Below we have selected our top 5 women’s freeride snowboards. This list has been updated for the 2024-2025 season.
Category Stats
Of the 21 current model women's all-mountain snowboards that we tested:
OK, let's have a look at the top 5 for 2025!
#5=: Never Summer Lady FR
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating score: 86.1/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Starting off the list at #5, we have Never Summer's Lady FR.
The Lady FR utilizes a more directional, more powder friendly version of Never Summers Triple camber.
It's built to tackle powder and messy snow and to hold stable at speed. And while those are its strengths for sure, it's a fairly versatile ride all the same.
Score Breakdown for the Lady FR
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Speed | 4 | 16/20 |
| Carving | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Jumps | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 86.1/100 |
#5=: Capita Equalizer
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating score: 86.1/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
The Equalizer isn't as stiff and aggressive as most freeride boards. It's what I would call a "mellow freeride" board. But this one in particular was very close to being classified as an all-mountain board. And if you wanted to call it that, there would be an argument for it.
But it leans more freeride than a typical all-mountain board - and while it is super versatile, it has enough powder, speed and carving prowess to not only hold its own in this category, but to also be able to make its way into the top 5 this year.
If you tend to a more freeride style, but you don't like your board too stiff or something that you have to ride too aggressive to get the best out of, then the Equalizer is worth checking out, for sure.
Score Breakdown for the Equalizer
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4 | 20/25 |
| Speed | 4 | 16/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Turns | 4 | 8/10 |
| Crud | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 8/10 |
| Jumps | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 86.1/100 |
#4: GNU Barrett
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating score: 87.8/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
* HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Next up is the GNU Barrett. Barrett Christy's pro model.
Barrett has had a pro model since the mid 90s, so this board has a lot of history behind it (previously was the B-Pro which was more freestyle oriented but the Barrett is a reflection of Barrett's style evolution).
If you're looking for something just on the stiffer side of medium, that you can charge hard with and evolve your own riding to the next level, the Barrett is well worth checking out. But it's not just a charger - this board is really versatile and you can slow it down and still have fun, find some trees, hit some side-hits or even take it in the park (more suited to the jump line than the jib line).
Score Breakdown for the Barrett
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4 | 20/25 |
| Speed | 4 | 16/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Turns | 4 | 8/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 8/10 |
| Jumps | 4 | 4/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 87.8/100 |
#3: Salomon Highpath
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating score: 88.3/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Our #3 entry is the Salomon's Highpath. The Highpath is hard charging deck and offers a large range of sizes to fit a wide range of riders.
It particularly excels at bombing hard, carving up the mountain and smashing through crud/chunder or whatever comes into its path.
Score Breakdown for the Highpath
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4 | 20/25 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Jumps | 3 | 3/5 |
| Switch | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 88.3/100 |
#2: Burton Story Board
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating score: 89.4/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
Coming in at #2, we have Burton's Story Board.
The Story Board is a great option for surfing powder, when you get those powder days. But it can also tear up the groomers when there's no fresh pow around.
So if surfing powder is your number 1 concern but you still want to be able to lay down a carve on a groomed run when the snow isn't falling, then the Story Board might be a great option for you.
Score Breakdown for the Story Board
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Speed | 4 | 16/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Turns | 4 | 8/10 |
| Crud | 4 | 8/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 8/10 |
| Jumps | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 89.4/100 |
#1: Jones Womens Flagship
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
Rating score: 91.7/100
Price: View More Info and Current Prices at the links in the tabs below.
And finally, at #1, we have the Jones Women's Flagship.
Definitely a board for the steep and deep. You'd be hard pressed finding the limit of this board. It can really charge. But at the same time, it's not something that you have to charge all the time for it to hum.
Really good for playing in the trees, when there's powder - and floats like a dream in powder.
This board has been around for a long time now and it's evolved into a really modern feeling, well rounded board.
>>See Full Review (review coming soon)
Score Breakdown for the Womens Flagship
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Speed | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Carving | 4 | 12/15 |
| Turns | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Crud | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 8/10 |
| Jumps | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Switch | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 91.7/100 |
Over To You
Thanks for checking out our top 5 women's freeride snowboards and we hope this list will be able to help you to find the best women’s freeride snowboard for you.
Check out the links in the where to buy boxes (the ones with the flags) for prices, availability and more info on the boards. And the full review links for more details on how we experienced each board.
Hi Nate, really cool review on all the boards, and fun reading your recommendations for everyone, thank you for taking the time!
Wondering if you can help me out with a few recs?
Stats: 5’0”, 108lb, size 6 boot
I’ve gone to Japan 2x to ride the powder, just went in Feb, it’s been amazing! I’ve been riding my 2021 Jones Dream catcher split board 145cm, carves amazing, really responsive tight trees, takes jumps in powder, slides out really bad on ice… but it’s heavier with all the gear and I’ve not used the split option in years… so I’m looking for a powder board that’s not split, so it’ll be lighter
-option that I can ride switch?
-vs not?
Normal days:
-2022 Capita Space Metal fantasy 139cm for buttering, trees, stable at speed and fun jumps, lil 180’s, but still too stiff for presses (have to really lean over to press nose or tail)
-also edge slick on ice, really have to cowboy stance on ice
-I ride switch decent
-tried this in powder haha, too short for deep powder, major back leg burnnnn
-rec?
