Below is what I consider to be the top 5 beginner snowboards for women currently on the market. Or more accurately now the Top 10.
This list has been updated for the 2020-21 season.
As per Snowboarding Profiles Tradition, each board will be given a score out of 100. Note that the scores reflect how suitable the board is for a beginner – not the overall performance of the board.
O.K. let’s get into the top 10!
BEGINNER BOARD #10
Board: Burton Hideaway
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-intermediate
Style of Board: Freeride
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
The Hideaway is an easy going, catch-free ride that makes it quick and easy to progress on.
It's also a freeride board, which is rare for a board this soft. So, it's great for beginners who think they are going to get into riding off-groomer and backcountry in their future or for the beginner to intermediate rider who wants to explore the not-so-beaten paths, without having to do it on a stiff aggressive board.
Learn More About the Hideaway in the Video Below
The following video is for the 2020 model, but nothing much has changed for the 2021 model, apart from the graphic.
Burton Hideaway Score Breakdown
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #9
Board: GNU Chromatic
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.0/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (3/10)
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
If you're looking for a board that's great for leaning and progressing on but is also awesome in hard/icy conditions, for those who experience them regularly, then the Chromatic is a great option.
It's a very versatile board and for the 2021 model has been given a bit of a setback, making it more of an all-mountain option versus the all-mountain-freestyle board I categorized it as previously, but still a really good option as your first deck.
Not the cheapest on this list, but if you've got a decent budget this is definitely an option.
It's a looser feeling ride, which can make one-footing it off the lift a little squirrelly until you get used to it, but otherwise it's a great beginner option, especially if you ride hard/icy conditions often.
Learn More About the Chromatic in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Chromatic
RATING | score weighting | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #8
Board: Burton Stylus
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Beginner
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
The Burton Stylus is a super easy ride - one of those boards that will accelerate your progression – so if you’re looking to improve as quickly as possible and are happy with having to upgrade once you’ve upped your skill level and/or found your preferred style, then this is going to be a great choice.
Also great for anyone foreseeing a future riding freestyle/park. Or wants a fun, playful board for messing around with or beating up in the park in the future.
Check out the Video for More on the Stylus
The following video is for the 2020 model, but nothing much has changed for the 2021 model, apart from the graphic.
Score Breakdown for the Stylus
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #7
Board: YES Emoticon
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Style of Board: All-Mountain Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Emoticon is a great option for those who have a few days under their belt snowboarding, but are still beginners and for those who encounters hard/icy snow conditions often – so if you’re on the East (Ice) Coast of North America, for example.
It’s got a great balance of being versatile but also offering a fast progression. It’s easy to ride but it will last you for the long term in terms of your progression and your style.
And of course, it’s not just for icy conditions – my wife owns this board and loves it in all conditions.
Check out the video for more on the YES Emoticon
The Emoticon’s Score Breakdown
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 4.5 | 18/20 |
STABILITY | 5.0 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #6
Board: Rossignol Myth
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 91/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
And coming in at #6 is the Rossignol Myth.
You’ll be able to progress super-fast on this board and it will really boost your confidence.
The only downside is that it’s not that versatile. It’s a freestyle board, so if you plan on riding in the park, then this will be a great option to keep as your park board. But even if you don’t plan riding the park, this is one of those boards that will just get you riding better, fast – just be willing to upgrade at some point later on, if you get into more all-mountain/freeride type riding.
For more on the Myth check out the video below
This video is a couple of years old now, but nothing has changed with the Myth, so it's all still relevant.
Score Breakdown for the Myth
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
VERSATILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #5
Board: Ride Heartbreaker
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
The Ride Heartbreaker comes in at #5 and has a nice soft flex and is an easy, catch-free ride.
It's maybe not the most versatile, being a more freestyle/park oriented board - but otherwise it's very beginner friendly - and if you think you're going to get into freestyle riding at some point, it's a great investment - something that you can learn your core skills on now - and then have as a park board for later.
Check out the Video for More on the Heartbreaker
The following video is for the 2020 model, but nothing much has changed for the 2021 model, apart from the graphic.
The Heartbreaker's Score Breakdown
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 5.0 | 20/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #4
Board: K2 First Lite
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
Whilst not being that versatile when it comes to ability level (you’ll need to upgrade eventually), the K2 First Lite is really versatile when it comes to keeping your options open for the type of riding you will naturally flow towards. You can go anywhere and ride any style on this board.
But that’s not it’s real strength as a beginner board – it’s real strength lies in the fact that it’s easy to ride, catch free and confidence inspiring – so you can progress really fast on this board – and have a lot of fun in the process.
Check out the video for more on the First Lite
The following video is for the 2020 model, but nothing much has changed for the 2021 model, apart from the graphic
Score Breakdown for the First Lite
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 8/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #3
Board: Rossignol Gala
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 93/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (3/10)
**FAST PROGRESSION
The Rossignol Gala is the perfect balance of fast progression and versatility.
It’s an all mountain board and can take you into any style you naturally flow into – and it will get you there fast. It’s forgiving, catch-free, has easy maneuverability and is just a really easy going ride.
Check out the video for more on the Gala
This video is a couple of years old now, but nothing has changed with the Gala (bar the graphic of course).
Score Breakdown for the Gala
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.5 | 9/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #2
Board: Arbor Ethos
- CANADA
Beginner Board Rating Score: 93/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
The Ethos is practically the perfect board to start snowboarding on.
It's catch-free, easy to initiate turns on and super maneuverable at slower speeds.
It's a little on the looser side, which is a plus for initiating turns but can sometimes make coming off the lift a bit more challenging, but it's something you get used to.
Otherwise this is pretty much the ultimate board to get your snowboarding journey started on.
Learn More About the Ethos in the Video Below
The following video is for the 2019 model, but nothing much has changed for the 2021 model, apart from the graphic
Score Breakdown for the Ethos
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #1
Board: Nitro Lectra
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Beginner Board Rating Score: 94.0/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (3/10)
**FAST PROGRESSION
And finally the #1 board in this list is Nitro's Lectra.
This board has everything you want for your first board. It's easy to turn, easy to ride, maneuverable at slow speeds, makes it really unlikely to catch an edge. That, plus it's really versatile, so it can take you into whatever style you naturally progress towards.
It's also the equal cheapest on this list, so you won't have to make as much of an investment getting your first board.
Learn More About the Lectra in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Lectra
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 20/20 |
STABILITY | 4.5 | 18/20 |
TURNING EASE | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 10/10 |
VERSATILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHAPE & STANCE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
BASE | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94/100 |
Over to You
So there you have it – Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 10 Beginner Snowboards for Women for the 2020/21 season. Hopefully this has helped with your research and helped to narrow down your search.
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a 2020 model, it will likely be close enough to the 2021 model but you can get it cheaper, if available in a suitable size.
For the latest model check out the links under each board above. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
>>SNOWBOARDS AT THE EVO OUTLET STORE
Hi Nate,
I’m a beginner snowboarder looking to buy my first snowboard. Hoping to move from greens to blues in the upcoming season. I’m thinking of pre-ordering the K2 First Lite 2022 but I’m not sure if I should go with the 146 or 150 (or maybe I should go with a completely different board?) My first season I rode a used 150 intermediate Ride board. I’m also looking at the Libtech Glider 147, I’m open to any brand/price.
height 5’9”
weight 137 lbs
Thank you so much for any help and thank you for the post!
Hi Tess
Thanks for your message.
For the First Lite I would be leaning towards the 146. The 150 is doable, but I think it’s a size that would be more suitable for you as a more advanced rider. The Glider in 147 is also a good option. If you were wanting to look at something more intermediate, then you could also check out:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
But those 2 would be perfectly suitable. In general, I would look at something around that 146-148 range.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate — Thanks so much for the reviews and guidance on your site. I’m buying my girlfriend a setup in the offseason and need help on a direction to go.
She is 5’7″ 130-135lbs and size 8/8.5 boots.
She just learned how to link her turns and will be moving from greens to blues next season (hopefully). Looking for a more all-mountain/freeride focused board + what size to get here?
The size charts from the manufactures put her anywhere from 148-151cm but with your rec of sizing down, she should be more like 146cm maybe? Is 146cm ok even if they say the max weight of 130 and she’s 135?
Looking for something she can progress on quickly but will also last her into the lower intermediate phase for an extra year or so… if you have more recs please send em over:)
Current boards in consideration:
Rossi Gala ~146 or 150~
Salomon Lotus ~146 or 151~
Ride Compact ~146 or 150~
K2 Bright Lite ~146 or 149~ (if I can find one)
Thanks so much!
Hi Hayden
Thanks for your message (I got both messages, they just had to be moderated first – deleted the other one, just for tidiness)
Size-wise, I think around 146 is the best option. As a more advanced rider, I would say 148/149, but for now 145/146 is a better way to go. I wouldn’t worry too much about her being on the upper limit of the weight recommendations for some boards in that size range.
The Gala is potentially borderline too narrow for 8.5s. I’d say no problem with 8s and probably fine for 8.5s too, but just on the borderline.
Something like the Bright Lite is one that is a little better for lasting longer through your girlfriend’s progression but being just a little bit of a steeper learning curve, versus something like the First Lite. Note that the Bright Lite changed it’s name to the Dreamsicle for the 2021 model. So the last Bright Lite’s were 2020 models – which may explain why you’re having difficulty finding one. Though I’m not sure what the availability of the Dreamsicle is currently. Gala and First Lite probably 2 that are more beginner, beginner, and less suitable for intermediate riders. Still doable though.
Some other options that would fit well, IMO, taking into account:
– YES Emoticon (though might be borderline too freestyle oriented for what you’re looking for)
– GNU Chromatic
– Arbor Poporazzi Rocker (also potentially too borderline freestyle oriented)
– Never Summer Infinity (borderline too advanced, but would probably be fine, a good high-end beginner/low intermediate option)
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate,
I am looking to get my wife a board. She has been out about 6 times and is starting to get the hang of turning and stopping though still catching edges. I like the description of the YES emoticon and the Rossignol Gala. I’d love to go Capita Paradise but it is probably too expensive and advanced to go all in with that. I think the rocker/camber or camber/rockers are going to be better then the full rocker rentals she has been on (she has a problem with over turning/ not having much control over direction and generally spinning), so all these would accomplish that.
My question is sizing. She is 5′ 5″, 7.5 boot, 135 – 150 lbs depending on fitness level and diet. Height to her chin/nose is 143 cm to 146 cm. According the size charts they say she should be on something 149 cm to 152 cm, but your recommendations seem to go much shorter than that. So would you recommend 143, 146, or 149?
Follow up question. It says online women’s flex should be less stiff than men’s. I personally like 5/10 so I was thinking the 3/10 (Rossignol Gala) or 4/10 (YES emoticon) for her would be on point. Do you think 4/10 would be too stiff or just right? I don’t foresee her doing any park, for a really long time at least, but she has big dreams that I think align more with all mountain freestyle. And would you recommend the higher flex on matching boots and bindings as well? Would 5 or 6 throw off her feel, should match with 3 or 4, or does it even matter?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Neal
Thanks for your messages (got the other one too, just had to be moderated – deleted the other one as this one has all the info in it).
Emoticon and Gala are solid choices, IMO. The Emoticon is just that little bit more advanced, but still good for a beginner, IMO – but maybe just that slight bit steeper of a learning curve versus something like the Gala.
Size-wise, based on 140 lbs, I would say around 149 would be a good advanced level size. But as a beginner, sizing down is a good idea, so I would look at something in the 144-146 range. So, for both boards, I think 146 would be the best size. Width-wise both should work well with 7.5 boots.
For bindings and boots, I would try to match that flex of the board or go a little stiffer than board. But in her case, as a beginner, I would still keep to 4/10 flex or less. So, with the Emoticon you could match it with 5/10 flex boots and bindings, or 4/10, but in this case I’d stick to 4/10 where possible. For the Gala, anything 3/10 or 4/10.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I liked your review a lot, you really know your stuff! I’m thinking about buying my first board. I don’t go snowboarding too often, maybe 7-10 days per season. I’ve done 3 seasons now but I guess it can count as 1 since I haven’t snowboarded more than 7 days per season. I’ve always rented and am still a beginner struggling with my turns and getting scared when I go too fast. I do want to invest in a board to get more confident and progress but I’m not quite sure which board to go for.
I’m 158 cm and 48 kg (or 106 lbs)
I have thirtytwo w’s stw boa shoes in size 6.5
I go snowboarding in Europe so we have different conditions, both powder and ice.
I was thinking about getting Nitro Lectra 142 but I’m not quite sure if the size is right for me or should I go for something shorter. I like the design and the board is available in the store near me in this size which is why I’m leaning toward it. Was also looking at Rossignol Gala 142 but price wise Nitro is winning. In general, I want a board that will help me to finally feel confident and enjoy the ride but also will last me a few seasons since I don’t snowboard a ton.
If you have any other suggestions I would really appreciate them!
Thanks,
Nat
Hi Nat
Thanks for your message.
I think the 138 Lectra is probably more ideal for you, especially for right not as your progressing out of the beginner phase. 142 is on the big side for you, IMO, but it’s doable. I don’t think it will feel like a tank for you, but it’s on the big end of your range, IMO, and will be a little harder to ride and likely a slightly slower progression.
Ideally, I would be looking at something 136-139 in terms of length, for your specs/ability. 142 isn’t gigantic but just outside that ideal range, IMO.
Not sure what you have available to you, but something like the GNU Chromatic 140, GNU Gloss 136 (high-end beginner/early intermediate but at that size I don’t think you’d have any issues with it), Arbor Poparazzi Rocker 138, Arbor Ethos 138, Salomon Lotus 138, just looking at all-mountain/all-mountain-freestyle options in that size range, that are good in icy conditions.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I really appreciated reading your reviews, your clear and thoughtful explanations. I have an unusual body type, and I wondered if you’d be able to offer some board sizing advice. I live in Alberta, doing most of my boarding in the rockies. I’m a beginner, getting the hang of connecting turns and gaining confidence on beginner and intermediate slopes. I’m currently riding a beat up 135cm Jr. board that I purchased second-hand from a board rental shop at one of the resorts, and am looking to upgrade.
I’m an adult (37 yo)
I am 145cm tall (4’9”)
My height at my nose is 133cm
I weigh 125-128 lbs. (56.7-58 kg)
Shoe size: ladies 5 (US)/mens 3; I have second-hand K2 boys boots
I have new Salomon Rhythm bindings
I’m short but heavy! I was told by someone at a ski shop that the 138 Nitro Lectra will be too flexy for my weight and I’ll slide out, but I’m nervous to go longer, given my height. I was recommended the Jr. board, Nitro Future Team in 138. I’m not attached to any particular brand, I want the best thing for me. I would appreciate any advice you may have! Thanks!
Eva
Hi Eva
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, for your specs, as a beginner, anything 138-140 is a good length range to look at, IMO. I don’t think you’d have too many issues at your weight on the 138 Lectra. And the Future Team doesn’t look to be any stiffer flexing than the Lectra. Between those two options, I would go Lectra, because it’s narrower than the Future Team. With size 5 boots, you’ll want to go narrower than than something like the Future Team. If you were to go as wide as that, I think you’d want to size down more, to make up for that extra width.
In terms of narrow options, the GNU B-Nice 139 is also a good choice – and good for beginners. Or the GNU Velvet. It’s a little more advanced, but if you’re a high-end beginner, it should still work, just with a bit of a steeper learning curve. There’s also the Roxy Sugar Banana. Very beginner, but also a nice narrow waist. Or the Lib Tech Glider 139. Certainly more options if you wanted to go a little wider, but I would try to stay as narrow as possible, with 5s.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I was wondering if you’d be able to give me some advise on what board would be best for me. I am a beginner but have already been pretty successful at linking turns with the rental boards and am feeling really good and confident in my progress so far. So, I am looking to get my first board but am not sure which one would be good for me. I am 5 feet tall, about 100 pounds, and my shoe size is a US female 5.5-6 depending on the boot. I know I need a board with a smaller waist to accommodate my small feet, but don’t really want to get a kids board either. I also ride mostly on the icy east coast. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with all of us!
Hi Melissa
Thanks for your message.
Definitely agree that you want to go quite narrow. But there are definitely some narrower women’s options and you shouldn’t need to go to kids boards. I would try to go no wider than 232mm at the waist.
In terms of length, I think 139 absolute maximum. But if you can go shorter, I think 136-138 is a good range. You could even go a little shorter than that, but there aren’t really any women’s options I know of that are shorter than 136.
The following fit that range for size, and are also good in icy conditions and good for beginners:
– GNU Gloss 136 (226mm waist)
– GNU B-Nice 139 (226mm waist)
– Arbor Ethos 138 (231mm waist)
– Arbor Poparazzi Rocker 138 (231mm waist)
– Lib Tech Glider 139 (226mm waist)
– Roxy Sugar Banana 138 (226mm waist)
I would be leaning GNU Gloss or Roxy Sugar Banana, just because I think the sizing is the best for you. The Sugar Banana is a more pure beginner board, with the Gloss being a little step up. Still beginner friendly, but more high-end beginner – so if you feel your there, that might be a good option as it would last you further through your progression.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m new to posting so forgive me if I did it in the wrong place. I’m new to snowboarding, I’m 5’6’’ approximately 140lbs, and 8-8.5 shoe size. I’m looking at the Nitro Lectra but concerned if it’s too narrow for me? Also, in terms of length, what would you recommend? I’ll be happy to pick your brain on top options for me. Thanks so much for your time!
Hi Maria
Thanks for your message.
I think the 146 would be your best size in the Lectra and in that size, I think the width would be fine. Certainly if you end up in 8 snowboard boots. Borderline for 8.5s, but I think you would still likely be fine. But if you’re worried about it and would like other options, let me know and I would be happy to suggest some.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much, Nate!
I read snowboarding boots should be about 1/2 size below what you usually wear and it takes a couple of weeks to break them in. Do you think I should go with the 8 then? I borrowed an 8.5 from a friend and they fit well but I am also not sure what I am looking for in the fit. I feel like most athletic shoes I have are 8 but I like more room in normal boots so tend to buy 8.5, depending on brand of course. Also, do you think the union bindings would be a good choice?
Thanks again- I really appreciate your time and help!
Maria
Hi Maria
If you wear 8 in athletic shoes, then you’ll likely be an 8 in snowboard boots, but not necessarily. It somewhat depends on the brand too. If you’re unable to try on, I would check out the following to see what might fit you best.
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
If you can try on, then you want the fit to be so that your toes are just touching the end when standing. There shouldn’t be any big pressure there and certainly shouldn’t have to curl your toes, but just brushing is perfect. They will break in over time, but that’s a pretty good bet to be a good size to start out and won’t pack out too much after breaking in. If you try an 8.5 and feel like your toes aren’t brushing and then in the 8 your toes are crushed, then I would still go with the 8.5 – your toes would be very close to brushing, if you’re toes are being crushed in the 8, if that makes sense.
For stiffer boots it can certainly take a good while to break them in, but for softer boots, which I would recommend as a beginner, they will break in much quicker. They should feel pretty decent from day 1 and just a few days of riding to have them broken in.
The Union Rosa would be a great match for the Lectra – and a great beginner’s option too.
Nate, I forgot to ask for a couple more options you recommend for me if I can’t get my hands on a Nitro Lectra (which is looking pretty bad).
Thanks again for everything,
Maria
Hi Maria
If you’re not sure how you think you’re riding style will progress, then going for something all-mountain is a good idea – something that’s decent at everything. E.g. if you’re not sure if you’ll do any freestyle riding in the future, or whether or not you’ll ride powder etc. All-mountain-freestyle also pretty good bet, if you don’t think you’ll see much powder.
If you’re already interested in riding freestyle (jumps, tricks etc), then going for a freestyle board is a good bet. You can still learn all the basic technique on a board like that, and then it will be a good board to learn freestyle on, once you’ve mastered some basics. Then if you need a more advanced all-mountain board sometime down the line, you can either sell it or keep it as your dedicated freestyle/park board.
Most beginners opt for something all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle, but some kind of know what interests them already and then you can go for a more specific option.
Each board on this list has the style labelled.
In terms of size, I would be looking at anything between 144 and 147.
Thank you so much, Nate! This information has been all so helpful. Lastly, if I do invest in the Lectra and the Rosa bindings, do you think they will be good for a couple of years? Or if I progress quickly I’d have to switch the board and/or bindings? Also saw the Ethos at the store, but the guy helping me out said that the Ethos is good to start but once you reach a certain point, I’d have to switch to a new board to keep progressing. Just wanted your input! Thanks so much again,
María
Hi Maria
I think it depends on how often you’ll be riding. If you’re going up like 20+ days, then you’ll probably want to upgrade by the end of the season or within a season, if you progress quickly. If you’re only going up a handful of times each season, then I would say it’s good for a couple of years.
Hi Nate!
Wow, you sure know your stuff! I really like all your explanations here.
So, I’ll go ahead and ask for some advice 🙂
I am a beginner snowboarder, still at the level of taking some “shy” turns, and I am quite hung up on the Nitro Lectra. It seems to me that Nitros are a bit narrower than other brands, so I am not sure which size to choose. (Also, is this only my rookie observation, or are they indeed narrower? Any idea why is that so?)
My measurements:
Weight: 54kg (119lbs)
Height: 163cm (5’3)
Boot Size: 7 (Burton Limelight BOA)
I was thinking about choosing Nitro Lectra 142, but I am wondering if that is too narrow for me? Somehow, 146 seems a bit too long, considering that up until now I’ve been riding a Burton Ltr 140.
Thanks, looking forward to your reply!
Iulia
Hi Iulia
Thanks for your message.
In terms of length, I think anything 140-142 is a good range for you to look at as a beginner, so I agree that 146 would be too long.
The Lectra is a little narrower than the average I would say, but there are other options that are similarly narrower. With Burton 7s, I don’t think you would have any issues on the 142 Lectra in terms of width.
So I would go 142 for the Lectra.
Hope this helps
Hi- thanks for your info. Very helpful for new beginner. I tried out snowboarding once with rental requirement and felt the equipments were not perfect for my needs and always thought I can pick it up faster if I have the right tools. I am 4 11 in height, 122 lbs, shoe size 6 (8.5 inches foot measurement). I ordered k2 first lite 138cm, small union Rosa binding, and vans high standard og boot size 6. Will you say they are good combo or I need to make any adjustments?
Hi ADub
Thanks for your message.
I think that’s a really good beginner setup and should help you to progress nice and quickly, IMO. Seems like you’ve done your research. The gear choices and sizing and everything looks spot on to me.
Height 68 inches! I think I wrote 60inches
Hi Jeanette
Thanks for your message.
Firstly in terms of size, I think something 146-148 is a good range to look at for your specs/level.
I would say the Cadence is more of an intermediate level and up board, but in the Rocker version, it would be doable as a beginner board. Probably a bit steeper of a learning curve than the boards on this list, but doable. If you went Cadence, I would go 147 Cadence Rocker, and I think that would be doable, even if a little steeper of a learning curve – though it sounds like you picked things up quickly, so you’ll probably be OK on it, I think.
Hope this helps
So I really like the Arbor brand and their business motto. When I looked at their boards, I fell in love with the Cadence design. I am 68inches at 145lbs and rented a 8 boot. I just went for the first time yesterday. I used my friends board with camber, little flex and short for me. I was picking up connecting turns at the end of the day. Do you recommend either the arbor camber or rocker for a beginner? And what size would you recommend. They have some oddities. 148 or 152 for camber and 147 or 151 for the rocker. Also, do you think the Arbor Cadence is too advanced of a board to start?
Hi Nate,
I am a beginner rider. I am learning to link the turns now. I just bought the Burton Ritual snowboard boots in size 8 (it’s on sale) and now I looking for a beginner board. I’m debating between Arbor Ethos(141 or 144), Salmon Lotus(142cm) and YES Emoticon(143cm). In your opinion, what is the best board for me? I might go with Burton citizen binding or Arbor Acacia binding.
weight: 140 lb
height: 165cm
boot size: 8
Thank you so much & have a wonderful holiday.
Hi Grace
They would all do a good job. I think I would be leaning Ethos 144 or Emoticon 143, just because their better in terms of sizing, IMO.
Hope you have a great holiday too!
Hi Nate. I am a first time beginner in indiana. I will be mostly boarding on man made snow. I am looking into the k2 lite board but not sure about size. I also am looking into the vans hi standard og boots after reading your top 5 recommended womens boots.
I am 5’3 130lbs and wearing a size 6.5 in boots.
Will this board work for the width? And if so what bindings would you recommend?
Hi Lexi
Thanks for your message.
Generally speaking I would say 141-143 for you, lengthwise, so the 142 First Lite would be spot on, IMO. Width-wise is a good match as well.
The Vans Hi-Standard OG also a really good choice, IMO, assuming the fit is good for your feet.
For bindings, I would check out:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I am a beginner who bought a pass this year for big bear. I will be mostly riding bear mountain and snow summit in California. I know how to skateboard i’d say ok and pretty athletic but this is my first time ever snowboarding. Based on your recommendations I am very interested in the K2 First Lite 142 paired with union rosa bindings.
I am 5’4
120lbs
Size 8
I was wondering what your thoughts on this setup would be? Also what size bindings! Any other board recommendations would be great too. I just want the overall best board that can last me a couple of seasons as I progress. I can’t get my hands on a lectra
Hi Lizzy
Thanks for your message.
I think that setup would work really well for you and the sizing should be good too. In terms of binding size, if you’re going with the Rosa (which is a great beginner option), you should get the Medium (M).
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate!
What are your thoughts with the YES Emoticon as well? Now I’m deciding really between those 2 boards. K2 first lite and YES emoticon. Big bear can be icy sometimes and overall unpredictable snow conditions. What are the differences between these 2 boards?
Hi Lizzy
The Emoticon is better for hard/icy conditions, IMO.
The Emoticon is a little stiffer and just a little harder to turn, but a little more stable than the First Lite. It’s a small step up in terms of ability. It’s still certainly beginner friendly, but just ever so slightly harder to lean on. If you’re quite athletic though, I don’t think you would have any issues learning on it.
Thanks so much Nate for all the feedback. I think I’ll stick to the K2 first lite for the safe side and I’ll just have to upgrade in the future once my abilities are developed!
You’re very welcome Lizzy. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
I am a brand new beginner looking forward to this season. I’m 5’4 115-120lbs. Wondering what board you think would be best and what size? I can’t get my hands on a nitro lectra. So I was wondering what you think would be best! I’m a size 8 in shoes.
Hi Kimberley
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, as a beginner I would be looking at something around 139-141 for your specs. In terms of the board, something all-mountain is a good way to go, if you’re not sure what your style is going to be – or all-mountain-freestyle which are also pretty versatile. So something like the Rossi Gala, Arbor Ethos, K2 First Lite, YES Emoticon or GNU Chromatic.
Hope this helps
Appreciate the feedback Nate. I went and got fitted some boots actually and turns out I’m a 8.5 in the Burton Mint Boas. Does this change at all the size of the board you’d recommend? I asked the board shop sales employee what size they thought board id need and they said probably a 145 cm. Please advise! I hope you had a great holiday.
Hi Kimberley
In terms of length, I think you could eventually go up to something like a 145, as an advanced rider, depending on the style of riding you adapt – like if you end liking to ride fast or ride a lot of deep powder. But for now it would be too long, IMO.
In terms of width, it really depends on the particular board. For some boards you might need to go longer to get something wide enough, but in that case I just wouldn’t go with that particular board – so you can something with the right length and width.
For the boards mentioned, with 8.5s, the Gala, Ethos and First Lite you’d probably be fine width-wise on the 8.5s, particularly if you’re riding with binding angles like +15/-15, but if you wanted to play it safe, they might be pushing it a little narrow. The 143 Emoticon and Chromatic would be fine width-wise for you, IMO. A little longer than ideal, but better than going to 145, IMO. But yeah, I don’t think you’d have issues with the width of the others, but if you were concerned then those other 2 in 143 would definitely work.
Certainly other options that would have the right dimensions to work in smaller lengths. I wouldn’t compromise going that long just to get the right width, when there are plenty of options that will be wider in that 139-142 length range. Certainly a lot of the freestyle options on this list would be wide enough too.
Ok sweet! Yeah I thought 145 cm would of been too long as well. So right now I’m narrowing it down to Heartbreaker 139 2019/2020 or GNU Chromatic 143 2019/2020 last year models.
I did enjoy the video review of the heartbreaker! Would that width be ok? Thank you again
Hi Nate, sorry I was also able to find the nitro lectra 142cm! How would the width be on this one? Sorry for all the questions!
Hi Kimberley
I think the Lectra might be pushing it width-wise. I think if you’re definitely going to be riding +15/-15 binding angles, then you get away with it, but otherwise it’s probably a bit narrow.
I think you should be fine on the 139 Heartbreaker width-wise. With a zero degree back binding angle it could still be pushing it, but I think you would still be fine, particularly as a beginner. So pretty much any angle on that would be fine, IMO.
Gotcha ok so sounds like Lectra is out! I appreciate all the feedback.
One and last final question for you. If you were in my position which board would you go with riding on the west coast
139 Heartbreaker or possibly 143
143 YES Emoticon
I plan on using union rosa bindings size M with an 8.5 size boot (I think the L would be too big?)
Hi Kimberley
The 139 Heartbreaker would be the fastest/easiest progression, but something you might want to upgrade from fairly quickly after you’ve progressed, particularly if you’re not leaning towards freestyle riding.
The 143 Emoticon will be a slightly steeper learning curve but a little more versatile in terms of the style of riding and something you wouldn’t have to upgrade from for longer.
Yeah, I would go M for 8.5s for the Rosa.
Nate thank you so much for your time and help! I went with the Heartbreaker 139 cm with the rosa union bindings M. I think it will be fun to learn on this board and add to my quiver once I progress! Thanks so much again!!
You’re very welcome Kimberley. Happy riding!
Hi Nate, wondering if I can pick your brains?
I am a ski instructor but used to snowboard – probably last boarded 8 yers or so. I use to own two boards – an all mountain palmer liberty in a 150 and a burton g twin in a 147. I’m thinking of having a dabble again – I ended up preferring my gtwin because it was more fun on and around the piste. If the powder is deep I’d probably pick up my skis as I can skin to the best stuff more easily so the board would be mostly for the piste and side country – not keen on rails, but used to love a good kicker and just messing around with tricks.
Any recommendations for a board to get me back into it (tech has moved on a bit!), preferable a twin that can do a bit of everything. I’m 60kg and 168cm tall so sizing recommendations good too, I’m thinking 146-150.
I’ve been looking at the K2 limelight and the Spellcaster or the Salomon Gypsy as I can get good deals on RIDE, K2 and Salomon. Also looking at the K2 Hue binding – I used to use a Burton Lexa which I liked, but not keen to pay Burton prices when I can get a pro deal on other brands.
Thanks
Hi Rachel
Thanks for your message.
I think given that you used to snowboard, I don’t think it would take too long to get back into it, so you shouldn’t need to go beginner (and the boards you’ve mentioned aren’t beginner boards, but just because you’re on this page).
To me it sounds like an all-mountain-freestyle board is what you’re after. The Limelight is more what I would consider a park board. If you were doing more rails etc I think that would work, but I think you’re going to find it a bit soft overall and a bit too freestyle focused. The Spellcaster could definitely work, as would the Gypsy or the Salomon Rumblefish. The Ride Back Talk and Salomon No Drama could also be considered, but they are more aggressive options. If you wanted something more aggressive those could come into it, but otherwise, the Gypsy, Rumble Fish or Spellcaster, from those brands, is what I would be looking at.
Size-wise, I’d say 145-148, based on your specs and how you want to use the board and the type of boards you’re looking at. So for the boards mentioned, I would look at:
Gypsy 147
Rumble Fish 148
Spellcaster 147
Hope this helps
Nate! Your amazing man! Thanks for answering so many ppls questions and giving sizing advice. I’m going to use your knowledge also to get started in the sport. I’ve read most comments and found similar profiles but not exact..
Female 4’9”, 115#, women’s size 4 boot
Female 5’0”, 120#, women’s size 5-6 boot
Male 5’7”, 150-155#, men’s size 8 boot
All beginners. Ideally wanted to stay in adult boards unless you feel a youth shorter would be key to size and beginners. Almost just grabbed a lectra 138 and 142 for the girls but sold out every where 🙁
Boot size and board width I’m also concerned with for them I guess.
Hi Jared
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, that Lectra has proved to be very popular this year. Sold out really early.
Size-wise, I would say:
Female 4’9”, 115#, women’s size 4 boot – 136-138
Female 5’0”, 120#, women’s size 5-6 boot – 138-140
Male 5’7”, 150-155#, men’s size 8 boot – 150-152
Definitely a number of women’s boards still in that size range, so shouldn’t have to go to youth sizes.
Width-wise, I would try to get something narrow though for those boot sizes. So I would be looking at no more than a 232mm waist width for the size 5-6. And as narrow as possible for the size 4s.
So some options that would work well, IMO:
Female 4’9”, 115#, women’s size 4 boot
– GNU Gloss 136
– GNU B Nice 139 (as narrow as the Gloss but on the longer side)
– Nitro Lectra 138 (if you managed to find one!)
– Roxy Sugar Banana 138
All of the above have a 226mm waist width. For those lengths I wouldn’t go any wider than that. If you did want to go smaller, would have to look at youth boards.
Female 5’0”, 120#, women’s size 5-6 boot
– Arbor Ethos 138
– Arbor Poparazzi Rocker 138
– GNU B Nice 139
– GNU Chromatic 140
– K2 First Lite 138
– Roxy Ally 139
Male 5’7”, 150-155#, men’s size 8 boot
– Burton Instigator 150
– Burton Ripcord 150
– GNU Carbon Credit 150 (or potentially 153 if you felt you wanted to go a little longer)
– K2 Raygun 150 (or 153)
– K2 Standard 152
– Rossi Circuit 150
– Salomon Sight 150 (or 153)
– Salomon Pulse 152
Or if you wanted to step up to something slightly better, but with a slightly steeper learning curve – still easy enough to ride but not quite as beginner friendly, then something like:
– Never Summer Snowtrooper 152
– Rossignol Templar 153
– Capita Outerspace Living 152
Those should all be an appropriate size, including width for you.
Hope this helps
thanks again for all this info. Huge help.
Picked up GNU GLOSS 136. (brand new 202$.. the others wont be this cheap it appears ;/)
Heading out to grab GNU B NICE 139 (I was leaning toward the Poparazzi 138 for her but she likes BNICE graphic better and i dont know which would be better for her)
For me debating between. GNU carbon credit, Capita outerspace living. Arbor Forumla and GNU Money also sound similar from reviewing the first 2. You listed the Capita as able to grow into and be able to use longer. How much more forgiving for a beginner would the GNU be? Thoughts on those additional 2 boards?
Hi Jared
The Carbon Credit will certainly be more forgiving than the Outerspace Living (OSL) – and a different feel – a looser feel versus a more stable feel on the OSL. OSL a slightly steeper learning curve, but will give you more stability at speed when you start to ride faster. Just probably wouldn’t progress quite as quickly on it as something like the Carbon Credit. The Formula is more on the Carbon Credit part of the scale. Very forgiving. Maybe not quite as loose, but just as forgiving, I would say. The Money is basically the men’s equivalent of the women’s Gloss, so yeah, I think that would be doable for sure. It’s going to be a little less forgiving than the Carbon Credit, but a little more forgiving than the OSL still and not as stable feeling, but a little more stable feeling than the Carbon Credit, IMO.
Just wanted to say thanks again for the help.
went with. Gloss, Bnice, outerspaceLiving
looking to get 3-4 days/week on the slopes. so far so good. catching front edge sure sucks ha. heelside turning feels so much easier, feel like i’m really digging toes to try and turn that way and board barely goes that way… so i switch so i can heel that way ha. Fun stuff though
cheers
You’re very welcome Jared.
Yeah toe side is definitely more challenging to start. But actually becomes the edge that you end up being able to carve harder on as you progress. Stick with it and pretty soon you’ll even be preferring those toe side turns!
Happy riding!
Hello Nate,
This is a very organized and helpful review. I’m new to snowboarding, and just got my first board (Rossignol Fernemy Size 144) because of its high rating. But I saw some posts saying it’s not a very beginner-friendly board, so i’m hesitating about returning and replacing it with a K2 First Lite board which is on your list. What would be your suggestion?
Also, i’m a bit confused about the sizing for these boards. The Rossignal Fernemy only provides size 144 or above, but its length looks very similar to the K2 First Lite sizing 142. The only difference i saw between them is the width. I’m 160cm, 50kgs, and i’m assuming the right board size for me should be around 142 based on the size chart.
Can you provide me with some advice?
Best,
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte
Thanks for your message.
The Frenemy certainly isn’t a pure beginner board. But it’s not far off. I would say it’s a low-intermediate and up kind of board.
However, size-wise I think the 144 is too big for you. For your specs, something around 142 as a more advanced rider would be a good length, but as a beginner it’s a good idea to take off 3-5cm. So I would actually be looking at a range of 137-139 for you, ideally. So, depending on how close you feel you are to intermediate, the Frenemy might have worked OK, but in that size (which will make it more difficult to ride), I would personally choose something else.
For the First Lite, the 138 would actually be the better size, IMO. 142 doable, but 138 would be better, I would say. If you could also let me know your boot size though, to make sure it’s a suitable width. Width is also an important factor in sizing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! While keep waiting for my Gnu Chromatic also would like to ask about Never summer Shade. What can you say about this board? Is it beginner friendly or not?
Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi Elena
The Shade is a very easy going board – and definitely beginner friendly, IMO. Only reason it didn’t make this list really was price – at a better price it would likely have made this list.
Hi Nate! Thanks a lot for the explanation. Yes, the price bites 🙂
Am I right that Shade is more freestyle board? How it will go for all-mountain riding?
Hi Elena
Yeah it’s a freestyle oriented board for sure. Fine for casual all-mountain riding though. If you were to try to really bomb it down the hill or try some really deep carves on it, you might find it wanting, but for casual all-mountain riding it’s fine. Not terrible in powder – there’s a good bit of rocker in the profile. And if you set the bindings back for powder days that would help, but not an out and out powder board by any means. For more details, you could check out my review of the Never Summer Dipstick at the link below (the Dipstick is the men’s equivalent of the Shade – essentially the same boards, but different sizes/graphics):
>>Never Summer Dipstick Review
Hi Nate,
If you don’t mind I would like to hear your advice on board length for my wife. She wants to buy the Burton Hideaway.
My wife would like to try snowboarding for her first time in this coming season. She ski for a couple of seasons but broke her ACL 2 years ago, she now wants to give snowboarding a try.
She weights 52kg, 170cm tall. She will be wearing a US 8 Burton Photon (Step On) boot, but somehow for regular shoe she normally wears US 6.5. Thank you!
Forgot to mention the Burton Hideaway comes in lengths of 140, 144, 148, 152, 155 fyi. Thanks!
Hi Johnny
Thanks for your message.
For your wife’s specs I would say something around 145, 146 as an all-mountain size at an advanced level. Taking off 3-5cm would put her somewhere around 141-143. 140 or 144 would certainly work, but I would be leaning towards 140 for your wide, particularly given that she’s brand new to the sport.
Hope this helps
PS: Any reason why she is in Men’s step on boots? Or did you mean the Felix Step On?
Hi Nate,
Yes I meant women Felix US 8 Burton boot, my bad. Thank you very much for your advice. Good one!!
Hi Johnny
Thought so – all the names can get very confusing! And you’re very welcome. Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
Thank you very much for the recommendations!
I think I will go with 143 GNU Chromatic and Union Rosa bindings. But also would like to ask about Flux Gu bindings too.
What should I pick with Chromatic board?
Sincerely,
Elena
Hi Elena
Both the Rosa and GU would be a good match for the Chromatic, IMO. Probably the biggest thing to choose between them, is that the Rosa will provide more shock absorption than the GU, but the GU will have better response than the Rosa.
Hi Nate!
And can you advise about bindings size? Right now can’t decide between Rosa and Gu. So, if you can give recommendations for both will be great. I’m riding in Burton Coco boots now in US 7,5 size. I should go with M Rosa?And what for the Gu? XS or S?
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Hi Elena
Yes the M Rosa would be the best size for the Rosa. For the GU, the S would be your best size, for sure.
Hi Nate! Thanks a lot foe you recommendations. But I have another question. I changed my boots to Burton Limelight in 8 size ’cause my Coco in 7,5 became to tight for me 🙁 . And I’m already ordered a Gnu chromatic in 143. Will it be OK? Or while my order in process I should change a board size? Thanks a lot!
Hi Elena
No I wouldn’t change the size of the board. It’s easily still wide enough for 8s, IMO. And the Limelight are still a good match flex-wise to the Chromatic too.
Hi Nate!
Like you reviews very much.
Also need help cause I can’t decide between Burton Hideaway and GNU Chromatic. After rehabilitation I go into snowboarding again and used Burton Stylus board in 142 cm. Now I want a forgiving board on which I could progress. And what board size will you recommend if my height is 162 cm?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Elena
Thanks for your message.
If you could also let me know your weight and boot size. Height is one factor but weight and boot size are more important for snowboard sizing. If you’re not comfortable posting those things here, let me know and I’ll let you know how you can send me a private message.
Between the Hideaway and the Chromatic, it would depend on what you’re looking for. They are both really good beginner options. I would say the Chromatic is a little looser feeling, but a little more versatile. The Hideaway is a freeride oriented board – if you were looking to just learn how to ride and maybe try some powder in the future, then this would be a good option. If you were thinking you might want to keep your options open to learn to ride switch and more freestyle stuff, as well as just general riding, then the Chromatic would be the better option.
Note that the 2021 Chromatic is a little different. It’s got a bit of setback stance, so will be a little better for powder than the 2020 model and not quite as good for riding switch as the 2020 model.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for the answer! That’s no problem my weight is 58 kg and boot size is 7,5 (23 cm).
I think that I want to learn how to ride good and try freeride in future. But also want to keep mind open to switch. Maybe something like all-mountain. So, the 2021 Chromatic and 2021 Hideaway are both will be good in powder?
Hi Elena
The 2021 Chromatic will be better in powder than the previous versions, but still not as good as the Hideaway, but it will certainly be good enough, IMO. Especially as you’re probably not going to be riding in waist deep powder any time soon, right? So, you’re not going to notice that much difference in that sense at this point. So, I would probably lean towards the Chromatic for you, since it’s going to be easier to ride switch.
Size-wise, I would go for the 143. I think that would be a good length and width for your specs, ability level and desired riding style. There’s an argument you could go to the 146, but I think 143 would be your best bet.
Hi Nate! Thanks a lot.
Oh, no deep powder soon, unfortunately. 😔And Chromatic will be better on wet and icy snow? And what bindings will work well? Union Rosa?
Hi Elena
Yes in my opinion Chromatic will be better in icy snow. Union Rosa definitely a good match, IMO. If you want to check out more options see:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
But as you’ll see, the Rosa is in there and will work well with the Chromatic, IMO.
Hi Nate!
Thank you for this top, I will go with Nitro Lectra, but I’m not very sure about the specs, so I will ask for your help. Some words about me:
– I’ve been snowboarding for 4 years, you can say that I’m beginner to intermediate by now, but I don’t feel like I’m very confident on my moves (I panic when I catch some speed and I can barely control the board to rectify the position), and this is why I will choose a beginner board.
– I am 55-56kg weight and 171-172cm height
– I have a pair of boots Burton Mint 8.5US for girls
I always rented boards from 149 to 152cm.. can this be the reason why I am still not very confident? Were they too long/heavy for me?
Thanks,
Anca
Hi Anca
As per my response here I think the 146 is your best bet for the Lectra, and that yeah, I think you’ve been riding a little bit too long. For more details, please see my response on the other post.
I ride just 1 week out of the season, keep to greens and blues, I have done blue black at Mammoth recently. I am having the hardest time finding a women’s petite board. I currently ride 144cm board for 3 seasons now, but realize it is way too big for me. I am an adult woman weighing in at 110lbs standing 4ft 9inches tall. I really want to progress and keep up with my family. I think I haven’t yet because my board has been too big for me. Any recommendations on boards? Based on my research I should be riding around 130cm. I would love a board that could do it all, groomers, powder, trees, and some playfulness so I could work on my butters and 360. Please Help!!!
Hi Tiffany
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would say something around 135 would be a good size at a more advanced level, but it sounds like you’re probably more at intermediate level, if I have that right? In which case, I’d probably look in the range 132-134. So, IMO, 144 is too long, as you suspect.
The shortest women’s boards tend to be no more than 136cm. If you wanted you could probably get away with 136, given that you’re used to riding a 144, if you really wanted to go for a women’s board. Otherwise, there are plenty of suitable options for kids boards in that size.
If you could also let me know your boot size, which is also really important when sizing a board. Once I have your boot size, I would be happy to look for some suitable options for you in that size range (or if you’d prefer to go for a 136 women’s board, I can let you know the options there too).
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thanks for all the great information. I am looking to purchase a board and wanted your input:
I am around 135lbs, 5’1″, and boot size 6.5 (I wear the Burton Mint BOA). I am a beginner and still learning how to link my turns. I live in MA so I ride mostly in hard/icy conditions. I am looking for a board that is extremely forgiving and catch free, and can provide me with tons of stability. FYI I’m super scared of heights and get anxious with steep trails (even greens) so I really need a board that will help build my confidence so I can keep progressing.
Could you give me your feedback on board sizing and which boards would be best based on the above?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Giovana
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would say something around 140-142 for your specs as a beginner – and getting a good mix of stability and ease of turning (which is also helped by the design of the board, but size matters too).
For something fitting that criteria, and good in icy conditions, I would be looking at:
– YES Emoticon 143 (just outside that 140-142 range but would still work)
– Nitro Lectra 142
– Rossignol Meraki 140 (would have been number 11 on this list – and in terms of being forgiving and catch-free it’s as good and it’s great for icy conditions).
Hope this helps
Very helpful, thank you- I went with the Nitro Lectra 142cm 🙂
Quick question… I decided to go for Union Rosa bindings (model 2020). I checked your bindings size article as well as Union’s website/size chart and I am not sure which size I should get. Based on Union’s chart, I could get either a S or M. My boot size is women’s 6.5, or 23.5 (and I have the Burton Mint Boa boots). Which size would you recommend? I am leaning towards Medium given that is what is most available, but would appreciate your feedback!
Thank you so much!
Hi Giovana
Awesome that you’ve chosen your board! Hope it treats you well.
In terms of sizing for the Rosa’s, I think you’ll be good in either size in terms of your boots. You would get a snugger fit in the S, I would say, but I don’t think you would be swimming in the M. The advantage of going M, is that the base plate will be a little longer which will give you more leverage to the edges of the board. I don’t think the M would be too long for the width of the Lectra 142, so it’s an option for sure. So, I think it depends on whether you prefer the idea of a snugger fit or a bit more in terms of leverage on the edges of the board. Both will be relatively subtle differences.
Hey Nate,
Thank you so much for you review! I am a beginner at snowboarding, went twice to Austria for some snowboarding but I still find it very hard especially with my toe turns and when its flat.
So I am looking at 2 boards but I find it hard to choose which one, I am thinking of the Rossignol Gala or the Burton Stylus, what would you recommend? and as well what length would you go for? I am 5’2 (160 cm) and between the 68-70 kg.
Forget to mention my boot size is a 4 🙂
Sorry thats EU size 37 ( uk: 4) My snowboard boots are size EU 38 (Uk:5)
Hi Janice
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, for those boards, I would be looking at a range between 144-146. So for the Gala, that would be the 146 for the Gala.
It would be between the 142 or 147 for the Stylus. Since the Stylus is a more freestyle oriented board, I would be leaning towards the 142, just because if you were to get into freestyle riding later on, and kept it as your dedicated freestyle board, that would be the best size. However, you could go 147 if you wanted that longer length. The 142 would be an easier board to maneuver. It’s also a better width for your boot size, IMO.
Between the two boards, they are both really good as beginner boards. The Gala is a little more versatile, in terms of if you were to branch out into riding powder at some stage and is still good for riding freestyle. But both are fine as boards to learn the basics on – and for just cruising the groomers.
Size-wise, I would be leaning towards the Gala. I think it’s a slightly better size for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, thanks a lot for your reply 😀
You’re very welcome Janice. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Great post! Happy that some of the models you’re suggesting are on sale where I’m from.
I’m a beginner, I’ve had around 8 snowboarding trips throughout the years but still not quite there yet. I can turn on green runs, but when I’m on intermediate slopes (I guess 20 deg+) I have a hard time turning with confidence.
I was looking at the Gala but I’m 5’1 and their shortest is 142. When I rent I notice they give me anywhere from 136 to 140.
Should I stick to other models and prioritize board length?
The other boards I’m looking at are Salomon Subject, Salomon Oh Yeah, Burton Hideaway, Ride Rapture, Rossignol Myth.
Hope you can help me out!
Hi Angelica
Thanks for your message.
As all of these boards work well as beginner boards (though I can’t really comment on the Salomon Subject as it’s not a board I’m familiar with), I would go with the best size for you. Size is a really important part of choosing the best board for you. In terms of size, if you could also let me know your weight and boot size, then I could recommend what I think would be the best size for you. Whilst I like to take height into account, weight and boot size are the most important sizing factors.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m a beginner and looking at the Ride compact, Ride heartbreaker or Arbor Poparazzi Rocker. I’m a little picky about graphics too. These seem to fit my taste. I’m looking for something I can grow into and use year after year as I get better. I’ve been using a 138 burton rental. I’m 5’4″ 128 lbs size 8 boot. Which board would you recommend and what size?
Hi JD
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Heartbreaker would be the easiest to ride/progress on, but will be less suitable as you get better. The Poparazzi will be the board that will be a better fit for progressing with you as you get better. The Compact better than the Heartbreaker for later too, so I would be debating between the Compact & Poparazzi, leaning slightly towards the Poparazzi.
Size-wise, I would go a little longer than the 138 you’ve been riding. I would say something between 141-143 would be a good range to look at for you, as a beginner.
So for the Compact, I would say 142 and if you went Poparrazi Rocker, then the 141. You could go up to 144 on the Poparazzi rocker too, if you really wanted it to be more geared towards when you’re a better rider. However, that would make it a steeper learning curve.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank you so much! I’ve been hearing mixed things from various places, so this is truly helpful. I really am leaning towards the Ride Compact but I was told the camber profile would take a little getting used to, but since I’m learning anyway, it doesn’t seem to be that big of an issue for me. I really like the poparazzi rocker but that “squirrely feel” makes me a little nervous. Thanks again!
You’re very welcome JD. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go with and how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow.
I’m torn between the Salomon Lotus and the Rossignol Gala, I’m a beginner linking turns and starting to get into finding my style of riding.
I currently ride a Morrow Wildflower that’s 10 years old and feels like a 2×4 under my feet. I want something with more flex and easy ride feel so I can work on more effortless relaxed carving.
I also want my next board to last me a long time through intermediate. I live on the East Coast so icy conditions are common. Between the Lotus and the Gala, which would you suggest for what I’m looking for?
Hi Juliet
Thanks for your message. Given that you want something that will last through intermediate and you’re a high-end beginner (if I have that right), then I would also look into the following:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
And since you’re looking for something good in icy conditions, and want a flexier option, I would look at something like the YES Emoticon, Lib Tech Glider, Endeavor Ranger or Never Summer Infinity. Or you could go for something like the GNU Gloss too.
If it’s just a choice between the Lotus and Gala though, then I would be leaning towards the Lotus, just because there’s a bit more in terms of edge-hold of hard/icy conditions there. Not as easy as a pure beginner board as the Gala, but something I’m sure you would have no trouble with, if you’re a higher end beginner.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I’m a beginner and looking to purchase my first snowboard. I’m 5’6 120lbs with size 9 boots. I was thinking about getting the Rossignol Gala, but not sure if I should get the 142 or 146. Also I’m worried about the width. Which size would be best for me? Or do you think I should consider another board due to my boot size? If so, which would you recommend for someone extremely new looking to build confidence?
Hi Kelsey
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I would go 142 for your specs, as a beginner. But like you say, the biggest concern there is the width. I think you’d likely get away with it, if you’re riding +15/-15 angles. It’s on the narrower side of your range, but as a beginner you won’t be getting really high on your edges, like really aggressively carving or anything, which is when the greatest risk for boot drag is.
That said, if you’re really worried about that, then something like the following would give you more leeway width-wise, but still be a very good, easy going board to progress on:
– Burton Stylus 142 (241mm waist width)
– YES Emoticon 143 (237mm waist width)
– Burton Hideaway 144 (237mm waist width)
Generally speaking something around 141-143 length-wise is a good bet. A lot of boards in that range are similar or even narrower than the Gala, but these are some that are a little wider. But yeah, I’d say you’d get away with the Gala width-wise, but there it is on the narrow side for 9s for sure.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi, I’m a beginner snowboarder. Currently I have an old used Burton Blunt, which I guess is too stiff for me (I’ve used this board for almost 2 seasons). This year I’m ready to invest in a new board and improve a lot, but I’m completely lost what board to get. I can’t choose between Burton Stylus, Capita Space Metal Fantasy and Salomon Oh Yeah. I want a board for a few seasons. I’m 169cm and 59kg. My board at the moment is 147. I would be very glad to get some advice what to get.
Thanks,
Viktorija
Hi Viktorija
Thanks for your message.
Firstly in terms of length, I don’t think you’re too far off at around 147. I would say ideally, though, as a beginner with a little bit of riding time under their belt, that something around 144 to 146 would be your best bet.
The Stylus, Space Metal Fantasy and Oh Yeah are all really good beginner board options. Keep in mind that they are all quite freestyle focused. But that doesn’t mean you have to ride any kind of freestyle on them, but just for future reference when you become more advanced. But great options for progressing quickly on.
I think the Space Metal Fantasy in the 145 would be the best size for you. The Stylus you’d probably want to go 147 and the Oh Yeah either 143 or 147.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate!
Thanks for leaving the review, it was super helpful! Just curious, did you consider the Rossignol Meraki for this list? I’m torn between the Gala and Meraki but have heard great things about both, so was wondering if it just didn’t make the list for you and if so, why.
Thanks again!
Hi Pauline
Thanks for your message.
The Meraki actually made the list last season. The only reason it didn’t make the list this year is because it went up in price a little bit. That reduced it’s price points. But otherwise still a very good beginner option (and was only one place out from making the list again). So, if it’s within your budget, still a very good beginner board option.
Hi Nate,
I have only snowboarded once before, looking to buy the nitro lectra. I am 174cm and about 65-70Kg. Would I get the 146cm or 149cm size board?
Thanks!
Hi Emma
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, as a beginner, I would go for the 149.
Hope this helps
HI,
I am searching for a beginning board for my daughter. She has been a couple of times and loves it. We live in the south and tend to go in the eastern areas. Which can have a lot of ice at times. She is around 140 lbs, 5’4, and wears a size 10 shoe. I have been confused on which board to purchase her. She will also need boots and bindings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. She is 19 and athletic so she picks things up easy. Thank you for your time.
Hi Janet
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I would be looking at something around 145-147 for your daughter.
Width-wise, assuming she ends up in size 10 boots, I would say around 243mm to 252mm in terms of waist width.
The width factor will make some of the boards on this list too narrow, but the following would be a good option:
-Burton Stylus 147 (though not the best in icy conditions)
And a couple of options not on this list:
– Lib Tech Glider 147
– Salomon Lotus 146
Or if you think she has/is going to progress really quickly, then you could also check out:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
The Salomon Rumble Fish 148 is the only one I can see that would be in the width range though.
Another option, if she was open to it, is to check out some men’s options. Some options come in shorter sizes, but will be wider. If none of the above work for you, then let me know if she’s open to look at men’s boards, and I can provide some options.
Hope this helps with your search
Hi! I’m looking to get my first board this year, I seem to be between beginner and intermediate so I’m quite confused as to which board i should get. I have been on a board about 4 times now, mainly go in the French alps, but it’s always been with rental boards so far. I can come down a blue or red quite easily by now.
I’m 173cm, 60kg and wear a UK5 boot. I’ve got Salomon pearl 19 boots.
I’m looking for something that won’t break the bank and what I’ll be able to use for some years to come. I think I prefer a softer board but i love to ride powder more than the hard tracks.
I’ve been looking at salomon gypsy, K2 bright lite, nitro lectra so far.
Just looking for a recommendation for the size as well as the bindings to go with.
Thanks!
Hi Rey
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I think something 146 to 148 would be a good range to look at for your specs/ability/preferences.
Since you’re looking to ride the powder a bit, I would be leaning towards the Lectra and Bright Lite out of those 3, just because the Salomon Gypsy is a centered true twin, so it won’t float as well in powder – particularly if you start getting in deeper powder.
You could also check out the following list for more options for that high-end beginner, low-end intermediate kind of range:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
The Never Summer Infinity could be a good match – something that’s still quite soft, but also quite good in powder. But certainly the Lectra and Bright Lite still good options too.
In terms of bindings. If you’re going to go with a board around that 3/10, 4/10 flex range, then bindings around a similar flex is a good idea. I would check out the following:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
Even though that second list is titled “freestyle” – you don’t have to ride freestyle with them, that’s just the name I’ve given it as bindings in that flex range tend to be good for freestyle – but also good for beginner/intermediate riders and generally matching with softer flexing boards.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for such a quick response!
This helped a lot, especially te sizing. So far I’ve only been on boards 150+ i think, so I’m curious to see how big of a difference a smaller board would make.
Found a really good deal on nitro lectra so I think I will be going for that. Unless you think the Rossignol Gala could also work for what I’m looking for?
Thanks so much!
Hi Rey
I think the Lectra would be a good choice and if you can get a good deal on an appropriate size, then that’s a good way to go. The Gala would also work for what you’re describing, so also a good choice. I would say that the Lectra is slightly better in harder conditions vs the gala, in case you need a tie breaker.
Hey Nate!
Thanks so much for this very helpful review! My sister directed me to your page since you helped her in ultimately choosing her Rossignol Gala board last year that she loves!
I’d love your advice on what board I should get. I’d consider myself a progressing beginner. Have gone snowboarding about twice a season (usually in Utah and Colorado) for the last 2 years and loved it — figured it was time to get myself my first board! 🙂 I live in Boston now and bought my first epic pass this season! I definitely plan to take advantage of all the nearby NE resorts but also plan to go back to UT/CO this season as well. I’m around 5’7″, not sure what my snowboard boots are (honestly forgot what I used to rent and need to buy some soon) — prob around US women size 7.
I’m currently looking at the Rossi Gala 146 since my sister loves hers. Also interested in the GNU B-Nice Asym BTX 145. Love to hear your thoughts on the two? thank you!!!
Hi Bonny
Thanks for your message.
Both of those boards would be great options as a beginner. I would be leaning towards the B-Nice Asym, just because it handles hard/icy conditions better, which you’re likely to get in New England right? – that or the GNU Chromatic. The YES Emoticon is another option that works well in hard/icy conditions and another great beginner option. Maybe slightly more advanced (but still very much beginner) than the Gala/B-Nice but since you’ve had a few days, I don’t think it would be a problem.
Size-wise, weight has more to do with sizing than height these days. Height comes into it, but weight and boot size are more important. If you can let me know your weight, then I can more accurately recommend the correct size.
Thanks so much for the fast reply!!
I’m around 135- 140 lbs. And yes — will see more hard/icy conditions this year. But I’m only planning to stay in the northeast for 1 year and after that, will likely be going more to Utah, Colorado, California and Canadian locations. So I’d definitely want a board that would be great in those less icy places as well! Last year I was very comfortable riding green and occasionally some blues. How is the Solomon Lotus? I’m pretty sure that I’ve rented that board before. Was trying to read all about camber and rocker to see what I would need — but got super confused haha!
Could I ask you also about board sizing recommendation for my husband. He’s a way better snowboarder than me. Is comfortable with blues. He’s weighs around 160-165 lb and boot size 10.
Thank you!!!!
Hi Bonny
The Lotus is a good beginner option. The only thing that makes me hesitate a little on it, is that it has flat camber sections towards tip and tail rather than rockered sections. Typically rocker in that area makes a board more catch-free. The flat sections will be better than having camber there, but not as good as having rocker. In terms of riding in non-icy conditions the likes of the Emoticon and B Nice will perform fine in those places too – they’re just a little better when it comes to hard/icy conditions.
Size-wise, I would say go for something around 147 to 149 for you. So for the boards mentioned, I would go with:
Gala:146 (I’d err on the shorter rather than longer side of that range, but the 150 would be doable too)
Emoticon: 149
B Nice: 148
Lotus: 146
For your husband. Can you let me know his height. Sorry, I know I just mentioned that weight and boot size are the most important, but I do like to take height into account as well.
Thanks Nate!!!
I just bought my snowboard boot and I’m a US size 7.5. Would those sizes for the boards be appropriate for my boot size?
He’s 5’7.5”
Thanks again Nate!!!
Hi Bonny
You’re very welcome.
All those widths should be fine for your boots, I would say. Certainly they’re all wide enough. The width on the Lotus might just be getting on the slightly too wide side of things. Doable, but wider than ideal, IMO.
For your husband, I would say something around 155, 156 would be a good range to look at.
Hi Nate!
First of all, thank you for all the information you’ve posted online!. Both interesting and helpful!.
I’m considering buying my first snowboard. I rode for 4 years, then gave up for the sake of motherhood and this year returned to the snow with my son!. So I figure it’s time to have my own snowboard. I don’t consider myself a begginer, but I’m not a solid intermediate either. I’ve learnt with rental gear (mainly men’s gear) therefore I’m quite sure that having my own board will help me progress.
I find 3 boards very interesting: rosignol’s frenemy, burton’s yesayer and jones’s dream catcher. I want an all mountain board as I don’t do park, and also want to enjoy and have fun, being able to ride in most conditions and terrains.
I’m also not very sure about which size I should get. I’m 168 cm tall and wieght between 54-58 kg. I usually ride 145 boards, but perhaps a longer one will work better for me.
I would really appreciate it if you could give me your thoughts.
Thanks so much,
Kind regards.
Vanina
Hi Vanina
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, in terms of length, I wouldn’t go too much longer than 145. For your specs, at an advanced level, for an all-mountain board, I would say around 147, but as a high-end beginner/low intermediate, as it sounds about where you are, you could certainly take some length off that. And if you don’t intend to be riding fast/aggressive, then there’s not much advantage to going longer. That plus if you will be riding with your son, it might be beneficial, at least to begin with, to go shorter rather than longer. Shorter boards are easier to maneuver at slower speeds. The big advantages of going longer – more stability at speed and more float in powder. If those aren’t big things, then I would be thinking a little shorter rather than longer. So around that 143-145 range sounds like it would suit you well. But if I have your desired riding style wrong, then this could be adjusted of course.
Getting your own gear will certainly help you to get better, faster, than hiring gear, so good call there. A few things about the boards you’ve listed.
The Frenemy would be a good option, IMO, and the 144 a good size. It’s not a beginner board, but a good board for a high-end beginner/low intermediate looking to progress and will still be a board that you can ride and enjoy as a more advanced rider.
The Dream Catcher is, IMO, just that little bit above, in terms of ability. I would say it’s something that’s better if you’re already at a solid intermediate level. It’s not stretching way too far, but just stretching slightly further than ideal, IMO. If you were to go for it, then the 145 would be a good bet. This is the kind of board that can be ridden a little longer, so 148 isn’t out of the equation either but I would be leaning towards 145 if you went with this, partly because it’s a little more advanced, and going shorter will make it easier to manage.
The Yeasayer (I’m assuming you’re talking about the Flat Top version (it also comes in a flying V) looks like a good option on paper. It’s not something that I’ve ridden an equivalent men’s version of exactly, but I think it would work well as an intermediate/just under intermediate option. I hired someone to test women’s snowboards in the winter, and she did get on the Yeasayer. She thought it was a little stiffer flexing than it’s rated and what she was expecting and not quite as nimble at slow speeds as she was expecting, but found that it performed really well in uneven terrain and crud. However, she did mention at times it felt a little catchy. Which surprised me, as the specs don’t suggest that, but wanted to mention that so you have all the info available.
For more options check out the following, which I created specifically for those at that high-end beginner going on intermediate kind of level (you’ll see the Frenemy in there):
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thanks so much for all the amazing feedback and for taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly!!.
I agree the dream catcher may be a little out of my league, but the challenge is what made me look at this board. I wouldn’t define myself as an aggressive rider, but I do enjoy catching speed. What I want is to be more in control and feel more confident in these cases, specially in uneven terrain.
On the other hand, I believe the frenemy to be more playful and perhaps better for me at this stage.
The yesayer was my weakest option, and after your input I can cross it out.
I will be traveling to the US on December, so I still have time to make up my mind.
One last question, whether I choose the dream catcher or the frenemy, do you think that Burton’s Scribe bindings can work for any of these boards?.
Again, thanks so much!
Kind regards,
Vanina
You’re very welcome Vanina.
Yeah the Scribe would be a good match for these boards, IMO. Probably the best match with the Frenemy, but would certainly work with the Dream Catcher too. The only thing to watch out for is to make sure you get the Re:Flex version of the Scribe and not the EST version (the EST is only designed to fit on Burton boards).
Thaks so much! You’ve helped me a whole lot!
Kind regards from Argentina.
Hi Nate,
Great article and reviews!
I’m a beginner (ride only green paths and still fall at least once when connecting turns). I’m 5’1, 110 lbs and 5.5 boot size. Could you give me advice on what kind of board I should get from your list and what size it should be? I’d really appreciate it!
Hi Julia
Thanks for your message.
I would look at the GNU B-Nice Asym 139 and the Roxy Sugar Banana 138. They are both good beginner boards, and would be a good size for you.
For your specs, I would say no longer than 139 as a beginner – and with size 5.5 boots, most boards are too wide to be ideal, without going into kids boards. These two are narrower widths, which are much more suitable for your boot size than most women’s boards. So, yeah, I’d go with one of those, unless you wanted to look into kids boards.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Do you think Nidecker Angel Snowboard (139cm) will work or is it too flex for beginners? I also found K2 Kandi Girls Snowboard (137cm) and Rossignol Myth (139cm) on sale, so was wondering if they are a good choice? Thank you!
Hi Julia
I don’t test Nidecker gear, so I’m not sure if the 5/10 flex rating the Angel gets is accurate or not. But if it is, I’d say just a bit stiff for a beginner. And the width is on the wide side for your boots too, so the combination of those 2 things, and it’s not as good an option, IMO.
The Myth is a very good beginner board and the size isn’t too far off – so I’d say that’s a doable option, but on the bigger size with combination of length and width to be ideal size-wise.
The K2 Kandi would be a great size for you, IMO. And likely to be a very easy board to get started on. The only thing to think about is whether it’s something that could be a little too easy once you start to progress. But if that’s not a concern for you, then that would be a great option.
Hi Nate,
I bought Roxy Sugar Banana 138, Burton Citizen bindings size S, and thirtytwo Shifty Boa boots size 5.5. Thank you so much for your advice and helpful articles!
You’re very welcome Julia. Awesome that you have your setup sorted. Now just gotta wait for the snow!
Hi Nate,
My wife Recently bought the new Rosignol Gala snowboard. She is 5’2 and weighs 119 lbs and bought a 142cm board. She is a bit past a beginner but still picking up the ropes. She is now worried that the board will be too short for her weight and if she should return it for a 146cm board. Any advice you could shed would be greatly appreciated.
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
In my opinion 142 is spot on for your wife. Even potentially on the longer side as a beginner, but spot on for when she’s at a more advanced level – and should be fine for now too – especially since she’s already a bit past beginner. Rossignol’s weight recommendations are notoriously on the light side, IMO, so I wouldn’t be too worried about their weight guidelines. I would personally stick with the 142 for her.
Hope this helps
Hi all,
I’m a beginner and I really have a hard time deciding between buying either Nitro Lectra 2019 or Bataleon FeelBetter.
I want to get a board that can help me progress easily, that can be catch edge free, help me with my turns and also be enjoyable for when I am an intermediate rider going to advanced.
Need all mountain, versatile, because I do not know what is my style of riding is and I would like for it to allow me to explore many of the riding styles.
Hi Georgina
Thanks for your message.
I don’t test Bataleon gear, so I don’t have any first-hand experience with them, so this is purely based on specs.
At face value, the Feelbetter doesn’t look to be the best beginner’s choice being traditional camber, but looking further into it, with the 3BT and sidekick and very subtle camber, it sounds like it’s probably actually fine in terms of not being catchy. The Nitro Lectra certainly not catchy. The Feelbetter does look to be a good beginner’s choice.
The Lectra is what I would term “all-mountain” and the Feelbetter “all-mountain freestyle” – both versatile types, but the all-mountain perhaps being slightly more versatile. But if you weren’t looking to ride powder any time soon, then that would be the only downside, of going with something like the Feelbetter, IMO.
If you picture yourself riding powder at some point with the board, then I would go Lectra, otherwise, I would go with whichever had the closest to perfect size for you. If you want my opinion on sizing, I would be happy to offer it (also very important to get right) – I would just need your height, weight and boot size (as I already have your ability).
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
My height is 165 cm and I have 54 kg. I was thinking of getting the 146 Nitro Lectra.
Let me know your thoughts.
Thank you,
Georgiana
Forgot about my boot size, I have Burton Mint size 7.
Hi Georgiana
I would say Lectra 142 would be your best bet as a beginner. 146 doable too, but as a beginner the 142 will be an easier board to learn/progress on.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking into purchasing the Rossignol Gala. I’m 5’4″ and 125 lbs. Do you think 150 cm will be too long? Thanks for your help!
Lisa
Hi Lisa
Thanks for your message.
I would say something around 146, 147, at advanced level would be a good length for you. As a beginner, I would suggest 142-144, so for the Gala, I would definitely say that the 150 is too long, IMO. For that board the 146 would be a much better size – and if you’re a beginner, then you could even go 142 for that board.
Hope this helps
Hello! Love this article it’s been so useful! I’ve been snowboarding for 2 seasons now and am finally considering getting my own board. There are so many choices out there that I’m a little overwhelmed by it all. I’ve been using Burton LTRs this whole time (5’2, 100lbs female), what would you recommend? How would you rate the flex on the LTR, is it 2-3/10? I’m inclined to get a softer board but I’ve just been slowly getting onto blues and was wondering if I should get something stiffer?
Hi Mei
Thanks for your message.
I’m not sure about the LTR – it’s not something I’ve had any experience with and it’s hard to find anyone else with a particular flex rating. But judging by what I can find on it, it sounds like it’s very soft – so I would say at most a 2/10 flex. I would imagine that most, if not all on this list will be a little stiffer flexing than the LTR – but that’s just a guess. In any case I probably wouldn’t go any stiffer than 4/10 at this stage, but anything up to 4/10 should be fine. So this list or (sorry to give you more options!) if you want a little more performance, you could look at something here:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
But from what you’re describing, I think something from this list should work well – and will likely be a little step up from the LTR, I would say.
Size-wise, for your specs and ability level, I would be looking at something around 136 ideally. There aren’t a lot of options in that length, without going for a youth board, so you might need to go a little longer (or go with a youth board) but I wouldn’t go longer than 139.
The only board I can think of at the moment in a 136 is the GNU Gloss – but I think that would be great option for you. It’s high-end beginner friendly (which it sounds like you are). It’s 4/10 flex, so it’s likely to feel a good bit stiffer than the LTR I would say, but still not overly stiff by any means. And a good size, IMO. If you could let me know your boot size though – just so that I can make sure it would be a suitable width for you (it’s quite a narrow board in the 136).
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your detailed reviews and explanations. After looking through your board choices I was thinking about getting the Rossignal Gala 142 for my girlfriend, but wanted your thoughts on whether the board would suit her. My girlfriend has been started riding about 2 times a season for the past 3 seasons and now she’s up to the point where she can link her turns comfortably on blue groomers. Each time we’ve gone she has had least one big fall, but on our latest trip I could tell she’s getting much more confident with her turning and hasn’t been falling as much. She get’s a little hesitant on riding the steeper blues but she’ll get through them while always trying to link her turns. She’s been renting the Salomon Liberty and she’s 5’2″ 120 lbs with Nitro Crown TLS size 7 boots.
Would you say that the Rossignol Gala 142 is a good fit for her right now and is it a step up from the Salomon Liberty? I want to buy her a board where she can progress to be able to down blacks with the board. We both got the IKON pass for the upcoming season so I’m wondering if she will outgrow the board too fast.
Also can you comment on the quality of Rossignol boards? Would they be able to last a long time? I think that in the future she will probably ride 4-6 times a season.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Tim
Thanks for your message.
At 4-6 times per season, I don’t think your girlfriend would grow out of the Gala too fast, but if you’re looking at getting something to go beyond a few seasons, then you might think about something a little more performance oriented, especially if you’re looking to get her down blacks. But I certainly wouldn’t go too advanced or it could slow her progression down and hit her confidence. The Gala would be a great choice for now, but if you wanted to get something for the long long-term, I would check out the following – which will last longer progression wise, whilst still being relatively beginner friendly.
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
In terms of durability, I use a Rossignol One LF as my control board for testing, and I’ve done 60+ days on it so far without any issues. A few chips and scratches in the top sheet – which happens with any board, but nothing major. As for every Rossignol board, I couldn’t say, I can only comment on my experience – and my Rossi has held up well so far.
Size-wise, I would look at the range between 138-140 for your girlfriends specs, as a beginner. Could probably get away with the Gala in the 142, since it’s a super easy going board, but I wouldn’t go any longer than that. And if you go for something else, I’d stick to a 139-141 range.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
You got some really good answers so here is my question. My 12 yo daughter started snowboarding 3 years ago. We are in Illinois so we only get to go a half dozen times a year and it can be mostly ice. I got her a Burton Chopper 120cm then and it’s been great, but I think she is ready to graduate. After reading your comments I am leaning toward the Emoticon, Frenemy or the Meraki with Burton Citizen bindings. She is 5’0, 110 lbs and has Burton Mint size 8 boots. She carves nice slow large curves and can go down any hill around here comfortably. She’ll obviously continue to grow and I want a Board to last her at least 3 years and I think she is ready for a trip west next winter. What length and any specific recommendations would you have? Thanks in advance.
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message. Usually I would say something around 138, 139 would be a good length to go with at this stage. Which would put the Emoticon (shortest size 143) and Frenemy (shortest size 144) out. The Meraki 140 would be the closest of those. But since she is growing still she’ll likely be well suited to something around 143, 144 (depending on how quickly she grows) within a year or two.
For right now, the Meraki 140 would be the best bet, and would still be fine for 3 years I’d say, but maybe less suitable then, but more suitable now. The other two less suitable now and more suitable down the line (and probably for considerably more than 3 years at a guess). But I’m not sure how fast 12 yo’s typically grow, so I’m only guessing there.
The only thing would be with something like the Frenemy is that you would not only be adding 24cm to what she’s used to, you’re also adding quite a lot of stiffness in comparison. That could be a big change all at once. Going with the Meraki would certainly make for a smaller change to get used to. The Emoticon is a little softer than the Frenemy, so whilst it will also be a big change, with being 23cm longer and still stiffer, it won’t be as big a change, since it’s softer than the Frenemy. The Meraki is the softest, and (in the 140) the shortest – so would be the easier adjustment.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi there Nate!
You probably have answered this question in the multitude of questions above but it was taking me a while to scroll through and find an answer haha.
I’ve been snowboarding several times and would say I’m beginner-intermediate. I can carve but still slow myself down when I tend to speed up. I also am starting to play with jumps. I guess I would look towards a playful ride vs. an aggressive one.
What snowboard would you recommend? Also I’m 5’7 and am athletically build at around 150lbs.
On top of this question do you recommend any women’s boots for wide feet? My feet are size 9 1/2.
Thank you!
Hi Alicia
Thanks for your message.
Based on how you describe your riding, I would say that an all-mountain freestyle board would work well. If you look in the first section for each board, there is “style of board”. Look in there for all-mountain-freestyle. Also, since it sounds like you are high-end beginner or low-end intermediate, you could also check out the following, which might be a better fit for you.
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
Size-wise, at an advanced level, for an all-mountain board, I would say around 153cm would be a good length to look at. But since you’re at that beginner bordering on all-mountain level, I would size down a bit – also, since you are looking for something more playful sizing down doesn’t hurt either – and for an all-mountain-freestyle I usually size-down a little too. So, I’d look for something more like like 149, 150.
For boots, I’m not sure if this translates to women’s boots as well, but I’m guessing it does, but check out the following:
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Wide Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet
Hope this helps
Awesome thanks so much for the reply, helps a lot. As for the boards is there a specific one you might recommend for me from the intermediate ones if I am high end beg. / low end intermediate?
Once again thanks a lot it’s awesome that you respond to each comment 🙂
Hi Alicia
The following would work well, IMO:
– Arbor Poparazzi 150
– GNU Velvet 150
– YES Emoticon 149
– Salomon Rumblefish 148
– Capita Paradise 149
If you’re looking to border more onto the beginner end, then the Emoticon and Poparazzi would be the best options, IMO.
With 9 1/2 boots, though, the Poparazzi might be borderline too narrow, depending on preferred binding angles. So might be risky option in terms of width.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Amazing!!! Thank you 🙂
You’re very welcome Alicia. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you end up getting.
Hello,
I am a beginner to snowboarding, having only been 3 times. I’m 5’2″, 110lbs, size 6US. I was looking to buy the Rossignol Meraki 140 because I saw them on sale, but am afraid it might be too wide for me? Do you think K2 first lite be a good option at 138 or other better reccomendations? Also, what bindings would be appropriate for a beginner?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Emily
Thanks for your message.
I think the Meraki 140 is getting quite wide for your boot size. Without sizing down in terms of length (which can help if a board is too wide), I think it’s a bit too big overall to be ideal.
As a beginner I think something around 136 to 138 would be a better length too. The First Lite is a better length and width for you, IMO.
Some good beginner options below:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
Hope this helps with your decision
Im totally a beginner for snowboarding. My height is 157cm and weight around 53kg or 116lbs. I found a GNU 2CE snowboard 144cm, Salomon 6 piece snowboard 145cm, Salomon villain classic 150cm, Burton genie 138cm and 144cm, Burton sweet tooth flat top 145cm, Burton Hug 142cm japan limited on website.
Which one you recommend me to get for my first board?
Last time, I rent Burton ltr 134cm and it was quite nice for me to start with.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Hi Jao
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would be looking in the range 138 to 140 for your specs. So some of those are going to be too big for you to enjoy, IMO.
Which C2E Gnu board is it? The Gloss will be more beginner friendly, whereas the Velvet not as much. Neither are perfect for beginners. The Chromatic and B Nice from GNU would be better beginner choices. Either way 144 is a little too big, IMO.
The Villain not that beginner friendly either – and 145 is going to be too big for you, IMO. The 6 Piece also way too big – and not super beginner friendly either.
Burton Genie 138 would be a great choice for you, IMO. The 144 too big.
The Sweet Tooth looks to be pretty beginner friendly but 145 too big, IMO.
I’m not familiar with the Burton Hug. A better size at 142, but I’d prefer you on something a little smaller.
So, the Burton Genie 138 is what I would go for if I was you.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Bit of a two-pronged question haha.
I’m having a hard time on my own doing research in terms of what size board to get. I’m 5’0″ and about 145 lbs. What size board do you recommend?
I really like the Nitro Lectra but am also having a hard time finding sizes for it too (any other retailer suggestions??).
Thanks!
forgot to clarify that I’m also a beginner looking to get into snowboarding. thanks!
(sorry to keep on adding replies haha). I haven’t been fitted for boots yet but based on sizing charts, am anticipating between a 6 and 6.5 (my regular size in shoes is a 6.5).
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your messages.
I would say that, at an advanced level, something around 146 would be a good length for you, but as a beginner I would be looking at more in the range 141 to 143. So for the Lectra, I would say the 142 is your best bet. Should be a good size for your boots too. You could also ride the 138 if you really wanted to go shorter (and would still be fine for your boots, IMO, assuming you get in a 6 or 6.5) but that would be getting quite small for your specs, IMO.
The only place I’ve found the 142 is at backcountry (which I think is what’s linked to on the post but I’ve added it again below).
>>Nitro Lectra at backcountry
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the quick reply, Nate! As an aside question, do you personally think the Lectra would still be a good beginner board for me given my height/weight? Or would you recommend a different board that would fit better?
Hi Jessica
I think the Lectra would be a great choice, and 142 is just right for you, as a beginner, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I have been looking at getting a board after feeling more confident this season. I started 3 seasons ago and still have some trouble connecting my turns and on toe side. I am around 5’4″ and usually given a 144 when renting. I was looking at the boards you mentioned above but can be indecisive. I feel like I’ve been getting better, so I want a board that will work well on the intermediate trails as well. I was wondering if you have any specific recommendations or any other board suggestions that aren’t on this list?
Thanks,
Michelle
Hi Michelle
Thanks for your message.
If you feel you’re approaching an intermediate level, also check out:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
But certainly beginner boards can handle intermediate trails too. But if you did want a board that’s high-end beginner and something that would progress with you for a bit longer, then the list at the link above is a good one to check out.
Size-wise, weight and boot size are more important in determining the best sized board for you. If you could let me know those things I would be able to give you a more accurate opinion on size.
Hope this helps
I’m about 115lbs and have size 7 K2 Sapera boots. I’ve rented an Arbor board before, possibly the Poparazzi, and was not really a fan. I think the stiffness of the board is what I wasn’t used to. I was leaning towards boards with a softer flex rating.
Hi Michelle
Size-wise, I would say that something around 144,145 would be a good size for you, as an advanced level rider. But as someone who is at a more beginner level, I would recommend going a little shorter – something around 140 – 142 would be a good range to look at, IMO.
The Poparazzi isn’t an overly stiff board, but might have felt a little stiffer if you were riding a longer size – also I have found Arbor boards to be a little heavier on average, and you might have also been feeling the weight. That said, there are also a number of much softer boards – so if you’re looking to get on something softer, then there are a number of boards on this list that are softer (check out the flex ratings on the boards above – the Poparazzi I rate as 4/10 flex – and there are several on this list that are 2/10 or 3/10.
Also look for the “style of board”. If you feel like you want something that’s all-mountain (do-it-all) then look out for that. If you think you’d like to learn tricks/freestyle in the future, then going with something freestyle would be a good bet (note that to begin with you can ride a freestyle board like normal and learn on it, and when you become more advanced you can use it for freestyle riding). If you don’t think that’s your thing, then something all-mtn or all-mtn-freestyle is a good way to go.
Hope this helps
Thanks! It does help. I’m mostly looking at all-mtn boards. What do you think of the K2 Lime Lite? Also, would you suggest something that is flat or camber? I’m not quite sure of the difference and how it affects riding.
Hi Michelle
I would say that the Lime Lite is more of a park board than an all-mountain board. Certainly relatively beginner friendly, but more freestyle/park oriented than all-mountain. The Bright Lite (and First Lite) is more all-mountain.
Boards with camber tend to have more pop, more spring out of turns, and better edge hold (all else being equal) – and can feel quite aggressive, especially paired up with a stiff core, depending on how pronounced the camber and the length of the camber (i.e. a traditional camber/full camber board has camber that goes all the way to the contact points. A hybrid camber profile has rocker towards the tip and tail – and there heaps of different variations – some with more rocker some less). Really pronounced camber is typically more aggressive and the longer the camber section the more aggressive and the more catchy the ride can feel. But some hybrid camber profiles are great for beginners.
Flat-to-rocker boards are typically more easy going. Less pop and less spring, but less aggressive too, and less catchy (depending on the rocker sections though). All flat boards not typically good for a beginner, but most flat-to-rockers are, assuming a friendly flex. But hybrid cambers that have subtle camber and a reasonable amount of rocker can be just as beginner friendly.
Hi Nate,
I came across your article while browsing the interwebs for snowboards and I am stunned (in a good way) by all of the information you’ve provided. Although I am doing my own research, I don’t trust my own judgement and would very much prefer the input of a professional.
I am 5’0 and fluctuate between 95-100lbs. I am a beginner but I plan to invest a considerable amount of time boarding when the next season comes around. For my last rental, I had a 140cm board and size 6 boots. I thought 140cm was good, but as I was reading through the comments, it might be a tad bit too long for my height/frame. What are some great snowboards for a noobert who is short? If possible, would you be able to recommend decent boots also?
Hi K
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think something closer to 136 would be a better length for you for right now as a beginner. You could go up to around 140cm (depending on style of riding) as a more advanced rider) but for now I would stick to around 136 (maybe up to 138 if you need to). There aren’t a lot of women’s boards options in that size range, but here are a couple that would be suitable – i.e. also beginner friendly.
– GNU Gloss 136 – this would be the best size, IMO, and a great size for your boots too, being narrower. It’s bordering on more of an intermediate rather than beginner board, but still beginner doable, and if you’re going to be spending a lot of time out there next season, it’s something that will keep you going for a good while too.
– Roxy Sugar Banana 138 – a little longer than ideal, but still a really good width for your boot size
– K2 First Lite 138
– K2 Bright Lite 138
– Arbor Ethos 138
– Arbor Poparazzi 138
– GNU B Nice Asym 139 – a little longer than ideal but still an option
Most women’s boards don’t start until 138, 139 (to get shorter, apart from that Gloss, you’d have to go to youth boards).
Check out the following for some good beginner boot options:
>>My Top Women’s Beginner Boots
Hope this helps and gives you some options
Hi Nate,
I apologize for the extremely late response! I am so grateful for all of your input. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 🙂
You’re very welcome K. Thanks for visiting and using the website!
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for the article, it is really helpful. I was wondering if you could give me some advice – I’m female, 30 years old, 109 lbs and super short at 4’11”. I’ve been snowboarding for several years on and off and used rental boards, but I’m still firmly in the beginner category due to not continually working at it, and can sometimes struggle linking turns going down steeper slopes – although I think my progress has been hindered by using unsuitable sized (too short) rental boards, or boards that are better suited for intermediate or advanced riders and not beginners. Do you think the Salomon Oh Yeah 138cm would be a suitable board for me as a beginner?
Thank you!
Hi Andrea
Thanks for your message.
I think 138cm would be a great size for you, and the Oh Yeah is a great board for beginners, so I think it would be a great option for you.
The one thing to consider though, is that the Oh Yeah is a very park/freestyle oriented board. Which is fine to use for general riding as a beginner, but just to know that once you’re more advanced it’s less suitable for all-mountain riding. If you plan to ride the park later, then it’s something you could keep as your park board and upgrade to a better all-mountain option. Or you could always sell it once you’re at a point you feel you need to upgrade. But just wanted to give you the full info there.
But yeah definitely getting your own, beginner suitable board will make a big difference for your progression, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much Nate! That definitely helps a lot. While researching my options I noticed some boards are better suited for certain boot sizes, I think due to width? I wear an older version of Zora Head boots, UK 3 (Mondo 225, US 5.5). Do you think the Oh Yeah would still be suitable or should I go for a snowboard with a smaller width? And if so, would you have any recommendations for me please? Thanks so much!
Hi Andrea
Thanks for the extra info. Yeah, ideally with your size boots/feet something narrower would work better. Boards too wide for your feet can feel heavier to turn on.
The following are also great beginner options, in a similar length, but with a narrower width.
– Nitro Lectra 138 (226mm waist)
– GNU B Nice Asym 139 (226mm waist width)
– Roxy Sugar Banana 138 (226mm waist)
– Arbor Ethos 138 (231mm waist)
– Arbor Poparazzi 138 (231mm waist)
– K2 First Lite 138 (232mm waist)
The first 3 would be the best options, IMO, in terms of being the best width – but the others in that list are also doable for you, and are all a good bit narrower than the Oh Yeah.
Hope this helps
Thanks so much, that’s all really helpful, it’s much appreciated!
You’re very welcome Andrea. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you go with in the end.
Hi Nate,
I’ve narrowed it down to either the Nitro Lectra 2019 138cm or the GNU B-Nice Asym 2018 139cm.
I can find both online for similar prices. I’m finding it difficult to choose, and was wondering if I could have your opinion on what you think would be the best one for me please?
Your site is great and very informative – based on your skill level page, I would say I’m a beginner level 3. I like that the Nitro is flat to rocker as I feel like this would help me with stability, but I like that the Gnu has a centred stance and is a true twin shape, as sometimes along cat-tracks I like to ride switch, and I think this would be easier on the Gnu than the Nitro (I think the Nitro is a directional shape – it is impossible to ride switch on these?). Also think the Gnu would be good for edge hold due to the magne-traction, but wondering if the Nitro would still be a better beginner board for me to progress, and I think it has a slightly softer flex. I’ve also riden rockers before, but not sure if I’ve ever riden a hybrid camber board. So I’m really undecided, any input you have would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Andrea
I think both would work fine. But yeah the Lectra a little more stable feeling – probably easier to one foot off the lift. Can certainly still ride switch on it. Not as easy as something that’s centered/true twin, but certainly doable – the Lectra I would say 3.5/5 for riding switch and the B Nice Asym 5/5 for switch.
The B Nice does have magnetraction and is better in hard/icy conditions. If you get those conditions a lot, then it might be worth going B Nice, but if you only get them sporadically, then the Lectra should be fine.
I would say both are fairly soft, but maybe the Lectra just a touch softer, but not much in it, I wouldn’t say.
The Lectra is flat-to-rocker and the B Nice is technically what I would call Hybrid rocker (rocker between the feet and camber towards tip and tail) but the camber is so subtle, that it’s closer to an all-rocker board in feel.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
I have been snowboarding for maybe 10 days in my life (split out over 4 years), and am finally making it down the mountain without falling. I even managed some blues in Whistler, and some easy blacks on small east coast mountains in icy conditions. Now that I started to get the hang of it, I want to invest in my own equipment. I am 5’3 and weigh about 125-130 lb. I have been riding on Burton LTR and some Rossignol boards, forgot which one (both 140). I was looking through your website and am narrowed it down to Rossignol Frenemy and Yes Emoticon. I think in 143, 144 (I know it’s on the small side for my weight), but I am still improving linking turns. The board will be mostly used on icy-hard packed snow. I am not interested in terrain parks or jumps, just cruising down the mountain. Any thoughts, suggestions or recommendations are much appreciated in terms of length and brand/make of board. Also, any recommendations for bindings? I came across a great offer for the Frenemy in 144 with Defiance G1 binding and am tempted. I already own size 7 boots. Thank you!
Hi Sandra
Thanks for your message.
In my opinion those are really good sizes, based on your specs and your experience on a snowboard. I would say generally, going for something 142 to 144 would be a good range to look at based on your specs and described ability level. So, those fit right in there perfectly. And both very good for hard/icy conditions, so both good options.
The Emoticon is a better beginner option, IMO. It’s just a little softer flexing. But the Frenemy is still a decent beginner option – but more ideal for intermediate and up. Since you’ve had 10 days the Frenemy becomes an option, but since they’re spread out over 4 years, I’d probably still be leaning towards Emoticon – and it’s still a board that will be good when you’re at a more advanced level.
In terms of bindings, I’m not familiar with Defiance bindings, so I have no idea with those. I would make sure that the bindings are a suitable size for your boots. As it’s a package with the 144 Frenemy, it’s likely that they are, but I would still double check, if you end up going with that.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much for all your help! I am looking to see what deals I can get and make my decisions between either one of these two boards. I think I might be ok on the Frenemy if that’s more available in my size. I want to be ready with my own board for next season! Your site is awesome and has some much useful info on its, thanks again!
Sandra
You’re very welcome Sandra. Hope you can find a good deal!
Hi Nate,
Thank you for this article, it is very helpful! I am (female) 5”6′ and ~105lbs, boot size 8 in burton. I am a beginner, I rode only 3 times and was able to ride green terrains and link turns but sometimes I still fall and my turns aren’t perfect. I was considering getting one of the boards you mention since they are on sale but I am not sure which one and what length I should go with, could you please let me know your opinion?
1. Rossignol Gala (146cm)
2. Burton Genie (147cm)
3. Salomon Lotus (146cm)
4. K2 First Lite (146cm)
Thank you!
Magdalena
Hi Magdalena
Thanks for your message.
Those are a bit long for you, IMO, especially as a beginner. If possible I would be looking more around 140cm for your specs and as a beginner. Certainly no more than 143, IMO.
So, if you have the option, for those boards, I would recommend:
1. Rossignol Gala (142cm)
2. Burton Genie (142cm or even 138cm)
3. Salomon Lotus (142cm or even 138cm)
4. K2 First Lite (142cm or even 138cm)
If you don’t have those sizes as options, I would try to find one of the other options, or another option in a smaller size.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thoughts on Rossi Meraki vs K2 Duchess?
Which would be better for a beginner looking to keep until intermediate level and for icy/hard packed snow?
Hi Thai
Thanks for your message.
I’m not familiar with the Duchess, but based on the specs I could find for it, it looks very much like the First Lite. In terms of performance on hard/icy, I would say that the Meraki is the better choice. The Meraki is very much more freestyle oriented than the Duchess/First Lite, up until an intermediate level, that shouldn’t matter too much. But if you don’t get into riding freestyle, then it’s something you would want to change once you’re no longer a beginner.
Hope this helps
Thanks nate!
Narrowed it down to meraki 140 and frenemy 143
Im 156cm and 115-120lb. Which board would better suit me? What is the difference between the two boards?
Hi Thai
I think the Meraki would be a better choice for a beginner snowboard, to progress as quickly as possible – and a better size for your specs, as a beginner. The Frenemy in 143 would be a good board and size as a more advanced rider – at least intermediate. So the Frenemy would last you a lot longer – could probably ride it as long as you wanted to – would take you all the way to an advanced level, but is going to be a steeper learning curve, and will make progression slower, IMO.
The Meraki, once you’re at a more intermediate level, will be better just as a more freestyle dedicated board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for all work work you do. This list is a great tool for me. I am 5’4, 180 pounds, and wear a 9.5 shoe. What would be your suggestion for a 33 year young female rider who has only been snowboarding 3 times? The width of the board is the issue I am running into when I look at most sizing charts.
Hi Cheri
Thanks for your message.
Length-wise, I would say around 149 to 151.
Width-wise, assuming you’re also in a Women’s US 9.5 boot, you should be able to go as narrow as a 243mm waist width. Depending on other factors you might even get away with a little narrower.
– Burton Stylus in the 152 (244mm waist) or 147 (243mm waist) – (depending if you wanted to go a little on the shorter side or longer side, I know both are outside the range I just mentioned) should be a good width, regardless of binding angles and boot profile (some boots are longer or shorter on the outersole compared to what sized feet they fit on the inside).
– Yes Emoticon 149 (241mm waist) – a little narrower than 243mm at the waist, but should be fine in most scenarios.
And there are a lot more in the length range, that are closer to 240mm that would likely be fine in most scenarios – only if you ride with a very straight back foot (in terms of bining angles which you prob don’t know what your preferred angles are just yet?) – or if you have boots with a longer outersole. So those are likely not the only options.
If you wanted to look at men’s boards too, if that wasn’t an issue for you, then most (probably all) boards in that length range will be wide enough. It would just be a case of not going too wide.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thanks for this article – it’s so helpful along with all your responses to everyone’s questions. I just had a quick question on which board and size you would recommend for me. I’d say I’m a beginner and can get myself down the easier slopes but have a hard time controlling my speed and am hoping to get better at carving. Also, mostly boarding in the west coast (California area). I’m about 5’8, 125 lbs with a boot size of 8.5. I was choosing between the following boards:
1. Nitro Lectra (149cm) – I was looking into the 146cm after reading your responses on size recommendations for other people my weight, but I don’t think the width on the 146cm is wide enough for my boot size. Would getting a 149cm slow down my progression and would it be wide enough for my boots?
2. Arbor Ethos (147cm) – Is this wide enough for my boot size? How does this compare to the Nitro Lectra?
3. Burton Stylus (147cm) – Is this too beginner? Would I grow out of it too quickly considering it’s a Beginner to Beginner board?
Would also appreciate if you have any other recommendations that would be better suited for me!
Thanks so much!
Hi Rachel
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, as a beginner, I would say go with something 144-146 – since it doesn’t sound like you’re a complete beginner, then 147 should be fine too.
Width-wise, it depends on a couple of things, like binding angles and the profile of the boot (among other things) but I would say you would be fine with anything above 237mm at the waist, regardless of those factors.
For the Lectra, that puts the 146 (234mm waist) slightly below that, but I would say you would be fine – unless you ride with a very straight back foot and have long profile boots. If you can let me know your typical binding angles, if you know them, and the brand and model of your boots, I can more specifically say whether or not that would work. Length-wise I would prefer the 146 for you. The 149 is doable, and would give you that bit more leeway in terms of width, but I think the 146 would be better.
For the Ethos, again that width on the 147 (which I think would be a good length for you) is just below that mark (235.5mm waist) but I think in most scenarios you should be fine.
The Stylus 147 should be perfectly fine width-wise. As far as being too beginner – since you’ve already been riding for a bit and you are looking to get your carving going, it might be something that grow out of quite quickly. It would be great for advancing quickly though.
There are a few differences between the Lectra and the Ethos. A couple of those differences:
1. Lectra is flat to rocker and Ethos is continuous rocker
2. Lectra is directional twin with a bit of a setback stance. Ethos is also directional twin but with a centered stance
And there are other things of course, but not massive differences – the Ethos probably a slightly looser feel, and slightly more freestyle oriented, but for learning the basics, not a lot of difference there.
If you want some other options that are more high-end beginner/intermediate, you could check out the following:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
But I think those options would also work. If you do go for that intermediate list, looking for something in there with a 4/10 flex, is probably your best bet, IMO, if you’re not yet at that intermediate level.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate, thanks for the awesome website! What would you recommend for me? I have been snowboarding a few times but still few like a total beginner. I mostly struggle with getting off the lift and turning the board fast enough. I also have the issue of my heels lifting. I own boots which I think fit well but am looking to get a board and bindings. I am hoping whatever bindings I get will solve the heel lifting issue. I am 5’8” and about 125-135 lbs. My boots are DC Search 2017 size 8. Thank you!!!
Hi Britt
Thanks for your message.
If you’re having issues coming off the lifts, then maybe not the Chromatic, Poparazzi or Ethos as those might feel a little loose coming off the lifts.
Everything else here should be fine.
In terms of heel lift, I would look at potentially getting j-bars for the liner of the boot – or look into something like Strapins to see if you can reduce that heel-lift. Also make sure that your liner is pulled tight enough, and if you’re finding it’s OK at the start of the day but gets worse, then you might need to re-tighten the liner during your session. Bindings might help a little bit but fixing the issue before the bindings come into play is the best way, IMO.
Size-wise for board, I would be looking at the range 145 to 147 for your specs, as a beginner.
In terms of bindings, check out the following for some good beginner options:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
Hope this helps
Thank you! I hadn’t heard of j bars or the strapins so I’ll look into both of those.
one more question — do you think i made a big mistake with the dc search boots? i see now that they’re rated 6 flex. at the time i was just going off of feel in the store and they were the only ones that felt ok. (big heel lift in all the 32s, burtons were uncomfortable on the calf) could the stiffness of the boots make that an impact on learning? thanks!!!
Hi Britt
In reality I would say that the Search are closer to 5/10 flex – and once they’re broken in they’ll likely feel a little softer than that again, so I don’t think it’s a bad call. There are probably slightly better beginner options, but it’s not a bad option – and if they fit well, I think they will be fine. Certainly too stiff can impact learning – but the Search aren’t super stiff, IMO.
Sorry! So many questions (I am so worried I’m going to make a bad choice)! I was all set on the Rossignol Gala but then was reading about the waist width and am worried it’s too narrow at 146 cm / 234 ww for my size 8 boot. What do you think is the smallest ww I can get away with? Thank you!!!
Hi Britt
I think the 146 Gala will be fine for size 8 DC Search boots. It’s on the narrower side for them, but still within range, IMO. And unless you’re going to be railing Eurocarves on it, I don’t think you should have any boot drag issues on it, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for such a great list! I’m so glad I found this thread.
I am in my first season, probably a Level 3 Beginner by your standards – comfortably linking turns on green runs, starting to work on blues. Planning at least a few more trips this season (to Big Bear and Mammoth – we live in SoCal), and to get the Ikon Pass as soon as it goes on sale.
I’m planning to buy my first board, and I would LOVE your advice! I don’t mind upgrading after just a couple seasons, I really want a board that will help me progress quickly. I’m still working primarily on control, especially as I move onto steeper runs, and I think speed will come naturally after. I’d love your general guidance, and I have a sizing question in particular: I’m 5’9”, 150 pounds and wear a size 10.5 boot (women’s). I’ve been looking at the Arbor Ethos, but would that be too narrow? Do I need to be looking at men’s boards, or another board on your list?
Thank you, Nate!!
Hi Katie
Thanks for your message.
Definitely the fastest way to progress in my opinion. Get a good beginner board now, progress quickly, then upgrade after a couple of seasons. So, good idea!
Length-wise, I would be looking in the range 149 to 151.
Width-wise, with women’s 10.5s, I would say you could get away with as narrow as 245mm at the waist, and that could accommodate any angles. And could even go a little narrower if you were going to go with binding angles like +15-15. That’s another advantage of going with a beginners board now, and upgrading. You can afford to go a little narrower, as you won’t be railing your turns yet. For your next board, you would probably want to go for at least 249mm at the waist, if you were going to ride with a straight back foot, and get away with something a little narrower than that depending on binding angles, and depending on how aggressive a rider you become. Anyway, that’s all for later.
Long story short, I think the Arbor Ethos will unfortunately a little too narrow, even as a beginner, and even with a reasonable amount of angle on the back foot.
But you don’t need to go men’s if you don’t want to (though it is an option).
Because of how it sounds like you ride and how you’re looking to progress, I’ve skipped the purely freestyle options, even though they’re fine to learn on in the beginning. I think the following would work well, if you go with a bit of angle on the back binding:
– GNU Chromatic 149 (241mm waist)
– YES Emoticon 149 (241mm waist)
The more freestyle options would include the Burton Stylus 152 (244mm waist).
Or if you wanted a little step up, but still beginner friendly, something like the Burton Yeasayer 152 (247mm waist).
For men’s, most boards in that length range should be wide enough, if you wanted to look there. The Arbor Foundation is basically the men’s equivalent of the Ethos, if you wanted to look at that. There is a 148 (247.5mm waist) and a 152 (249mm waist) that would both be suitable, depending if you wanted to err on slightly shorter or slightly longer.
For more men’s options, check out:
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much for your help, Nate!
Is there any reason that a female rider shouldn’t get a men’s board, if I don’t need to see flowers when I look down? I’m leaning toward the Foundation, but is there any difference between men’s and women’s boards that I should be considering?
Hi Katie
One of the biggest differences between men’s and women’s boards is that the width, for the appropriate length is usually too wide on men’s boards. So I don’t usually recommend it for that reason. So the main thing is sizing. But if there’s an appropriate size, then there’s no reason you can’t.
The other small thing, is that flex flex ratings can be a little subjective and sometimes a women’s medium flex might be more like a men’s medium-soft flex. So, the Foundation might be slightly stiffer flexing than the Ethos. But if it is it would only subtly so. If you’re worried about that, then going with the 148 over the 152, might be the best choice. The shorter size will feel softer flexing than the longer size.
Hi Nate: I just spent a long weekend on my new board – I went with the Burton Yeasayer 152, and I LOVE it! Thanks so much for the advice!
Hi Katie
Thanks for the update – and awesome that you’re loving the Yeasayer!
Hi Nate,
I’m 156 cm 110 lbs with US 8, I’m interested in Burton Rewind 2019, seems 141 suit me. Is this board a traditional Camber or Hybrid Camber? Some reviews said it’s Camber and some saying it’s hybrid. Will it be easy in initiating turns? I’d say I’m more than a beginner but should I stick in beginner board? I can do S turn in most red runs. Is this board fits me as i wanna progress to park riding in future. I know this Burton board is for intermediate and advanced level…
Many thanks
Hi Cindy
Thanks for your message.
The Rewind has Burton’s “PurePop Camber” – which isn’t the same as “full camber, aka traditional camber”. PurePop camber is mostly camber still, but there are a couple of flat zones that start outside the bindings, towards tip and tail – and then a very small rocker section. From my experience on pupepop, it’s not as catchy as traditional camber, but it’s not that un-catchy either.
The Rewind is quite a soft flexing board, so that does make it quite friendly in that sense, but with that Purepop camber, I would say you’d want to be intermediate with a fairly good technique already, as it won’t be that forgiving of errors. If you think you’re up for that, then it will definitely be suitable as a good freestyle stick for the park.
Size-wise, 141 would definitely be the best size for you, you could even go a little shorter (not for this board as it’s the smallest size, but if you were to go with another).
For a more forgiving option, but still park focused, you could look at something like the Capita Space Metal Fantasy, Roxy Ally, GNU B Nice, Rossignol Meraki, Ride Rapture or Burton Stylus.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your kindly advice.
As you mentioned, I’d say my technique is not that concrete at all. I decided to take the Rossignol Myth instead to improve my skills and earn more mileages until I’ve confident to say, ‘Yea, I’m now an intermediate:)”
Thank you so much, Nate. Your page is sooo great!
Cheers,
Cindy
You’re very welcome Cindy. Glad that I could help with your decision – happy riding!
Hi Nate!
Looking into getting a board for my sister. Still pretty beginner but picking up quick. Any recommendations on size of board or which on this list might be good for her? She’s 5’3”, 130 lbs, size 9 boot. I was kind of looking at the Nitro Lectra on the list but not as familiar with it. Thoughts?
Hi Jen
Thanks for your message.
I would say something around a 142 to 144 for your sister, as a progressing beginner. And minimum 232mm at the waist, in terms of width. But if she was to ride that narrow, then it would need to be with a 15 degree on the back binding angle. If she likes to ride something like +15-15 then she’s probably good going that narrow, but otherwise, I would go at least 236mm waist width.
The Nitro Lectra 142 would be a great option, IMO, except that i think it would be too narrow for her boots, unfortunately.
But there are still lots of options on this list to fit those size specs, like:
~ YES Emoticon 143 (237mm waist)
~ Rossignol Meraki 145 (240mm waist)
~ Burton Stylus 142 (241mm waist)
I would say GNU Chromatic as well (143, 237mm waist) but GNU boards tend to be narrower at the inserts compared to the waist than other boards, so I’d be concerned that it would be too narrow.
Hope this helps with your decision
Wow great info, thanks Nate! Didn’t really realize width comes into play. How do I know what width is a good size for what boot size?
Also, I’m an intermediate rider picking up more speed and looking to start doing maybe some small freestyle tricks (press, butter, 180). Currently riding a GNU B Nice 142, size 7-7.5 boots. Any advice on a board? I want to go a bit longer but not sure what’s a good choice? Your insight would be much appreciated.
Best,
Jen
Hi Jen
Check out the following for what I recommend width-wise for what boot size (if you don’t want to read all the explanations, you can just skip down to the charts):
>>Snowboard Width Sizing
As an intermediate rider, riding with more speed but still wanting to do some freestyle tricks, I would look at an all-mountain-freestyle board. You could check out the intermediate list below and check which ones say “all-mountain-freestyle” and also check out my all-mountain-freestyle list at the second link below:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
>>My Top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
Length-wise, if you’re not sure and would like a recommendation, if you could let me know your height and weight as well.
Wow thanks for the great info, Nate! Definitely gonna check out your links. I am 5’4” and 128 lbs. debating what length board might be considered too long for me? But also slightly nervous about going too long and not being use to it? Not sure what your advice would be on that?
Hi Jen
As an advanced rider, I would say you could go as long as 146 or a little longer, if you were going to be riding a lot of deep powder. But as an intermediate rider, more like 143, 144, I would say. And for an all-mountain-freestyle type board, that would still be a good length as an advanced rider. So, I wouldn’t go up too much size-wise, but you could bump up a couple of centimeters. In terms of stability at speed, you do get that from going longer, but you also get that from other factors too – like a board with more camber and a stiffer flexing board. Going from the B Nice, which is very soft flexing and predominantly rocker, getting something a little stiffer flexing and with a bit more camber is going to give you that stability anyway, so there isn’t a big need to size up too much, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I wanted to start off by saying thank you very much on helping me begin my venture into snowboarding last year. I started off here in the PA Poconos not getting down a bunny hill over one to two hours. Now I’m riding switch and jibbing down blues in Vermont and starting to venture into progressing my park game. Absolutely love my Salomon Sight as my first board ever and definitely am starting to push its limits but still learning enough not to abandon it. I digress.
My girlfriend is 5’7″ 125lbs. Size 8.5 US boot. She has the talent to S down blues without anything special and never much speed but shes rocking a 5150 unsure model that was $50 off craigslist and about 144cm. Shes been progressing a lot lately but her confidence is always shook because her gear just isn’t up to snuff. Valentines day gift idea approaching. Looking into the Gala you suggest as your #1 beginner for women. Think that’s a good idea for someone who can initiate turns and get down a mountain already? The fast progression I’ve seen myself make on my beginner board is what I want for her. And I don’t ever see her wanting to bomb hills or get into park but just get a lot more comfortable getting down blues/blacks and better speed and more aggressive edging.
In Summation
Sizing for her measurements for the gala
Is going beginner despite her ability still a good choice ( i can send a video haha)
Thanks for all the work and fun you’ve brought me with my board selection a year ago
Chase
Hi Chase
Thanks for your message and awesome to hear how you’re progressing!
As a beginner going on intermediate rider (if that sounds accurate for your girlfriend?) I would still size a little down from what an advanced size would be. Especially given that it sounds like she’s not that keen on bombing. Sounds like she could still ride a beginner board and get a lot out of it – especially if confidence is an issue. I think the 144 size with her current board won’t be the issue. I would say around 148 as a more advanced rider and something 143 to 145 as a beginner, so it fits in there nicely, but there could be other factors, like flex and camber profile, that could be causing her issues on it.
For the Gala, I think the 146 would be the best size for a beginner who can already ride a bit. And I think that would be a good option from what you’re describing. The other option, if you wanted to get her something a step up, is to look at something from the following:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
But I would still look at something more 4/10 than 5/10 flex, given confidence and no desire for speed.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate. Wanted to first start by saying thanks for all your replies and help with these reviews. I’ve loved my sight board which has taken me from falling down a bunny hill to jibbing blues in Vermont in just one year. But new question for you. Girlfriend can ride blues but has a board that doesn’t fit her well at all and destroys her confidence. Still get a new beginner board to help her progression. Looking at the gala. She’s 5’7″ 128lbs. 8.5 boot.
I just bought a Genie snowboard and I got a 147 size.
I am not sure how I determined that that was going to be a good size for me.
I am a beginner, 5’8” and 125lbs. Do you think I can still use this board? I unfortunately unwrapped it and I am unable to return it for a longer size.
Please tell me that I will be able to use this board?!
Thank you!
Hi Katarina
Thanks for your message.
I think 147 is a good size for you for the Genie. Assuming you are a beginner rider, I would say something between 144 and 146 would be ideal – a good idea to go a little shorter as a beginner. The 147 is close enough to that range, IMO – and certainly I wouldn’t go for a longer option for you. The next size down is 142, which would be too short, IMO and the next size up – the 152, would certainly be too long, IMO. So 147 is the best size for you for this board, IMO. However you determined it, you were spot on, IMO!
Hope this helps
What are your thoughts on the rossignol meraki (143cm) vs frenemy (141cm) for begginger board and intermediate (for the future)? 5’1 and 117lb.
Hi Laura
Thanks for your message.
I would say, length-wise, something around 139, 140 would be a good length as a beginner and still be good as an intermediate length. So preferably a little shorter than those options. As far as I know the shortest that the Frenemy comes in is a 144cm, but there could be a 141cm that I don’t know about? Also, the Frenemy is something that’s good for a high-end beginner going on intermediate, if you’re more of a complete beginner, then I would say that it’s less suitable. But I would say 144cm is going to be too long, particularly for that board, to be ideal for you right now.
And as far as I know the Meraki only comes in 140, 145 & 150.
So, I think the Meraki would be the better option (in the 140). It’s a really freestyle oriented board, so it’s something you could always keep in your quiver as a freestyle board, if you were to upgrade to a more advanced all-mountain option down the line. If you didn’t get into freestyle you could always sell it too.
If you are in that high-end beginner, going on intermediate kind of phase, rather than at the start of the beginner phase, then you could also look at:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
Hope this helps
Thank you so much for your response! I have purchased a brand new Meraki 140 (with burton citizen bindings) over the Frenemy based on your points. However, I just found a used 2014/2015 burton lipstick 140 with bindings for cheap-ish ($225 CAD). I am definitely a complete beginner, i have only been 3 times so far. I want a board that will help me learn but also can be used for years. I plan to go 2-6 times every year. And see more groomed snow and icy conditions.
Between the Meraki and Lipstick is there a clear winner for me?
Hi Laura
The Lipstick isn’t a bad choice as a beginner board. Probably just a touch too stiff to be ideal, but doable – and that does sound like a really good price. The Meraki a better beginner board though – and will also be better in icy conditions than the Lip Stick, IMO. So, I would say that the Lip Stick wouldn’t be a terrible choice, by any means, but the Meraki is the better choice, IMO.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the quick replies! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
For the Rossi Meraki (purchased for 200$CAD) its classified as a “jib/park”. I doubt I will ever get to that level/area or be doing tricks. How does the Meraki perform for cruising down groomed mountains/all mountain and learning to crave/skid, butter?
If the above is what I am looking to do with my snowboard most of the time, does the Meraki become a less ideal board for my needs? or are little details such as the shape and classification less important for me as a beginner?
(Want a long term board, riding mostly medium – hard packed snow, icy sometimes, occasional powder depending on machines)
Any board recommendations that are better suited for me?
(available for purchase near me under 300$CAD are the burton feather, burton genie, k2 bright lite, k2 duchess, k2 first light, Rossignol Justice, ride compact )
Hi Laura
Yeah the Meraki is very park focused. As a beginner, it’s not going to affect you that much but as you progress it will be less suitable for all-mountain riding. For buttering it’s great but in terms of stability at speed and carving – and in powder, not going to be the best, once you start riding at more speed. If you were to use this as a beginner board and then sell and upgrade to an all-mountain board once you’re more advanced that would be a good progression strategy. But if you plan on keeping this board long term and don’t plan on really riding freestyle, then it won’t be ideal once you are no longer a beginner.
From the options you mentioned, the Feather is more freeride focused, and would be a great choice on powder days, but not so much on icy groomer days, genie more freestyle oriented, Rossignol Justice far too stiff for a beginner, IMO. The Compact could work, but I think the First Lite or Bright Lite would be your best options. The First Lite being the best for learning on and the Bright Lite being something that will be better once you’re more intermediate, but still fine for learning on. So, if I had to choose, I would say Bright Lite, given that you’re looking for something longer term. But size matters too, so if there isn’t an appropriate size for you in the Bright Lite, then I would look at a different option. And the only downside vs something like the Meraki, is that it’s not as good in hard/icy conditions, but otherwise would tick all the boxes, from what you’re describing.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your wonderful article. I was wondering if you would recommend any Bataleon boards for beginners for both men and women (heard a lot of good things about that company). I can do some turns (not beautifully). However I am still very fearful of speed and need to feel like I’m more in control. Also getting off the lift is never too easy for me! So I did some research and really liked what I heard about Capita, GNU and Bataleon boards. I’m trying to decide between these brands for both me and my husband. Would really appreciate your insight on that. Many thanks.
Hi Ozzy
Thanks for your message.
I don’t really deal with Bataleon boards, but from a quick bit of research I would say that the Chaser or Blow would be your best bet for men’s and the Spirit for women’s.
For Capita, the Space Metal Fantasy for women’s and for men’s the Horrorscope – the next best beginner options would be the Paradise and Outerspace Living, IMO.
For GNU, the Chromatic and B-Nice for women’s and the Hyak and Carbon Credit Asym for men’s.
Hope this helps and gives you some good options
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your fantastic website, so informative!
I only started snowboarding last year in Nozawa Onsen and broke my wrist on day 4, an out of control kid took me out, he bounced I broke… anyway, I’m back in Japan with new boots and bindings (K2 Estates and Union Trilogy) but still on the 2005 Burton Feather 150 that we bought second hand for me to try snowboarding on. I’m ok at turning and have been down a few intermediate runs and did ok with some minor wipe outs and side slipping on the really steep bits 😂.
I’m 56, 5’4” 120lb size 7 boots. My aim is to cruise down groomed runs at moderate speed, and definitely no park….. I am considering getting a new snowboard to help me improve more quickly or should I just stick with the one I’ve got… is the a big difference between it and newer boards? Is it even the right size for me?
I should add we live in the tropics so we’re only likely to go snowboarding once or max twice a year, generally Japan but also looking at US and Canada.
Cheers Kat
Hi Kat
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think the Feather is a little big for you. Even as a more advanced rider, I would say more like 146cm. As a beginner it’s a good idea to go a little shorter, so more like 142 to 144, I would say. And with size 7 boots, you’ll likely get a better width in those sizes too.
I think going with a beginner board is a good idea, given that you’ve just started riding and also that it sounds like you want something easy going. You could certainly go for something that’s going to also be good as a more intermediate rider and that would be a good way to go, particularly given that you’ve got quality boots and bindings (a touch stiffer than I’d usually recommend for a beginner but good quality – and not too far off flex-wise).
The following would be really good options for you, IMO:
~ YES Emoticon 143
~ Never Summer Infinity 145 (or 142)
~ GNU Chromatic 143
~ Capita Paradise (though this is a little bit of a step up from the others here – but would work, just might be a little bit more board to handle to begin with) – 143
Hope this helps and gives you some good options
Thank you, Nate!
Given the board I’ve been riding is too long for me, I’m rather stoked with my progress lol!
I like the look of the Infinity and the Emoticon…. toss a coin or is one slightly better or more suitable than the other?
Thanks again, cheers, Kat
Hi Kat
Both would certainly work but maybe, since you ride in Japan mostly, leaning towards the Infinity as it’s better in powder. Another thing to consisder is that the Infinity has a slightly looser, more surfy feel than the Emoticon, which is a more stable feel.
Hope this helps
Hey! Thanks for this article it’s crazy helpful, I just thought I’d ask so I can get the right size board as I’ve got pretty small measurements.
I weigh about 115 pounds maybe a little more, I wear UK size 3.5 women’s 32 lashed boots, I am about 162 cm tall.
I have snowboarded for 1 week on holiday and love it but am very much a beginner, I’m planning on doing a whole winter season next winter so I want a board that will help me progress as I’ll be doing a load of snowboarding but am definitely a complete beginner.
Any ideas what size / board? Thank you so much!!
Hi Lily Thanks for your message. For your specs, and as a beginner, I would look at something between 139cm and 141cm. Because of your boot size, I would be trying to not go too far over 230mm at the waist. Up to 232mm should be OK. You shouldn’t need to worry about going too narrow.
The GNU B Nice 139 (226mm waist) would be a great option, IMO, size-wise and great as a beginner deck. If you want a little bit of a step up (just in terms of being a bigger board), then the GNU Chromatic 141 (232mm waist) is also an option.
The Rossignol Gala 142 (232mm waist) would also work. Just above the range I mentioned earlier in terms of length but doable.
Arbor Poparazzi 141 (232.5mm waist)
Arbor Ethos 141 (232.5mm waist)
Nitro Lectra 138 (226mm waist) or 142 (230mm waist)
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate first thanks for this amazing blog!
Im 5’4 100 lbs and size 6 boot
I’ve only rented snowbaords thus far but have gone 6 times and am ready to buy
I can turn for the most part pretty ok and carve as well. I’d say Im high end beginner/intermediate. I also ride in icy conditions sometimes (I ride near Los angeles mostly so it gets pretty icy after like 1pm)
Anyway with all that in mind and all the research Ive done Im looking into getting:
Rossi Frenemy or
Yes Emoticon
The only thing Im worried about is the size…the smallest size those come in are 144 & 143, Im pretty small and its hard to research boards for small people! Do you think those boards would work or is there another one you recommend for smaller women?
Thanks so much!
(oh also if you have any recommendations on bindings that would be awesome too)
Hi Megan
Thanks for your message.
I think you’ve narrowed it down to 2 really good options for what you’re describing, but I’m also concerned that the smallest sizes for those would be a bit big for your specs – both in terms of width and length. Ideally something around 138, 139 would be better, IMO. And width wise, something closer to 230mm at the waist would be better, IMO.
I think one of the following would work really well for what you’re describing, and come in better sizes for you, IMO.
~ GNU Chromatic 141 (232mm waist) – still on the bigger side but gives you something a little shorter and a little narrower than the Emoticon and Frenemy
~ GNU B Nice Asym 139 (226mm waist) – I think this would be about the ideal for you size-wise
~ GNU Velvet Asym 139 (226mm waist) – again really good size-wise, and something that is just a little bit of a step up from the the Chromatic and B Nice, that would be great for lasting longer, in terms of progression. Still good for an intermediate level, but won’t be something you feel wanting once you become more advanced
In terms of bindings, for something like the B Nice or Chromatic, something with a 3/10 or 4/10 flex would work best (and be the easiest to progress on). For the Velvet, something with 4/10 or 5/10 flex would be the best bet, IMO. The following lists have bindings in those flex ranges. Depending on budget, something like the Union Milan, K2 Meridian, Ride DVA or Salomon Nova would be good options as something that’s still easy enough to progress on, but would still work well once you’re more advanced. Or if you wanted a little step up, then something like the Burton Escapade or Flux GS. But check out the following, there might be something else in there that stands out for you:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Love your lists. It helped me choose my very first women’s snowboard – the Ride Rapture. I love it and progressed my snowboarding from a complete beginner to let’s say an advanced beginner 😉
But now that I have more experience, I want to get a new board. The Rapture gave me a lot of stability and quick turn initiation, was very forgiving and catch-free – but now I often times feel stuck in the snow because it doesn’t glide that effortlessly, not even on the edges (although it is professionally waxed etc).
Which All Mountain board can give me the same stability, easy turn initiation, and forgiving feel of the Rapture but for higher speed and more effortless riding on the edges)? Ideally suitable for a progression to intermediate.
Should I get a camber board (e.g. Nitro Fate or Capita Birds of a Feather or Salomon Oh Yeah)? Or would you recommend a Hybrid Camber (e.g. Flying V)?
I should add I mostly ride an indoor skiing arena.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice!
Hi Joules
Thanks for your message.
In terms of camber, I think something Hybrid is a good idea. A bit of camber in the profile certainly helps with stability at speed, IMO. But I still wouldn’t go full camber. Some rocker in the profile is still a good idea, IMO. So either a hybrid rocker (rocker between the feet, camber towards tip and tail) or hybrid camber (camber between the feet and rocker towards tip and tail) would be a good way to go, IMO.
Some good options for a high-end beginner bordering on intermediate stage are, IMO:
Hybrid Camber Options
Rossignol Frenemy
YES Emoticon
Capita Paradise
Hybrid Rocker Options
Never Summer Infinity
GNU Gloss
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thank you so much for your reply. As always – it was extremely hopeful.
Would you say that Hybrid Cambers have more characteristics of a traditional camber and Hybrid Rockers are closer to a traditional rocker?
Thank you for your help!
You’re very welcome Joules.
Yeah I would say to an extent that that’s true. Hybrid Cambers are typically closer to Traditional Camber, than Hybrid Rockers are. But it can depend on how much camber and how much rocker is in the profile. For example there are some hybrid rocker profiles that only have a very subtle amount of rocker between the feet, which feel closer to traditional camber than full-rocker, and even sometimes closer to traditional camber than hybrid camber. And there are some hybrid cambers that only have a very small and subtle camber section. So not always, but often that is the case.
Of the boards mentioned, the Hybrid camber options there will more closely resemble traditional camber than the hybrid rockers mentioned there. So in this case it’s true. But the Hybrid Rockers will feel closer to hybrid camber, than to full rocker still – they’ll just feel closer to full rocker than the hybrid cambers will – if that makes sense! To try to give a visual of what I’m trying to say, on a rough scale:
That’s a very generalized illustration, but hopefully helps to explain it.
Hi Nate,
just one word: WOW
Thank you so much for the explanation. Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to navigate in the huge field of snowboard shapes and cambers and flexes – but when you explain it everything makes sense.
Can’t stress this enough: thank you so much!
Keep up the amazing work!
You’re very welcome Joules. Glad I could help. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
Have decided on the Nitro Lectra 138. But supposedly the website says it is not compatible with Thirtytwo shifty BOA Size 6.5.
Am I doing something wrong, perhaps?
Hope you can help me with this.
Thank you.
Hi Veekay
The Lectra is quite narrow, but IMO it should be fine with 6.5s, but if you’re worried about it being too narrow, you could go with something else. It will certainly be on the narrow side, but still just wide enough, IMO.
Hi Jake,
I’m an OLD snowboarder. I’m 53 years old and started about 25 years ago. I had one board and one bindings for almost 20 years and was happy with them but the board split. I go anywhere from 2-10x/ year but average maybe 4x/year–so not much. I got a super stiff board at a swap meet. I used it yesterday and my back leg kills today from putting so much weight on it to prevent catching an edge. I’m 5′. 115 lbs. Size 7 shoe. I will never be an expert boarder but will always be an intermediate just doing groomed runs. No parks. Do you have any recommendations? I’ve considered the Arbor Ethos or Rossignol Gala. Really just want to have fun without breaking bones! BTW. I still have my old step-in bindings which I love and don’t want to get rid of. Thanks!
Hi Patti
Thanks for your message.
If you know the brand/model of the board you got at the swap meet, that would help. But something like the Ethos and the Gala would work as casual easy going boards, so long as your not too worried about stability at speed or too much performance for speed/carving.
Size-wise, I would be looking at something around 140cm, give or take for your specs. Something between 138 and 141 is probably a good bet – leaning on the shorter side for something even more forgiving.
So for the Ethos, either the 138 or 141. Probably leaning towards 141, just because it’s already a really friendly ride.
For the Gala, the 142 would be your best bet, IMO.
Though since you’ve been riding a long time, you’ll have a size that you’re used to. So, if it’s significantly longer or shorter, then we can revise that sizing, as what you’re used to comes into it as well.
If you were looking for a little step up, but still easy going, then something like:
YES Emoticon
GNU Chromatic
Never Summer Infinity
Rossignol Frenemy
Would also be good options.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Came across your site as I am looking to purchase my first board and boots.
My height is 162cm and my weight is 49kg. Rented 6.5 size boots, but my heels keep on going up. So I think will need to buy a size 6 instead.
Been to Niseko for 2 seasons now, and I can proudly say I have managed to go down the green line comfortably. Linking turns successfully at times, but I do still think I am in the beginners’ side still.
Could you please recommend me boards and boots for my level. Or, that can last a few years which then hopefully I will be progressing then.
Much appreciated~
Thank you!
Hi Veekay
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, something between 138 and 140 would be a good size for your specs/ability, IMO.
Width-wise, there pretty much won’t be anything that’s too narrow for 6s, just a matter of not going too wide.
For boots, it may be that 6.5 is too big but it might also be that they weren’t that good for heel hold. Some boots are better than others in that respect. And it might be that you have ankles/feet that are prone to heel lift. It might be that size 6 is better, but you wouldn’t want to go for 6, if it’s going to be too short. Check out the following for sizing snowboard boots and for a list of good beginner boots. Check out the score breakdowns for those that tend to be better for heel hold.
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
From what I hear of Japan, there’s great powder, so in terms of type of board, you’ll likely want something that’s good in powder, I’m guessing. So, something all-mountain is probably a good bet. One of the following would be really good options, IMO.
>>Nitro Lectra 138 – also a good width for 6s or 6.5s
>>K2 First Lite 138
Or, even though it’s more all mountain freestyle, but would still work for powder, the GNU Chromatic 141.
Or if you want something just a bit of a step up, then the following would also work well.
>>Never Summer Infinity 142 – getting a bit longer but would last you for a bit longer, progression-wise.
Hope this helps
HI Nate,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply~!
This is very helpful with my search for boots and snowboards!
Will look at your recommendations and if there is anything I need to ask (hopefully, not!) will message you again.
Thanks again…
You’re very welcome Veekay. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate,
I’m a somewhat experienced boarder looking to get my wife into the sport. It’s my favorite thing in life and I know she wants in on it too but shes struggling a bit. I think if she has a better board than the rentals then she will learn a bit easier. Shes 5’6″ and weighs 165 pounds. Her first time boarding was at big bear mountain in southern california and she did ok for the first time. But now were in illinois and boarding in Wisconsin. The mountain we went to is more or less a huge hill however the slopes were fairly decent. She struggled a lot more this ti.e though. Got so frustrated and sore after a few runs that she wasnt feeling it anymore that day. Basically spent a lot of time popping up heel side and then falling back on her butt. She has no problem getting off the lifts and occasionally she’ll have a good 100 ft or so before she eats the snow.
Any recommendations? Maybe a shorter board something with more balance?
Thanks in advance!
Jake
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
I’m not familiar with conditions in Wisconsin but I’m guessing that you get quite a lot of hard/icy days? Was that the case on the day she rode there?
If so, then something with good edge hold in hard/icy conditions would certainly help.
Size-wise, I’d say something around 149 to 151 is a good way to go, but you could go a little shorter if you felt you needed a bit more agility in the board. But going too short will make it less stable. Do you know the size of boards she rented (at Big Bear and at her more recent time?).
The following could be good options:
~ GNU Chromatic 149: Only thing is it could be a little more difficult off the lifts – and maybe if she’s doing OK there, don’t want to take a step back there. But otherwise I think it would work well.
~ YES Emoticon 149
~ Rossignol Meraki 150
Also, decent in hard/icy but not quite as good are the Ethos, Poparazzi and Lectra. They are all a little looser too, like the Chromatic.
Hope this helps
Hey man, ya that helped a lot. Thank you. We’ve hit a few places here in Wisconsin now and shes doing pretty good. Ya it’s a little more icy at times. Weve been renting a 149 length a few times to see if she does well on that length. She digs it with some liquid courage and shes killing it. I bought her a 147 Joyride with new bindings and burton boots that I found for a killer deal. Couldn’t pass it up. I know it’s not the best board but while she learns more this season it’ll do great I’m sure. Rocker profile. Next season I think I’m gonna pick up that 149 Yes Emoticon for her.
Hi Jake
Great to hear she’s doing better now. Hope the board goes well for her for this season – and hope you both have an awesome rest of the season!
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the information! I’m looking to purchase my first board. I would consider myself a beginner in terms of ability (I go maybe once or twice a year) and tend see more hard/icy condition. I noticed in another post, you rated the Rossignol Myth a 100/100 for a beginner board. How does this board compare to the Nitro Lectra and the Rossignol Gala for a first board? I just want the best catch-free board to cruise down the mountains and that also makes it easy to get off the lift. What would you suggest? Also, I’m 5’4ish and 120lbs. Every time I rent, I get a 146cm board. Is this the right size for me? It’s hard to tell with all the different charts out there.
Any advice you have… I’d be ever so grateful!
Hi Cristina
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would prefer to see you on something more like 142 to 143 as a beginner. Up to 145, 146 as a more advanced rider.
The Gala and Lectra are both very good beginner boards, as is the Myth. The 100/100 was an old rating (I’m always looking to improve and adapt my rating system, so the scores change – and they also sometimes change as the result of a board changing). But since you tend to ride in hard/icy conditions a lot, I would be more inclined to look at the Lectra (142) over the Myth and Gala, which would be slightly better in those conditions, IMO.
Though even better in those conditions would be something like the GNU Chromatic, the YES Emoticon or the Rossignol Meraki.
If you could also let me know your boot size (or shoe size if you’re not sure of your boot size) to make sure these options would be a suitable width for you.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Nate,
You’re the best! I’m a shoe size 7. I’m usually given a 7.5 or 8 in boot size. Is that what I should be using?
If I go with the GNU Chromatic, how is this board on fresh snow? I may be taking a trip to Breckenridge this winter and, although I see more icy conditions, I’d love to bring my own board.
Hi Cristina
Typically you would be around your shoe size in snowboard boots, give or take 1/2 a size. But every foot is different. Different brands tend to fit subtly different as well, so it would depend. If you’re not sure about how your boots should fit, check out:
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
The Chromatic is decent in fresh snow. It’s not a powder hound, but it’s not bad either. I would say 3/5 in powder. So, good enough, if you’re not going to see powder that often. And if you really wanted to, you could also set your bindings back a little on days when there’s fresh snow, for better float. But all of that really applies to ungroomed fresh snow (backcountry, or off-piste). In soft-pack on the groomers, it will be absolutely fine.
Hi Nate 🙂
I am about to pick up snowboarding again after a long hiatus and would put myself back in the beginner bucket. I am looking for the right board that would give me a lot of control and comfort (I had acl/mcl surgery about 7 years ago and have to wear a heavy duty knee brace). I’m 5’5 and 142lbs and I wear a size 8 boot.
Please let me know what your recommendations are. Thanks!
Hi Tina
Thanks for your message.
Certainly going with something that’s not too stiff flexing is a good idea – both as a beginner and also in terms of comfort. A softer flex is more forgiving and makes it both technically and physically easier to initiate turns. And certainly easier to control at slower speeds.
Length-wise, something around 145, 146 would be a good way to go, IMO.
Width-wise, as long as you go at least 233mm in terms of waist width, you should be fine. But try not to go wider than around 243mm at the waist – if you go too wide, then it becomes more difficult to initiate turns (more physical effort required).
If you don’t think you’ll be riding the park in the future, then going for something all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle would be a good option. I would go all-mountain, if you’re somewhere that sees a fair amount of fresh powder, and you think you’ll want to go off-groomer at some stage. Otherwise either all-mountain or all-mountain freestyle. There are a number of options on this list in those categories.
The other thing is if you’re in an area that sees a lot of hard/icy conditions, that’s something else to think about. The boards labelled “HARD/ICY” would be good options in that case.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I have recently come across your website and the information has been extremely helpful especially as I am looking to buy my daughter her own board & bindings.
My daughter, 14 has been boarding for 2 years now (total of 2 weeks) and is keen to progress. She is comfortable coming down gentle blue runs.
We would like the board and bindings to last for a good few years and looking for something that will let her progress both on the piste and park. From your reviews we would be looking at:
Yes Emoticon with Burton Scribe
K2 First Lite with Burton Citizen
Rossignol Gala with Burton Citizen
At out local store they have recommended Bataleon Feelbetter with either Burton Citizen or Now Vetta.
She is 52.5kg and 163cm with UK boot size 5.5 and I would really appreciate your thoughts on the above as well as what would be the most suitable board size.
Look forward to hearing from you.
David
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, as an advanced rider, I would say something around 143, but it’s a good idea to take off a bit of size for beginner/intermediate riders. So a range of 138 to 140 would be a good bet. Since you will want the board to last her a good few years, and if she is still growing, then looking at the higher end of that range or even looking up to 142cm. So maybe 140-142. Ideally closer to 140 but if you’re wanting it to grow with her a bit, then could go a little longer. But I wouldn’t go too much longer, as then the board gets harder to ride and it could stunt her progress.
From those 3, I think the YES Emoticon would be the best option. It’s something that will last longer skill-wise, and a good option for both piste and park. Less so for powder than the others though. The only thing is that the shortest size is 143. You could possibly stretch to that but is getting on the long side. It’s also on the wide side for UK5.5, IMO.
The First Lite and Gala (in the 142) would be better sizes, mostly because they’re a little narrower, and would still be suitable in the park but not as park friendly. But they’re also boards that aren’t necessarily going to be as good in a couple of years when your daughters skill level increases.
I don’t know much about Bataleon boards, but based on some quick research, looks like the Feelbetter is very park oriented. It looks like it would be beginner suitable but might also be something that she would progress past quite quickly – certainly on piste. It’s something that would remain a good park board for her, but for piste riding, upgrading from that after a season or two would be beneficial. Size-wise, I would say the 140 would be the best size for that board.
So, I think the Emoticon would be the best board choice, but not necessarily the best size. But if you were willing to go for that length with it in mind that she’s growing and progressing, then that’s a good option. Just might be a slightly steeper learning curve to begin with. Also, if she has used boards of that length of longer and felt comfortable, when renting, then that’s another factor to consider.
Another option that I think would work well, if available, is the GNU Chromatic 141. It’s a good length, width and something that’s good for piste and park and should last a few season’s worth of progression.
Another one if available, is the Arbor Poparazzi in the 141. I think that would fit really well too.
In terms of bindings, the Citizen is a great beginner binding, but again, could be something that she grows out of quite quickly. The Scribe is certainly something that would last longer through her progression. A bit of a steeper learning curve, as they’re a bit stiffer, but doable.
Also check out:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
>>Top Women’s Freestyle Bindings
For more options.
Something like the K2 Meridian or Union Milan or Ride DVA would be a good middle ground between lasting but also being beginner friendly.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Thanks for getting back so quick Nate and with a really comprehensive review of the options.
Due to availability and taking cost into account we have narrowed it down, we think to either:
First Lite or Gala paired with the Milan bindings.
Thanks again for your help with this.
You’re very welcome David. Hope you and your daughter have a great season!
Hey Nate,
As you seem to be an expert 🙂 , I have some questions.
I am 5 foot, 155lbs. We go up to NC for 3 years and this year i was looking into getting my own board. I know the basics and can get down the mountain. What would you recommend?
Is the Frenemy or the myth like the top ones?
What about the Burton Genie?
Thanks!!
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your message.
The Frenemy is a good intermediate level board. But would be fine for a high end beginner. So you might be OK with something like that.
Both the Burton Genie (which is now called the Stylus) and the Rossignol Myth are very good as beginner boards. They are both freestyle focused, which doesn’t matter when you’re just learning, but if you want something that will last you a while through your progression, just know that they are more suitable for doing tricks/riding the park. So whether or not that’s something you think you’ll get into, will depend. But if you get something like that and upgrade later once you’re more advanced, they’re certainly boards that will aid in quick progression.
But if you want something that will stick with you a bit longer and is more “all-mountain” focused, then I would look at one that has an “all-mountain” or “all-mountain-freestyle” tag next to “Style of Board” in the list.
If you’re looking for something that will be just that little bit more advanced and will last you for longer through your progression, then something like:
Rossignol Frenemy
Never Summer Infinity
YES Emoticon
Arbor Poparazzi
GNU Gloss
Capita Paradise
Size-wise, something around 145cm would be a good bet for you at the moment, IMO. So, for those boards mentioned:
Rossignol Frenemy: 147 (or 144)
Never Summer Infinity: 145
YES Emoticon: 146
Arbor Poparazzi: 147 (or 144)
GNU Gloss: 144
Capita Paradise: 145
Do you know the size you usually rent. Because what you’re used to can also come into sizing.
Also, if you can let me know your boot size (or shoe size if you’re not sure of your boot size). Just to make sure these boards will be an appropriate width.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thank you so much for your articles, they have helped me so much! However, I still don’t know which board would be best for me. I am currently interested in the Arbor Ethos/Poparazzi or Ride Rapture.
I am 5’8, about 130lb, and wear a size 9 women’s shoe. I have snowboarded 4 times, and I started to link my turns on greens and easy blues. So I am still a beginner (:
My goal is to find a board that will help me progress fast but will still last me a couple of seasons. I am getting a pass this season and hope to go up every weekend.
Which board and length would you recommend for me? Also do you think the Arbor Ethos or Poparazzi would be better? Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thank you so so much for your help!!
Hi Kailey
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise I think something around 146 to 148 would be a good length to go with for your specs and a beginner with a bit of experience already.
Width wise with 9s, I would say at least 236mm in terms of waist width, but that would depend on your binding angles. If you ride with a very straight back foot, then probably more like 240mm minimum but if you ride with quite a bit of angle on both you could go narrower. But if you’re not sure of binding angles, then something between 236 and 242 would be a good range to look at.
So the sizes I would go for would be:
Ethos: 147 (235.5mm waist)
Poparazzi: 147 (235.5mm waist)
Rapture: 147 (238mm waist)
The Poparazzi and Rapture are likely to last you longer through your progression, so they might be the best to choose between.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome! Thank you so much for your input! Do you think the Poparazzi would be too narrow? I’m not positive what angle I ride with, I always just let my rental place set it, but I think it’s around 15 degrees.
Also, do you have any other recommendations for me besides the Poparazzi and Rapture?
Again, thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
Hi Kailey
Yeah often rental places will setup at +15/-15, from what I’ve seen. In which case, if you were to stick with that, then the Poparazzi should be fine width-wise, IMO.
Some other good options for you, IMO:
~ YES Emoticon 146 (239mm waist)
~ Rossignol Frenemy 147 (240mm waist) – a little bit of a step up but still doable
The GNU Chromatic 146 (238mm waist) could work well for you too.
Hi Nate!
Thanks so much for your article on beginner snowboards, it’s been super helpful to my boyfriend and I!
I’ve been snowboarded 4-5 times, and have a good grasp of turning. Currently I’m working on making turns on more steeper slopes and making tighter turns. For reference, I’m 5’5 and about 113 lbs. Based on the information you’ve given me, I’ve narrowed down a few boards that’s on sale right now at pretty reasonable prices:
– K2 Duchess 146cm
– K2 Bright Lite 146cm
– Rossignol Frenemy Magtek 147cm
– Ride Rapture 143cm
– K2 Bright Lite 145cm
I’m not sure if these boards are too long for me, or if you have any other recommendations? Your advice is deeply appreciated!
Thank you!
Hi Shirley
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, in my opinion, most of those would be too long for you. I would say as a beginner that something between 139 and 141 would be a good range to look at. Since it sounds like you’re progressing quite quickly you’ll probably be fine to go with something 142, 143, but I wouldn’t go any longer than that at this stage if it was me.
So, from that list the Ride Rapture looks the best option to me. Just note that the Rapture is certainly freestyle oriented (which is fine when you’re still learning). So, if you get into riding the park, then it will be a good option to have in your quiver. But once you become more advanced you’ll likely want something different for riding the mountain. But yeah, this would be your best option from that list,IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision and let me know if you find other options that you’re considering
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the quick reply! I turned to eBay to find some good deals… 😀
I’ve also been looking at these two boards:
– Salomon Lotus 138 or 142
– K2 Bright Lite 142
Are any of these two OK? I’d like to keep the board for a few seasons and be able to progress on it without buying another.
Hi Shirley
I think he K2 Bright Lite 142 would be a great option for you. It fell just outside this list, so it’s definitely beginner appopriate, in my opinion and that’s a better size for you, IMO. But still the kind of size that would be appropriate a few seasons down the line
Hey Nate,
OK, so I’ve narrowed it down to the K2 Bright Lite 142, or the GNU Gloss 140 (I’ve heard that it’s an OK board for intermediate beginners).
Out of these two, which do you think would enable me to progress without having to buy another board in the next few seasons?
Thank you!!
Hi Shirley
I think both would be good boards to progress on for a few years and at the same time beginner friendly enough. But maybe leaning towards the 142 Bright Lite, just because the size would be more appropriate in a couple of seasons. The 140 would be a great size now, but down the line you might appreciate the little bit of extra length of the 142 Bright Lite. One more thing – what’s your boot size? Or shoe size if you’re not sure of boot size. Just to see what would be most appropriate width-wise.
I’m a size 7 in boots, with medium bindings.
Hi Shirley
You could certainly ride either, IMO, with 7s, but perhaps sticking with the Bright Lite just because it’s a better length, overall, in terms of holding on to it for a few seasons.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for your “how to choose the best snowboard” article and for making this list. The way you explain everything is extremely helpful! I’ve been a skier for years and and just moved to New Mexico and want to transition to snowboarding. I’m 5′ 10″ and weight about 128 lbs so I am struggling to decided what size board I need since my height and weight don’t correspond on the sizing charts. I’m a size 9, slender-athletic build, and will probably be hitting up resorts and eventually backcountry (I hope!). Since you definitely seem to be the Obi-Wan Kenobi of snowboards (good call Brynn!) I would appreciate your recommendation on what size board I should look for, and if you think a certain board on this list or style would be preferential for me.
Thank you so much!
Anne
Hi Anne
Thanks for your message.
I like to take height into account but weight is certainly the most important factor (as well as boot size). For you, as a beginner, I would say that something between 146 to 148 would be a good length to go for.
For Size 9s a safe range to look at would be something with a waist width between 238mm and 248mm.
Given how you want to ride, I think something all-mountain would be your best option.
So based on all of that, I would suggest the following:
~ Burton Hideaway 148 (240mm waist)
~ Nitro Lectra 149 (238mm waist) – a little outside our range but should still be fine
The other options, if you were wanting a board that could stay with you longer – i.e. want grow out of them as fast – but will also be a little bit of a steeper learning curve:
~ GNU Gloss 148 (239mm waist)
~ Capita Paradise 147 (237mm waist) – pushing it in terms of width, but should be OK
~ Rossignol Frenemy 147 (240mm waist)
Hope this helps and gives you some options
Hi Nate!
Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi (of snowboards)… You are my only hope 🙂 I’m overwhelmed with research for a new board. (Sorry, nerd reference). I’m 29, 5’9”-5’10” (i never know anymore), and about 190-195 lbs (stressful events, lots of weight gain, working on getting that back down).
I’m what I’d call a ‘competent beginner’. Even though i’ve been snowboarding for years, I initially learned in the midwest, self-taught, and it often would be at least 2-3 years between snowboarding trips.
I now finally live on the west coast and have gone to breckenridge 2 years ago and lake tahoe this past year. Breckenridge was hard but I could handle greens, and then easy blues, I fall a lot the first day after not going for a while but typically have ‘ok’ control with my S turns on my toe edge… only with large turns though, my fine, minute control (like going through a crowded area) has never been there. I was using a K2 board at the time (unknown kind). I think it was maybe 148cm?
This past year my husband bought me a custom board from Oz Snowboards (small colorado company) as a gift, it was around 152-154 cm, all mountain, extruded base, carbon fiber, with true twin direction, hybrid camber, and supposedly soft/medium flex. It was like night and day for loss of control on this thing I feel like my toe edge catches EVERYTHING. After multiple days I could finally turn onto my toe edges but it takes SO much effort, the board feels so much stiffer than my last one, and I feel like I have zero control. Unfortunately, I got rid of my K2 thinking I had graduated. I would now like to be held back to kindergarten.
So… help? I’m planning on getting an IKON pass this year and going… a lot. I’m not sure if I need a solely beginner board or not. A couple of things to maybe help with recommendations:
1. I know for a fact I’m a goofy foot, and while I switch on this new board, in reality after a little bit on the run I typically feel ok doing toe edge riding.
2. most of my boarding will always be in colorado, california, washington, utah
3. i’m not a terrain park person. maybe attempting a jump in the years future… but right now I really just want to have solid control. Control going through a busy, narrow run, and not relying on switching to go down.
So I was wondering if I need a shorter board again, a softer board, and potentially an asymmetrical board? And do I need to worry about my weight affecting the length or flex?
Cost isn’t as much of an issue as much of actual ease in all of the above things (biggest thing is ease of turning and lack of catching).
Thank you times a million for reading through all of this, I appreciate your help, I didn’t know where else to go.
Happy Halloween (when this was sent in) and have a lovely day.
Hi Brynn
Thanks for your message. First time I’ve been referred to as Obi-Wan – but I like it 😉
Without knowing the exact specs of the 2 boards, I couldn’t say for sure, but usually the things you’re describing come down to 1 of 3 things or a combination of all 3.
1. That the new board is significantly stiffer than your old K2. Stiffer boards are more difficult to control and are harder to maneuver at slow speeds. Longer boards can also feel stiffer, even if they’re not necessarily stiffer.
2. That the new board has a lot more camber than your old K2 – hybrid camber can really vary – some being mostly camber, some only having very subtle camber. And your old K2 may not have had any camber in it. Having a board that’s all camber or predominantly camber is often the cause of catching an edge.
3. That the new board is significantly longer than your old K2. Which it sounds like it is. And it’s not just the overall length, it’s also how much effective edge is there. But I won’t go into detail on effective edge as I don’t want to throw too much info at once.
So, I think to make sure you get on something that can aid your progression and build your confidence, I think it’s a good idea to look at something that’s beginner. And since we don’t know exactly what changed between the 2 boards, it would be safer to try to go for something that’s only got very subtle camber or no camber.
Size-wise, I would noramlly say that something around 152-154 would be a good length for you as a beginner. But since the new board feels long to you and since your old board was a reasonable amount smaller, I think going a little shorter than that is a good idea. Maybe a range between 149 and 151 would be a better place to look. Shorter will certainly also help with sharper turns and navigating narrow crowded areas, so that would be another reason to go shorter, if that’s something you’re having difficulties with.
With all that in mind, I think the following would be good choices, also taking into account a board that you won’t grow out of too quickly and one that’s more all-mountain focused than freestyle focused – or in between.
~ GNU Chromatic 149
~ YES Emoticon 149
~ Arbor Poparazzi 150
You could also look at the Rossi Gala, Arbor Ethos, Nitro Lectra and K2 First Lite. The only downside to those being that you may (not necessarily but there’s a higher chance) grow out of those quicker.
There’s one more thing to consider though and that’s the waist width. Just want to make sure that these boards will be wide enough for your boots. If you can let me know your boot size (and if you’re not sure, then your shoe size), then I can give you my opinion on if those are appropriate width-wise for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Thank you so much for the response, it really truly helps with figuring this out. I’m an 8.5 boot size, so I think based on their size charts I would hopefully be ok with most of these boards? I’m currently deciding between either the Emoticon or GNU board you are recommending. Although both seem like good options… both seem stable but good at turning. Not quite sure how I”ll make the choice 🙂 But at least now its only down to two!
Not to take up too much of your time but… I also need to buy new bindings (mine are… oh… 12 years old). Any recommendations for bindings good for beginners? I wear a 8.5 burton boa boot (took years to find a boot that fit my picky feet and don’t make them burn in pain, but YAY that problem is solved).
You’re the best 🙂
Brynn
Hi Brynn
Yeah, you should definitely be fine width-wise with those boards. If it helps at all the Chromatic will be a slightly looser feeling board than the Emoticon. Whether you think you’d prefer a looser feeling board or not, might help with your decision.
In terms of bindings, check out the following:
>>Top Women’s Beginner Bindings
OR
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
If you need more options, let me know.
Glad you’ve found boots that fit well!
Hope this helps
Hi there, I’m looking at purchasing my first board and have been looking at the YES Emoticon for a while. I’m struggling a little on size because from what i’ve seen both the 143 and 146 have the same weight limit and unfortunately I’m short and at the upper weight limit on both (I’m 5’2 and 150lb and wear a boot size 6 UK, but I’m planning on hitting the gym and losing at least 10lbs before our trip in January). I’ve been having lessons on a 146 but i’n not sure if this is the best option as I’ve heard some people recommend shorter boards for beginners for ease of initiating turns. On a side note – I purchased a pair of Burton Escapades in the sale on recommendation of a friend – would these be suitable with this board and my ability level (beginner – approximately 10 hours of lessons on indoor slopes plus some practice without tuition). Best Wishes Stacey
Hi Stacey
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think the 146 would be your best bet. You could go even longer as a more advanced rider, but wouldn’t necessarily have to. But yeah the 146 is already going a little shorter than what you could, so I think that would be an appropriate beginners size. You could go 143, if you’re really worried and that would certainly work, but overall I think the 146 is the best option. For either I wouldn’t worry too much about being at the upper end of the weight limit – those are just rough guidelines, IMO.
The Escapades are great bindings, and should pair fine with the Emoticon. I wouldn’t say they’re the ideal beginner bindings. A little too stiff to be ideal, but they aren’t the worst beginner options either. They are doable.
Hope this helps,
Nate
Hi, Nate!
Thanks so much for answering all these questions! I tried sending a comment from my phone, but I don’t think it worked, so I’m sorry for any double posts!!
I am planning to buy my first snowboard, bindings, and boots. I have snowboarded a few times and was linking turns, and able to do blue runs. However the most recent time I went in the northeast, I found I was catching edges a lot. So I would guess I am more of a later beginner. I would like to experiment with the park, so I think I am interested in an All Mountain freestyle board from what I have read on your website about those! I am 5’7” and around 111 lbs, and size 8.5 US shoe. I am having trouble figuring out the right size board and also which board to get so any help would be much appreciated! Also I am trying to look at later models as a way to save some money, so any advice on what you recommend from that category would be awesome!!
Hi Sarah
Thanks for your messages. I did get the others too. Comments just have to go through moderation before being published.
From what you’re describing, I think something all-mountain-freestyle would work well. The biggest downside is that they’re usually not as good in powder. But you can still certainly ride them in powder, just that it’s a little more effort keeping the nose up. But certainly still doable and I think that would be your best option from what you’ve said.
Size-wise, I would be looking at something between 141 and 144.
With 8.5s, I would try to look for something with at least 235mm at the waist. If you knew your binding angles, then you could potentially go a little narrower (depending on the angles) but if not then go at least 235mm.
Given all of that, the fact you need something good in ice, and that you sound like you’re a high-end beginner, I think the YES Emoticon would be ideal. Not sure if you’ll be able to find one in a past season model though. But if you can, that’s what I’d go for. The 143cm (237mm waist) would be a great size for you, IMO.
But the GNU Chromatic would also be a great option – and you might have better luck finding that in a past model. Again the 143cm (237mm waist) would be a great size, IMO.
The Poparazzi would work too – not as good in hard/icy as Emoticon and Chromatic but pretty good. The 144cm (234mm waist) would be your best bet. Pushing it too narrow, but you’d probably be fine.
Hopefully you can find one of those in a past model. But let me know if you want some more options and I can dig deeper. There would certainly be a lot more options in something that’s more of an intermediate level and I can give you some of those, if you need.
Those were the three I was looking at as well, and you are absolutely right about not finding the emoticon in past models, but I was able to find the GNU chromatic. And thank you for the size rec, i would have gone with something too long!
So, you’ve got me thinking about how the freestyle boards are not as good in powder. I think my priority might be powder (just something decent, so i can have fun in it without struggling too much) over park ability since that is just something I would like to dip my toes in.
And i am definitely open to intermediate board options, as long as you think it’s a board that will help improve my confidence a bit, and still help me progress!
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Sarah
Ideally to improve confidence a beginner board. An intermediate board will be slightly more difficult to get going on, but doable.
If you’re going to be riding in powder a fair bit and that’s something that you’d like to do more, then an all-mountain board might be the way to go. They’re still something that you can ride freestyle on, but they are better in powder. Not as good for more freestyle aspects as an all-mountain-freestyle but still can do it (all-mountain board are what I consider to be do-it-all boards – they don’t do any one thing amazingly, but they do everything above average).
If you do want to look at an all-mountain board good for beginners, and also good in icy conditions, then I think the:
~ Rossignol Fremeny 144
Could work. But note, it is more of an intermediate level board.
That said, the Chromatic won’t be like super-hard to ride in powder. Just if you get in any real deep powder it will be harder to keep the nose afloat than with more all-mountain boards. But if you did go Chromatic, you could, if you think you’d make the effort, set the bindings back, when you get fresh powder, which would help.
Hope this helps and let me know if you would like any other suggestions.
Hey Nate!
So I haven’t been able to find any older GNU chromatics in the length I need. I keep coming across the Rossignol Tesla at a good price point and was wondering your opinion on that board?
Otherwise I keep going back to the Emoticon since it seems like an overall great choice, especially considering it seems like a board that can stay with me through progression, and I assume it has good resale value since I can’t seem to find older models anywhere! Lol
Let me know what you think of the Tesla.
Thanks!!!!
Hi Sarah
The Tesla is what I would consider more of a freestyle board. Certainly a good beginner board and was in this list last season (but they aren’t making a 2019 model – which is probably one of the reasons it’s going for a good price). Would certainly be a great option for improving confidence but less suitable as something for all-mountain and riding in powder, once you’ve progressed a bit no it. Wouldn’t be a bad option at all for right now, but might be something that you grow out of relatively quickly. That said, if you were happy to upgrade it’s the kind of board you could keep as a park board, and upgrade to a board more suitable for all-mountain.
The Emoticon is a solid choice, IMO. Like you say it’s something that you can progress with and is still suitable for a higher ability level. It’s all-mountain-freestyle, in my books, so it’s not going to be amazing in deep powder, but certainly doable for powder days – just going to take a bit more effort on your back leg, compared to something more powder suitable.
But overall, a solid choice, IMO, and great in icy conditions.
Hey, Nate!
I was also wondering what you thought of the Capita Paradise for me. Is that too advanced of a board?
Also the GNU Gloss is one that keeps popping up in my search.
From what I have read these both are supposed to be All Mountain, just not sure how advanced as well as what you thought about these.
Thanks so much for all your help, it makes deciding much less overwhelming!
Hi Sarah
The Paradise is what I would consider an intermediate level board, but I would say it’s suitable for someone just entering the intermediate phase and maybe even high-end beginner. So not ideal for beginners but not terrible either. The biggest downside for you though, is that it’s not as good in icy conditions as the others we’ve discussed. It’s what I would consider an all-mountain-freestyle board (it’s still a twin and has a centered reference stance) but it’s a little better in powder than the average all-mountain-freestyle board. If I had a category between all-mountain-freestyle and all-mountain, that’s where I would put it.
Funnily enough the Gloss is also something that’s kind of in between all-mtn-freestyle and all-mtn. The reason for this is that it has a directional twin shape – but it still has a centered stance. But you could always set it back on powder days. But yeah again, something that’s going to be better in powder than your average all-mountain-freestyle board. It is what I would consider a low-level intermediate board, but again, it’s not a bad choice as a beginner option. A little more advanced than the Chromatic, but still doable. And better in icy conditions. I would go for this over the Paradise for your particular situation.
Hope this makes sense/helps
Hi! Thanks so much for answering all these questions!
I am looking to buy my first snowboard. I have been out to Colorado a few times as well as up northeast, but always with a couple years gap in between. I can link turns, and was doing blues but last time i went northeast i found i was catching edges quite a bit, so i would say i am closer to a beginner. I am 5’7” and around 112 lbs, and i think around a size 8 boot.
I am looking for a board that can go all over the mountain, but also handle icy conditions, and i would like to try some park features in the future too! So maybe an All Mountain freestyle?
Any board and size recommemdations of models a couple years older if it will save money?
Appreciate any help!
Hi Nate,
My son is 13, 110lbs size 9 men’s boot, he just purchased the Rossi Myth board (#5 on your list, the one that is pictured) at a big ski sale. We didn’t realize until now that it’s a women’s board. Does that matter?? he’s been snowboarding for 2 seasons.
Hi Shyla
Thanks for your message.
The only issue I can see is going to be the width. With size 9 boots, it might be too narrow for him. Which size did you get. I would imagine that only the 154 would be suitable width-wise, and even then would be pushing it too narrow. And the 154 is probably too long for him. But if you can let me know his height, then I can make a more accurate length recommendation. But at 110lbs I would imagine the 154 would be too long – and a 240mm waist is the bare minimum I would recommend for size 9s – and only then assuming he rides with +15/-15, or similar binding angles.
Otherwise no issues being a women’s board, but I would be concerned about the width.
Hope this helps
Hi! Thanks so much for answering all these questions!
I am looking to buy my first snowboard. I have been out to Colorado a few times as well as up northeast, but always with a couple years gap in between. I can link turns but last time i went northeast i found i was catching edges quite a bit, so i would say i am closer to a beginner. I am 5’7” and around 112 lbs, and i think around a size 8 boot.
I am looking for a board that can go all over the mountain, but also handle icy conditions, and i would like to try some park features in the future too!
Any board and size recommemdations?
Appreciate it!!
Hi Nate,
Great information! I’m looking to start snowboarding this winter and I’m looking at the following boards:
K2 First Lite
Rossignol Gala
Arbor Poparazzi
I’m 5’4″ and 150 pounds. I’m a little confused as to the length that I should get, as the weights cross over one another in the different sizes.
Thanks for all the great information on your site.
Michele
Hi Michele
Thanks for your message.
I don’t pay too much attention to weight recommendations. They’re helpful as rough guidelines but there’s too much variance in them, like you say.
For you, as a beginner, I would be looking at anything from a 145 to 148. So for the boards that you’re looking at, I would say:
First Lite: 146
Gala: 146
Poparazzi: 147
Hope this helps
Thanks, Nate! This was very helpful. Also, your website is a wealth of information. Thanks for putting this together.
Michele
You’re very welcome Michele. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate! What’s your view on the Burton Yeasayer for a beginner? Very shallow but I love the design and the only difference i really see vs the Stylus is that it’s slighty stiffer?
Hi Anna
Thanks for your message.
The Burton Yeasayer isn’t too different from the Stylus. Flex is one of them but there are a couple of other differences. These are the main differences from what I can see:
1. The Yeasayer is a little stiffer but still a beginner friendly flex
2. The Yeasayer has a more aggressive feeling effective edge to contact length ratio. This is getting quite technical but essentially the Stylus has a high effective edge to contact length ratio and that same ratio on the Yeasayer is quite low. A higher ratio typically means a more forgiving ride, with a smoother slower response. A lower ratio is typically a more edgy, sharper turning feel. The effective edge to contact length ratio is only one factor that effects the feel though – camber profile, stiffness, sidecut etc
3. The sidecut on the Yeasayer is a different radius – though they’re not massively different – but this also affects the feel.
So, the main thing that makes the Stylus a better beginner board, IMO, is that effective edge to contact length ratio (i don’t usually mention this in my review because a. this info isn’t available for every board and b. it can be a bit confusing.
>>See more on effective edge here
What that means in practical terms is that the Stylus is a reasonable beginner option, but not ideal. The Stylus would be easier to learn on for sure, but the Yeasayer certainly wouldn’t be the worst beginner board choice.
Hope this makes sense/helps
Hi Nate!
I started snowboarding last year on rented boards and we’ve decided to dive in and buy our own gear. I’m having a but of a conundrum though picking a board….I’m 5’5, but weigh 165 and have a size 9 shoe – short and stocky! 🙂 And we live on the east coast, so…ice. Also I have no idea what kind of boarding I prefer, so have been looking at all-mountain because you know, maybe I would like to make a jump or two…
I thought I had it narrowed down to the yes emoticon or the GNu B-Nice (not listed here) but then I started looking at sizes and got SUPER confused and discouraged…
What are your thoughts on length vs. height/weight/flex for a beginner? Do I look for something stiffer and short and count on my weight to make it “softer” or do I find something in my weight category but then is it too long for me to control? Should I just quit women’s boards altogether and look at men’s boards?
Hi Debora
Thanks for your message.
In terms of length, I think something between 147 and 150 would be a good length range for you to look at. Weight is an important factor but height (and ability level and riding style) play a part as well, IMO. And as far as weight recommendations go, they are rough guidelines, IMO. Whilst you are likely to be over the weight recommendations for most boards in that length range, I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. As you’ve eluded to, the main thing will be that they will flex softer than what they would for someone lighter on the same board. So, going a little stiffer flexing isn’t a bad idea, but still not too stiff.
Width-wise, with 9s, anything over 240mm at the waist should be safe enough regardless of binding angles. If you already have preferred binding angles and ride with a reasonable angle on the back foot, then you could go narrower than that. I wouldn’t go any wider than 250mm at the waist – and you’re better off, IMO, being closer to the 240mm waist than a 250mm one.
Taking this into account, plus the fact that you’ll see a lot of icy conditions, I would recommend the following:
~ YES Emoticon 149 (241mm waist) – it might feel a little softer than the 4/10 flex rating but not by much – would still be a good flex level, IMO, for you.
~ Rossignol Frenemy 147 (240mm waist) – a little stiffer flexing but will feel softer than the 5/10 rating – and going a little shorter than what you would be on the Emoticon means that it will feel a bit softer again. You could also go 150 for this board, but given the flex, I think the 147 would work well
~ GNU B Nice 148 (238mm waist) – assuming a bit of angle on your back binding, this should be fine width-wise. More freestyle oriented board than all-mountain, IMO, but would certainly be a good beginner/icy condition option
~ GNU Chromatic 149 (241mm waist) – similar to the B Nice but a little more all-mountain oriented, though still mostly freestyle focused – but again a good beginner/icy condition option
Even though GNU rate the Chromatic and B Nice as 5/10 flex, I would say that they’re softer than both the Frenemy and the Emoticon (from my experience with the men’s equivalents of those boards). But they do have higher weight recommendation guidelines.
But no need to look at men’s boards, IMO. There will be some options in that length and width range in men’s boards, but there will be less options in those sizes.
SO yeah, I think you were on the right track looking at the Emoticon and B Nice.
Hope this helps with your decision
AWESOME, thank you so much!!
You’re very welcome!
Hey there
Not sure if you can help or not.. I’m nz based my partner can ski and turns out my four year old is also a better skier than me ? so I’m making it my mission to learn to snowboard next year I’m planning on a week of lessons and it would cost me more to hire a board for a week than it would to buy one I will be a complete beginner And my aim is basically to make it down a green slope without breaking anything by the weeks end I’m reasonably fit bit an old beginner at 30 and 157cm tall shoe size 7.5 weight 70kg I have no knowledge about boards I am not aiming to do jumps etc just make it down a slope in one piece. What kind of board would you recommend long term I’d like to just hit the slopes the reason I ask now is nz is just about to come out of season and I’m looking for next year so can wait for sales I just don’t want to go into a shop “blind” and see you have given some great beginners advice above also dumb question but how will I know what way I will ride goofy or regular? Does it even matter?
Thanks
Nicole
Hi Nicole
Thanks for your message.
Since, it sounds like you aren’t interested in anything freestyle, then I would go for an all-mountain board. Or you could go all-mountain-freestyle, if you don’t think you’ll ride off-piste at all.
So, the:
~ Rossignol Gala
~ K2 First Lite
And
~ YES Emoticon
Would be my picks for you.
Size-wise, as a beginner, for your specs, I would say look in the range 143-145 for length.
For width, anything between 235mm and 244mm at the waist should work fine (assuming US7.5 boots).
So for the boards mentioned that would be:
Gala: 146 (234mm waist)
First Lite: 146 (236mm waist)
Emoticon: 143cm (237mm waist)
In terms of goofy and regular check out the following for some ways to determine your preferred stance direction.
How To Tell if You Should Snowboard Goofy or Regular
But for choosing a board, you won’t need to know. A large majority of boards can be ridden both regular and goofy – there are only some specialized boards that are specific, but you won’t be looking at those.
Hope this helps
Hi, I have some trouble deciding which board is suitable for me.
I’m 166cm, 50kg, shoes 23.5 – 24cm.
What do you think would be suitable for all mountain riding and I’d love to try freestyle when I get better.
Bataleon FeelBetter Snowboard – Women’s 2018 – 138cm
Ride Rapture Women’s 17-18 Model – 139cm
K2 First Lite Womens 2018 – 138cm
I’m also looking for the Rome Royal, but I can’t seem to find anything for my size.
Hi S
Thanks for your message.
I think they would all be suitable and I think those are good lengths for you as a beginner and would be good lengths for riding freestyle once you get better too.
The Rapture and the Feelbetter would be better for freestyle riding once you get there, so they might be the best options. I don’t have any experience with Bataleon boards, so just based on specs there but I think that would be a good width for your shoe size too.
I think you’d be fine with any of those, but yeah, in terms of freestyle, the Feelbetter and Rapture more suited to that than the First Lite, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
Thanks for this awesome website!
I’m having trouble deciding on the right board for me. I have had 10+ knee surgeries between both knees and so I have difficulty putting much power through my legs to make turns, and in general am just limited with my athletic function. Right now, I’m just looking for purely the easiest board out there to ride. I’m not looking to go nuts, just something that will get me on the slopes with my friends for fun. I’m NOT looking for a board that will take me past the “beginner” phase…just something that will be the easiest to link turns, not catch an edge and requires the least amount of effort for my knees!
I have very minimal experience riding, and frankly was horrible 🙂 But I had a ton of fun and would like to continue on! Ha!
Im 5’8, 140lb, size 9-9.5 shoe.
Thanks so much!
Hi Michelle
Thanks for your message.
Given everything you’ve described, I think that something with plenty of rocker in the profile and a pretty soft flex would be a good way to go for you, to make the board as easy going and and as easy to turn as possible.
So, one of the following would work well, IMO:
~ Burton Genie
~ Rossignol Gala
~ Rossignol Myth
~ K2 First Lite
~ GNU Chromatic
~ GNU B-Nice
~ Arbor Ethos
The last 3 aren’t on this list but are definitely also options that I think would suit what you’re looking for.
In terms of length, I would say something between 146 and 149 would be a good length for your specs. This is both a good beginner size and also should make the board a little more easy going than if you were to go longer.
In terms of width, I’d say (assuming 9.5 boots) something around 238mm to 245mm in terms of waist width. Since you’re probably not going to be railing turns (getting really low and getting the board on an extreme angle) then there’s less concern about boot drag. And you don’t want to go too wide as a narrower board requires less force to turn on. You could even go lower than 238mm depending on your binding angles. But that’s a good range to look at IMO regardless of binding angles.
So for the boards mentioned, the following sizes would be the way to go, IMO:
~ Burton Genie 147 (243mm waist)
~ Rossignol Gala 146 (234mm waist) – on the narrower side, but assuming your back binding angle is going to on a bit of angle, then I think it would be fine.
~ Rossignol Myth 149 (238mm waist) – or if you really wanted it easy going you could go for the 144, but that would be getting on the short side for you, IMO
~ K2 First Lite 146 (236mm waist)
~ GNU Chromatic 146 (238mm waist)
~ GNU B-Nice 148 (238mm waist)
~ Arbor Ethos 147 (235.5mm waist)
Hope this helps
Nate, you’re a LEGEND!!
Thank you so much. This gives me great direction to start my search.
You’re very welcome Michelle. Let me know what you go with in the end (if you think of it)
Hi Nate,
I’m really glad that I found this wonderful website. All the information here is super helpful and than you for sharing your experience with everyone here!
This is my second season snowboarding in Australia icy mountains. After reading the reviews and advice above, I’ve decided to give up on hiring and get my own board.
I’m still a beginner and don’t fancy fast speed. Just want to minimize falls and enjoy cruising along the trails. My stats are: 5’4, 106lb, and shoe size US6.
It took me a long time to find something suitable. So far I’ve got my eyes on a Roxy Sugar Banana 138 (226cm width) board with Burton Citizen Binding and Burton Coco boots. Do you think they will fit together, and more importantly, is this the right board for me, in your opinion?
Joey
Hi Joey
Thanks for your message.
I think you must have done your research, because I think that would be a great board for you as a beginner, and would also be a really good size for you too. It’s also something that should be good in icy conditions, so you’ve got that base covered too.
It’s a looser feeling board and if you were riding it fast it would start to feel a little squirelly and being looser and softer flexing wouldn’t grip ice or hard snow as well at higher speeds, but at slower speeds, it’s a great option – and super friendly and easy to ride.
The Citizen bindings and Coco boots are a good match for the board too, and are also very beginner friendly.
Another similar option board-wise, would be the GNU B-Nice 139cm (226mm waist).
Thank you so much for your reply Nate!
I’ll look into GNU B-NICE and read your review about it, just in case I decide to ride faster 😉
Can’t wait for the next snow season to come!
Best regards
Joey:)
You’re very welcome Joey! I’m itching for the new season too!
Hi Nate,
This is such a helpful post for all us newbies. Thanks so much for taking the time to help everyone out. I have narrowed down my choices to what I think would be ok and what I can order on the net for a reasonable price as choice is limited where I live and super expensive. We have just gone for our first season with the kids and things went well so we plan to go each year for a week and want to get our own boards as our hire ones were pretty awful, really heavy and rigid, didn’t even have a brand name on them…haha. We are in Australia so conditions are generally not wonderful, pretty hard and sometimes icy patches, however we will be going at the start of the season each year so probably not as hard as it could be with plenty of man made snow probable. We did three 2 hour lessons over 3 days and were both starting to link S turns on the beginner slopes. I think our progression was quite good for the time we had so I don’t want to get boards that won’t last us. I am 54kg(119lb) and 161cm(5.3ft), USW 6.5 boot. I think I’ll mostly just be cruising down the green and blue runs, at my age the halfpipe is definitely never going to happen or any aerial type stuff for that matter, however I don’t want to rule out mucking around in the beginner parks and kiddie parks, buttering etc. So I have narrowed it down to the myth, first lite or frenemy if 144 wasn’t to big. What are your thoughts? Anything you think would suit me better? My husband is 77kg(170lb), 175cm(5.75ft) and size US9, he was only just starting to get his turns, and is not as sporting or daring so he will be happy just cruising down runs, It’s very unlikely he will go to the terrain parks. I have found a rossi circuit or k2 standard that are reasonably priced or a rossi templar that is a bit more expensive. Would these be suitable and what size? Sorry about the long post, and thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Xanthe
Thanks for your message.
1. For you in terms of size, I think something around 141, 142 would be a good size for you. A balance between something that won’t be too difficult to ride/progress on, something that you can still do some mucking around in the parks on, but also long enough to still be a suitable length once you’re more advanced.
2. In terms of icy conditions, Rossignol is usually pretty good in that area, but the Myth is one that’s not as good. The Frenemy would be the best bet in that sense. The First Lite similar to the Myth.
3. But the Myth would be better for playing in the park.
4. The Frenemy is the most advanced of those boards and might have a slightly steeper learning curve, but will be the best board in terms of keeping something for the long term. You would be more likely to feel the need to upgrade from something like the Myth and the First Lite.
5. The one thing with the Frenemy is the size. The 144 would be on the longer side for you as a beginner. Not un-doable and would be a great length as a more advanced rider but would just make it more challenging in the beginning.
6. Also the Frenemy 144 might be on the wider side for your boots too – and that width combined with the length makes in on the big side overall. The First Lite 142 is probably the best size-wise of the 3. I would try to get something that’s under 235mm at the waist.
7. Some other options that I think would work well would be:
~ GNU B Nice 142 (232mm waist width)
~ GNU Chromatic 141 (232mm waist width) – didn’t have either of these on the 2018 list, but will likely be adding at least one of them for the 2019 list – good beginner decks and good in hard/icy conditions
~ YES Emotiocn 143 (237mm) – also on the bigger side for you, IMO, like the Frenemy, but otherwise ticks all the boxes
Not sure how these would work in terms of your budget. Oh and there’s one more option, the Arbor Ethos 141 (232mm waist). Also something that isn’t on this list but I hadn’t tested Arbor boards previously. I think this would be a good option, if available for you, and its reasonably priced too.
For your husband:
1. Length-wise something around a 155 would be a good bet.
2. Again the Templar vs the Circuit is going to be better in hard/icy conditions and is going to be a harder learning curve but ultimately a more advanced board. The Circuit will be easier to ride though and cruisier. Both aren’t overly aggressive but the Templar is closer to intermediate level than the Circuit, which is very much a beginner board. I think the Templar would be doable though, and if you’re looking for that extra grip in icy snow, it’s going to perform better there.
3. Size-wise the 155 (249mm waist) Templar would be a great size. For the other 2 – the Circuit 155 (249mm waist) and the K2 Standard 155 (251mm waist).
4. The Standard would be similar, IMO, to the Circuit in terms of edge-hold.
5. The men’s equivalents of the other boards I mentioned for you would be: ]
~ GNU Hyak (154)
~ GNU Carbon Credit (153)
~ YES Basic (155)
~ Arbor Foundation (155)
Though the GNU options are more freestyle oriented, so probably less suitable if he’s not likely to get into the park at all.
Sorry for all the numbering – just trying to organize my thoughts! Hope this gives you more to go off.
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for the detailed response. I have had a look at your suggestions and I do like the look of the 2 GNU boards, they seem like a good fit. Hard to get though, all the 2018 B nice are sold out already from anywhere I can order them from and the 2019 pre orders are crazy expensive. I found a 2017 B Nice Asym for $580 though and a 2019 Chromatic for $590 still more than I’d like but acceptable if it’s going to be something that will last. Would one be more suitable than the other? The mens were pretty expensive so I went back and had another look at your list, specifically the ones that mention icy surfaces, I can get a yes libre for a pretty reasonable price. Do you think that would be better than the others?
Thanks, Xanthe
Hi Xanthe
The B Nice and the Chromatic are very similar boards. The B Nice is an asym board (which basically means that the sidecut on the heel edge is different to that on the toe edge, which just makes heel edge turns sharper). I like asym boards, but some people aren’t as into them. But that’s basically the only difference. In fact the Chromatic essentially used to be called the B Nice and the current (2018 and 2019 models) B Nice was called the B Nice Asym, 2017 and previous. So they are the same except for that asymmetry and slightly different sizings.
Also I did see the GNU Chromatic 2018 here – GNU Chromatic at Melbourne Snowboards – for AUD$519 in a 141.
The Libre would be a good option for your husband, IMO. The 154 would be the size I would go with for him. The 156 would be doable too, but the 154 would be what I’d get. Not quite as good in hard/icy conditions as the YES Basic and the YES Typo – but still pretty grippy in those conditions, so still suitable, IMO.
Hi Nate, thanks so much. I did like the idea behind an asym board but that b nice was actually out of stock as well so it looks like it will be the chromatic. I did see that 2018 model but I just couldn’t get past the graphic, petty, but I just really disliked it. I saw If I get it from their ebay store it’s down to $570, so not bad. Just wondering though since I have zero experience with different profiles if that profile makes one footing on and off the lifts Difficult? Would I still be able to just slide off ok with my back foot half on the board? The board i used was flat, so very stable.
The libre looks good as do all 3 yes boards you mentioned so he’ll probably get that, unless we can get a discount on the yes basic. Perhaps we can get a discount buying both and get a basic and emoticon, the reviews for both I’ve seen have been very good. Anyway, your assistance has been very much appreciated, can’t wait to get them and get back out there. Have a great weekend, Xanthe
You’re very welcome!
I agree that the graphic on the 2019 Chromatic is a big improvement over the 2018 one! Glad they changed that.
In terms of one camber profile on the Chromatic/B-Nice, it is a looser feel with that rocker between the feet. You can certainly still get that back foot half off the board to stabilize yourself, at least I’ve found that’s still doable. But it will take some getting used to – not as stable as something that’s flat underfoot or camber under foot, in terms of getting on/off lifts – but you should still be able to get that back boot into the snow to help to stabilize.
Hope you have a great weekend too!
Hi Nate,
I love your info, thanks for posting again/updating from last year.
I’d appreciate your advice please. I’m into my fourth year of annual snow trips & want to snowboard as i don’t feel I’ll be able to progress much past intermediate as a skier and worry about my knees. I did an hour snowboard lesson last year and am keen to jump in! I’m confused with what board to get but am happy to buy my own to build up with… I’m 45, 173cm & 93kg so am really confused by length as my height makes them bigger despite my lack of skill and my weight is outside the specs. I just want to get more confident & comes Trent but only do 5-10 days per season on groomed trails…
I’d really appreciate your advice as I think the Myth may be best but don’t know about the Rome royal or even burton genie ?♀️
Cheers
Kelly
Hi Kelly
Thanks for your message.
As a more advanced rider I would say something around 157 would be a good length to go with for your specs, but since you are at a more beginner level, that would be too long, IMO. I would say to look at something more around 152 to 154.
In terms of weight recommendations, I wouldn’t be too concerned about being outside of those, they are just general guidelines, IMO. Your weight counts towards your length of board, but as far as fitting in with those weight recommendations, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Especially the case with Rossignol, whose weight recommendations tend to be on the light side. The main thing with the weight recommendations is that the board is likely to flex more than what the flex rating of the board is. For example, if the board has a flex rating of 4/10, it might feel more like a 3/10 if you’re over the weight recommendations or more like a 5/10 if you’re under the weight recommendations.
I don’t think there is really a suitable Rome Royal, though if you really wanted something shorter you could get on the 150. For the Myth, the 154 would be the best bet, IMO and for the Genie, the 152.
You could also look at something like the Rossignol Frenemy 153. It’s a little stiffer flexing than the other 2, but is likely to feel a little softer than its rating. And depending on your boot size, the Emoticon 152 might be a good option.
Speaking of boot size, if you could let me know your boot size (or shoe size if you’re not sure of boot size yet), then I can just check to make sure what will be suitable in terms of the widths of the board.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thanks so much for your response & great info/opinions! What you say makes sense & covers stuff I haven’t thought about 🙂
I can’t remember if my hire boots were a 26.5 or 27.5… my shoe is a size 10 (Australian) which I think is a US 8 or 9 and European 41 or 42 (sorry I’m on a train at the moment & these shoes don’t have a tag).
I look forward to your response 🙂
Cheers
Kelly
Thanks Kelly
As far as I can workout, I’d say you’re likely a USwomen’s 9.5 or 10.0 (26.5 or 27.0). Playing on the safe side, let’s say 27 (Us women’s 10.0).
In that case, anything from a 238mm waist width should be fine assuming you’re riding with a reasonable angle on your back foot, but more like 243mm minimum if you’re riding with a completely straight back foot. As you’re probably not sure of your preferred binding angles, then the safest bet would be:
~ Burton Genie 152 (244mm waist)
~ YES Emoticon 152 (252mm waist)
~ Rossignol Frenemy 153 (242mm waist)
You would likely still be fine on the Myth 154 (240mm waist) but it would be more of a risk of being too narrow.
Hope this gives you more to go off
HeyNate,
Wow, thanks so much for all the info. I certainly feel more prepared to buy my own and will focus on your rec’s. Your time & experise are much appreciated!
Cheers
Kelly
You’re very welcome Kelly! Thanks for visiting the site and I hope your gear treats you well and you have a great season!
Hi Nate,
Just wanted to let you know I got the Frenemy 153 & LOVE it. Thankyou for you advice/opinion. In just 7 days I went from barely being able to skate on it & not having a heel side to linking turns on intermediate runs!!!
Please keep up your great work 🙂
You’re very welcome Kelly. Awesome that you’re loving your new board and sounds like your progressing nicely!
Hi, I’ve been riding for a few years but still struggle on my toe edge, balance and confidence.
I put on some weight since last season and unsure what board size I am now.
I am 167cm and around 80 kg I wear a size 8.5 boot.
I have been riding a burton feather 144cm.
Thank yoy
Hi Amy
Thanks for your message.
Typically I would say something around 151 to 153, but since you’re used to a 144, then I think you could go a little shorter than that, so that its not too much of a transition. But something a little longer than the 144 you’re on would be a good idea, IMO. Maybe around 148 to 150, would be a good size to look at.
That longer length might help in terms of balance too. But I would say that balance and confidence mostly come with time – particularly confidence. Taking small steps and not trying anything too difficult too quickly can definitely help with confidence.
Often the toe edge is the most difficult to get comfortable with to start with – but often ends up the preferred edge at some point. Again, this comes with time. But also make sure that you’re bending your knees enough when on your toe edge – this is something that’s often forgotten on the toe edge – being too upright.
Hope this helps
And, since I have you, can you tell me the difference between the Deja Vu and Feelgood Flying V?
Thanks!
AS
Hey Anna
There’s not heaps of difference – both have Flying V camber profiles, both have the same core, both have a 12.5mm setback. But there are a few differences too – the main ones being, IMO.
1. The Feelgood Flying V is a little stiffer flexing. Still not that stiff, more medium but a little stiffer than Deja Vu. Deja Vu stiffer than the likes of the Feather and Genie though. I would say roughly on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the stiffest, that the Feelgood Flying V = 5/10, De Ja Vu = 4/10, Genie and Feather = 2/10.
2. The Feelgood is a directional twin. It has the same width nose and tail and the flex is twin, but the nose is a little longer than the tail. The Deja Vu on the other hand is a twin. I wouldn’t quite say it’s a true twin, because the stance is 12.5mm setback.
3. The Flying V has a much smaller difference between the effective edge and the contact length (don’t worry you don’t need to understand that technically!) than the Deja Vu – basically what this does is give the Deja Vu a more easy going, playful feel and the Flying V has a sharper, more aggressive feel. Still not an overly aggressive board by any means, but more so than the Deja Vu
4. The Flying V (152) has a 7.6m sidecut and the Deja Vu a 6.9m sidecut radius. This essentially means that the Deja Vu is more inclined towards shorter sharper turns and the Flying V more inclined towards longer smoother turns. This is very subtle though and neither sidecuts are to the extreme in either direction. Both are middle of the road providing a balance between short sharp and long smooth – so I wouldn’t think too much about that.
Overall, the Deja Vu is just a little more freestyle oriented and a little more playful, whereas the feelgood is a little more freeride oriented and a little more aggressive. However, both are what I would consider all-mountain (aka do-it-all) boards and both are closer to the middle of the spectrum rather than extremes. They are different boards, but subtely different. The Flying V is a little more advanced and a the Deja Vu a little more beginner friendly – but again, both are intermediate friendly.
Probably more than you need to know! But hope this gives you some insight for your decision. But yeah, based on your current board, and other factors, I would say 152 for either one, now.
Hi Nate – just an update! I went with the 152 Feelgood Flying V and after a handful of trips this season can tell you that I love it. It is SO much easier to handle than the old, super long Burton Seven I was riding, and I am riding so much faster and more confidently while still feeling in control. I am almost astounded at what a difference the right board can make, I had no idea how much it was holding me back. Thank you for all of your help!
Hi Annie
That’s awesome to hear! Love to get messages like this. Thanks for the update and hope you enjoy the rest of your season!
Hi Nate,
I am so glad I found this thread! Your article is incredibly helpful. I am an intermediate beginner – I’ve been riding for two seasons, am working my way from blues to blue/blacks, can link turns pretty effectively but am still getting comfortable on the steeps. I ride mostly at Mammoth.
I’ve been riding on my boyfriend’s Burton board from when he was a teenager – it’s about 15 years old. We are in discussions about whether or not I need to invest in a new one – I feel like it might be holding me back (maybe it’s too stiff?? probably I need a women’s board??), and he thinks that it won’t make much of a difference. What are your thoughts?
I’ve been looking at the Burton Feather, but it looks like you don’t recommend that too highly. I am 5’8″, 150 lb, size 10 boots. I plan to ride mostly on groomers, but would love for powder to be an option. I don’t care as much about going fast as being stable 🙂
Would LOVE some advice!
Hi Annie
Thanks for your message.
IMO a 15 year old board most probably is holding you back – for starters it’s likely to be a full camber, camber profile – as they all were back then – which isn’t necessarily the best camber profile – especially if you’re not at an advanced level, and if you want to ride powder. I know a lot of people’s argument is that “that’s all there was then and people learned on it then and rode powder then…..” and that’s all well and good but if you got better tech now and gear that’s more suitable for the particular rider, then, IMO, why not take advantage of that and enhance your experience. Just my take anyway.
In my own experience and with others I’ve found boards for, both personally and whilst running this site, I can unequivocally say that the board can make a big difference. Especially if you haven’t learned from before you can remember learning.
Size also makes a big difference, and it might be the case that your current board is also not an ideal size.
For your specs and ability level, and the fact that you’re not too concerned about going fast, but do want to improve on steeper terrain, then I’d say something around 149 to 151 would be a good length for you.
With 10s, I think you could get away with anything as narrow as 240mm at the waist width (if you ride with binding angles like +15/-15, i.e. a reasonable angle on the back foot) and up to around 248mm – if you ride with quite a straight back foot (e.g. 0-3 degrees), then adjust that minimum to around 245mm and up to 253mm.
I would say that the Feather is a pretty good beginner’s choice, especially if you’re looking to get into powder. It’s kind of like a more freeride/powder oriented version of the Genie – not completely but pretty close – so yeah a good beginner’s choice. And I think it would suit your style. But, given that it sounds like you’re progressing more into an intermediate level and you’re looking to up your skills on more challenging terrain, you might want something a little more advanced. If you just want the easiest board to ride, then something like the Feather (in the 149 I would say, though the 152 would be an option too – however both would be pushing being too narrow for your boots).
But I think you’d appreciate a step up to something like the DeJa Vu (149) or Feelgood Flying V (149), if you were looking to stick with Burton.
And if you’re going to look outside of Burton, then something like the Rossi Frenemy (the 150) is a great do-it-all intermediate board – or the Never Summer Infinity 151 (though the later might be on the narrow side too, but you’d probably get away with it depending on your binding angles).
Anyway, after that novel!, I hope you have some options/ideas on the direction to go. If you want more options just let me know and I can dig a little deeper.
You are amazing – thank you for the extensive reply! I definitely want a board I won’t grow out of quickly, I’m thinking the Deja Vu is a better option. I’m not at all tied to Burton, but that sounds like what I’m looking for.
I’m a little worried about getting the length right – my legs are super long. Should I size up to a 152 to accommodate a pretty wide stance, or will that be harder to control?
I appreciate your feedback, I’m sure it’s not easy to virtually fit people, but it’s so great to have some expert advice 🙂
Thanks Anna and you’re very welcome!
The 152 is definitely an option, especially if you have a wider stance.
There are pros and cons to going longer. The longer 152 will float better in powder and provide more stability at speed but won’t be as agile or easier to maneuver as the 149. However, if you do have a wider stance, then that would help with control for the 152.
Also the 149 would be better for more freestyle things if you were going to get into jumps, spins, rails etc.
I was debating whether to put 152 or 149 as the recommended size as both would work. There are pros and cons to each. My tie breaker for going with the 149 was down to Burton’s weight recommendations (120 – 180lbs for the 149 and 150 to 200lbs for the 152). I don’t put too much weight into those weight recommendations (they aren’t that reliable, IMO) but in this case I used it as the tie breaker.
Hope this gives you more to go off to decide. Also, what is the length of the board you are currently riding? (what you’re used to can also help to decide)
A little bit of research later – I’ve been riding on a 2001 Burton Seven, 58cm.
…probably not super ideal 😉
Hey Anna
Nah, not really ideal!
But since you’ve been riding a 158, I think the 152 Deja Vu would be the best option. It will be less of a change and also, if you’re maneuvering a 158 Cambered board, then I don’t think you’ll have any agility/maneuverability issues with the Deja Vu in a 152, at all.
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for all of your information on this website!
I am a new beginner, 5’4″, 130-135 lbs and size 9 boots. I am thinking I want a board in the 143-145 length?
My concern is that with the size 9 boots some of the boards I would like will not be wide enough (such as the Gala or Myth). What do you think about the 2017 Rome Heist in 142 or 146? I understand it is more beginner friendly than the 2018 version. Do you have any other board suggestions for me? I am having trouble trying to pick something. Thank you for your time.
Lili
Hi Lili
Thanks for your message.
I would agree that something around 143 to 145 would be a good length range to look at for you.
In terms of width, I would say at least 240mm at the waist, if you ride with a straight angle on your back binding (e.g. 0-6 degrees). If you ride with more angle on your back binding you could get away with narrower – down to a minimum of 232mm with something like a 15 degree angle (back foot should always be on an equal or lesser angle than the front foot, which is why I mention the back binding angle).
So you may or may not get on some boards in that length, like the Myth or Gala, depending on your binding angles. If you’re not sure about your binding angles yet, or still want to experiment, then going with at least 240mm at the waist is a good way to go.
The 2017 Heist is a softer than the 2018 model as far as I know but it’s still relatively aggressive in terms of it’s camber profile (a lot of camber in there). I think if you went back to the 2015 model, where it had more rocker in the profile, it would have been more beginner friendly, but the 2016, 2017 & 2018 models, as far as I know would be harder to learn on – easy to catch an edge.
But you could look at something like:
~ Burton Genie 142 (241mm waist) – a little shorter than that range but still doable
~ YES Emoticon 143 (237mm waist) – depending on binding angles – or the 146 if you were happy to go a little longer
~ Rossi Tesla 143 (236mm waist) – again depending on binding angles
~ Rossi Myth 144 (236mm waist) – again depending on binding angles
~ Rome Royal 144 (244mm waist)
~ GNU Chromatic 143 (237mm waist) – not on this list but another good beginner option
~ Arbor Ethos 144 (234mm waist) – narrower but, based on the men’s Arbor boards, Arbor boards tend to be wider at the inserts (where the bindings go) compared to the waist width than a lot other boards – so you may be ok on it – but I would still probably want to have some angle on that back binding
Hope this gives you some options
Dear Nate,
Thanks for these great reviews!
I would like to ask for some advice on the board length. I would like to buy a beginners woman snowboard and was thinking of the K2 First Lite because of the great reviews. I think I should have the 146 based on the table on your website and the other comments I have seen here and that I’m a beginner. I am 1.71 cm, 59 kg and have a shoe size 38.5-39 EU (7.5-8 US size). For example, Salomon boots (25.0 cm) fitted me well. Would this board be the correct size for me?
As an alternative I was also thinking of the Rome SDS Royal (147cm), but I think the K2 First Lite would be better as it is a softer board and saw online that others also recommended it as beginner’s board.
Would all the top 5 recommend beginner bindings fit well on this board?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Annabel
Thanks for your message.
I concur that the 146 would be the best length for you for the First Lite, IMO.
And yeah, all of those bindings would be a good match for this board. The only thing to note, is just to make sure to go for the “Re:Flex” model if you go with Burton bindings. Burton bindings come in both “EST” and “Re:Flex” models. The “EST” models only fits on Burton boards, whereas the “Re:Flex” models fit on all boards.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you very much for your help!!! I bought the 146cm K2 First Lite with the K2 Yeah Yeah bindings, can’t wait to try it out next season!
All the best,
Annabel
You’re very welcome Annabel. Glad you have your setup organized for next season! If you think of it (a long time away I know), let me know how you get on. Hope you have a great summer!
Hello, I’m a beginner and I am looking for a snowboard that I can use. I am 5’0”, 150 pounds. I have been snowboarding and I noticed and have been told that I keep switching and will need a true twin broad but I am at a loss of which one to get for my first broad.
I wanted to know which broad would you recommend for me.
Thank you so much for your advice in advance.
Hi Pahola
Thanks for your message (and sorry for the delay in response – have been on vacation and still catching up).
Length wise, as a beginner, I would say something around 142 to 144 would be a good length.
That, and the fact you’re looking for a true twin, I would say the following would be good options.
~ Burton Genie 142
~ YES Emoticon 143
~ Salomon Oh Yeah 143
~ Rossignol Tesla 143
~ Ride Rapture 143
~ Rossignol Myth 144
If you feel like you like something shorter, you could go a little shorter (with some of those options) as personal preference does come into it as well, but those would be the sizes I would recommend for those boards.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I’m currently a beginner-intermediate snowboarder. I’ve gone snowboarding for the past two winters. This upcoming winter, I plan to go snowboarding more often. I’m currently learning toe edge, and I was wondering what board would best be suited for me?
I am interesting in:
– Capita Paradise
– Rossignol Frenemy
– Rossignol Tesla
– Rossignol Gala
I’m 5’3-5’4, 124 pounds, and a size 8.5 in women’s shoes.
Thank you for your time!
Hi Ashley
Thanks for your message (and sorry for the delay in response – have been on vacation and still catching up!)
Something like the Tesla or the Gala are going to be easier to get started on – and will help you improve the fastest, IMO. The Paradise and Frenemy are boards that will be a little more difficult to begin with (but are still quite beginner friendly) but will be something you could ride as an advanced rider too. The Tesla and Gala are boards that you are more likely to want to upgrade from once you become a more advanced rider.
In terms of size, I would say something around 145, 146 when you are an advanced rider but at this stage I would say something around 141 to 143 would be more appropriate.
So for the boards you are considering the following would be the best sizes, IMO:
– Capita Paradise 143
– Rossignol Frenemy 144
– Rossignol Tesla 143
– Rossignol Gala 142
In terms of width, you should be fine on any of those, depending on your binding angles. If you ride with something like +15/-15 or similar then they’ll all be fine. If you ride with a straighter back foot (e.g. 0-6 degrees), then the Paradise 143 (233mm waist) and the Gala 142 (232mm waist) would be pushing it to be too narrow. The Frenemy 144 (239mm waist) and Tesla 143 (236mm waist) should be fine regardless of binding angles.
Hope this helps
Also, I saw some deals on the Frenemy. I am 5’1” with an athletic build (133 lbs.) would the 144 or 147 be more suitable for me? Based on the table, it looks like 147, but wouldn’t that near the top of my head?
Hi Olivia
I definitely wouldn’t go for the 147 for the Frenemy for you – too big, IMO. I find Rossignol’s weight recommendations to be always on the light side, and the weight recommendations, in my books, are just rough guidelines and other things like ability, riding style and height all weigh in. Generally speaking I would say, as a beginner, that something between 140 and 142 would be a better length for you. If you are athletic, then you could get away with something a little longer (and at a more advanced level, something like 144, 145 would be suitable). So, if you were to go Frenemy, then definitely the 144, IMO.
The Lotus (as per your other question) isn’t what I would consider a great beginner board. Doable – certainly soft enough in terms of flex but it has a flat to camber to flat camber profile. I like to see a bit of rocker in the camber profile, in order to make the board easier to initiate turns on and less likely to catch an edge on – I have found that flat boards can be a little catchy sometimes. If you were to go for the Lotus I’d say the 142 would be a good option for you.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate! Thanks so much for writing this article. This has been the best source of information that I’ve found. What are your thoughts in the Salomon Lotus? Too advanced for a beginner?
Hi Nate!
I’m so happy I came across your post! I’m a complete beginner in snowboarding, but I’m already in love with the sport so much that I’ve been looking into getting my own gear.
I’m at the stage where I’m still practicing my turns/linking them. Both times I’ve gone, I used a 138 board and it seems to work pretty well for me, but I’d still like your opinion on this. I’m a little over 5’4″ and am about 140 pounds (but it fluctuates so give or take 10 pounds).
I was also reading about different board types, and I think that an all mountain/true twin would be appropriate for me. I’d prefer a board that I could use for a while, as in appropriate for both beginner and novice levels.
What board do you think would be a good match for me?
Thanks so much in advance! Your site has made this new sport wayyy more approachable for me! 🙂
Hi Sue
Thanks for your message.
Generally speaking for your specs, I would say something in the range of 144 to 146 would be an appropriate length. But personal preference comes into too – and since you’ve been enjoying your 138, you could go a little shorter from that range. But maybe a little longer than 138 is a good idea. Maybe something between 141 and 144 would be a good range to look at.
Since you’re looking for something that’s all-mountain and true twin, that’s pretty much what an all-mountain freestyle board is. And since you want something that can stay with you for a while, then the following would be good bets, IMO:
~ YES Emoticon 143
~ GNU Chromatic 141
~ GNU B-Nice 142
~ Arbor Ethos 141 (or you could go 138 if you wanted to stick to a more similar length to what you’ve been riding)
~ Arbor Poporazzi 141 (or 138 – a little step up from the Ethos but still doable as a beginner board but Ethos is probably the better option)
~ Rossignol Tesla 143 (or you could go 139 if you wanted to stick to a more similar length to what you’ve been riding)
Hope this helps with your decision and gives you some options
Thanks so much for the help!!
I’ll give all of those a closer look. I’ll let you know which one I choose and how it goes for me!
Hi Sue.
You’re very welcome. Yeah, definitely let me know which you go for and how you get on with it.
Hi Nate! I appreciate your website so much and am so impressed by all the detailed help you offer in the comments. 🙂
After reading your post about the best beginner boots for women, I bought the ThirtyTwo Lashed Double Boas in size 6.5. They are the first boots I’ve tried on that don’t have a crazy amount of heel lift out of the box, so I am sold on them! Now I am wondering about investing in a board and bindings and would love your input.
I’ve taken 3 lessons and am on my way to linking turns pretty well. I am comfortable on both heel and toe side, and I think my confidence / control on toe side will improve when using my own boots that aren’t insanely packed out like the rentals I’ve used were. I have rented 130 and 146 boards (neither of which were sizes I picked myself), and neither one felt great. The 146 was way too fast for my first day, and the 130 felt a little too wiggly underfoot (though a better speed) if that makes sense.
I’m 5’1″ and ~120lbs. Since I’m a beginner, I have been playing around with riding switch before I get too stuck in the habit of regular or goofy and would therefore like to buy something that’s a true twin. I also noted that board / bindings flex should match boots, so I have been considering the Rossignol Tesla, Capita Paradise, and Yes Emoticon (though the last one is hard to find online right now). I don’t anticipate getting into park riding at this point; I’d really just like to take advantage of all the long runs we have in Colorado. Any recommendations on size for those boards or if there are other boards I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your help and for all you do on this site!
Hi Amy
Thanks for your message.
Your instinct is good in terms of sizing. 130 is definitely too short and 146 is definitely too long – not sure what they were thinking giving you those sizes! I would say that a good range to look at, at this stage would be 138 to 140. Unfortunately that writes off the Emoticon and Paradise at this stage. At a more advanced level something around 142, 143 would become an option – but as a beginner, that’s getting a bit long for your specs, IMO.
The Tesla 139 would be a great option for you though, given that you want to learn to ride switch and it’s a good size for you, and a good match with the 32 Lashed. And a suitable width.
Some other options would be:
~ GNU B-Nice 139 (226mm waist width) – a quite narrow board but should be fine for 6.5s as long as you ride with your back binding on a reasonable angle (i.e. 9 to 15 degrees) and it might be a good idea to ride with something like +15/-15 or +12/-12 at least to start with if you’re looking to learn riding in both directions
~ GNU Chromatic 141 (232mm waist) – a little longer than the range we discussed, but doable
~ Roxy Ally 139 (232mm waist)
Hope this helps
Hey Nate! Thanks for your help and affirmation that those boards were definitely not the right size for me. Good to hear you think the Tesla 139 is a strong option, too, as it was top of my list for price point and features. I ordered it on Sunday and will be taking it out this weekend. Thanks again for your help!!
–Amy
You’re very welcome Amy. Let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to ride it.
hi Nate , I am a beginner snowboarder have only ridden once however im wanting to get into it more so i’m looking to buy the ‘k2 first lite snowboard’ but am unsure as to which size board I should buy, I am 170cm tall and 58kg. I was also wondering if you had any recommendations as to which bindings and and maybe boots would be best suited for me and this board. it would be great if you could help me out thanks so much 🙂