If you’re looking for a women’s all mountain freestyle snowboard then the list below is a great place to start.
The boards below are what I consider to be the top 5 women’s all mountain freestyle boards for the 2020-21 season.
How they Were Chosen
As is tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com the each board has been given a rating out of 100.
I looked at a number of boards and of those boards are the following stats – just to give you some perspective on the scores in the top 5 below.
Since I don’t currently have a separate women’s aggressive all-mountain-freestyle list, I have included them in this category. One of which made the list (see #4 below).
OK so here’s the top 5!
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #5=
Board: Salomon Rumble Fish
Price: View More Info and Current prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.0/100
Starting off our list in #5, is the Salomon Rumble Fish.
The Rumble Fish is a very versatile board that is equally at home on groomers or in the park. So, if you like to ride the whole resort and you have a variety in your style, the Rumble Fish is a great all-rounder that can help you to make the most of everyday in the resort.
And the changes for the 2021 model have made it a better board in powder now too, so even more versatile than it was.
Even though the total score below ends up being the same as last year, that's just a coincidence - randomly the scores increased in some areas and decreased in others, and it evened out to the same score, but just with some slightly different strengths and weaknesses.
Check out the video below for more on the Rumble Fish
Score Breakdown for the Rumble Fish
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #5=
Board: Capita Paradise
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.0/100
The Capita Paradise is about as versatile as they come. It can really do everything – it’s even pretty good in powder compared to most all-mountain-freestyle rides – particularly so if you like to ride switch in powder.
Basically no weaknesses here, if you’re looking for that versatile board that can handle anything and everything well.
Plus, it’s the lowest priced board on this list – so if you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice performance and everything else screams yes about this board, then you’re onto a winner here.
Learn more about the Paradise in the video below
Score Breakdown for the Paradise
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #4
Board: Niche Nightshade
Price: View More Info and Current prices Here
Flex: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
And the #4 spot goes to the the Niche Nightshade.
The Nightshade is most aggressive in this list, and if I had a separate women's aggressive all-mountain-freestyle list that's where I would put this board. It's mostly camber, but just a little more forgiving than traditional camber.
But more importantly this board rips! It's awesome for carving and at speed, but then when you hit the jump line in the park or natural hits, it's even better there.
Not really one for powder and less suitable for jibbing than some others on this list, but apart from that it's a versatile and explosive, aggressive all-mountain-freestyle deck.
Check out the video below for more on the Nightshade
Score Breakdown for the Nightshade
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 5/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #3
Board: Never Summer Women’s Proto Synthesis
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 86.5/100
At #3, we have the Women’s Proto Synthesis by Never Summer.
The Proto Synthesis is new this year and carries on where the Proto Type Two left off. It keeps the same core personality of the Type Two, but with some changes - the main one being a more camber dominant camber profile - that plus it's no longer asym as the 2020 model was. Some other smaller changes too.
Overall it keeps everything that was good about the Type Two but is a slightly more aggressive feeling ride - without being ultra-aggressive or anything.
Check out the video below for more on the Proto Synthesis
Score Breakdown for the Women's Proto Synthesis
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 4/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #2
Board: Lib Tech No.43
Price: View More Info and Current prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 87.1/100
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
In at #2 we have the Lib Tech No.43.
The No.43 is a great freestyle/park board, but also does well on the rest of the mountain - like a good all-mountain-freestyle board should.
A particularly good option if you often ride in hard/icy conditions and great if you like to also ride the pipe.
Check out the video below for more on the Lib Tech No.43
This is for the 2020 model, but 2021 model pretty much the same, as far as I can tell.
Score Breakdown for the No.43
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 5/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
WOMEN'S ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE BOARD #1
Board: GNU Ladies Choice
Price: View More Info and Current prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 90.4/100
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
And finally, in the #1 spot, we have the GNU Ladies Choice.
