Having a quality snowboard to tackle the slopes with is essential for the snow season and as such, having one of the best snowboard brands strapped to your feet will do. With so many great styles of snowboard, all fused with the latest technology, it’s clear snowboarding has come a long way since the mid-sixties, when the ‘father of snowboarding’ Sherman Poppen bolted two skis together.
But with so many different types of snowboards, it’s hard to find the perfect one for you. When purchasing a snowboard, there are so many things to consider as the perfect snowboard for you relies on the shape, length, width, skill level, and snow condition.
While you want it to be tough when riding along even the most unforgiving terrain, you always want your snowboard to feel poppy and responsive. You also want to ensure it has a sufficient surface area and is excellent for turn initiation as you want to ride with ultimate precision.
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Finding the best snowboard for you can be a daunting task. However, to help you with this process, we’ve rounded up the best snowboard brands that are redefining the industry with their innovative designs. Make sure you check out each brand, as these snowboards are performance-enhancing and will make you feel super powerful as you shred through powder.
Burton
1/16Price: From $389
Customer Reviews: “Its a great board so much fun, love the colour no problem at all with the shipping and everything I ordered came on time.”
Burton is a leading snowboard brand that has revolutionised the industry ever since its launch in 1977. The company, founded by Jake Burton Carpenter in a humble Vermont barn, has since expanded into an award-winning brand recognised by snowboarders globally. They manufacture the very best snowboard equipment combining innovative and groundbreaking technology.
With the Vermont snowy mountains nearby, Burton uses it as their testing ground, tinkering their products right in their own backyard.
Burton snowboards are easily some of the best on the market as they have ones suitable for all-mountain, powder, and freestyle riding. They manufacture every type of snowboard possible, from boards that feature hybrid camber technology, positive camber, freestyle decks and split boards. These snowboards deliver high performance while providing a smooth ride on the mountains.
Check out the 2023 Burton Custom… it’s a beauty.
Ride
2/16Price: From $419
Customer Reviews: “This board is pretty stable at speed and pretty fast.”
Ride was founded by passionate snowboarders, all possessing distinct riding styles for exploring the alpines. This brand deemed “for the people” was founded in 1995 and launched with just four boards to its name. Since then, Ride has become one of the most respected brands, known for its well-crafted snowboards, guaranteed to make you super confident on the slopes.
Ride is a brand for real snowboarders as it’s synonymous with quality and technical designs that help preserve the planet. From minimal packaging, biodegradable wax or full swap to the Membrain top sheet technology, Ride sustainably manufactures all its gear to keep waste to an absolute minimum.
Ride has a snowboard for everyone, no matter the age or ability, pro riders or beginners. Ride snowboards are incredibly high-tech, as they’re created with delicate precision and craftsmanship to feel highly stable, so you’re able to tackle even the rockiest terrain. These boards also feature the most stylish graphics, ensuring you’ll stand out in the snow.
Lib Tech
3/16Price: From $549
Customer Reviews: “Board is extremely flickable despite being on the wider side. I weight 225 and this length is great.”
Lib Tech is a premier snow brand manufacturing the best and eco-friendly snowboards the industry has ever since. These boards are famous for combining Magne Traction and Banana Technology into their designs, revolutionising how snowboards are made. Their diverse range is embraced by recreational and professional riders from all over the world. Lib Tech continues to invent new shapes, flexes, contours and blends while combining high-tech sustainable materials into each product.
If you’re looking for a snowboard suitable for aggressive riding, definitely check out the skate banana range, as these boards are great for control and precision, making you feel like you can ride the most intimidating mountains.
Nitro
4/16Price: From $330
Customer Reviews: “This board is easy to hop on and start ripping. If you are newer to snowboarding, it might be more than you can chew.”
Nitro is one of the best snowboarding brands around as they’ve had over 25 years of experience and expertise. This brand was founded in 1990 in Seattle, Washington, by iconic snowboarders Tommy Delago and Sepp Ardelt.
These two joined forces to create classic traditional snowboarding gear updated with advanced technology. The brand is rider own and operated to this day, making some of the most exquisite snowboards that cater to all different types of riders.
Nitro has a diverse range of camber boards that come in different shapes, from directional boards to true twins and directional twins; they have it all. These boards also provide top speed while still being flexible and durable, so you’ll perform at your absolute peak. They’re currently offering snowboards for discounted prices, so make sure you get in quick!
K2
5/16Price: From $419
Customer Reviews: “What I like about the boards camber profile is it really allows you to jump and land with power.”
In 1962, Bill Kirschner launched his business by producing the very first pair of fibreglass skis. Today, the brand is one of the best brands manufacturing superior snowboard gear and equipment for the most affordable prices. K2 believes that quality snow products should be accessible to every rider out there on the slopes.
You’ll struggle to find a better board, as few snowboard brands combine futuristic and forward-thinking technology the way K2 do. They have a selection of boards with a wide width, ideal for more surface area, helping you control the board with great ease.
