Our favourite all-mountain, freestyle, and freeride snowboards for the 2025 season
What is the best snowboard? It’s a question we get asked on a daily basis and a question that has ruined many a Whitelines staff night out. Truth be told, the best snowboard isn’t determined by the product itself; it’s determined by the rider. Finding the right deck is an entirely subjective decision, based on your ability level, budget and, crucially, where you like to spend your time on the mountain. Are you lapping the park, pistes or powder? Are you getting your kicks in resort or out of bounds?
“Truth be told, the best snowboard isn’t determined by the product itself; it’s determined by the rider”
Regardless of what you’re in the market for, there’s an abundance of choice. Frankly, the sheer quantity of options can be one of the most challenging aspects to overcome when picking out your next snowboard. Luckily, there’s no such thing as a bad board, per se – at least not in The Whitelines 100 – but having trust in your equipment and confidence in your decision making process is essential.
If you’re wanting proper freeride lines, you’ll need a proper freeride deck | PC: Ed Blomfield
Below, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of our favourite snowboards for this year. This contains the best freeride snowboards, freestyle snowboards, and all-mountain snowboards. You’ll find everything from weird and wonderful volume-shifted powder twins to hard-charging park destroyers.
If you’re shopping for the first time or are still confused by some of the technical jargon then take a look at some of our handy video explainers for some useful advice.
Bring a bit of freestyle flair wherever you go with an all-mountain deck | PC: Ed Blomfield
Our test team this season had a combined 210 years of snowboarding between them, averaging 18 years of riding. We tested in every condition the mountain could throw at us, from deep pow to slushy messes and in some of the best parks around. Our team stretched from Canada, Italy, Finland, Austria and France to New Zealand, creating us a ten month season to get the work in. You’ll find our genuine opinions in here as well as all the tech information you need to make that all important decision for your next ride.
“Our test team had a combined 210 years of snowboarding”
Happy shopping, folks. We’ll see you on the mountain!
Best Snowboards For 2024-2025
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Amplid Singular Directional Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €660 / $660
What is the ultimate ‘Swiss Army knife’ snowboard? You know, one that can float well in powder, carve up a piste, hold its own in the park, and wouldn’t surprise you if it had a discreet pair of tweezers embedded somewhere in the sidewall?
Step forward the Amplid Singular Directional snowboard, the product of an exhaustive R&D process that aimed to iron out all the well-established issues with supposedly ‘go-anywhere’ options. Its subtle taper, mid-range flex and early-rise camber profile give it a solid foundation for groomers and backcountry lines alike, yet our test team reports a negligible effect on its ability to handle kickers and rails.
It also features a massive dollop of the kind of tech advancements with which Peter Bauer’s company has become synonymous, including vibration-cancelling additives in the nose and – new for 2024/25 – additional carbon reinforcements through the waist.
There’s also a true twin version of the Singular, but for our testers this one ticked a greater number of boxes overall. They also reckon it’s avoided the biggest pitfall faced by all-mountain boards, in that it actually has its own personality and doesn’t feel like a compromise. You’ll have to bring your own tweezers, though.
PRICE: €590 / $490
Inspiration for snowboard design can, of course, come from anywhere – but we must admit that Amplid’s description of the Psychonaut’s outline being “reminiscent of dadbod curves” is a new one for us….
Performance-wise, this one is perhaps better at multi-tasking than the average dad. Its powder prowess is made clear in the shape alone, but carving on hard-pack comes naturally too. It’s certainly not a freestyle board, and even some other all-mountain models (including the Amplid Singular) may be a better pick for those who truly want to keep all options open. However, if you just need something for side-hits and drops encountered on the way to your next carve or slash, then look no further. Our testers noted how the Psychonaut launched to the moon (thanks in part to the carbon additives) and touched down with surprising grace (cheers, impact pads).
Like all the boards in Amplid’s ‘Future Shapes’ collection, the Psychonaut is only available in one size – 157cm – so naturally some riders will be excluded from the get-go. On the plus side, those who fit the physical profile for this one will know that it’s been fine-tuned just for riders like them, while others are welcome to scope out the rest of the line.
Ask any splitboarder what would make their life easier, and the answer will usually be the same: a lighter setup for the way up that still rips on the way down. Each year, tons of work goes into cracking this particular nut, but few have managed it quite like the Amplid Milligram.
These days it’s undergone a bit of a facelift, borrowing elements from the now-retired Millisurf, including the urethane-coated inner sidewalls. Those ensure that both halves fit together perfectly in riding mode, and stay that way until you’re ready to transfer again – a process which, thanks to the skin-hook holes in the nose and tail, couldn’t be easier.
Overall, though, it’s got the same weight-saving properties that have made it a hit for years – from the insanely light core to the carbon laminates. The topsheet even reflects heat, preventing snow from sticking to it and adding unwanted grammes for the skin up.
When you’re all about shaving weight, there’s always going to be a little bit of a trade-off in terms of stability when riding, especially in crud or heavy slush. But our tester’s verdict was that it was one worth making, and would opt for this over the alternative every time. Top
Nidecker Mellow Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €520 / £499 / $520
Nidecker’s snow.surf series brings surfboard design principles to the snow. While the pocket-sized Mosquito and the huge 174 Gun might attract more attention, the Mellow sits pretty in the middle of the (ahem) lineup. But don’t be fooled by the name – this board is far from laid-back.
The Mellow sports a directional shape with a ‘Surfy CamRock’ profile – camber underfoot transitioning to rocker in the nose. This combo gives you the response you need when carving up corduroy, but keeps things buttery smooth when floating through pow. Our test team also found it handled choppy conditions with ease, smoothing out bumps on what was a pretty cold and firm day on the hill.
While not boasting the premium construction of its snow.surf siblings (most notably it deploys classic sandwich sidewalls rather than those gorgeous wraparound rails seen on the Mosquito et al) the Mellow is a more affordable slice of surf-inspired cool that still packs a tech punch. A Master Core of poplar and paulownia combines with Triax Plus fibreglass for a mid-stiff, lively flex, while Pop Carbon fibres either side of the inserts add extra oomph for natural hits.
The N-7000 base strikes a balance between speed and ease of maintenance. Pair that with the relatively narrow waist width (250-272mm across sizes), and you’ve got a board that’s as happy laying down euro-carves as it is weaving through tight trees.
Aesthetically, the Mellow keeps things, well, mellow. The subtle topsheet graphic won’t scream for attention in the lift line, but catch it in the right light and you’ll notice a classy metallic finish that adds a touch of understated bling.
Available in sizes from 147 to 162, there’s a Mellow for most rider weights and preferences. Just bear in mind that this is a board that rewards experience – our testers reckon it’s best suited to intermediate and advanced riders looking to level up their all-mountain game.
PRICE: €500 / £480 / $500
Nature’s playbook meets snowboard design in Nidecker’s Biomimicry Series, with the Alpha standing tall as a versatile all-mountain freestyle weapon. It’s a directional stick that’s equally at home charging natural terrain, floating through powder or taking your park tricks to the backcountry.
The Alpha’s Surfy CamRock profile marries traditional camber with an early-rise rocker nose, delivering a responsive ride with a relaxed, floaty feel. Time-tested sandwich construction provides bombproof durability, while the N-7000 base strikes a balance between speed and low maintenance. It’s not quite rocket-propelled, but you won’t be left behind on the cat track – or stuck waxing every other day.
