You can toggle (by clicking the "+" sign) each year below to see the lists from past season's.
Of the 33 Mellow Freeride boards I looked at:
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: Arbor Single
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
Feel: Stable
Starting the list off at #10 we have Arbor's Single.
The Single is a short/wide snowboard and excels in powder. But it holds it's own on groomers too - so when there's no pow to be had, it's still a fun ride.
It's awesome for riding in the trees pow or not (though of course, more fun when there is pow!)
Score Breakdown for the Single
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #10=
Board: GNU Hyper
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
Feel: Surfy
Next up we have GNU's Hyper.
The Hyper is a great snowboard for those looking for a surfy option that floats well in powder but is also really fun on the groomers, if you like a really easy turning board that feels like it's surfing powder even on hard pack! OK maybe not quite, but it has that looser more easy going feel even on groomers.
It's really good in tight spaces too, so can maneuver between trees with ease.
But in spite of all of that, it can still carve and handles a bit of speed well too - and not bad for jumping. So overall quite versatile.
Score Breakdown for the Hyper
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Bataleon Cruiser
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
Feel: Stable
At #9, we have Bataleon's Cruiser.
The Cruiser is a great tool for surfing the powder and weaving through trees. It's also got a nice easy going feeling when cruising the groomers and is easy to turn and slash with.
But it can also hold down a decent carve and feels good at moderately fast speeds too.
Score Breakdown for the Cruiser
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Salomon Dancehaul
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
Feel: Stable
The Dancehaul is another short/wide snowboard that loves powder and trees - combine the two and this board is in its zone.
But when there's no powder around, this board is still fun in hard pack. It's no speed demon, but it can lay down some good lower speed carves and get slashy around the groomers, when you're not ducking into the trees.
Score Breakdown for the Dancehaul
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: Burton Family Tree Pow Wrench
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
Feel: Surfy
And in at #7 is Burton's Family Tree Pow Wrench.
The Pow Wrench is more of a powder specialist and not what I would consider as a daily driver but rather your powder board in your quiver. As part of a quiver it's an awesome tool for surfing powder and exploring trees - and anywhere else off groomer for that matter.
Score Breakdown for the Pow Wrench
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Jones Mind Expander
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
Feel: Stable
At #6, we have the Jones Mind Expander.
Like the Pow Wrench above the Mind Expander used to be more of a powder specialist, but it got a new profile for 2023 (which it keeps for 2024) and is now a more well rounded board. And whilst it's not quite the same in powder as it was, it's still really good in powder.
But now it's a bit better at speed, better on a carve and has a more stable, rather than surfy, overall feel compared to previous iterations.
Score Breakdown for the Mind Expander
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 88.2/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
Next up at #5, we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
The Skeleton Key is a great option for someone who wants a freeride board that has that locked in/precise feel, rather than a looser/surfier feel, but wants a more forgiving, softer flex still.
Great in pow, but also equally at home carving up the groomers and a nice easy going mid flex, so you can just cruise on it as well and slash around, when you want to.
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.2/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Yes Hybrid
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 89.3/100
Feel: Stable
Next up we have the YES Hybrid.
The Hybrid is the love child of YES' Pick Your Line and 420 - and it's a super fun ride.
It sits perfectly in that middle ground between surfy and precise and is really versatile - you can slash it up, float the pow or carve and bomb, and it's even really nice for jumps too.
The Hybrid is rather wide - so another one that you want to size down for in terms of length (depending on boot size).
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.3/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Navigator
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.4/100
Feel: Stable
And our #3 pick this year is Capita's Navigator.
The Navigator is a nice softer freeride snowboard that is at it's best in powder and in the trees, but it's also surprisingly good on groomers.
You can whip this thing around easily in tight spaces, but it can lay down fairly decent carves on groomers and isn't bad on jumps either.
Score Breakdown for the Navigator
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Burton Deep Thinker
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 92.1/100
Feel: STABLE
In the penultimate #2 spot, we have Burton's Deep Thinker.
There would have been no way I would have had this in as a mellow freeride board previously. But the Deep Thinker is now a quick turning, snappy, lightweight board that has somehow not lost much of its carving and speed prowess but gained so much in terms of its tree and jump performance.
