This is a list of what i consider to be the best intermediate snowboards for women for the 2020-21 season.
These boards are chosen for being easy enough to ride for a high-end beginner/low end intermediate rider - but have just that little bit more performance than a typical beginner board to take you through to a more advanced level.
Each board is given a rating out of 100 for easier comparison.
Price has not been considered in the ratings.
Of the 33 different boards that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10.
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Lib Tech Glider
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.1/100
Starting off the list in #10, we have the Lib Tech Glider.
The Glider is a great board for those who are just past that very beginner stage and looking to progress.
An even better option for those looking to get into riding freestyle in the future or who are already getting started in that direction. Or simply see themselves as a more casual, playful rider.
Check out the video for more about the Glider
Score Breakdown for the Glider
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 3/5 | 6/10 |
Performance score as FREESTYLE snowboard | 85.2/100 | 42.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.1/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: YES Emoticon
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 89.2/100
The Emoticon is one of those boards that anyone from beginner to expert can ride. For the more advanced rider it takes on more of a freestyle focus. But as an beginner to intermediate rider is also a great board for progressing your everyday riding on.
Also a great option for those that see hard/icy conditions often.
Check out the video for more about the Emoticon
Score Breakdown for the Emoticon
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 81.5/100 | 40.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.2/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: Endeavor Ranger
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.0/100
At #8 we have the Endeavor Ranger.
The Ranger is a Unisex board that comes in a wide range of sizes for both men and women.
It's another freestyle oriented board, perfect for those just looking to progress their skills, looking to get into the park or have an eye on freestyle riding in the future.
Check out the video for more about the Ranger
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 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
Board: Capita Space Metal Fantasy
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 90.3/100
The very freestyle focused Space Metal Fantasy is great for anyone who mostly rides freestyle. Or as a second board for someone who has another board for their other riding, but wants a board to start out on or progress on in the park.
Check out the video for more about the Space Metal Fantasy
Score Breakdown for the Space Metal Fantasy
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 | 83.5/100 | 41.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
Board: Rossignol Frenemy
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
The Frenemy is a stable feeling, versatile all-mountain ride for those that like to do a bit of everything, everywhere - or who simply haven't figured out what style of riding they want to do yet.
This is also a great option for those who ride hard/icy conditions often.
Check out the video for more about the Frenemy
This video is a few years old now, but the Frenemy hasn't really changed over the years, so it's all still relevant
Score Breakdown for the Frenemy
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 | 83.3/100 | 41.7/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
Board: Never Summer Infinity
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
In at #5 we have Never Summer's Infinity, which is one of the most versatile on this list.
If you've already developed an eclectic style of riding that takes you anywhere, doing a variety of things, or if you're still unsure of the type of riding you prefer - or if you simply want a board that will help you to progress your riding, the Infinity fits many scenarios.
Check out the video for more about the Infinity
Score Breakdown for the Infinity
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 83.3/100 | 41.7/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
Board: Salomon Rumble Fish
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 92.6/100
The Rumblefish is more on the all-mountain end of all-mountain freestyle. It's centered and a directional-twin, but has more of an all-mountain feel to it. Great if you like to ride a lot of switch on the groomers or in powder, and like to throw in some freestyle here and there. Or just for simply progressing with your general riding to take it to the next level.
Check out the video for more about the Rumblefish
Score Breakdown for the Rumblefish
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 4.5/5 | 9/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 86/100 | 43/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.6/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: Capita Paradise
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 93.7/100
In at number 3, we have the Capita Paradise. Probably the most versatile twin going around, if you like to ride over the whole mountain, but prefer to be centered on a twin board and would like the option to get freestyle on it, from time to time, then the Paradise is a great option.
Or if you simply like to cruise the groomers and just want to get your riding smoother and progress to a more advanced level, then it's also a great option for that.
Check out the video for more about the Paradise
Score Breakdown for the Paradise
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5/5 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4/5 | 16/20 |
VERSATILITY | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance score as ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE snowboard | 86/100 | 43/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.7/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #2
Board: Burton Feelgood Flying V
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 94.2/100.
In at #2 is Burton's Feelgood Flying V.
If you like the idea of a playful, freer/looser feeling ride, but still want high quality and the versatility of an all-mountain board, then the Feelgood Flying V might be the right choice for you.
Check out the video for more about the Feelgood Flying V
Score Breakdown for the Feelgood Flying V
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 | 87.0/100 | 43.5/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.2/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: YES Hello
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4.5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 94.6/100
And in the #1 spot, we have the YES Hello.
New from YES for 2021, the Hello is the baby sister of the Hel Yes. It's a little mellower and easy to ride versus the Hel Yes, but still a high quality deck that's easy to ride and very versatile.
Ideal for those looking for a versatile ride that will be with them for years to come and progress with them. Also great for hard/icy snow conditions.
Check out the video for more about the Hello
Score Breakdown for the Hello
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 | 87.7/100 | 43.9/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.6/100 |
Over To You
So that's my list of the best intermediate snowboards for women for the 2020-21 season.
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, freestyle etc).
Check out the links under each board for more info, prices and availability.
Hi Nate!
Thank a lot for the explanation. So, I think Ravish will be OK 🙂
Will think about bindings a little, maybe Lexa will be the right choice 🙂
But what about boots? My Burton Limelight will work? Or I should get a stiffer boots too?
Hi Elena
I don’t think it’s necessary to change your boots. If you were being really fussy, you could go something a little stiffer. But I wouldn’t change them yet. Maybe when they wear out and you need to change boots anyway but for now I wouldn’t change them.
Hey Nate!
I keep coming across your posts in my quest to find an all mountain freestyle board. I have a freeride/powder board for deeper days, but I like to ride switch a lot and and want to push my freestyle more next season. But I am trying to find a deal in the off season and have looked at the Capita Birds of a Feather and the Yes Emoticon. I ride a lot and pretty aggressive, I guess, so thought the Capita board might be able to better handle speed but also live in Revelstoke, where the snow can get hard/icy, so that has me thinking the Yes board?? Again, I am choosing from what I see available. I would appreciate your thoughts!
Hi Lindsay
Thanks for your message.
Definitely hear where you’re coming from – the Birds of a Feather sounds like a closer fit due to your style, but the Emoticon is better in icy conditions, so there is a trade off there. YES are coming out with a YES Rival for their 2022 line which would be ideal, I think (depending on sizing) but I know that’s not helpful for right now, given that you’re looking at getting an off season deal. Without knowing what you have available, I would say:
– Arbor Cadence Camber
– GNU Pro Choice
– Lib Tech No.43
– Lib Tech Ryme
– Never Summer Women’s Proto Synthesis
– Niche Nightshade
– Salomon Rumble Fish
– Salomon Gypsy or Gypsy Pro
– Salomon No Drama
If you see any of those.
Between the Birds of a Feather and Emoticon, I would be leaning Birds of a Feather just because of your style – and it’s not hopeless in icy conditions or anything. It’s not as good as those listed above – or the Emoticon, but it’s not going to be dreadful either – so I guess it depends on how much you want it to be good in those icy conditions. The Emoticon is quite a bit more playful – definitely a good one for upping your freestyle game, but you might find it a little wanting, when you’re wanting to bomb.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thanks to you I get a really great setup and rize my confidence to the next level and now by your skill level I’m 5 intermediate. I enjoy to ride my Gnu Chromatic board but understand that I want a stiffer board (but not very stiff). I will continue to ride all-mountain and switch but want to try powder also.
So, need your advice again 🙂
I’m 59-60 kg, 162 cm and boot size is US 8 (I have Burton Limelite boots)
Keep thinking between the boards below:
Gnu Ladies Choice
Gnu Ravish (new for 2022)
Roxy Smoothie (but I think It`s a little to much for my level?)
Roxy Breeze (new to 2022)
Lib Tech Cortado
Any other options will be great too!
Hi Elena
Thanks for your message.
Between those options, if you want the board to be really good for riding switch and OK for powder, but not as good as the others, then the Ladies Choice is the way to go. If you’re less concerned about switch, then the others are all better in powder. They’re all going to be a little stiffer and all have a bit more camber in the profile, compared to the Chromatic. The Ladies Choice is the most camber dominant of them with the C2X profile. The rest have the C2 profile, which is still more camber than the BTX, but more subtle camber than the C2X. The C2X (Ladies Choice) still isn’t super technical/aggressive and would be fine for an intermediate 5, IMO.
The Ravish, Smoothie, Breeze and Cortado could all work (if you’re looking to maximize powder more than switch). The Cortado being the softer easier going option versus the Ravish, but the Ravish doesn’t look to be too stiff. I haven’t had any experience with Roxy boards, but being Mervin made, they will be similar to the GNU/Lib Tech options. The Smoothie does look to be the stiffer option, maybe similar to the Ravish or even slightly stiffer. The Breeze looks to be closer in flex to the Cortado, or potentially even a little softer.
The Cortado and Smoothie seem to be the most directional (more setback and more taper), so are likely to be the better options in powder, but the least good for riding switch.
The Ravish and Breeze aren’t setback as much, so riding switch will be a little better on them.
So, if you’re looking to balance switch and powder, then I would be leaning Ravish or Breeze, depending if you wanted to err on the slightly stiffer side (Ravish) or the slightly softer side (Breeze). I don’t think the Ravish will be overly stiff (I tried to get a tester on the Ravish this winter, but wasn’t able to unfortunately, so not entirely sure how stiff it feels).
But the Ladies Choice is still an option, if you want better switch riding. It’s not as good in the others for powder, but if you’re not seeing it that much or if it’s never that deep, then it will be fine in that respect.
Size-wise, something in the 143-146 range would be a good bet, IMO, except the Cortado, which is a wider board – if you went Cortado, I would go 142. For the others, anything in the 143-146 range should be good width-wise, with the Smoothie 143 and Breeze 144 being on the narrower side, but still within your range, IMO. If you decide on a board and are debating the sizing, let me know, and we can go through the pros and cons of each size option.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks a lot! After your explanations I start thinking that maybe it will be easier to go with two different boards 🤣
But I have to choose one.
First, I thought about Ladies choice but can’t decide about the size.
And now I’m thinking about Ravish too.
And what bindings will be good with Ravish?
Hi Elena
Size-wise for the Ladies Choice, I would say probably the 145.5, but the 142.5 is also an option. The 142.5 if you were going to be a fair bit of freestyle riding and/or trees, otherwise, I’d say 145.5.
Size-wise for the Ravish, it’s a tough choice between the 143 and 146. The 143 would give you a little more maneuverability and would mellow the board out a bit more. If you were riding a lot of trees, then I’d be leaning 143 or if you just wanted to have an easier going ride. The 146 would be better in powder (though this board should be good in powder anyway) and more stable at higher speeds.
Bindings for the Ravish, I would say go around 6/10 flex-wise. Something from here – >>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings – like the Burton Lexa, Union Trilogy or K2 Hue – or something like the Union Legacy, I think would be really good matches to the Ravish.
Hi Nate! And what about Bent metal Forte? Will it work with Ravish?
And I’m afraid of Ravish a little. Wouldn’t it be too stiff for my level?
Maybe I should go with Roxy Breeze?
Hi Elena
It’s hard to say flex-wise with the Ravish having not had any experience with it. But looking at the Flex scale and comparing other GNU or Lib Tech boards that are rated similarly, I would guess that it’s more of a mid flex than a mid-stiff flex. But couldn’t say for sure. And the C2 profile is pretty easy going. So, if I had to guess I would say it’s fine for your level, but that’s only based on specs and experience with other GNU/Lib Tech boards. The Breeze certainly does look to be softer flexing, so that would be the safer call, if you wanted to make sure you weren’t getting too much board.
I think the Bent Metal Forte would be a good match to the Ravish. I haven’t had a ton of experience with Bent Metal bindings, but when I have ridden them, I’ve liked them. They’re simple but do the job.
Hi Nate!
Love this website, it’s THE reference in snowboard.
I would like to get your advices for my first board and bindings.
I already get my boots (Burton Ritual LTD Boa), only ride 2 times with them and I love them so much (The rental boots were not fitted at all and were an obstacle in my progress), but the choice have been hard between the Burton Felix Boa, maybe I’ll bought them too 😅
I’ve been only ride with rental board and bindings (Board : Rossignol EXP regular 140 and bindings : Rossignol reply 4×4 s/m , I try a softer bindings for 10 minutes but I hated it, I don’t remember what it was, just remember the ankle strap was cushioned fabric).
I think I’m a medley 5-6 level (ending begginer and lower intermediate) I’m linking my turns, I started ride switch and do basic turns in switch. I can’t wait to try my first jump and try 360 and any tricks of that kind. I would like to progress fast. I have been riding only 6 days, in the learning slope (almost like a blue) and in a green slope.
I only ride on groom, and the snow was hard and icy except 1 time was spring conditions.
I don’t know if I would like powder, I have interest in park and half-pipe but didn’t try yet, interest in carving too but I need to get more confident with speed. A thing is sure, I discovered a passion and I will go ride every week next season.
I don’t care about the price, I prefer high quality and performance rather then cheap price.
I’m 155cm, my weight varies between 120 and 130lbs and my boot size is 6.5.
For the bindings, I think I could love the Burton Escapade Re:Flex but I’m not sure if it’s too stiff for my level and if I would be better to consider others options.
For the board, I’m interested by the Capita Paradise, the Capita Space Metal Fantasy, the YES Hello and the Burton Feelgood Flying V, I’m not sure if the last two are too stiff for my level and maybe there is others boards that I should consider too who could fit better to my needs. I think I would like a playful board, that is easy to turn but that I can also have a good control to go explore the mountain.
I absolutely need your advice 🙂 Thanks for your help!
Hi Alexandra
Thanks for your message.
In terms of bindings, I think the Escapade are going to work well for you. I don’t test Rossignol bindings, so I’m not sure how stiff the Reply bindings are, but it sounds like you didn’t like softer bindings. The Escapade aren’t super stiff or anything, but their not soft either – I would say a 5/10 flex. At your level and how you described your experience with softer bindings, I think the Escapade would work well – and are a good flex match with the Burton Ritual LTD Boa too.
