Our expert team of testers put a ton of time and energy into testing the best snowboards this year. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

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Time for a new snowboard? You’ve come to the right place. For this guide, we assembled a diverse group of experienced riders, including a former pro, a seasoned shop employee, and an Aspen Snowmass lifty with extensive experience. Our team conducted a comprehensive test of over 60 snowboards from renowned brands like Burton, CAPiTA, Jones, and more. After each session, our testers completed an online survey to rate the boards based on factors such as performance, stability, maneuverability, and flex. By compiling and analyzing the data and pairing it with our expert insights, we’ve identified the best snowboards of 2024/2025. 

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide | Best Women’s Snowboards

The Best Snowboards of 2024/2025

Best Overall Snowboard: Burton Custom X Camber

Runner Up Best Snowboard: Never Summer Nokhu

Best Value Snowboard: CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome

Best Beginner Snowboard: Bataleon Chameleon

Best All-Mountain Snowboard: Lib Tech Lib Rig

Best Powder Board: Stranda Tree Surfer

Best Freestyle/Park Board: Salomon Huck Knife Pro

Best Splitboard: Weston Hatchet Split

Jump To More Snowboards We Recommend

A true quiver-killer, the Burton Custom X Camber is our best all-around snowboard this year. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Best Overall Snowboard

Burton Custom X Camber ($850)

Sizing: 150, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 158w, 162, 166w
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 8/10

Pros: Tried and true Burton model that can do it all, available in tons of sizes
Cons: The Burton channel system works best with Burton bindings (need adapter for other brands), pricey
Best For Riders Who: Want to spend the money to dial in a one-board quiver.
Tester Quote: “This board is the only one I need- a true quiver killer. Fast, nimble, and able to charge it all.” – KS

The Burton Custom X Camber is a legendary all-mountain snowboard that has stood the test of time. Renowned for its precision, power, and versatility, this board is a favorite among experienced riders seeking a high-performance ride. It’s the best Burton snowboard we tested, and our favorite snowboard this year.

With its true camber profile, directional shape, and stiff flex, the Custom X excels in carving, charging down steep slopes, and tackling a variety of terrain. The carbon-reinforced fiberglass core provides a responsive and lively feel that is snappy and precise. The Custom X is a stiffer board that holds its edge well and likes to ride hard and fast.

The Custom X Camber is likened to the Maserati of snowboards. Both represent the pinnacle of their respective fields, offering exceptional performance, refinement, and an elevated sense of luxury. A Maserati is renowned for its precise steering and responsive brakes, allowing for confident control in any driving situation. Similarly, the Burton Custom X Camber offers precise edge control and a responsive feel, so riders can maneuver with confidence and charge down the mountain. 

That said, because the Custom X is the pinnacle of snowboards, it isn’t for everyone, especially beginners. Plus, later in the season the Burton Custom X Camber can be hard to find, so check out the Jones Tweaker Pro for a suitable deck that rides at a similarly high level. The Tweaker Pro is softer and built for a more playful riding style.

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Runner-Up Best Snowboard

Never Summer Nokhu ($690)

Sizing: 152, 155, 158, 161, 161DF
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid Triple Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 5/10

Pros: Extremely versatile, excels in every type of riding, and is playful
Cons: Somewhat limited size run (we’re hoping for more soon)
Best For Riders Who: Are intermediate to heavy shredders who want eye-catching graphics on a big and playful board, made in Colorado.
Tester Quote: “Absolutely essential board for the arsenal. Perfect board for that big trip abroad, or every day to your home mountain, it’s fun and playful, and butters well.” – CK

This versatile all-mountain snowboard has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performance and fun nature. Our testers loved riding it all over Aspen Mountain as it playfully popped and buttered with ease.  With its hybrid triple camber profile, Never Summer Nokhu offers a balance of float, stability, and responsiveness, making it suitable for riders of all levels.

Whether you’re cruising down groomers, exploring powder, or hitting the park, the Nokhu has you covered, as we felt like this deck rode well in a variety of terrain.

Never Summer’s R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology, which is essentially serrated edges, provides excellent grip on icy surfaces, while the PowerSurf Wood Core delivers a powerful and poppy ride. The Nokhu’s versatility is a major selling point, making it a great choice for riders who want a single board that can handle everything. While not specifically for beginners, the Never Summer Nohku has a similar riding style to the Bataleon Chameleon, our favorite beginner board. Both decks have the triple base technology, which creates a fun, forgiving, and floaty ride. 

While the Nokhu is an exceptional board, it’s important to note that it’s not without its limitations. A few things to consider: Due to its popularity, limited sizes may be available this season. Additionally, the board’s relatively soft flex pattern may make it less stable for larger riders on steeper terrain. But if you’re looking for a fun and versatile all-mountain snowboard, the Never Summer Nokhu is a super choice. Plus, it’s about $150 less than our top pick. 

