Amplid Souly Grail Snowboard 2021-2022

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Men’s Newcomer Snowboard
PRICE: €770 / $770

Amplid have carved out a stellar reputation for their fleet of snowboards dedicated to perfecting the art of the turn. Their Centrifugal Collection showcases some of the most performance-driven, technologically advanced boards that induce a near God-like feeling of power and control on the edge. Winter 21/22 sees a new model added to the lineup: the Souly Grail…Tighten your boots, zip up your vents, and say your Hail Marys. Your snowboarding prayers are about to be answered.

Who Is The Amplid Souly Grail For?

It’s certainly geared towards more experienced riders who want the best performance on offer. That said, you needn’t take a holier-than-thou attitude to precision carving to get along with the Souly Grail. Compared with the likes of the Pentaquark, this one’s pretty manageable at slower speeds, in tighter spots, and when you’re taking the home run in cruise control.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Amplid Souly Grail here

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Rome Muse Women’s Snowboard 2021-2022

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Women’s Newcomer Snowboard
PRICE: £400 / €450 / $450

This fresh model from Rome is essentially a bit like a speedboat. It’s fast, agile, exciting, bags of fun, and guaranteed to make onlookers green with envy. In fact, one could argue that it’s even better; with the Rome Muse, you won’t feel like a prime, Insta-influencer-grade bellend when you’re on one.

Who Is The Rome Muse For?

Rome’s female-specific options are pretty great across the board, but the Rome Muse is the brand’s only real all-rounder. If you’re looking for one board to see you right regardless of what Mother Nature has cooked up the night before, this is a fantastic choice. More specifically, those who lean towards freestyle rather than freeride will get the best results.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Rome Muse here

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K2 Special Effects 2021-2022

Whitelines Choice Winner: Best Unisex Volume Shifted Snowboard
PRICE: £520 / €580 / $600

Welcoming to the stage for their first ever appearance, K2 brings you the Special Effects snowboard. Built for boarders to want to adventure into the unknown and untouched snow, this board lets glide over snow, bounce down pillows and makes predictable turn imitations.

Who Is The K2 Special Effects For?

If you’re bored of just going up the chairlift to just come down the piste alongside everyone else, then it’s time to move on and experience freeride boarding with the Special Effects board. Suitable for intermediate to expert boarders who are ready to up their game on the mountain, equipped with a Carbon Glass it’s responsive and less forgiving so you need to know what you’re doing.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 K2 Special Effects here

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Borealis Alpine Splitboard Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £735 / €859 / $1009

Borealis first arrived on the scene in 2013 and, although still a relatively small operation based in the Alps, they’ve quickly garnered attention and support among riders and the wider snowboard industry. Not least of all because shapes like the Marauder and Leviathan are impossible to walk past at trade shows and demo events. But it was the much more understated, sleek and functional looking Alpine Split that came up top trumps in this year’s testing.

Who Is The Borealis Alpine Split For?

It was first designed as a solid snowboard in collaboration with Borealis team rider and Freeride World Tour athlete Clément Bochatay for the kind of descents that would shrivel the burliest of ballsacks. It’s a purpose-built big mountain charger, and in its split form it sets you up well for long days on the skin track and far-out alpine peaks, but the rewards aren’t just reserved for the furthest peaks – it’s a pretty great option for all manner of tours.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Borealis Alpine Split here

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CAPiTA Mega Mercury Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £680 / €730 / $730

After the success of the beefed up Super DOA, CAPiTA have turned their attention to another all-mountain favourite. As the name suggests, the Mega Merc is the herculean big brother to the CAPiTA Mercury, the snowboard you know and love, but with all the dials turned up to 11.

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Who Is The CAPiTA Mega Merc For?

You’re the kind of rider who prioritises… well, everything. Speed, agility, power, lightweight construction, finesse in the air, float in the powder, aggressive response on groomers, the whole enchilada. There’s no part of the mountain you don’t want to attack, and you’re not afraid to splash a little more cash to get the VIP treatment.