For the board, I think you’re on the right track with what you’re looking at. I think those would all work for your level, and all are suitable for riding freestyle (jumps, spins etc), which it sounds like you want to get into. The Space Metal Fantasy will be the easiest of those to progress on and will likely provide you with the fastest progression, but it’s more park/freestyle oriented and once you start to advance you might find it lacking for the likes of carves. The Hello, Paradise and Feelgood Flying V are all roughly the same flex – around 5/10 – with the Hello feeling just marginally softer (4.5/10). They would all be a good match with your boots. Whilst they would be a little more challenging in terms of getting started with things like jumps and spins, they will be fine for those things once you become more advanced. And they will be better for riding faster than something like the Space Metal Fantasy. But if you want the fastest progression and want the fastest park/freestyle progression, then the Space Metal Fantasy is going to provide it – you would just probably want to consider upgrading to a better all-mountain board, for carving/speed etc, once you become more advanced.
The Hello is the best option for icy conditions of those 4, IMO, so that’s something else to consider.
Another option that you could consider the YES Emoticon. It’s a little softer and easier going than the Hello/Feelgood Flying V/Paradise, but it’s still really good in hard/icy conditions. And whilst it is more freestyle focused, it’s still a little better for speed and carving than the likes of the Space Metal Fantasy – so it’s kind of in the middle of those, if that makes sense.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thanks for your fast reply. Of course it’s help me a lot with my decision. I wasn’t so sure about the bindings vs my level, but now with you’re help I know it’s a good choice.
I think I will go with the Space Metal Fantasy as my first board and I will buy a second board all-mountain when I’ll be more advanced and it will be easier to know my specifics need at this time, who could change during my progression and I’ll have a better idea about the mountain snow conditions in Quebec, Canada.
So now the question is, which lenght between the 141 and the 143 will fit better to me?
Hi Alexandra
If you’re going to go Space Metal Fantasy I would probably go 141. You could definitely ride 143 as well, but given that you’ll be upgrading later, you can go longer the if you feel the need. And if you ended up keeping this as your park/freestyle deck, then the 141 would be a better size for that too.
Hi Nate!
It’s make sens, but unfortunately my plan don’t work : there is no more 141 😞 and I don’t like so much the graphics of the new 2022 … I could find a 143 but a full price and like you said I be better with the 141 as a freestyle/park board.
So, I looked at what’s available :
– Yes Emoticon 143/146 with a little discount (not my prefered graphic but could be ok)
– Yes Hello 146 with a little discount (146 seems to be a little long for me?)
And I can wait for a 2022 :
– GNU Ladies choice 142.5/145.5 (I forgot to ask your opinion about this one)
– GNU Gloss 140
– Burton Feelgood Flying V 142
If I go with the GNU Ladies choice or Burton Feelgood Flying V or Yes Hello, i could maybe buy a beginner board (but I don’t know which one could be good) to do the transition. Do you think it’s a better idea or these boards are fun enough to learn at my level and not get discouraged?
Hope you’re not discouraged about my questions 😅
Hi Nate!
For the GNU Ladies Choice, I made a mistake for the size, I’m not sure between 139.5 and 142.5
Hi Alexandra
For the Hello, I think the 146 is just a little too long. Wish they’d do a 143 for that board.
For the Ladies Choice, I would go 142.5 for you.
The Gloss in 140 would work, but it would probably be the same thinking as with the Space Metal Fantasy – something that you could keep as your park board down the line. Whereas, if you went something like Ladies Choice 142.5, it would be the kind of board you could have for as long as you wanted it. Same with the Feelgood Flying V 142. Between the Ladies Choice and Feelgood Flying V, the biggest thing is that the Ladies Choice will give much better edge hold in hard/icy conditions.
The YES Emoticon 143 would be a very good choice, IMO. Something that will be easy to progress on but that will last a long time progression-wise. And at 143 it isn’t a size that you’d have to upgrade from later either.
The Ladies Choice and Feelgood Flying V (particularly the Ladies Choice) are a little more advanced, but their still low intermediate friendly. A little steeper of a learning curve, but definitely not out of range for an intermediate level, IMO.
Thank for your message, I like to hear your opinion, it help me to define what I really need 🙂
But I still hesitating between the LC and the Emoticon… I’m about to buy both (both have good discount), it’s so hard to choose without try them.
Can you tell me the pro’s and con’s for both boards.
* I just want to make a little precision on my ride type, I would like to do freestyle tricks (like jumps and spins) some butter tricks but not jibbing. I would like to ride moguls too.
I read the LC feel heavy, but I didn’t find how much it weight… is it a small difference (less than 1000g) or is it more like 2x the Emoticon weight? Think it’s an important thing to consider as I want to try penguin walk and things like that… and for the chair lift too (if it’s a lot heavy).
An other point to consider: the LC have a sintered base, is it a lot faster then the Emoticon or almost same? Is it doable to adjust waxing time to be less faster at beginning or it will make things harder?
Hi Alexandra
Pros and cons between Ladies Choice and Emoticon, I would say:
– LC overall better for jumps, but that’s taking into account bigger jumps, if you’re not looking to hit anything too big, then both really good for jumps
– LC a little more stable at speed
– LC a little better in powder
– Emoticon is easier to butter (both are good for butters, but the Emoticon a little easier)
– For spins overall the LC is better, but that’s taking into account bigger tricks. If you’re just looking at smaller tricks, then Emoticon probably takes, it being lighter and a little softer flexing
– I would say the Emoticon is a little more nimble at slower speeds – but the LC is definitely not slouch for those short sharp turns, so both do well in moguls.
1000 grams is a big difference in weight! To put it in perspective, the heaviest women’s board I’ve weighed is 2,820grams and the lightest is 2,290grams. So between the heaviest and lightest is 530 grams. But that amount of weight is very noticeable. Weight also depends on size, so a bigger board is going to weight more, all else being equal. So I like to note the “grams per centimeter of each board”. The LC is heavier than the Emoticon. The last Emoticon I weighed was the 2020 model and it was 2480g in the 149 size (16.64g/cm). The last LC I weighed was the 2022 model and weighed 2660g in the 148.5 size (17.91g/cm). 180g difference doesn’t sound like much, but you can notice it. The sizes you’re looking at will weight less than that of course. But yeah if going light is important to you, then the Emoticon is lighter in my experience.
The LC is certainly faster than the Emoticon – and you do have to wax it more often, being a sintered base. In terms of trying to make the LC slower to start with you could wax it less, but I find that when you start doing that you get an inconsistent glide as wax wears from some areas more than others, so it’s not something I like to do.
Thank you so much for your amazing knowledge and explanations.
You’re very welcome Alexandra
Hi Nate, wow I just went down a serious rabbit hole! Hope you can help me. I’m 5’3”, 145lbs (I gained some covid weight ugh), and I have new Thirty two lashed boots in an 8. I am somewhere between a level 5-6, but I mostly just cruise around with my kids on blues these days and my knees are a little arthritic so not doing anything crazy. I’ve rode for 24 years off and on but getting back into it much more these days. I ride in Vermont and occasionally Utah. I bought a 2020 Rossi Diva 148 demo with Ride VXN bindings in the beginning of this season. I like the Diva a lot but I think it might be too long for me and I want something that’s easy to turn for my knees. Reading all the comments, maybe the frenemy or infinity or Jones TS or DC? What size? Thoughts? I feel like my bindings are really soft too. Thanks in advance!
Hi Emily
Thanks for your message.
I think there is a bit of mis-match between board and bindings there. The Diva is quite stiff and the VXN quite soft flexing (like you suspected). A stiffer board is typically harder work to turn on, and even more so when you’ve got bindings that are too soft to drive it. I don’t think the size is too long. It’s about right, IMO, but I think it’s probably too stiff for what you want, given you want it to be easy turning and easy on the knees.
The Frenemy and Infinity are really easy going boards and should find them nice and easy to turn on. The Twin Sister is a little more work, but still pretty easy to turn – and the Dream Catcher just a little bit more again, but still not quite to the same extent as the Diva.
Size-wise, I’d say:
– Frenemy 147 (or you could go 150 too, but if you want to make it easier to turn, then 147 would certainly work)
– Infinity 147 (or you could go 149)
– TS 149 (but if you wanted to mellow it out some more, then 146 would be doable)
– DC 151 (this is a board that should be ridden a little longer – but if you wanted to mellow it out, then 148 is still doable)
In terms of bindings, I would still go a little stiffer if you went with one of these boards. Though they aren’t as stiff as the Diva, I think something a little stiffer is still a good idea. Though, if you went with the Frenemy, which is the softest flexing of these boards, you could probably stick with VXN. If you went Frenemy, I would try to get something with a 5/10 to 6/10 flex. If you went TS, I’d try to go 6/10 flex and if you went DC, I would go 6/10 to 7/10 flex. Some good options:
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m so happy I came across a website and responds with so much guidance!
I’m in need of some help. I’m pretty new to snowboarding and am in my 3rd season and really got into it this season. I got my board used and just realized this year that it was wayyyyy too short for me. I would like to invest a board that I’ll grown into as I improve my riding skills. I’d say I am a high beginner to low intermediate rider and am typically going down a green- blue.
I’m 5’0, 130 lbs, and just bought the 32 STW BOA boots in size 6.5.
I was looking at the Never Summer Infinity but need help finding the appropriate size. I’m also open to other boards as well.
Thank you so much!
Hi Linda
Thanks for your message.
I think the Infinity would be a great option for what you’re describing. Certainly others fit the bill too, but the Infinity, IMO, would work really well, so if you’re gravitating towards that, I’d say go for it.
Size-wise, I’d be weighing up between the 142 and 145. I’d say definitely 142 if you were a complete beginner – and it’s a toss up between the sizes at your level. 145 would be your best size at an advanced level, IMO, but 142 would work as you became more advanced too and would likely be easier to progress on in the present. What size are you coming from? If you’re coming from something super short, then that might lean more to going 142, so that it’s not too much of a shock!
Hope this helps
Dear Nate:
Wow! Thanks for your detailed review. Seeing your terrific replies to the other women, I was wondering if you can also give me a Snowboard suggestion. I only snowboard 1-2times per year. Based on your skill ratings, I am an Intermediate Level 5. I am 5ft tall and 125pounds with size 7 snowboard shoes. I’m currently riding a Used 145 cm Vista Ride Snowboard (so I don’t know what year it is) with new Burton Lexa bindings. I’m interested in buying a new All Mountain Board.
1) Should I keep the 145cm size?
2) Which snowboard would you recommend since I do not snowboard often?
Hi Angela
Thanks for your message
I would size down a little bit – to around 142, 143.
Since you don’t snowboard that often, I think it’s nice to have something that you can get on and straight away feel comfortable and confident on, so that you’re not having to spend too much time getting back up to speed (as is sometimes the case with a stiffer or more technical board to ride). So I would look at something like the YES Emoticon or Never Summer Infinity, Capita Paradise, Rossignol Frenemy or YES Hello.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Found your site really helpful. I am a beginner having learn’t in the Autumn of 2020 at an indoor slope in the UK. Was hoping to get to a mountain this year but looking very unlikely now. I am looking for a board to progress with and love. I am 37 127lb 5.5 and us size 8. I am a nervous rider but gaining confidence. Looking for an all mountain board, nothing aggressive. I had liked the Jones Twin Sister but feel its most likely too advanced and stiff for me. I do like the NS Infinity but at the moment isnt available in the UK, was the previous 2020 version very similar? Thanks
Hi Becky
Thanks for your message.
I think the Infinity would be a really good option for what you’re describing. It’s a very easy going board, but still great performance and good quality. It’s a board that hasn’t changed for a good few years, so if you were able to get hold of a 2020, or even a 2019 or 2018 version of it, that would be the way to go.
Size-wise, if you still feel like you’re a beginner and if you’re looking to build confidence, then I think the 142, which will be even easier going than the 145, would be a good bet. I would say 145 is the more pure size for you, at a more advanced level, but for now, I would be leaning 142.
Other good options, if you can’t find that, is the YES Emoticon 143 or the Arbor Poparazzi Rocker 144, K2 Dreamsicle 142, GNU Velvet 143 or GNU Gloss 144.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I’m kind of in an information overload at the moment.
I’ve been riding a (147 I think?) 2015 K2 Spot Lite for four years now but am looking for something that can help me carve/float easier and give me a bit more speed. I’m most comfortable on green and blue groomers but have gone down a few blacks. I don’t feel like I have as much control as I’d like. My boot size is 9 and I’ve been looking at the Burton 2021 Yeasayer, Yes Hello or Rossi Frenemy (my worry with this one is it’s not rated as well for carving).
I’d be open to any other suggestions as well!
Hi Tatianna
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I’d probably be looking at the YES Hello. The Frenemy would also work, but if you’re looking for a bit more speed/carving, then I’d say Hello. The Yeasayer not any better for speed/carving than the Frenemy, I would say and also not as good for powder.
Size-wise for the Hello, I would say both the 146 or 149 would be fine for size 9s. If you’d like a sizing opinion, I would be happy to give mine. Would just need your height and weight.
Hope this helps
Hi! I love your site and you seem to be a amazing resource in helping find a good board fit. Maybe you can help me?
I’m a 38 year old female snowboarder. I’m 5’5″, 135lbs with size 9 snowboard boots. We ride weekly in Utah and I would consider myself an intermediate rider who is cautious about high speeds and prefer take a nice leisurely blue run over a black.
I picked up boarding again after about a 17 year break when we introduced it to my son in 2017. I upgraded my 1997 Ride Timeless to a 2017-18 Gnu B-Nice. I have actually really liked the Gnu but would like to change it up and try something new, which led me here.
After doing some looking, I am looking at both the Never Summer Infinity and the Jones Twin Sister. Do you feel like either of these would be a good fit for my level and style? If so, what size? I am slightly concerned with the Infinity being too narrow? And if neither of these seem right for me, do you have any other recs? Thanks in advance!
Hi Kali
Thanks for your message.
I would say Infinity would be a really good match to what your describing, but the biggest question mark – as you’ve mentioned – is the width. It’s probably too narrow. If you’re not really leaning into deep carves, you might get away with it, but it’s borderline.
