We got our hands on over 60 decks to give you our honest opinions here. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

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Shopping for a new snowboard can be intimidating. With so many snowboards on the market, each featuring its own technical gobbly gook, it can be hard to understand what the best snowboard is for you. That’s why we started The Inertia’s Snowboard Test, getting our hands on over 60 of the best snowboards on the market from reputable brands, such as Arbor, Burton, Jones, and more.

Heather Hendricks, our lead tester for this review, has spent more than eight years of her career testing snowboards with TransWorld SNOWboarding, among other publications. For this review, Heather got together with a crew of core riders in Colorado to test these boards. All boards were ridden by multiple testers and rated via an online survey. With the numbers crunched and research complete, the winners that rose to the top lie ahead. 

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

The Best Women’s Snowboards of 2024/2025

Best All-Around Snowboard: GNU Barrett

Runner-Up Best Snowboard: Jones Women’s Rally Cat

Best Value Snowboard: Arbor Cadence Camber 

Best Snowboard For Beginners: Nitro Karma

Best All-Mountain Snowboard: Salomon Rubble Fish

Best Powder Board: Nidecker Mellow

Best Freestyle/Park Board: Bataleon Distoria

Best Splitboard: Weston Rise Split

Jump To Best of the Rest

The United Shapes Cadet was tooled for deep carves. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Best All-Around Snowboard

GNU Barrett ($600) 

Sizing: 146, 149, 152, 155
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10

Pros: Excels at everything
Cons: Rides short, larger gals should size up
Best For Riders Who: Want a deck that can do it all, go both ways and help push their own progression
Tester Quote: “Strapped into the Barrett, I felt invincible. I could pop, spin, ride switch, rally from edge to edge, and feel like I could destroy the whole mountain. This thing rips.” -HH

A weapon of choice for everyday snowboarding, we found the GNU Barrett versatile and excels in all conditions, from park to powder. Its hybrid camber profile and directional shape provide exceptional stability and maneuverability, making it a solid choice for experienced riders who want a board that can handle anything.

With a tested flex rating of 7/10, the Barrett offers a balance of stiffness and playfulness. This allows for powerful carving on groomers while maintaining agility and responsiveness in the park. We found this deck stable at high speeds, held an edge on firmer snow, and was just as comfortable slashing spring slush. We tested a 149, which felt short, so we recommend sizing up for larger riders to handle bigger landings better. We also loved that it’s made eco-consciously in the U.S. at Mervin Manufacturing’s sustainable factory in Carlsborg, Washington.

The Barrett earns our nod for best overall board based on its design, construction, and stiffer flex. We found its carbon strips provided solid edge-to-edge torsional precision, and its playful yet dependable snap provides a more predictable ride than the Jones Rally Cat. These elements, along with it being on the stiffer side, and having optimal edge control thanks to Magne-traction, make the Barrett reign supreme on our list. To save a few bucks, you can check out the 2024 version while supplies last.

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Runner-Up Best Snowboard

Jones Women’s Rally Cat ($450)

Sizing: 142, 145, 148, 151, 154
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional Twin
Flex: 4/10

Pros: Super playful with its poppy, buttery, soft flex, easy to control and fun, looks rad
Cons: Hard to hold landings off drops, not the easiest to stop on a dime as it’s super soft and can slide out
Best For Riders Who: Beginners to advanced riders looking for a playful, progressive ride
Tester Quote: “This is a super fun and playful board. Awesome for groomers, side hits, and buttering around. You can (and I did) take it on bigger black and double black runs and have a blast! It’s also easy to whip around in the trees.” – AC

The extra bright topsheet isn’t the only thing that will turn heads when riding the Jones Rally Cat. As the board is ultra fun and playful, it had us popping ollies and busting spins all over. A new model from Jones, we loved this directional twin as the ultimate playful ride. It’s perfect for all riders who want something soft and easy to butter but can also stand up to all-mountain terrain. Its softer flex means it’s forgiving and encourages jibbing and blasting side hits. While not the most stable board for high-speed carving or super steep descents, we found the Rally Cat was still capable of handling more challenging terrain.

If you’re looking for a fun and forgiving board perfect for all-mountain riding, the Jones Women’s Rally Cat is an excellent option for riders of all abilities and sizes. And it’s at a price point that will leave a little left for your après fund. However, since it’s a bit softer and can wash out on landings easier than the Barrett, it lands on our list as the overall runner-up. It’s also a top choice of ours for beginner riders, right behind the Nitro Karma. 