Thank you!
Hi Alison, thanks for your message.
Some things to consider about some options here:
– Equalizer: I think this would be a great option for what you’re looking for in the 142, with the one thing being icy edge-hold. Going to be better there then the Space Metal Fantasy, IMO, but still not top tier in icy conditions. I’d say no better and probably not quite as good as the Dream Catcher – though, I’m not sure if the split version of the Dream Catcher would have a different feel in icy conditions. I would have assumed not, but we don’t test split boards, so couldn’t say for sure. Better in powder than the SMF, even if it was the same size. The 142 would given you more surface area and be better setup to ride powder as well – and something you could still ride switch fairly easily on. Our flex feel was 6/10.
– Story Board 142 – should feel it a little better for icy edge hold vs the Equalizer. Still not top tier, but decent. Again, better for powder than the SMF, even size for size – in the 142 it should feel significantly better – and save that back leg some strain! It’s a little stiffer (6.5/10 by our feel) and its wide for your boots, but in saying that, if you’ve been riding a 145 split, you should find it feels too big. Not as good for switch as Equalizer.
– Never Summer Lady FR 144 – a little longer than the other options, but also narrower, so should be doable, particularly given you’ve been riding a 145 Dream Catcher. A little stiffer again vs the Story Board though – and similar to the Equalizer in terms of icy edge hold, in our experience.
If there was a smaller GNU Barrett, I’d say that would be ideal, as it’s the best icy edge hold option of all of them and ride switch decently, but I feel like 146 is going to feel too big for you.
Not as good in powder, but you could look at the Jones Twin Sister 140. Still better than SMF, in my opinion, for powder, but just not as good as the others mentioned. I probably wouldn’t go up to the 143 in this one, because of its effective edge and width, but you’d still get some powder advantage in the 140 vs the 139 SMF, just not as significantly as others mentioned.
The Jones Women’s Mind Expander 142 would be worth looking into. It’s quite wide and I’d say not quite as good as Twin Sister in icy conditions, but still decent. Really good for powder and softer flexing than the likes of the Story Board, Lady FR and Barrett.
Salomon Dancehaul – probably 139, as it’s rather wide, so you may find the 143 too big, but still going to tackle powder noticeably better than SMF – not just setup better for powder, but that surface area is still going to be noticeably more, because of its width. But again, around that Equalizer/Lady FR level for icy edge hold. Not great for switch.
Lib Tech Orca 138 – again a wider option, which is why I’d size to the 138 for you, but it’s even wider than the Dancehaul and very good in powder, so should feel significantly better in powder than your 139 SMF. Really good icy edge hold but not well suited to riding switch.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate! This site is so amazing- thank you for all these reviews and rec’s.
I am looking for a new board/binding set and feel totally out of the loop as a former experienced rider who unfortunately took too many years off when having kids!
I rode a Feelgood 143 for a decade then a Feelgood 149 for another decade and now I am ?almost a decade out and just getting back into riding with my kids. I have been renting the last few years but finally ready to re-invest now. I am 5’4, 125, size 7 boots and just want something easy to maneuver in various East coast conditions. Will be mostly coasting on blues for family rides, will not be entering the park at all but may go through some powder. The 149 really always felt too long for me. Any rec’s are welcomed! Thanks so much!
Hi JN, thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 145, so I think the 149 was longer than ideal. The 143 a better size, IMO.
For that easy turning/maneuverability, something like the Story Board, Barrett or Equalizer would be your best bets from this list. The Story Board would be the closest feeling to the Feelgood, if you’re looking for a familiar feel. It’s not as stiff and more forgiving than the Feelgood though, and better suited to powder. I would say Barrett for best in icy conditions.
You could also look at something like the YES Hel Yes or Jones Twin Sister or others from this list. But those aren’t as good in powder.
Size-wise, I would look at the 146 for the Barrett and Equalizer (you could go 142 as well. you’d gain maneuverability at the cost of stability at speed and powder float). For the Story Board, it’s a close call. Slightly leaning 142, just because it’s going to give you that easier maneuverability and should still be decent in powder – it’s a little better suited to powder than the other 2, so while you’d be losing that surface area by going smaller, you’d probably still get as good or close to as good powder float.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! Thanks so much for the extensive reviews. I was hoping you could recommend a new board for me–I’m 5’9″, 150lbs, shoe size 9.5 men’s/11women’s, and ride all-mountain: trees, groomers, powder, icy, etc. I have ridden Burton Feelgood 152, Salomon Pillow Talk 151, and just ordered an Equalizer 154 as my all-around board for next season, and some Union Atlas bindings. I have been loving charging strong lines and carves with these directional boards, but am also interested in advancing my skills and getting faster in trees/bumps, and more adept and agile with riding switch. Do you recommend another board for these conditions? or is there a better all-around board or length i should consider before committing to the Equalizer? My favorite thing is to carve and slash turns going fast, but I also really enjoyed a few powder days in the trees with the Pillow Talk this season. I’d be open to riding men’s boards, too. Thank you in adavnce!
Hi Gina
Thanks for your message and apologies for the slower than usual response. Flat-out testing gear at the moment!