With the Proto Synthesis not retaining the asymmetry that it's predecessor (the Proto Type Two) had, the Ladies Choice is now the only board on this list to feature asymmetry, which can really help you to lock in those heel side carves/turns - and makes switch riding feel really natural.
A great option for more advanced park riders or intermediate and up all-mountain-freestyle riders. This board excels for jumps, spins and riding switch, but outside of that it's consistent across categories for a nice versatile and super fun ride.
Check out the video below for more on the GNU Ladies Choice
This video is for the 2020 model, but the 2021 model is essentially the same board but with a different graphic.
Score Breakdown for the Ladies Choice
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 6/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
Over to You
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has help you to choose the perfect all-mountain freestyle snowboard for you.
As you can see above each board on the list is has different strengths and weaknesses, so hopefully one of them suits your style perfectly. Check out the links under each board for more info and for their current price.
Hi I am intermediate rider looking to buy my first snowboard. I am 5’ tall, 117 lbs and my boot size is 6.5. I always ride groomers. Hard/ icy conditions. I want a board that is easy to turn. Great on edge to edge. I just want to buy a perfect board for me. Please help.
Hi Joy
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would look at something between 138-141 for your specs and how you describe your riding.
Given how you describe your riding an all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle board would be perfect, IMO.
Lots of options for what you’re describing, but here are some that I think would work really well:
– Arbor Poporazzi Rocker or Camber 138 or 141 (the rocker version will give you a slightly easier ride, the camber version more pop and better edge hold)
– GNU Chromatic 140
– GNU Gloss 140
– GNU Velvet 139
– GNU Ladies Choice 139.5
– Never Summer Women’s Proto Synthesis 139
– Salomon Rumble Fish 140
From those options the Ladies Choice and Proto Synthesis are the most advanced options and take slightly more effort to ride well, but still definitely doable for intermediate level. The Chromatic is more on the beginner side of things. In order of easiest to ride to hardest, I would say:
– GNU Chromatic
– Arbor Poporazzi Rocker
– GNU Gloss
– GNU Velvet
– Arbor Poporazzi Camber
– Salomon Rumble Fish
– GNU Ladies Choice
– Never Summer Women’s Proto Synthesis
But this is already taking into account that you want an easy turner, so none of them are like super hard to turn on or anything. All good in hard/icy condition and a good length and width for your specs, IMO.
Hope this helps
I am giving you a virtual hug right now. I love you Nate. Thanks. You just made me so happy .
You’re very welcome Joy. Thanks for the virtual hug and the kind words!
Hi Nate. Me again. I bought the GNU Ladies Choice 139.5. Please, I still need your help on bindings and boots. I am buying bindings and boots as soon as I get your response. I rely on you. Thank you so much.
Hi Joy
Great choice, hope it treats you well.
For bindings and boots, I would look at something around that 5/10 flex level for that board and up to 6/10. I would check out the following options:
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
>>My Top Women’s Freestyle Snowboard Boots
>>My Top Women’s All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
Let me know if you have any questions about those or need any help narrowing down.
Hi Nate! This article was very helpful, I would have some questions if you would be so kind to give me some guidance. I am intermediate rider, 165 cm and 56 kg (EU Boots size 37). I have been looking into buying a new snowboard, deciding between Ladies Choice, Dream Catcher and Equalizer and some similar options (all mountain/freeride, mid flex, looking at good stability, carving and good edge hold.). My questions is which board would you recommend? I saw you recommended Paradise, is it better than Equalizer? Which size of the boards would you recommend for me? I am also considering buying Burton Step On bindings and boots – would you recommend those at all and also with the mentioned boards.
Hi Pat
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking at all mountain/freeride, then I would be looking at Equalizer over the Paradise. Paradise more for all-mountain freestyle – and I would say the same for the Ladies Choice. So between those I would be weighing up between the Dream Catcher and Equalizer, given an all-mountain/freeride style.