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Best Value Snowboard

Arbor Cadence Camber ($419)

Sizing: 140, 144, 148, 152
Riding Style: Park, Freestyle
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 4/10

Pros: Awesome graphics from artist Hillary Jane, great price
Cons: Too noodly for everyday advanced riding
Best For Riders Who: Are looking for a sweet deal on a sweet board that is playful and soft
Tester Quote: “I love the look of this board and how it was able to pop and play in the park!” – KD

Whether you’re scoping the 2023/24 version of the board (currently on sale for $285) or the latest 2025 version, Arbor’s Cadence Camber is a smoking deal. A true twin, with a classic camber profile and softer flex, this deck is a perfect choice for park and freestyle riding at a low ticket price. This board is great for women who value both performance and sustainability. The Cadence Camber is built with eco-friendly materials, including a hand-dyed Ash Powerply top sheet, bio-resin, and recycled steel edges, all manufactured using 100% solar energy. 

The artistic collaboration with Hilary Jane adds a unique and stylish touch, making it a high-performing board, that’s also visually appealing. If you’re a rider who wants a board that combines value and style while being environmentally conscious, the Cadence Camber could be for you. We will warn that this board is on the much softer side, and you’re paying for what you get. So, if you’re looking for something stiffer but still on the budget side, check out the Nitro Karma or Nitro Drop boards. Both offer more stability for just a bit more dough, which may be worth it if you’re a bit larger or are looking for a more surefooted ride. 

Best Snowboard For Beginners

Nitro Karma ($580)

Sizing: 144, 148, 152
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional Twin
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Wide shape boosts confidence to get through any terrain and is stable without any chatter
Cons: Not the best for never-ever first-timers, as it’s a little bit stiff
Best For Riders Who: Newer riders looking to learn on a forgiving deck that also pushes progression
Tester Quote: “I really like how this thing saved me when I tried to jump a dirt patch. It held the landing and encouraged me to try new things and even to ride switch, which is totally foreign to me, but damn, I felt good on this Karma.” -KD 

Admittedly, the Nitro Karma isn’t supposed to be a beginner board. But, we’re in the mindset that you always consider yourself a beginner, you might not start trying new things while riding, and will stay stagnant. No one wants that, so this lands on the list as the best beginner board because it gives riders a wider, stable base that boosts confidence. You can start the season off by knowing the basics but still sucking, but with the consistent riding of the Karma, you’ll be encouraged to progress and move out of the beginner phase by the season’s end. 

The directional twin shape and true camber provide stability, so you can start to send it through any type of condition, whether it’s super hardpack or more soft and slushy. We found that this board isn’t super noodly or too soft, so it won’t let you wash out on everything. Having a bit of stability while learning can be a good thing. Also, the extra width between the feet creates a damp ride, that isn’t chattery or inconsistent. Just smooth, and calls for getting sendy. While this board is great for riders to progress, the Jones Rally Cat is also a good choice for a beginner’s board, as it’s softer and more forgiving than the Karma, and may be a better choice for first-time boarders. It’s up to your riding and learning style which board will better suit you.   

Best All-Mountain Snowboard

Salomon Rumble Fish ($600)

Sizing: 140, 144, 148, 152, 155
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid – Flat in the center, rocker in the tip + tail
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Extra agile – this is one nimble shred fish
Cons: Flat profile isn’t the easiest to turn
Best For Riders Who: Can ride any terrain and any type of snow and want a playful deck that can keep up
Tester Quote: “I’ve been wanting to try this board ever since it came out years ago. It exceeded my expectations as an all-mountain powerhouse. It was so fun to rip and ride everything, from blasting sidehits, to boosting jumps, and laying deep carves, this does it all” -HH

Living up to its name, the Salomon Rumble Fish offers exceptional agility and versatility for all-mountain exploration. This directional board has a hybrid profile with a flat section between the bindings for mid-board stability, however, this section did feel a little dull, and we honestly wish it were full camber, but regardless, it still rips. The rocker in the tip and tail allows for effortless float in powder and encourages playful maneuverability. We liken this board to the Barrett; however, its variation of a hybrid profile (less camber, more reverse than the Barrett) makes it slightly more noodly and less precise on turns and in hardpack.  

With a medium flex, coming in at just a 6/10 on our flex scale, the Rumble Fish offers a nice balance of pop, but still has a solid response when carving groomers and powering through variable terrain. We loved the nimble feel and lively personality that pushes for progression. The Rumble Fish is a great choice for riders who want a board that can handle anything, any mountain throws their way. You can also save a few bucks by going with the 2024 version, while it’s still available. 

