This is a list of what i consider to be the best intermediate snowboards for women for the 2018-19 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 29 different intermediate boards that I rated:
O.k. let’s get into the top 10.
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #10
Board: Roxy Ally BTX
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: Freestyle
Smart rating score: 87.4/100
Starting off the list in #10, is the Roxy Ally.
If you're looking to advance your freestyle game, but want a board that's still OK over the rest of the mountain, the Ally is a great option.
Check out the video for more about the Ally
Score Breakdown for the Ally
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 3.5/5 | 7/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 80/100 | 40/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.4/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #9
Board: Arbor Poparazzi
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 87.5/100
Next up is the Arbor Poparazzi.
A great option for a full on beginner as well, but also works as an intermediate board that can take you into a more advanced stage of riding - but with a freestyle flavor. So, if you see yourself moving more into freestyle but want a deck that will still holds it's own over the rest of the mountain, this could be a good choice for you.
Check out the video for more about the Poparazzi
Score Breakdown for the Poparazzi
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 5.0/5 | 20/20 |
Versatility | 4.0/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 74.2/100 | 37.1/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #8
Board: GNU Velvet
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 87.7/100
The Velvet is another all-mountain-freestyle option, but it's slightly more all-mountain focused than the Poparazzi. So, if you're main game is riding all over the mountain, but you want to hit some natural features and do some freestyle on the way, the Velvet should be high on your list, if your an intermediate rider, looking to progress your skills.
Check out the video for more about the Velvet
Score Breakdown for the Velvet
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 78.7/100 | 39.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.7/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #7
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: 89.5/100
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
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 82/100 | 41/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #6
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: 89.9/100
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
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Versatility | 3/5 | 6/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 82.8/100 | 41.4/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.9/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #5
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: 90.1/100
The Rumblefish is another, like the Velvet, that is more on the all-mountain end of all-mountain freestyle. It's centered and a 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 turns.
Check out the video for more about the Rumblefish
Score Breakdown for the Rumblefish
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 4/5 | 8/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 83.1/100 | 41.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.1/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #4
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: 91.1/100
In at #4 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 anyway, 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
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5/5 | 18/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 81.1/100 | 40.6/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.1/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #3
Board: Rossignol Frenemy
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Smart rating score: 91.7/100
Another all-mountain option, but one that's a little stiffer and a little more stable feeling, is the Rossignol Frenemy. But just as versatile.
This is also a great option for those who ride hard/icy conditions often.
Check out the video for more about the Frenemy
Score Breakdown for the Frenemy
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 82.3/100 | 41.2/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.7/100 |
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: 92.1/100.
In at #2 and the last of 3 all-mountain options for this list, is Burton's Feelgood Flying V.
If you like the idea of a playful, freer/looser feeling ride, but still want 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
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 82.9/100 | 41.5/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.1/100 |
WOMEN'S INTERMEDIATE BOARD #1
Board: Capita Paradise
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Smart rating score: 94.5/100
Finally, in at number 1, 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
FACTOR | rating | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5/5 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4/5 | 16/20 |
Versatility | 5/5 | 10/10 |
Performance Score as ALL-MOUNTAIN snowboard | 87.6/100 | 43.8/50 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94.5/100 |
Over To You
So that's my list of the best intermediate snowboards for women for the 2018-19 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,
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.