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Best Value Snowboard

CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome ($550)

Sizing: 148, 152, 154, 156, 158, 162, 164, 151w, 153w, 155w, 157w, 159w, 161w, 163w
Riding Style: Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: True Twin
Flex: 5.5/10

Pros: Snappy and super responsive, great feel at high speeds, and in the park and pipe
Cons: The board can feel sluggish in and out of turns
Best For Riders Who: Want a tried and true, dependable freestyle rig that rides predictably and capably.
Tester Quote: “For a park rat such as myself, this is the board that excels at jumping and jibbing as it has awesome pop and snazzy snap. It smashes side hits and slashes soft snow with authority.” – AS

The CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome (DOA) is a solid choice for riders seeking a high-performance freestyle snowboard without breaking the bank. This board has been a staple in CAPiTA’s lineup for years, and for good reason. One of the DOA’s most appealing features is its incredible value. Typically boards in this price range ($550 at the time of publishing) don’t feature so much performance. Packed with features like a hybrid camber profile and a true twin shape, the DOA offers exceptional performance for the price.  

Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of riding styles. Whether you’re hitting the park, jibbing rails, or simply cruising the resort, the DOA can handle it all. We even enjoyed taking it through Breck’s late-season mini-pipe and park. In addition to its performance and value, the DOA is also eco-friendly. Made with 100% clean energy, this board is a great choice for riders who care where their gear comes from.

A wide range of sizes is available, so you can dial in the right fit. However, this popularity can also lead to multiple people having the same board, so if you care about your board getting lost in the masses, it might be best to look at a different option. The GNU Gremlin, our runner-up best value, is another modestly priced, versatile board that leans more all-mountain than freestyle. 

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Best Beginner Snowboard

Bataleon Chameleon ($660)

Sizing: 149, 153, 157, 161
Riding Style: All-mountain + Freestyle
Profile: Medium camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Very forgiving
Cons: Softer and can wash out on landings
Best For Riders Who: Are tall or small, beginner or well beyond, a park rat or simply a weekend warrior on the hunt for pow.
Tester Quote: The perfect quiver board for riders looking to progress, I loved how fun this board was, and how forgiving it felt. I tried tricks (and landed!) off of features I had no business attempting. Rides with a forgiving float.” – CK

We found Bataleon’s Chameleon to be a superior choice for beginner snowboarders thanks to its forgiving nature and versatility. Its medium camber profile provides a balance of stability and playfulness, making it easy to learn and progress with. One of the Chameleon’s standout features is its 3BT technology, which enhances floatation in powder, and through choppy snow. This allows newbies to confidently navigate through softer snow without getting bogged down. Additionally, the board’s flexible design makes it forgiving, and less edge-catchy, which can help riders progress without falling on their butts all the time. 

While the Chameleon may not be the most aggressive board on the market, its combination of innovative technologies and high-quality materials make it a solid choice for riders looking to up their skills whether on groomers, in the park, pipe, or whatever the mountain throws at you. Our runner-up pick, the Never Summer Nokhu also makes an excellent board for beginners, but it is slightly less forgiving than the Chameleon. 

Best Powder Board

Stranda Tree Surfer ($795)

Sizing: 157, 162, 162w
Riding Style: Powder
Profile: Mellow camber
Shape: Directional Swallowtail
Flex: 9/10

Pros: Very floaty ride for being such a big swallowtail
Cons: On the pricey side, not a great daily driver
Best For Riders Who: Aren’t afraid of big noses and swallowtails, or getting high-fived in the lift line for having a rad deck for deep days and those in between.
Tester Quote: “Solid, responsive, agile, and able to navigate the steep and deep with minimal effort. Awesomely nimble for being so big.”- AS

The Stranda Tree Surfer is a powder-focused freeride board that our testers found to excel in deep snow conditions. Its unique hammerhead nose plows through thick crust effortlessly, while the swallowtail tail provides easy maneuverability. This large, setback directional swallowtail ensures a smooth and responsive ride that is surprisingly agile for its larger, aggressive-looking shape.

Beyond its powder prowess, the Tree Surfer is also a capable carver. Its stiff flex and responsive Triax glass construction allow for precise turns and powerful edge hold. Testers liked the setback stance, and the ability to whip turns through tighter trees. The board’s combination of float, maneuverability, and carving ability make it a versatile choice for riders seeking a high-performance powder board that does best in deeper snow. The Stranda Descender just missed our final list, but represents another excellent powder board.

Best All-Mountain Snowboard

Lib Tech Lib Rig ($660)

Sizing: 153, 156, 159, 160w 153b-, 156b-, 159b-, 160wb-
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Elliptical camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Super quick edge to edge, floats, steady at higher speed
Cons: A bit on the softer size for taller/heavier folks
Best For Riders Who: Want a dependable ride with unreal edge hold and exceptional pop.
Tester Quote: “Absolutely unreal board, I can’t get enough of it. This board floats seamlessly through softer stuff, and is steady the whole way.” – CK

Developed in collaboration with pro snowboarder Austen Sweetin, the Lib Rig features a unique combination of features that make it a standout choice for intermediate to advanced riders. The Lib Rig’s versatility is one of its most impressive qualities. Its elliptical camber profile, directional shape, and moderate flex provide a balance of stability, float, and responsiveness, making it suitable for a wide range of terrain and conditions. Whether you’re carving groomers, slashing powder, or hitting the park, the Lib Rig can handle it all.  Speed and efficiency are also key features. Its sintered base ensures fast and efficient turns, allowing you to carve through the snow with ease and confidence.  