I think the Equalizer, and the size should work well for you given you want something that will help you ride switch and be more agile in trees. Meira, our women’s board tester (and our previous tester felt more or less the same), found it to be good in trees and agile – and she rode the 150, at 5’4″ and 130lbs with US Women’s 8 boots.
Not going to be quite as strong a carver or quite as stable at speed as something like the Feelgood, but still really decent in those areas and still decent in powder (should feel better in the powder than the Feelgood, but not quite as good as the Pillow Talk). It’s still a directional board, but a lot more subtly directional than something like the Pillow Talk. But more directional than the Feelgood.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 153 and given you’ve ridden and been comfortable with the 152 Feelgood (stiffer, assuming you were on the camber and a relatively recent model) and Pillowtalk 151 (wider), I think you’d be OK with the size of the 154. And width-wise, I think it would work well for your boot size. The only thing to note is that the effective edge is quite a bit more than it is on the Feelgood 152 and Pillowtalk 151. So while the softer flex and the narrower (vs the Pillow Talk) will help it to be feel easier to throw around, it does have that extra effective edge, which balance out how big it feels (would otherwise like feel smaller size-for-size to the Feelgood/Pillow Talk, if had similar effective edge). If you wanted to really go more nimble, then the 150 would be in range length-wise, at the loss of some stability at speed and float in powder, but it would be too narrow for your boots, IMO.
I think the 154 Equalizer should work well for what you’re describing, but if you want other options to consider, let me know and I can do a search for you.
awesome! thanks so much! i did decide to go with this board, do you think detuning would help it feel more nimble?
i was thinking if i went smaller, maybe a men’s 150 so it would still be wide. i may do a trip to japan in 2025, so something nimble for switch and trees that would still perform in deep powder would be awesome if you have recommendations. i’m always looking for the ‘one board to do it all’ but i would be open to suggestions! thank you for all your advice, it is really helpful in making a good decision!
Hi Gina
I would say detuning it will make it easier to initiate a turn and feel more catch-free, but not necessarily turn quicker.
Some men’s/unisex options, more all-mountain but still decent in deep powder, around that 150 size that could work:
– Slash Brainstorm 151
– Salomon Highpath 150
– Jones Mountain Twin 149
Or some that are more freeride (better in powder but not as good for switch) options:
– Capita Navigator 151
– K2 Passport 149
Hi Nate,
I was wondering if you could give me any tips on a new snowboard. I’m 5’3 and 94 lbs and am currently torn between the Jones flagship, dream weaver, or bataleon pushup.
I currently use the niche nightshade which I like to carve on but it’s not very good in powder so I’m looking for something that’s more powder oriented.
Hi Grace
Thanks for your message. I imagine that the Dream Weaver felt stiff because of its size. It’s not a stiff board. The Flagship is quite a bit stiffer, so if you found that stiff, you probably don’t want to go Flagship – especially considering the smallest size is 146, which is too big for you, IMO. In the right size the Dream Weaver should feel similar flex-wise to the Nightshade. When a board is bigger than ideal, it tends to feel stiffer. In other words a boards flex is relative to the force applied to the board. And a bigger board tends to feel stiffer than a smaller board. Also a board often feels stiffer torsionally (edge to edge stiffness, as opposed to tail to nose stiffness) if the board is too wide for you. The Dream Weaver is quite a wide board at the inserts
and may be wide for your foot size.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 139 for your specs. And while you can go bigger for a powder board, I wouldn’t go too much bigger. So, the 145 in the Dream Weaver was too big for you, IMO, particularly due to its width (making some assumptions about your foot size, but if you could let me know your boot size, so I can confirm, that would be great). So, I would be looking at either the 139 or 142 if you were to go Dream Weaver.
The Push Up is a softer board and you definitely wouldn’t find it too stiff. It’s not what I would call a powder oriented board though. It would be an improvement on powder over the Nightshade, IMO, but probably not as good as the Dream Weaver – and certainly not as good as the Flagship in powder. However, it’s probably something you could size up to the 143, because of its softer flex and width, which would help how it floated in powder.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Please help me decide on a new snowboard. I’m 160cm,(5’3) 42kg (around 90lbs sometimes more sometimes less). I currently have the niche nightshade in 141 but I wanted to get a powder board since the niche sometimes gets stuck when there’s powder. I’m comfortable turning on blues when it’s not icy.
I’m currently deciding between the Jones dream weaver or flagship but I’m not sure which one is better, mainly since I feel like the flagship might be too big for me. I demo-ed the dream weaver 145 in powder and liked it but did feel like it was much more stiff than my current board though I’m not sure if that’s just how powder boards are supposed to feel like.
Hi Nate
You helped me match the right board in the past and I love it. Hoping you can give another recommendation. I currently have a Jones Twin sister 143. I’m 5’3 and 135lbs. Size 6.5 boot. I snowboard most of my time in the Northeast with some icy conditions. But I do take one west trip a year and I’m thinking of adding a board for powder and speed. I’ve noticed that once I hit high speeds on the jones board it’s a touch questionable and I’m wondering if that’s the board or the size. I’m thinking about adding the flagship or storyboard to my set up as alternative options for powder and speed. Do you think they’d be substantially different than the twin sister for these purposes and what size would be appropriate? Thanks!
Hi Chrissy
Great to hear from you again. Yeah, you should get noticeably better powder and speed performance from either the Flagship or Story Board, particularly the Flagship. The Story Board would still be noticeable though, particularly if you size it up a bit.