Length-wise, I would be looking at around that 145-148 range (but also a good idea to take into account what you’re used to riding), so for the Infinity I would say the 147, but the biggest hesitation is width.
The Twin Sister could definitely work too though – assuming it’s the 2021 model. The 2020 and previous models were less forgiving, but the 2021 is a more easy going board, which is more suited to what you’re describing than the older models. If you did go Twin Sister, the 146 would be the way to go, IMO (again taking into account what you’ve ridden in the past) and the width on the 146 would be just fine for your boots, IMO.
The Jones Dream Catcher (148) would also work as would the Rossignol Frenemy 147 or Salomon Wonder 148.
Hope this helps
You’re amazing! Thank you for your insight and for the quick reply too!
My B-Nice is a 148. I’m a women’s 8 in most shoes but my current boots are 9’s so not sure if they all will be in the future or if the DCs I have run small. I’m considering getting new boots and bindings too.
Anyway, If I did a 149 in the NS Infinity, it would be a waist width of 236, which is a little better then the width on the 147. I’m definitely not doing deep leaning curves but not sure if it’s worth the risk of buying and possibly dragging?
I’d probably do the 149 in the Twin Sister but could do a 148 in the Dream Catcher you mentioned. Both those seem to be plenty wide.
Hi Kali
Certainly with 8s, the Infinity 149 would be fine – and even the 147 would be doable. I find that DCs do tend to run small, so if you end up in a different brand I would imagine you’ll get into an 8.5 or even 8.
Hi Nate,
I’m planning to buy my first all-mountain board. I think I am a big rider that height 5’7, weight 80kg/176Ibs, 7.5boots. I just learned to change the side and looking for more progress to the intermediate level. Recently, I am thinking about Capita-the bird of feather, paradise, burton feeling good. Do you have other recommendations? I’m not sure the above 3 are suitable for me.
Looking forward to your reply,
Wing
Hi Wing
Thanks for your message.
The Birds of a Feather probably too aggressive for you, given that you are just starting to link your turns. The Paradise and Feelgood Flying V are certainly options though. But definitely not the Feelgood camber. It’s important to make that distinction because the Feelgood Camber is a much more aggressive board than the Feelgood Flying V.
Size-wise, I would be looking in the range 150-152 for your specs and your level of riding. So for the Paradise only the 149 would be appropriate, IMO – and bordering on being too small. For the Feelgood Flying V, the 152 would be the best choice, IMO.
The other boards in this list all appropriate too. If you want something that’s more versatile, then go all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle, then look out for the labels under each board on the list. And try to go in that 150-152 size range. If you think you want to get into freestyle riding more in the future, you could certainly go with one of the freestyle options.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Looks like you give great recs on gear and I would love to get your opinion for my next board. I am 5’9 160lbs and I’m an intermediate boarder, but more advanced than beginner on the spectrum. I am looking for a single quiver hybrid profile all mountain board. I board in Tahoe/West Coast and hit mostly groomers, tight trees/gullys, and love to take advantage of powder days. I am looking for a board that can bomb down a mountain while keeping control at speed but is still easy to carve/maneuver and can turn on a dime. I am also looking for a board that I can use as I continue to advance and progress. Riding switch isn’t super important and I am not necessarily interested in a freestyle/park board.
My last board was a GNU B-nice (should have done more research but someone talked me into it) and it was completely wrong for me. It was way too slow and I felt like I was catching every edge. My sister has the old Aura from Never Summer, which I tried and loved but its been discontinued. I have also tried a pure camber board (Burton Feelgood) and was not a fan.
Some that I have been considering are:
– Never Summer : Proto Synthesis and Lady West
– Jones : Dream Catcher and the new Airheart (I’ve heard good things about the Twin Sister too!)
– Yes : Hel Yes
– Nitro: Drop
I am also open to other brands outside of this list.
Thank you in advance for any insight you can give me!
Best,
A
Hi Anna
Thanks for your message.
I think the Lady West would fit really well for the Style of riding that you’re describing, and for your level. The Proto Synthesis less suitable as it’s more freestyle oriented. It’s what I call all-mountain-freestyle – certainly not strictly a freestyle/park board and would be more suitable than the B-Nice, IMO, but I think the Lady West is a very good match for what you’re describing.
The Dream Catcher and Hel Yes are also very good matches for what you’re describing and I think they would go well for you too. I think the Nitro Drop would also work, but I don’t have any real experience with the equivalent board. I’ve only ridden a few Nitro boards.
The Lady West is a little stiffer than the Dream Catcher and Hel Yes, but not by a lot – and it’s really quite maneuverable for it’s flex. It’s a tough call between them. The Lady West does have going for it that you’ve tried the Aura and liked it. Certainly not the same board as the Aura, but some similarities, obviously being made by the same brand as the Aura, but also because it’s Hybrid Rocker, as opposed to the Hybrid Camber on the other two.
Size-wise, I would be looking at around that 151-153 range, unless you have any preferences for sizing, then you should take that into account, but that’s the range I would look at taking into account your specs, ability and how you describe your riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the reply, Nate! Totally makes sense about the PS, I think I’ve ruled that one out. Another one that keeps popping up and has gotten some buzz this year is the Bataleon Storm. Very different profile from the Lady Summer since its a camber board but people seem to really like the 3BT technology to offset some of the downsides of a pure camber as it loosens the “catchy-ness”. Do you have any thoughts on that one?
Right now I think I am between the Lady West and the Storm based on additional research/reviews. Heard great things about both!
Agree on sizing! But wasn’t sure if they should be ridden longer/shorter.
Thanks again and your advice is always much appreciated.
-Anna
Hi Anna
Bataleon is one brand of boards that has eluded me. Going to try to get my hands on some this winter, though it may be tricky with Covid. But yeah, unfortunately right now I can’t give you any hands on experience with 3BT. I have heard good things in general about Bataleon boards and 3BT. From what I hear is that it takes a little while to get used to the feel, but when you get used to it, a lot seem to like it. But I can’t say from experience.
Nate_just went down your rabbit hole for a few hours-so much helpful info! Thank you!
I’m a little late to the game.. seems most of the recommendations are sold out. I’m 5’5 and 120lbs.. size 7 shoe.. a 6+ rider but only get out 7-10 days a year since I live in Florida.. looking for something easy going but helpful in icy conditions-since I end up in Utah during Spring Break and the end of season. Any info you can provide would be super helpful! Thanks again!
Hi Holly
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, based on your specs and how you describe your riding, I think something in the range 141-144 would be a good bet.
For the board, I would look into the following:
– YES Emoticon 143
– Never Summer Infinity 142
– GNU Ladies Choice 142.5
– Salomon Wonder 140 (a little on the shorter side, but doable)
– Never Summer Women’s Proto Synthesis 142 – a little less easy going, would be the thing to consider here
– GNU Chromatic 143 – maybe even too easy going?
– GNU Gloss 144
– GNU Velvet 143
– Jones Dream Catcher 142 – a little less easy going
– Lib Tech No.43 143
I would look into those in more detail. I think ideally the Emoticon 143 or Infinity 142, given what you’re describing, if you can find them, but the others are also options worth looking into.
Note that I’ve taken width into account when selecting these options.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks so much for putting together such awesome resources for us newbies trying to get our snowboarding gear figured out! I wondered if I could get your advice for my specs and experience too. I am 5’2″, 110 lbs, and a size 6-6.5 boot. I’m probably a high level beginner-low level intermediate, comfortable linking turns and heading downs greens and blues. Now I’m looking to finally buy my own gear to build confidence and speed. Im mostly just on groomers, so just looking for a general all mountain board that will continue working for me as I get better.
Thanks!
Hi Allison
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, you’re definitely in the right place with this list, IMO.
Size-wise, for your specs/level, I would be looking at something around 138-140 and ideally no wider than around 234mm in terms of waist width.
I think the following would be good options in that size range:
– Arbor Poparrazi Rocker 138
– GNU Ladies Choice 139.5 – a little more advanced but still certainly intermediate friendly
– GNU Velvet 139
But the following would also be doable if you were happy going a little longer:
– Capita Paradise 141
– Never Summer Infinity 142
Hope this helps
Thanks so much for your recommendations Nate!
I saw that the Burton Yeasayer comes in the smaller sizes too. Do you think that would stack up to these suggestions?
Hi Allison
Burton Yeasayer doable in the 140, but it is on the wide side for your boot size. So not as good in terms of sizing, but in terms of the type of board I think it would work.
Hi Nate,
This is a great review and you seem to be super knowledgeable. I am interested in buying the Yes Hello board. I have only ridden a snowboard about once a year in the last 5 years, but before that I would say that I was Intermediate between Level 5 and 6. I would really like to get back into the sport, and I think I will likely progress/regain my comfort/confidence quickly. I am 5 ‘4” and weigh 210lbs. Given that it might take me a season or two to become a true intermediate, I am wondering whether I should choose 152 cm or 155cm. I am looking for an all mountain board to ride on groomers and perhaps a little off piste. I am not super into bombing down the hill – I like to play around on the sides of the runs. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Tash
Thanks for your message.
Both sizes are within your range, IMO. I think 155 would be spot on for you, at an advanced level. At an intermediate – starting out at a low end intermediate perhaps and working your way from there, the 152 would offer a quicker progression most likely. So, I think the 152 would certainly work for you right now and help you to progress a little quicker. The only question is whether you feel like you’d want to go up to the 155 at some point in the future.
Also, if you could let me know your boot size as well. Depending on boot size, it might make the 152 more the goer, even further down the road.
Hope this helps
Thanks very much, Nate! I notice that according to Yes, I am above the weight range for the 152cm board. Is this not a hard limit or, at least, not a concern? My boot size is a 9US womens.
Thank you,
Tash
Hi Tash
I don’t see the weight recommendations as hard and fast. I like to take them into account, but also like to take other factors into account as well, like riding style (i.e. would err longer if riding a lot of powder or bombing really fast down the hill and err shorter if riding trees, riding park, riding slower/more casual in general), ability, height and boot size.
The 152 should be all good for your boot size, if you wanted to go to that size. But will also be fine for the 155 – i.e. the 155 isn’t too wide for your boots. So, I think it really depends on whether you want to go 155 now and stick with it long term. Or go 152 now and potentially upgrade to a longer board once you get to a more advanced level. It’s not certain that you would even want to necessarily go longer in the future, but there’s potential for it.
Hi Nate,
I am about to purchase a new board and I landed on your website which is great. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to get your recommendation. I am Canadian but I have been in Virginia now for 20 years. I have been snowboarding for about 25 years but I don’t do it often…anywhere between 1-3 times per year only. I would consider myself probably better than intermediate level but nowhere close to expert. I have been a professional athlete for many years so even if I don’t do it often, I am naturally pretty good with sports in general.
I gave up my snowboard last year to force myself to buy a new one this year. It was a Burton Troop 2004. I had to change the bindings and boots a few times but I kept the board. From the pictures, it looks a bit tall for me but I had no issues. I am 5′-6 and 120 lbs and the board was up to my mouth when wearing my boots.
I snowboard with my boys and they still need help on the slopes. Although I enjoy doing one ride for myself here and there, most times, I ride at a much slower pace and need to be able to maneuver well at low speed too. We have ice conditions and fake snow in Virginia. Everyone and then, I get to go to Colorado for a few days of skiing.
One thing that is very important to me is going to a step on type binding. I am leaning toward the stiffer more expensive burton model because I like my binding tight. When they loosen up a bit, it drives me crazy.
I hope you have a few minutes to provide your inputs. It would be greatly appreciated.
Isabel
Hi Isabel
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I would be looking at the YES Emoticon, Rossi Frenemy, Never Summer Infinity or YES Hello. They all fit what you’re describing well, IMO.
Size-wise, I would say 143-145 would be a good length range to look at. If your old board was a little longer and you wanted to keep a similar size, personal preference certainly comes into it too. But based on your specs and how you describe your riding, I think that’s a good range to look at. If you could also let me know your boot size though – as that can impact the board you go with and sizing.
Burton Step Ons are compatible with all snowboards. Their stepons come in their Re:Flex version that you can mount to any snowboard, so no issues there.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! I am torn between NS Infinity 42cm and Capita Paradise 41cm. Which one am I going to buy? I don’t do parks. I mostly ride groomers and sometimes powder. I am 5’1, 116 lbs. I am currently riding a Burton Socialite 2016, 142cm. My boot size is 6.5 US Burton Felix and I just bought Burton Escapades Bindings. I appreciate your recommendations. Thank you so much.
Hi Maria
Please see my reply to your other comment below.
Hi! I need your help. I am a beginner/ intermediate snowboarder. I am riding Burton Socialite (2016) 142 cm right now. I want to buy a new snowboard. I ride mostly groomers and sometimes powder. I am 5’1, 116 lbs and my boot size is 6.5 inches. Please help me with bindings too. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Hi Maria
Thanks for your message.
Since you ride powder sometimes, I would go with something like the Frenemy, Infinity, Feelgood Flying V or Hello.
In terms of sizing, I wouldn’t go any longer than 142 for your specs. Something 140-142 would be a good range to look at, IMO. Just to clarify, when you say boot size 6.5 inches, do you mean your boot measures that length? Or is it a size 6.5? Or is a foot size of 6.5″. I like to take width into account for sizing snowboards too, so if you can clarify that, I would be happy to recommend what I think are the best sizes for those particular boards.
Hope this helps
I found Capita Paradise 141cm and Never Summer Infinity 142cm. The smallest size on Frenemy is 144cm. Which one I am going to buy? My boot is Burton Limelight BOA 6.5 US.
What do you think of The Burton Escapades bindings?
I need your help.
Thank you.
Hi Maria
Neither would be a bad choice, so I don’t think you can make a wrong decision between those Paradise and Infinity. The Infinity, IMO, is just 1/2 a step up in terms of powder and since you don’t ride park I would be leaning slightly Inifinty, but like I say, there isn’t a wrong choice between those 2 for you, IMO.
With the 6.5 boot, I think you’re going to appreciate the narrower width of either the Infinity or the Paradise compared to the Socialite.
