You can toggle (by clicking the "+" sign) each year below to see the lists from past season's.
#10: Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
RATING: 86.4/100
Starting off the list, in the #10 position, we have Capita's Kazu Kokubo Pro model. The Kazu has been a mainstay in this list over the years - and for good reason.
It can really rip carves, holds it's own at speed and in powder and is one of the better freeride board for jumping - and if you've seen any of Kazu's videos, you'll understand why.
#9: Jones Hovercraft 2.0
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
RATING: 86.4/100
Next up we have Jones' Hovercraft 2.0. With the introduction of the 2.0 version of this board a couple of years back, this board got an upgrade that made it even better than it was before.
It's one of those boards that could be used as your specialized powder board, when you get the deep stuff, but it's more than just a powder board and handles groomers really well. It's not great for anything freestyle, but it's the kind of powder board that when then pow is tracked, it's still super fun to rip groomers on.
#8: Jones Storm Wolf
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
RATING: 87.0/100
The Storm Wolf is new to this list this year and makes on the back of being a really hard charger and superior to most boards in powder.
This one isn't for the faint hearted, as it's really stiff, at least I found it to be so. But that means you can really let this thing fly and it remains super stable, smashes through crud like it's nothing and can really hold on to a carve.
So long as you don't expect it to be an easy turning board at slower speeds or want to do anything freestyle or ride switch and you like your riding hard charging, this board will let you go to levels that not many others can.
#7: Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
RATING: 87.0/100
Capita's BSOD is our next selection, at #7.
As well as being a very capable hard charger for high speed and deep carves, the BSOD will also have you covered for those unexpected (and expected) powder days.
#6: GNU Banked Country
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
RATING: 87.5/100
*TOP TIER HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
At #6, we have GNU's Banked Country.
I found this board to be remarkably agile at slower speeds, given how good it is at handling speed and how good it is on a carve. It's also one of the better jumpers on this list and is really consistent across everything - it's even pretty decent for riding switch.
#5: Rome Ravine Pro
Flex: Stiff (8.5/10)
RATING: 87.5/100
Now we return to another hard charger. The Ravine Pro (formerly known as the Ravine Select) is a take no prisoners board that likes to charge hard and carve trenches.
But that's only on a non-pow day or when the pow is tracked. It may not be at home in the park or when riding at lower speeds, but it's equally as adept at bombing groomers as it is at floating in powder.
#4: Capita Mega Death
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
RATING: 88.6/100
Another new entry this year, at #4, is the Mega Death - the big brother of the BSOD at #7. Feels a little strange that big brother was born after little brother, but there you have it!
The Mega Death likes nothing more than to bomb and carve, but give it a powder day and it while it won't be the powder board to end all powder boards - it will give you enough float that you can enjoy those deeper days.
And should you come across any crud, give that crud a yell and warn it that you're coming - it's the humane thing to do!
#3: YES Pick Your Line
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
RATING: 90.2/100
*TOP TIER HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Another staple in this list for many years, we have the YES PYL at #3.
This board is remarkable in so many ways. The way it finds that rare ability to be good at both fast and slow speeds. How it can handle so much being thrown at it, yet be able to ride more casually without being fatiguing.
And then, just when you weren't already gushing enough about this board, you look at the price and have to do a triple take. I mean seriously, there should be a picture in the dictionary of this board under value-for-money!
#2: Never Summer Valhalla
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
RATING: 90.8/100
The 3rd and final new entry to this list, coming in at #2, we have Never Summer's Valhalla.
This board was seriously fun to ride and seemed to be able to change feel to suit any situation. When you want to be aggressive it can handle it, but when you want to slow it down or when things get tight, it once again handles it. And not only handles it, but makes it fun.
Really very few weaknesses on this board, and I can't wait to hopefully get on it again soon!
#1: Jones Flagship
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
RATING: 91.3/100
Finally, coming in the top spot at #1, we have Jones' Flagship snowboard.
The Flagship has been ever present in this list for a long time - and it's not surprising, given the performance and quality of this board. It's evolved with the times over the years, but it's always been near the top of the heap when it comes to bombing the mountain, floating in pow, carving up the groomers and eliminating the crud.
And while charging is the Flagship's forte, it's got just enough forgiveness to it, that you can ride it slow when needed without it feeling like a tank.
FREERIDE BOARD #10
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.3/100
Starting off the list at #10, we have Nidecker's Alpha APX. The Alpha APX has the remarkable ability to be both surfy when you want it to - and carve pretty aggressively, when you want to lock it into an edge.
It's a really versatile, high-end one-board-quiver for those who don't really have freestyle in their repertoire or have a separate board for freestyle.
Score Breakdown for the Alpha APX
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
Next up we have Lib Tech's Golden Orca.
