Snowboard

Best Snowboards for 2021-2022

There are hundreds of snowboards out there and they come in many shapes and sizes. And it can be daunting to find the best snowboard for you. Here at powderheadz.com, we strive to tell you which are the best snowboards for each type of rider. Whether you’re for All-Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride, or a Powderhound, we’ve got you covered for what we think are the best snowboards available.

You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Snowboards for 2021-2022 down below.

Safe riding!

Best All-Mountain Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Snowboards for 2021-2022

Best Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

freeride-snowboards

All-Mountain Snowboards

Our Top Rated All-Mountain Snowboards

All-Mountain riders want it all. And these boards will give them the ability to handle it. All-Mountain boards tend to have a medium or stiff flex that give you more control and stability. They also come in either Directional Twin for those who want to point their boards down the mountain or True Twin for those who want the entire mountain to be their playground. These snowboards are designed to take all the punishment you can dish out. All-Mountain Boards are not to hot and not to cold, they’re just right.

Here are what we consider some of the Best All-Mountain Snowboards for Men:

Capita DOA Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)148 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 158 | 158W | 160 | 161W
ShapeTrue twin
Profile|BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA DOA is the cream of the crop True Twin Snowboard that will be the highlight of anyone’s quiver. The FSC Certified Dual Core and Carbon fiber beams will give you plenty of power and response for a playful ride. It’s the one board to rule them all, backed by tons of snowboarders everwhere. Go defend that awesome.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

2022 Burton Custom Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)150 | 154 | 154W | 156 | 158  | 158W | 162 | 162W | 166W | 170W
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile|BendCamber
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The Classic Burton Custom is never going give you up, never going to let you down. This classic board has been a perennial favorite for over 20 years. It’s classic camber profile will give you that great pop off jumps. And it’s directional twin shape will let you stay stable through all types of terrains, from off-piste to deep powder to the park.

Powderheadz Rating

4.7/5

Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)153 | 156 | 157W | 158W
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile|BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard comes with Lite Frame Technology – a urethane strip around the snowboard’s circumference, from nose to tail. This gives the board shock absorption across its full length and also enhances maneuverability. You’ll get a ridiculously smooth ride while maintaining complete board control.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Best All-Mountain Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Here are what we consider some of the Best All-Mountain Snowboards for Women:

K2 First Lite Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)142 | 146 | 150 | 154
ShapeTapered Directional
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
FlexSoft
TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The K2 First Lite is made to help Snowboarders learn their skills quickly and effortlessly. The Catch-Free Rocker Baseline™ reduces the risk of catching an edge while you learn how to carve down the mountain. And the soft flex rating will give you a forgiving ride while still remaining fun and playful. It’s a great board that will hopefully build your confidence for years to come.

Powderheadz Rating

4.7/5

Gnu Ladies Choice Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)139 | 142 | 145 | 148
ShapeAsym True Twin
Profile | BendCamber – Rocker – Camber
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The Gnu Asymmetrical Ladies Choice Snowboard is a no nonsense hard-hitting board built for the woman who wants to the ride the whole mountain. Rides as fun as a surfboard but precise enough to handle the side country and variable conditions like a boss. It’s Magne-Traction edges give you insane control on ice and makes this snowboard a TRUE all-mountain board.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Burton Stylus Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 147 | 152
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
FlexSoft
TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Stylus Snowboard is a great beginner to intermediate board that will give you a fun, super-chill, and  mellow ride without overwhelming you. The Easy Bevel combines the butter soft flex with a convex base for a catch-free riding experience while the Rocker-Flat-Rocker Profile and True Twin Shape will provide you with stable platform that offers effortless maneuverability.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

Best Freeride Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

freeride-snowboards

Snowboarding Freeride

Our Top Freeride Snowboards

Freeriding is snowboarding with a soul. Freeriders take various aspects of snowboarding into a style that adapts to natural challenges, off-piste terrain and strays away from man-made features like jumps, rails, and groomed runs. It’s freedom of flow on the mountain. A poetry in motion of sorts. And a good poem needs a good pen.  The Best Freeride Snowboards have a directional shape and flex – a wide, soft nose with a stiff, narrower tail which allows the rider to lean back to float easily on powder. They are often longer and stiffer to keep you stable and fast and perform well in variable terrain.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freeride Snowboards for Men:

Burton Flight Attendant Snowboard 2022

Sizes available(cm)152 | 156 | 159 | 159W | 162 | 162W
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendDirectional Camber
FlexStiff
TerrainFreeride | Powder
Riding LevelAdvanced-Expert

The Burton Flight Attendant floats beautifully on powder but is able to carve hard into the groomers. You’ll be able to maintain high speed while remaining extremely stable. The snowboard has a slight tapered tail, forcing the board to dip down at slower speeds while riding through powder. The Flight Attendant is suitable for riding in the park, but this board deserves to be in the trees.