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Best Powder Board

Nidecker Mellow ($520)

Sizing: 147, 152, 157, 162
Riding Style: Surfy Freestyle Powder Board
Profile: Hybrid
Shape: Directional
Flex: 8/10

Pros: Top sheet has actual sparkles in it
Cons: Pretty dang stiff
Best For Riders Who: Advanced riders who charge and need a stable deck
Tester Quote: “The shorter size, coupled with the set-back stance, and beefy directional nose, allowed for top-notch float, coupled with a surprising amount of agility in deep, heavy snow.”-HH  

When the snow is steep and deep is when the Mellow, a unisex board from the minds at Nidecker really showed us its strengths. The sparkly deck boasts an ultra-set back directional shape, with a big nose, and short snappy tail. It floated effortlessly through the freshly fallen white fluff and is stiff and stable to keep you upright when conditions are choppy. 

Our testers found this deck to be best suited to upper-level intermediate to advanced riders, as it’s simply too stiff for the majority of ladies out there. But if you’re looking for a powder-specific deck that charges, this board delivers. As we mentioned, it’s a unisex model, and the sparkles are a fun touch that we think anyone can get behind. Shape-wise, it’s a bit of a volume-shifter, similar to Stranda’s Biru further down the list, another board that excelled in the soft stuff during our testing. With this in mind, most ladies will want to size down with this board and its longer effective side cut. 

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Best Freestyle/Park Board

Bataleon Distoria ($500)

Sizing: 140, 143, 146, 149, 152
Riding Style: Park + Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid
Shape: Twin
Flex: 4/10

Pros: Forgiving triple base is floaty and fun
Cons: Soft, and can wash out on landings
Best For Riders Who: Beginners looking to progress toward intermediate level within a season or two
Tester Quote: “Admittedly, this was my first time riding a Bataleon and experiencing the 3D base. I thought it was just a gimmick, but it actually makes the ride super smooth, forgiving, and truly feels like you’re floating.” – KD

The board of choice of park and Olympian powerhouse Klaudia Medlová, the Bataleon Distoria is a playful and forgiving freestyle deck that shines in the park. It boasts a unique 3D base, which is a design that incorporates a curved or contoured shape from edge to edge, so there are three contact points on the snow. 3D boards differ from traditional flat bases, which only have contact points at the heel edge, base, and toe edge. The benefits of 3D bases include better edge hold and float. We found this deck to be exceptionally floaty and easy to maneuver. These traits make it easy to learn on and try new tricks. The Distortia’s soft flex and symmetrical shape are forgiving, so it’s ideal for beginners and intermediates seeking a fun and confidence-boosting board. 

While the Distoria may not be the best choice for advanced riders or aggressive riding styles, we recommend it for those looking to develop their freestyle skills and anyone who wants to have a blast buttering all around the mountain. Another solid choice in the freestyle category is the GNU Ladies Choice. As it’s slightly stiffer than this Distoria, it may be better suited for the park rider who is more advanced and looking for a less forgiving ride than the Distoria. 

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Best Splitboard

Weston Rise Split ($750)

Sizing: 143, 146, 149, 152
Riding Style: All-Mountain Splitboarding
Profile: Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Transitions are secure and easy thanks to the easy latching of Karakoram UltraClips 2.0, which fastens the board together
Cons: Popular splitboard, so some sizes are already sold out
Best For Riders Who: Are established backcountry riders looking for a deck that delivers as a splitboard just as well as when it’s as solid
Tester Quote: Truthfully, we didn’t test this year’s Rise Splitboard, but we did test the solid option to feel out the overall design changes year over year. We own and have extensively tested a prior model of this board, and we feel it delivers as a go-to split option for ladies looking to ascend peaks and choose the spicy way down.

Best suited for intermediate to advanced backcountry riders, the Weston Rise Split performs best on steeps and cliffs, and equally on sidehits and through variable terrain. This is thanks to its directional twin shape and camber-dominant profile, which provides snap and stability. 

The Rise’s 6/10 flex offers a balance of responsiveness and playfulness, making it ideal for riders who enjoy tossing in freestyle elements in freeride lines. It has an eco-friendly lightweight core and durable construction, crafted by the fine folks at Weston in Colorado. While some sizes may be sold already out due to their popularity, the Rise is a smart choice for backcountry riders seeking a high-quality splitboard that excels from skin track to piste.