Our test team was particularly impressed with the Alpha’s edge hold. “It’s got your back, basically,” noting how it gripped even on dicey heelside turns. The ample nose floats effortlessly in the deep stuff, while the pinched-in pintail design lets you drive low through turns like a surfer bottom-turning (check out any videos of Nidecker team rider Lewis Sonvico to see what we’re talking about) .
To be honest, though, we suspect a lot of people looking at this board are gonna be swayed by the base graphic. It’s certainly pops, and those technicolor swirls seem to have been an ever-present in the insta feed over the last year. If you’re into stoner rock, laid-back tree runs and maybe a little seasonal mushroom-picking, you’ll dig this thing.
PRICE: €500 / £479 / $500
New for the 24/25 season, Nidecker’s Sensor Team is a true twin powerhouse that’s been developed in collaboration with their expanding roster of pro riders. This board takes the freestyle DNA of their popular Sensor model and cranks it up a notch, with a wider waist width and a full camber profile that had our tester Terry grinning from ear to ear. “This just really clicked for me,” he reports, praising its “fun, poppy feel.” That classic camber, combined with carbon inlays towards the nose and tail, delivers spring-loaded ollie power that’ll have you boosting off everything in sight.
In terms of materials, the Sensor Team is based on Nidecker’s Light Core (which, as the name suggests, weighs next to nothing) and a mix of fibreglass fibres they call Biax Plus. It’s a combo that makes this board feel agile in the air and stable on the run-in or landings – in fact the Sensor Team is surprisingly fun to carve and would make a solid daily driver. Likewise, the dense N-7000 base is perfect for rail destruction, big jump lines and high-speed groomers alike.
Our tester recommends this one “for someone who likes a bit of variation, from resort cruising to off-piste and park.” He also noted that the added width provided extra stability for stomping big landings, and was a big fan of the understated graphics, which are full of subtle details.
Nidecker have developed some of the most exciting tech of the last few years (not least the radical Supermatic binding) and the Sensor Team continues to show that these guys know their design onions. Whether you’re a park rat looking to expand your playground or an all-mountain freestyler seeking one board to rule them all, it deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Italy-based brand Drake is best known for its bindings, but also does a fine line in boards, and the Drake Battle Rusty is no exception. It has playful characteristics that our test team loved, but it’s also strong enough to withstand anything Kendrick Lamar might throw at it.
Given its association with Alex Stewart’s merry band of Itali-Kiwis, the Drake Battle Rusty is most at home in the park or the streets – which might seem a bit odd, given that it’s a little tapered, and a lot wider than most. That makes it good for other things too, not least getting your elbow down on piste and staying afloat in powder – but when you want to get airborne, the mostly-camber profile and end-to-end carbon bar have got you covered. There’s also carbon infused into the base, bestowing the Drake Battle Rusty with the means to clear the gnarliest of questionable winch-accessed street spot gaps.
Fans of standard-width true twins may find that this takes a bit of getting used to, but we reckon most will find it to be a change worth making. We love that topsheet too, featuring Vitruvian Man-esque sketches of the crew’s mad winch-bike. Brava!
Hats off to Drake for this one: the brand has two new models for this year, the Cocktail and the Shot, and they’re exactly the same shape. That gives you the choice of a bells-and-whistles version, or the stripped-back option. The Drake Shot is the latter (see also: the Battle and the fancier Battle Rusty).
Let’s go over that shape first; it’s as directional as they come, with a huge wide nose and stubby tail that cry out for powder (but will happily settle for a deserted piste, and a rider willing to get their elbow down). There’s camber between the feet, but given how set back it is, most of the board is as good as flat.
Tech-wise, we’ve already indicated that you won’t find the Cocktail’s lightweight, poppy core, nor its urethane sidewalls, on the Shot. And as you might expect, the base has also been downgraded a little – although is still a pretty quick sintered offering.
It’s not just about making it more affordable, however. The spec’d-down design of the Drake Shot will better suit riders who aren’t as interested in getting up to eye-watering speeds, or popping to the moon. And if it’s cruising that you’re choosing, shapes don’t get much more appealing than this.
Our test team’s big takeaway from the Rome Rene-Gade was that it’s not for the hesitant; it’s stiff, aggressive, pops to the moon and takes a lot of work to press on boxes and rails. It goes without saying, then, that the Rene-Gade won’t be for everyone – but those who get on with it can expect to open up a new world of park-based possibilities.
Rene Rinnekangas’ fun-loving persona has bled into the name of his pro model – however, unlike the similarly puntastic pro-endorsed Rome Stale Fish, this is a serious precision tool rather than a laid-back cruiser. Rome doesn’t make boards that come much stiffer than this, and that means absolutely bucketloads of pop, but you need to put the work in to get the most out of it.
In its natural habitat (pipes, hips and showtime booters) the Rome Rene-Gade is nigh-on perfect, with well-placed additives complimenting the true camber profile, as well as shock-absorbing flax to mellow out harsh landings.
The directional twin design also makes it a bit better suited to the whole mountain than most freestyle-favouring sticks. Wherever you take it, Rome’s fastest base will ensure you get there quickly, and in style.
This one is a true modern classic, and our clear favourite of all the boards Stale Sandbech has helped conjure up for Rome over the years. The Rome Stale Fish puts the fun in freeride; yes, it’s directional in just about every way, and better suited to carving than corking, but it still feels more like a speedboat than a battleship.
As such, it’s a brilliant gateway board for people who want to ditch the usual fare but not go too oddball. It’s nimble and forgiving, with side-hits very much still on the table, but can still be ridden full throttle thanks in large part to the, ahem, large part at the front of the board. That long, wide nose has carbon reinforcements to handle the chop, plus subtle 3D shaping that smooths out edge changes and delivers a bit of extra float in the deep stuff.
Most of our testing of the Rome Stale Fish was done in slushy conditions, which was appropriate enough given that this is a bashing, slashing masterpiece for which powder is a bonus rather than a necessity. By the time we’d managed to pry it out of our tester’s vice-like grip, its place in the Whitelines 100 was assured.
The Rome Ravine Select took everything people loved about the original Ravine and made it better, with changes that went much further than some upgraded versions. Now it’s called the Ravine Pro as part of a stable clean-up, but it’s still the same winning combination of top tech applied well.
The Rome Ravine Pro does its best work at ground level, either rolling from edge to edge on a motorway piste, slashing up a pow field, or (our personal favourite) hugging berms on a banked slalom course. The setback camber and tapered outline are made for each other, while the gigantic nose features 3d contouring for even more powder float than its shape already promises.
If you do want to get airborne, there’s enough strategically-placed carbon in the tail of the Rome Ravine Pro to send you to the moon, and the core is (for want of a better word) heavy on paulownia to ensure you stay up there for longer. When it’s time to touch back down, the impact plates made of natural flax fibres have your back.
The regular Ravine isn’t going anywhere, but here’s a premium version that really lives up to the billing.
PRICE: €660
New for the 24/25 season, Bataleon’s Cameleon promises to shake up the all-mountain market. It’s a shape-shifting stick that lives up to its reptilian namesake, adapting to whatever terrain you throw at it.
