This list is for those that like their snowboarding hard, fast and uncompromising.
I have compiled what I think are the best 6 aggressive all-mountain snowboards currently on the market. This list has been update for the 2018-19 season.
As is tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each board will receive a rating out of 100.
How these Boards Compared
See how the top 6 compared to the averages in the stats below.
O.k. let’s get into the top 6!
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #6
Board: Jones Explorer
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating: 84.8/100
The Explorer is the lowest priced board on this list, was the lowest of the 14 aggressive all mountain boards I looked at and goes for considerably less than the average price.
It's the least aggressive - it's the kind of board that I debated whether to put in all-mountain, aggressive all-mountain or freeride. So, if you're looking for a good mix of all 3, this is a great option.
It’s also the best on this list in powder.
It’s got more rocker in the shape than the other boards in this list. So if you want something with just that bit more forgiveness – but still a more aggressive ride than your average all mountain board, then this is the one on the list for you.
Learn more on the Explorer in the video Below
Score Breakdown for the Explorer
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Speed | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Powder | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Pipe | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Switch | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.8/100 |
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #5
Board: Jones Ultra Mountain Twin
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 84.8/100
The second Jones offering in this list, the Ultra Mountain Twin, also has a reasonable amount of rocker in the profile, compared to the top 3 on this list.
But this time there's no mistaking that it's aggressive. And that aggression comes from a rather stiff core. Noticeably stiffer and more aggressive than it's little brother Mountain Twin.
You can really bomb the mountain on this board and it lays a mean carve. But it's also still pretty good in powder. So, if you're looking for a stiff, aggressive and light-weight ride but still want good float in pow - the UMT might be a good bet for you.
Learn more on the Ultra Mountain Twin in the video Below
Score Breakdown for the Ultra Mountain Twin
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Powder | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Pipe | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.8/100 |
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #4
Board: Capita Mercury
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating: 86.0/100
Coming in at #4 is the Capita Mercury.
Like the Explorer (#6 above) the Mercury was a tough one as to whether I would classify it as an all-mountain or an aggressive-all-mountain. It’s the kind of board that you can get in and put in an aggressive carve on but then when you want to you can get more playful on it – and it’s something you can ride slow if you need to.
It’s also above average in terms of powder, compared to the rest on this list (only the Explorer was better) – so if you want something that’s also got a bit more float, but still want something aggressive, then this is again a good option.
I also found this board super light. That plus some really decent pop made this board a great one for jumps and for spins if that’s something you also want to use it for. It’s a very versatile snowboard – which is why I was tempted to put it in the all-mountain list rather then here.
Learn more about the Mercury in the video
Score Breakdown for the Mercury
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Speed | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Jumps | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Powder | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Pipe | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Switch | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #3
Board: GNU Billy Goat
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
The Billy Goat (or Billy Goat C3 to be precise) is perfect for any hard charging rider.
You want a board that is going to handle on the steepest terrain? Then why not go with a goat! Fast, aggressive and balanced, this deck can handle whatever you throw at it.
Though there is some subtle rocker between the feet in the C3 camber profile on this board, it's barely noticeable. This is a camber dominant ride - and quite stiff too - not for the faint of heart - but if you want a board that can bomb and carve hard, and you're at an advanced level, it can take what you throw at it.
Check out the Video for More on the Billygoat
Score Breakdown for the Billy Goat
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Powder | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Pipe | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Switch | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #2
Board: Burton Custom X
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
You want power, precision and speed? Then the Custom X should be on your radar.
Burton call this the most aggressive board in their line up (and I agree!) and with a stiff flex, directional shape and a traditional camber profile there’ll be nothing too steep or too gnarly for this bad boy.
It’s not the cheapest board on the market but you get a lot for the price in terms of tech and toughness.
Learn more on the Custom X in the video
Score Breakdown for the Custom X
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Speed | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Jumps | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Powder | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 2.5 | 5/10 |
Pipe | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Switch | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN BOARD #1
Board: Slash ATV
Price: View more info and current prices here
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 91.6/100
And the #1 spot goes to the Slash ATV!
This board only knows one way down the mountain – hard and fast. But should you want to do hard and fast airborne or riding switch then the ATV has you covered for that too!