Burton Escapades would be a great match to either of those boards, IMO.
You’re the coolest❤️ I just bought the NV Infinity 42cm. Thank you so much.
Happy Holidays!
You’re very welcome Maria – happy holidays and happy riding!
Hi Nate,
This list was super helpful! I’m somewhat new to the snowboard research process, and it gave me some good insight into what to keep in mind. I’m looking to get a new board this season and I’d love your advice on narrowing down some of my options. Because boards are an investment, I’d like it to provide me with versatility, and hopefully match my learning level now and when I get better in the future.
I’ve been snowboarding off and on for about 5 years now. I’d say I’m an intermediate rider, but this season I have the opportunity to hit the mountains more, so I’m hoping to reach a more advanced level. I’m looking for a board that would qualify as all-mountain (and maybe freestyle). I’m in the Tahoe area, so some powder abilities would be nice, but realistically I won’t be in powder that often.
I’m not sure exactly what my riding preferences are. I love bombing groomers, and getting technical in the trees. And last season I tried out the terrain park (which was super fun!), so I want to get a board that will allow me some flexibility for that. This season, I’d also like to get better at riding switch.
My current board I believe is an all-mountain. It’s a Merc Flow 2.5 (I think -I’m moving so I can’t look at it), which worked great as a beginners board, but it’s super stiff. This time I’m looking for a board that will allow me some flexibility, and works well in most terrains.
Originally, I was looking at the Salomon Rumble Fish, but I saw some reviews mentioning that it does best going fast, and has a harder time with slower more technical turns. I would like to feel more comfortable turning and switching at high speeds, but it’s also important to me to have the ability to do more precise turns at low speeds.
The other board I was considering is the CAPiTA Paradise as that one seems to be the most versatile and may best suit my needs for now and in the future, however I’m not sure if there’s another component I should be looking out for instead of just versatility.
There other thing is too, is that a lot of the boards you list above feel like they would work for me, and I’m hoping you might have a better idea of what I would better suit my skill level or interest. Doing all this research is a little overwhelming, and I’d like this to be a one time purchase, so any advice you have on these boards would be greatly appreciated, or if there’s any others you might suggest instead I’m all ears!
Thanks! Blaire
Hi Blaire
Thanks for your message.
Quite surprising that you found the Merc to be quite stiff. It’s not a board I’ve ridden but it’s supposed to be quite a soft flexing, easy going board. Typically beginner boards are soft flexing – and the specs seem to suggest as much for the Merc. A board that’s too long for you feels stiffer, so perhaps the Merc you have is too big. Also if it’s too wide for your feet, then it can feel a lot harder to maneuver. Getting the size right is just as important as getting the right board, IMO. I would be happy to give a sizing opinion and also whether or not your Merc was too big or not. I would just need your height, weight and boot size (already have your ability and riding style, which also comes into sizing). And the size of your Merc.
I think the Paradise would be a really good match for what you’re describing, as well as the NS Infinity, YES Hello, Rossi Frenemy, Burton Feelgood Flying V and potentially the YES Emoticon. I think if your Merc is actually a good size for you and you still found it stiff, then I would be leaning on the softer side, so I would be leaning more towards something like the Infinity or Emoticon. But yeah all of those boards are really versatile and would suit what you’re describing well, IMO. Sizing and the size of your Merc would help to narrow it down further
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for this list! I was hoping for your advice on a board, if possible.
I’m a skier looking to switch more into boarding. I haven’t boarded in almost 10 years, but when I did I was at a low level intermediate. Looking for a board for progression and that I won’t have to upgrade in a couple years. I stick mostly to groomers, but love powder when we are lucky enough to get it (I’m mainly in Ontario and occasionally BC). I don’t have any interest in the park.
I’m 5’8”, 125lbs and size 8 feet. Currently looking at the Capita Paradise (thinking 149?) and Salomon Wonder in a 152 (I can get it for a great price). I’m very open to other options though if another board is a better fit. Wondering what you might recommend and the length?
Thank you so much for any advice you may be able to provide.
Cheers,
Carly
Hi Carly
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of length, I would go with something in the range of 145-147 for your specs/ability/how you want to ride.
So, for the Paradise, I would actually be debating between the 145 and 147 for you. The 149 wouldn’t be massive for you, if you’re used to longer boards and wanted to go a little longer, but I would be leaning 147 for you.
IMO the 152 Wonder would be too big for you. If you went Wonder (it sounds like you’re great price is only for that size though right?) I would try to find a 148.
Because you’re riding mostly in Ontario I would be leaning towards Wonder over Paradise, just because it has better edge hold in hard/icy conditions, IMO.
For what you’re describing, I would also look at the YES Hello (146 – or 149 if you really feel like going longer), Salomon Rumble Fish (148) and Rossignol Frenemy (147).
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
This is awesome and so helpful! Thank you so much for your time and advice- I really appreciate it.
I’ve narrowed it down between the 2020 Salomon Rumble Fish and the 2020 Salomon Wonder (both 148). Any recommendation between the two of the price is similar?
Thank you again!!
Carly
Hi Carly
Both would definitely work, but I would be leaning Wonder, just because it sounds like you don’t really do freestyle/park and the Rumble Fish 2020 is a little more freestyle oriented.
Perfect! I’m going to go with the Wonder. Thank you again for your time and all of your help- I so appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Carly. Hope the Wonder treats you well and you have a great season!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the awesome write-up. It’s not easy to find reviews as detailed as yours on women’s gear! I saw your helpful advice for Emma, so I was wondering if you could help me. I’d say I’m a level 4 rider, maybe a low 5 – riding S turns on blues, skidding some, but having trouble (definitely in part mental) picking up speed and navigating steeper blues. No blacks yet.
I currently ride a Burton Deja Vu (hybrid rocker) 141, and I’m over weight for the board according to their chart. Could that be making things more difficult for me? I’m considering getting a longer board, though I’m sure my technique and mental game could also use work. I almost exclusively do groomers, so I’m thinking an all-mountain board. While I’ve done the occasional small jump or 360 during classes, I’m not looking to hit the park anytime soon. I’ll be riding a lot on the west coast and the Rockies this winter, hopefully with some powder, but unfortunately, I also have Ice Coast riding in my future.
So, my questions:
1. Do you think 141 is too short? I’m 5’3” and 130lb.
2. If I do get a second board, what would be a good option to supplement my current board? From what I’ve read in Emma’s thread, these sound good:
Rossignol Frenemy
Never Summer Infinity
Jones Twin Sister
YES Hello
I was eyeing the Burton Feelgood Flying V, since my current EST bindings would work with it, but you mentioned the board wouldn’t work well for the east coast. Why is that?
What makes the Frenemy or Infinity less ideal for handling speed (which I hope to do someday)? What you mentioned about those offering an easier and faster progression definitely sounds like appealing.
Thanks in advance!
Hey Nate,
Me again! After more research on and off the site, I’ve ruled the following out:
– GNU Ladies Choice: saw it wasn’t recommended for powder
– Never Summer Infinity: not good in ice
– Capita Birds of a Feather: not good in ice
– Jones Dream Catcher: sounds like it’s more for advanced riders
– Burton Feelgood Flying V: not good for the east coast, like you said in another comment. Really wanted the Burton board to work so I could reuse my EST bindings, but it sounds like it won’t, right?
My remaining options are below, though I think my top 2 are Yes Hello and the Frenemy. What do you think?
– Yes Hel Yes: nothing but rave reviews for this board, but is this too aggressive? I don’t want to have a bad time progressing from intermediate to advanced.
– Yes Hello: Am I losing anything besides stiffness by going with this over Yes Hel Yes? I feel tempted to opt for Hel Yes for $50 more for a board that might last me longer, but again, I don’t want a bad time for the next two seasons.
– Rossignol Frenemy: my question from the original post still remains about what makes this less ideal for speed. That’s something I struggle with anyway, so maybe it’s a moot point.
– Jones Twin Sister: this seems stiffer than the last two at 7/10. I read it can be hard to maneuver, so it’s lower on my list. TheGoodRide also lists the other 3 as better on ice.
I’d also still appreciate your thoughts on whether my current 141cm is too short (5’3”, 130lb, 23.5cm boots) and whether a longer board could help with where I’m struggling.
Last question: If I buy the 2020 Frenemy or the 2019 Hel Yes instead of this year’s version, am I missing any new features?
Thanks again!
Hi Celeste
Thanks for your message.
Let me know if I’ve missed anything below:
1. Starting with the Feelgood Flying V: My experience with the Flying V camber profile is that it doesn’t tend to have good edge-hold in icy conditions. Really fun in softer conditions, but not as good in harder conditions, in my experience.
2. Re sizing: I would go a little longer than 141 for you. I think 141 is a very good beginner size for you, but getting too short as you advance. Particularly for speed and float in powder. As a park board, something around that 140-142 would be a good size for you, but you will find you get more stability at speed out of a longer board, and since you’re not really riding the park, I think longer is a good way to go. I would say around 145, 146 for your specs, at an advanced level. So at an intermediate level, I would say something 143-145 is a good way to go, depending on the width of the board. You can go a little shorter if the boards a bit wide for your boots. So, I don’t think the Deja Vu is way off in terms of size, but going a little longer won’t hurt.
3. Frenemy/Infinity in terms of speed: A few components affect how well a board can handle speed – one of them is the length, as discussed above. Two of the other main factors are flex and camber profile (there are other factors too, but don’t want to get too complicated!) . Typically speaking a board with a stiffer flex is more stable at speed and a board with more camber is more stable at speed, all else being equal. Of course stability at speed isn’t everything, so all of that has to be balanced with other factors. You could go with something ultra stiff, full camber and super long, but you probably wouldn’t be able to turn it! Stiff also often means less maneuverable at slower speeds and just more work/more effort to ride, particularly at slower speeds, so it’s a matter of finding the balance that works for you. The Infinity is a little softer (4/10 flex), which effects it’s stability at speed and also has quite a bit of rocker. The Frenemy also has quite a bit of rocker in the profile – it’s got a bit of camber, but a good it of rocker too, and it has a mid-flex (5/10). Neither are terrible at speed, just not as stable as some others when really opening out. The Deja Vu Flying V was also rocker dominant and softer flexing (roughly 4/10 I think if I remember correctly) – and at a slightly shorter than ideal size, it’s not going to be speed demon, for sure.
4. Twin Sister: Flex is more like 6/10, so not quite as stiff as it looks. Also the 2021 model became more maneuverable, with a couple of changes. So, if you’re looking at the 2021 model, I think it’s definitely an option. If you’re looking at 2020 or prior models, then not quite as maneuverable. In terms of icy conditions, it’s a little down from the other 3, IMO, but not a huge amount, still very good in icy conditions – I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
5. Hel Yes: Hard to say if you would find it too aggressive or not. It’s not ultra aggressive, but just on the more aggressive side of middle, IMO. If you look under the Twin Sister description at the following link, you’ll see how I see them in terms of how aggressive they are.
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
6. Hello: The main thing is really you drop a little in terms of hard carves and speed.
7. As far as I know the Hel Yes 2021 and Hel Yes 2019 are the same board (apart from the graphics of course) or at least very simliar. The only real difference is that the 2021 model now comes with “slamback inserts” – which is just an extra set of holes that allows you to mount your binding further back on the board for better float when you get deep powder.
8. As far as I’m aware the Frenemy 2020 is the same as the 2021 model. So yeah makes sense to go 2020 model, assuming you can get it in the appropriate size.
Hope this helps with your decision
Wow, thanks so much for the detailed response! I know you have affiliate links, but beyond that, do you have a Patreon or some sort of donation button for beer money? 🙂
I appreciate the detailed explanations, and don’t mind if it gets complicated! It helps a lot to understand what I might be giving up with the board I choose.
I think I should probably stick with the Hello or Frenemy for now and upgrade if I get to a point where there’s the need for speed. Would you say there’s anything else to consider between the two? They sound very similar, except TheGoodRide ranks the Frenemy as softer and easier to turn. I’m looking at:
2021 Yes Hello 146cm (smallest size)
2020 Rossignol Frenemy 144cm (over the 147cm) – $180 cheaper
Both have a 23.9cm waist.
I’ve also been looking at bindings to match. I see you recommend the Lexas below, but it’s rated stiff, while these boards are medium-soft. Would the Lexas work? It seems the Escapades are a better match, but I found the Lexa 50% off. The Escapade is also the only binding TheGoodRide has in the “Locked In” rating for boot support.
I have a bad ankle that I’ve injured multiple times (once snowboarding!), and you rank the Flux GS as 5/5 for ankle support, so I’m looking at that too. I looked at Nitro Poison and Union Legacy as well, but those look too stiff for these two boards.
Hi Celeste
Yeah the Frenemy and Hello have more similarities than differences, but a couple of things that make them different. The Hello has a bit more camber/less rocker. It’s still nothing like a traditional camber or mostly camber board, but more so than the Frenemy. Overall, the Frenemy is probably the slightly easier board to ride, but is also slightly more limited when it comes to speed/carving. Those differences would be less subtle comparing the 144 Frenemy to the 146 Hello. The 147 Frenemy would be more similar to the 146 Hello, but those differences would still exist.
So yeah, I think the Frenemy would be the slightly easier board to progress on at this stage, but be slightly more limited down the line, but on a more subtle level when comparing the Frenemy to the Hello, than if you were comparing the Frenemy to the Hel Yes.
Because of the width, I would say that the Frenemy 144 is the better size overall vs the Frenemy 147 and the Hello 146, for your foot size.
The Lexa, like the Men’s Cartel, aren’t as stiff as Burton makes them out to be, IMO. Burton also have the Lexa X, which is a stiffer version. The Escapade is probably the best match, from Burton, for these boards, but also the more expensive option, of course. I’d say Lexa is on the stiffer side of medium but still medium (6/10). The Escapade more like 5/10. The Legacy more like 6.5/10 bordering on 7, so yeah a little stiffer. I don’t demo Nitro bindings, so not as familiar with them. Flux bindings tend to have very good ankle support, something about the way they line up their straps on the inside really helps there I think. A good thing with Burton bindings is that they tend to have 2 positions for the ankle strap, so you can wear it lower on the ankle for a slightly looser/more free feeling or higher on the ankle for a more secure feeling. Some of them have 3 ankle strap positions.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Affiliate links is the best way to support the site, as it doesn’t cost you any extra, but if you weren’t buying online, or not through one of the affiliate links and still wanted to support the site, you can go to the following:
>>Snowboarding Profiles Contribute
Hi Nate,
Thanks again for the thoughtful response.