Size-wise, I would be looking at the 146 for the Equalizer and either 145 or 148 for the Dream Catcher. Probably leaning towards 148, as it’s the kind of board that feels short for its length – so you can ride it in a longer size. But if you’re more of an intermediate rider, then you could still go 145 if you wanted to go a little shorter.
I haven’t tested any step ons yet, but I’ve heard mostly good things. I think all 3 (Limelight, Ritual LTD and Felix) would work for those boards, but I would be leaning Felix, as I think it’s the best flex match for those boards and the best option if you’re doing more freesride than freestyle.
Hope this helps
Thank you, Nate, it definitely helps! 🙂 I am still deciding – I am in no rush as it is currently almost impossible to get some snow time in Europe due to COVID. If I may add, I am looking for a board that would allow me to go faster and as mentioned, would hold well in icy conditions. I am in a group mostly surrounded by skiers and they are often faster. On the current board, I was not feeling comfortable to go faster and was not feeling good stability and confidence on steeper/black slopes – I found it hard to hold well in turns and I believe a better board would help me improve and be faster. Currently, where I am looking to buy, they only have 148 Dream Cather so if I will go with this one, I will probably buy 148. Is there any difference between those two boards that I should keep in mind? Based on that, does any other board comes to your mind? I will probably go with Felix Step On Boots, thanks for this explanation!
Hi Pat
Given that you’re looking to go faster, then I think the 148 would be the most appropriate size for the Dream Catcher.
Differences, I would say, IMO:
– Dream Catcher a little stiffer (6/10 flex versus 5/10 on the Equalizer) but they’re both medium
– Dream Catcher subtly more stable at speed
– Equalizer a little better for jumps
– Dream Catcher a little better in terms of edgehold
If you were going to look at GNU, then I would look at the GNU Klassy as another option.
Hi Nate! Asking for the future. What bindings can you reccomend for the Gnu Ladies choice? Burton Lexa/Escapade, Flux Gs/Gx or maybe Flux Gu will work? Or it’s better to get Bent Metal Stylist?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Elena
Lexa and Escapade would both work. The GS would also be a great choice. The GX a little too stiff for it, IMO. The GU too soft. I don’t test Bent Metal bindings currently, but on paper, the Stylist looks like it would be a good match to the Ladies Choice.
Hi Nate! Thanks a lot 🙂
And what other bindings can you reccomend? And what about Now Brigada? Very interesting to try skate tech.
Hi Elena
I think NOW Brigada would work too. Not a massive fan of NOW bindings myself. Mostly because I find they don’t have a lot of butterability and I like to feel the board’s flex more. And I’m not a big fan of their straps. But what they do do very well is shock absorption. The best in the industry there – and are good in terms of response as well.
Some other options that I think would work well with the Ladies choice:
– Salomon Mirage
– Union Trilogy
– Union Legacy
– K2 Hue
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all this great information! I’m looking into the GNU ladies choice but am a little unsure on the height I should choose since it’s been so long since I’ve bought a board. I’m an advanced rider, 5’7, 128 lbs, size 8/8.5 shoe and like a mix of riding around the mountain and park. I generally prefer my boards a little shorter but I was reading that the ladies choice is already a slightly shorter board.
Any recommendations on height?
Appreciate the help!
Hi Kiera
Thanks for your message.
For this board, based on your specs and what you’re descibing, I would go with the 145.5. I think that would be a really good size for you for this particular board.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Hope you are getting in some turns this season! I have a question about the Never Summer Proto Synthesis. On their website it doesn’t list the weight ranges for each board size. I’m 5’2, 128 lbs, size 7 boot. Would you recommend a 142 or 145? I normally ride groomers. Upper intermediate.
Hi Jennifer
Thanks for your message. I have had a few days getting some turns in so far, and loving it! Hope you’re getting out there too.
Never Summer doesn’t provide weight recommendations unfortunately. But weight recommendations from brands are only somewhat useful as they only take weight into account (and also because weight ranges tend to be quite wide). Whilst weight is an important factor, I like to take into account ability level, riding style and height as well.
