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Best Entry-Level Snowboards 2018-2019

Chosen by the Whitelines Test Team

Despite all the faff that comes with actually getting it to the mountains, it’s always better to have your own snowboard rather than rent one. The more you get used the same piece of kit, the easier it is to progress quickly.

Just about every brand out there caters to the beginner market, with a wide variety of shapes, profiles and designs. The jury’s still out on what the very best layup is for those first tentative turns, but figuring out what works for you will be part of the fun.

“The more you get used the same piece of kit, the easier it is to progress quickly”

Just make sure you plan ahead and get something that you won’t outgrow; don’t buy something tapered, for example, if you plan to spend most of your sophomore days in the park.

It’s also important to note that, while a lot of entry-level models come in at the lower end of the price scale, don’t assume that all less expensive boards are for beginners, or vice versa. That’s why we have a list of the Best Value Snowboards for 2018/19 too.

There are loads more out there that we didn’t get our hands on, but here’s what we rate for newbies this winter.

Scroll down to view all the best entry-level snowboards, or skip to a particular model using the links below

Bataleon | Burton | Gnu | Head | Jones | K2 | KORUA Shapes | Lib Tech | Lobster | Nidecker | Ride | Rome |Salomon | YES

The Best Beginner Snowboards For Winter 2018/19

Burton Hideaway Women’s Snowboard 2018-2019

PRICE: £345/€399

The new Burton Hideaway is a fantastic choice for those just starting out. The flat profile is less catchy than camber and easier to control than rocker, plus the extra thin core makes it easy to manipulate with your feet.

The underfoot shock absorber pads are pretty handy too, and aesthetically it’s a million miles away from naff ‘beginner’ fare.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Burton Hideaway here

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Head Stella Women’s Snowboard 2018-2019

PRICE: £239/€299

If you’ve got freestyle in mind down the line, then the Head Stella would be a good one to start out with.

It’s lightweight and easy-going, with a simple yet effective construction. Then when you’re ready, the true-twin shape is perfect for the park. And as far as value for money goes, nothing else comes close.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Head Stella here

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Lib tech Skate Banana Snowboard 2018-2019

PRICE: £439/€499

You’ll regularly see veteran shredders on a Skate Banana, but we’ve always been an advocate for it as a beginner board too.

The mostly-rocker profile will give you a mellower time of it at the start, but when you’re ready to progress to either freestyle or backcountry, it’s got loads to offer. More expensive than most, but think of it as an investment.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Lib Tech Skate Banana here

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Nidecker Escape Snowboard 2018-2019

PRICE: £359/€399

Here’s another one that’s not technically an entry-level board, but is nonetheless one we’d recommend to those on the first rung.

The ash topsheet helps to keep things smooth, and it’s just soft enough to make taming the camber bend a relatively easy affair. The base is top quality, too, so when you’re ready to charge it’ll oblige.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Nidecker Escape here

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Salomon Sight Snowboard 2018-2019

PRICE: £299/€349

Despite the low price, Salomon has snuck some clever, beginner-friendly tech into the Sight. Rubber pads give your feet a break during those crucial first few steps, and the sidecut is a blend of several radii for extra control.

The directional twin shape makes it a great all-mountain option for when you’ve mastered the basics, too.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Salomon Sight here

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