One that could definitely be one-board-quiver, such is it's versatility, but even if all you wanted to do was cruise groomers, this board would be a great choice just for how fun it is to turn with.
Score Breakdown for the Deep Thinker
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: NEVER SUMMER SWIFT
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 93.8/100
Feel: STABLE BORDERING ON SEMI-LOOSE
And finally, in at #1, we have Never Summer's Swift.
I've tested 100s of boards and there's not much that surprises me these days. Still plenty that excites me, but not much that surprises me. But when I got the Swift this past winter, the edge-to-edge quickness of the Swift left me with my jaw around my ankles!
With that quickness of turns, coupled with its powder ability, the Swift becomes the ultimate tree weapon, with or without powder in there.
And given that description you might be forgiven for thinking that it's a powder/tree specialist. But far from it. This thing was decent at speed and could actually lay down a nice deep carve. Wasn't bad for jumps either.
Score Breakdown for the Swift
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 5.0 | 15/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 5.0 | 15/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.8/100 |
Of the 32 Mellow Freeride boards I looked at:
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Bataleon Cruiser
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Feel: Stable
Starting the list off at #10 is Bataleon's Cruiser.
The Cruiser is a great tool for surfing the powder and weaving through trees. It's also got a nice easy going feeling when cruising the groomers and is easy to turn and slash with.
But it can also hold down a decent carve and feels good at moderately fast speeds too.
Score Breakdown for the Cruiser
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Arbor Single
- US
- CA
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Feel: Stable
Next up we have Arbor's Single.
The Single is a short/wide and excels in powder. But it holds it's own on groomers too - so when there's no pow to be had, it's still a fun ride.
It's awesome for riding in the trees pow or not (though of course, more fun when there is pow!)
Score Breakdown for the Single
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: GNU Hyper
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Feel: Surfy
The Hyper is a great option for those looking for a surfy option that goes well in the powder but also really nice on the groomers, if you like a really easy turning board that feels like it's surfing powder even on hard pack! OK maybe not quite, but it has that looser more easy going feel even on groomers, and just really good in tight spaces too.
But in spite of all of that, it can still carve and handles a bit of speed well too - and not bad for jumping. So overall quite versatile as well.
Score Breakdown for the Hyper
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: Lib Tech BRD
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 87.5/100
Feel: Stable
In at #8 we have the Lib Tech BRD.
The BRD is a versatile board that could easily be your daily driver if you don't really ride switch. It excels in powder - as it should to belong in this list - but it's a super fun board on groomers too.
Great for anyone looking for that really directional ride, that's camber dominant, but doesn't want anything too stiff.
Score Breakdown for the BRD
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Burton Family Tree Pow Wrench
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 88.1/100
Feel: Surfy
The first of the more powder specialists on this list, Burton's Family Tree Pow Wrench isn't a daily driver. But as part of a quiver it's an awesome tool for surfing powder and exploring trees - and anywhere else off groomer for that matter.
Score Breakdown for the Pow Wrench
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Jones Mind Expander
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 88.1/100
Feel: Stable
At #5, we have the Jones Mind Expander.
Like the Pow Wrench above the Mind Expander used to be more of a powder specialist, but it got a new profile for 2023 and is now a more well rounded board. And whilst it's not quite the same in powder as it was, it's still really good in powder.
But now it's a bit better at speed, better on a carve and has a more stable, rather than surfy, overall feel compared to previous iterations.
Score Breakdown for the Mind Expander
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.1/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft (Diamond Tail)
- US
- CA
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 89.8/100
Feel: Surfy
Coming in at #6 is the Capita Spring Break Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft Diamond Tail - say that 10 times fast!
Apart from the interesting name, the UPDS, for short, is a super fun, surfy ride that is predominantly a powder/tree board.
But a great addition to any quiver - one you get for powder days, or those whiteout days when you just want to spend the day in the trees, so you can actually see!
Trees AND a powder day - a match made in heaven for this board!
Note that there are multiple varieties of the UPDS. This is more specifically referring to the Diamond Tail (154) model. See full review at the full review link above for more details.
Score Breakdown for the Powder Displacement Snowcraft
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 5.0 | 15/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Navigator
- US
- CA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 89.8/100
Feel: Stable
The Navigator is a nice softer freeride board that is at it's best in powder and in the trees, but it's also surprisingly stable at speed for its flex.