The Lib Rig is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who are looking for a deck that is comfortable and powerful on steep terrain and can blast through chop and chunder. Its moderate flex and aggressive nature may be too demanding for beginners, as our testers noted it will keep you humble and can land you on your ass if you’re not paying attention. Made by Mervin Manufacturing in their green factory that promotes sustainability in northern Washington, we can’t say enough about this board, how it’s made, and all the all-mountain adventures it’ll assist you on. 

The 2024 Lib Tech Lib Rig is still available in 153 and 156 on Evo. 

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Best Freestyle/Park Board

Salomon Huck Knife Pro ($630)

Sizing: 149, 153, 156, 159, 156w, 159w
Riding Style: Freestyle + Park
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Twin
Flex: 8/10

Pros: Poppy and great on bigger jumps
Cons: Too stiff for ground tricks or butters
Best For Riders Who: Want a powerful, advanced freestyle tool reserved for sending it and dialing all the landings.
Tester Quote: “This is a hard-charging park board. Stiff and stout. Don’t think it’s for beginners, it’s not. Best suited to advanced park riders who want to spin, pop, and launch the biggest jumps and go both ways.” – CK

The Salomon Huck Knife Pro is a freestyle snowboard designed for experienced park riders seeking a powerful and responsive ride. Its aggressive camber profile, twin shape, and stiff flex make it ideal for hitting big jumps and performing technical tricks. However, the Huck Knife Pro’s stiffness and focus on park riding may not be suitable for beginners or riders who prioritize versatility.

Key features of the Huck Knife Pro include Damplifier lite construction for reduced vibrations underfoot, and Ghost Carbon Beams for added durability, reduced weight, and powerful snap. The board’s full camber profile and lack of rocker make it less suited for deep snow, and its freestyle edge bevel may compromise carving performance. However, for experienced park riders seeking a high-performance board that can handle the biggest jumps and features, the Huck Knife Pro is an excellent choice.

Our testers raved about its performance in the Snowmass park, as they lapped the big line of jumps with ease. The CAPiTA DOA and GNU Gremlin also performed well in the park, but the Salomon Huck Knife Pro was most at home there. 

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Best Splitboard

Weston Hatchet Split ($999)

Sizing: 152, 156
Riding Style: Powder, Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10

Pros: Snaps back into ride mode with ease thanks to Karakoram Ultraclips
Cons: Wide AF, possibly too wide for shorter riders
Best For Riders Who: Are experienced splitboarders who want a beefy, dependable rig that will go as far as they aim to take it.
Tester Quote: “This short and fatty ride is ultra snappy and lively, despite being a splitboard. Felt smooth on the ascent and powerful and poppy on the downhill. “ – KS

The Weston Hatchet Split’s unique, short, yet fat and wide design makes it a standout choice for those who love to explore the backcountry. Testers found the Hatchet’s shorter length and wider waist provide excellent float and maneuverability in powder, allowing you to effortlessly glide through deep snow. The S Weave Carbon Stringers, an innovative technology that adds power and responsiveness, make the Hatchet feel snappy and lively.

The Karakoram Ultraclips, ultra-secure clips near the nose and tail, make transitioning from ride mode to tour mode quick and easy. Made by backcountry powerhouse, Karakoram, they are strong and dependable. If you’re looking for a powerful and playful splitboard that can handle deep snow and challenging terrain, the Weston Hatchet is an excellent choice.

Of course, there are many, MANY splitboards on the market, and finding the best one for you is truly best determined by your intended use. Looking to skin up the resort every day? Then you might want to look for something lighter and more nimble like Jones Solution. Do you have a sled, and only need a splitty for getting out of zones and back to the sled? Then you might be more suited to a Never Summer Swift. We recommend and have ridden these, but again, it comes down to your desired use.

More Snowboards We Recommend

The above outlines the boards that ranked highest during our test. Choosing just a handful of finalists from over 60 snowboards is tough work! Below are the decks that also performed well, but didn’t snag a top spot in our expert testing team’s opinion. That’s not to say they aren’t great options—they made the final list after all. Indeed, the rest are all excellent snowboards. Dive into our round-up of runner-ups you should check out this season. 