Size-wise, I don’t think your twin sister is too small, but for something like the Flagship or Story Board you could go a bit longer, as they have less effective edge vs overall length (which is typical of freeride boards) – and because they will be used as part of a quiver, in order to gain speed and powder performance.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 146/147, but with 6.5s, I would size down from that, which is why I think the 143 Twin Sister was the right size to go with, particularly as the Twin Sister is wider than typical. For a freeride board, you can size up a bit from that, but because of boot size, I would stick with around that all-mountain length (e.g. size up for freeride then down again for the width).
If you go Story Board, I would go with the 147 and for the Flagship the 146. The 149 would be a possibility, but I would err to the 146 – the 149 is getting pretty wide in the nose. For reference in terms of effective edge of each of those sizes.
Twin Sister 143: 109.8cm (in the 146 it’s 112.4cm)
Story Board 147: 110cm (so while it’s overall 4cm longer than the Twin Sister, it’s only 0.2cm more in effective edge)
Flagship 146: 107.2cm
Flagship 149: 109.8cm
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
I’m really hoping you might be able to help my decision judging by all your great advice to the others! I’m a UK based female, 5’3″ 125 llb, size 7 US boots. I’ve been riding on and off for 29 years and lived in the Colorado mountains for a while but with my young girls only get out one or two weeks a year now. I’m mostly interested in hiking off in search of back country powder in France nowadays, I love trees, open powder fields, sometimes steep and quite often shallow getting to the powder, but also love moguls or going fast so need a board to cruise the groomers and hit a little bit off the sides. I’m not interested in the park too much. I’m currently riding an ancient Burton Feelgood 149 which is really not great in powder. I was recommended a burton wave tracer which seems out of stock or old, but having done some research I’m toying between the Burton Story board (147?) or the Jones Flagship (or Jones stratus) from reading your super helpful reviews. Or perhaps something else I haven’t considered for a powder but also that can be my all in one board? I’m quite confused! I’m not sure about the stiffness requirements TBH! Thank you so much for reading this 🙂
Hi Zoe
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, the Wave Tracer was one of Burton’s Family Tree models that was only around for 1 season – it had a ’22 model but that was it, so I imagine they would be hard to come by. The Story Board would be a great choice for what you’re describing though, IMO and it’s likely to be better than the Wave Tracer for when you’re not in powder and it’s still really good for powder. The Jones Flagship definitely works as well though. You could go Stratos, but I would go Flagship over Stratos. The Story Board is a little softer flexing than the Flagship, but there isn’t heaps in it. Given your specs, I would be erring a little more towards the Story Board, even though the flex isn’t that different. But I also really like the 147 size for you. That said, the Flagship would be a really good choice too, so you can’t really make a bad choice between them, IMO.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 147. Given your style and you’re looking at freeride boards you could go a little longer, but also since you’re riding trees and moguls, I would actually go with something around your all-mountain length, so I think the 147 would be just right for the Story Board. For the Flagship, I would be debating between the 146 and 149. While the 149 would be more the equivalent of the Story Board 147 in terms of effective edge, it is quite wide at the front insert for your foot size, so while I think the 149 would work, I would be leaning 146, just because of that width factor.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Im hoping you can help 🙂
I’m looking to get a powder board for Japan and have narrowed it down to the nidecker odyssey 147 or 151 and Salomon hps Annie 149.
I won’t have the opportunity to test before I buy (I live in Perth Western Australia) … so leap of faith required. I am also pretty restricted with board availability here!
I’m 63kg, 165cm female, size 8,5 boots. I cant ride switch/do tricks, but love to charge in powder. I only board in Japan once a year and pretty much only ride side country via lift assisted guided tours. Japan isn’t steep but can get pretty deep powder. I’ve been riding there for 10 years so would say I’m intermediate- advanced in powder.
Any advice on size for Odessey – or should I go the hps?
Hi Sally
Thanks for your message.
We haven’t tested the HPS Annie Boulanger specifically, so can’t say from experience, but based on specs and experience with a similar Salomon board (got on the Salomon HPS Wolle Nyvelt Fish last winter) it should be sick in powder. But the Odyssey is very good in powder too, so I don’t think you can make a bad choice between them.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain size” at around 148/149. For wider boards like these you’d typically size down. If they were narrower, then given that you’re going to be predominantly riding in powder, then I would say size up. So, given that you’re going to be predominantly riding this board in powder, I think the 149 for the HPS Annie would be a really good size – on the bigger side as an all-mountain board for your specs, but you want to go on the bigger side if you’re going to be using it mostly in powder.
For the Odyssey I would be looking to size up to the 151. While it is wider than the average, it’s not as wide as the HPS Annie – and it also has less effective edge than the HPS Annie, so you can afford to ride it bigger.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate!
Thanks for your work to keep this site updated. I’m looking to add a board for next season and currently ride a Ladies Choice 145.5 on Escapade bindings. I tried a Burton Hometown Hero 144 last season and loved it but not sure what the female equivalent is or if it’s the right size. I’m also considering Barrett and Storyboard but open to suggestions.
I typically prefer blues/blacks although I’m trying more challenging terrain and going faster each season. I love tree/glade runs best but I also enjoy groomers and pow. Usually there will be some days on ice/crud. Specs: 5’3”, 140lbs, sz 8.