Not for those with a light-weight wallet. But if you've got the cash to splash, the Golden Orca is a ride that will ensure that you're ready for every pow stash, but at the same time will treat you well on groomers, when there's nothing fresh to float on.
Score Breakdown for the GOLDEN ORCA
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
At #8 we have the Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD).
The BSOD is one of those boards that's hard to say if it's all-mountain or freeride. I've chosen to categorize it as a freeride board, but it's a freeride board with a very all-mountain feel.
But it's a better carver, better at speed and better in powder than the average all-mountain board, so it fits in - and, as a bonus, it's also a great jumper and better than average at riding switch compared to the average freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the BSOD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Flex: MEDIUM-STIFF (7/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
New for 2024, Jones' Hovercraft 2.0 is our next pick.
Taking over from where the Hovercraft left off, but with enough changes to warrant a name change, the Hovercraft 2.0 gives you something a little more mellow and snappy than it's predecessor but it hasn't lost any of its powder prowess.
And it does a great job when it comes to messy snow, riding trees and generally cruising the groomers.
Score Breakdown for the Hovercraft 2.0
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 25/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
Next in at # 6, we have Capita's Kazu Kokubo Pro. The Kazu is an awesome option for anyone who wants to be jumping in the backcountry/sidecountry but at the same time can carve well on groomers, when the powder is tracked.
Score Breakdown for the Kazu
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
Coming in next at #5, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats well in powder, carves hard and is fast and stable at high speeds.
It's also above average for jumping for a freeride board, so if you're looking to rock some freestyle off those natural hits, then the flight attendant is a good way to go.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Flex: Stiff (8.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Our #4 board, Rome's Ravine Select, is the stiffest on this list and the one that requires the most aggressive rider. If you can find your limit on this board, then you've got to be one epic rider. It could take everything we could throw at it and I'm sure a lot more.
Score Breakdown for the Ravine Select
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
GNU's Banked Country didn't get a massive overhaul or anything, but we re-tested it after a few changes, and it feels quite different to what it used to be.
It's mellowed out and gotten snappier. And whilst it may not be quite as stable at speed, it's become much more nimble at slower speeds, better in the trees and better for side-hits and jumps, in my opinion. And it's managed to do so without losing any of its carving ability.
Score Breakdown for the Banked Country
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 90.2/100
In at #2, we have Jones' Flagship.
The Flagship is a powder hound. And while it is good at speed and likes to have speed under it it's, at the same time, something that can still slash and is fairly nimble at slower speeds, particularly for how good it is riding fast/carving.
A really versatile, powder first, freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 25/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.2/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
And finally at #1, we have YES' Pick Your Line (PYL).
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the PYL can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It has an uncanny ability to switch between hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described - that X factor that you just can't put words on.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
Of the 35 Freeride boards I looked at:
FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Jones Hovercraft
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 85.3/100
Starting off our list at #10, we have the Jones Hovercraft.
The Hovercraft is a veteran in the snowboard world now and whilst it's reputation screams powder - and don't doubt this board is awesome for powder - it's how it handles groomers and speed that surprised us the most.
Steep and deep is it's forte, but when the snow isn't falling, this thing more than holds its own on.
Score Breakdown for the Hovercraft
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 25/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Nidecker Alpha APX
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.3/100
The Alpha APX has the remarkable ability to be both surfy when you want it to - and carve when you want to lock it into an edge.
It's a really versatile, high-end one board quiver for those who don't really have freestyle in their repertoire or have a separate board for freestyle.
Score Breakdown for the Alpha APX
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
Next up we have the Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD).
The BSOD is one of those boards that's hard to say if it's all-mountain or freeride. I've chosen to categorize it as a freeride board, but it's a freeride board with a very all-mountain feel.
But it's a better carver, better at speed and better in powder than the average all-mountain board, so it fits in - and, as a bonus, it's also a great jumper and better than average at riding switch compared to the average freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the BSOD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: Lib Tech Ejack Knife
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
In at #7 is the Lib Tech E-Jack Knife.
The Ejack Knife is a great freeride board - and also one that you can enjoy jumps on - and isn't bad riding switch for a freeride board.
So, if you're looking for something that's hard charging and freeride oriented but also a little more versatile, the Ejack Knife is worth checking out further.
Score Breakdown for the E-Jack Knife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: GNU Banked Country
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Banked Country is a beast of a board. Super fun and rewarding when you put in the work.
It can bomb and carve trenches with the best of them. And has awesome grip in hard and icy conditions. And then when there's powder, it floats nice and easy too.
Score Breakdown for the Banked Country
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Rome Ravine Select
Flex: Stiff (8.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Our #5 board, the Ravine Select, is new to this list, as it's the first time we've been able to test it. And we're sure glad we did!