This comprehensive list features a snowboard for every rider. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Best Snowboard For Carving

United Shapes Transmission ($699)

Sizing: 154, 159
Riding Style: Free Carve, Freestyle
Profile: Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 9/10

Pros: Stiff, and powerful for precision carves
Cons: Very limited sizes are available
Best For Riders Who: Love fresh cut corduroy. This premium deck is tooled to euro-crave, s carve, all the carves.
Tester Quote: “This absolutely blew my mind with how well it locks into turns, while still offering a playful, poppy ride that charges.” – KS

A carving machine designed for advanced riders seeking precision, speed, and stability, the United Shapes Transmission is tooled for tight turns at high speeds. Its unique construction and aggressive camber profile make it ideal for those who seek deep turns in a myriad of terrains. We found the full camber profile to be responsive, while the elliptical sidecut and wider stance further enhanced stability and control. The board’s core, crafted from poplar, paulownia, and ash, offers a durable and responsive ride. Carbon fiber reinforced stringers boost the board’s overall hard-charging demeanor, for a locked-in, powerful ride. 

The Transmission only comes in limited sizing options which may be a drawback for some. Available in 154 and 159, shorter, smaller riders may find this deck to be too big for their needs. Additionally, the board’s stiffer flex and aggressive nature may not be suitable for beginners or those looking for a more forgiving ride. Due to its long side cuts, which increase the effective edge on snow, the Transmission rides big and rails down deep carves. Our testers loved the locked-in feel of riding bigger lines, and also the agility to make swooping carves with ease. This board is best suited for riders who are comfortable with high speeds and deep turns on a stiff ride. This board slightly edged out the Nidecker Mosquito for carving, but for a more playful, even stiffer option, check that one out below. 

Runner-Up Best Value Snowboard

GNU Gremlin ($580)

Sizing: 144, 148, 152, 156, 158, 161, 144-b, 148-b, 152-b, 156-b, 158-b, 158-b, 161-b

Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10

Pros: Holds an edge and charges through variable terrain without washing out
Cons: This quiver killer is likely too advanced for beginners
Best For Riders Who: Are seeking a high-performance deck that wants to be ridden hard and put away wet, time and time again.
Tester Quote: “Absolutely destroys it through the park, as a fun and playful park board, but I was surprised as to how well it held an edge in the chop and chunder.” – AS

Regularly priced at $580, you can swoop up a discounted B-Grade Gremlin for $522 and can often find this high-performing deck even cheaper if you opt for an older model. GNU’s B-Grade boards have slight visual imperfections, but otherwise no performance issues and can be purchased for slightly cheaper than full price. The Gremlin is a standout performer in the all-mountain category, built for hard-charging riders looking for a dependable deck to push their boundaries. This directional board with a hybrid camber profile offers a balance of stability and maneuverability, so it rides well in the park, pipe, and throughout all-mountain terrain. 

With its impressive edge hold and ability to charge through various terrains without washing out, testers were amped on its overall performance. Its sintered base ensures a smooth and fast ride that can be tuned easily for seasons to come. We found the Magne-traction edges (slightly serrated sides) enhance grip on icy surfaces and choppy terrain. The Gremlin’s mild volume shift allows riders to experiment with different board lengths, making it adaptable to various riding styles, all for a price that won’t break the bank. It finished just behind the CAPiTA DOA for our best value pick, but if you want something a little less freestyle-oriented and a bit more suited to all-mountain riding, the GNU Gremlin is excellent.

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Runner-Up Best All-Mountain Snowboard

Jones Tweaker Pro ($600)

Sizing: 146, 149, 151, 154, 156, 157w, 159
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: True Twin
Flex: 7/10

Pros: Super playful and poppy enough for the park, but still holds an edge
Cons: Board is only available at limited shops, Canadians and others may have a hard time finding it
Best For Riders Who: Want a fun, funky freestyle stick that’s buttery and playful for weekend warriors and sunny park lappers.
Tester Quote: “Holy moly, Jones made a killer fun and playful ‘park’ leaning-board that can do it all… Didn’t think it would be as playful and fun as it is, but this thing rips side hits to crusty crap with ease.” – AS 

This all-new deck from the brains behind Jones Snowboards effortlessly blends freestyle fun with all-mountain performance. The Tweaker Pro’s true twin shape and responsive flex make it ideal for riding switch and popping off jumps in the park, while its full camber profile ensures exceptional edge hold for confident carving. We liked its quick responsive turns and playful pop. t’s best suited for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a more forgiving board to step up to new lines in the park, as well as all over the mountain. With its slightly, softer flex, we found it felt a little loose in choppy, icy conditions, but excelled in softer snow.  

Our expert tester, Aaron Smiley raved about its versatility, calling it “freaky fast and fun” on everything from side hits to the mini pipe. While its availability might be limited for some (only available at select stores), the Jones Tweaker Pro is a top contender for riders seeking a playful, all-mountain board that rips. And its awesome topsheet is a fun alluring design that may have people turning their heads to ask, “What board is that?” While it can’t quite outperform the Burton Custom X Camber, the Tweaker Pro is a serious snowboard for serious riders (plus, at $600, it’s competitively priced). 