At the heart of the Cameleon’s versatility is Bataleon’s trademark Triple Base Technology with SideKick. The high nose uplift and medium tail uplift work in tandem with a medium camber profile, creating a board that rolls smoothly from edge to edge when carving groomers and fully surfs through powder.
The Cameleon’s relatively soft flex (our testers rate it at a mellow 5/10) belies its technical chops. Carbon stringers and Dual Radial Super Tubes (DRST) inject explosive pop and enhanced edge response, while the Ultra Glide S base – Bataleon’s molecule-dense 7000-grade P-tex – ensures it’s no lounge lizard.
As a relatively high end model, the Cameleon also benefits from triax glassing and a 50/50 paulownia and poplar core that strikes a perfect balance between liveliness and strength. All in all, the test team found this thing hit the sweet spot between forgiving and responsive – but it’s in deep snow that it really comes alive, thanks to that wide nose and 3BT magic.
Available in sizes from 149 to 161cm, the unisex Cameleon is a solid do-it-all choice for riders of all shapes and sizes.
PRICE: €630
The Bataleon Goliath isn’t just a snowboard; it’s a legend that kickstarted the 3D revolution. This perennial bestseller continues to evolve, blending freestyle agility with freeride power in a package that lives up to its mythical name.
At its core, the Goliath sports Bataleon’s 3BT and SideKick technology, with low uplift in both nose and tail. Our testers hailed this as “arguably Bataleon’s most balanced triple base flavour,” praising its stability in a straight line and its smooth turn initiation. At the same time, the edges are raised enough at the contact points to give you that all-important get-out-of-jail-free card when you don’t quite land bolts.
With a medium camber profile and a stiff-ish flex, the Goliath means business. It’s best suited for confident intermediates and up who can harness its potential, and with the addition of six carbon Super Tubes provides extra edge power for those big mountain missions.
Available in a range of sizes from 153 to 167W, including four wide options, the Goliath truly lives up to its name as an all-rounder. Whether you’re hot-lapping the park or charging the biggest features on the mountain, this board has your back. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility.
PRICE: €600
Bataleon’s Push Up+ takes their popular women’s all-mountain board and elevates it to new heights. It’s a premium deck that packs in high-end tech and is perfect for riders looking to push their limits across the entire mountain.
At its core, the Push Up+ features Bataleon’s signature 3BT and SideKick technology. It’s pretty subtle, though, with low uplift at the nose and tail, so if you’ve not ridden Triple Base before you’ll soon get used to it. Overall, the ride feels responsive and forgiving, with way less chance of edge catches. An Ultra Light Core and Ultra Glide sintered base set the Plus version apart from its predecessor, offering a noticeable boost in agility and speed.
Our tester Stella was jumping back on a Bataleon for the first time in a couple of years, and was immediately impressed: “The Push Up+ felt so light and effortless under my feet,” she says. “I literally had a smile on my face as soon as I strapped in.” With a medium camber profile and a versatile mid-soft flex, it’s a board that strikes a perfect balance between playfulness and stability.
The Push Up+ shines across varied terrain. “It’s fun, stable, poppy, and easy to maneuver,” says Stella, who was stoked on its performance from buttering the piste to park kickers. Carbon stringers and dual carbon Super Tubes provide that extra pop and response when you need it.
Available in sizes from 138 to 152cm, there’s also a Push Up+ for riders of all statures. At 5’7 (172cm) Stella found her sweet spot on the 146cm, but be sure to factor in your weight and don’t be shy of going longer if you want to enjoy a little more float in pow.
While die-hard freeriders might prefer something stiffer, most female riders will find the Bataleon Push Up+ delivers a near-perfect blend of performance and fun. As Stella put it: “For me, this is a 10/10.”
PRICE: €550
The Bataleon Whatever lives up to its name in the best possible way – it’s as relaxed and versatile as a snowboard can be. This bestselling all-mountain model effortlessly transitions from park laps to powder runs with a shrug and a “whatever, dude” attitude.
As with all Bataleons, it’s built around Triple Base Technology that transforms the base of the board into a 3D hull, with medium uplift in both nose and tail. This combo creates a ride so forgiving, one of our testers claimed he “literally tried to catch edges and couldn’t.” It’s the snowboarding equivalent of having a guardian angel on your shoulder.
The Whatever sports a directional twin outline with a true twin contact surface – a clever design that offers the best of both worlds. With a medium camber profile and a playful mid-soft flex, it’s a board that begs to be thrown around. “Fun and playful” is the vibe here, with the testers especially stoked on how it performed on tight, slow sidehits.
While the softer flex and triple base make it less suited to icy halfpipes and more critical descents when you need maximum edge-hold, this board truly shines when jibbing or cruising through powder. The Light Core keeps things lively, while carbon stringers and dual carbon Super Tubes add pop and response without compromising the forgiving feel.
Available in an impressive range of sizes from 138 to 162W, the Whatever is part of Bataleon’s genderless collection, catering to riders of all shapes and sizes. So whether you’re a park rat, a powder hound, or just someone who likes to go with the flow, the Bataleon Whatever is ready for, well… whatever the mountain can dish out.
PRICE: €700
If Bataleon were Black Sabbath, the Evil Twin would be Paranoid – the heavy-hitting classic that built a legend. On the scene since 2003, this iconic true twin has been turning heads and redefining park riding for over two decades.
The secret sauce? Bataleon’s signature Triple Base Technology, here deployed with medium uplift in both nose and tail. Our testers raved about the confidence it inspires, claiming “few other boards offer as much forgiveness in sketchy rail situations or under/over rotated landings.”
With a medium camber profile and a playful mid flex, the Evil Twin delivers what one tester describes as a “super smooth, surfy feel” that encourages you to push your limits. The Ultra Light Core keeps things poppy, while carbon stringers and a central carbon Super Tube add responsiveness without compromising that torsionally forgiving nature.
A sintered Hyper Glide S base ensures you’ll clear the knuckle with ease, while the true twin shape means you can ride away switch as easily as you dropped in. Available in sizes from 151 to 159W, there’s an Evil Twin for every park rat out there.
For those seeking the ultimate in lightweight performance, Bataleon also offers the Evil Twin+. But for most riders, the original Evil Twin hits the sweet spot of performance and value. Can it help you / occupy your brain? Oh yeah.
UK brand Shred Sleds’ bread and butter continues to be its fine line of snowskates, but last year saw a foray into the world of inserts and edges. The snowboard range is back again for 2024/25, and has even been expanded, but the Shred Sleds Explorer remains the flagship deck.
The race-car graphic gives you a clue to its performance at speed; the sintered base is super-quick, while the triax fibreglass keeps things relatively stable and solid an edge even when Mach-ing it down the firmest of early-morning groomers.
The all-poplar core may lack some of the clever characteristics that high-end boards offer, but it’s got it where it counts: sustainability, affordability, and pop. In fact, the Whitelines on-test verdict was that it’s surprisingly poppy for a board that can also press really well. That, combined with its true twin shape, make it a great choice for anyone who roams free but prioritises the park.
The Shred Sleds Explorer will suit the rapidly-progressing intermediate rider just as much as the grizzled veteran (which describes most of the brains behind the brand). Plus that price tag isn’t bad either.
Pow-chasing is all well and good, but few have done more in recent years to advocate for staying inbounds than Arthur Longo. For anyone wanting to emulate his Side Hit Euphoria approach to the mountain, his CAPiTA Aeronaut is one to consider.
