You can toggle (by clicking the "+" sign) each year below to see the lists from past season's.
#10: ROME WARDEN
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
FEEL: Stable
Style of Board: All-Mountain
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 84.7/100
Starting off our list at #10, we have Rome's Warden, which is debuting in this list this year.
The Warden is a touch stiffer than most in this list, but it's still a pretty easy going board and should work well for low-end intermediate riders looking to progress to a higher intermediate or advanced level.
It's particularly well suited to intermediate riders who are a little bigger than average or who are stronger/fitter than average.
#9: JONES TWEAKER
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
FEEL: SEMI-LOOSE
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN-Freestyle
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 84.8/100
Despite it's full camber profile, the Tweaker is easy to turn with, most likely due to its upturned edges (3D Contour Base in Jones speak).
Also in spite of that all-camber profile, it's on the looser, more playful side, so if you like the sound of that, this board could work well for you.
A great option for any aspiring freestyle to all-mountain freestyle riders out there.
#8: BURTON PROCESS FLYING V
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
FEEL: LOOSE
Style of Board: All-Mountain
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 85.9/100
Our #8 pick is Burton's Process Flying V.
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for helping you get to that next level if you're a progressing high-end beginner/low-end intermediate rider.
#7: YES AIRMASTER
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
FEEL: LOOSE
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN-Freestyle
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 86.0/100
For 2024-2025 Lobster merged with YES, and so there are quite a few new (and quite different compared to their other boards) options from yes for 2024-2025. The Airmaster is one of those that has been inherited from Lobster. For now, I think we'll call it a Lobster-inspired YES board.
The Airmaster is one of those boards that can turn on a dime and can turn with very little effort at all. Quite a loose feeling, making it easy to spin, butter and surf-turn with and works well on jibs.
But, importantly for this list, it's also a great board to reach that next level with.
>>See Full Review (full review coming)
#6: NEVER SUMMER SNOWTROOPER
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
FEEL: SEMI-LOOSE
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 86.2/100
Next up we have Never Summer's Snowtrooper.
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
#5: BATALEON WHATEVER
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
FEEL: SEMI-LOOSE
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN-Freestyle
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 86.3/100
In at #5, we have Bataleon's Whatever.
The Whatever is a great option for those that want a catch-free ride, but still wants plenty of pop and something that can take a freestyle flavor to the whole mountain.
And of course something that can help high-end beginner/low-end intermediate riders reach that next level.
#4: SLASH BRAINSTORM
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
FEEL: Stable
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 86.3/100
The Brainstorm is great option for those who want just a bit more stiffness compared to most on this list. Still a mid-flex, but just a touch stiffer than most here. If you're quite an athletic rider, or weight more than the average, you might like that extra rigidity.
But it's not stiff by any means and it's not super technical to ride or anything. It's got very subtle camber between the feet and is a really easy turning board.
So, if you think you want to step it up just a touch more with the flex, but still want something that's easy enough to turn and is otherwise a really high performance board, this could be a great option for you. It's one that is a a great all-mountain board in it's own right, not taking into account being good for an intermediate rider.
#3: YES TYPO
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
FEEL: Stable
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 88.7/100
*TOP TIER HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
At #3 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is my go-to recommendation for those who are looking to progress from the high-end beginner/low-end intermediate and at the same time need a board that can handle icy conditions well.
It's the ideal intermediate progression board on any terrain, but is even better for those that need something that grips hard/icy conditions.
#2: LIB TECH TERRAIN WRECKER
Flex: Medium (5/10)
FEEL: SEMI-LOOSE
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 90.3/100
Our penultimate board, at #2, is Lib Tech's Terrain Wrecker.
The Terrain Wrecker is a really easy to ride board, but one with very good performance too. Even for more advanced rider's who prefer a board that's not too stiff/demanding.
It's one of the most versatile boards going around, for those that want a one-board-quiver and, importantly for this list, is something that's very doable for a lower intermediate rider.
