Although not an entirely new concept, over the last decade volume shifted snowboards have boomed in popularity. Pretty much every brand now has a short fatty on the roster and you’re just as likely to see one in a lift queue as you are a more ‘traditional’ outline.
So, what are volume shifted snowboards, and why would you buy one? Well, the clue’s in the name here- they’re boards that shift their volume by trading in length for width to amass the same surface area. In the past, snowboards gained volume by getting longer and stretching out the tip-to-tail plane, whereas this current trend sees snowboards become much shorter and wider to achieve the same goal.
The result is a snowboard that’s far more manoeuvrable than a traditional powder cannon, but with the same capacity to float in deep snow. These shorter boards are more nimble, which makes them ideal for packed tree runs, or for a more surfy, playful feel.
While it makes sense for powder, the width pays dividends in other areas, too. Volume shifted boards often moonlight as trench digging carving boards as you’re less likely to catch your toes when you’re getting down and dirty into turns.
As always, we’ve reached out to our extensive team of ex-pros, retail staff, park crews, coaches, instructors and dedicated shred-heads to test and review as many 22/23 products as possible. After weeks of trade shows, catching up with brands and pro riders, and scrutinising every product’s innovation, sustainability, originality and functionality, we believe we’ve compiled a list of this season’s best volume shifted snowboards.
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