If you can find your limit on this board, then you've got to be one epic rider. It could take everything we could throw at it and more.
Score Breakdown for the Ravine Select
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
In the #4 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard and is fast and stable at high speeds.
It's also above average for jumping for a freeride board, so if you're looking to rock some freestyle off those natural hits, then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It's got a slightly more forgiving flex than a traditional stiff freeride board, without being so soft as to belong in the surfy freeride list.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 20/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 88.0/100
The Kazu Kokubo Pro is an awesome option for anyone who wants to be jumping in the backcountry/sidecountry and loves to ride the trees, but at the same time can carve well on groomers, when the powder is tracked.
Surprisingly nimble at slower speeds, despite how good it is riding fast. And floats really nicely in powder.
Score Breakdown for the Kazu
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Jones Flagship
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 90.2/100
The Flagship is predominantly a bomber and a powder floater. But at the same time, it's not something that feels like a tank when you try to ride it slow. It can still slash and be fairly nimble at slower speeds, particularly for how good it is riding fast.
A really versatile, powder first, freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 25/25 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.2/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It has an uncanny ability to switch between hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described - that X factor that you just can't put words on.
The '23 PYL has softened up a bit from the '22 model and, against the trend of a vast majority of snowboards, has actually gone down in price. This is likely because they've have brought in the PYL Uninc for '23 and also because stiffer is typically always more expensive for snowboards.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
Of the 32 Freeride boards I looked at:
NOTE that this list is currently #11 - I tested a board late (Nidecker Alpha), which made it into the list. When this list is updated for 22-23 boards, it will go back to 10.
FREERIDE BOARD #11
Board: Burton Family Tree Straight Chuter
Flex: Stiff (8.5/10)
Rating: 85.7/100
Starting off the list at #10 we have Burton's Straight Chuter. Inexplicably on Burton's website they rate this board as a happy medium flex! Must be a typo, because this board is stiff. It's like a Custom X but more directional and with a bit of rocker in the nose.
Not only is the stiffest in this list, it's also the priciest. In a list of high priced boards, that's saying something.
But you get a beast of a board for that price. Unfailing stable at high speeds, a carving machine - and pretty darn in good in powder to boot. If you like your board to be take no prisoner's hard charging, and your budget can afford it, the Straight Chuter is worth checking out.
Score Breakdown for the Straight Chuter
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 5.0 | 20/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 4/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Lib Tech Ejack Knife
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 86.3/100
Next up we have the Lib Tech E-Jack Knife.
The Ejack Knife is a great freeride board - and also one that you can enjoy jumps on - and isn't bad riding switch for a freeride board.
So, if you're looking for something that's hard charging and freeride oriented but also a little more versatile, the Ejack Knife is worth checking out further.
Score Breakdown for the E-Jack Knife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 86.3/100
Next up we have the Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD).
The BSOD is one of those boards that's hard to say if it's all-mountain or freeride. I've chosen to categorize it as a freeride board, but it's a freeride board with a very all-mountain feel.
But it's a better carver, better at speed and better in powder than the average all-mountain board, so it fits in - and to boot, it's also a great jumper and better than average at riding switch compared to the average freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the BSOD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Nidecker Alpha APX
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 86.3/100
A late comer to the list for '22 (I didn't test it until the 21-22 winter), the Alpha APX had to be included.
It has the remarkable ability to be both surfy when you want it to - and carve when you want to lock it into an edge. And it's a really versatile one board quiver for those who don't really have freestyle in their repertoire or have a seperate board for freestyle.
Score Breakdown for the Alpha APX
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 86.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Coming in at #7 is the impressive, ever reliable Rossi XV Magtek..
The XV Magtek is quite stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome stability but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice. It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Score Breakdown for the XV
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Niche Maelstrom
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 86.8/100
Next up we have the Maelstrom from Niche.
The Maelstrom is a stiff, tough, hard charging beast. If you like you're riding aggressive and you want to be able to charge both groomers and powder and smash through crud, the Maelstrom should be on your radar.
Score Breakdown for the Maelstrom
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: GNU Banked Country
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 87.4/100
New for the 2022 season, the Banked Country is a beast of a board. Super fun and rewarding when you put in the work.
It can bomb and carve trenches with the best of them. And has awesome grip in hard and icy conditions.
And all of that for a really reasonable price, in comparison to most freeride boards - and the least expensive option on this list.
Score Breakdown for the Banked Country
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 88.5/100
The Kazu Kokubo Pro is an awesome option for anyone who wants to be jumping in the backcountry/sidecountry and loves to ride the trees, but at the same time can carve well on groomers, when the powder is tracked.