Thanks!
Hi Lily
Thanks for your message.
Because the Hometown Hero comes in unisex sizing, you could go with that one – and given that you’ve tried it and loved it, it does make for a pretty safe bet. Size-wise, I think it’s a debate between the 144 and 148. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 148 (assuming an advanced level) but that doesn’t make it clear to go 148. While the 144 it’s nothing super wide for your foot size, it’s on the wider end of your range. So sizing down to it, given it’s on the wider side does make some sense. Also, given that you like to ride trees a lot, that’s another reason to err smaller. The 148, just because of length and width combined, feels a little on the big side to me. I think it’s doable, but I would be erring 144 if I was you – and given that that’s the length you tried and liked, that’s another piece of evidence to suggest that size might be the best.
The Barrett and Storyboard would also be good options for what you’re describing, but given you already know you like the Hometown Hero, it does make it a safer bet, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much Nate, appreciate your insights!
You’re very welcome Lily. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Nate,
I am looking to overhaul my setup from 2016. The current setup is a Lib Tech Emma Peel 153 (mens board -C3) and Flow Omni bindings. This setup worked really well when I was racing boarderX in college, being stiff but still good for side hits and tress. I think I was about 145lb when my setup felt dialed, but it’s really showing its age now.
I am drawn to the GNU Barrett and i’m hoping to snag one during end of season sales. What you recommend on length? I weigh ~150-155lbs now and measure 5’8″. I am worried the 152 will feel like less board than my 153. I’m worried about getting too little board because I have been having as much fun bombing the steeps in hardpack lately, I was thinking this could be because I weigh more now or because of worn out bindings/old board with no edges/uncomfy boots.
Also, if you have binding and boot suggestions to pair this board with, I could really use some help.
My favorite boots were a pair of men’s 8.5 K2 Maysis boots that I had to throw away when they became more duct tape than boot. I switched to size 9 K2 Contours, the women’s version of the Maysis. Unfortunately, I found them to be significantly less stiff than the Maysis and too narrow for my feet. I’m now running a thrift shop pair of Burton Mint’s that are also too narrow. I tried on a pair of Salmon Ivy’s at a local shop and liked the wider forefoot fit but was worried that they were too soft. (Also my ski boot shell is 24/25.5 mm for reference).
I will primarily be riding, in the Rockies for the next few seasons, but do get in trips home to the PNW and Utah.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks,
Emma
Hi Emma
Thanks for your message. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 152/153, so I would say 152 is the best bet. The 152 Barrett will likely feel a bit smaller than the 153 Emma Peel, not so much because of the 1cm extra length, but because of the wide width of the Emma Peel vs the Barrett. That said, the contact length on the Barrett is longer than it was on the Emma Peel, so that will even out the size feel, at least to an extent, so I’d still be leaning 152. But if you feel like the 153 Emma Peel is a little smaller than what you’d want, then the 155 Barrett is definitely a possibility and certainly within range.
In terms of bindings, I would look at something with at least 6/10 flex and preferably more like 6.5/10 to 7/10. The following have some good options in that flex range:
>>Top Women’s Freeride Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
For boots it sounds like you have feet on the wider side. It’s possible the Contours were a little small in the 9, if the Maysis fit well in men’s 8.5. Smaller boots tend to also be narrower. But it sounds like you’re looking for something stiffer anyway. The Ride Cadence is an option I think you should check out. They’re stiffer – and my women’s boot tester has also found that they give her more room in the toe box width-wise compared to other boots.
Hope this helps
That was supper helpful! My Emma Peel comes in at 114 cm effective edge, the Barrett run 116 and 118 respectively. When will I feel those extra centimeters the most? I am currently faster than everyone I ride with in the trees – so I am not too worried the 155 will slow me down – am I wrong? How different will the Barrett feel being more directional in trees versus my twin shaped Emma?
My favorite snowboarding types, in order:
1. Steeps in pow
2. Pow in trees
3. Carving/surfy slashes/side hits on the groomers
I’m excited about trying the Ride Boots. I realized some sites list the Barrett as being limited to boot size 8.5. Can I get away with running 9’s?
Think I will pair them with union trilogy’s (because they are a good deal right now). Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Hi Emma
In powder, you’re likely to notice the biggest difference in size feel to the Emma Peel – as in the Barret 152 will more noticeably feel smaller in powder. Because of that effective edge, the Barrett 152 might feel about the same (smaller because of the width, but bigger because of the effective edge, potentially cancelling each other out). So, I think it would be in powder you’d notice the size difference the most between the 152 Barrett and 153 Emma Peel. The 155 Barrett will likely feel bigger on hard pack than your EP 153. But probably a similar size in pow. In trees, the 152 is going to be more maneuverable and easier to get around in there, but won’t make as much difference to maneuverability when there’s pow in trees. The 155 might feel a little less maneuverable in the trees vs your 153 EP, but hard to say for sure. But I don’t think the difference would be huge in any case, when looking at the width difference.
Width-wise, I’d be surprised if you had any boot drag issues with 9s (assuming women’s US9, not men’s US9) on the 152 Barrett.
I like directional boards in trees. I mean if you end up having to ride switch in there at times, which can happened if you get turned around, then it’s not as good as a twin, but the Barrett isn’t super directional like some boards, so it’s still pretty decent for riding switch anyway.