#1: BATALEON GOLIATH
Flex: Medium (5/10)
FEEL: Stable
Style of Board: ALL-MOUNTAIN
INTERMEDIATE rating score: 91.3/100
And finally, in at #1, we have Bataleon's Goliath snowboard.
The Goliath has that knack of being catch-free but also snappy, poppy and high performance. This is in part to do with the 3BT (curved base) in the base, coupled with a full camber profile.
The Goliath is a super versatile, go-anywhere, do-anything ride that will still be fun and relevant when you're more advanced, but is something that is easy going and confidence building for the here and now for progressing riders.
Over To You
So there's our top 10 Intermediate boards for 2024-2025.
Hopefully this list will help those of you who are straddling that gap between beginner and intermediate to find a good deck that can take you to the next level and that you won't outgrow too soon.
The scores above have been derived firstly by taking 3 factors that I see as important to a friendly board for less experienced riders, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (i.e. all-mountain).
Check out the links under each board for more info, prices and availability.
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: YES Basic
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 86.1/100
Starting off the list at #10 we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused.
If you end up going in another direction for freeride or all-mountain riding, it's something you could keep as your dedicated park board - or simply as a mellow groomer cruiser.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.2/100 | 42.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: BATALEON WHATEVER
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-freestyle
Smart rating score: 86.3/100
Next up we have Bataleon's Whatever.
The Whatever is a great option for those that want a catch-free ride, but still wants plenty of pop and something that can take a freestyle flavor to the whole mountain.
Score Breakdown for the whatever
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 86.5/100 | 43.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Slash Brainstorm
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 86.3/100
In at #8, we have the Slash Brainstorm.
A great option for those who want just a bit more stiffness compared to most on this list. Still a mid-flex, but just a touch stiffer than most here. If you're quite an athletic rider, you might like that extra rigidity.
But it's not stiff by any means and it's not super technical to ride or anything. It's got very subtle camber between the feet and a really easy turning board.
So, if you think you want to step it up just a touch more with the flex, but still want something that's easy enough to turn and is otherwise a really high performance board, this could be a great option for you. It's one that is a a great all-mountain board in it's own right, not taking into account being good for an intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Brainstorm
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4/5 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.6/100 | 44.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Jones Tweaker
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain Freestyle
Smart rating score: 86.8/100
The Tweaker was new for 2023 and remains unchanged (apart from the graphic) for the 2024 model. It's Jones' first foray into a true twin board.
This all-mountain-freestyle deck is super fun and easy to turn with and is great for any aspiring freestyle to all-mountain freestyle riders out there. Despite being an all-camber profile, it's on the looser, more playful side, so if you like the sound of that, this board could work well for you.
Score Breakdown for the Tweaker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.6/100 | 43.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: Burton Process Flying V
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 87.9/100
Our #6 pick is Burton's Process Flying V.
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.7/100 | 41.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.9/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 88.2/100
Next up we have Never Summer's Snowtrooper.
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.3/100 | 42.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.2/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 88.2/100
Coming in at #4, we have Capita's Outerspace Living.
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.3/100 | 42.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.2/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: YES Typo
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.1/100.
At #3 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #10 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, with a small setback stance, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but a little more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
But while it's a little stiffer and more performance driven than the Basic, it's still a really easy going ride, that will help build confidence.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 86.1/100 | 43.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.3/100
Our penultimate board, at #2, is Lib Tech's Terrain Wrecker.
The Terrain Wrecker is a really easy to ride board, but one with very good performance, even for more advanced rider's who prefer a board that's not too stiff/demanding.
It's one of the most versatile boards going around, for those that like that one-board quiver and, importantly for this list, is something that's very doable for a lower intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Terrain Wrecker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.6/100 | 44.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: BATALEON GOLIATH
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.3/100
And finally, in at #1, we have Bataleon's Goliath snowboard.
The Goliath has that knack of being both catch-free but snappy, poppy and high performance. This is in part to do with the 3BT (curved base) in the base, coupled with a full camber profile.
The Goliath is a super versatile, go-anywhere, do-anything ride that will still be fun and relevant when you're more advanced, but is something that is easy going and confidence building for the here and now.