Good to know about the camber! I was trying to find information on that. One site listed the Frenemy as 40% camber, and Yes advertises the Hello as 2-3-2. Is 3/7 (42%) how one would calculate the camber amount?
The Frenemy 144 and Hello 146 have the same waist width though. Am I missing something? Is the idea that where my boots sit would be slightly wider on the 146 than the 144 because the board is longer, so it’ll taper more gently?
I think my heart wants the Hello, probably because I want to improve a lot, but my brain says the Frenemy is the more logical choice. With the savings, I could comfortably get the Escapades.
How much difference does the 1 point of flex on the Lexa make? I’d love to save money, but I plan on riding a lot this season, so I’m willing to invest in the Escapades or the Flux GS if it means I’ll have an easier time. Between the Escapades and the Flux gS, which would be a better match for the Frenemy or Hello? Does the lack of shock absorption on the Flux matter much if all I’m doing are small jumps on groomers?
Have you had any experience with the 2021 Union Trilogy? Their site says they have a new ankle strap, and tbh, the design looks like a copy of the Escapade!
I’ll definitely do the affiliate links! I wasn’t sure where I’d be purchasing when I posted, but now I’m looking for evo for either board.
Hi Celeste
In terms of the camber – there are two different aspects to look at. The first is the extent of the camber – i.e. how much of an arch there is – and also where the camber starts and ends along the length of the board. Some brands publish neither some brands publish one or the other. In the case of the Hello, the 2-3-2, is expressing the height of the camber and rocker in millimeters. So it’s saying there is 2mm rocker in the tip 3mm camber underfoot and 2mm rocker in the tail. It doesn’t show where the rocker or camber sections start or end. But from inspecting the boards, the camber on the Hello extends closer to the tip and tail than on the Frenemy. The 40% camber figure for the Frenemy is talking about how much camber there is along the length of the board (but says nothing about the height of the camber. So essentially, the camber section takes up 40% of the effective edge of the board and the other 60% is rocker (30% on the tail and 30% on the tip). So they’re talking about 2 different things. On the Hello, if I had to guess I’d say it’s more like 60% camber through the middle and 20% rocker tip/20% rocker tip. I hope that makes sense. Kind of hard to explain without a diagram.
In terms of the width, I was just meaning that because both boards are on the wider side for your boots, that sizing down a little bit makes sense – so going 144 rather than 146 might make more sense. If a board is on the wider side for you, it can reduce the agility of it. Sizing down brings some of that agility back. Sorry I wasn’t clearer with that. I don’t think that makes the Hello undoable for you – it’s not going to be super wide for you, just that I think the 144 Frenemy is a slightly more appropriate size, IMO. The width at inserts (where the boots sit) though can be different, depending on a number of factors – but in this case, it was just in terms of the right length/width combination. I hope that makes sense now.
Not a massive amount of difference in flex between 5 & 6. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice it. It’s something that I pay a lot of attention to when testing and have become tuned into over the years, but it’s a subtle difference.
Both the GS and Escapade would be good matches for the Frenemy or Hello, IMO. I don’t really notice the lack of shock absorption too much unless I hit a flat landing on a bigger jump, so it’s not a deal breaker, I don’t think. I do notice a bit more chatter in crud and ice though. Again not enough to ruin the day or anything but noticeable.
The straps on the Trilogy are a little different in appearance, but they both function just as well as each other, IMO. The biggest difference between them in terms of the ankle strap is that the position of the ankle strap on the Trilogy can’t be changed, but it can be moved on the Escapade. If you feel like you want the strap a little higher on the Escapade you can move it – but you can’t with the Trilogy. In the same relative position, both straps provide an equal amount of ankle support – it’s just that the Escapade can change that position.
Hey Nate,
No worries. Both the camber dimensions and the length/width tradeoff make complete sense.
I’ve decided to go with the 2020 Frenemy 144 + the Escapades. Placing my order tomorrow! Thank you so much for your help.
You’re very welcome Celeste.
If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to try the new setup on snow.
Hey Nate, just wanted to come back and say thanks again. I’ve spent some time now with my Frenemy + Escapades, and they feel amazing! Don’t know if it’s the equipment or just placebo effect, but I feel so much more confident and FAST (for me) on my new setup. I never thought I’d get to a point where I actually enjoy going fast! I’m carving now and even doing some easy blacks. Thanks for the advice about Frenemy being better for a quicker progression. I think I’m having way more fun because of it 🙂
Hi Celeste
Thanks for the update, and awesome to hear that the gear is going well for you! Keep up the good work!
Hi Nate,
You have such awesome information on women’s snowboards, thank you! I’m hoping you can help me decide which All mountain board to buy (posted this earlier but reposting now because I think my first comment got deleted somehow??).
This will be my first time buying a snowboard (and wow, there are so many things to consider). I’m planning on spending a couple months in Vermont this winter, so decided it was time to invest. I’d say I’m between a low-level intermediate and high-level beginner. I’m hoping to hit the slopes a lot this season, so I’d like a board that I can advance quickly on but that I don’t have to replace anytime soon.
Some more context: I am very comfortable linking carved turns smoothly on green and blue slopes, have good control of my speed, and have gotten better at carving at higher speeds. Where I falter a bit is on steep blues and in really icy conditions – I don’t feel confident carving at high speeds on these runs and conditions. I’d love to get to a point where I am increasing my speed and tackling steeper blues, blacks, and icier runs with confidence. I’d also really like to try jumps in the park and maybe venture off groomer (I’ve stuck to groomers in the past), so figured All Mountain would be most versatile.
I’ve been riding for years on rental boards, so I don’t have a great sense of whether I prefer more playful vs. aggressive boards. I also spend most of my time at mountains in the Northeast, so a board that does well on harder/icier conditions would be great (occasionally go in Utah, so ideally the board would do well on powder too). For reference, I am 5’4”, about 115 lbs, and wear between a size 7 and 7.5 boot.
Boards on my current list:
YES Emoticon
Rossignol Frenemy
Never Summer Infinity
Jones Dream Catcher
Jones Twin Sister
Burton Feelgood Flying
Arbor Poparozzi Rocker
What do you think of this list? Which would you recommend as best options (or are there any that are not on here that you’d recommend)? Also, any recommendations on sizing would be super appreciated!!
Thank you so, so much in advance for your help!
Hi Emma
Thanks for your message. I did get the first one, but all comments are moderated before they are published, so that I don’t get spammy comments on the site and so I can monitor comments, to make sure I reply to them all.
Firstly, in terms of size, I would look at something around 142, 143 for your specs/how you want to ride/ability level.
– YES Emoticon: Only reason I would hesitate here is powder, since that was one of your things
– Rossignol Frenemy: Really good option for what you’re describing, IMO
– Never Summer Infinity: Again, I think this would work well too
– Jones Dream Catcher: A little more advanced vs the Frenemy and Infinity, but I don’t think it’s beyond how you describe, you’re ability and ticks all the other boxes of what you’re describing. Only thing is a little more towards the freeride specturm – so in terms of powder, speed, carving I think it would work really well but not as good for freestyle/park stuff, but not undoable there either.
– Jones Twin Sister: Slightly more advanced than the likes of Frenemy/Infinity, but ticks all the other boxes. I think this is a really good option for you and I don’t think it would be beyond your ability from what you’re describing.
– Burton Feelgood Flying V: Everything except hard/icy conditions. Because you ride mostly out East and feel icy conditions is one of your weak point, I would probably skip this option
– Arbor Poparozzi Rocker: Would work, but I think the Frenemy, Infinity and Twin Sister would be better options.
The other one I would add to this list is the YES Hello. It’s new for 2021 and I think it would be a really good option for what you’re describing. It will be in this list once I update it for 2021 (which hopefully I will get done soon – so much to update!)
Hope this helps
Ahh gotcha, so sorry to double message you!
Thank you so much for all of this input! It is super helpful. I just went online and looked for boards and found some options. Between the three board below, is there one you’d suggest as a first pick?
– Never Summer Infinity 142
– Jones Twin Sister 143
– Rossignol Frenemy 144 (I couldn’t find lower sizes)
Thank you!!
Another option I found would be the Dream Catcher 142….I doubt I’ll need a really good park board in the next several years so as long as I could use it to learn a bit and nail some basic techniques that would be good.
Thanks!
Hi Emma
I think first you need to decide whether you want a quicker progression or go for a board that’s a little more advanced. Something like the Frenemy or Infinity would offer easier progression, IMO. And would still be good as you continue to progress. But they aren’t going to be good when/if you end up really bombing down the hill. They won’t handle speed as well as the Twin Sister or Dream Catcher.
If you decide to go for that faster progression, then between the Frenemy and Infinity it really comes down to whether you want a slightly looser feeling/more playful option in the infinity or a little more stable feeling ride in the Frenemy. The 144 is the smallest size the Frenemy comes in but I think it would still be fine for you, because it has a smaller effective edge, so will feel a little shorter than 144 to ride.
If you decide to go with one of the Jones options, the decision comes between whether you want something that will be a little better in powder (Dream Catcher) vs something a little better riding switch and other more freestyle things (Twin Sister) but still isn’t that far off in terms of powder vs the Dream Catcher. Note that the Dream Catcher also has quite a short effective edge compared to overall length, so it’s something you can ride a little longer size in – in your case, the 142 would still be doable, but the 145 is also an option.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for laying those decision points out in detail! Based on what you said I ordered the Frenemy 144 today (and got a great discount too)! I definitely think I’d rather progress faster and eventually replace the board if I need something that really allows me to bomb.
I’m looking into bindings now (with the aid of all your helpful posts) and am considering the K2 Hue, Burton Scribe, and Union Milan. Would you say those all pair well with the Frenemy? Or is there another you’d suggest? I definitely need support and comfort from bindings, and these all sounded like they’d fit that!
Thank you for all your advice,
Emma
Hi Emma
Nice one! Great that you got a good discount too.
For bindings, those would all work on the Frenemy. I would probably be leaning towards the Hue or Scribe, just because they’re a slightly better flex match to the Frenemy than the Milan. But the Milan would certainly still work.
Also, now that I know my foot and boot size is actually smaller, as I mentioned in my last comment, I’m wondering if there’s a maximum you’d go with for waist width (with foot size of 22.5 cm and boot size between 5.5 – 6)? Or does that really depend on the specific boots I get, the board length, and the specifics of the board itself?
Thank you, Nate!
Sorry to spam you Nate, I’m also wondering if, in additional to the Infinity 142, the Dream Catcher 142 might be a better fit than the Frenemy since the waist width at 236 is a little smaller (and may fit my smaller foot size better) and as you said there’s a shorter effective edge which could counteract a slightly wider waist width than preferable?
Thank you!!
Hi Emma
Thanks for your messages. Not spamming at all – those are legit concerns for sure.
I don’t think I got your message about the foot/boot size – was it part of this thread? In any case, that does make a difference. For that foot size, ideally you wouldn’t go wider than a 232mm waist width.
With the Dream Catcher, although it is a little narrower through the waist, which does in itself help, it’s as wide or a little wider even at the inserts as the Frenemy, so I don’t think you’re going any narrower there overall. With the smaller size and less effective edge, that will help compensate for the board being too wide for your feet, to some extent, but ideally you’d want something a little narrower, IMO. I think the Infinity 142 would be your best option now. Would give you something narrower without having to go too short.
Or you could look at something like the GNU Velvet 139 (226mm waist) to go even narrower – but you would also be going shorter. I would be leaning towards the 142 Infinity.
Hi Nate,
Whoops, I thought I sent an earlier message, but I guess it didn’t go through! Thanks for your response, which answered my question perfectly. After going to a store and trying on boots I realized I was wrong about my boot size so I was wondering whether I should return my Frenemy and replace it with a board that is less wide. And what I understand from you is that with 22.5cm feet, the Infinity sounds like the best option, better than the Frenemy! So thanks for helping with that.
With the Infinity, do you think the Flux GS, Burton Scribe, and/or Union Milan would work well for bindings? Are there others you would recommend instead?
Thanks very much,
Emma
As a follow-up to my previous question, would the Union Legacy work with the Infinity as well, Nate? Thanks!
Hi Emma
For the Infinity, I would match up with something around a 4/10 or 5/10 flex – so the GS, Scribe and Milan all fit that range well, and they’re all good bindings, so any of those 3 would work well with the Infinity, IMO.
The Legacy would work too – but it’s a little stiffer (6/10), so I would say the others are a slightly better match.
Hi Nate,
I have snowboarded for several years … but only 1-2 times per season. So I am good on blue/red slopes but don’t do any tricks or so.
For this season I would like to improve!
I think I would need a lower intermediate board. What do u think?
What boards would you recommend? (Can also be from previous season)
I am regular, 64kg, 175cm tall.
Thank you so much
Carina
Also please size of the board and if you have recommendations for binding and boots.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Carina
Thanks for your messages.
I think if you’re looking to ride groomers and add in a few tricks then something like an all-mountain-freestyle board would work well if you’re not looking to go off-piste. If you also want to start going off piste, then an all-mountain (aka do-it-all) board would work well. In terms of ability, I think a low intermediate board would probably work well, if that’s where you feel your level is. If you want to be a little more certain check out – The Snowboarding Skill Levels – if you feel you are level 3 or 4 based on those descriptions, then certainly a low-intermediate board would be appropriate. If you’re level 4-5, you could also look at some other options. Some boards that are suitable for a low intermediate level would certainly still be suitable, but you would also have other options. Let me know where you feel you’re at there, and I can adjust my recommendations, if necessary.
