The Details:

If you genuinely think powder sucks, then you need to get your head examined. Even the guys at Stepchild don’t think that, despite what they used to call this. Now known simply as the Stepchild Sucks, it’s no freeride special, but this will do right by you both on the piste and off.

The full poplar core is a simple-yet-effective option that delivers plenty of snap while keeping the cost down. A little Kevlar (the stuff found in bulletproof vests) enhances the pop and strength, but for the most part this is a no-nonsense deck that’ll be popular with traditionalists.

The profile – rockered in the middle, cambered underfoot – makes it easy to grip hard-pack and stay above the powder. You can ride the whole mountain on this, then, and given the true twin shape it’s ideal for freestyle whether you’re right under the chairlifts or on a hiking mission into to the next valley.

It’s not designed for screaming down steep pitches; the ‘sintruded’ base material isn’t as quick as pure sintered, but it’s easier to repair and won’t require as much upkeep.

No, buy the Stepchild Powder Sucks for deepening the trick bag rather than feeling the G’s; and for something that will do just about anything, that’s not a bad price to pay.