While it appears fairly accessible, boasting a medium flex and cruise-friendly directional shape, our testers suggested that it’s slightly too stiff and poppy for a novice. For those who can handle it, you’ll get a lot out of its relatively pronounced camber profile when you want to impress passing pootlers. Meanwhile the flattened-out sections at the contact points might bail you out of a sketchy side-hit landing.
The ‘Panda Hover’ core is, as the name suggests, full of bamboo and extremely light, and there’s a carbon stringer in the tail for added pop. The base is also super fast, and has been made a little thicker (and therefore more robust) for 2024/25.
It’s only the second season for the CAPiTA Aeronaut, but we expect this one to run and run. With nine sizes – including four wides – it’s available to any rider that wants to turn a standard resort trail into an airshow. And isn’t that everyone…?
Like the CAPiTA Aeronaut, the CAPiTA Outerspace Living is positioned as an all-mountain board. However, the differences between the two highlight just how wide that category can be. This one has a true twin shape, and a thinner section of core between the feet to offer a mellower flex than CAPiTA’s standard beech-and-poplar combo – so you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a pure park board.
However, the nose and tail are quite prominently rockered, which makes this easier to keep afloat in powder than most twins (and of course makes buttering a lot easier, whether it’s in the backcountry or on the piste).
The CAPiTA Outerspace Living is a relatively simple beast, construction-wise; there are no fancy additives either in the wood core or the fibreglass, and the extruded base isn’t the fastest. However, not everyone actually needs lots of today’s best tech, and for progressing riders it can actually be a hindrance. Instead, the CAPiTA Outerspace Living offers up consistency and reliability in spades.
As for more advanced riders… our testers left the training wheels behind long ago, but even they appreciated the increased margin for error that the easy-going flex and no-frills design delivered.
In 2024, some brands continue to employ cringe ‘Bic for her’-esque marketing to their women’s boards, while others seem to have overcorrected – as if the gender-specificity of their products was a secret that must be closely guarded. Twixt the two is the CAPiTA Equalizer – a name that’s abstract on the surface, but alludes to the need for more women’s boards to step up to the quality offered to men.
The stick of choice for Jess Kimura, this is unsurprisingly a mid-stiff all-mountain model that can handle a stairset one day and a couloir the next. It’s as near as damnit to being a twin shape, with camber underfoot moving to rockered sections at each end.
No matter where you take this, you’ll feel the benefit from the vibration-absorbing strips made of both natural and man-made fibres. While the base isn’t the quickest in CAPiTA’s stable, it’s still pretty decent, and is a better suited than most to being dinged off rails. There’s also some beech wood in the paulownia & poplar core, running right under the inserts, to deliver even more strength and durability with minimal weight gain.
The size range is pretty limited even when compared to many female-specific models out there, but it worked for our tester. She took the Equalizer into the sidecountry – its natural habitat – and reported that it passed with flying colours.
Everyone’s favourite Scandi shapers are marking ten years in the business. It’s been a bumpy ride at times, but their uncompromising approach to quality snowboard hardware is likely to sail them through rough times for the foreseeable.
Take the Vimana Motherbrain, which – like everything in the range – exists because someone in the brand’s pro team thought it’d be rad. The mellow flex is augmented with carbon for a bit more pop power when you need it, and an almost undetectable taper (new for 2024/25) makes life a little easier in powder without ruling out park laps. It’s also crazy fast, thanks to some top-end base material. In short, the Motherbrain has all the right ingredients for a true all-rounder, without that lowest-common-denominator vibe possessed by all too many boards in that category. No, the Motherbrain is focused on elevating the right rider rather than simply satisfying the masses.
The downsides? Well, the model options aren’t all that comprehensive – just three sizes, all wide and fairly spaced out in length (although to be fair, that’s still more than last year). It’s also not one for riding switch, noted our tester, but “for everything else it’s super good”.
There’s something for everyone in Vimana’s range – but the Vimana Wernair certainly isn’t. One of several veterans in the brand’s pro team, Werni Stock has been given free rein to design a deck that suits his style of riding. No surprises, then, that the Wernair is a bit of a beast.
You don’t have to be quite as good as Austria’s finest to tame it, but our guinea-pig certainly got the most out of it when channelling that same aggressive, burly style. Speed is never an issue thanks to the high-quality sintered base, and the triax fibreglass makes it as responsive as it gets. Its full potential will be realised on the park’s biggest features, as it’s been designed to fly as well as it can charge.
It’s probably too twitchy for novices – and jibbing is essentially out, too. But if you want the all-mountain versatility of a cambered directional twin, combined with carboned-up poplar core that could ping you to the moon, then this could be what you’re looking for. After almost a decade with Vimana, helping to design boards as well as showcase their abilities, Werni may have made his masterpiece.
PRICE: €499 / $599
The Korua Dart is one of those pure directional shapes that would look almost as good on the wall as it does under your feet. It’s a proper swallow-tailed powder weapon that blends high-speed carving performance with incredible natural float, making it a versatile choice for riders who want the best of all worlds when it comes to the fabled art of the turn.
The design centres around Korua’s Float Camber profile, which delivers stability and edge-response underfoot while the rockered nose enhances float in deeper snow. Although we weren’t blessed with blower pow conditions when we took it out, our tester Kristiin was impressed by how fun it was to ride even on hardpack: “It’s quite stiff, but the short swallow tail and rockered nose make it feel playful and surfy.”
Another element at play here is the construction. A classic poplar core and biax glassing mean that – despite the aggressive outline – this is a board most intermediate and up riders will quickly feel comfortable on. There’s none of that plank-like feel you can experience from more aggressive triax layups, and yet (as you’d expect from the Swiss turn-meisters) the Dart excels when you get low and fast. “It goes well in icy conditions, hardpack and slush,” says Kriistin. “It felt great on edge and you can really lock those turns in.”
A generous number of sizes from 147 to 164cm means there’s a Korua Dart for everyone. Just don’t expect so much choice when it comes to the colour. It’s (checks notes)… white, with a signature red base. And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want it any other way.
PRICE: €450 / £399 / $430
The YES Basic has been a cornerstone of affordable all-mountain performance for years, consistently proving that a snowboard doesn’t need a hefty price tag to put a smile on your face.
At its core, it features what YES calls a CamRock 3-4-3 profile, blending the pop of camber with the forgiveness of rocker. This year, they’ve fine-tuned it to offer a more subtle feel, maintaining its friendly feel without compromising drive. An UnderBite sidecut sees the edge pinched in underfoot to enhance turn initiation and edge hold, and together with the true twin outline creates a board that’s equally comfortable on groomers and in the park.
Our tester Emyr, who rode the 159 wide version, was impressed by the Basic’s versatility: “Beginners can learn to ride on this, while advanced riders who like to ride rails will enjoy the mid-soft flex.” He was stoked on how well it held an edge, while still allowing for easy nose and tail presses.
The construction is based around a full wood core – not the lightest or most exotic, but lively and durable. The extruded base ensures decent speed without requiring constant maintenance.
While our test team pointed out it’s not the best performer in powder, that’s not the Basic’s primary mission. Available in sizes from 143 to 163cm, including wide options, the YES Basic is simply a great value all rounder. And thanks to a slick new graphic by Guillaume Rousseax, it’s guaranteed to be as popular as ever.