But just based on going with a low intermediate suitable board, then one of the following, if you’re not looking to go off-piste:
– Arbor Poparazzi
– YES Emoticon
– Salomon Rumble Fish
– Capita Paradies
If you do want to do a little off-piste riding, in powder, then the following will give you a little more in terms of powder float:
– Never Summer Infinity
– Rossignol Frenemy
– Burton Feelgood Flying V
A past season option that isn’t on this list you could look at is the GNU Velvet. Or you could look for one of the above in a past season model too.
Size-wise, I would look at something around 148-150 in terms of length. Most of the above boards should have something in that size range. In terms of width, if you could let me know your boot size (or your shoe size if you’re not sure), I can also have a quick check to make sure the widths of those boards is appropriate.
In terms of boots and bindings, it will depend partly on which board you go for. It’s a good idea to try to match the board and binding flex relatively close, but if you want to start looking, the following are options that will likely match to one of those boards. But we can get more specific once you’ve decided on the board.
>>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
Hope this helps
Thank you for your detailed response.
I checked out the page you sent and I’m definitely a good 4.
…Learning to be a 5.
I am a shoe size 10 (boot size 10/11)
175cm, ~64kg.
I would prefer a board that is forgiving. I’d like to improve but most important for me is to have fun.
I live in the US but I am from Austria – so I would ride in the US as well as Alps.
Any best recommendation for me? 🙂
Also if you have ideas about binding/boots please let me know.
Thank you so much 🙂
Carina
Hi Carina
Thanks for the extra details.
Because of boot size, I would probably cross the Poparazzi, Paradise & Infinity off the list, because in the right length they’re pushing it for being too narrow. And probably the Velvet too.
So that would leave the Emoticon 149, Rumble Fish 148, Frenemy 150 and Feelgood Flying V 149. They’re all going to be on the narrow side for your boots too, but I don’t think you’ll run into boot drag issues. Of course no guarantees, but, especially if you’re not going to be riding overly aggressively, I don’t see that being an issue.
Since you want to keep things easy going/forgiving, I won’t look into some other slightly more aggressive options. I think one of those would work really well for what you’re describing.
If you were really worried about width, then you could potentially look into some men’s options. But definitely don’t want to go too wide as that can make initiating turns more difficult and won’t want to go too stiff, since you want to keep things forgiving. And there will be less options in that length range too. I think one of those would be your best bet, but some men’s boards could be options too, if you were really worried about width.
Also one more thing…
Is there a big difference between male and female boards or is it just the design?
Eg if a model has a male and female version – is it just the design that makes them different or also technical parts?
Thanks so much
Carina
Hi Carina
For the most part it’s design. But also men’s boards do tend to be stiffer. And they’re always wider. You can definitely get around the flex thing, by going with a softer option, if you wanted to go men’s boards. But the width would be the biggest thing to watch out for. As I mentioned in my last reply, you don’t want to go too wide. But I think there would be men’s options that are suitable for your boot size, in that 148-150 length range. There won’t be many, but there would be a few. I can give you some options if you’d like, but also I think the options in my previous reply would work well.
Thank you!
I think I like the Burton Feelgood the most from your options – I did some research and it seems like I would like it. I also like the rumble fish although I connect Salomon more with skiing than snowboarding but this doesn’t mean anything.
If you don’t mind to give me also some men’s options – out of curiosity and to have the options … that would be nice 😬
thank you so much for all your information
Carina
Hi Carina
Some potential men’s options would be:
– GNU Money 148 (247mm waist width)
– Arbor Formula Rocker 148 (247.5mm waist)
– YES Basic 149 (248mm waist) – essentially the men’s version of the YES Emoticon
– Capita Outerspace Living 148 (242mm waist) – essentially the men’s version of the Capita Paradise, but wider width
The first 3 are options if you felt like you wanted something wider than the Feelgood Flying V/Rumble Fish. The Outerspace Living an option in case you really liked the Paradise. The Paradise, IMO, is too narrow for you, so this is essentially a wider version of the Paradise.
One thing to note, just to make sure – if you go Feelgood, go Feelgood Flying V. The Feelgood (which is a full camber option) is a good board – but it’s stiffer and more aggressive. Since you’re looking for something more forgiving, the Flying V version would suit you, but the Feelgood you probably wouldn’t like.
Oh and there’s also the YES Hello, which is new for 2021, which would also be an option, that I missed before. The 149 (241mm waist) would be a good size for you, IMO.
Thank you for all your info.
Carina
You’re very welcome Carina.
Hi Nate!
I hope you’re doing well. I couple of years ago after taking my first lessons I contacted you asking for an advice for my first board……It was Rossignol Myth and I’ve really loved it (….and love it 🙂 . Now I’d like to change it / get a different one being more confident with speed and turns (intermediate level) which could help me to progress (last winter I took some lessons to improve riding and perform first tricks and jumps ).
I’m 170 cm / 60 kg – Size boots : 39 cm / 8 US . Bindings on Myth : Union Rosa . Boots: Nitro Monarch TLS. I have to admit that I fell in love with Capita Birds of a Feather 2019 (because I love barn owl ) but I know that it’s for expert riders so ….. is Capita Paradise feasible? ….Any your advice is always very appreciated . Thank you and greetings from Italy. Bea
Hi Bea
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would say that Birds of a Feather is a little on the advanced side, but the Paradise would be a great option. A good step up from the Myth but without being too big a leap. Anything on this list would work for sure, but the Paradise does tick a lot of boxes – more advanced than the Myth without being too advanced, better for handling speed, but also a board you can definitely do tricks with.
I would be leaning either Paradise or Salomon Rumble Fish for you, and since you already like the look of the Paradise, I think it’s a really good option.
Size-wise, I’d be looking at something in the range 146-148. So I’d say the 147 would be the best size for the Paradise for you. I’m guessing you’re on the 144 Myth? Assuming that’s the case, then I think 147 Paradise is a nice step up that should help you progress, without being too big a step.
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate, I’ll consider also option Salomon Rumble Fish.
The size of my Myth is 149.
Thank you again!
You’re very welcome Beatrice!
In that case, you could consider the 149 Paradise too. For the Rumble Fish, the 148 would be the best size, IMO. You could still go 147 for the Paradise, but if you’re comfortable with a 149 length, then that becomes an option for the Paradise.
Hi Nate,
I hope you’re doing well. I wrote to you a couple of years ago when I was just getting back into snowboarding after a long time away, and looking for a beginner board to relearn on. I went with the Rossignol Frenemy, and I’ve really loved it.
At this point I have a few seasons under my belt, and I would describe myself as low level intermediate. I’m confident on blue runs, and go on most black runs, but will leaf down the steeps often as I don’t feel confident in being able to hold the turns in those sections. I’m feeling like I’m stuck in a zone where I’m lacking confidence to keep progressing, I’m wondering if a different board might help, or if it’s just mental.
My current board is a 147cm, I am 5’5, 150lbs. I ride in a lot of icy conditions and find the frenemy great for that, and the board is really catch free and easy to turn, which I love too. I’m really looking for something to help me feel more confident gaining speed, taking on steeper sections. I’m not looking to do anything in particular otherwise, just go have fun getting down the hill. I’m very confident in my turning on less steep sections, but feel uneasy with speed especially.
Thanks so much!
Katie
Hi Katie
Thanks for your message and good to hear from you again.
I think as a low level intermediate rider I think the Frenemy is well suited, so one option is certainly to stick with the Frenemy for another season or 2 and see how you get on and try some other things. The main thing I would try, if you stay with the Frenemy, is to get a lesson, preferably a private lesson. Not the cheapest for sure, but I’ve always found great value from the lessons I’ve done – even after riding for a long time, I always find a good instructor will find something in my riding that I can work on.
Another quick thing, is to make sure that you’re really trying to ride “across” the slope on those steeper runs. Ride across to control your speed, but do your turns properly and then gradually allow your self more speed as you get more comfortable. And if you pick up too much speed, then, if you’ve got the space on the slope, really focus on heading across the slope to control your speed, and if you don’t, then rather than leading, try putting on the breaks and then start your turns again, to check your speed rather than leafing. Something to try anyway.
If you did decide to change boards, I would look up to something like the Jones Twin Sister or YES Hel Yes as a good step up, without going too advanced (and still being good in hard/icy conditions). Also, to get a bit more stability at speed, you could look to go a little longer. For your specs, as a low intermediate rider, I would be looking at around 148-150. So for the Twin Sister and the Hel Yes, would be the 149. As a beginner, I would say more like 147-149, but as a more intermediate rider, you could certainly go a little longer, if you were to change boards.
But yeah, if you haven’t already, I would look into taking a lesson, sticking with the 147 Frenemy for at least one more season and then maybe look into upgrading after that. But if you really wanted to upgrade now, then I’d say 149 Hel Yes or Twin Sister.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Great info here and I was hoping you could help me source my next board. I’m an intermediate rider, currently riding a Roxy Ally 148. I’m about 5’7, ~145 lbs and mostly ride groomers that tend to be rather icy but am looking to progress in my riding. All mountain, no park for me!
I’ve been looking at the Birds of a Feather (not sure if I should stick with 148 or go up to 150) but am wondering how the Ally which I’m currently riding (camber/rocker/camber) would stack up tot he Birds of a Feather (rocker/camber/rocker) on the ice and catching those edges.
Open to other suggestions too!
Thanks for your help!
Kristen
Hi Kristen
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of icy conditions. I’ve ridden a lot of good hybrid camber (rocker/camber/rocker) boards that are good in icy conditions and a lot that aren’t ditto for hybrid rocker (camber/rocker/camber), so I don’t get a correlation between those camber profiles in terms of their performance in those types of conditions, from my experience.
However, I have found the Birds of a Feather (or at least the men’s equivalent “Defenders of Awesome”) to be not amazing in hard/icy conditions, so that, more so than the camber profile, would be what I would consider more when it comes to the Birds of a Feather.
If you’re looking for something that can also perform in powder, but want to maximize edge hold in hard/icy conditions, then I would look at the following:
– YES Hel Yes
– Rossignol Frenemy
The Hel Yes being the more advanced of the two boards, but if you feel like you’re solidly intermediate (as opposed to beginner, bordering on intermediate) I’d say you would be fine.
If you don’t see powder much, or if it’s never that deep, then the above two are still options, but you could also consider:
– YES Emoticon
– GNU Ladies Choice
– Lib Tech No.43
– Niche Nightshade (though you would want to be at least a solid intermediate rider, bordering on advanced for this one)
The YES Emoticon being the most “friendly” ride, but again, like with the Hel Yes, if you’re solidly intermediate, then the Ladies Choice and No.43 definitely options too. The Nightshade another step more advanced/aggressive again.
There are a number of other great options I could add to both of those lists, that are still good in hard/icy conditions, but just not quite as good, like:
– Salomon Rumble Fish
– Never Summer Infinity
Among others, but if you want to maximize your edge hold in icy conditions, those are great options, IMO.
Size-wise, anything from 148-150 would be a good range to look at, IMO. If you narrow down your choices (if you don’t go with Birds of a Feather) and want my opinion on sizing for a specific board, let me know (sometimes sizing can depend on the board). For the Birds of a Feather I’d be leaning towards 150, but 148 still an option, if you preferred to stay shorter. The benefits of going shorter mean a more maneuverable board, particularly at slower speeds and something that’s better in trees and for freestyle riding. The longer gives you a bit more in terms of stability at speed and float in powder.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi,
I’m an advanced beginner rider, been riding once or twice a year for the past 4 years. I’ve been riding my husband’s Arbor A-Frame 158 board, and it’s feeling pretty bulky as I start to progress and work on my turns, etc. I’m about 5’8″ and on the larger side of female riders (about 210 lbs), but have always been very athletic. I’m trying to figure out what the best board might be. I don’t see myself every riding in the park, mostly just groomers. I’m debating between the Arbor Poparazzi Camber board and the Salomon Rumble fish, but also open to other suggestions if you have any.
Hi LK
Thanks for your message.
Yeah the Arbor A-Frame is a bit of a beast, especially for a beginner, so good call to look for something else. Size-wise it’s not too far off, but it’s quite technical camber wise and quite stiff.
I think size-wise, ideally you’re looking at something around 155, 156 as a high-end beginner. You could go for something closer to 158 as a more advanced rider, but I would stick to something a little shorter – and certainly softer flexing – and with a more friendly camber profile.
Neither of those boards come in those sizes, so if you went there you’d have to look at the 152 Rumble Fish or the 153 Poparazzi. I would be leaning towards the 152 Rumble Fish in that case – mostly because it’s slightly stiffer – and even though you don’t want to go too stiff, if the board is shorter than ideal and/or if you’re over the weight recommendations, then the board will feel softer. So in the case of the Poparazzi, it might feel too soft for you in the 153, particularly coming off a 158 A-Frame. The Rossignol Frenemy in 153 would also be a good choice there.
Some other good options, that I think would work well for you:
– Salomon Wonder 155
– Arbor Swoon Rocker 156
– GNU Ladies Choice 153.5
– Jones Twin Sister 155
– Jones Dream Catcher 154
– Yes Hel Yes 155
The other advantage of going with one of these over the A-Frame you’ve been riding is that they will likely be a better width for your feet. But if you could also let me know your boot size, that would also help to determine if these sizes are appropriate. But I suspect that the A-Frame, as well as being too technical, too stiff and too long, is too wide for you as well.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your insight! I wear a size 10 boot, so I’m not sure how that plays into it, but I’m going to look into some of these other boards you’ve listed.
Hi LK
I’d say for most of those boards in those sizes you should be fine with a 10, but if you narrow it down and aren’t sure, let me know which one(s) you’re considering and I can give you my opinion on width.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking at buying my first board after always hiring them. I’m an intermediate rider, mainly ride blues but do try some blacks. I love finding tree runs when there is powder but don’t venture into back country. I don’t ride park but like finding small jumps on the hill. I’m looking at the burton feel good flying v or the capita paradise. I’m 5’2″, 50kg and a size 8 boot. Do you have a recommendation of these two or any other boards?
Thanks,
Julie
Hi Julie
Thanks for your message.
I think both boards would work well for how you describe your riding. Some more details that might help your decision
1. The Feelgood Flying V is a little better in powder vs the Paradise
2. The Paradise a little better for carving
But otherwise pretty equal – in terms of uneven terrain, jumps, spins, butters, speed etc.