And as an added bonus it's also quite easy on the wallet!
Score Breakdown for the Navigator
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.8/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Yes Hybrid
- US
- CA
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.3/100
Feel: Stable
And in the #2 spot we have the YES Hybrid.
The Hybrid is the love child of YES' Pick Your Line and 420 - and it's a super fun ride.
It sits perfectly in that middle ground between surfy and precise and is really versatile - you can slash it up, float the pow or carve and bomb, and it's even really nice for jumps too.
The Hybrid is rather wide - so another one that you want to size down for in terms of length (depending on boot size).
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 90.3/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
Finally coming in at #1, we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
The Skeleton Key is a great option for someone who wants a freeride board that has that locked in/precise feel, rather than a looser/surfier feel, but wants a more forgiving, softer flex.
Great in pow, but also equally at home carving up the groomers and a nice easy going mid flex, so you can just cruise on it as well and slash around, when you want to.
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 4.0 | 12/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
Of the 30 Surfy Freeride boards I looked at:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10!
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Arbor Single
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 85.0/100
Feel: Stable
Starting the list at #10, we have Arbor's Single.
The Single is a short/wide and excels in powder. But it holds it's own on groomers too - so when there's no pow to be had, it's still a fun ride.
It's awesome for riding in the trees pow or not (though of course, more fun when there is pow!)
Score Breakdown for the Single
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.0/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Jones Mind Expander
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 85.6/100
Feel: Surfy
At #9, we have the Jones Mind Expander.
The Mind Expander is more of a powder specialist. A great addition to your quiver as your go-to powder board.
That said, it's still a fun board to slash around on groomers and through trees when the powder's tracked.
Score Breakdown for the Mind Expander
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Lib Tech BRD
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 85.6/100
Feel: Stable
In at #8 we have the Lib Tech BRD.
The BRD is a versatile board that could easily be your daily driver if you don't really ride switch. It excels in powder - as it should to belong in this list, but it's a super fun board on groomers too.
Great for anyone looking for that really directional ride, but doesn't want anything too stiff.
Score Breakdown for the BRD
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: GNU Hyper
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
The Hyperkyarve (renamed the Hyper for the 2022 model) is a great option for those looking for a surfy option that goes well in the powder but also really nice on the groomers, if you like a really easy turning board that feels like it's surfing powder even on hard pack! OK maybe not quite, but it has that looser more easy going feel even on groomers, and just really good in tight spaces too.
But in spite of all of that, it can still carve and handles a bit of speed well too - and not bad for jumping, so it's really quite versatile as well.
Score Breakdown for the Hyperkyarve
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
Coming in at #6 is the Capita Spring Break Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft - say that 10 times fast!
Apart from the interesting name, the UPDS, for short, is a super fun, surfy ride that is predominantly a powder/tree board.
It's a quiver board - one you get for powder days, or those whiteout days when you just want to spend the day in the trees, so you can actually see! - but a great addition to any quiver, if you're looking for a board to surf powder or something super nimble to weave through the trees.
Trees on a powder day - a match made in heaven for this board!
Note that there are multiple varieties of the UPDS. This is more specifically referring to the Diamond Tail (154) model. See full review at the full review link above for more details)
Score Breakdown for the Powder Displacement Snowcraft
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Endeavor Scout
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Rating: 87.8/100
Feel: Stable
In the #5 spot, we have Endeavor’s Scout.
This is the kind of board you would think would be more powder specialist than it is. Yes, it is very good for riding powder - but surprisingly good on a carve too, especially for its flex.
This is a board you size down for, so it's a great option for riding trees too - and it's really nimble - so it's not just a "look I'm small so I can ride trees", which doesn't always work out so well.
Score Breakdown for the Scout
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
Coming in at #4, we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
The Skeleton Key is a great option for someone who still wants a freeride board that has that locked in/precise feel, rather than a looser/surfier feel, but wants a more forgiving, softer flex.
Great in pow, but also equally at home carving up the groomers and a nice easy going mid flex.
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Navigator
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Stable
The Navigator is a nice softer freeride board that is at it's best in powder and in the trees, but it's also surprisingly stable at speed for its flex.