Based purely on your specs, I would say probably 142 for this particular board. But if you could also let me know your rough ability level and how you like to ride. i.e. stick to groomers, ride trees, jumps, park, sidehits, aggressive or more playful or in between, bombing fast etc, that would also help.
Strong intermediate. Comfortable on all blue runs and easier blacks. Primarily ride on groomers and and little off piste if the conditions are right.
Hi Jennifer
Thanks for the extra info. I would go 142. You could certainly ride up to a 145,146 depending on the board, but for this particular board, which rides a little longer (not much length in the way of tip/tail outside the contact points), I think the 142 would be your best bet.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking into the Arbor Swoon camber, Solomon Rumble Fish, and GBU B-Pro C2 or C3. I’m a 165 cm, 56 kg. I like to ride all mountain freestyle, and I’m between a level 7 and 8 for sure. Can do spins, hit boxes and rails, and very comfortable on small and medium jumps. Looking to progress in jumps and pipe, really nail 360s. Prefer camber over rocker because of that. I currently have the Ride Saturday from when I started boarding. So it has way more flex then what I’m looking at. I’m worried about such a jump in flex because I do enjoy how playful my Saturday is, and I feel like all three boards are pretty stiff, but I know to progress the way I want to progress I have to go more stiff, and I don’t do too many butters or rails anyway.
I was wondering what your opinion was on these three boards, as I’ve pretty much researched everything I can. Any info would be super helpful. Thank you!
Hi Kim
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t worry about those being too much stiffer than the Saturday. They will feel stiffer, particularly to begin with versus a well used Saturday, but they’re not massively stiff boards or anything.
They would certainly all work for what you’re describing, and it seems like you’ve done your research well. If you’re looking at the B-Pro C2, you must be looking a while back – I don’t think it’s been C2 for like 5 or more years now. The C3 version has also now been discontinued but that was only last year, so you might be able to find one of those. If not and that’s the direction you were headed then the GNU Pro Choice (C3) or Ladies Choice (C2X) or the Lib Tech No.43 would be the closest equivalents.
If I had to make a call, I would be leaning Rumble Fish or Pro Choice/B-Pro (if you wanted more camber with the C3) or Ladies Choice/No.43 (if you would prefer a little more rocker). All these options have a little more camber than the Saturday. For Pipe I’d be inclined to go a little more aggressive, in which case Pro-Choice/B Pro would be the preference.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi mate,
My girlfriend is a beginner – intermediate rider with about 20-25 days on the mountain and is looking at getting into park. She’s progressing rather quickly and is interested in the ladies choice but we are unsure of what size to go for. She’s 163cm, 64-65kgs with size 8US feet. We are in whistler and at the moment the ladies choice will be her quiver of 1 board for the next 6 months to 1 year. Would the 145.5 or 148.5 be the better choice if the riding was split into say 40% groomers, 35% park, 25% powder? Also would we need to
Upgrade her bindings if she has the Union rosas atm? Would the juliet or milan be a better pairing? Thanks very much for your advice, always helpful
Hi Jaydon
Thanks for your message.
Those are the 2 sizes I would be debating between too for your girlfriend, but I would be leaning towards the 145.5 for a couple of reasons – a. as she’s beginner/intermediate b. because I think it’s the slightly better option taking weight/height and boot size into account and c. because she’ll be seeing a fair bit of park time.
In terms of bindings, ideally something a little stiffer than the Rosa’s to drive the Ladies Choice. The Juliet would be the best flex-match, IMO. But the Milan’s are slightly nicer bindings overall. Both would definitely work and be an improvement over the Rosa’s. I would be just leaning towards the Milan, but the Juliet would do a good job too, if you wanted to save some cash.
Hope this helps with your decision
Cool! thanks very much For you help Nate, always appreciated
You’re very welcome Jaydon. Hope you’re both having awesome seasons!