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Best for Surfy Vibes

Nidecker Mosquito ($650)

Sizing: 148, 152
Riding Style: Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 10/10

Pros: Rips turns, slays pow, while still feeling surfy and smooth
Cons: Stiffer than most boards—it may be too much to handle for smaller riders or those just starting out
Best For Riders Who: Are intermediate to advanced and like to lay down fun carves, dancing their way through the slopes.
Tester Quote: “Favorite aspect of this little Mosquito is the overall control and response on any type of snow. Super surf-like in powder, it also links up freestyle lines with powerful precision.” – KS

For the powderhounds and surf enthusiasts among us, the Nidecker Mosquito is a shorter, livelier board built for those who desire a surfy feel on the slopes. Despite its compact size (it comes in a short 148 or 152), the Mosquito packs a punch. Its directional shape and aggressive sidecut ensure effortless carving and powerful turns. We found it locks into turns and rides much longer than it actually is. 

The Mosquito’s shorter length allows for a playful and responsive ride in powder, letting you slash through untouched lines with ease. The nimble tail is easy to whip around, in and out of things. But don’t be fooled by its size – the Mosquito features a stiff flex and high-performance N-9000 sintered base, making it surprisingly fast and stable on all types of terrain. It’s a versatile board that can handle anything from steep tree runs to spring slush, all while maintaining that smooth, surfy feel. Larger riders don’t be scared of this shorter board, it’s tooled to take care of you, no matter how deep the pow is that day. 

Runner-Up Best Carving Snowboard

Arbor Padre ($580)

Sizing: 157, 161
Riding Style: All-mountain
Profile: Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 8/10

Pros: Stable at high speeds, and lays carves like few other boards
Cons: Wide board with limited sizes, smaller riders steer clear
Best For Riders Who: Are larger/heavier and looking for a wide, stiff board that carves precisely.
Tester Quote: “Arbor killed it with this one. I’ve never ridden a board this fun and full of potential on a groomer, and it’s so wide, yet precise.” – KS

The Arbor Padre is a top choice for carving enthusiasts seeking precision, speed, and stability. Inspired by traditional Japanese-style snowboarding, the Padre’s design and construction are tailored for high-performance, low-angle turns, making it perfect for those who love to carve.

With its set-back, directional, Japanese-influenced gun shape, and powerful camber profile, the Padre excels at carving with precision and speed. 

Its high-quality materials, including a Real Wood Powerply, Highland II Core, sintered base, and mixed glassing, ensure a durable and responsive ride. The Padre is also designed with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled steel edges, bio-resin bonding, and Wend Natural Wax. This board is a big boy, coming in at 157cm and 161cm–  it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who truly seek a big, solid ride. 

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Best Unisex Snowboard

Season Forma ($700)

Sizing: 144, 153, 159
Riding Style: All-Mountain / Powder
Profile: Low Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 9/10

Pros: Dominates pow and groomers with a fun and funky shape
Cons: Pricey, not great for the park or pipe
Best For Riders Who: Are small, tall, or somewhere in-between, this board can ride it all—steeps, deeps, and even maybe even a little off-piste.
Tester Quote: “Love the shape of this fun, swallowtail. I’m 6’1”, but loved how nimble the 153cm felt, it was like riding a much longer deck.” – CK

Season’s Forma is a unique swallowtail-shaped snowboard designed for all-terrain riding, gender notwithstanding. Its setback stance, tight turning radius, and stout flex provide a responsive and enjoyable experience, both in powder and on groomers. Forma’s elongated nose and increased width enhance its float and control in powder, making it a standout choice for riders of all shapes and sizes. The board’s construction features a fast, seamless all-black base, durable bio-resin epoxy, and a top sheet that is 

While the Forma may not be the best option for park or pipe riding, responsive handling, stable platform, and powerful carving ability make it a versatile and enjoyable board for riders of all levels.

Best Collab Snowboard

Nitro Alternator X Volcom Snowboard ($730)

Sizing: 154, 157, 160, 162w
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10

Pros: Ultra-fast, sintered base, nimble, yet dependable true camber profile
Cons: A bit on the pricey side and hard to find locally
Best For Riders Who: Are down with two core brands and want to ride a deck that blends the synergy of both in a fun freestyle package.
Tester Quote: “I was hauling a** on this traditional camber board. Such a fun collab board, from two core companies.” – CK

A collab between two core companies that have supported snowboarding for over 30 years, the  Nitro Alternator X Volcom Snowboard is a collab board we recommend for intermediate to advanced and pro riders looking for a do-it-all true camber deck. 

Thanks to its stiffer, more powerful ride, this board is a powerhouse in the backcountry and all throughout the resort. Best suited for intermediates to pro riders, this collab deck is as versatile as it is powerful. The true camber profile is stable, provides pop, and boasts a dependable flex and dual sidecut, that initiates powerful turns. its directional shape ensures excellent performance on a variety of terrain. The board’s Powerlite core makes it lightweight and snappy, allowing you to carve turns with ease. If you’re looking for a fast, responsive, and versatile all-mountain board, the Nitro Alternator X Volcom Snowboard is an excellent choice. While we loved the collab, we felt the GNU Gremlin offered a bit more bang for your buck, in a similar package. 