Powderheadz Rating

3.7/5

Jones Flagship Snowboard 2022

Sizes available(cm)154 | 158 | 159W | 161 | 162W | 164 | 165W
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexStiff
TerrainFreeride | Powder
Riding LevelAdvanced-Expert

The Jones Flagship Snowboard is a point and shoot type of snowboard. It’s a heavy and stiff snowboard with a slightly set back camber with a longer rocker in the front. You can go amazingly fast and aggressive on this very stable board, blasting through powder or chop, yet carve with complete control. This is a perfect freeride snowboard if you like doing a little freestyle off natural terrain.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

2022 K2 Alchemist Snowboard

Sizes available(cm)159W | 163
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker-Camber
FlexVery Stiff
TerrainFreeride | Powder
Riding LevelAdvanced -Expert

The K2 Alchemist Snowboard comes fully loaded with tech like its SpaceGlass Tip, Spectral Braid, and it’s Bambooyah Pro Core – a combination of bamboo and aspen to help increase response. Its snowphobic topsheet helps keep extra snow (weight) off your board for some speedy runs. It’ll be smooth riding on this snowboard that wishes it was a surfboard.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best All-Mountain Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freeride Snowboards for Women:

CaPiTA Paradise Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freeride
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA Paradise Snowboard is an all-mountain freeride angled snowboard that’s poppy, stable and supportive while still remaining forgiving and easy to ride. The True Twin outline of a freestyle board and the camber profile of a freeride board offers a confident ride to the more adventurous riders out there.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

2022 Jones Hovercraft Women's Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)144 | 146 | 150
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainFreeride | Powder
Riding LevelAdvanced – Expert

The Jones Hovercraft Snowboard is the board built for those who still dream of taking turns in the park while they’re riding deep in the powder snow. It’s a versatile all-mountain board that’s designed for you to take it to the limit off the beaten path, translating your park skills into more natural terrain with a blend of balanced power and playful pop.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Salomon Pillow Talk Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)145 | 151
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker-Camber-Rocker
FlexStiff
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freeride
Riding LevelAdvanced – Expert

The Salomon Pillow Talk Snowboard will give you a good nights rest after a hard day of riding. It’s a powerful and responsive beast of a boad with an extra-wide cambered profile that’s designed to take on the whatever path you desire in the back country, whether it’s big mountain air, deep powder stashes, or gorgeous tree lines. 

Powderheadz Rating

4.3/5

Best Freeride Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

freestyle-snowboards

Freestyle Snowboarding

Our Top Rated Freestyle Snowboards

It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time. It’s tricky. Freestyle snowboarding is riding hard in the park or finding booters in the backcountry. It’s constantly seeking the thrill of mixing grabs, 180s, 360s, and flips with grinding rails and boxes. Freestyle boards are soft, have more flex, and have a directional-twin or a true-twin shape so you can easily ride back and forth between goofy and regular, linking tricks along the way. Grab any of these boards if you plan on being hyper-aggressive riding park.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freestyle Snowboards for Men:

CaPiTA Ultrafear Freestyle Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)149 | 151 | 153 | 153W | 155 | 157
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker-Flat-Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA Ultrafear keeps it loose. It’s a versatile flat, freestyle snowboard with a little bit of rocker towards the nose and tail of the board. Though it’s not built for speed, it’s still pretty fast and you’ll be able to turn on a dime without catching an edge. Suitable for powder, the CAPiTA Ultrafear works best at the park with it’s skateboard-like feel.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)153 | 155| 157 | 158MW | 159 | 161
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelIntermediate | Advanced

The Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard provides a stable ride on cold, crusty snow and hardpack. This speedy ride will let you take on the park, pop your take-offs, and stomp your landings. The Element provides the flex and response you want while jibbing, without sacrificing the stability you need for higher speeds and bigger gaps.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Arbor Coda Rocker Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)157MW | 158 | 161MW | 163
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker
FlexStiff
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freeride
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The Arbor Coda Rocker Snowboard offers a surfy ride with natural float and clean tracking. It’s designed with a slightly directional twin shape that lets you conquer any terrain the mountain gives you, whether it’s backcountry or park. It’s all about versatility with a poplar core that provides an enhanced edgehold and some extra pop.