PRICE: €420 / £379 / $400
The YES Shifter is a soft-flexing twin that blurs the lines between park, street, and cruisey resort riding. With its unisex design and a range of sizes from 142 to 158cm, it caters to riders of all statures looking to push their freestyle game.
At the heart of the Shifter is a camber profile with a three-dimensional element they call Y3D. The latter comes courtesy of YES’s recent merger with Lobster Snowboards, who’ve been using Triple Base Technology for years. The uplift on this model starts outside the contact points for a more direct edge feel, and helps create a board that’s super loose and playful. Rail riders and beginners alike will appreciate the lack of edge catches. Just be aware that as our tester Kristiin pointed out, “it’s not really suited to hard, icy conditions.”
Indeed, the Shifter’s construction is geared more towards pure freestyle performance. A carbon layup adds stiffness to the nose and tail while keeping things soft between the bindings. As YES themselves put it, this setup “makes your ollies pop as high as possible while keeping the board nice and responsive between the feet.” Meanwhile, a bombproof extruded base ensures you can confidently smash rails and features without worrying about damaging expensive sintered P-tex.
All told, the YES Shifter offers a versatile platform for freestyle fun. And if you’re a fan of “iconic Icelandic supermarkets” (who isn’t?) then check out the limited edition collab version they’ve produced with Bónus.
As our test team noted, the successor to the much-loved K2 Party Platter has some huge shoes to fill. Fortunately, the K2 Almanac is up to the task, and a worthy successor to one of the most fun snowboards of modern times.
It’s another volume-shifted design from K2, designed to be ridden around 5cm shorter than your usual fare. A bit of extra waist width makes this possible, but it’s not an extreme case like the K2 Special Effects or the K2 Niseko Pleasures. No, this one is more suited to everyday riding – all terrain, all conditions.
A mellow-flexing core, sandwiched in between layers of easy-going biax fibreglass, make getting to grips with the Almanac (and getting used to that extra girth) a piece of cake. Before you know it you’ll be carving up the piste or even getting the most out of its directional shape in the powder, and wondering why you didn’t downsize sooner.
If you want pop, there’s plenty on hand thanks to the mostly-cambered profile, enhanced with a carbon strip (also cambered) running from tip to tail. ‘Going over the handlebars’ is always a bit more of a concern on a volume-shifted board, so you may not want to take this to the XL line, but for everything else you’re golden.
The K2 Antidote – like the Jones Solution – writes a fairly big cheque with its name alone. Will this solve all your problems? Well, it depends – but for the right rider, the answer could well be a resounding yes.
The K2 Antidote is an all-mountain model that avoids the tedious pitfalls that are often associated with that label. Its twin outline, slight setback and full camber are pretty conventional, but the 3D shaping in the nose is your first clue that this is not just another bland all-rounder.
Every effort has been made to reduce the weight of the K2 Antidote. For starters, the core has lightweight bamboo and paulownia woods mapped out in a way that shaves grammes without compromising strength. On top of that, some sections have been milled out to save even more weight. Then there’s the fibreglass in the nose and tail; a bleeding-edge, extra-light variety of which you’ll feel the benefit all over the mountain, from slicing up pistes to spinning off rollers.
While it’s light, it’s also pretty stiff from end to end and from edge to edge, so this won’t be for everyone – but our test team adored it, and the hefty range means that confident riders of all shapes and sizes can take the Antidote for a spin.
Thanks to a preponderance of unisex bindings, female riders looking at K2’s line aren’t short of options. However, if you’d prefer to go with something that’s been designed specifically for women from the core up, then the K2 Extravision could be the one.
It’s not a tech-stravaganza by any means; the biax fibreglass has a bit of carbon in it to deliver added snap to your ollies, but that’s about it for additives. No, you can file this one under ‘simple but effective’. The medium flex leaves all options open, and the slight early rise in the nose makes this powder-friendly without tempting you to save this only for deep days. It’s truly one for taking all over the mountain, equally adept at unlocking the potential of the casual rider, or meeting the demands of the aficionado. Our testers were also stoked to find a women’s board with such a decent selection of wide sizes.
The K2 Extravision is new for 2024/25, but we expect it to find its audience and stick around for a while. Any blokes who like the sound of this can check out the Embassy, which follows a similar design philosophy.
Despite a name that suggests ‘precision tool’, the K2 Instrument is actually a board for all seasons. Another all-rounder, then – but with a twist.
This one has been given the volume-shift treatment, meaning that you can afford to ride it up to 10cm shorter than your usual fare. Our tester’s verdict was that downsizing predictably offered up a more nimble, skate-esque experience, but you can just as easily stick with your regular length for a slightly wider, more stable ride than normal.
Whatever your preference, stability is something that the Instrument has in abundance. The core has been designed to handle impacts and soak up vibrations.There’s carbon running from end to end that ups the pop, and more of it running from the inserts to the contact points for improved response.
The directional elements – including the tapered outline and setback camber – make this happier going forward, but riding and landing switch isn’t off limits; indeed, the volume shift makes the difference between stances less of an issue than it would be in a more conventional ride. For the indecisive among us, the Instrument could be the answer.
The K2 Medium has been around for a few years now, but its inspirations go back quite a bit further than that. Jake Kuzyk had a hand in bringing this to life, and it looks like he set the flux capacitor to the mid-90s. On the surface – that is to say, in its true twin shape and classic camber profile – this is as ‘classic’ as a freestyle snowboard gets.
Of course, there’s plenty of modern-day tech at play here, making this a far safer bet than an eBay relic. ‘Pop’ was our test team’s main takeaway; thanks to its traditional bend and end-to-end carbon stringer, this will absolutely ping if you want it to. At the same time, the overall flex isn’t so nails that you can’t also give it a good press when the mood strikes.
From edge to edge it’s a little firmer, thanks to the triax fibreglass and carbon ‘X’ shapes under each foot. Those transfer energy to the edges, which is ideal when you’re at high speed and looking for quick response.
So it’s playful to an extent, but ready to step up to bigger stuff when you want it to – just like a good park board should.
After a very well-received first season, it’s no surprise to see the K2 Passport getting renewed for 2024/25. The ‘unisex’ design was indeed a hit with both our male and female testers, especially when they were looking to open the throttle – and the comprehensive size range (146cm all the way up to 163cm) means that there’s a Passport for every traveller. If your feet are bigger than average, look out for the two new wide sizes that have been added for this year.
The longer sidecut radius is ideal for stability at speed, but it shifts to a tighter arc at the nose to deliver easy turn initiation and navigation in tight spaces, such as tree lines. The setback camber, mid-wide waist and tapered shape are right at home in both powder and on piste, especially at speed.
The core of the K2 Passport features three types of wood. Paulownia in the nose and tail has reduced the swing weight, with dependable Aspen complimented by strong-yet-light bamboo elsewhere. It’s mid-stiff from end to end, but the carbon-enhanced triax fibreglass makes it a little more rigid between the edges; again, ideal if you want to push the sintered base as far as you dare.
You don’t have to look far to find quite idiosyncratic all-mountain boards (hell, you don’t even have to close the K2 catalogue) but the K2 Embassy is an honest-to-goodness, old-school all-rounder. Turns out they do make ‘em like they used to.