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Premium Board for a Great Price

Rome Agent Pro ($580)

Sizing: 148, 151, 154, 155w, 157, 158w, 160, 161w
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: True Twin
Flex:  7/10

Pros: Super easy to ride, stable, and predictable
Cons: She’s heavy, slow in and out of turns
Best For Riders Who: Are solid in varied terrain and want performance at a competitive price.
Tester Quote: “This thing rips. Fast, dependable in all conditions, and more fun than expected!” – CK

Rome’s Agent Pro has a hybrid camber profile, twin shape, and responsive flex that make it suitable for a wide range of riding styles, from park laps to all-mountain adventures. Currently on sale for less than $350, this versatile all-mountain ride is a good value for riders seeking a high-performing board that has been proven year over year. 

Packed with features typically found in more expensive boards, the Agent Pro boasts Carbon Omega HotRods for enhanced pop and a SinterSpeed Base for fast and efficient turns. In addition to its affordability, the Agent Pro is a durable and reliable board that can handle almost anything you throw at it. While it may not be the lightest board on the market, its stability and predictability make it a great choice for riders of all levels. A snowboarder’s board, this deck is a solid ride for a price you can stomach.

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Settling on our final list wasn’t easy: Here are a few more boards we loved. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Honorable Mentions

Given our testing window, we couldn’t ride and rate every snowboard on the market (believe us, we tried!). That said, these decks deserve recognition for their exceptional performance and unique features that our testers loved:

One of our favorite boards that didn’t quite edge out a top spot was the Lib Tech Mayhem Rad Ripper. Testers loved this pro model from T. Rice which delivers precision and playfulness. Its Magne-traction edges and cambered rocker profile deliver exceptional control and versatility, and it has fun throw-back graphics we love.

An awesome splitboard from a top brand, the Jones Snowboards Solution just barely missed a place on our list. This truly versatile splitboard excels in powder, groomers, and everything in between. A go-to board that’s been in Jones’ line since 2009, it’s a tried and true rig, with durable construction that makes it a reliable choice for riders of all levels.

Finally, the Stranda Descender was one more board we couldn’t get off our minds. Big and beefy, this deck was one our testers didn’t want to stop riding–it simply rips. This feels like a throwback snowboard that’s constructed well and made to ride the whole mountain, day after day, dump after dump.

Brands Not In This Test:
Several snowboard brands didn’t quite make it in time for the test: We see you, we want to ride you and have our testers rate you. We’re looking at big brands like Rossignol, K2, Yes., among many others. Newer brands like WhiteSpace, and more niche companies like Korua, Pallas, MoonChild, and Coalition Snow are all on our short list of brands with boards we’d like to test. We look forward to updating this list, along with ranking other snowboards soon.

No better way to find the best snowboards than testing them all side-by-side. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Best Snowboards Comparison Table

Dial-in, shred, repeat: We tested over 60 snowboards for these guides. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How We Tested Snowboards

The Inertia Snowboard Test was conceived and brought to life in the spring of 2024 in the mountains of Colorado. Aspen Snowmass’s pristine peaks were our hallowed testing grounds for the bulk of the test. Organized by Heather Hendricks, we gathered a group of men and women riders with decades of experience. For this specific guide, we enlisted our team of core men’s riders including former pro snowboarders, riders who work in shops and sell boards all day, and one lifty, who spends more than 120 days a year on the snow. If you’re interested in the results of our women’s test, check out our guide to the Best Women’s Snowboards. 

Snowboard testing, believe it or not, is pretty straightforward. You ride it. You rate it. You ride it again. Tally the score, and then on to the next deck. You’ve got to be a solid rider in all conditions and in all terrains and anticipate how the board will perform for riders of other sizes and skill levels. Being able to swap boards from one run to the next also gives us a much better basis for drawing comparisons between different boards in this review. 

Deciding which snowboard to ride next was one of the tougher parts of testing. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

We tested these snowboards towards the end of the 2024 season, mostly at Aspen Snowmass; however, we also got a few days in at Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. The goal of our test is to try each board in as many situations and snow conditions as possible. With most of our testing taking place at the tail end of the 2023/24 season, those testing conditions tended towards morning groomer runs and afternoon slush slashing.

With that in mind, this first edition of our review focuses more on all-mountain, park, and carving-style snowboards that excel in all conditions. However, our testing did include one spring powder day at Copper Mountain, which we made good use of, and were able to recommend the Stranda Tree Surfer as our favorite powder board out of the options we tested.

Powder boards, park boards, and all-mountain rippers, we tested them all this year. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

To further support our best snowboard list, one of our gear editors, Nathan Lemin, also contributed institutional knowledge and buyer’s guide notes. A rider with two decades of snowboarding experience, Nathan helped identify what makes a snowboard well-suited to certain riders and added notes from an intermediate rider’s perspective.