Surprisingly nimble at slower speeds, despite how good it is riding fast. And floats really nicely in powder.
Score Breakdown for the Kazu
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 89.0/100
In the #3 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard and is super fast and stable at high speeds.
It's also above average for jumping for a freeride board, so if you're looking to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It's got a slightly more forgiving flex than a traditional stiff freeride board, without being so soft as to belong in the surfy freeride list.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Jones Flagship
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 89.6/100
The Flagship underwent a number of changes for the 2020 model - and retains those changes for the 2021 and 2022 models. It's a changed board, but still keeps some of the same character from the 2019 and previous models.
It's not as hard a charger for straight line bombing as it was, IMO. But it's an improved board for trees, maneuverability and jumps but can still carve and bomb - and for powder, if anything floats even better.
It's a slightly more mellow flex and overall a slightly more mellow ride, but also super fun (even more so, in this humble rider's opinion) and still a charging freeride machine overall. It's more mellow than it was, but it's still not a mellow ride overall.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 90.7/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Pick Your Line is a hard charging, big mountain machine.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It has an uncanny ability to switch between hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described - that X factor that you just can't put words on.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. And this isn't an exact science, but hopefully this gives you some options and perspective on some great freeride boards and what might suit you the best.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board.
If you want to learn more about any of these boards or check out current prices/availability, check out the links at the top of each board description above.
Some Quick Stats
Of the 36 Freeride boards I looked at:
FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Price: $629
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.3/100
To start the list at #10= we have the Capita Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD).
The BSOD is one of those boards that's hard to say if it's all-mountain or freeride. I've chosen to categorize it as a freeride board, but it's a freeride board with a very all-mountain feel.
But it's a better carver, better at speed and better in powder than the average all-mountain board, so it fits in - and to boot, it's also a great jumper and better than average at riding switch compared to the average freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the BSOD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: Lib Tech Ejack Knife
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 85.3/100
Next up we have the Lib Tech E-Jack Knife.
The Ejack Knife is a great freeride board - and also one that you can enjoy jumps on - and isn't bad riding switch for a freeride board.
So, if you're looking for something that's hard charging and freeride oriented but also a little more versatile, the Ejack Knife is worth checking out further.
Score Breakdown for the E-Jack Knife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Niche Maelstrom
Price: $569
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
Another new freeride board for 2020 is from Niche - the Maelstrom.
Now this is a more traditional freeride board. It's a stiff, tough, hard charging beast. If you like you're riding aggressive and you want to be able to charge both groomers and powder and smash through crud, the Maelstrom should be on your radar.
Score Breakdown for the Maelstrom
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Never Summer Chairman
Price: $629
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
In at #8, we have the Never Summer Chairman.
This board is a bomber and made to charge the mountain hard, whether on the groomers or in the deep stuff.
It's stiff and has plenty of camber and loves to carve - loves to be railing that edge - but at the same time finds a way to float really well in powder. And it's not half bad on a jump - or riding switch, for a freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Chairman
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: GNU Essential Service
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Essential Service (formerly called the Mullair) is 1 of 4 boards in this list that has rocker between the feet - though the Essential Service has GNUs C3 camber profile, which is pretty much all camber with just a touch of rocker between the feet.
Whilst this profile doesn't suit powder quite as well as something with rocker in the nose, the Essential Service floats surprisingly well in powder.
But where it really shines is on a carve. This board can really lay down a carve. But it's also something that you can actually maneuver quite easily at slower speeds and is very agile - so you can happily take this through the trees.
All this plus it's ability to bomb at speed, make this a great freeride option.
Score Breakdown for the Essential Service
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Price: $649
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 87.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Coming in at #6 is the impressive, ever reliable Rossi XV Magtek..
The XV Magtek is quite stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome responsiveness but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice (due largely to its magne-traction edges). It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Score Breakdown for the XV
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro
Price: $579
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
The Kokubo Pro is an awesome option for anyone who wants to be jumping in the backcountry/sidecountry and loves to ride the trees, but at the same time can carve well on groomers, when the powder is tracked.
Surprisingly nimble at slower speeds, despite how good it is riding fast. And floats really nicely in powder.
Score Breakdown for the Kazu
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 88.0/100
In the #4 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard without even the hint of even getting close to washing out and is super fast and super stable at high speeds.
It's also above average for jumping for a freeride board, so if you're looking to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It's got a slightly more forgiving flex than a traditional stiff freeride board. This is more the trend these days, but the FA has been doing it for a long time now.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Jones Flagship
Price: $649
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 88.6/100
The Flagship underwent a number of changes for the 2020 model - and retains those changes for the 2021 model. It's a changed board, but still keeps some of the same character from the 2019 and previous models.