It’s got a directional twin shape – which is what helps to make it pretty decent at riding switch – but everything else about this board is super aggressive. It’s super responsive, stiff and features a traditional camber profile.
This is all round just a killer deck and I had heaps of fun demoing it. It was one of those boards that I felt I didn’t have to get used to – it was awesome from the very first turn I made on it.
Learn more about the ATV in the video below
Score Breakdown for the ATV
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Carving | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Jumps | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
Powder | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.0 | 6/10 |
Pipe | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Switch | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.6/100 |
Thanks for Reading
I hope this post has helped to narrow down the best aggressive all-mountain options for you.
Check out the links below each board for prices and more info on the boards.
Hi Nate,
I’m really tearing my hair between the top 2, an ATV or The Standard, I’ve looked into a lot of freeriding boards such as the Yes PYL and even some medium flex boards like the Ride Helix. I’m looking for a board that will be able to hold its own in steep icy and hard snow conditions as well as being playful enough to hop off the occasional kicker or maybe even pipe. I tend to put a lot of power into riding and carve mostly groomers and the odd patches of choppy pow. I am also not that tall/heavy at 5’6″ and 65Kgs, I know that the 2016 Standard has changed a lot since the 2015 but it still seems like you get a lot more tech in the ATV than The Standard even though it’s considerably less expensive. What do you think are the main differences between the top two and what would you possibly recommend for a slightly lighter rider? Also would a 158cm be manageable or would it have to be a 156cm board? Also would I be able to adventure a little with these boards too or would the ATV/Standard just be too aggressive for choppy uneven pow?
Hey Kynan
Thanks for visiting. There’s very little between the top 2 (hence I scored them the same). When I demoed the 2017 versions recently I did slightly prefer the ATV – but still not a lot in it (and different conditions on different days can affect this too). And you’re probably looking at the 2016 models.
I felt the Standard is slightly better (but not by much in powder) and part of that is down to small rocker sections at tip and tail. It’s technically a hybrid rocker camber as opposed to the ATV’s full camber – but really the Standard only has a moderate and short section of rocker.
The ATV is just that better at speed and with carving. And to me these are two of the really important factors in an aggressive board.
Both boards will definitely serve your need for hitting the occasional kicker and for riding the pipe.
Neither will be great in powder but you could still take them out into the backcountry. But if you’re going to be doing that a lot then a freeride deck would be a better option – or even something like the Slash Brainstorm, Jones Flagship or Niche Story.
I don’t think wither would necessarily be better or worse for a lighter rider.
In terms of size I would definitely say go for the 156cm over the 158cm. I’d even say the 154cm might be your best bet but certainly 156 over the 158. 158cm would be too long for you in my opinion.
Hope this helps.
Ive been riding the custom x for about 10 yrs now (25yr veteran rider). I love going olympic style fast mostly groomers icy east , natural hips jumps etc.. im the guy whos all dressed in black and has his hands tied behind his back leaning forward and just bombing it super super quick tiny itsy edge to edge .. now what would be the next level deck for a guy like me
1. Slash ATV/Aurora ? Or same lines of the CX
2. Jones carbon flagship
3. Amplid UNW8, in which i was leaning towards the most if not just get another x if theres not anything lighter faster quicker edge to edge and can handle chunder better ice better..
Any recommendations will be awesome !!
Hey Dab
I’m not really familiar with Amplid but I can give you my opinion on the rest.
I’d say they’re all of equal ability when it comes to hard/icy conditions. So you’ll get in those conditions what you get out of the Custom X roughly speaking – which is pretty good.
Judging by the fact that it sounds like you are typically in hard/icy conditions on the groomers a lot I would say the Carbon Flagship would be the least suitable – it’s still good at carving but sacrifices a little bit of carving ability to be better in the powder. The others are better for carving but not as good powder-wise.