It’s worth noting that this is just the first edition of The Inertia’s Best Snowboards Review – we will continue to update this guide as our team clocks more testing time on these boards and more powder-oriented boards in mid-winter conditions this season.

Once testers answered survey questions, they set up another snowboard and got back on the mountain. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How We Selected the Best Snowboards

We used an online survey that testers filled out after riding each board. Lift rides were spent dialing in the reviews you’re reading here. The questions (listed below) included queries about riding style, board performance, flex, forgiveness, maneuverability, float, overall impressions, and a place for testers to provide comments, which we’ve used as tester quotes. We crunched the numbers via the survey calculator to spit out the results you’re reading now. 

Tester’s Survey Questions:

1. Riding Style:  On a scale of 1 (beginner) to 5 (expert), how would you rate your overall snowboarding experience? Additionally, what type of riding do you prefer most (e.g., all-mountain, carving, freestyle, park)?
2. Board Performance: How well did this board perform in your preferred riding style? (Consider factors like edge hold, responsiveness, and stability at high speeds)
3. Board Flex:  Rate the flex of the board on a scale of 1 (very stiff) to 5 (very soft). How well did the flex of the board suit your riding style?
4. Board Forgiveness: How forgiving was the board on mistakes? Did it feel catchy or easy to recover from errors?
5. Maneuverability:  How easy was it to initiate turns and maneuver the board? Was it nimble or sluggish?
6. Float in Powder: (If applicable) How well did the board float in powder snow? Did the shape and design aid in buoyancy?
7. Overall Impression: What are your overall thoughts on this snowboard?  Would you recommend it to other riders?
8. Additional Comments:  Feel free to share any additional thoughts or experiences you had with this snowboard. Did any particular aspects stand out (Pros/Cons?)

All smiles after a great day of testing snowboards. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboards Buyer’s Guide

Buying a snowboard is a unique experience that is specific to each person. You have to determine multiple factors to figure out what snowboard is best for you. We break down the most important things to keep in mind as you’re looking for your next deck.

How to Choose a Snowboard

The type of snowboard you choose should depend on your riding style. To select a snowboard, you first have to consider its intended use. Where are you going to be riding? What type of terrain will you be getting into? All-Mountain, Freestyle/Park, Powder, Freeride, and Splitboards are the most common snowboard types.

All-Mountain Snowboards: All-mountain boards, like Burton Custom X Camber, are for what the name implies: various terrains and conditions at any resort or mountain. These are best suited to most riders. Quality options are often called quiver-killers, and modern all-mountain snowboards are so capable that riders might need just one snowboard for all their trips. All-mountain boards might feature a directional or directional twin shape and vary in flex based on rider skill. 

Freestyle/Park Boards: Freestyle/Park boards, (also called jib boards) like Salomon Huck Knife Pro, are designed for tricks and jumps. While flex depends on the style of the park board, freestyle snowboards are usually twin-shaped so riders can easily switch on jumps. 

Powder Boards: Powder boards, like the Stranda Tree Surfer, are specialized for deep snow and can encourage face shots. Powder boards are typically directional, stiff in flex, and longer/larger. That combination makes powder boards powerful and stable.  

Freeride Boards: Freeride boards, like the unisex Season Forma, are often similar to all-mountain snowboards but often have more aggressive shapes and sidecuts. They are a bit less suited to the park and a bit more suited to carving and powder. 

Splitboards: Splitboards split in half to tour uphill with skins, and then can be reassembled to shred downhill. These specialized snowboards help backcountry tourers keep up with their skier counterparts. 

Match your board width to your binding and boot size for optimal performance. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Length and Width 

Board length and width are also important factors. Taller riders generally need longer boards, while shorter riders can use shorter boards. Used to be, riders would stand a board up and if it was between the rider’s nose and chin, it was the right size. Now, most manufacturers use rider weight (often paired with height) to determine the ideal snowboard size. Luckily, most retailers and manufacturers have very good size charts. If you’re in between or unsure, opting for a smaller board will usually yield a more maneuverable ride, and a larger board will feature more stability.

Consider your riding style as well. Wider boards, like the Rome Agent Pro, provide better float and stability but can be harder to maneuver. Choose a width that accommodates your boot size and riding style. You don’t want the dreaded “toe-drag,” where your boot hangs over the side of the board if it’s too narrow for your foot size. Shape-shifting boards, like the Nidecker Mosquito, are generally shorter but have a longer effective edge, so riders typically size down as much as 5-10 cm on these. 

Board flex plays a critical role in how your snowboard performs in different conditions. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Board Flex: 1-10

Board flex refers to the stiffness or softness of the board. The flex affects forgiveness, feel, and maneuverability. 

Soft Flex boards are more playful and forgiving, making them ideal for beginners as well as freestyle riders who prioritize maneuverability. Check out the CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome or the Bataleon Chameleon, some softer flex boards on this list.