Size-wise, I would be looking in the range of around 139-141 for your specs. Not sure what size you’ve been renting but maybe the case that you were given longer boards, if they didn’t have anything available in that size, but that’s the range I would look at based on specs.
So for the Paradise, that would be the 141. It’s on the narrow side for size 8 boots, but I don’t think you would have any drag issues at that width.
For the Feelgood Flying V, the 142 would be your best bet.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi-
This is sooooo helpful! If you have time, I would value your advice!
I get a lot of pain in my foot (plantar faciatis) and I am convinced tight bindings make it way worse. I was thinking upgrading to the Burton step ins would help and thought, why not a new board too! I am a solid intermediate rider (been riding for about 30 years, but only a few times a year). I usually really enjoy blue and blue black and a few black diamonds. I prefer control to speed. I like to do small jumps and occasionally ride a rail, but am definitely an all mountain rider. I want to be able to go either direction but am goofy. I love the feel of riding in powder- the floating sensation, but I also really like control. Anxiety makes cat tracks not my favorite, so the control helps there. I am not fast, I am zen riding the mountain. I will never be fast. I don’t want to be fast. I want to ride a mountain and enjoy life. I would love suggestions for the right board, and your opinion on the step in bindings. My “local” spot is Mammoth, but I have a trip to Switzerland (Zermatt) planned for my 50th later this month.:) Thanks so much! Also I am 5 foot 3 and about 135 lbs. I am also teaching my kid, he’s only 7 so I got him a used Burton, but soon!:) I have a Ride board right now, can’t remember the model and no complaints, but I’m not a complainer…
Hi Faye
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t tried the Step-Ons, so I can’t be much help there. I would say that something softer flexing, without being too soft would be the way to go – and that would also suit how you describe your riding. I would say around 4/5 or 5/5 in terms of flex. So, if you were to go Step-On, then I would say either the Limelight Step-On boot or the Ritual LTD Step-On, depending on budget.
For the board, based on what you’re describing, I think the Never Summer Infinity would be ideal. That’s the first board that came to mind, and weighing up the options, I’m even more leaning towards it. It’s something that’s a really easy going ride, but will give you some decent float in powder – without being too directional, so still easy to ride switch on. I think it’s a really good combination of everything you’re describing. The Rossignol Frenemy and Burton Feelgood Flying V (but definitely the Flying V version for you, not the camber version) would be my next choices.
Size-wise, I would say around 144-146 would be a good range to look at. But since you’ve been riding as long as you have, what you’re used to riding should also be taken into account. If you’re used to riding significantly longer or significantly shorter than that, we can revise that range.
So for those 3 options, I would say:
Infinity: 145 – you could definitely ride the 147 too, and if you’re used to something longer, then that might be the better bet
Frenemy: 147 or 144
Feelgood Flying V: 146
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you! Very helpful!
You’re very welcome Faye. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate, I am after a new board to get some fun back in my 1 or 2 weeks a year on the European snow. I used to love my GNU b nice but wanted a bit more stability and better carving, got a 2016 Jones Twin Sister and found it stable but underwhelming, bit heavy to Ollie and mess about on the edge of piste or in trees, I miss the fun, but don’t go in parks, only accessible powder, small kickers.
I’m wondering if the Jones Dream catcher might bring the fun of buttering and pottering about, also interested in Lib tech Glider or should I go back to GNU with newer technologies, I welcome any comments.
Thanks,
Niki
Hi Niki
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I don’t think the Dream Catcher would give you what you’re after. It sounds like you want something that’s fun and playful, but still a bit more stability over the B Nice, but not to the extent of the Twin Sister, if I have that right?
The Lib Tech Glider is marginally more stable than the B Nice, but still definitely more on the fun, playful side. Definitely an option, if you want very similar to the old B Nice, but just a touch more stable.
It might be that you like the feel of rocker between the feet. The B Nice is pretty much all rocker, but with all GNU/Lib Tech boards, they have that rocker between the feet and various amounts of camber under the feet and outside the inserts. These kinds of profiles do tend to give you a slightly looser, more playful feel – the extent to which depends on the particular board – the B Nice is at the very loose/playful end, but going with something with a bit of camber in it will still feel on the looser/more playful feel vs the Twin Sister. Going slightly softer in terms of flex will help too. Also having some camber in there will help in terms of pop for ollies, pop off jumps etc.
Based on everything, I think the following would be good options for you:
– GNU Ladies Choice (stiffer and has more camber than something like the B Nice, but certainly softer and more on the playful side vs the Twin Sister)
– GNU Velvet – a little more playful again vs the Ladies Choice
– Never Summer Infinity – a slightly more directional option, but still not very directional, and nice and playful
– GNU Gloss – a little more playful again vs the Velvet and Infinity but again not to the extent of the B Nice
– Lib Tech Glider – as we discussed, quite similar to the B Nice, but just a touch stiffer (same camber profile)
Those are pretty much in order of least playful to most playful, but all more playful than the Twin Sister (or Dream Catcher), IMO. And I’m thinking that you might prefer something “Hybrid Rocker” like this as opposed to the Hybrid Camber on the Twin Sister.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I just want to thank you for your recommendations, I also read through what you recommended other riders which let me to this years Salomon Rumble fish and that’s the board I bought, just back from an amazing week with this board, I couldn’t be happier, what a fun, reliable board, certainly brought the pleasure back, I can highly recommend it, I am also impressed with the quality of the top deck and base, not a mark on it after a weeks use, excellent edge grip.
Kind regards,
Niki
Hi Niki
Thanks for the update. Awesome that you’re digging your Rumble Fish! Always great to hear about people’s experiences/insights on their gear. Hope you have an awesome time on it for the rest of the season!
Hi Nate,
I’ve been snowboarding about 5 years. I’m 167 cm tall and weigh about 62 kg. I started riding on a board my cousin gave me and I think it’s Head but I’m not sure, either way, the board is 143 cm (which I think is small for me) and I’ve been riding it for 5 years, so I think it’s time to buy a new board and binding because a bought thirty two boots a couple of years ago. The problem is that there are so many options and I can’t make a choice, so I wanted to get your opinion. I would say I’m intermediate and I mostly ride groomed slopes and I like going on the little jumps that are on the sides of groomers. I am trying to learn to carve and I like to feel speed (but not too much haha) so I want something that will be sturdy. I was looking at some boards that are 5-7 flex, but I don’t feel that I know enough to choose one.
Where I live there aren’t many shops for snowboards so i could only look at Burton, Head and Drake, and there aren’t many options. I only found one set up that I think is the best, which is Drake DFL 2019 and Drake Jade P 2019 bindings or the Queen bindings, but as I tried to do research I couldn’t find any reviews about the board or any of Drake boards and because I want to buy a good board and bindings that I can use for the next couple of years I decided to buy a board and binding online and I was hoping you can give me some advice on what board and bindings would be the best, and since I plan on buying them the summer 2020 I will probably be buying new boots too.
So I would say, given this information what do you think is the best set up (board, boots and bindings) for me? It doesn’t matter if it’s from brands that aren’t available in the shops in my country since I’m going to buy it online. And price doesn’t matter either, but I want to get my moneys worth.
I hope what I wrote is understandable since I’m not from the US 🙂
Thank you in advance
Jane
Hi Jane
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of size. For your specs as an intermediate rider and how you describe your riding, I would go somewhere in the range 145 to 148.
In terms of flex I would go any stiffer than 6/10 for you. I think you would probably find 7/10 too stiff. I would say around 5/10 flex would be best.
If you don’t tend to ride powder or just don’t see if very often, then I think an all-mountain-freestyle board would be a good bet. If you do or think you will ride a bit of powder in the future, then an all-mountain would be your best option, IMO. Some good options from this list:
– GNU Velvet (All-Mountain-Freestyle)
– Salomon Rumble Fish (All-Mountain-Freestyle)
– Rossignol Frenemy (All-Mountain)
– Burton Feelgood Flying V (All-Mountain)
– Capita Paradise (All-Mountain-Freestyle)
Or you could also check out the following:
>>My Top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
OR
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
If you have narrowed down some options from those but still need to fine tune your choice, let me know. And if you have any questions on sizing for particular boards, feel free to ask. Also for boots and bindings, let’s narrow down the board first, then we can take a look at good boots and bindings to match.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
My name is Celia I just bought the arbor Clovis 2020 152cm. I am an intermediate. I am 169cm and 58kg. I used to ride mostly groomer but now that I am living in Nelson bc I wanted an all mountain board with a powder profile. I am worried it’s a bit stiff 6 out of 10 (I don’t really know the range of the arbor snowboard..) and maybe a bit to tall I know they do 149cm but the guy in the shop assure me that 152(the one in the store) was a good size for me. Watching the reviews it feels like it’s a Surprising board pretty versatile. I know it’s going to be great these days I want to ride between trees but my question is do you think it’s going to be enough comfortable and forgiving to carve and play around on groomer with little tricks? Also it’s been 4 years I didn’t ride as I had 2 kids and I am wondering if this board is too technical for me. I hesitated with the Burton day trader but the arbor felt a little bit more exceptional to me. Thank you for your advices
Hi Celia
Thanks for your message.
The Clovis is rated 7/10 in terms of flex – which is quite stiff, especially for a women’s board. I haven’t ridden the Clovis, but in my experience with other Arbor boards, their flex ratings are typically right on. Other brands sometimes overstate how stiff there boards actually feel – or in some cases understate (from my personal feel of them). Arbor they feel to me about what they say they are.
Size-wise, I would have gone 149 for you for this board. 152 is, IMO, a bit too long for you, especially as an intermediate rider and considering you want to ride in trees. But even as an advanced rider, I would still say 149 for you. In general size-wise, I would say for your specs something more like 146-148. But for the Clovis, since it has such a long nose, the effective edge isn’t that long compared to overall size, so it will feel smaller than it’s total length. So, I think the 149 would be a good size, given that. It does make the 152 not as big as it sounds, and it’s probably doable, but I think I would still have gone 149 for your specs.
It’s not the kind of board that is suited to tricks. For starters it’s a bit stiff and also it’s very directional. Definitely a board more suited to carving and powder, than anything freestyle, by the looks.
It’s probably not what I would have recommended but that’s not to say you couldn’t have fun on it. But just from what you’re describing, and what I know of Arbor boards and the specs of the Clovis specifically, and sizing, I think it’s probably not ideal for an intermediate level (I would say more advanced to expert) not an ideal size and not something that will play around with tricks that well. I think if you had the 149 it would even some of those things out a bit. But remember that I haven’t actually ridden it – so this is just based on my experience with other Arbor boards and the specs of the Clovis.
Hope this helps
Hello,
I’m a 19 year old Girl from denmark and I just got into snowboarding. I would like to purchase my first snowboard, but I don’t know what would work best for me. I am around 56-58 kg (I think 125-128 lbs) and I am 167-168cm (5’6 I think). I would like a board that is good mainly on the piste but also a little in the park.
I hope you can answer my questions, and btw I’m a student so the budget is important too.
Hi Thea
Thanks for your message.
From this list, the Arbor Poparazzi would be a good choice. It’s the lowest priced on this list – and good for both piste and park. Another option not on this list, but that wasn’t far off from making this list, is the GNU Gloss. Similar price as the Poparazzi and also good for both piste and park. Also note that there is now a Poparazzi Camber and a Poparazzi Rocker – for you I’d go for the Rocker version.
Not as good as intermediate boards, but good beginner boards and a little less expensive again, you could look at the Arbor Ethos, Nitro Lectra, Roxy Sugar Banana or Rossignol Gala.
Size-wise, for your specs and assuming you’re a high-end beginner, low intermediate (if I have that right), then I would look at a range from 143-145. So for the boards mentioned that would be:
Poparazzi: 144
Gloss: 144
Ethos: 144
Lectra: 142 (or 146 potentially, depending if you wanted to go longer or shorter)
Sugar Banana: 142 (or 146 potentially, depending if you wanted to go longer or shorter)
Gala: 142 (or 146 potentially, depending if you wanted to go longer or shorter)
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Been really considering getting the Capita Paradise and was wondering what your thoughts are between getting a 143 vs. 145? I’m 5’4”, size 7 to 7.5 boots, and 125 lbs. As a beginner I was riding a 142 and enjoying learning more freestyle but still want a board that can do it all. Wondering if going to a 145 will be difficult to maneuver? Would I be able to ride the 143 with my boot size?
Hi Jenny
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, in general, I would say around 146cm, as an advanced rider. If still more intermediate or beginner, then going a little shorter is a good idea. And if you like to ride a bit of freestyle, then going shorter can also be a good idea. I don’t think the 145 would be too difficult to maneuver for you, but in saying that, the 143 might be still be the better bet. Width-wise, it’s on the narrower end for 7.5s, but still doable for 7.5s, IMO. If you get in 7s, should be no problem.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the tip! That was really helpful and put my mind more at ease for making a decision! I’m more intermediate and was debating between the 143 and 145. But seeing as I want to get into more freestyle, I think I’ll go with 143!
Any thoughts on bindings that fit the flex of this board? Currently riding burton scribes but looking into Union bindings?
Hi Jenny
You’re very welcome.
The Scribes would match this board well, IMO. But if you wanted to switch to Union’s, then the Juliet or Trilogy would be good options. The Trilogy being the better quality pair, and the Juliet the cheaper option.
Hi Nate,
I bought my first board/boots/bindings a couple of years ago (with your help) and now that I’m a pretty solid intermediate rider, I’m interested in getting a new board. I live in California and spend most of my time in Tahoe with a few days in Colorado every year. I generally stick to groomers – mainly blues with the occasional black run – and dip into the trees occasionally. My current board is the Burton Genie and I’m considering the Burton Feelgood flying v because I’d really like to work on getting faster and making quicker turns. Other factors that I keep in mind are that I have big feet (I wear a 9.5 in the Burton Starstruck) and that knocked a few boards out of contention when I bought my first board. Do you think that the Feelgood Flying V is a good choice? Any other options I should consider?
Hi Stephanie
Thanks for your message.