Powderheadz Rating

4.3/5

Best Freestyle Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freestyle Snowboards for Women:

Burton Talent Scout Women's Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)138 | 141 | 146 | 149 | 152
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendCamber
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelAdvanced – Expert

The Burton Talent Scout Snowboard has Overbite Frostbite Edges that provide enormous edge control in icy conditions and an off-axis squeezebox core that gives the snowboard some great pop. It’s true twin, cambered profile will take your talents all over the mountain.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

K2 Lime Lite Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 146 | 149 | 153
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
FlexSoft
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The K2 Lime Lite Snowboard comes with the  Tweekend™ twin rocker profile that will give you the freedom and control to jib and spin in the park while the carbon stringers will keep you stable and smooth with a superior edge hold. It’s a great progression snowboard that’ll keep you fun and loose.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

Salomon Gypsy Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)138 | 143 | 147 | 151
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Camber – Rocker
FlexMedium
TerrainAll-Mountain | Freestyle
Riding LevelIntermediate – Advanced

The Salomon Gypsy Snowboard features the Quadralizer, Slingshot Sidewalls for more control, maneuverability, and better flex in the park. The Rock Out Camber combined with the Popster Booster Core will help you send it through the air while the Slingshot dampening will cushion your landings.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Best Freestyle Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

This is our current List for the Best Snowboards of the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more Snowboards out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a Snowboard and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Snowboards List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.  Take a look down below on how to determine which board is right for you.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

How-To: Buy the Best Snowboards

There are so many types of snowboards out there with a multitude attributes, it can be a bit confusing into figuring out what kind of snowboard you should get. Camber or Rocker? Directional or True Twin? Flex, Shape, Profile? Here at Powderheadz.com, we’ll try and help you figure out what everything means.

If this is your first major purchase snowboard, it’s best to get familiar with some of the terminology out there.

Ability Level:

Determining your ability level will help nail down which type of snowboards you should look at. Many snowboards are actually described as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert or have a range such as Intermediate to Advanced. The right board can help make learning easier for beginners or have specific characteristics designed for an expert rider.

Beginner – If you’re struggling to stay on your feet or stop without falling you’re a true beginner. But if you’re able to link turns and aren’t too comfortable doing so, you’re at the high-end of beginner.

Intermediate – If you’re comfortable at linking turns but skidding a little bit you’re just entering the intermediate range. If you’re comfortable linking turns on Blue Runs and can somewhat navigate Black runs you’re at the high end of intermediate. You’re also at the high end of intermediate if you’re learning or able to ride switch, can take small jumps in the park, or your able to venture into the backcountry.

Advanced – You’re comfortable to ride black diamonds and some double black diamonds and you can link turns at high speeds or steep terrain. Or you’re comfortable landing most small/medium jumps, handling small/medium features (rails and boxes), able to get in and out of the pipe, or ride off-piste/backcountry with some confidence. At this point, you’ve also probably found your style of riding: all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, park, or powder.

Expert – You’re practically a professional and are sponsored. You’re riding fast down a double-black or challenging backcountry, or taking large/extra-large features at the Park.

Riding Style:

All-Mountain – All-Mountain Snowboards are designed in all snow conditions and terrain: groomers, powder, and park runs. If you’re unsure which board to purchase, these snowboards are the most versatile to suit your needs.

Freestyle – Freestyle Snowboards are often shorter and have a true twin shape so you can ride switch easily. These snowboards fit right in at terrain parks or the occasional street grind.

Freeride – Freeride Snowboards are often longer and have a directional shape with stiff flex. These snowboards are made for those who stay off groomed runs and in variable terrain (Off Piste or Backcountry).

Powder – Powder Snowboards are a variation of Freeride Snowboards. They are longer, have a directional shape, and a stiff flex. They also have a wider nose and a narrow tail and the rider’s stance is often in the rear of the board, to help with floating on powder.

Shape:

Directional Shape – Common shape for All-Mountain Snowboards and Freeride Snowboards. Directional Snowboards are designed to be ridden in one direction. They are often stiffer in the tail and softer towards the nose to help with stability while carving at high speeds. Bindings are mounted towards to the rear.