Hi Nate! Thanks for all the great work! I’m looking for new boards for the next season, hoping you can provide some suggestions.
I’m intermediate-advanced female rider, mostly ride down blue and black groomers, can do small moguls and a bit of jumps, but haven’t really ventured out to off-piste yet. I’m 5ft3, 160lb, boot size 6. I currently ride Nitro Fate in 147, it’s a great board, but I find two issues I like to improve on. 1) I want more stability, especially when cutting across crud. I rode a Twin Sister in 149 for one run (swapped with a total stranger met on the lift) and found it to be much more stable. I think maybe my Fate length is too short for my weight? 2) I live in Eastern Canada, so lots of icy and hard pack conditions, the edge hold on Fate isn’t the best.
I already planned to get GNU Ladies Choice as I also want to get into jumps and parks more, and magne traction would definitely help with edge hold. But I’m wondering what size should I get?
I’m also considering getting a second board, to complement LC for trips to the West/Rockies, where there might be more powder days. I don’t want a full powder board because the likelihood of using it would be low, so I’m thinking still mostly all mountain with good carving ability but as different to LC as possible, leaning toward freeride (something like Kazu Kokubo Pro but for women?). Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Hi Jessie
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 151, so yeah I would be erring longer than what you’re currently riding. For the Ladies Choice, I would be leaning towards the 148.5. The 151.5 would be doable but as a more freestyle oriented board, I would tend to size down a little on it. And would still be bigger than you’re current board. The 151.5 is certainly doable though, if you really wanted to favor stability at speed at some loss of maneuverability and for freestyle stuff. I would be more inclined to suggest the 151.5 if you weren’t looking to get another board and weren’t looking to get into jumps and parks more, but given that you are I would go 148.5 and then something longer in your freeride board.
In terms of your freeride board, nothing in this list is what I would call specialized powder, so I think any of these options would work for what you’re wanting. I think the Barrett and Equalizer would give you the least amount of contrast to the LC, so one of the other options would be my pick to have a bigger spread within your quiver. Size-wise would depend on the particular board:
Hovercraft: this is a tricky one because it’s quite wide, especially for 6s. So I would be erring 146 in this case because the 150 is pretty big when you combine width and length, but then I think something longer is probably a better match, so it’s a harder board to recommend, given you don’t want it only for powder.
Story Board: Also kind of tricky size-wise for the same reasons
Flagship: I like this for you, in the 152. It allows you to go longer without having to go as wide as the other 2.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your suggestion, especially for explaining the reasoning and how you worked out the recommendation! Really appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Jessie.
Hi Nate！Thanks for such a detailed review。 I’m a male snowboarder， I’m 5’4″, 144 lbs, wear a size 6 men’s boot, and am an advanced rider. Yes, I’m working out, but I can’t change my height or the size of my feet. I love powder, I love carving, I love flying down the trails。 sometimes I wear trees. I’m debating between the Jones Flagship and the Jones Women’s Flagship. I’m also interested in PYL. I’m open to different options, I’ve been snowboarding for about 5 years and my Burton Ripcord is too soft for me. I’m not sure if I should ride a men’s or women’s board, do you have any suggestions, or any specific suggestions as to which would be a better fit for me?
Thanks!
Sheng
Hi Sheng
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 151 but with size 6 boots I would typically size down from most 151s. However, with a freeride board like the Flagship you can ride it longer – so you could go up to something around 154 in length if the width was good. But given that the width is going to be wide for your feet, I would size back down to the 151. Long story short, I think the 151 Flagship should work well for you. The 152 Women’s Flagship would also be a good bet. If you have a preference for boards shorter than that or want to err shorter, then you could go 149 Women’s Flagship too, but given that you like powder carving and bombing the most, by the sounds of it, I think the 151 Flagship or 152 Women’s Flagship would be your best bets.
In your case I wouldn’t go PYL. The smallest PYL is 156 and it’s quite a bit wider than something like the 151 Flagship.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Great reviews! I referred to your website a lot when searching different boards. Would love to get some insights from you as I’m torn between a couple of boards and unfortunately I can’t demo them easily at my local shops.
My spec: 165 cm and ~52kg, women 6.5 feet (23.5cm); high-intermediate rider mainly riding off-piste (mostly blacks and some double blacks).
Current board:
Yes hel yes (149 cm) – Good on carves, groomers, icy, steeps and jumps, but I find this board to be not particularly nimble, a bit too aggressive sometimes (probably due to the size), and not enough float in the deep trees which I start to ride a bit more
What I’m looking for: a powder-specific quiver board to complement my yes on powder days with more than 5 in of powder in open bowls, glades, and tree runs (could be tight). So having great float ability and being nimble are equally important to me. Being good at small/medium drops and jumps off natural features would be a plus.
Boards I’m considering:
1. Jones mind expander (a little worry about float with the new profile and jump ability)
2. Jones flagship (seems stiff and worry about hitting some jumps)
3. never summer harpoon (Interested in the surfy feeling, but never tried hybrid rocker before)
4. orca (worry about nimbleness and aggressiveness)
5. capita navigator
Would love your feedback and any other suggestions for a board to compliment my Hel Yes on powder days out there!
Thanks a million!