While we have yet to test the 2025 version, we have taken prior models out for a number of spins through Colorado, Utah, and beyond, having summited and shredded Mt. Hayden in Colorado and Big and Little Tukuhnikivatz outside of Moab, Utah. Through it all, we found this splitboard to be a solid and versatile tool for the job. Beyond peak-bagging, the Weston Rise Spilt also does great for quick mid-week skins up Aspen Mountain, and gobbles up fresh corduroy as well as it does fresh pow. There are plenty of splitboards on the market but this option from Weston is a straightforward design that offers a predictable and versatile ride in a variety of conditions. 

Best of the Rest

The above outlines the boards that ranked highest during our test. Below are the boards that still ranked high, but are more suited to specific riding styles, or are runner-ups to the winners above. This list includes boards built to slay pow, link up park laps, and shred backcountry. Some have wild sidecuts, contemporary collabs, and alluring graphics you should definitely take a look at. 

Best For Carving

United Shapes Cadet ($700)

Sizing: 146, 150, 154, 158, 162
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/10

Pros: Unisex, uni-fun, and a simple alluring design that is classic, and core
Cons: Beginners and smaller-statured riders might find this to be too much board and too stiff
Best For Riders Who: Intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy riding fast, hard, and laying down carves
Tester Quote: “Circle carves, anyone? This deck lays trench, with precision and agility.”- AC

We couldn’t get enough of this expertly crafted board designed for riders who crave precision while executing effortless turns. The traditional camber profile and early rise in the nose provide precise edge hold and stability, allowing you to carve deep trenches with ease. We found the United Shapes Cadet to have a lively personality, and it was also fun to take off jumps and go through all terrain. This board ranked high as a playful tool that testers wanted to ride repeatedly because it carved better than any other board in our test. Its turning style is predictable and offers enough versatility to engage the nose and drive turns through the tail, offering crisp, precise carves. 

The board is constructed with premium and sustainable materials, including bio-based resin, where 65% of the hardener’s carbon is derived from plant material. While not the most budget-friendly option, the Cadet is a worthy investment for serious riders looking to purchase from a smaller, core brand. Its stylish, simple design also boasts a near-transparent top sheet, so you can see the guts in all their glory within this deck. 

We found this to be a standout choice for experienced riders seeking a high-quality carving board, that can also hold up to all-mountain riding, however, it might be too stiff and too powerful for smaller riders, so this is where other boards, such as the GNU Barrett, is better, as it is better suited for female-sized riders. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an intermediate rider looking to advance, the United Shapes Cadet delivers exceptional performance and precision. Euro carvers to laid-back surfy style carvers rejoice, as this board is for you. 

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Best For Surfy Vibes

Never Summer Breezy Rider ($590)

Sizing: 142, 145, 148, 150
Riding Style: Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid
Shape: Asymmetrical Twin
Tested Flex: 4/10

Pros: Ultra forgiving and soft
Cons: There’s a lot going on with this board, from the asymmetrical twin shape to super hybrid camber that bounces between rocker and camber –  so it’s best for softer, mellow days, that aren’t too icy or steep
Best For Riders Who: Want to surf in soft conditions on a funky-shaped board
Tester Quote: “I know this is cliche, but I felt like I could get barrelled with the Breezy. Super fun to slash the slush, make swooping carves, and feels like I was floating despite the conditions being so soft and almost watery.”- AC

For those looking for the ultimate playful, forgiving, and surf-centric freestyle board designed specifically for women, the all-new Never Summer Breezy Rider may be tooled for you. Its asymmetrical twin shape and hybrid triple camber profile (imagine a hybrid camber board on steroids) provide a unique riding experience that shines particularly in soft conditions. 

We found the soft flex makes it easy to learn and progress with a surfy, laidback style. Never Summer’s R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology has serrated edges that allow for quick edge-to-edge control and long surfy carves. While the Breezy Rider may not be the best choice for hardpack or steep terrain, it offers an exceptional blend of fun, and maneuverability for women seeking a softer, surfy-feeling shred deck. Similar to this deck is the GNU Ladies Choice, which is also an asymmetrical deck, however, we found this Never Summer model to excel at surfy vibes, and held an edge better. 