Directional Twin Shape – Common shape for All-Mountain Snowboards and Freestyle Snowboards. Combines both attributes of directional and true twin shapes. Can come with a symmetrical shape but directional flex or a directional shape with a symmetrical flex. Bindings are usually mounted in the center.

True Twin Shape – Common shape for Freestyle Snowboards. True Twin Snowboards are completely symmetrical with identical nose and tips as well as flex pattern. You’ll be able to ride in both directionons with ease. Bindings are mounted in the center.

Profile:

Camber – Traditional profile for snowboards. Has a smooth arch underfoot and even pressure when the ride stands on it. Offers maximum energy and pop.

camber profile

Rocker – Has a smooth downward curve with less edge contact when the rider stands on it. Float well on powder. Doesn’t catch as much as Camber snowboards when trying to land 360s.

rocker profile

Flat – Splits the difference in benefits of a Camber and Rocker snowboard. Can turn better than a Camber snowboard but better edging than a Rocker snowboard.

flat profile

Rocker – Camber – Rocker – Popular profile for Freeride snowboards. Gives a hard-carving edge hold on firm snow and greater turning ability in powder

rocker camber rocker profile

Rocker – Flat – Rocker – Combination of Rocker snowboards and Flat Snowboards. Gives a hard-carving edge hold and pop more than a Rocker Snowboard.

rocker flat rocker profile

Camber – Rocker – Camber – Gives a strong, pressured carving zone between the snowboarder’s feet and retains precision and pop from the nose to to tail.

camber rocker camber profile

Flex:

Flex is often measured from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Freestyle snowboards and All-mountain snowboards usually have a softer flex. They are more forgiving and easier to turn. Soft flex boards are great for beginners. Freeride snowboards and Powder snowboards usually have a stiffer flex. They provide a better edge hold and are more stable at higher speeds.

Best All-Mountain Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

This is our current List for the Best Snowboards of the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more Snowboards out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a Snowboard and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Snowboards List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboard Helmets | Powderheadz.com

Best Beginner Snowboards for 2021-2022

Buying your first beginner snowboard can be difficult, but in the long run it is worth it. It’s better to invest in your own board the first year rather than rent out sub-par rental equipment at a resort.  There are a few key things you should pay attention to when shopping for a beginner snowboard:

  • A good sized board that matches your body weight and skill level
  • Soft/Medium Flex will help you avoid catching edges
  • Twin or Directional Twin Shape

Many of these boards are built to last and are designed for you to grow with them. Even after you get better at snowboarding, you can keep using these until you’re ready to add another snowboard to your quiver. Plus, it’s always nice to have an extra board around in case you convince a friend to join you in the fun.

You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Beginner Snowboards for 2021-2022 down below.

Safe riding!

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards for Men

Burton Instigator PurePop Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)140 | 145 | 150 | 150W | 155 | 155W | 160 | 160W | 165W
ShapeDirectional
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
Core

FSC Certified Super Fly 800G Core

Dualzone EGD

FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard is the gold standard for beginner snowboards. It’s easy to ride and even easier on your bank account.  The Burton Instigator is designed to help you learn the basics as quickly as possible. It has a slightly directional shape with a wider and longer front, but you can still ride switch just as easily. The profile has a flat shape instead of the usual rocker profile. Turns are now easier to engage and your less likely to catch and edge and crash.

Powderheadz Rating

5/5

Men's Burton Ripcord Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)145 | 150 | 154 | 156W | 157 |158W | 159 | 162W
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
CoreFSC Certified Super Fly 900G Core
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Ripcord Snowboard is built to help beginners and intermediate riders get better in more advanced situations. Like the Burton Instigator Snowboard – Men’s 2022 , the Ripcord has a directional shape and a flat profile that will help prevent you from catching edges. It has a softer, playful flex and Easy Rider features that is more forgiving than most snowboards. Upgrading the snowboard to the Channel™ system allows you to adjust your stance setup with any binding (not just Burton’s). This board sets you up for success as an entry-level performance snowboard. It’s a snowboard that gives you room to grow from Newbie to Intermediate.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