In term of speed from edge-to-edge, the Custom X and the ATV would be the fastest, IMO. So I’d say the ATV and the Custom X are your best bets. With the Custom X probably a bit better for powder and the ATV better with jumps and for riding switch if you ever do that kind of thing.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Hello! I found deals on the 2016 Slash ATV. Looks like a great board. I cant decide between a 158 or 161. I currently have a k2 Zep 2007 161 (still rockin this awesome thing) and i love it, but its been put through the wringer. I bought a Burton Flight attendant (162) to replace it last season, but i am not thrilled with it. Its too much freeride and not enough an aggressive mtn charger which won’t flinch on anything. Any recommendations for an ATV 158 vs 161 or am i overthinking this? I’m 180lb, 5’10. I ride pretty agressively and am looking for a nimble ride which can handle it all. Thanks!
Hi Lance
If I was you I would go for the 158cm with your specs. For a freeride board I think 161cm would be ok – and it would still be ok for the ATV – but I would personally prefer the 158 (I’m 6’0″, 185lbs). But I do tend to like boards that I’m at the top end of the weight recommendations for. So said another way, I like my boards a little bit shorter than what I would term my “standard size” – though it also depends on the type of board.
For me, my “standard size” for an all-mountain board is 160cm to 161cm but I prefer around 158cm to 159cm for an all-mountain board. For a freeride board I would go as long as 161 and for a freestyle board I’d go as short as 155cm.
For you I would put your standard “all-mountain” size at 159cm. In which case the 158cm is pretty close. But if you prefer to go slightly longer then the 161cm definitely isn’t out of range.
The other reason I say 158cm is that you mention the word nimble.
The 158cm will feel more nimble/maneuverable and be a bit quicker edge-to-edge.
The 161cm will have better float in powder & more stability at speed.
So it’s really a weigh up between which you want more – quicker maneuverability or more stability at speed (of course that’s not to say that the 161 won’t be maneuverable and that the 158 won’t be stable at speed – this is just relative to each other).
Hope this novel has given you more info to go off!
Wow! This is very helpful. Thank you so much for your reply and keep on shredding and reporting on gear! There is so much gear out there these days and it takes someone who can actually ride and test the gear out get a re-liable source of info. Thank you.
Hi Lance
You’re very welcome. Glad I could help. Hope you have an awesome season!
My trusted Burton Triumph has finally asked to be hung up. I’m considering both the Custom X and Flight Attendant as a replacement. Most of my time is spent off the groomers finding hops and enjoying the mountain…No parks, but I do love the last stretch home on the chopped up groomer. Any preferences?
Hey Josh
I would say Flight Attendant for you. The main reason I say that is that I found it better on choppy groomers. Also, it’s better in powder and if you’re off the groomers a lot, then I’m guessing you ride in powder a reasonable amount.
The Flight Attendant is equal on most things with the Custom X but better in powder and better on choppy snow. The Custom does have a bit better edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. That would be the only thing it has over the Flight Attendant (IMO). I rate both boards highly but if you’re going to be in powder a bit, then Flight Attendant. If you’re going to be in hard/icy conditions a lot and not that much powder, then I’d go Custom X, instead.
Hope this helps.
Just checking to see if this post will go up
Hi Justin
It’s up – but all comments are moderated, so are checked before being published on site. I have answered your other comment in the other post – Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards – let me know if you didn’t get the response and I can copy over what I wrote there.
Hi Nate!
Thanks for the info. Im quite a heavy rider (230 pounds). Plus I like to Ride rocks, trees, street and all mountain/park. What would be a Tough agressive board to your opinion.
Thanks have a good winter!
Hi Ben
I can’t really comment on what’s a tough board. I don’t typically get to ride anything long enough to test durability – but you’re looking for aggressive then I’d say the top 3 on this list – but also based on what you’re describing, I would also check out the list at the link below. They might be even more suited to your style.
~ Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
Hope this helps
Nate,
I just stumbled across your site and am really enjoying your reviews and insights. Quick stats: 5’10”, 175lbs, size 10 Salomon Malamutes, Burton CO2 bindings, been riding for 20+ years.
I’m looking at retiring my 2011 NS Heritage (158) at the end of this season, and am hoping to grab a new board when they go on sale. That board has been really fun and works well for my riding style. I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to a NS West or a Jones Explorer (159s), but am open to suggestions. I’m looking for any additional advice you could give that you haven’t already covered in your (very detailed) reviews. I’m on the west coast, and ride Mammoth for the most part, but make trips out to CO, UT, etc every other year or so. I pretty much ride everything except park, but prefer steep and deep (who doesn’t) and trees, and am always down to pack my snowshoes and hike. I also ride switch groomers a bunch when I’m cruising with the wife, so my board needs to be at least competent switch. Last thing, I have no cartilage left in my lead knee, so a damp board that helps eliminate some chunder is a definite plus.