Runner-Up Best Freestyle 

CAPiTA Birds of a Feather ($550)

Sizing: 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148,150, 152, 154, 148w, 150w, 152w, 154w
Riding Style: Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid
Shape: True Twin
Tested Flex: 5.5/10

Pros: Comes in so many sizes, there’s gotta be the perfect length for you, playful and responsive
Cons: Not as forgiving as we would like it to be
Best For Riders Who: Have a season under their belts, but want to step up their game in the park and freestyle
Tester Quote: “Honestly, this is such a fun, ripping ride!! It’s super quick edge-to-edge, snappy, very poppy, and made me want to try new tricks. I did land on my ass a couple of times, so while it makes you want to try new tricks, it still keeps you honest and doesn’t save you from falling. Overall, I think it’s a great deck to progress on!” – KD

For women looking to elevate their skills and challenge themselves in the park and beyond, the renowned and time-tested, CAPiTA Birds of a Feather lands on our list as a freestyle powerhouse. And as this board comes in so many sizes, and has been in CAPiTA’s line for longer than we can remember, it’s super easy to find this board on sale. 

The 2025 model features a lightweight core and a hybrid profile, offering plenty of pop for park shredding. The forgiving reverse camber allows you to slide in and out of tricks easily. We like the response and overall freestyle performance of this deck, but found that it doesn’t save you on everything. This board is truly tooled to tackle the park and push progression for riders of all shapes and sizes. The legendary performance of the Birds of a Feather, and the multitude of sizing options make it a solid choice for beginners, intermediate riders, and even advanced riders seeking to take their snowboarding to that next level. To save a few bucks, check out the 2024 version while supplies last. 

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Runner-Up Best All-Mountain 

Stranda Women’s Biru ($690)

Sizing: 145
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Mostly Camber – slight rise in the nose
Shape: Directional
Tested Flex: 7/10

Pros: Little board that rides really big and charges
Cons: She’s not cheap, and only comes in one size 

Best For Riders Who: Advanced women seeking a volume-shifting deck
Tester Quote: “Never heard of Stranda, and have never ridden a deck this short, but it truly felt like I was riding a way bigger board, as it handled the steeps with ease, and was surprisingly nimble through the trees.” -AC

This heavily directional all-mountain board is wide and ultra-stable. The full camber profile is stable, predictable, and provides a solid all-mountain ride. We found the Stranda Biru to be a high-performance all-mountain snowboard designed for advanced women seeking a powerful yet versatile ride. 

Despite its compact size, the Biru packs a punch, offering exceptional stability, float, and maneuverability on a variety of terrain. Solid and predictable, the Biru’s directional shape, and shape-shifting size, ensure optimal performance on steep slopes and in deep snow, while also being able to slash slush. It rides as hard and fast, as the Burton’s Feelgood Camber, but with a much smaller size. 

The Biru is a bit of a significant investment, topping out as one of the more expensive boards on this list, but its exceptional performance and unique design make it a worthwhile investment for experienced riders seeking a truly exceptional all-mountain board from a small, diehard brand based out of Europe. 

Runner-Up Best Carving

Rome Ravine ($530)

Sizing: 144, 147, 150, 153
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: Hybrid
Shape: Directional
Tested Flex: 7/10 (but we think it’s more like 7.5/10)

Pros: Excels at carving, but also rips everything and is stable enough to slay pow
Cons: Dense, not super lively between the feet
Best For Riders Who: Intermediate to advanced riders who crave an ultra-stable and wide deck that delivers
Tester Quote: “So stable and fun to rally deep, hard carves on. I slashed my way all over Snowmass, carved so many S-turns, and spent way too much time spraying skiers with this thing. Thanks, Rome!” -HH

While not tooled to be specifically a carving board, we found Rome’s Women’s Ravine to excel at making deep and fast turns. Its directional shape and slight 3D contacted base, along with its camber-leaning hybrid profile, provided the reliable edge hold to elevate this board from an all-mountain powerhouse to an elite carving machine. 

Though on the stiffer side, it blends torsional response and playfulness, so it is easy to load up and launch. We also like the matte graphics, and the sintered base is fast and would stay that way with proper care. From early season hardpack to pow days with the crew to sun-soaked slush laps, the Women’s Ravine handles business. The Ravine is a wider board, similar to Nitro’s Karma, but much stiffer, so it is tooled for deeper carves, deeper snow, and longer lines. 

Another Great All-Around Snowboard

Burton Feelgood Camber ($620)

Sizing: 142, 146, 149, 152
Riding Style: All-Mountain
Profile: True Camber
Shape: Directional
Tested Flex: 7/10

Pros: Winner of multiple tests for multiple years, you may find a new but older model for an awesome deal
Cons: Burton’s Channel System requires Burton bindings or adapters, which don’t always work with all bindings
Best for Riders who: Ride multiple days a season in a multitude of conditions and need a durable board that can cruise through it all
Tester Quote: “Quick edge-to-edge, this board charges and I felt confident on bigger landings. Feels really good, like a board I could ride everyday, anywhere the snow falls.” -HH

For experienced female riders seeking a high-performance board that excels in all conditions, the Burton Feelgood Camber delivers as an awesome all-mountain rig. This board rips groomers, shines through the slush, and can hold an edge in icy conditions, and on steep terrain. Feelgood Camber’s directional shape and true camber profile, along with Burton’s proven durable construction, allow for locked-in edge control and stability. If you’re a rider who enjoys pushing your limits and seeks challenging lines with unique descents, this board will hold up to what you put ‘er through.  