The mid-stiff flex is exactly what you want when you don’t know where your next turns will take you. It’s robust enough to charge, and can step to big features both in and out of bounds, but can be ridden at half-throttle just as easily. Shape-wise it’s a twin, but there’s a little extra rocker in the nose, so you’d get more out of it in your normal stance with a slight setback. Switch – whether it’s takeoffs and landings, or just cruising around – is still very much an option.
The tech under the K2 Embassy’s hood isn’t remarkable, but it’s tried and tested fare that does its job admirably and doesn’t break the bank. Biax fibreglass makes the waist easy to manipulate, but there’s a bit of carbon in there too for added snap. The base is sintered, and the three-wood core is lightweight and durable.
Perhaps sensing its crowd-pleasing potential, K2 has made this available in every size from 149 to 165W, with several stops in between.
PRICE: £439
The Slash Happy Place is a board designed to spread the love. A staple in the line-up of Gigi Rüf’s brainchild brand, it embodies the legendary Austrian rider’s vision of accessible, high-performance snowboarding.
Geometry-wise, the Happy Place features a true twin freestyle outline and a versatile CamRock profile. This combo of camber between the feet and rocker at the tips delivers a ride that’s both playful and precise. It’s a board that encourages progression, whether you’re a park rat or an all-mountain explorer.
Despite its wallet-friendly price point, the Happy Place doesn’t skimp on tech. A lively dual-wood core is wrapped in torsionally soft biax fiberglass, while carbon X-bracing outside the inserts (and visible through the blank topsheet) adds pop and responsiveness where it counts. Overall, it’s a soft and confidence-inspiring flex that intermediate riders will love. A sintered base – a rarity at this price – keeps you gliding when others are stuck.
Slash’s approach to graphics is nothing less than inspired. You can either ride it blank – a clean, translucent look that lets the board’s construction speak for itself – or choose from a selection of roll-out ‘Topart’ that you stick on yourself. Heck, you can even keep the same board for years (thus doing your bit for the planet) and refresh the graphic whenever you feel like it. Genius.
Available in a unisex size range from 146 to 163w, everyone can find their own Happy Place. As for ourselves, the WL test team found it lives up to the freestyle billing but is far from a one-trick pony. From side hits to powder stashes, it’s a genuine go-anywhere board that can handle all but the gnarliest situations.
This one made a splash last year, so we’re delighted to see it back in Ride’s line. The Ride Deep Fake is an all-rounder, which – like most of the best boards in this category – leans a little more into certain riding styles than trying to be all things to all snowboarders.
You can truly ride this anywhere, but only if you’ve got your wits about you. It’s stiff, it’s aggressive, and you get out what you put in. Multiple carbon stringers transfer energy from your feet to the contact points, while the three-wood core delivers pop at the drop of a hat. A slight early rise to the camber profile helps out in the powder, as does the tapered outline.
The sidewalls feature a strip of aluminium alloy, not unlike what you’ll find in a lot of race-ready skis, alongrise Ride’s signature ‘Slimewall’ urethane. This improves the dampening and overall edge hold, which is ideal given the long, speed-friendly sidecut. If you’re one for redlining it on a deserted motorway groomer, this will come in very handy – as will the carbon-infused base.
Our team’s verdict was that this is “an absolute weapon on the piste”, whilst also being more than suitable for other areas of the mountain.
Elon Musk may not agree, but there’s a lot to be said for moderators – especially when they’re as tidy as this new offering from Ride. The Ride Moderator shares its shape – and comprehensive size range, from 144 up to 165W – with the Ride Deep Fake, so its purpose is much the same. However, a dialling-back of the tech makes it a better fit for less gung-ho riders.
There’s a bit less carbon in the build, and it’s been taken out of the base altogether – so while you still get plenty of response and speed, there’s a bit more margin for error. Inkeeping with this approach, there’s also no ‘titanal’ alloy in the edges, but only the true speed freaks will miss it.
A lighter, mellower-flexing core makes this more accessible for less powerful riders – our tester’s verdict was that even beginners could get to grips with this. It’s no noodle, though; those with more experience will enjoy its considered, varied sidecut and tapered shape on the piste, as well as the pow-friendly rocker in the nose.
The Ride Moderator is proof positive that a board’s personality comes from much more than its outline and profile. If you’re more of a cruiser than a charger, but like to keep your options open all the same, then this is definitely one to look at.
After a decade spent building a brand in his own image as a powder hound, Jeremy Jones has recently been dipping his toes into freestyle waters. The Women’s Tweaker, new for 24/25, is the latest example. It’s a true twin hellraiser that can hold its own with the park rats while staying true to the company’s mountain-loving, eco-conscious roots.
At its core, the Tweaker rocks a full camber profile paired with Jones’ 3D Contour Base. This combo delivers the pop and precision you’d expect from camber, with a dash of that surfy Jones feel. Our tester Stella noted that while the camber adds a bit of aggression, the friendly flex kept it feeling easy to ride, and she never felt like it wanted to catch an edge.
The Tweaker’s eye-catching blunt shape isn’t just for show. It makes the most of the running length while shaving weight at the tips, so it’s easy to throw around – perfect for park shenanigans and switch riding. Under the hood, you’ll find Jones’ dual density Control Core (made from poplar and paulownia) with basalt stringers and biax fibreglass. All of this creates a lively yet easygoing ride that won’t punish you for the occasional mistake. The Sintered 8000 base ensures you’ll clear the knuckle with ease, while an eco-plastic topsheet – made from castor beans – adds durability and reduces environmental impact.
Available in sizes from 140 to 151cm, the Women’s Tweaker is an ideal choice for intermediate and up riders looking to push their freestyle skills across the entire mountain.
Jones Snowboards continues to shatter expectations with the Tweaker Pro, new for 24/25. This board might make you do a double-take – as our tester Tristan did. “I rode a Jones splitboard for years, and associate this brand with big-nosed powder guns,” he says. “This was a short, snub-nosed stunt stick.”
But while it’s certainly compact, The Tweaker Pro packs a punch with its high camber profile and 3D Contour Base, delivering turns that are smooth, powerful and precise. The true twin shape and stiff-ish flex make it a freestyle powerhouse that’s equally at home in the park or hunting out natural hits across the mountain.
Tech wise, Jones has pulled out all the stops for this new Pro version. The triple density Power Core is enhanced with Koroyd® – a synthetic, aerospace-inspired material that adds response while reducing weight, while the sintered 9900 base is wickedly quick. A Carbon/Innegra layer dampens the ride, and together with triax fibreglass provides the pop and stability needed for high-speed park laps and all-mountain charging.
“The Tweaker Pro has a stiff, snappy flex that made it feel more sturdy than most boards this length,” our tester reported. “I found I could boost off little bumps in the piste almost without thinking, and it still felt stable enough for hitting bigger park jumps.”
Available in sizes from 146 to 159cm, including a wide option at 157, the Tweaker Pro is aimed at advanced riders looking to ride fast and go big, and proves that Jones can indeed hold its own when it comes to freestyle. As Tristan put it, “Turns out I was wrong to make assumptions about what Jones can and can’t build.”