Hi Nate,
I need your advice on the GNU Ladies Choice. I’m going to Whistler in March and plan on renting the Ladies Choice for a day and need your advice on size. I normally ride between a 143-145 and I am an intermediate rider (groomers mostly but will venture out ungroomed terrain in powder). I’m 5’2, 124 lbs, and I wear a 6.5 boot. I currently ride a Dream Catcher 145. What do you recommend in terms of sizing on the Ladies Choice? Would a 145 suit me?
Hi Jen
Thanks for your message.
I would go 142 for the Ladies Choice for you (which is technically actually a 142.5). It’s the kind of board you can ride a little shorter. The Dream Catcher on the other hand is something you can ride a little longer. So, I would say to go at the shorter end of your range for the Ladies Choice and the longer end of your range for the Dream Catcher. You could certainly ride the 145.5, but I think the 142.5 would be the better option.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks again Nate, top site, very helpful & detailed, have a great season
You’re very welcome Phil. Hope you and family have an awesome season!
Hey Nate, great work as usual
Just wandering, daughter needs a new board, she’s an advanced intermediate & progressing & has been riding Torah Bright’s C2 board 146, for the last couple of seasons, she loves the board ( flex & playfulness ) but has grown a bit & is starting to boot out with her now size US10 boots, any suggestions on an all mountain freestyle board for her (14yrs, 166 cm, almost 50 kgs)
Also my partner, who is intermediate, also US10 could do with an upgrade from her Ride Rapture 151 ( 5’7″ & 64kg ) she’s been riding for a few seasons now & become a bit stagnant, pretty sure she could do with a next level board, again for all mountain freestyle, any suggestions on boards & sizes for them ?
Cheers Phil
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, size-wise, I don’t think I would go any longer than 146 for your daughters specs. Usually I would say around 143-145, but since she’s used to 146, then around that is fine. But yeah, even if she’s still growing, I wouldn’t go too much longer than 146. But it does sound like she needs something wider. Mervin (Roxy, GNU, Lib Tech) boards do tend to be not much wider at the inserts than they are at the waist. So, the Torah Bright is 239mm at the waist, but probably isn’t much more than 244, 245mm at the inserts. The challenge is finding something that’s wide enough without going too long. One option that springs to mind is the Endeavor BOD. It’s a unisex board (which has men’s and women’s sizes) and whilst it didn’t make this list, it wasn’t far off. It has a 146 with a 246mm waist width – and likely to be around 255mm at the inserts (based on measuring the 156 at the inserts). Which should be plenty wide enough, I would imagine, without being too wide and without going too long. If you really wanted to go longer it does come in a 149 too.
Note that the BOD uses Burton’s channel system – so depending on her bindings, she may have to get a compatible disc to be able to use the channel system on it. Also, because the board is camber between the feet, with some subtle rocker tip and tail, it will feel quite different to the Torah Bright – which is rocker between the feet and camber underfoot and towards tip and tail. Not going to be as playful as the Torah Bright for sure. Not overly aggressive either, but not super playful.
Another more playful option would be the Burton Yeasayer Flying V in the 144. It has a 242mm waist, and most likely based on other Burton boards, would be likely around 251mm to 254mm at the inserts, which should be enough. It’s softer flexing than the Torah Bright. Not by heaps, but a little softer. So whether you wanted to go softer or not.
Going a little longer, if you/she were wanting to do that, something like the Salomon Rumble Fish in 148 comes into play – 243mm waist – and likely around 251mm (based on measuring a difference size of the Rumblefish).
This is all assuming Women’s US10 as opposed to Men’s US10. If it is Men’s US10, we could certainly look into some men’s options. There are some models that come in shorter sizes, but are typically a little wider. Or I could look into them anyway if you wanted, if she was open to that idea.
For your partner – again I think 151 is a good length to look at for her. Anything 149-151. But the Rapture is a very beginner type board, so I get that you might want to upgrade from that.