I think the Feelgood Flying V would be a good step up for and not be too advanced either. Definitely a good solid intermediate option, IMO.
Looking back on our previous conversation, I would be weighing up between the 149 and 152 size-wise, but probably leaning more towards 149. What size Genie did you end up getting?
The Feelgood Flying V is still a looser feeling board, but certainly going to be more stable at speed vs the Genie. If you think you’d prefer a slightly more stable feeling, then you could look at something like the:
– Salomon Rumblefish
– Rossi Frenemy
– Capita Paradise
But if you like that slightly looser kind of feel (without being ultra-loose), then the Flying V would be a great option.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the great tips! I am a small rider 5′ 3, 108lbs, 22.5cm boots. There is no snow from where I live and I go to Japan for ~10/15 days a year for the last 3 years. I think I am an intermediate level 4 rider, can ride smoothly on red line but not so stable in single black. I have my own boots with rental board for the last 3 years and looking to buy my first full set now.
From your suggestion, the Capita Paradise is exactly what I need. I like that camber dominant profile with a little bit rocker at the end, I think that type of board will help me progress. But I cannot find a size 141 anywhere, would a 143 too long for me? Also, I have found a size 138&142 Capita Jess Kimura Pro, the size fit but do you think that board would be too stiff for me? (I know it is not a true twin but it is ok I don’t ride switch much, I just want a board which can help me ride all the groomer lines stably). All in all, would you suggest a 143 Paradise or 138, 142 Jess Kimura Pro for me or any other board? Open to suggestions too!
Thanks,
Celia
Hi Celia
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think something around 142 would be a great length as an advanced rider. As an intermediate rider, you could drop a little in terms of size. For the Paradise, especially for your boot size, I would prefer to see you on the 141 vs the 143. Not saying it’s going to be massive for you, but ideally I think the 141 would be a better size for you.
There isn’t really a direct men’s equivalent of the Jess Kimura Pro. In some ways it looks like a softer flexing Black Snowboard of Death. But based on specs, it looks like it’s a similar flex to the Paradise. So I wouldn’t be too concerned about the stiffness, as an intermediate rider. But it does look to have a slightly more aggressive camber profile, with mostly camber to the tail – with a small flat section – and rocker towards the nose only (no rocker in the tail). Based on specs I would say it’s a little more advanced than the Paradise overall, but it still looks intermediate suitable. Certainly more directional than the Paradise, but if you’re not riding much switch or freestyle, then that’s a good thing.
Size-wise, if you were to go for the Jess Kimura pro, it’s a touch call between the 142 and 138.
It is a narrower board – so that’s certainly a plus for your boot size, IMO. I haven’t seen a narrower waist on a women’s board than the 223mm on the 138 – and I think that would work well with your boots. But it’s just whether it would be getting a little on the short side for you not. As a beginner, I would say that would be a good size, but since you’re at an intermediate level – and are progressing towards being advanced, in the long term I think the 142 would be the better length – even if with a slightly steeper learning curve to begin with. I think for right now, you would be fine with the 138, but my only thing would be if you were to outgrow it too fast. The width on the 142 would also be fine for your boots.
Some pros and cons of those sizes:
– Shorter usually means more nimble, particularly at slower speeds, better for freestyle and better in trees – so the 138 would be better in this sense.
– Longer usually means more stability at speed and better float in powder – the 142 would be better in this sense
I would be leaning towards the 142 Jess Kimura Pro for you vs the 143 Paradise and 138 Kimura Pro – but it’s a close call between the 138 and 142.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
A couple other bindings I was looking at aside from the Lexa are the Union Milan, Union Rosa, or Burton Scribe.
Hi Wendy
I think the Scribe would work fine on Frenemy/Rumblefish. The Milan might be getting just a touch on the Soft side and the Rosa would be too soft for those boards, IMO.
If going Union your best bet would be the Trilogy or Legacy – but the Milan would work too – just not quite as good a match.
Hi Nate,
I just got off the scale. Looks like I shaved off 5 lbs from my original post, so I’m 120lbs, if that matters for length size. The Frenemy is a 2017 board size 143. Is it pretty much the same as the 2019 model? With a flex of 5, that won’t make it too surfy of a feel will it? I want to feel sturdy and secure in my board, easy to maneuver and turn, and hold my edge at faster speeds. On my current Burton feather board (2002) I feel like I’m working too hard. The Rumblefish would be a size 144 but the Frenemy fits my budget more.
I’m open to trying other bindings other than Flows. The other one I was looking at was the Burton Lexa 2018 model, size Medium. Are there other ones out there that you think would work with the Frenemy and Rumblefish?
Hi Wendy
That 5lbs shouldn’t matter too much. I would still say about the same in terms of length. As far as I know the 2017 Frenemy’s smallest size is a 144 – but in any case I think that will be fine. The Frenemy, as far as I can tell hasn’t changed at all since then, so basically the same board as the 2019 model.
Going back to 2002, I can’t find much about that model of Burton Feather. But since it’s 2002 it’s likely that it was traditional camber (all camber) as everything was back then. So in terms of camber profile, the Frenemy will have a more forgiving feel, having rocker in the profile. Could feel a little more surfy in that sense. But if the Feather of 2002 is anything like the recent Feather, then it would have been very soft flexing. So going up to the 5/10 flex of the Frenemy should feel stiffer – and since it’s from 2002 it’s likely to be a noodle by now! So the Frenemy should feel considerably stiffer compared to it, I would guess.
But if you’re really worried, you could look at something like the Jones Dream Catcher or Jones Twin Sister, which are a little stiffer and have a little more camber in them. Still doable for an intermediate rider, but a little more advanced than most in this list. But certainly very stable feeling boards. The YES Hel Yes would be another option, but the smallest size is a 146, which is just a bit too long for you, IMO.
In terms of bindings, the Lexa would work on the Frenemy (and the Rumble Fish, Dream Catcher and Twin Sister) – and medium would work size-wise. With size 6 boots you should also be able to fit into smalls as well (though depending on the brand of your boot, the medium might be the safer option). You could also check out:
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Note: You probably already know this, but I like to make sure – if you get Burton bindings make sure you get the “Re:Flex” model as their “EST” models only fit on Burton boards.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
This is such a fantastic site. I’ve learned so much! I need your opinion on a board and bindings as I’ve been getting differing recommendations from the guys at the board shops. I would say I’m an intermediate 4 and ride in Ontario, Canada. The runs here are groomers with some icy days. I don’t intend to ride in the park and on occasion I might have some fluffier powder. I have a really old 2002 Burton Feather board and Flo bindings currently. I think it’s time to upgrade to some better technology that will help with my ease of turning and I want something that will hold my edge. Basically I want to feel secure and solid on my board. I plan to ride with my kids who will be learning to board next year so I don’t plan nor do I like to go too fast. Too much speed makes me nervous.
I got new boots last year: Ride Cadence double Boa and love them so far. The guys at the pro shop recommended the Arbor Swoon rocker but after reading your site I don’t think a rocker board is for me since I want more of a solid, secure ride. I’m thinking I would do best on a hybrid rocker-camber-rocker profile so I am looking at an older 2017 Rossignal Frenemy board. I’m 125lbs and 5’2″. Size 6 boots. What do you think of that board for me? is there a lot of difference from the 2017 to the more recent Frenemy? It’s the end of the season so I’m looking for boards on sale for next season.
The other board I’m considering is the Rossignal Justice 2018 but I’m worried it might be too stiff? I mentioned 2 Rossignal boards because it uses the Magna traction technology that I think will add to edge holds. Although I’m a wee bit concerned as the pro shop guy said Rossi’s suck and that they are really a skii brand. I don’t know? Will I be frowned upon if I’m riding a Rossignal board?
Anyhow, onto bindings. Initially I was looking at the Stiletto Burton bindings but now I’m not sure if I should stick to Flow’s since that’s what I’ve been using all along. Can you recommend something for me? Arbor? Union? Burton? or Flow?
Hi Wendy
Thanks for your message.
I think the Frenemy would be a great option for you. The Justice would be too stiff for what you’re describing though.
I don’t want to judge, but sounds like the pro shop guy is a bit pretentious to me – just because Rossi are also a ski brand doesn’t mean they make terrible boards – or that snowboarders will any way look down on you for riding a “ski brand” board. K2 & Salomon also make boards and skis. It’s not that uncommon, and doesn’t make the snowboards worse. Rossi haven’t put a lot of effort into upgrading their boards in recent years, but they still make decent boards. If they continue to just release the same boards, they will start to fall behind, but for now they are still a good option, depending on what you’re looking for. That’s my opinion, anyway.
Size-wise, I would say only get the Frenemy if you can find it in the 144. Anything longer will be too long for you, IMO. That would be the longest I would go for you.
Some other really good options for what you’re describing, would be:
– Salomon Rumblefish 144 (or you could even think about going 140 – the 140 is a little on the shorter side for your specs, but given your boot size, sizing down isn’t a bad idea)
– YES Emoticon 143
In terms of bindings. When I first started snowboarding I was in flows, because I liked the idea of that quick entry. But when I changed to other bindings, I was glad I did. Now that was a fair while ago, and Flow isn’t a brand of bindings that I currently test, so I haven’t been on them for many years, so they could well have improved in that time. But I’ve never found that binding in a little slower (and flows are certainly faster) has been a problem – and worth the extra bit of time. Especially if you’re binding in standing up anyway – there’s little in it, IMO. So, definitely not saying don’t go Flow, but trying something new might be a good thing and you might well like the change.
For something like the Frenemy or Rumble Fish, I would look to get on something a little stiffer than the Stiletto – just because I like to match board and binding flex as much as possible and I would say 5/10 flex for the Frenemy and Rumblefish and more like 3/10 for the Stiletto. The Emoticon is more like 4/10 flex, so that would be a better match if you were to go stiletto. Also, to match the Ride Cadence, a stiffer binding would also work better, IMO.
Also check out, for more options:
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
If you see any other bindings on sale that you think might be suitable, let me know, and I would be happy to give you my opinion.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Im hoping you can help. I do most of my riding in Australia where the conditions can be varied. For example, at the moment we havent had any snow for 5 days, but, it’s been really cold (for here anyway): -6C overnight to -2C during the day. Then, in a few days it’s forecast to snow for about 4 days straight! So I could be riding on hard packed ice, fresh snow, snow out of the machines, or slush because despite the cold conditions, it does occaisionally rain!
I’ve been riding for about 4 seasons (but only about a week each time on the holidays), and I’m a mid-range intermediate. Sometimes I like to adventure off the groomers to practice some fast turns on some bumps, or test myelf on narrow runs, and then other days it’s just the groomers, or something a bit steeper. I do like the adventure of ungroomed slopes I must admit – probably because the groomers can get a little crowded in the holidays as you can imagine. I’m not interested in the park although I do like to practice switch and 360s (not in the air LOL) but only on easy slopes – just for fun.
I rode the new WHIP (demo) which I really liked but it is directional so I’m a bit concerned – although I understand it should not be a problem unless I want to go to the park. But I cant find any reviews of this board as it’s very new.
I’ve previously ridden hire boards which tend to be soft and rocker only, or just completely flat. I should be riding a 145-148cm board but last season the hire place only had 155cm so I rode that which was ok.
I’ve also demo-ed Burton Talent Scout but did not work for me; it just didnt seem to turn as well. I have also demo-ed the Burton Rewind 2019 but found it too soft.
Should I also consider the GNU B PRO 2020 which has the sintered base. It is a twin but the shape seems the same as the WHIP. The WHIP is not sintered. Is this a problem?
(On mountain there are no JONES or YES boards to trial, so selection is a bit limited.)….I’ve been reading reviews and perhaps the Twin may have worked as well but it’s not an option to demo.
So in essence, as there doesnt seem to be any reviews on the WHIP, what do you think of it? Any other views/advice you may have?
Many thanks from Down Under.
Julia
Hi Julia
Thanks for your message.
Usually I would say something like the WHIP is probably too stiff/too much camber for an intermediate rider, but since you’ve tried it and liked it, then that doesn’t sound like an issue for you. Also, I’ve found GNU boards tend to be softer than what GNU rates them as – especially after breaking them in a bit. So, that’s certainly an option. Being directional is only really a problem if you like to ride switch a lot – and if you were landing/taking off switch a lot for 180s, 540s etc. But if not, then it shouldn’t be an issue. There’s a 148 which sounds like it would fit in your size range (is that the size you demoed?).
But yeah, if you wanted to go for a twin ride, then the B Pro has the same camber profile, but is a True Twin shape. The sintered base isn’t a deal breaker, but having a sintered base is preferable, usually. If you were getting a lot of slow, sticky snow, then I would say sintered base for sure, but otherwise, it’s not a deal-breaker, but good to have (so long as you’re willing to wax it regularly – the extruded base isn’t as necessary to wax it regularly).
Another option, if you wanted to go twin, but with a little less camber is the Lib Tech No.43 – also a new board. It’s the closest women’s equivalent to the Lib Tech TRS if you wanted to check out my review on that.
But like I say, no reason not to go directional necessarily, if you’re not going to be doing a lot of freestyle riding – and given that you rode it and you liked it, the WHIP should certainly be an option.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate for your comment. The board shop gave me the Capital Jess Kimura Pro to try today – with the moose on it. My daughter spotted it and immediately wanted me to try it!! LOL
Actually also really liked it. I’ve read some reviews which rate it pretty highly.
So now I’m a bit stuck now as the Magna traction is supposed to be good on ice – which we can get So I’m wondering if the Capita will do just as well. Unhelpfully it snowed overnight so right now we are on powder!!
Anyway- any further comments on this Capita board?
Thanks so much
Julia
Hi Julia
Apologies for slow reply – on vacation with limited internet.
There isn’t an exact men’s equivalent of the Jess Kimura Pro – but it’s quite similar to the BSOD, which is a great board. There isn’t a Capita board that I haven’t liked in good snow. But they don’t tend to be as good in icy snow unfortunately. If you were to only seldom get icy snow, then I’d say you’d be fine so long as you kept your edges sharp, but if you get it a lot, then it’s ideal, IMO.