Thanks in advance.
Leif
Hi Leif
Thanks for your message.
I think you’re bang on in terms of those boards for how you ride and 159 is the size I would recommend for both for you as well. Though the Explorer does ride a little shorter, so that’s something you could consider going to the 162 for, but the 159 would work as well.
In terms of dampness, I wouldn’t say that either were considerably damp – but they’re also not chattery either. They’re somewhere in the middle, IMO. Another option – also in the 159 – is the Rossignol One. I found this to be a little damper than you’re average all-mountain board and otherwise suits your needs.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
I’m an ex competitive surfer with 40yrs experience in the water, so I totally realize board selection is a personal thing (I’m sure you’ll agree). Reason I’m saying this is that I have my eye on the T.Rice pro as a all round pow/groomer/all mountain charger, yet it’s not on the list and judging from product reviews elsewhere, it’s the bees knees of all mountain boards. I read a review of the board on another website where one person said he sold his whole quiver except for his Custom X and uses the Pro almost exclusively.
Apologies if you’ve already reviewed/included the T.Rice Pro elsewhere on the site.
Hi Don
Yeah – board selection is a personal thing. But one reason it’s not in this list is that I categorize it as an aggressive-all-mountain-freestyle board.
And the main reason it didn’t make that list for me, is just that I found it a lot of effort to get turns going quickly on it. Edge-to-edge was a bit of an effort to get going quickly and it felt a bit heavy on snow to me. Now, like you say it’s an individual thing and I have heard others rave about it. Overall, I enjoyed the ride but that was the one thing that held it back for me. But I think I would have preferred the 155 (I rode the 157) – and even though I would normally go 157, 158 for this type of board, the T Rice Pro is a little wider, and I think the 155 would have been a better size for me on balance – and that would make it feel lighter/quicker edge-to-edge. Others might also be more athletic than me in terms of leg/core strength, power to weight ratio, that kind of thing, which makes a difference too.
You can read more in my review of the T Rice Pro at the link below if you’d like:
>>Lib Tech T Rice Pro Review
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate. Yip, I’ve heard it’s not the easiest board to ride. You’re super fortunate to ride all these boards and make comparisons. Problem for people like me is I do 3 weeks in Europe once a year and there’s very few to no demo’s. Would be magic to try various boards like you do, not so much to assist in making the right purchase, but to get the most out of snowboarding. Gonna read your T Rice pro review, thanks again.
You’re very welcome Don.
Would be interested to hear what you end up going with.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge here! I’ve learned a lot from your reviews and comments.
I’m picking up my ‘old’ hobby after several years with small kids and would like to renew my gear. I’m 47 years, 6’2″ (188 cm) tall, 180 lbs (81 kg). I would regard my self as an advanced snowboard rider, but out of shape now after many years with family life.
My current board is a Salomon 550 freeride board from 2000, 164 cm long. It’s still really good, but chatter a bit at high speeds. I would really like a board for speed, carving, the occational small jumps on the side of the tracks, and the occational powder. No half pipe or park here. Oftentimes the conditions will be icy snow. I was torn between all-mountain and aggressive all-mountain boards, also looking into freeride boards. I considered the Rossignol One, but that would leave with a wide board (shoe size US 10/10.5), so now I’m not sure anymore.
What would your suggestions for me be?
Hi Per-Chr
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of length, I think something around 161, 162 would be a good length for you. You could still go for something up to 164 if you wanted, but you could down size a little as well.
For the Rossi One, the longest non-wide is 159 unfortunately. That certainly wouldn’t be excessively small for you by any means, but on the small side, especially if you’re used to a 164. Width-wise, assuming you got into 10s for your boots, you would fit on the Rossignol One – and even with 10.5s you might be ok, depending on binding angles. If you ride with angles like +15/-15 or something with a reasonable angle on the back foot, then even 10.5s would be fine on something like the One 159. But I’m guessing you’d prefer to go longer than that.