I think the GNU Ladies Choice 151 would be a good option. Probably just wide enough. And a good step up from the Rapture.
The Rumble Fish 148 is also an option as is the Endeavor BOD 149.
Again, if you’d like I can also look into men’s options, if she’s open to it, but I think those would work well for her. Again assuming women’s US10.
Hope this helps and let me know your thoughts and if you want to look into other options
Awesome, thanks for all your help Nate some great options for us to go over. I had quick look at these boards, as now is a good time to buy here in NZ as our season is just coming to an end
There is a crazy deal on a Salomon gypsy 151 & a Rossignol Diva 148 both 2020 boards, for my partner, just wandering what your thoughts are on these ? Sorry both women’s US10
Cheers again Phil
Hi Phil
The Gypsy could be an option in 151 for your partner. I’d say it’s a little more park oriented than the Rumble Fish, but still something you can over the rest of the mountain too – but park is where it’s most suited. Just a touch softer flexing vs the Rumble Fish – but a little stiffer than the Rapture and certainly more performance oriented and should be more lively vs the Rapture. So I think it could work. The only thing to consider really is if it’s too much to the park side of things than what you’re wanting. But size-wise, I think in that size it can work as an all-mountain-freestyle deck.
The Rossignol Diva 148 could work. I’d say it’s wide enough. It’s rated 7/10 in terms of flex, but I would say it’s more like 6/10. So still a step up in terms of flex vs the Torah Bright (5/10 I would say). It’s going to have more of a stable feel vs the Torah Bright – which is more of a semi-loose kind of feel. It’s camber between the feet/under the feet and rocker before tip/tail. So definitely going to be a different feel, but could certainly work. I ride the Rossi One LF as my “control” board when I do demos and it’s a very reliable, versatile ride. The Diva LF isn’t the exact equivalent – with the Diva having more camber, being centered and true twin (the One LF is Directional Twin with a small setback stance). But it’s a solid option.
Thanks again Nate for all your help, just like to say that your recommendation on the Tora Bright board was perfect for my daughter, an awesome board, also i’ve just had my first season on the new Yes Greats & again an amazing board so many thanks.
What options would you say in the mens board for my partner? She has decided she wants more of a stable board for all mountain riding with just cruising through the park now & then with the kids, so mainly carving up groomers, playing around & hitting side hits etc, nothing too serious
Kind of steering towards the Rumble fish or ladies choice? but maybe the Diva might be too much of a step up in flex from the Rapture but at the end of the day pretty sure she just wants something that’s planted, fun & can handle hardpack/ice, hope this helps
Cheers Phil
Hi Phil
Yeah, I think the likes of the Ladies Choice and Rumble Fish would work well for what you’re describing for sure.
In terms of men’s options, the following could also work:
– YES Typo 149 (248mm waist – around 256mm at the inserts) – nice mid flex (4.5/10) – would be a good step up in terms of performance and flex vs the Rapture, but nothing overly technical and easy to ride. It’s good in hard/icy conditions and fits everything else you’re describing well, IMO
– Lib Tech TRS 151N (2019 model): For 2020 there is now a women’s Lib Tech No.43 which is the equivalent of the TRS, but it’s bordering on being too narrow I would say. Even though the 151N is a “narrow” size it’s still a little wider than the No.43. E.g. No.43 in the 152 is 239mm waist – predicted around 245mm at the inserts and last year’s TRS 151N (if you can find it) is 247mm at the waist and around 253mm at the inserts. Also fits everything else you’re describing.
Hi Nate
Thanks for putting together all the info on your website, it has been very useful as I’m trying to get new gear after using mine for about 7 years now when I was a beginner.
I’m about intermediate level 4 and I only manage to board about 5 to 10 days a year.
Based on what I’ve read on your site, I gather I would like to get the Yes Emoticon or Capita Paradise. What length should I get if I’m about 1.60m/ 58kg and wear US 7.5 boots?
Also, any other board and bindings recommendations?