It's not as hard a charger for straight line bombing as it was, IMO. But it's an improved board for trees, maneuverability and jumps but can still carve and bomb - and for powder, if anything floats even better.
It's a slightly more mellow flex and overall a slightly more mellow ride, but also super fun (even more so, in this rider's opinion) and still a charging freeride machine overall. It's more mellow than it was, but it's still not a mellow ride overall.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Never Summer West Bound
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.2/100
And coming in the #2 spot, we have the Never Summer West Bound.
The Westbound is a great mid-stiff, super smooth/damp freeride crusher. This thing absorbs the bumps better than most - and all round has the balance just right between being hard charging and forgiving. It's more forgiving than you're average freeride board when you're riding it slow, but can bomb when you need it too.
It also achieves an allusive combination of being lively yet damp at the same time.
Score Breakdown for the West Bound
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.2/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 91.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Pick Your Line is a hard charging, big mountain machine, that is also agile & maneuverable.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It has an uncanny ability to switch between hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described that just made me a better rider.
My carves were better, I had more confidence bombing at speed, whether out in the open or through the trees (where it is surprisingly agile). That, and the fact it can handle all terrain well, makes this a very versatile and super-fun freeride deck.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.8/100 |
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. And this isn't an exact science, but hopefully this gives you some options and perspective on some great freeride boards and what might suit you the best.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Freeride Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
Some Quick Stats
Of the 39 Freeride boards I looked at:
FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: Lib Tech Ejack Knife
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
To start the list at #10, we have the Lib Tech E-Jack Knife.
The Ejack Knife is a great freeride board - and also one that you can enjoy jumps on - and isn't bad riding switch for a freeride board.
So, if you're looking for something that's hard charging and freeride oriented but also a little more versatile, the Ejack Knife is worth checking out further.
Score Breakdown for the E-Jack Knife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
Price: $499
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
Next up we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
Most Freeride boards are quite stiff. The Skeleton Key bucks that trend. So, if you're looking for that tapered directional shape that will give you great float in powder - and a directional camber profile that works for both powder and carving - but you want it in a softer flex, then this is the board.
It's not what I would call playful as such, because it does have quite an aggressive camber profile - but it's not as aggressive as that camber profile would suggest, because of that softer flex.
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: YES Hybrid
Price: $549
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
The Hybrid is a new board in YES's line for 2020 and something that I had a great time on.
It's called the Hybrid because YES describes it as a hybrid between the YES PYL (see #1 on this list) and the YES 420. Essentially it's a softer flexing PYL that has been short/wided (it's a word I swear!).
Like the Skeleton Key, you get a softer flex for a freeide board - so if the only thing that's stopped you from going Freeride in the past has been a stiff flex, this might be an option for you.
There aren't that many short/wide boards that I like, but the Hybrid somehow rides narrower than it is.
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Niche Maelstrom
Price: $569
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Another new freeride board for 2020 is from Niche - the Maelstrom.
Now this is a more traditional freeride board vs the Skeleton Key and Hybrid. It's a stiff, tough, hard charging beast. If you like you're riding aggressive and you want to be able to charge both groomers and powder and smash through crud, the Maelstrom should be on your radar.
Score Breakdown for the Maelstrom
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: Never Summer Chairman
Price: $619
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
In at #7, we have the Never Summer Chairman.
This board is a bomber and made to charge the mountain hard, whether on the groomers or in the deep stuff.
It's stiff and cambered and loves to carve - loves to be railing that edge - but at the same time finds a way to float really well in powder. And it's not half bad on a jump - or riding switch, for a freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Chairman
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: GNU Mullair
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Mullair is 1 of 4 boards in this list that has rocker between the feet - though the Mullair has GNUs C3 camber profile, which is pretty much all camber with just a touch of rocker between the feet.
Whilst this profile doesn't suit powder quite as well as something with rocker in the nose, the Mullair floats surprisingly well in powder.
But where it really shines is on a carve. This board can really lay down a carve. But it's also something that you can actually maneuver at slower speeds and is very agile - so you can happily take this through the trees.
All this plus it's ability to bomb at speed, make this a great freeride option.
Score Breakdown for the Mullair
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 88.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Coming in at #5 is the impressive, ever reliable Rossi XV Magtek..
The XV Magtek is quite stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome responsiveness but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice (due largely to its magne-traction edges). It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Score Breakdown for the XV
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Jones Flagship
Price: $649
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 88.6/100
The Flagship has undergone a number of changes for the 2020 model. It's a changed board, but still keeps some of the same character.
It's not, IMO, as hard a charger for straight line bombing as it was, IMO. But it's an improved board for trees, maneuverability and jumps but can still carve and bomb - and if anything floats even better in powder.