And as an added bonus it's also quite easy on the wallet!
Score Breakdown for the Navigator
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Yes Hybrid
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
Feel: Stable
And in the #2 spot we have the YES Hybrid.
The Hybrid is the love child of YES' Pick Your Line and 420 - and it's a super fun ride.
It sits perfectly in that middle ground between surfy and precise and is really versatile - you can slash it up, float the pow or carve and bomb, and it's even really nice for jumps too.
The Hybrid is rather wide - so another one that you want to size down for in terms of length (depending on boot size).
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
MELLOW FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Burton Show Stopper
Flex: Medium (6.5/10)
Rating: 91.1/100
Feel: Stable to Semi-Locked in
And finally the #1 spot goes to the Burton Show Stopper.
New for 2022, the Showstopper is just a really fun board that strikes that perfect balance between being a good carver, but still being mellow enough to have effortless turns and at the same time floats really well in powder.
It possesses the elusive quality of being stable at high speed but also easy to maneuver at slow speeds. It can tackle a wide open bowl and tight trees with equal prowess.
It's aggressive enough when you want it to be, but it's not so aggressive that you can't slow it down and be more casual with it.
Score Breakdown for the Showstopper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.1/100 |
Over to You
This is quite a diverse category, so even though this list is in order, what suits you best will depend on what you're looking for.
Everything thing here is at least above average in powder, but some are more powder specialists, some have a surfy feel, whilst some have a more precise, more locked-in feel, for those just looking for a softer freeride board, but still want a more carvy/precise feel.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect "surfy", aka softer flexing, 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.
This List versus the Top 10 Freeride Snowboards list
Compared to the other freeride list, the ratings for this list give a higher importance to powder, uneven terrain & agility and less importance to carving and speed.
Note that the "surfy freeride" category represents freeride boards that are in that softer flex range - 6.5/10 or less. They're not necessarily "surfy" feeling boards as such. "Slightly softer flexing freeride" just didn't have the same ring as a category name!
To be eligible for this list the board had to:
- Be 6.5/10 or less for flex; and
- Have a freeride shape
Some boards might be more powder specialized, some might have a more surfy feel and some a more precise feel.
This list represents what I consider to be the best surfy freeride snowboards for the 2020/21 season.
This list is new this year and comes about because there are so many freeride models out there these days, and so many new ones that are softer flexing than there used to be.
The ratings for this list give a higher importance to powder, uneven terrain & agility than the other freeride list and less importance to carving and speed.
Note that the "surfy freeride" category represents freeride boards that are in that softer flex range - 6.5/10 or less. They're not necessarily "surfy" feeling boards as such. "Slightly softer flexing freeride" just didn't have the same ring as a category name!
To be eligible for this list the board had to:
- Be 6.5/10 or less for flex; and
- Have a freeride shape
Some boards might be more powder specialized, some might have a more surfy feel and some a more precise feel.
Some Quick Stats
Of the 28 Surfy Freeride boards I looked at:
FREERIDE BOARD #10
Board: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero
Price: $599
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 83.3/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
Starting the list at #10, we have Burton's Hometown Hero.
This board was so popular last year, that it's the only Family Tree option that had a 2020 model and is returning with a 2021 model - that plus it got 5 new sizes for 2021!
But that of course is not the reason it made this list. The Hometown Hero makes this list for how good it is in powder, whilst still being able to carve well and be pretty stable at speed, whilst at the same time being a softer flexing freeride option.
Great for those that want that directional freeride board and don't like boards that are too stiff, but still want a more stable/precise feel rather than a surfy feel.
Score Breakdown for the Hometown Hero
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 14/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.3/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #9
Board: Never Summer Harpoon
Price: $569
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 83.9/100
Feel: Semi Surfy
In at #9 we have the Never Summer Harpoon.
The Harpoon is a surfier option than the Hometown Hero, so if that's what you're looking for, then it's worth checking out for sure.
And for a surfier board, it can still lay down a good carve.
Score Breakdown for the Harpoon
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 14/20 |
TURNING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.9/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #8
Board: Jones Mind Expander
Price: $599
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 85.6/100
Feel: Surfy
At #8, we have the Jones Mind Expander.