They also have boards that feature a directional tapered shape, perfect for blasting swiftly through powder. With such a diverse collection, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for during the snow season.
Rossignol
6/16Price: From $370
Customer Reviews: “Overall good board … This is a great starter board, very soft and and flexible. I’m on the east coast where it’s more icy and doesn’t handle it well.”
Rossignol is an expert brand for ski and snowboard equipment as they have been around for over 100 years. The French manufacturer of the alpine, snowboard and Nordic equipment is a pioneering company creating the very best products and was even one of the first companies to produce plastic skis. Ever since its launch, Rossignol has been the benchmark for winter sports, so you can expect to find a quality snowboard here too.
They have snowboards suited to all types of riders, no matter if you’re looking for an all-mountain, freestyle, power or split board design. These snowboards are highly technical and are great all-around directional boards that will provide you with power and stability so you’re able to conquer deep snow.
Gnu
7/16Price: From $450
Customer Reviews: “Nice and stable ⋅ Quick and nimble from edge to edge ⋅ Board easily maneuverable”
Gnu was founded in the early 80s by Mike Olson, who has been creating snowboards since 1977. Gnu is one of the best snowboard brands out there as they don’t settle for creating mediocre designs. Instead, each product is tried and tested until it meets the company’s strict high standards.
Combining colourful graphics, advanced geometries and technologies, Gnu is producing some of the finest snowboards on the market. Gnu is all about embracing the weird as their boards feature the most out-there, playful prints that will make you look super fashionable in the alpines
These snowboards are built at Mervin’s manufacturing – one of the oldest and last factories creating snowboards in the U.S. Gnu offer sleek and cool designs that are super responsive and feature Magnatraction, allowing you to control the board with great ease. These boards feel like a custom made ride enhancing your performance while guaranteeing a smooth journey.
Arbor
8/16Price: From $400
Customer Reviews: “Quality is questionable … The board is really functional and very good for intermediate rider. I got a heavy snow day, and this board really helps me to stay.”
Founded in 1995 by Bob Carlson, Arbor’s vision has remained the same since its creation – to deliver responsible progression by blending forward-thinking designs and traditional craftsmanship made from sustainable materials. In the nineties, Arbour was launched by a group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to produce high quality and sustainable gear for action sports.
Arbor is known for their Power Ply technology, using sustainably sourced wood or bamboo for their boards to improve the rider experience. These are the most labour-intensive boards on the market, as each design is treated with great care and detail.
Arbor’s snowboards cater to any riding style as they have an extensive collection. They have some of the finest camber boards, as these designs feature incredibly versatile shapes made from premium materials. These boards help with sharp turns while riding down steep mountains. These high-quality boards are extremely easy to control, guaranteeing an effortless ride.
Jones
9/16Price: From $550
Customer Reviews: “Handles speed very well ⋅ Great edge hold in firm conditions.”
Founded in 2010 by snowboarding pioneer Jeremy Jones, his self-titled label is one of the best snowboard companies. Aside from making well-made boards, Jones preserves the planet through its responsible and ethically manufacturing. Additionally, a portion of their sales goes to sustainability-focused non-for-profits.
If you’re looking to make a smart, eco-friendly purchase, then you’ll want to check out Jones’ line. Jones snowboards are known for their durable construction, that’s able to ride smoothly on the most challenging mountains. They are primarily known for their impeccable freeride and all-mountain twin boards that have a solid sintered base. These boards also include the most remarkable graphics.
Salomon
10/16Price: From $350
Customer Reviews: “Smooth flex and playful ride ⋅ Fun and well-made board.”
Salomon was founded in 1947 in the city of Annecy in the heart of the French Alps. Initially, the business run by the Salomon family started producing skis in its small workshop and later expanded into selling a vast range of the best snow gear. The brand grew prominence after their products featured in the 1966 Olympic Games, soon after Salomon became a household company. This snowboard company also has a strong team of professionals, including Louif Paradis Bode Merrill and Wolle Nyvelt.
From beginners to pro riders, Salomon makes the very best snowboards packed with the latest technology. They have a diverse collection of boards for every rider, no matter if you’re looking for something perfect for all-mountain, freeride or freestyle riding. Their products have a highly responsive flex, while the boards feel extremely lightweight.
Sims
11/16Price: From $799
Customer Reviews: “The board is light, responsive edge to edge.”
Sims is one of the top snowboard brands launched in the mid-seventies – arguably one of the first snowboard brands ever to exist. The company founded by Tom Sims has revolutionised the snowboard industry with its futurist products that have fueled technology progression in the winter sport since 1976. Tom Sims started a cultural movement with his label and vision of a lifestyle built around winter sports.
Sims features some of the most impressive split boards on the snowboard market as they have a super strong deck, making it easy to navigate on the slopes. While these boards are extremely tough, they’re also highly flexible, making it effortless to spin and rotate tricks.