Score Breakdown for the GOLIATH
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 88.6/100 | 44.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.3/100 |
Of the 41 different intermediate boards that I rated:
O.k. let’s get started with the top 10.
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Rossignol Resurgence
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Starting off the list at #10 we have Rossignol's Resurgence.
The Resurgence is nice and versatile all-mountain board that's a pretty easy going board but one that also one that has a bit more grunt to it than a purely beginner board and should take you much further through your progression.
Score Breakdown for the Resurgence
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 84.1/100 | 42.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: Arbor Element Rocker
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Next up we have Arbor's Element Rocker.
This board comes in 2 versions - a camber and a rocker version (like most Arbor boards). The camber version is a little more aggressive. But the rocker version is just right for that high-end beginner to low intermediate rider looking to progress.
Score Breakdown for the Element Rocker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 78.1/100 | 39.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: YES Basic
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.6/100
At #8 we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused.
Something that you can use as your dedicated park board, if you end up going in another direction for freeride or all-mountain riding - or simply as a mellow groomer cruiser.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.2/100 | 42.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Slash Brainstorm
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.4/100
In at #7, we have the Slash Brainstorm.
A great option for those who want just a bit more stiffness compared to most on this list. Still a mid-flex, but just a touch stiffer than most here. If you're quite an athletic rider, you might like that extra rigidity.
But it's not stiff by any means and it's not super technical to ride or anything. It's got very subtle camber between the feet and a really easy turning board.
So, if you think you want to step it up just a touch more with the flex, but still want something that's easy enough to turn and is otherwise a really high performance board, this could be a good option for you. It's one that is a a great all-mountain board in it's own right, not taking into account being good for an intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Brainstorm
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4/5 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 89.6/100 | 44.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: Jones Tweaker
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain Freestyle
Smart rating score: 91.4/100
New for 2023, the Tweaker is Jones' first foray into a true twin board.
This all-mountain-freestyle deck is super fun and easy to turn with and is great for any aspiring freestyle to all-mountain freestyle riders out there. It's on the looser, more playful side, so if you like the sound of that, this board could work well for you.
Score Breakdown for the Tweaker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.6/100 | 43.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 93.1/100
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.8/100 | 42.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 93.1/100
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.8/100 | 42.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 93.5/100
Next up at #3, we have Capita's Outerspace Living.
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain-freestyle bordering on all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 85.6/100 | 42.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: YES Typo
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 95.4/100.
The penultimate board on our list, at #2 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #8 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, with a small setback stance, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but a little more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.2/100 | 43.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 95.6/100
And finally at #1 is Lib Tech's Terrain Wrecker.
The Terrain Wrecker is a really easy to ride board, but one with very good performance, even for more advanced rider's who prefer a board that's not too stiff/demanding.
It's one of the most versatile boards going around, for those that like that one-board quiver and, importantly for this list, is something that's very doable for a lower intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Terrain Wrecker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 89.6/100 | 44.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.6/100 |
The scores above have been derived taking 3 factors that I see as important to a beginner friendly board, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (i.e. all-mountain).
Of the 40 different intermediate boards that I rated:
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Ride Wildlife
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Starting off the list in #10 is the Ride Wildlife.
The Wildlife is an easy riding board, but won't limit you in your progression. Given that you could probably describe it as part all-mountain, part easy going freeride, this would be a great option for anyone who see's freeriding in their future, but isn't ready for a stiff, aggressive freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Wildlife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: YES Dicey
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.7/100
The Dicey is like a mellowed out YES Jackpot.
A great option for those who are starting to ride freestyle/park or think they'll want to in the near future.
This is a bona-fide quality freestyle board in it's own right, but it's also easy enough to ride to make a great progression board too.
Score Breakdown for the Dicey
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.5/100 | 44.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Rossignol Resurgence
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 89.8/100
At #8 we have Rossignol's Resurgence.
The Rossignol Templar of 2021 is no more, but it has been resurrected in the form of the Resurgence. The Resurgence isn't exactly the same as the Templar, but it's very similar with a few tweaks, including adding slightly more camber to the camber profile and a slightly directional camber profile too.