The Jones Storm Chaser, born from a collaboration with legendary surf shaper Chris Christenson, has been reimagined for 24/25. A longer swallowtail and a Surf Camber profile aim to take the crossover philosophy to the next level in a board that thrives being ridden off the back foot.
Our tester Tristan got to try this one out on a 30cm pow day in Italy (“pretty much a dream come true,” he admits). “The wide nose and swallow tail made it float like a boat,” he reported, noting “zero issues with back leg burn here.” But the Storm Chaser isn’t just about volume – the radical short silhouette makes this board as nimble as it is buoyant.
The Storm Chaser’s bevelled 3D Contour Base softens turn entry and, together with a medium flex, create a ride that’s both powerful and intuitive. The construction also includes a lightweight Bamboo Surf Core, complemented by biax fibreglass and Power Basalt stringers, which keep it feeling lively and stable even at speed.
While the Storm Chaser can certainly handle groomers (it was “fun on edge-to-edge eurocarves,” says Tristan) as the name suggests, its true home is in the deep stuff. “What both the board and I really wanted was to dive back into the pow as soon as possible.”
Available in sizes from 142 to 157cm, the Storm Chaser can be ridden shorter than your regular all-mountain deck and is ideal for powder hounds who value agility in tight spaces. As Tristan put it, “it’s ideal for cutting between tight trees, or throwing surf-style layback slashes.” If that sounds like your jam, then as a wise man once said: this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, man.
The Rally Cat is a brand new directional twin that injects a little more fun into the Jones line. Its bright, skate-inspired graphics are a radical departure from the brand’s usually sober and organic-looking artwork, and hint at a board that’s all about getting creative in the park and beyond.
At its core, the Rally Cat features a true camber profile, mellowed out with the addition of Jones’ 3D Contour Base and a soft flex. Overall, the ride feels cruisey and forgiving, whatever the terrain. As our tester Tristan reports, “I tried this out in a wide range of different conditions – from early morning pow to afternoon slush – all of which it handled with aplomb.”
Diving into the tech specs, you’ll find Jones’ poplar/paulownia Control Core and biax fibreglass, together with a sustainable bio-plastic topsheet made from castor beans and a sintered 8000 base that ensures you’ll maintain speed whether you’re cruising through fresh snow or hitting park features.
“The Rally Cat felt great in the powder, cruised through the slush, and was a whole world of fun when I took it for a couple of laps over the kicker line in the park,” our tester reports. While he noted it wasn’t the most stable at high speeds in choppy conditions, he acknowledged this as “pretty much par for the course for any board with a flex this soft, and the flipside of its fun, forgiving nature.”
Available in a huge range of sizes from 151 to 170W, including multiple wide options, there’s a Rally Cat for almost every rider – and for good reason, since it would be a great choice for any beginner to intermediate rider. It’s a board that invites you to push your boundaries without punishing your mistakes – you might even say it gives you nine lives. *ducks for cover*
PRICE: €500 / £435 / $500
Lib Tech’s new women’s model, the Two Time, is a twin-shaped park and street destroyer. Designed in collaboration with pro rider Katie Kennedy, this board embodies Lib Tech’s commitment to both high performance and environmental responsibility.
Although they’re famous for Banana Technology (aka reverse camber), Lib Tech have always included a variety of profiles in their line-up, and the Two Time features traditional positive camber. Together with a mid-stiff flex and Magne-Traction serrated edges, it’s a recipe for exceptional grip and control. “I really, really enjoyed riding this board. It’s so fun,” reported our tester Stella. “It’s super stable; I did not feel like it was gonna catch an edge at all.”
Built at the legendary Mervin factory near Seattle, the Two Time boasts a core made from 75% aspen and 25% paulownia – both sustainable, FSC-certified woods. An eco-sublimated topsheet further underscores its environmentally conscious credentials.
While it excels on park jumps, the Two Time is equally at home hitting rails and street features, and its poppy, responsive feel makes it perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking to push their freestyle skills across both man-made and natural terrain. Cool kids like Katie will no doubt appreciate the understated graphic, too, which leaves plenty of room for stickers and doodles.
Burton Family Tree Gril Master Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $680
The Burton Family Tree Gril Master is a beautiful tribute to the late Marko “Grilo” Grilc, who tragically passed away in 2021. Refreshed for the new winter, this board continues to embody Grilo’s love for the family shred, making it the ultimate choice for rad dads everywhere.
Profile-wise, it features a directional camber with extended rocker towards the nose for an unbeatable mix of stability and float. The twin stance gives it a solid freestyle feel when riding flat based, and makes it more than doable to go switch, but in combination with the directional outline the board is equally happy on edge or cranking quick, nimble turns. In fact our tester Sara reported that “it carved the best of all the Burton boards I’ve ridden.”
Under the hood, Burton’s Super Fly II 700G core blends lighter and harder woods for a responsive yet forgiving ride. The addition of a full carbon layer throughout the board beefs up the flex and adds a smooth, damp feel without making it overly aggressive. And to top it all off, a rapid sintered base ensures you’ll have speed on tap when you need to break free from/catch up with the sprogs (delete as appropriate).
The Gril Master’s versatility is ultimately its standout feature. Whether you’re cruising with the little ones or sneaking in some tree laps, this thing is up to the task. A subtle new graphic moves things on from the painfully sweet artwork Grilo’s kids put together for the previous model, but make no mistake: his spirit lives on.
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $670
The Burton Fish has long been the yardstick by which other powder boards are measured. Launched in 2002, when the rest of the market was essentially a sea of twin tips, it’s been helping riders stay afloat in the deep stuff for over two decades. Along the way, Burton’s iconic snow surfer has undergone the occasional nip and tuck – including a recent 3D revamp – to ensure it’s still the (ahem) big fish in an increasingly crowded powder pond.
Aside from a fresh lick of paint (that purple is well 90s, so well on trend) the standout feature of the latest edition remains its 3D shaping in the nose and tail. It’s a surfboard-inspired design that Burton claim is the result of more prototypes than any board they’ve made in years. This convex shaping blends seamlessly with a traditional base underfoot, giving you a surfy, catch-free feel in the tips without sacrificing edge control where you need it most.
As a deep snow specialist, the Fish’s outline is heavily directional, with extended rocker up front and a full 30mm of taper. Its trademark double swallow tail maintains enough running length for you to hold an edge off the lift while sinking easily when you reach the deep stuff. The short overall design results in a nimble ride that’s perfect for weaving through tight trees or getting creative in open bowls. Our testers claimed it was one of their favourite models in Burton’s freeride-focused Family Tree line – a board that begs to be ridden fast and loose, slashing banks and throwing up rooster tails at every opportunity. Just don’t forget to pack your snorkel.
PRICE: €550 / £490 / $500
The Burton Cartographer is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a slice of that premium Burton pie. This versatile all-mountain board hits a sweet spot between performance and forgiveness that’ll appeal to a wide range of riders.
With a directional shape featuring a slightly longer nose than tail and plenty of camber underfoot, the Cartographer is ready to chart a course through any terrain. The stiff nose ploughs through choppy snow, while a touch of taper and medium overall flex keep things playful when you stumble upon a pow stash. It’s a board that encourages exploration, happily cruising groomers one minute and dipping into the trees the next.
Our tester Sara found it to be the ideal choice for progressing riders: “Perfect for beginner-to-intermediates, or someone’s first board. Fun and forgiving without being too niche or too limiting as they progress.” This is exactly the kind of accessible, do-it-all vibe you want from a board in this category.