It's a slightly more mellow flex and overall a slightly more mellow ride, but also super fun (even more so, in this rider's opinion) and still a charging freeride machine.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 89.1/100
In the #3 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard without even the hint of even getting close to washing out and is super fast and super stable at high speeds.
And if you like having a slightly more playful ride for the backcountry to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It's got a slightly more forgiving flex than a traditional stiff freeride board. This is more the trend these days, but the FA has been doing it for a long time now.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Never Summer West Bound
Price: $589
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.2/100
Another new freeride board for the year - and leaping into the #2 spot, we have the Never Summer West Bound. Even though by name it sounds like it's replacing the outgoing West, it's pretty much nothing like it.
Instead it's a great mid-stiff, super smooth/damp freeride crusher. This thing absorbs the bumps better than most - and all round has the balance just right between begin hard charging but still lively yet damp at the same time.
Score Breakdown for the West Bound
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.2/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 91.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Pick Your Line is a hard charging, big mountain machine, that is also agile & maneuverable.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It achieves a great ability to switch been hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described that just made me a better rider.
My carves were better, I had more confidence bombing at speed, whether out in the open or through the trees (where it is surprisingly agile). That, and the fact it can handle all terrain well, makes this a very versatile and super-fun freeride deck.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.8/100 |
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. And this isn't an exact science, but hopefully this gives you some options and perspective on some great freeride boards and what might suit you the best.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Freeride Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
Some Quick Stats
Of the 32 Freeride boards I looked at:
FREERIDE BOARD #5=
Board: Never Summer Chairman
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Starting off the list at #5 we have the Never Summer Chairman.
The Chairman underwent some changes for the 2018 model and is now a hybrid between the now defunct Twenty Five and the 2017 Chairman. The 2019 model is the same as the 2018 model.
A welcome change in my opinion – the addition of the Ripsaw Rocker Camber profile on this board has helped to make it a carving machine, which added to it’s already inherent powder prowess.
Now this bomber is made to charge the mountain hard, whether on the groomers or in the deep stuff.
Score Breakdown for the Chairman
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5=
Board: GNU Mullair
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Mullair is the second of 2 boards in this list that have rocker between the feet - though the Mullair has GNUs C3 camber profile, which is pretty much all camber with just a touch of rocker between the feet.
Whilst this profile doesn't suit powder quite as well as something with rocker in the nose, the Mullair floats surprisingly well in powder.
But where it really shines is on a carve. This board can really lay down a carve. But it's also something that you can actually maneuver at slower speeds and is very agile - so you can happily take this through the trees.
All this plus it's ability to bomb at speed, make this a great freeride option.
Score Breakdown for the Mullair
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 88.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Coming in at #4 is the impressive, ever reliable Rossi XV Magtek..
The XV Magtek is quite stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome responsiveness but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice (due largely to its magne-traction edges). It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Score Breakdown for the XV
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Jones Flagship
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 88.6/100
The next board on the list, in at #3, the Flagship, is the perfect freeride board if you like to do a bit of freestyle riding off natural terrain - as well as all your typical freeride endeavors.
The Flagship has exceptional float in powder, is super fast and aggressive and can carve with the best of them - but it also allows you to rock some freestyle wherever you are in the backcountry or on the groomers.
New for the 2016-17 season, the Flagship adopted Jones' new Spoon 3.0 tech (learn more in the video below). This helps with float in powder and giving it a surfy feel. The 2017-18 and 2018-19 boards have followed suit and retained that feature. Even though the taper is only subtle on this board, it floats like it's got a massive taper - the Spoon tech likely has something to do with that.
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 5.0 | 20/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 89.1/100
In the #2 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
None of these boards receive extra points for their price - but on a performance for money scale for freeride snowboards the Burton Flight Attendant is great value. It's $36 cheaper than the other boards on this list.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard without even the hint of even getting close to washing out (except in really hard/icy conditions), and is super fast and super stable at those high speeds.
And if you like having a slightly more playful ride for the backcountry to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It's got a slightly more forgiving flex than most on this list.
Score Breakdown for the Flight Attendant
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating: 91.8/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Pick Your Line is a hard charging, big mountain machine, that is also agile & maneuverable.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It achieves a great ability to switch been hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite.
But besides all of that, the PYL has something that can't be described that just made me a better rider.
My carves were better, I had more confidence bombing at speed, whether out in the open or through the trees (where it is surprisingly agile). That and it can handle all terrain well, makes this a very versatile and super-fun freeride deck.