All round a pretty easy going board but one that also one that has a bit more grunt to it than a purely beginner board and should take you much further through your progression.
Score Breakdown for the Resurgence
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 84.6/100 | 42.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Slash Brainstorm
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.7/100
A great option for those who want just a bit more stiffness compared to most on this list. Still a mid-flex, but just a touch stiffer than most here. If you're quite an athletic rider, you might like that extra rigidity.
But it's not stiff by any means and it's not super technical to ride or anything. It's got very subtle camber between the feet and a really easy turning board particularly for it's flex.
So, if you think you want to step it up just a touch more with the flex, but still want something that's easy enough to turn and is otherwise a really high performance board, this could be a good option for you. It's one that is a a great all-mountain board in it's own right, not taking into account being good for an intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Brainstorm
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4/5 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.3/100 | 44.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: YES Basic
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.8/100
Next up we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused.
Something that you can use as your dedicated park board, if you end up going in another direction for freeride or all-mountain riding - or simply as a mellow groomer cruiser.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.6/100 | 42.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.6/100
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.3/100 | 41.7/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 93.5/100
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain-freestyle bordering on all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 85.6/100 | 42.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 94.9/100
Coming in at #2, and a new entry to the list this year is the Terrain Wrecker.
I didn't previously include this in the intermediate category, but after riding it as my control board, I felt it was a really easy to ride board, but one with very good performance, even for more advanced rider's who prefer a board that's not too stiff.
And once I put it in, it was no surprise it scored well, given how it felt to ride and the performance it gets when scored as an all-mountain board.
Score Breakdown for the Terrain Wrecker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.3/100 | 44.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.9/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: YES Typo
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 95.6/100.
And finally at #1 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #6 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, with a small setback stance, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.7/100 | 43.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.6/100 |
Over To You
So there's my top 10 Intermediate boards for 2021-22. Hopefully it helps those who are bordering beginner and intermediate to find a good deck that they won't outgrow too soon.
The scores above have been derived taking 3 factors that I see as important to a beginner friendly board, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (i.e. all-mountain).
Check out the links under each board for more info, prices and availability.
Of the 37 different intermediate boards that I rated:
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Ride Wildlife
Price: $459
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Starting off the list in #10 is the Ride Wildlife.
The Wildlife is an easy riding board, but won't limit you in your progression. Given that you could probably describe it as part all-mountain, part easy going freeride, this would be a great option for anyone who see's freeriding in their future, but isn't ready for a stiff, aggressive freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Wildlife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: YES Dicey
Price: $429
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.7/100
The Dicey is new from YES for 2021, and is like a mellowed out Jackpot.
A great option for those who are starting to ride freestyle/park or think they'll want to in the near future.
This is a bona-fide quality freestyle board in it's own right, but it's also easy enough to ride to make a great progression board too.
Score Breakdown for the Dicey
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.5/100 | 44.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Endeavor Ranger
Price: $450
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.0/100
In at #8 we have the Endeavor Ranger.
Like with the Dicey above, if you are looking to incorporate freestyle/park riding into your repertoire or think you will pretty soon, then the Ranger is a great option. It will still help you to continue to refine the fundamentals of riding, but will be a great tool to take you into the park when you're ready.
Score Breakdown for the Ranger
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5/5 | 20/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3/5 | 6/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.0/100 | 41.5/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Rossignol Templar
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.3/100
At #7 we have Rossignol's Templar.
A versatile, all-mountain deck that is a great option for that next level, once you've started nailing your turns and starting to get more comfortable riding at a faster speed.
Can pretty much do it all, so if you want that versatility, or aren't sure what style of riding you'll get into, this is a nice choice to cover everything.
Score Breakdown for the Templar
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 79.6/100 | 39.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: Slash Brainstorm
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.7/100
A great option for those who want just a bit more stiffness compared to most on this list. Still a mid-flex, but just a touch stiffer than most here. If you're quite an athletic rider, you might like that extra rigidity.