Speaking of accessibility, with sizes from 149 to 162cm, including a 159 wide, there’s a Cartographer for just about every rider, regardless of gender or boot size. Oh and a shout-out to the graphics by local Vermont artist Julio Desmont – the 24/25 topsheet is a timeless design that’ll still look fresh seasons down the line.
All in, the Burton Cartographer is a compelling blend of performance and value. It’s an excellent option for any shredder that wants to explore the whole mountain without exploring the depths of their wallet, while for beginners, it’s a board that’ll help them find their way in the snowboard world – no compass required.
Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard 2024-2025
PRICE: €700 / £630 / $670
As the name suggests, the Hometown Hero was born in Burton’s backyard of Vermont. The Green Mountain State is (in winter anyway) a land of famously variable conditions, which means this board is a true all-terrain vehicle that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you, from bulletproof hardpack to knee-deep pow.
The Hometown Hero’s directional shape features just enough taper to keep you afloat on deeper days, while its twin stance offers a freestyle feel when riding flat base. Strategically placed glass stiffens up the nose and tail, giving you the power to plow through chunder, while carbon highlights boost snap and smooth out the ride, delivering a refined feel that’s equally at home on groomers or in the backcountry.
Our tester Kaelan was stoked on its versatility: “A true jack of all trades. Good at everything and perfect for springtime sends.” This all-round performance is backed up by a speedy ‘WFO’ sintered base that will get you back to the lift for another lap quicker than you can say “WTF is WFO anyway?”
With a ton of sizes available (from 145cm for smaller riders right through to the positively sasquatch 165 wide) everyone can be a Hero, while Burton’s use of bio-based Super Sap epoxy in the layup broadens the appeal even further by adding a touch of sustainability.
While the Hometown Hero might not top the podium in any single category, it’s a solid choice for riders who want one board to rule them all. Word from the WL test team this year suggests that Burton’s new High Fidelity gives it a run for its money in the all-mountain stakes, but fear not: the Hometown Hero remains a respected local legend with global appeal.
PRICE: €630 / £560 / $600
When the voice of action sports decides to design a snowboard, you’d better believe it’s going to make some noise. The Burton Alekesam, developed in collaboration with legendary X Games commentator Selema “Sal” Masekela, is a welcome addition to their freeride-focused Family Tree collection.
While it shares some surf-style DNA with Burton’s iconic Fish, the Alekesam is a far more versatile beast. Its directional shape and camber profile deliver the stability and response you need for charging groomers and navigating technical terrain, while still offering enough float for those precious powder days.
At the core of the Alekesam lies Burton’s Super Fly 700G wood blend, striking a great balance between pop, reduced weight, and strength. Its mid-wide shape provides a stable platform without sacrificing maneuverability (“The sidecut is aggressive but isn’t twitchy and feels natural,” reports Sara from our test team. “This is a really versatile one-board quiver.”).
Burton’s Channel mounting system allows for easy stance adjustment and plays well with all major binding brands, adding to the board’s versatility. And though smaller riders might be disappointed by the limited size range – it comes in a 156 and 160 (plus a wide option) – the Alekesam’s go-anywhere credentials will please pretty much everyone outside pure park shreds.
“Absolutely loved it,” our tester summed up. “One of the best Burton boards I’ve ever ridden.” The Big B have done Sal proud here, creating a smooth all-terrain operator that reflects his fluid commentary style – and in the spirit of the big man’s word skills, it also boasts one of the best pun-based names we’ve ever come across. Alekesam… Masekela… geddit?
PRICE: €660 / £585 / $620
When Burton gives their team riders free rein to design a board, you know you’re in for something special. At first glance, the Blossom might seem understated with a weathered grey topsheet supposedly inspired by “an old eroded rock” but as the brainchild of Niels Schack – a rider whose creativity extends well beyond the snow – there’s more to it than meets the eye. The graphic is actually temperature reactive, shifting colors when the mercury drops. Flip it over, and you’re greeted by a vibrant base (the “crystal inside”) that somehow hints at this board’s split personality.
Split personality, you say? Well yeah. Because while the Blossom has a cute name and a true twin shape that suggests pure freestyle fun, it’s pretty damn stiff. And as our tester Kristiin puts it: “It’s FAST – you’ve really got to invest in your turns.” The combination of camber and carbon reinforcement in the core delivers precision edge response and powerful pop that’s capable of demolishing features across the mountain – the bigger the better.
“It’s pretty aggressive and will suit an advanced rider,” cautions Kristiin. “Beginners should look for something softer.” But for those looking to send it hard in the park or charge every inch of the resort, this is a deck that will live up to its moniker and let you thrive. It’s a unisex model first, with sizes from 149 to 162cm – all of which naturally feature the Burton Channel system to let you dial in your stance width with pinpoint accuracy.
PRICE: €500
The Salomon Dancehaul is a board that demands a double-take. With its shorter, wider silhouette, it’s a refreshing departure from your typical all-mountain stick that’ll have you rethinking what a daily driver can look like.
Profile wise, the Dancehaul features Salomon’s Rock Out Camber i.e. flat between the bindings for stability, camber near the feet for response, and rocker at the tips for float and pressability. That all sounds pretty complicated, but it essentially feels nice and planted when you’re running flat-based, and breeds confidence – whether you’re messing around on sidehits or exploring further beyond the ropes.
The tapered directional shape adds to its versatility, improving float in the deep stuff without sacrificing hardpack performance. While it’s no park specialist, it’s actually pretty easy to ride this thing switch since the stance is less set back than many other boards in this volume-shift style. Ghost Basalt stringers provide durable pop and a smooth ride at speed, while the Popster core (which is milled out between the inserts) keeps things lively when you’re cruising at lower velocities.
With a medium flex that strikes a balance between playfulness and response, the Dancehaul caters to a wide range of riding styles and ability levels. In our experience, Salomon – along with Nidecker – routinely seem to make some of the fastest boards on the market, and the sintered base on this model is no exception.
Available in sizes from 139 to 157cm, there’s a Dancehaul for most riders (bear in mind this model likes to be ridden a little shorter than you might be used to). And for those looking to take things up a notch, there’s a Pro version available with a beefed-up spec-sheet to go with the beefed-up price.
PRICE: €1199
Powsurfing is great in theory – who wouldn’t want to release their feet and unlock tons of fun even on the most mellow of pow meadows? – but in practice it’s tricky to get into. It’s quite a substantial investment for something you won’t use all that often, and conditions need to be just right (not to mention easily accessible on foot).
Moonchild has done away with all that by creating a splitboard that can be quickly and easily converted into a powsurfer – bindings off, pads on, and you’re good to go. Plus you’ve got the ability to skin up to the most appropriate terrain, or just use it as a splitboard when conditions are a bit less favourable.
Each Atlas is custom-made for each rider depending on their vital statistics, so there’s a few weeks’ lead time on top of the not-inconsiderable expense, but if our tester’s verdict is anything to go buy, what you get in return makes it comfortably worth it on both counts; a nimble, stubby splitboard that’s great in the trees one minute, and a joyous powsurfer the next. If you’re feeling a little jaded about snowboarding and need something to shake things up, the Atlas’ double life may be the answer.
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