You’ll happily spend a few extra pennies for top shelf liquor rather than house spirit, it’s still whisky- but this is whisky, y’know?

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 CAPiTA Mega Merc here

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Gnu Banked Country Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £470 / €530

The Christy-Cummins clan are an institution within the Mervin family, and in snowboarding itself, mum and dad are two of the most prolific riders of the last three decades, so it only makes sense that their son Cannon is an absolute ripper too. For 2021/22 we’re seeing some much-anticipated teamwork from the father-son duo to bring to you the brand-new Gnu Banked Country.

Who Is The Gnu Banked Country For?

Experienced riders who are looking for something really next level for charging in-bounds but is also more than capable of giving as good as it gets when the conditions are prime. Rad dads with 20 seasons under their belt find mutual ground with their up-and-coming rippers (who are already better than them) in this all-mountain freeride steamroller.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Gnu Banked Country here

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Korua Dart Plus Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: €699

It seems like KORUA Shapes can do no wrong. Release a series of bespoke shapes with a fresh, clean and minimal aesthetic known as the Classic Line? We’re here for it. Take some of those shapes (and add a couple of new ones) into a stealthy black, supercharged series called the Plus Line? Offt, alright, now we’re talking. Add one more line of conceptual shapes which bear as much resemblance to the outlines of rocket ships, ammunition and fruit and vegetables? Take my money and point me to the nearest chairlift.

Who Is The Korua Dart Plus For?

The Classic version of the Dart already has mass appeal. The flex is right down the middle – soft enough to be manageable for many riders; stiff enough for confident carvers to really work it through an arc. The Plus version really is a step up in performance and speed, with a pretty hefty reduction in weight. As such, it’s going to suit more advanced riders with a sufficient budget to splurge on a new toy. But if you’ve been in pursuit of the elusive “perfect carve” for a few seasons, this might be just the harpoon to hunt down the white whale.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Korua Dart Plus here

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Lib Tech Apex Orca Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £890 / €1,000

When we first heard about Lib Tech’s new Apex Orca, we immediately thought of Dr Ian Malcolm’s famous quote, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” But in this case? Yes, yes they should. Well played Lib Tech, this one is truly something special. The Apex Orca is a look at how far we can push engineering and tech-wizardry in snowboarding and as such it don’t come cheap, but then again, this isn’t a snowboard for everybody.

Who Is The Lib Tech Apex Orca For?

You appreciate the finer things in life, be it a succulent Japanese Kobe steak or outerwear that’s actually waterproof, and you’re not afraid to part with a wad of cash to ensure you get the very best. Amateurs need not apply, with its ultra-light carbon construction this is a snowboard that packs a serious punch, but if you’re an experienced rider who knows how to attack the mountain, then you’ll get along swimmingly.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Lib Tech Apex Orca here

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Nidecker Instinct Alpha Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £395 / €400 / $430

If you’re looking for efficient design solutions then the natural world is a good place to start. As David Attenborough is fond of telling us, a few million years of evolution has seen animals adapt their forms to the environment. Nidecker drew on this concept to create their new ‘Instinct’ series, featuring silhouettes and three-dimensional elements that mimic the shapes that work so well for birds and marine life.

Who Is The Nidecker Instinct Alpha For?

While the Alpha can certainly handle the occasional lap through the park, this is really a board for riders who see the whole mountain as their playground. It’s got crazy flow that encourages you to draw lines down the hardpack, seek out pow stashes and get creative over natural hits. Think Mathieu Crepel busting a floaty front 3 off a windlip. Oof, filthy!

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Nidecker Instinct Alpha here

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Nidecker Thruster Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £430 / $500

It never ceases to amaze us that Nidecker have been in business since 1887. OK, back then they were focused on farming equipment rather than snow-sliding machines, but that’s a lot of experience in the manufacturing game. Their snowboards rightly have a reputation for aggressive piste performance – as befits their Swiss roots – and with the Slice ‘n’ Dice video series of the last 5 years they’ve successfully tapped into the carving renaissance. Now they’ve poured all their edge-to-edge know-how into an aggressive new shape that’s capable of slaying hardpack and powder alike. Introducing the Thruster.