Hi Gigi
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I imagine the size is a big part of why the Hel Yes feels like it lack nimbleness for you. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 144.
1. Jones Mind Expander. Even with the new profile, I wouldn’t worry about float on this thing. Particularly if you went 146 (the women’s mind expander 146, which isn’t as wide as the men’s 146) – and you’d still gain maneuverability. If you wanted even more maneuverability at the sacrifice of some float, the 142 would be doable too. But you might come out about even at that size versus the 149 Hel Yes, so I don’t think you’d end up really gaining anything powder-wise in the 142. For jumps, it’s not great – partly because it’s not super poppy and partly because it can be pretty unforgiving if you land too tail heavy.
2. Jones Flagship. Decently agile for how stiff it is, but still probably going to be harder work than the likes of the Mind Expander when it comes to quick turns in trees. 146 is the smallest size, which would be doable for sure – and it’s also a little narrower than the Hel Yes, so you’d be looking at an easier to maneuver size, but the stiffness would somewhat counter that.
3. Harpoon could work. It takes some getting used to the hybrid rocker feel, if you’ve been riding hybrid camber but not something you couldn’t get used to. Size-wise, the 144 could work. It’s wide for you, so overall it’s bigger than what you’d think for a 144. That would take away some of the maneuverability gains, but I’d be confident you’d get some powder gains.
4. Orca. Not a board I found easy to maneuver at slower speeds in tight spaces, personally, so that would be my biggest concern with this option, given that’s a key reason for you looking for a second board. Definitely a powder gain, but I wouldn’t say you’d get much in terms of more nimbleness. I mean you could size to the 138 – which I probably would, given how wide the board is and that would prob give you a little more agility but might largely cancel out any powder gains. Too big because of that width in the 144, IMO. Quite a bit wider than the 144 Harpoon.
5. Navigator could work: I’d go to the 143 to get those maneuverability gains. I’d say you’d still get a little more powder float too – though not likely to be a huge powder boost, because of surface area reduction. But because it is designed to work better in powder, I’d say it would be at least equal, even in that size. You might get a little more maneuverability out of the 147 vs your 149 Hel Yes – and then you’d gain more powder-wise. So that is an option. But my guess is that the maneuverability gains would be fairly subtle.
Some other potentials include:
Nidecker Odyssey in either 147N or 143N – again the trade off of going longer is less maneuverability gain and trade off of going shorter is less powder gain.
Bataleon Love Powder – 144 – like the Harpoon it’s wider, so it’s bigger than a typical 144
Rome Women’s Ravine 144 – ditto in terms of width but not quite as wide
Jones Women’s Hovercraft 144 – a little stiffer, like the Flagship but otherwise could work well
Burton Story Board 142
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for such a fast and detailed reply! You are epic!
After your last message, I borrowed a friend’s flagship (146) to try, but don’t really like the stiffness and it didn’t end up feeling more nimble than my yes. However, the float was miles better than my yes in 149.
I think what I come to the conclusion is that I want a surfy, playful, mid-flex powder board. So I narrowed my list down to:
1. Mind expander 146
2. Nidecker Odyssey 143 — I wonder if I would have any powder gain at shorter length as this board is decently wide and has longer nose for float.
3. Neversummer Harpoon 144 – waist is 24.6 cm which seems to be a bit wide, but a female employee at my local store told me she felt this turns just as fast if not faster than her other narrower free ride boards.
4. capita navigator 147
I kind of feel like I can go with any one of those and have fun, but really just couldn’t decide on one. Wondering if you could help me narrow down a bit more — which one will give me more powder gain and which one be the more nimble.
Thanks so so much again!
Gigi
Hi Gigi
I’d say this:
Women’s Mind Expander 146: Should be a good balance of getting both better maneuverability and better float.
Odyssey 143: More designed for float vs Hel Yes for sure. But because of such a big reduction in surface area overall vs the 149 Hel Yes, it’s not likely to give you much gain in terms of powder. Should feel significantly more maneuverable though.
Harpoon 144: I’m personally not a fan of boards that are too wide for my feet, unless I size down significantly. Then sometimes it can feel good. Other times, even with sizing down I just don’t like the feel of it. Others get on better with boards that are wide for their feet. 5cm is a significant size down, – and given the tail width is narrower than on the Hel Yes, the overall size feel is probably going to feel a little smaller. But the thing that’s probably going to be more significant in how much smaller it feels is the effective edge – which is significantly less on the 144 Harpoon vs the 149 Hel YES (7cm less). So, maneuverability should be better and should have better float too. The biggest question will be how well you like that wider feeling.
Navigator 147: Some small maneuverability gain, I would say, but relatively subtle. Should be noticeably better in terms of float.
My instinct would be Mind Expander or Harpoon.
Hi Nate! Thanks so much for all of your great reviews – super helpful as I search for a new board! I’ve been riding Burton Feelgoods for years but wanted to switch it up to more of a freeride board. I’m interested in the Story Board but I’m worried that the sizing is off for me – I’m 5’10, 140 lbs, size 9 women’s boot and I’m used to riding a 155. Advanced rider, like steeps and deeps, carving, going faster than the boys, etc. Do you think the 152 Story Board is too small? I was also debating trying out the men’s Flight Attendant instead in a 156 or should I consider riding a different men’s board to have better sizing options?