We found this deck to be a lightweight, powerful ride that ripped all types of terrain with consistency. While bombing down the Niagra trail on Aspen Mountain, this board popped with precision and could maneuver through crusty, old snow with ease. Riders who value performance and responsiveness will find that the Feelgood Camber is tooled for them. When looking for a dependable board that won’t break the bank, this option from Burton is one of our favorites, year after year. It’s even stiffer and provided a more dialed-in ride than the GNU Barrett, but we found it wasn’t as playful, and didn’t have as much float as we like for powder. If you’re looking to score a deal, check out the 2024 version of the board while supplies last. 

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Best Unisex Snowboard

Season Nexus ($550)

Sizing: 143, 148, 152, 155, 158, 159W, 161, 162W, 164
Riding Style: Freeride
Profile: Camber
Shape: Directional
Tested Flex: 7.5/10

Pros: Minimal, sleek black top sheet design shows all the sidecuts and dimensions
Cons: Can be hard to find in stock
Best For Riders Who: Want to break away from big box brands and buy from a more core, smaller supplied, eco-conscious brand
Tester Quote: “This thing had my eye all day, and I was so amped to finally ride it. It was even better than anticipated as it had so much pop, and predictable turning radius.” – AC 

With top-tier quality that won’t break the bank, the Season Nexus is here to make snowboarding core again, gender notwithstanding. Available in nine different sizes, the Nexus is designed to handle any terrain and any conditions. We found it to be a versatile (and stylish!) choice for snowboarders of all levels, but it is best suited to those who have a few seasons under their belts. 

With a playful and responsive design, the Nexus features a seamless all-black base that is both fast and durable, easy to tune, and boasts lasting longevity. Season says their bio-resin epoxy and top sheet material have increased durability by 30% over other brands’ boards, and while we’re not ones to regurgitate marketing-speak, there’s no doubt that it’s super durable. We found this board to be slightly stiff but still had great torsional forgiveness. It’s also very responsive, so it carves with ease and is confidence-boosting while being playful at the same time. This board and the United Shapes Cadet are similar in their carving capabilities and overall precise ride. 

Best Collab Board

GNU Ladies Choice ($630)

Sizing: 139.5, 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 151.5, 153.5
Riding Style: All-Mountain + Freestyle
Profile: Hybrid Camber
Shape: Asymmetrical Twin
Tested Flex: 6/10

Pros: Epitome of eco-consciousness: This board is built by the brains of Mervin Manufacturing, and pro snowboarder Olympian Jamie Anderson
Cons: Asymmetrical sidecuts can take some time to get used to
Best For Riders Who: Spend most of their time in the park, blasting off hits on groomers, and staying in-bounds, but still like to get spicy and try new things
Tester Quote: “Admittedly, this thing was a little weird at first, but by the second, third, and six laps, I was crushing jumps, jibs, and felt like maybe even I could make it to the Olympics with the amount of confidence it gave me.” – KD

The pro model of the most decorated female snowboarder of all time, Jamie Anderson’s GNU Ladies Choice, reigns supreme and earns yet another nod to its excellence in its over a decade of existence. Designed with GNU’s proprietary C2x camber hybrid contour and asymmetrical sidecuts, the Ladies Choice is tooled for top-of-the-line pop, maneuverability, and stability. Whether you’re hitting jumps, jibbing in the park, or exploring trails at the resort, this board delivers exceptional performance in any terrain.

Built with eco-conscious materials like its sustainably harvested FSC-certified wood core and water-based inks, the Ladies Choice reflects Jamie Anderson’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Its stylish, asymmetrical design and eco-friendly features, coupled with the stability of Magne-traction edges, make this collab board our choice for all ladies looking to level up their riding. It does take a little bit to get used to riding the asymmetrical shape, so for riders looking for a more straightforward riding deck, we suggest the Burton’s Feelgood Camber, as its directional shape is more predictable than the Ladies Choice.  