The Mind Expander is more of a powder specialist. A great addition to your quiver as your go to powder board.
That said, it's still a fun board to slash around on groomers and through trees when the powder's tracked.
Score Breakdown for the Mind Expander
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #7
Board: GNU Hyperkyarve
Price: $549
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
The Hyperkyarve is a great option for those looking for a surfy options that goes well in the powder but also really nice on the groomers, if you like a really easy turning board that feels like it's surfing powder even on hard pack - OK maybe not quite, but it has that looser more easy going feel even on groomers, and just really good in tight spaces too.
But in spite of all of that, it can still carve and handles a bit of speed well too - and not bad for jumping, so it's quite versatile too.
Score Breakdown for the Hyperkyarve
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #6
Board: Capita Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft
Price: $729
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
Feel: Surfy
Coming in at #6 is the Capita Spring Break Ultralight Powder Displacement Snowcraft - say that 10 times fast!
Apart from the interesting name, the UPDS, for short, is a super fun, surfy ride that is predominantly a powder/tree board.
It's a quiver board - one you get for powder days, or those whiteout days when you just want to spend the day in the trees, so you can actually see! - but a great addition to any quiver, if you're looking for a board to surf powder or something super nimble to weave through the trees.
Trees on a powder day - a match made in heaven for this board!
Score Breakdown for the Powder Displacement Snowcraft
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 5.0 | 30/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 1.0 | 1/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Lib Tech Dynamo
Price: $499
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 87.8/100
Feel: Stable
Despite the C3 camber profile, the Dynamo has a surfier feel than you'd think. I wouldn't say it was super surfy, but it's part way between being surfy and being precise - and quite an all-mountain feel to it, despite being more directional than a typical all-mountain board.
So you get a nice easy going freeride option, that's also versatile enough to easily be your daily driver.
Score Breakdown for the Dynamo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.0 | 24/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: Endeavor Scout
Price: $399
Flex: Medium (4.5/10)
Rating: 87.8/100
Feel: Stable
In the #4 spot, we have Endeavor’s Scout.
This is the kind of board you would think would be more powder specialist than it is. Yes, it is very good for riding powder - but surprisingly good on a carve too, especially for its flex.
This is a board you size down for, so it's a great option for riding trees too - and it's really nimble too - so it's not just a "look I'm small so I can ride trees", which doesn't always work out so well.
Score Breakdown for the Scout
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Navigator
Price: $449
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Stable
The Navigator is a nice softer freeride board that is at it's best in powder and in the trees, but it's also surprisingly stable at speed for its flex.
And as an added bonus it's also quite easy on the wallet!
Score Breakdown for the Navigator
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Burton Skeleton Key
Price: $519
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 90.0/100
Feel: Semi-locked in/precise
And coming in the #2 spot, we have the Burton Skeleton Key.
Like the Hometown Hero earlier in this list, the Skeleton Key is a great option for someone who still wants a freeride board that has that locked in/precise feel, rather than a looser/surfier feel, but still doesn't want anything overly stiff.
Great in pow, but also equally at home carving up the groomers.
Score Breakdown for the Skeleton Key
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.0/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Yes Hybrid
Price: $549
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
Feel: Stable
And finally the #1 spot goes to the YES Hybrid.
The Hybrid is the love child of YES' Pick Your Line at 420 - and it's a super fun ride.
It sits perfectly in that middle ground between surfy and precise and is really versatile - you can slash it up, float the pow or carve and bomb, and it's even really nice for jumps too.
The Hybrid is rather wide - so another one that you want to size down for, depending on boot size.
Score Breakdown for the Hybrid
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
---|---|---|
POWDER | 4.5 | 27/30 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
Over to You
This is quite a diverse category, so even though this list is in order, what suits you best will depend on what you're looking for.
Everything thing here is at least above average in powder, but some are more powder specialists, some have a surfy feel, whilst some have a more precise, more locked-in feel, for those just looking for a softer freeride board, but still want a more carvy/precise feel.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you find your perfect "surfy", aka softer flexing, freeride board.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Surfy Freeride Snowboards list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 SURFY FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
For the latest season's list, check out the link below.
>>TOP 10 MELLOW 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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