I think something like the Jones Explorer 162 would be a good option – it’s kind of in between an all-mountain and aggressive all-mountain. In hard/icy conditions it’s good but not as good as something like the Rossi One (I’d say 4/5 in hard conditions, compared to 5/5 for Rossi One).
The Slash ATV 161, GNU Billy Goat 162 would also be good options – and again I’d say 4/5 in terms of hard/icy conditions – but more aggressive than the Explorer.
And of course if you wanted to stick with Salomon – the Man’s Board 162 (which I would also say 4/5 in hard/icy conditions).
Going more all-mountain, the Mountain Twin, Never Summer West and Slash Brainstorm would all work too – just a little softer flexing/more playful in terms of both flex and camber profiles.
For Freeride, the YES PYL would be a great choice – great in hard/icy conditions too. Better than most freeride boards for side-hits as well, in my experience. The Rossignol XV is great in those conditions and another good option. The Never Summer Chairman and Jones Flaghip are also good in hard/icy, IMO (4/5) but not quite as good as YES PYL and Rossi XV.
Hope this gives you more info to go off and let me know if you want to know more to narrow your options down
Thanks a lot Nate! Yes you’re guessing right, – I prefer going longer than 159 so the Rossi One is off my list. My reason for bying a new board is that I want to ride faster and enjoy carving (and quick edge to edge turning, – not switching) more than I feel mye current board allows me. But it’s really hard to estimate what I’ll get as I only have one reference (the Salamon 550) with no specs about stiffness etc. I know it has a 4000 sintered base and is a high end directional board, and that it’s described as “easy, quick, responsive, snappy, suited for light, technical finesse riders”. I still enjoy the board, but it lags behind in the speed/carving department, so my dream board would be a stick that blended the qualities of my Salomon whith better stability and speed capabilities. Do you still think Jones Explorer tics the boxes for me? As I understand, it will be forgiving at lower speeds (compared to the Flagship among others), which is a good thing for me as I also will be cruising alongside my kids some of the time.
I also find myself being drawn to the Yes PYL. This is the side of me that wants to ride alone in my own (fast) pace, to press and charge hard. On the other hand, I don’t want a dedicated bomber either.
Thanks again for helping me narrow my options down further.
Hi Per-Chr.
In my experience, the Explorer is one of those boards that can ride aggressively but is also something that’s more forgiving at slower speeds. Not to the point that a soft beginner board or freestyle type board is, but more so than others with similar flex and camber.
I would say that the PYL is quicker edge-to-edge than the Explorer but the Explorer isn’t bad in that department, it’s just that the PYL is really up there as one of the quickest responding boards I’ve ridden. It’s really nimble (compared to other boards of its type, it was the best I rode going through tight trees) given it’s flex and for a stiffer freeride board, it’s something that’s not too tricky when riding slower – not as forgiving at slower speeds as the Explorer but not too far off either.
Thanks again! I know you haven’t reviewed it, but how does the Yes Optimistic fit in here? I have trouble finding PYL and Explorer around here, but have a chance to pick up an Optimistic 2019 157 demo for half of full price.
Hi Per-Chr
The Optimistic is certainly quite aggressive and is quick edge to edge. It’s stiffer than the PYL but it’s something you ride shorter than you normally would. It’s a short/wide (so wider but shorter than normal). Something that I really like for the trees. So yeah, given that you’re used to a 164, and I’d say 161, 162 is a good way to go, for the Optimistic, the 157 would be a good way to go.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge here! I’ve learned a lot from your reviews and comments.
I am about to by a board that can ride switch , send it side ways and take my freestyle out of the slope (doing stuff on back country) . Also, i am intermediate to advanced rider. I am more to Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, am i see the rigth board ?
Hi George
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, the Ultra Mountain Twin would work for that for sure, IMO. Also the Jones Explorer and Capita Mercury (UMT if you want something stiffer and the Explorer and Mercury for slightly less stiff options).
Or you could look at something like the Capita Kazu Kokubo – not as competent at switch (but close) and better in powder – and designed to be freestyle in backcountry.
Not the only options of course, but all options that would work for that purpose, IMO.
Hope this helps