Sims’ collection manufacture boards of varying lengths, shapes and widths, so every rider will find something that suits them, regardless of ability level.
Capita
12/16Price: From $430
Customer Reviews: “Softer flexing traditional camber? Finally a board that gets me. So fun to rip around the park!”
In 2000, Capita was born with the vision to shake up snow sports by offering innovative and updated equipment as their motto is “Everything is Possible”. Though Capita started from humble beginnings and was even faced with a possible bankruptcy at one point, the company was grown into one of the most sought-after brands. Their team features snowboarding legends such as Jess Kimura and Brandon Cocard, and past masters include Tyler Lapore, Seth Huot, Corey Smith and TJ Schneider.
Capita snowboards are some of the most well-manufactured the industry has ever since. They’re hand-crafted in Austria with 100% clean energy at the company’s own manufacturing facility, known as ‘The Mothership’. This design centre is one of the most technologically advanced and ecologically responsible manufacturing facilities in the snowboard industry. It was even awarded the Energy Globe Award for Austria.
These boards are incredibly versatile and easy to manoeuvre through powder. Currently, Capita is offering snowboards for a discounted price, so make sure you check them out.
Nidecker
13/16Price: From $404
Customer Reviews: “The twin directional shape of the Play makes it easy to control, and perfect for completing your first turns safely.”
Nidecker is a family-owned Swiss snowboard company that’s delivered the best winter clothing and equipment since 1887. The company was founded by Henri Nidecker I, who launched his small business in Etoy, Switzerland. Henri, a carpenter, used his knowledge of wood bending to design skis. However, this brand soon began producing a whole range of alpine gear incorporating sleek designs with cutting-edge technology.
Make sure you check out Nideckers collections, as they feature every type of board. No matter if you’re looking for an all-mountain, split board, freeride or freestyle board, they have it all. Nidecker, also manufacture the best snowboards, suitable for beginner or advanced riders.
These boards are super poppy and responsive, making you feel in control and many feature hybrid camber, providing you with precision while you make those sharp turns while giving you added stability and power. They also offer boards with a wide width, allowing for extra buoyancy.
YES Snowboards
14/16Price: From $430
Customer Reviews: “Great stability for landings ⋅ Feels stable even when bombing ⋅ Good swing feel”
In 2010, three golden children of snowboarding, Romain de Marchi, Jan Peter Solberg and David Carrier Porcheron, joined forced to create a leading brand that would change the snowboarding industry. The name derived from Obama’s ‘Yes We Can’ speech became the motto YES snowboards as they wanted to push the boundaries and achieve the greatest through their fresh products. The first snowboard they created even painted ‘Yes We Can’, paying homage to the speech that fueled a creative fire.
YES Snowboards is based in Switzerland and is made up of a small team of passionate snowboards wanting to inspire people to explore the alpines and the great outdoors.
Make sure you check out their online store, as YES Snowboards create the most impressive decks geared to raise your skill set. Many of their designs have a stiff flex, perfect for the more aggressive, faster riders who want to reach their personal best. However, if you’re looking for a board more suited to beginners, definitely check out their directional shaped boards, as they’re easy for turn initiation while providing extra stability.
Cardiff
15/16Price: From $750
Customer Reviews: “Incredibly fast and nimble ⋅ Great float ⋅ Really responsive, surfy ride”
Cardiff origins began in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, with an architect snowboarder to wanted to create the ultimate split board. These initial sketches for the board led to many prototypes that eventually launched into a collection of all types of boards suited for uncharted, harsh terrain. If you’re an advanced rider looking for a snowboard that will upgrade your performance, look no further than Cardiff.
With decades of experience, Cardiff designs and engineers purpose-built boards, unlike any other. Each board is available either as a split board or snowboard while being constructed as two different builds: ENDURO and PRO CARBON.
These customised models allow you to ride with total control and feel incredibly powerful as you churn through powder. Their collection features the best directional shaped boards that sinks the tail while adding power to the back foot. Also, these boards come with a highly durable sintered base, capable of undertaking any snow condition or environment.
DC
16/16Price: From $380
Customer Reviews: “Feels nimble and dexterous ⋅ Runs fast ⋅ Felt solid hitting big jumps”
DC is one of the most renowned action sports brands that has been around since the early nineties. Getting its start creating some of the most impressive apparel for surfers, DC has since launched a line of excellent snow gear and equipment embraced by professional athletes from all over the world. What makes DC unique is how it combines high-quality products with its signature youthful style, so you’ll feel and look your absolute best in the snow.
If you’re looking for an all-around, great snowboard, then DC has you covered as they create boards suited for different riding styles. DC is primarily known for its creative camber patterns and sleek graphics to make you look effortlessly cool on the mountains. However, aside from just looking good, these boards are highly poppy and responsive, providing you with excellent control. These boards also come in various lengths, types, shapes and widths.