DC Shoes Focus Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)137 | 144 | 149 | 155W | 157 | 159W
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker
CoreAstro Core
FlexMedium
 TerrainFreestyle
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The DC Focus is designed for the beginner who has already taken a few lessons on the mountain and is comfortable enough to go to the next level. This freestyle terrain board is built with a true twin shape and beveled edge.  It’s light and flexible enough to maneuver easily, and it’s anti-camber rocker style will help you from catching edges while you can be aggressive on the turns. If you’ve decided to ride park instead of groomers and back country, this is the board that will get you started.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Arbor Foundation Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)148 | 152 | 155 | 158 | 161 | 162MW
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendParabolic Rocker
CorePoplar Core
FlexMedium
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Arbor Foundation is self-explanatory. It’s an entry-level board for the developing snowboarder with a parabolic rocker that’s forgiving during your first turns. It helps you build a (wait for it) foundation to help you strive towards more advanced riding. The core of these boards are made of poplar and built to teach you how to board without any expensive bells and whistles. You can beat up this board as you learn how to snowboard with no regrets and no fear.

This All-Mountain snowboard will allow you to get a little taste of everything, before you decide whether to ride on groomers, between the trees, or on the rails.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

YES Basic Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)146 | 149 | 152 | 155 | 156W | 158 |159W | 161 | 163W
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Camber – Rocker
CoreFull Poplar
FlexSoft – Medium
 TerrainFreestyle | All-Mountain
Riding LevelIntermediate

An incredibly easy ride, the YES Basic Snowboard is an old-school board with soft to medium flex. Buy this board if after a few days of lessons on the mountain, you’re already confident enough to go down some blues and maybe even try a black or two. The soft flex, camber profile, and true twin shape gives this board some flexibility as a freestyle or all-mountain board. If you buy this snowboard, you won’t have to upgrade to another board for a few more years. With this snowboard, you’re basically saying, “to hell with these bunny slopes, I want to go hard, NOW!”

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

Our Top Rated Beginner Snowboards for Women

K2 First Lite Women's Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 146 | 150 | 154
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
CoreW1 Core | Single Species of wood
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner

The K2 First Lite is the best snowboard for a beginner yet can still hang with intermediate riders. It’s lightweight on your feet, has soft flex, and a rocker – flat – rocker profile that’s great for entering and exiting turns with ease. The all-wood core becomes responsive at fast speeds but is nice and forgiving enough so you don’t ever feel out of control. This board will help you learn how to ride, and fast.

Powderheadz Rating

4.5/5

Burton Stylus Snowboard 2022

Sizes available (cm)138 | 142 | 147 | 152
ShapeTrue Twin
Profile | BendRocker – Flat – Rocker
Core

FSC Certified Super Fly 800G Core

Dualzone EGD

FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner – Intermediate

The Burton Stylus is a super light board with a super light feel that makes learning effortless. The tapered shape and stability makes turning extremely easy and the twin flex lets you ride in both directions easily. And the wide nose and narrower tail will help you float in powder.

Powderheadz Rating

3.5/5

Salomon Lotus Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)135 | 138 | 142 | 146 | 151
ShapeDirectional Twin
Profile | BendFlat Out Camber
CoreAspen Core – FSC Certified Aspen Wood with strips of birch
FlexSoft
 TerrainAll-Mountain
Riding LevelBeginner

The Salomon Lotus is a fun board that has a soft and forgiving flex. The Flat Out Camber profile keeps the board steady and easy to turn. Salomon’s ‘Bite Free Edges’ also reduces your chances of catching an edge so you can learn with more confidence.

Powderheadz Rating

4/5

Best Beginner Snowboards | Powderheadz.com

And there you have it! Our current list for the Best Beginner Snowboards of the 2021-2022 Season. There are literally hundreds of snowboards out there and finding the right one can be a challenge, so hopefully you agree with out choices. Do you think a certain snowboard deserves a spot on our Top Rated Beginner Snowboard list? Let us know? Email us at info (at) powderheadz.com and we will do our best to give it a thorough testing! Need more tips?  Look below for a thorough guide on how to determine which beginner snowboard is right for you. 

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboards for Beginners | Powderheadz.com

How-To: Buy the Best Beginner Snowboards

Buying a snowboard can be a daunting task. There are so many snowboards built for different styles of terrain that you may not know where to start. Do you plan on staying on groomers? Hike through the back country? Coast on some powder? Or uncork some tricks at the park? Answering these questions will help guide you towards the right direction.

Before you consider purchasing a snowboard (it can be a pricey investment), take time to familiarize yourself with what type of snowboards are out there.