Who Is The Nidecker Thruster For?

If you have to ask, it’s probably not for you. We’re talking about unchecked aggression here, dude. A directional shape, stiff core, positive camber and lightning-fast base make this an all-mountain weapon of the most formidable kind. Experienced riders with a taste for low turns and eye-watering speeds will dig it. Beginners? Less so.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Nidecker Thruster here

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Ride Benchwarmer Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: €580

Brand new from Ride the Benchwarmer storms out of the gates as the weapon of choice for your in-bounds, park boosting, piste bashing, weapon of send. This stiff, hybrid (mostly camber) snowboard is packed full of all the carbon, slime and asymmetric tech you need to pop high and turn tight. Just looking at that base graphic makes us want to brag about having the best turns on the mountain…

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Who Is The Ride Benchwarmer For?

Built for the aggressive chargers who want to leave their mark on the pistes and parks, this technical beast favours the intermediate & advanced riders who can handle a tight turn and a strong pop. Available in a large array of size options this unisex board should work for anyone willing to step up to the mantle.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Ride Benchwarmer here

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Rome Freaker Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £410 / €460 / $460

If you’re familiar with Rome’s output of late, you might recognise the specs on this as also belonging to last year’s Speed Freak model. Given that it’s definitely more of an all-mountain design than an out-and-out charger, the new name makes a lot more sense. So it’s not technically ‘new’, but instead can be seen as a fresh start for a board that perhaps, didn’t get a fair shake under its old moniker. As far as we’re concerned, justice has been served, and the nerds just looking to max out the top speed on their phone’s tracker app can look elsewhere.

Who Is The Rome Freaker For?

Let’s face it; most of us want a board that can deliver every day. The Rome Freaker is exactly that, a true taskmaster that is as happy in the air as it is in a carve. Rene Rinnekangas swears by this one – and if you come across anything on the mountain that he can’t do, be sure to let us know.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 Rome Freaker here

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YES. 420 UnInc JPS Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £469 / €500 / $500

It was back in 2013 when YES. Snowboards first turned heads with the 420. It was one of the first significantly volume shifted snowboards to really gain traction in the market, and has since been recognised as the bonafide OG of the short-n-wide revolution. Along with Romain de Marchi and DCP, JP Solberg has taken his favourite model from the line, and specced it out to meet his demands in the new, limited UnInc line for winter 2021/22.

Who Is The YES. 420 UnInc JPS For?

Here’s the thing: the 420’s reputation precedes itself as one of the best and most iconic powder snowboards out there. And while that remains the case in the UnInc version — and how — it’s surprisingly capable as a daily driver that can blast its way through chop, stick a landing in switch and (seriously, hear us out) even charge around the pistes. So, providing you’re confident riding a stiffer flex and chunky outline, you’ll be surprised just where you can take this one. Although we all know where it really belongs…

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 YES. 420 UnInc JPS here

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YES. Basic UnInc RDM Snowboard 2021-2022

PRICE: £519 / €550 / $550

Since 2008, the boys over at YES. Snowboards have been shaking the tree with some of the most progressive, innovative and creative snowboards out there. But long before then, they were shaping the culture of snowboarding and pushing progression to its limits with the UnInc Crew. Romain De Marchi’s re-imagined Basic UnInc is the most versatile, all-mountain focussed of the series and is a pretty serious step up from the long-standing best seller.

Who Is The YES. Basic UnInc RDM For?

Make no mistake, it’s a bit of a boss-hog. Rider’s will need to be fairly confident and experienced to take full advantage of what’s on offer with the Basic UnInc. But if you’ve been looking for a powerful twin snowboard to level up your all-mountain freestyle this season then surely this is one of the best tools for the job.

Selected for the Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2021-2022 YES. Basic UnInc RDM here

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