I recently bought the thirty two stw women’s boa and looking forward to trying it out in Dec.
Thank you!
Hi Trish
Thanks for your message.
For the Emoticon, I would be debating between the 143 and 146, but probably leaning towards the 143, mainly because it’s a better size for your boots. And length-wise both would work. But also to consider:
1. The 143 will feel more nimble, be better in trees and better for freestyle riding.
2. The 146 will be more stable at speed and better in powder.
For the Paradise, I would say 145 is your best bet. A good size for your boos, IMO, and a good length for your specs. It has a smaller effective edge, in relation to overall length vs the Emoticon – so the effective edge on the 145 Paradise is similar to that on the 143 Emoticon.
You could also check out:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
For bindings, check out:
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your reply and for giving points to consider.
1) I was going to go with the 145 capita paradise and the evo site says suitable for boots up to US6. Does it matter?
2) do you think the never summer proto type 2 would be suitable for my ability considering I ride mostly groomers and wish to advance through more powder/ trees?
Thanks again!
Hi Trish
I think the PT2 would work OK, but it’s biggest weakness is in powder. In that sense the Paradise would be better – still certainly no powder specialist but better than the PT2, IMO.
I would worry about the PT2 being too narrow. IMO it should be fine. If you look at evo’s boot rating thing it goes all the way up to 7.5 for 2mm (for the next size up). They have to have a system in place for the sheer number of boards they have there, but I personally don’t think you’d have any issues on the 145. I measured the width at inserts (where the bindings go) on the 147 Paradise and it measured 246mm (237mm waist), so the 145 is likely to be around 244mm at the inserts (235mm waist). The average Women’s US7.5 boot (mondo 24.5cm) is probably going to be around 27.5cm to 28cm long. With a 244mm width at inserts – that would mean a total overhang of 3.6cm (assuming 28cm length boot). That’s 1.8cm for heel edge and 1.8cm for toe edge (assuming good boot centering. Which is a good amount of overhang, with room to move. And that’s straight across the board – you’d have even more leeway, with some angle on your bindings.
So, long story short, I wouldn’t worry about the width on the 145 Paradise with Women’s US 7.5 boots.
Excellent explanation! Thank you once again for breaking it down so well!
Now I am on a hunt for a 145 paradise.
You’re very welcome Trish.
Hi Nate,
Looking to get the Proto, but I’m not sure which size to get. I’m 158cm, 65kg with booth size 6.5-7. I like to ride around the mountain but also getting into park. I’m thinking either the 142 or 145, thoughts/recommendations?
Thanks!
Hi Amy
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would agree that it’s between the 142 and the 145. I would say something around 145 for a lot of boards, but this is one of those boards that you can ride a little shorter, due to a good amount of effective edge compared to overall length.
I think the 142 would be a slightly better width for your boots, especially if you got into 6.5s and assuming you ride this board with +15/-15 binding angles (which is recommended for this board, being an asymmetrical twin). The 142 would be more maneuverable at slower speeds, better in the trees, more playful and better in the park.
The 145 would be more stable at higher speeds, float a little better in powder and be better for long, wide carves, IMO.
So, depending on what you value more from those things. Both sizes would certainly work for you, but hopefully this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Thanks heaps for your advice Nate! Think I’ll go with the 142cm.
You’re very welcome Amy. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it on snow. Hope you have an awesome season!
I’m looking to get the proto type two and was wondering what bindings would you recommend? I’m looking to progress from a beginner rider to an intermediate rider and I’m looking forward to try out some basic freestyle tricks this year, miserably failed to do so for the past 5 years. I was wondering if a stiffer or softer binding would help with the progression.
Hi Sam
For the Proto Type Two, something with around a 5/10 or 6/10 flex is a good way to go, IMO, but you could get away with 4/10. For starting out with freestyle tricks softer is generally easier, so probably looking at 4/10 or 5/10 is a good way to go, IMO.
Check out the following for some good options in that flex range.
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps