There are plenty of freestyle snowboard options for women around these days - which is a great thing but also sometimes makes it hard to narrow down your choices.
Below is my list of what I think are the top 5 women’s freestyle snowboards on the market today.
Ratings
Each board is rated out of 100. Whilst this isn’t an exact science it should give you a fairly accurate reading on how good these boards will be as freestyle weapons.
Out of 17 women’s freestyle boards that I looked at:
Prices have not been considered in the scores unless 2 boards have the same score, then the cheaper board gets the higher place.
O.k. here’s the top 5!
FREESTYLE BOARD #5=
Board: Burton Rewind
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 82.8/100
The first board on this list, coming in at #5=, is Burton’s Rewind.
The Rewind is well suited to riding the park, being more than adequate for both the jump line and jib line, though it performs best for jumps.
It's soft enough to jib and butter but also stiff enough to provide a reasonable landing platform and there's enough camber in there to help with both pop and stability.
It can also tackle the rest of the mountain, so you can throw in some carves, or natural hits on the way to the park.
Check Out the Video for More on the Rewind
Score Breakdown for the Rewind
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Jibbing | 3.5 | 14/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Powder | 2.0 | 2/5 |
Carving/Turns | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Speed | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Pipe | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 82.8/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #5=
Board: Capita Space Metal Fantasy
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Rating: 82.8/100
If hitting rails and boxes – or any other jib for that matter – is your thing, then the Space Metal Fantasy should be at or near the top of your list. Along with the Skate Banana (see # 4 below) it’s the best of all the women’s freestyle boards I looked at for jibbing.
It’s also, as a freestyle snowboard should be, great at riding in either direction and whilst not the top jumper in this list, is still good for jumps, especially small to medium jumps.
It's not the top board on this list in terms of the rest of the mountain, but it will get you to the park - and that's where this board comes into it's own.
It’s also the lowest priced board on this list.
Space Metal Fantasy Video
Score Breakdown for the Space Metal Fantasy
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
Jibbing | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Powder | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Carving/Turns | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Speed | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Pipe | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 82.8/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #4
Board: Lib Tech Skate Banana
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Rating: 85.0/100
In at #4 we have the Lib Tech Skate Banana.
Lib Tech don’t do men’s and women’s boards but they do make some of their boards in women’s sizes. The Skate Banana is one of those. It comes is a 145N (N for narrow), 148N and 151N. If you’re a woman with longer feet, then, assuming your specs are otherwise suited to the longer sizes, you might also fit on one of the men’s sizes.
The Skate Banana has been a freestyle staple for years and for good reason. If you’re looking for a loose, playful, surfy, ride that’s great on jibs, great for butters and can also perform well on jumps, particularly small to medium jumps, then the Skate Banana could be the board for you.
More on the Skate Banana in the Video
Score Breakdown for the Skate Banana
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
Jibbing | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Powder | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Carving/Turns | 2.0 | 2/5 |
Speed | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Pipe | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #3
Board: Niche Minx
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium Soft (4/10)
Rating: 85.0/100
Coming in at #3 is the Niche Minx.
The Minx is one of the best jibbers on this list. But it’s not just a jib machine. It’s also great riding in both directions, great with ground tricks and sweet over jumps – particularly small to medium jumps.
Not only that, it can handle the mountain outside of the park too, if you feel the need - even if it's not going to be a bomber.
Check out More on the Minx in the Video
This video is for the 2018 model but it's pretty much the same board as the 2019 model, so it's still relevant.
Score Breakdown for the Minx
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Jibbing | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Powder | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Carving/Turns | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Speed | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Pipe | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #2
Board: Arbor Cadence Camber
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Rating: 85.0/100
At #2, we have Arbor's Cadence Camber. Whilst the Cadence Rocker has been around a while, the Cadence Camber is new for 2019.
If the jump line is your forte, then the Cadence camber will treat you well there - whether for small, medium or large jumps.
It's the weakest jibber on this list, but it's also the best option if you like to throw in some carves on the groomers every now and then, or on the way to the park.
The Cadence Rocker is also a great option that has different strengths and weaknesses. I have included the scores for both below.
Check Out the Video for More on the Cadence Camber
This video is for the Cadence Rocker, but a lot of it is still relevant to the Camber model. Once I find a Cadence Camber video, I'll pop it up here.
Score Breakdown for the Cadence Camber
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jibbing | 3.0 | 12/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Powder | 2.0 | 2/5 |
Carving/Turns | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
Speed | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Pipe | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.0/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Cadence Rocker
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jumps | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
Jibbing | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Powder | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Carving/Turns | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Speed | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
Pipe | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.3/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #1
Board: GNU Ladies Choice
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Flex: Medium-soft (4.5/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
The Ladies Choice is not only the top Freestyle snowboard on this website but it’s also been a Transworld Snowboarding Goodwood Women’s Park Board award recipient for the 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 models!
It's been at the top of this list every year I've produced it (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).
If you’ve ever seen Jamie Anderson ride then you’ll know what this board is capable of.
It’s the best jumper on this list and the best suited to large jumps as well as small and medium jumps. It’s also the best for anyone wanting their freestyle board to be able to ride the rest of the mountain well.
It could just as easily be categorized as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard but I’ve chosen to leave it in this category as it’s freestyle capabilities are too good to leave it out.
Check out more on the Ladies Choice in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Ladies Choice
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Switch | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Jumps | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Jibbing | 3.5 | 14/20 |
Uneven Terrain | 3.5 | 7/10 |
Powder | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Carving/Turns | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Speed | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Pipe | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
Over to You
Even though this list is in order you should try to pick the board that is most suited to you – anything on this list would be a great choice for riding freestyle (but you might lean more to jibs, more to jumps or prefer a stable feel or a loose feel). I hope this has helped to narrow down your options!
Check out the links under each board for more info and prices.
I have had my heart set on the ladies choice for a while. What bindings would you recommend with it?
Hey Lou
I’d try and match the ladies choice with something with a similar flex if possible – so either a 4 or 5 out of 10 or at most a 6 out of 10.
If you’re really into jibs then I’d try to go for something softer like a 4/10 and if you prefer larger jumps then a 5 or 6/10 would better. Of course flex isn’t the only consideration but it’s a big part of it.
Check out my top freestyle and all-mountain bindings at the links below. These have a range of quality bindings in that 3-6/10 flex range.
~ My Top 5 Freestyle Snowboard Bindings for Women
~ My Top 5 All-Mountain Snowboard Bindings for Women
Hope this helps
Hi! I was searching info about ladies choice vs Arbor Cadence…. and founded your article, first of all thanks you for your thorough analysis 🙂
Could you tell me your opinion of change my 15-16′ ladies choice for an 16-17′ Arbor Cadence?
Im in love with my gnu but the other day my boy with an Arbor drived much better than i in a very hard ice snow, early morning,… and this aspect makes me have doubts with the ladies choice (this season did the edges but i dont know why magne not respond like Arbor system).
Im a rat park but loves drive hard too, more than ten years ridding… anyway… im still a looser…
Saludos! From Spain, and sorry for my crappy english… 🙂
Hi Silvia
Thanks for your message. The GNU Ladies Choice has a very good reputation for being good in icy snow conditions, so I’m surprised that you had trouble with it in icy snow. The Cadence has a good rep for being good in hard and icy conditions too – but not as good as the Ladies Choice.
What Arbor board is your boy riding?
On the face of it the Cadence wouldn’t be as good as the Ladies Choice in icy snow but I haven’t ridden any Arbor boards lately. But since it has a continuous rocker profile, it’s not ideally suited to icy conditions. It does have Arbor’s Grip Tech, which would help but I’ve always found Magne-traction to work very well.
Hi! I’m looking into the GNU B-Nice Asym. I have beginner-intermediate skills. I have a hard time choosing a snowboard because of my weight. I’m a big girl, 5’2″ weighing 220lbs. Right now I have a K2 fling with burton lexa bindings which was recommended by a ski shop personal near me. Please help me in choosing an all mountain snowboard and binding
Hi MrsB
I think that the B-Nice would be a good option but might be a little bit on the soft flexing side.
I like a medium-soft flex for beginner/intermediate riders and up to medium flex. But when you are over the weight recommendations for a board the board will feel softer than it’s flex rating. So with something that’s around a 4/10 flex (medium-soft) it will feel more like a 2/10 or 3/10, depending on how far above the weight recommendations. So, if you are over the recommendations and go with something that’s a 5 or 6 flex, then you’ll come back to something like a 4 or 5. Make sense?
You also still want to consider how the board rides overall and whether it’s suitable for that beginner/intermediate level.
Also, if you go with something a little bit stiffer, it means you won’t have to go as long. So a longer board will always have a higher weight recommendation – so in theory you’d be looking at around a 154cm board – but if you can go a little bit stiffer, then you can go a little bit shorter too, which allows you to go for a size that’s easier to handle (what’s the size of your K2 Fling, out of curiosity).
With all that in mind, I think that the following would be great choices.
~ Capita Paradise 149cm
~ GNU B-Pro 149cm (or 152cm)
~ GNU Ladies Choice 148.5cm (or 151.5cm)
~ Burton Feelgood Flying V 149cm (or 152cm)
~ GNU B-Nice 151cm (this is definitely still an option but I wouldn’t go as short as the 148cm for this particular board – just because it starts out a little bit softer)
Hope this helps
My K2 fling is 146cm with a Burton lexa binding.
Looks like I’m leaning towards the GNU ladies choice. Can you recommend a binding for it? Doesn’t matter if it’s strap or rear entry.
Thank you very much for responding.
Also, thanks for the excellent explanation.
You’re very welcome. Hope you enjoy your new gear and let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi MrsB
Thanks for that. Probably a good idea to go with the smaller end of the sizes that I recommended. Mainly so that you aren’t sizing up too much. If you’re used to a certain size it can be difficult to transition to a board that’s too long. But the boards around that 149cm mark are your best options. The Ladies Choice is a great board – for that one, go for the 148.5cm.
I think the Lexas are great bindings – so if you didn’t want to chance you could stick with those. But if you feel they’re not right for you, then something from this list would be a good replacement for you and for that board.
Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Also check out the following to make sure that you get your bindings in the right size.
>>Snowboard Binding Sizing
Thanks for the great advice. Just purchased the last 148.5 Eco Choice (which I assume is a variant of the Ladies Choice) from backcountry at a good discount. Will try out the Lexa for now….
Hi MrsB – good grab!
Yeah the Eco Choice is essentially the Ladies Choice – some subtle differences in construction, but nothing that you will actually notice.
Hope you enjoy your new setup and I would be curious to hear what you think once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
Tried the board today and I am very happy with it. I’m able to make tighter turns which I’ve always had a problem. Handled really good, my old snowboard’s edge usually catches the snow most specially on spring conditions like today. Thanks for the great advice!
Hey MrsB
Awesome to hear that you like your new board! Always good to hear and glad that I could help.
Hey there!
I am looking into buying the GNU Ladies Choice/Eco Choice, and was wondering what size board I should go with. I am 5.6 120lbs. Also, will size large bindings fit the width of this board, I don’t want my boots dragging? I was thinking about going with the Burton Scribe bindings, thoughts on that combo? I am looking get better in the park, and trying to pick a set up based on that.
looking forward to your reply
thanks,
Hi Faelan
Thanks for your message.
For this board for your specs, I would go with the 145.5cm in terms of length. But in terms of width, I couldn’t say until I knew your boot size. If you can let me know you boot size, that will determine your binding size and also whether or not this board has a suitable width for you.
The Scribe will be a great match for the Ladies/Eco choice in terms of style – in terms of the size you should get, that will again depend on your boot size.
Hi!
I am looking to get the gnu ladies choice but not sure what length to get – the 142.5 or 145. i’m 5’3, 125lb size 7 boot. my current boards are 143 and 144, since i’m trying to progress in the park i was thinking shorter might be better but then would the 142.5 be too narrow for my boot size? would the 145 be too long? i currently have the 2013 capita birds of a feather but looking for something with a little more flex do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi Wendy
Thanks for your message.