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We got our hands on over 60 decks. Of course we couldn’t write about each and every one. But here are a few more options. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Honorable Mentions

Countless incredible snowboards are on the market these days. Given our testing window, we couldn’t ride and rate them all. However, several other boards that didn’t quite land on this list still deserve a shout-out. 

First up is the Bataleon Push Up+. Designed for ladies looking for a freestyle option that is fun and forgiving, thereby pushing progression. We liked its 3D shaping, with a big scoopy nose that was playful and floaty through soft snow. We liked how it held an edge but was still soft enough to butter and jib around. 

​​Another standout is the CAPiTA Paradise. We found this to be a versatile intermediate board that was super fun to ride, thanks to its predictability. Its mellow camber profile and slight rocker in the tips make it easy to load up and launch. It also comes in a range of sizes, including four wide options, and has bold, alluring graphics.

There are a few additional all-mountain decks that caught our attention and we’ll be testing more this season. First off, the Lib Tech Theda. Packed with tech, including Mervin Manufactuering’s magne-traction edges, it’s a solid intermediate-to-advanced board that slices through all types of snow, and is hard to catch an edge on. 

Season’s Kin and Primer were also high on our testers’ lists for being ultra-predictable, yet still playful. The United Shapes Horizon also was a board we liked for its freaky fast base, and one we will test more this season. 

Brands Not In This Test:

In this guide, we did our best to include what we believe to be the most important boards and brands to test. However, several snowboard brands didn’t quite make it in time for our testing window. We see you, we want to ride your snowboards, and we want our testers to rate them. We’re looking at big brands like Rossiginol, K2, and YES., along with newer brands like WhiteSpace, and more niche companies like Pallas, MoonChild Skunk Works, and Coalition Snow. These are all on our short list of need-to-test-asap, and we look forward to updating our guide with options from these brands, as well as others, when the snow begins to fall this season. 

The Jones Tweaker sports a fun Grateful Dead-inspired base. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Best Women’s Snowboards Comparison Table

Mid-test at Aspen Mountain. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Women’s Snowboards

Here’s a word from our lead tester, Heather Hendricks:

As a long-time snowboard tester (8x TransWorld SNOWboarding Good Wood tester, Baldface Powder Board tester, 6x MRA Test-Fester, and demo gal with over 27 years of snowboarding under my bibs) – it’s safe to say I’ve been around the snowboard testing block a time or two. I’ve ridden and rated more boards than I’d care to admit, but in my years of turning screws and lapping lifts, I’ve learned what makes a good snowboard and how to determine who it’s best suited for. 

Riding and rating snowboards has been part of my life for so long that it’s become part of who I am. When I don’t do it, things feel off. So, after taking a one-year hiatus from snowboard testing and realizing the hole in online guides, it was time to get back to it.

Heather straps into a fresh deck. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

The Inertia Board Test was conceived and brought to life in the spring of 2024 in the mountains of Colorado. For this test, I enlisted the help of a few close, core riders, all of whom live to stand sideways, enjoy nerding out on the various complexities of snowboards, and have tested plenty of boards before. We got our hands on more than 60 men’s women’s and unisex boards, and got to testing. 

Unlike many things these days, snowboard testing is pretty straightforward. You ride it. You rate it. You ride it again. Tally how the board performs, and move on to the next deck. You’ve got to be a solid rider in all conditions and all terrains, and be able to anticipate how the board will perform for riders of other sizes and skill levels. That takes years of experience on different boards, which all of our riders/testers have in spades. 

We got our hands on more than 60 different snowboards, and tested them all. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

We tested these snowboards towards the end of the 2024 season, primarily at Aspen Snowmass, as well as Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. The goal of our test was to try each board in as many situations and snow conditions as possible. With the bulk of our testing taking place at the tail end of the 2023/24 season, we did the best we could with the snow conditions we had. With that in mind, this first edition of our review focuses more on all-mountain, park, and carving-style snowboards. However, our testing did include one spring powder day, which we certainly made the most of, and were able to recommend the Nidecker Mellow as our favorite powder board out of the options we tested.

Keep in mind that this is just the first edition of The Inertia’s Best Snowboards Review – we’ll be spending considerable time testing and reviewing these boards and more powder-oriented boards in mid-winter conditions this season. 

Lead tester Heather Hendricks takes a break while testing Season snowboards. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How We Selected The Best Women’s 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 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?)

Properly mounted bindings are key to an enjoyable snowboarding experience. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Women’s 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. Here, we break down the most important things to keep in mind as you’re looking for your next deck.