But it's not stiff by any means and it's not super technical to ride or anything. It's got very subtle camber between the feet and a really easy turning board particularly for it's flex.
So, if you think you want to step it up just a touch bit more with the flex, but still want something that's easy enough to turn and is otherwise a really high performance board, this could be a good option for you.
Score Breakdown for the Brainstorm
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4/5 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 88.3/100 | 44.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: YES Basic
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.8/100
Next up we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused.
Something that you can use as your dedicated park board, if you end up going in another direction for freeride or all-mountain riding - or simply as a mellow groomer cruiser.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.6/100 | 42.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Price: $499
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.6/100
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
Price: $549
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.3/100 | 41.7/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Price: $419
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 93.7/100
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain-freestyle bordering on all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 86.0/100 | 43/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: YES Typo
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 95.6/100.
And finally at #1 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #6 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, with a small setback stance, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.7/100 | 43.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.6/100 |
Over To You
So there's my top 10 Intermediate boards for 2020-21. Hopefully it helps those who are bordering beginner and intermediate to find a good deck that they won't outgrow too soon.
The scores above have been derived taking 3 factors that I see as important to a beginner friendly board, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (i.e. all-mountain).
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 INTERMEDIATE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
Of the 38 different intermediate boards that I rated:
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Ride Wildlife
Price: $429
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Starting off the list in #10 is the Ride Wildlife.
The Wildlife is an easy riding board, but won't limit you in your progression. Given that you could probably describe it as part all-mountain, part easy going freeride, this would be a great option for anyone who see's freeriding in their future, but isn't ready for a stiff, aggressive freeride board.
Score Breakdown for the Wildlife
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: Endeavor Ranger
Price: $469
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.0/100
In at #9 we have the Endeavor Ranger.
If you are looking to incorporate freestyle/park riding into your repertoire or think you will pretty soon, then the Ranger is a great option. It will still help you to continue to refine the fundamentals of riding, but will be a great tool to take you into the park when you're ready.
Score Breakdown for the Ranger
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5/5 | 20/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3/5 | 6/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.0/100 | 41.5/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Rossignol Templar
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.3/100
At #8 we have Rossignol's Templar.
A versatile, all-mountain deck that is a great option for that next level, once you've started nailing your turns and starting to get more comfortable riding riding at a faster speed.
Score Breakdown for the Templar
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 79.6/100 | 39.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Arbor Element Black Rocker
Price: $419
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 90.6/100
The Arbor Element Black Rocker is an all-mountain bordering on all-mountain-freestyle ride, that can help you start to learn some freestyle stuff, but will also keep you progressing with your turns, carves, and help you feel more stable at faster speeds vs a softer, more beginner ride.
Score Breakdown for the Element Black Rocker
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 80.2/100 | 40.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: YES Basic
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.8/100
Next up we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused but isn't too park specific - i.e. you can still progress with it on the mountain as well.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.6/100 | 42.3/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Price: $499
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.6/100
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 82.1/100 | 41.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
Price: $539
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that can take you anywhere/do a bit of everything.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 83.3/100 | 41.7/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: YES Libre
Price: $369
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.6/100
The Libre is an easy to ride board, that features good performance that helps it to stick with you for a good while through your progression.
This is also the cheapest on this list and represents great value-for-money.
Score Breakdown for the Libre
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 84.0/100 | 42/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Price: $399
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 93.7/100
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain-freestyle bordering on all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 86.0/100 | 43/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.7/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: YES Typo
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 95.6/100.
And finally at #1 we have the YES Typo.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #6 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 87.7/100 | 43.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95.6/100 |
Over To You
So there's my top 10 Intermediate boards for 2019-20. Hopefully it helps those who are bordering beginner and intermediate to find a good deck that they won't outgrow too soon.
The scores above have been derived taking 3 factors that I see as important to a beginner friendly board, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (i.e. all-mountain).
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 INTERMEDIATE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
I've had a lot of requests from people about the best snowboards for intermediate riders, so I decided to compile this list of what I consider to be the top 10 for the 2018-19 season.