I think the 142.5 would definitely be the better bet for you – particularly as you are using it for the park.
In terms of width, I would say that you should be fine. The 232mm waist width on the 142.5 Ladies Choice is on the narrow side for size 7s – but that’s the same waist width as the 144 Capita Birds of a Feather – so if you haven’t been having any problems with that, then you should be fine on the Ladies Choice 142.5.
I think the 145 would be slightly too long, for what you want to use it for.
The only other thing to think about is that the Ladies Choice is pretty close to medium flex – it will certainly be softer than your Birds of a Feather and definitely more suited to the park. My only thought is whether or not it might be an idea to go with something a little bit softer again – just to add contrast to your current board. Something like the Capita Space Metal Fantasy for example. But if you were looking to go something other than Capita for your park board, just for a change, then maybe something like the Niche Minx. Particularly if you are going to be jibbing in the park a reasonable amount, then those 2 would be a good choice. If you’re going to be mostly doing jumps, then stick with the Ladies Choice.
If you did decide to go with either the Minx or the Space Metal Fantasy. Then I’d say the 140 for the Minx. Just to go a little shorter for a bit more contrast again to your Birds of a Feather – and if you are doing jibs, then a little shorter can be nice. Also it’s a wider board, so you can afford to a little shorter. For the Space Metal Fantasy, there’s a 143 – but you could consider going down to the 141cm as well.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hi,
I am interested in buying the Capita space metal fantasy but I am unsure what size to get. I would like to progress my freestyle park riding and do small jumps. I am 51kg/114 pounds and 5’3″. I currently ride a 146 Salomon lotus. I’m not sure whether to go for the 141 or 143? I would be very grateful for your help!
Hi Charlotte
I would put you on a 143cm for an all-mountain length, typically for your specs, assuming a reasonably advanced level. Because the Space Metal Fantasy is a freestyle board and because you want to progress in the park, I think the 141 would be the best option. Also, assuming you would keep the Salomon Lotus?, the 141 would be a better compliment to that for your quiver, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your reply and advice! Yes that’s great thank you and yes I would keep my Salomon lotus so I can keep that for all mountain riding 🙂
You’re very welcome Charlotte. Hope you enjoy your new board and hope you’re having a great season!
Hi there,
I am thinking of getting the Gnu Ladies Choice along with new boots & bindings. So the whole works. Would you be able to recommend board specs as well as bindings / boots that would fit the board well? I’m 5’6, 59kg (130lbs), and boot size euro 37.5-38.5, looking for a boot with a 4-5/10 flex.
Thank you so much in advance for any recos.
Hi G
Thanks for your message.
I think the 145.5cm would be the best size for this board for your specs. You’d probably be ok with the 148.5 as well but for a more freestyle oriented board like this, the 145.5 would be the better size.
In terms of boots and bindings, something around that mid flex (5/10) for both boots and bindings is a good way to go to match the board.
You can check out the following lists for some options:
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
>>My Top Women’s All-Mountain Snowboard Boots
>>My Top Women’s Freestyle Snowboard Boots
Hope this helps
Hi,
I’m thinking of getting the Gnu Ladies Choice board. I had a horrible accident riding straight andfast (which I used to love). Unfortunately, I encountered ice and clipped going about 30mph. and dislocated/shattered my humerus bone. It’s been 2 years and I’m ready to ride again but want something totally different. I want to find a board that I can turn well with, has good response and super fun. Not looking for a fast ride again!!! Can you please recommend what size board I would need: 5’10”, 150lbs., size 8.5 boot. Is this the right board? 16+ years of riding.
Thank you,
Hilary
Hi Hilary
I think the Ladies Choice is a good option, if you’re looking to slow things down and play around more on your board but still not going too soft-flexing. And it’s something that’s good in hard/icy conditions, IMO.
In terms of size, I would be weighing up between the 151.5 and the 153.5. Both sizes would work and the general differences between each would be, IMO (subtly but noticeably):
~ 151.5 would be more playful, more agile at slower speeds, better in the trees, better for more freestyle type things
~ 153.5 would have a little more float in powder, more stable at higher speeds
Hope this helps with your decision