Score Breakdown for the PYL
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.5 | 18/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.8/100 |
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. And this isn't an exact science, but hopefully this gives you some options and perspective on some great freeride boards and what might suit you the best.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 5. For the latest season's Top 10 Freeride Snowboards list, check out the link below:
Some Quick Stats
Of the 20 Freeride boards I looked at:
- The average score was 82.1/100
- The highest score was 91.8/100 (see below)
- The lowest score was 57.1/100
- The average price was $599
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #5
Board: Never Summer Chairman
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 85.9/100
In at #5 we have the Never Summer Chairman.
The Chairman underwent some changes for the 2018 model and is now a hybrid between the now defunct Twenty Five and the 2017 Chairman.
A welcome change in my opinion – the addition of the Ripsaw Rocker Camber profile on this board has helped to make it a carving machine, which added to it’s already inherent powder prowess.
Now this bomber is made to charge the mountain hard, whether on the groomers or in the deep stuff.
Score Breakdown for the Chairman
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 85.9/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #4
Board: Jones Flagship
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 86.4/100
The next board on the list, in at #4, the Flagship, is the perfect freeride board if you like to do a bit of freestyle riding off natural terrain – as well as all your typical freeride endeavors.
The Flagship has exceptional float in powder, is super fast and aggressive and can carve with the best of them – but it also allows you to rock some freestyle wherever you are in the backcountry or on the groomers.
New for the 2016-17 season, the Flagship has Jones’ new Spoon 3.0 tech (learn more in the video below). This helps with float in powder and giving it a surfy feel.
Flagship Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 24/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #3
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
Rating: 88.0/100
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Starting at #5 is the impressive Rossi XV Magtek. There wasn’t much in it in this list so even though the XV Magtek is at # 5 it wasn’t far off being the number 1 board here.
The XV Magtek is super stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome responsiveness but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice (due largely to its magne-traction edges). It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Score Breakdown for XV Magtek
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #2
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 91.3/100
In the #2 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
None of these boards receive extra points for their price – but if they did the Burton Flight Attendant would likely be #1 here. On a performance for money scale for freeride snowboards the Burton Flight Attendant is the top of the lot.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard without even the hint of even getting close to washing out, and is super fast and super stable at those high speeds.
And if you like having a slightly more playful ride for the backcountry to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It’s got a slightly more forgiving flex than most on this list.
Flight Attendant Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Powder: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Rating: 91.8/100
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The super aggressive, hard carving, big mountain machine, is the Yes Pick Your Line.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
The Pick Your Line has a really stiff flex of a 9/10 so it’s not for the faint of heart but it is for those that like their riding aggressive and steep.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It achieves a great ability to switch been hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite (see more in the video below).
Score Breakdown for the PYL
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.8/100 |
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. And this isn’t an exact science, but hopefully this gives you some options and perspective on some great freeride boards and what might suit you the best.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board.
NOTE: This list was for the 2017-18 season. For the latest Top 5 Freeride Snowboards List, check out the link below:
>>Latest Season’s Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
Some Quick Stats
Of the 20 Freeride boards I looked at:
- The average score was 81.9/100
- The highest score was 91.8/100 (see below)
- The lowest score was 57.1/100
- The average price was $599
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #5
Board: Rossignol XV Magtek
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (10/10 on Rossi’s scale)
Rating: 88.0/100
Starting at #5 is the impressive Rossi XV Magtek. There wasn’t much in it in this list so even though the XV Magtek is at # 5 it wasn’t far off being the number 1 board here.
The XV Magtek is super stiff so not for the faint-hearted!
That stiffness will bring with it some awesome responsiveness but will also be very unforgiving of errors.
This board is definitely a big mountain bomber that will float effortlessly over powder, cut straight through the choppiest conditions and grip even the hardest ice (due largely to its magne-traction edges). It is also super fast and super stable at high speeds.
Available sizes
| Size (Length) | 159 | 163 | 164W | 167 | 168W | 174W |
| Waist Width (mm) | 255 | 255 | 264 | 255 | 264 | 264` |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 130-175 | 130-200 | 140-200 | 140-200 | 155-220 | 155-220+ |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 60-80 | 60-90 | 65-90 | 65-90 | 70-100 | 70-100+ |
Score Breakdown for XV Magtek
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #4
Board: Jones Flagship
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (8/10 on Jones’ Scale)
Rating: 88.0/100
The next board on the list, in at #4, the Flagship, is the perfect freeride board if you like to do a bit of freestyle riding off natural terrain – as well as all your typical freeride endeavors.
The Flagship has exceptional float in powder, is super fast and aggressive and can carve with the best of them – but it also allows you to rock some freestyle wherever you are in the backcountry or on the groomers.
New for the 2016-17 season, the Flagship has Jones’ new Spoon 3.0 tech (learn more in the video below). This helps with float in powder and giving it a surfy feel.
