizing right, triple check the manufacturer’s sizing guide.
That said, this board is ideal for beginners or those who want to ski the entire mountain. It’s a cambered board which means float in powder and grip on groomers. I will say that compared to a flat board or a park board this cambered slab will have a much better grip on packed snow.
4. System Mountain Snowboard
Best Overall Snowboard
Compared to the Camp Seven Drifter, the System Mountain is actually quite similar. So, why did it make our list?
When you’re looking for a new board, you need one that matches your specifications, right? This board is available in no less than 8 different sizes with 6 different boots sizes. That’s why we love the customizability.
This board is for the all mountain riders and because of the versatility, cambered profile, customizability, and affordable package price, it’s also a great beginner board.
5. System Timeless Snowboard
This board earns its title as the best hardpack board on our list. If you’ve ever tried to dig an edge into hard, icy snow you already know it can be difficult, scary, and downright dangerous.
To get maximum edge hold you need a stiff board with tons of reinforcement around the edges to transfer power. That’s exactly what we’ve got here.
In this package, you’ll get boots, bindings and a board with 3D core and Edgelock reinforcements that really crank up the bite when you crank up the edge.
6. Camp Seven Valdez
This board deviates toward the park and freeride in a serious way. How so?
With a nearly full rocker profile the nose and tail are almost entirely turned up. That means tons of float to carve through powder. It also means easier spins in the park and less chance to catch the nose and tail.
I do think that this board is going to be most suitable for those who prefer to be off trail in the trees and the steeps. If you want to go where others don’t dare – go there with the Valdez board package.
7. Emsco Group – Supra Hero Snowboard
Best Kids Snowboard
I’ll admit when I was looking at the roundups for this list I didn’t expect to find such a unique board. How is it so unique?
This board is a novice kids board so it won’t make a great park, freeride, or all mountain board for you. Sorry. Instead, it’s the Best Kids Snowboard!
You can customize the deck of the board! With markers and stickers included with the board, you can instantly customize it right out of the box.
Don’t worry, the bindings are a simple one-size step in binding so any kid can learn what it’s like to slide on a board.
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