UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best 2018/2019 Snowboard Shapes here
Behold, the oddballs. The weirdos. The head-turners. In the 2015/16 season, we’ll be seeing more bizarre snowboard shapes than ever. There are a few familiar models that have already become classics, and some new designs that will most likely be the same in a few years.
Obviously they’re not actually mental; all have been made with purpose, with designs suited to their particular task. Typically that means freeriding, hence the dominance of directional shapes.
“It might seem like an extravagance to opt for a second, specialist board, but it’s not like you’ll be doing it every year”
There are some exceptions – the Burton Nug, to name just one – but that’s the rule of thumb. Some folk will pick up one of these to use as their only stick, but for the most part these are ‘quiver’ boards that offer a fun change of pace from your standard deck.
It might seem like an extravagance to opt for a second, specialist board, but it’s not like you’ll be doing it every year; if you save it for the good days – thereby turning them into great days – then it’ll last you for a fair few seasons. Besides, it’s now been proven beyond doubt that boards like these never go out of style!
Here’s a rundown of our favourites from this year’s crop, as well as our pick of the bunch:
All boards are in alphabetical order, other than the category winner which can be found at the end of the list.
All photographs by Sami Tuoriniemi
Production: Ed Blomfield / Mike Brindley / Andrew Duthie / Sami Tuoriniemi
[series]