Medium Flex boards offer a balance of stability and playfulness and can be best for intermediate riders and those who enjoy a mix of freestyle and carving.

Stiff Flex boards, like the Stranda Tree Surfer, provide exceptional stability and speed, making them ideal for advanced riders and those who prefer carving and aggressive riding or need something to hold up during deep powder days. However, they can be less forgiving and require more skill and power to ride.

True twin, directional twin, directional—modern snowboard shapes affect performance across terrain. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Board Shape 

The shape of a snowboard can influence its performance, especially as it relates to your riding style.

Directional Boards (like the majority on this list) have a longer nose than tail, making them good for carving and riding in deep snow as the longer nose and shorter tail can whip turns, and float in pow.

Twin Boards like the Rome Agent Pro are symmetrical, so the nose and tail are the same. These can make riding switch (where your back foot is forward on the descent) somewhat easier and are good for riding park, where you might need to land or launch switch.

Directional Twin Boards combine elements of both shapes, offering a balance of stability and maneuverability. There are also asymmetrical twin boards, swallowtail shapes like the Season Forma, and plenty of other variances to check out. 

The camber profile of a snowboard affects how it interacts with and feels in the snow. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Camber Profile

Snowboard profiles can initially seem confusing, but it’s as easy as assessing how the boards curve from tip to tail. Toss a board on the ground and see if it curves up in the middle (camber) or is concave in the center (reverse camber or rocker). Camber boards like the Arbor Padre have a traditional arch in the center. This provides pop, stability, and edge hold.

Camber boards are ideal for carving and aggressive riding, while rocker boards and hybrid boards, which are a mix of profiles, are generally better suited for freestyle riding. Rocker’s reverse arch shape, as in the hybrid profile of GNU Gremlin, provides playful float and forgiveness, while the edges can be less catchy and offer a more forgiving ride. Flat boards have a flat base and can combine camber and rocker for a different and often more damp feeling ride. But it’s all preference, so we encourage you to try it before you buy.

There’s no single best snowboard brand, but some of our favorites continue to produce excellent boards. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Brands

Multitudes of established snowboard brands exist, including Burton, Lib Tech, Jones, Arbor, and CAPiTA, all with a strong track record for producing high-quality snowboards. However, new brands and snowboard creators emerge every season. Stranda, United Shapes, and Season are among some of the newer brands on our list. So, buying a snowboard is as much about brand loyalty as it is about the product itself. Researching brands (legacy vs. emerging) is important if you care where you’re spending your hard-earned dollars.

Pick a line and rip—few gear tests have been more fun than our best snowboards guide. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Prices

Like with everything, the prices of snowboards vary. This all depends on the brand, materials, construction, and features of the board. Plenty of budget-friendly options exist online during early season sales, or by buying second-hand. But, these decks may have limitations and defects or could be damaged in other ways.

Mid-priced boards are the most widely available option and generally range from $475-$675. Options in this price range include the Lib Tech Lib Rig and CAPiTA Defenders of Awesome. Premium options can range from around $700 to well beyond. Custom snowboards are also an option and can cost as much as the creator desires to spend. Check out Franco Snowshapes out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, if money or price aren’t factors for you. 

Edge technology, core material, construction, and other features contribute to the quality and ride of a snowboard. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Features

With so many snowboards on the market, many brands have created different features to set themselves apart from the sea of competitors. These different features include technologies that can enhance your snowboard performance.

Mervin Manufacturing, for example, is known for Magne-traction, which are serrated (or wavy-like) edges like you can find in the Lib Tech Lib Rig or in the Never Summer Nokhu, which uses a similar edge technology. These are meant to provide a superior grip on icy terrain.

Other features include Triax laminate construction, which can also aid in responsiveness and pop. Other standard features you should look for are eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers, sustainable wood cores, and bio-resin epoxy. 

A snowboard is essential, but you’ll need some more gear for a good day on the mountain. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Other Snowboarding Gear You’ll Need

Of course, snowboards without metal edges or bindings attached aren’t allowed at most resorts and won’t get you very far in the side or backcountry. So that’s why selecting your deck is just one piece of a good snowboarding kit. You’ll also need bindings, boots, goggles, mittens or gloves, jackets, pants, a helmet, and plenty more to get out and after it.

We have tested all of these products and more, and we encourage you to check out our other snowboard guides to get you up to speed on all the best products you’ll need for a winter you won’t soon forget. 

Demo days and test fests are an awesome way to get out and try different snowboards. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How Can I Try Before I Buy?

Demo days and test fests are great places to try out snowboards before you commit to purchases. Check out your resort’s event lists to see if a demo day or weekend is coming to your home mountain. Also, follow brands, shops, and online retailers to see when a demo day may happen near you. 

Return To: Comparison Table | Top Picks

Editor’s Note: Looking for women’s specific snowboard options? Check out our full guide to the Best Women’s Snowboards. For more reviews and gear coverage on The Inertia, click here. 

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