Snowboard Types: 

All-mountain – Not too cold, and not too hot. All-mountain boards are a combination of Freeride and Freestyle snowboards built for those who want to do a little bit of everything. These are often the most versatile boards that have a medium flex and can come either directional or twin-tipped. The length of the board is often adjusted based on what style the rider is tends to lean towards, freeride or freestyle.

Freeride – Freeriding is for those who wish to explore what the mountain has to offer, whether that’s on the groomers or in-between the trees. Most often though, Freeriders stick to the back country, side country, or oft-piste”. Freeride boards are usually directional in both shape and flex. They have a stiff, over-sized nose compared to a shorter, stiffer tail that helps you initiate turns better and float on powder.

Freestyle – Freestyle snowboarding is reserved for the terrain parks. If you’re into tricks and big air, grab one of these boards. Freestyle boards are short, light, flexible, and are twin-tipped shaped so you can go back and forth between regular and switch.  Many beginner snowboarders should look into Freestyle boards because their short length and soft flex respond to the rider quicker.

Powder – These boards are for advanced riders who love to stick to the backcountry or between the trees to find that perfect run of fresh snow. The boards will be stiffer, longer, and have a specific cambers to keep the board floating on top. Make sure you know what you’re doing if you decide to go in this direction.

Snowboard Shape:

Directional – Directional boards have a longer nose and shorter tail. Sometimes they have a twin flex but most often they will have a soft nose and stiff tail. These boards are made for all-mountain and are designed to float a bit through powder.

Directional Twin – A mix between directional and twin shaped boards (who would have thought).  These boards have a true twin shape but have a directional flex and are made for freeride. They have a softer nose and a stiffer tail and your stance is usually further back than a true twin.

True Twin – Twin boards are symmetrical in shape and in flex and have a centered stance. These boards are best for beginners and freestyle riders. You’ll be able to ride switch like you can ride regular.

Tapered – Tapered boards are directional boards where the nose is also wider than the tail. These are designed for powder riding and are fairly stiff, so you can fly down the mountain as fast as you want. However, do not ride switch on these guys, you’re going to have a bad time.

Snowboard Shape:

Directional – Directional boards have a longer nose and shorter tail. Sometimes they have a twin flex but most often they will have a soft nose and stiff tail. These boards are made for all-mountain and are designed to float a bit through powder.

Directional Twin – A mix between directional and twin shaped boards (who would have thought).  These boards have a true twin shape but have a directional flex and are made for freeride. They have a softer nose and a stiffer tail and your stance is usually further back than a true twin.

True Twin – Twin boards are symmetrical in shape and in flex and have a centered stance. These boards are best for beginners and freestyle riders. You’ll be able to ride switch like you can ride regular.

Tapered – Tapered boards are directional boards where the nose is also wider than the tail. These are designed for powder riding and are fairly stiff, so you can fly down the mountain as fast as you want. However, do not ride switch on these guys, you’re going to have a bad time.

Snowboard Camber | Rocker:

Camber profiles

Camber – These boards are responsive and give a stable ride with some pop.  Great for groomed runs and speed-demons.

Rocker – Rocker boards work great in powder as well as riding rails in the park. They’re usually softer than camber boards and are best for newbies.

Flat – These boards are responsive and turn on a dime while still being able to float.

Mixed – Hybrid boards with any combination of camber, flat, or rocker. These boards usually try to merge the benefits of either camber or rocker so you get a little bit of both.

Length:

The old saying goes, “The length of the board should be somewhere between your chin and your nose.” However, this old-school approach doesn’t account for the most important thing: the rider’s weight. Many brands will have different weight ranges for their lengths and different styles of boards. It’s best to find a good middle point for the weight vs. length, but always err on the side of a shorter board. The best advice? Read the sticker on the board before you purchase it.

Width:

You want your feet to overhang the edge by a little over half an inch.  More than that and you’ll drag your feet when you turn, which will slow you down considerably. Less than that you’ll have less control on your edges.  Also, wide boards float better in powder and are more stable while narrow boards are easier to turn.  Usually, if you’re feet are US Size 11 or more, go for the Wider boards.

 

Best Beginner Snowboards| Powderheadz.com

This is our current list of Best Beginner Snowboards for the 2021-2022 Season.  However, there are tons more of Beginner Snowboards out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a Beginner Snowboard and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Beginner Snowboard List? Let us know!  E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.

As always, happy riding!

Best Snowboards for Beginners | Powderheadz.com