Available Sizes
| Size (Length) | 154 | 158 | 159W | 161 | 162W | 164 | 165W | 166 | 169W |
| Waist Width (mm) | 246 | 249 | 263 | 252 | 263 | 254` | 266 | 258 | 270 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 130-170 | 130-180 | 140-190 | 140-190 | 160-210 | 160-210 | 160-210 | 160-210 | 170-220 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 59-77 | 59-82 | 64-86 | 64-86 | 73-95 | 73-95 | 73-95 | 73-95 | 77-100 |
Flagship Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.0 | 24/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Jumps: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 88.0/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #3
Board: Never Summer Twenty-Five
Price: $599
Flex: Medium-Stiff
Rating: 89.7/100
The Twenty-Five is everyhing you want a freeride board to be. Stiff, fast, stable at speed, great at floating over powder and laying down a deep carve.
Long story short – it bombs the mountain hard and fast with the best of them.
What was most surprising about the 25 was the way it handled uneven terrain so well.
Available Sizes
| Size (Length) | 151 | 155 | 158 | 160 | 162 | 165 | 159W | 163W | 166W |
| Waist Width (mm) | 248 | 250 | 252 | 254 | 256 | 258 | 262 | 265 | 268 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 115-165 | 120-170 | 130-180 | 140-190+ | 150-200 | 150-210+ | 135-185 | 160-210 | 180-230+ |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 52-75 | 54-77 | 59-82 | 63-86 | 68-91 | 68-95+ | 61-84 | 73-95 | 82-104+ |
Score Breakdown for the Twenty-Five
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 89.7/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #2
Board: Burton Flight Attendant
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Stiff
Rating: 91.3/100
In the #2 spot, we have Burton’s Flight Attendant.
None of these boards receive extra points for their price – but if they did the Burton Flight Attendant would likely be #1 here. On a performance for money scale for freeride snowboards the Burton Flight Attendant is the top of the lot.
The Flight Attendant has everything you want out of a freeride board. It floats beautifully in powder, carves hard without even the hint of even getting close to washing out, and is super fast and super stable at those high speeds.
And if you like having a slightly more playful ride for the backcountry to rock some freestyle off those natural hits then the flight attendant is a good way to go. It’s got a slightly more forgiving flex than most on this list.
Available sizes
| Size (Length) | 152 | 156 | 159 | 162 | 168 | 159W | 162W |
| Waist Width (mm) | 244 | 248 | 250 | 254 | 260 | 260 | 264 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 57-75 | 61-79 | 66-84 | 75-93 | 79-98 | 66-84 | 75-93 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 125-165 | 135-175 | 145-185 | 165-205 | 175-215 | 145-185 | 165-205 |
Flight Attendant Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Powder: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Switch: | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
Men’s Freeride Snowboard #1
Board: Yes Pick Your Line
Price: $599
Flex: Stiff (9/10 [4.5/5 on Yes’s scale])
Rating: 91.8/100
The super aggressive, hard carving, big mountain machine, is the Yes Pick Your Line.
A well deserved taker of the # 1 spot in this list.
The Pick Your Line has a really stiff flex of a 9/10 so it’s not for the faint of heart but it is for those that like their riding aggressive and steep.
With equally good float in powder, speed and carving abilities the Pick Your Line can take whatever you throw at it in the backcountry or on the groomers. It achieves a great ability to switch been hard snow and powder and still be great on both. This is down partly to the unique tapered underbite (see more in the video below).
Available Sizes
| Size (Length) | 156 | 159 | 160W | 162 | 165 |
| Waist Width (mm) | 250 | 253 | 260 | 255 | 258 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 59-77 | 66-84 | 68-86 | 70-88 | 77-95 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 130-170 | 145-185 | 150-190 | 155-195 | 170-210 |
Score Breakdown for the PYL
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Carving: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Powder: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Speed: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Jumps: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Switch: | 2.0 | 2/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.8/100 |
Latest List
Check out the following for the latest season’s top 5 freeride snowboards list.
>>Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 5 Freeride Snowboards
Over to You
Even though I’ve scored these boards and put them in order, what you consider to be the best of this list will depend on your preferences. For example if you are after a super stiff, super aggressive ride then the likes of the Rossi XV Magtek and Yes Pick Your Line might be more your style.
But if you’re after something slightly more forgiving then the Flight Attendant or Twenty Five might be a better choice and if you’re looking for the perfect balance and something that will float perfectly in powder, then the Flagship might be more your style. Check out the score breakdowns to see the relative strengths and weaknesses of each board to decide what is best for you.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect freeride board. Check out the links below for availability.
For the latest season's list, check out the link below.
>>TOP 10 FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS (LATEST SEASON)
Buying Past Season Models
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a past season model, it will likely be close enough to the latest model but you can get it cheaper, if available and in a suitable size for you. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
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