These boards have been chosen as boards that are still not too difficult to ride, but at the same time offer a little more performance, for those that are high-end beginners to intermediate riders that are looking for a board that can stick with them for longer than a beginner board.
Each board is given a rating out of 100 for easier comparison.
Price has not been considered in the ratings.
Of the 41 different intermediate boards that I rated:
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Rossignol Templar
Price: $399
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 88.8/100
Starting off the list in #10, is Rossignol's Templar.
A versatile, all-mountain deck that is a great option for that next level, once you've started nailing your turns and starting to get more comfortable riding riding at a faster speed.
Score Breakdown for the Templar
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 76.8/100 | 38.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.8/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: YES Basic
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.5/100
Next up we have the YES Basic. A great option as a strictly beginner deck but also works well as an intermediate-to-advanced board, if you're looking for something that's freestyle focused but isn't too park specific - i.e. you can still progress with it on the mountain as well.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 82/100 | 41/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Slash Happy Place
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle/Park
Smart rating score: 89.6/100
Like the Basic, the Happy Place is more freestyle focused, but even more so. Still something that you can ride the rest of the mountain with, but this is the one for those that really want to start to progress their park skills as well.
Score Breakdown for the Happy Place
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 3/5 | 6/10 |
Performance Score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 86.3/100 | 43.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.6/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: GNU T2B
Price: $479
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.4/100
The GNU T2B is something that you can ride anywhere. It tends to want to ride freestyle wherever you go, but it's also great for the progressing rider that's also working on S turns, carving and starting to explore more varied terrain.
Score Breakdown for the T2B
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 79.8/100 | 39.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: Arbor Whiskey
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.4/100
The Whiskey has enough performance that you can progress with it, but is also something that's easy enough to ride that it won't stunt your progression.
Like the T2B, the Whiskey is leaning on the all-mountain side of all-mountain-freestyle.
Score Breakdown for the Whiskey
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 79.8/100 | 39.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Never Summer Snowtrooper
Price: $519
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.1/100
The Snowtrooper is a very easy going and versatile ride that take you anywhere.
Great for anyone who wants something that's a little more casual/surfy but that can still progress with them, anywhere and everywhere on the mountain.
Score Breakdown for the Snowtrooper
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 81.1/100 | 40.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Price: $499
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.1/100
The Process Flying V is one of the more versatile boards going around for those that want a playful take on all-mountain riding.
Also, great for that next level for the progressing high-end beginner and intermediate rider.
Score Breakdown for the Process Flying V
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 81.1/100 | 40.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: YES Libre
Price: $369
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.4/100
The Libre is an easy to ride board, that features good performance that helps it to stick with you for a good while through your progression.
This is also the cheapest on this list and represents great value-for-money.
Score Breakdown for the Libre
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 81.7/100 | 40.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: YES Typo
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 94.1/100.
The Typo is a souped-up version of the YES Basic (see #9 in this list).
You get a bit more stiffness and a bit more of a camber dominant profile and a faster base, giving you that little bit more performance and a board that's on the all-mtn freestyle end of all-mountain but more all-mountain oriented than the Basic.
Score Breakdown for the Typo
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 84.8/100 | 42.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.1/100 |
INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Price: $399
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 94.5/100
One of the most versatile boards going around, this all-mountain-freestyle bordering on all-mountain deck has the performance you'll need once you're more advanced, whilst still being easy going enough not to stunt your progress now.
Score Breakdown for the Outerspace Living
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 87.6/100 | 43.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.5/100 |
Over To You
So there's my top 10 Intermediate boards for 2018-19. This is the first year I've done this list and hopefully it helps those who are bordering beginner and intermediate to find a good deck that they won't outgrow too soon.
The scores above have been derived taking 3 factors that I see as important to a beginner friendly board, and giving 50% of the score to that. The other 50% of the score goes to how well that board performs in it's given category (e.g. all-mountain).
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards (Latest Season)
For the latest season's list, check out the link below.
>>TOP 10 INTERMEDIATE 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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