The right snowboard for you depends a lot on your riding style. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

How to Choose a Snowboard

Your Riding Style

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, and Splitboards are the most common board types. All-mountain boards, like Salmon’s Rumble Fish, are for what the name implies: various terrains and conditions, or basically all terrain at a resort. Freestyle/Park boards (also called jib boards), like the Bataleon Distoria, are designed for tricks and jumps. Powder boards like the Nidecker Mellow are specialized for deep snow and can encourage face shots. Freeride boards, like Season’s Nexus, can be similar to all-mountain designs but often have more aggressive shapes and sidecuts. Splitboards like the Weston Rise Split split in half to tour uphill and then can be reassembled to shred down.

Testing out a few different shapes and sizes from United Shapes Snowboards. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Length and Width 

Board length and width are also important factors. Taller riders generally need longer boards, while shorter riders will usually prefer shorter boards. Consider your weight and riding style as well. Wider boards, like Nitro’s Karma, provide better float in powder 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 Nidecker’s Mellow, are generally shorter but have a longer effective edge, so riders typically size down on these. 

Board flex is an important consideration. We tested and rated the flex of all the snowboards included in this review. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Board Flex: 1-10

Board flex refers to the stiffness or softness of the board. Soft boards are more playful and forgiving, making them ideal for beginners and freestyle riders who prioritize maneuverability. Check out the Jones Rally Cat as a softer flex board on this list. Medium flex boards like the CAPiTA Birds of a Feather 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 boards, like the Stranda Biru, 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. For this review, we gave each board a flex rating of 1-10 based on the results of our testing. 

The Season Nexus and United Shapes Cadet, both geared towards carving, have similar profiles. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Board Shape

The shape of a snowboard can influence its performance. 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 aids your float in powder. Twin boards like Bataleon’s Distoria are symmetrical, so the nose and tail are the same. These can make riding switch (where your back foot is forward) somewhat easier and are good for riding park, where you might need to land or launch switch. Directional twin boards like the Jones Rally Cat combine elements of both shapes, offering a balance of stability and maneuverability. There are also asymmetrical twin boards, like the GNU Ladies Choice, swallowtail shapes, and plenty of other oddities to check out. 

Getting the Jones Women’s Rally Cat primed for testing. 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 concaved in the center (reversed camber). Camber boards like the Burton Feel Good Camber or Arbor Cadence Camber 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 the GNU Ladies Choice, 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 before you buy.

CAPiTA snowboards come with fun, froth-inducing graphics. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Snowboard Brands

Multitudes of established 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 (both legacy and emerging) is important if you care where you’re spending your hard-earned dollars. To learn more about some of the top brands in the snowboard business, head over to our Best Snowboard Brands article. 

GNU has a wide range of snowboard styles. 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 (like the currently on-sale Arbor Cadence, at early season sales, when buying second-hand, and on places like Facebook Marketplace. 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 Rome Ravine, Bataleon Distoria, and Nidecker Mellow boards. Premium options like the Stranda Biru and GNU Ladies Choice 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 price truly isn’t a factor for you. 

Getting the GNU Ladies Choice locked and loaded for riding. 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 GNU Barrett. These are meant to provide superior grip on icy terrain. Other features can include Triax laminate construction, which can also aid in responsiveness and pop. Other standout features you should look for are eco-friendly materials like recycled fibers, sustainable wood cores, and bio-resin epoxy, which are present in boards like the Arbor Cadence Camber. 

Bindings are an important part of the equation. If you already have some, make sure they work with the board you’re buying. Photo: Colter Hinchliffe//The Inertia

Other Snowboarding Gear You’ll Need

Of course, snowboards without metal edges or bindings attached aren’t allowed on most resorts and won’t get you very far in the side or backcountry (unless you’ve got a sled or Verts, and it’s a pow surfer, but the best of those are over here on this list). So that’s why selecting your deck is just one piece of your overall snowboard kit. You’ll also need bindings, snowboard boots, goggles, gloves or mittens, a snowboard jacket and 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 gear buyer guides linked above to get you up to speed on all the best products you’ll need for a winter you won’t soon forget. 

Winter’s just around the corner – time to gear up. 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.

It can also be worth doing your own demo day. Choose a less-busy day on your home mountain, and rent a demo board from a shop at the base that will let you swap out a few different times. Make the day all about getting those reps in on different boards, and at the end of the day, you may even be able to put the cost of your rental towards a new board of your choice, though keep in mind prices at the base of the mountain are often inflated compared to online/stores elsewhere. 

Return To: Comparison Table | Top Picks

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