I appreciate any advice you can share!
Hi Lili
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 151. With a freeride board you can typically go a little longer, but I think 152 works. So before you mentioned that you’re used to riding 155s, I would have said it’s a good size for you. I think it’s still a size that could work for you. But it would feel small compared to what you’re used to. The effective edge is less in comparison to overall length as well versus the Feelgood, so likely to feel a little smaller than a 152 Feelgood.
I don’t think you’ll have any issues with stability at speed on that size, with your specs, so I think it’s a good size, but if you don’t want something that’s not going to feel smaller than what you’re used, you’d need to look at something else, IMO.
My biggest concern with going 156 in the Flight Attendant is the width. I think it’s going to feel too wide for your foot size – and may feel like it’s sluggish in turning. If you went Flight Attendant I would look at the 152 – it’s still on the wide side for your feet, but sizing down the length should help with bringing back some maneuverability.
Some other freeride options to consider in longer sizes (but not too wide):
NS Lady FR 156
Jones Women’s Flagship 155
Jones Women’s Stratos 155 (though it is a bit wider than it looks, but still not as wide as the FA 156 still
GNU Barret 155
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! are there any boards out there that serve as a pow board primarily but might also be able to handle steep, icier days? It seems like a lot are either one or the other
Thanks so much in advance
Hi Brittany
A lot of highly specialized powder boards aren’t great in icy conditions but there are plenty of options that are really good in powder but also good in icy conditions. The first that spring to mind are the jones flagship/hovercraft. The Barrett is even better in icy conditions but not as good in powder.
You could also look at something like the gun free spirit or niche pyre. We haven’t texted them, but something to look into, if you were ok with the idea of at volume shifted boards.
Thanks so so much for your input, as always!
I think I may have been a bit off with the wording and instead of icy, probably am more concerned with chugging through chunkier/harder snow and ability to handle steep terrain.
Would these options still be best?
Super appreciate all the time and effort you put into all of this!
Hi Brittany
Yeah, I think the likes of the Flagship/Hovercraft would still be really good for what you’re describing. Having not tested the likes of the Free Spirit/Pyre can’t say for sure what they’d be like.
Hi Nate,
I’m grateful for your reviews! I’m heading to Mammoth for a few days and have decided it’s time to buy rather than rent. I love powder and working on turns in the trees. I ride blues/blacks (not double blacks). I like hitting little jumps out and about, but don’t spend time in the park. I don’t care about riding switch. I’m 5’6″, 140lbs, size 8, 46yo.
Based on your helpful reviews above, I’m drawn toward the Barrett, Story Board, and Flagship. But I’d love to hear your thoughts on what board and size you would recommend for me. I also need bindings and would appreciate any suggestions
Hi Allison
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing those would all be good choices. Hard to make a call between them. If you do find yourself in deep powder fairly regularly, then the Story Board and Flagship are that little bit more suited to powder over the Barrett – though the Barrett still pretty good there. And the Barrett is the better board for jumps, in our experience, so it gives you that. Overall, I don’t think you could make a bad choice between them. Sometimes sizing can help to make a decision, so let’s look at that.
Size-wise, I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 149. A freeride board you can often ride a little longer but if you spend a fair bit of time in trees, then I would temper the upsizing. With all that in mind, I would size each board:
– Barrett: 149 – this isn’t a board I’d size up for, so I think the 149 would be just right.
– Story Board: tough call between the 147 and 152. 152 feels a little big and 147 a little small
– Flagship: Between the 149 and 152. More inclined to size up for this one than the Barrett – due to effective edge (more of its length is outside the contact points, essentially). It’s also the stiffer board, so if you wanted to mellow out the flex and have it more maneuverable, then the 149 would give you that – at the sacrifice of losing a little stability at speed and float in powder – but that doesn’t mean it won’t float well or be stable at speed – it still will be for your specs, but just a little less so than with the 152.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thank you Nate! I really appreciate your quick response.
You’re very welcome Allison. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
I am looking for advice on which bindings to use with my Barrett. I’m an intermediate-advanced snowboarder and have been riding with my Feelgood for the past few years, and have really loved it. Purchased the Barrett as I was looking for something a little more versatile / better in powder. I am torn between the Escapade vs Lexa X vs Lexa. I like tree runs, groomers, powder, basically everything outside the park. Can you help me out?
Hi Patty
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Lexa X for the Barret, just because I think it’s the best flex match. However, the Escapade and Lexa aren’t out of range for it, so they would work, but I would be leaning Lexa X for the Barrett and for the style of riding you’re describing.
Hope this helps
Hi,
Curious- I’m 5’8, 130ish, with a size 9 boot . I just got a bellevue in a 152-listening to salomons specs. Is that my best option or could i have gone with the 148? ( would i have seen. drag?) Previous boards were a super 8 151, excavator 143(!) and rome lofi 152. huge thanks
also- for my specs what size dancehaul would you recommend.
Hi Tania
Thanks for your message.
I think the 148 would be your more pure size based on your specs. And I think it would be wide enough for you too. In isolation, I would say go 148. But given that you’ve ridden the Super 8 in a 151 (which is wider than your 152 Belleveue) and you’ve had a Rome Lo-Fi 152, I don’t think you’ll have issues with 152 Bellevue, assuming you’ve enjoyed those boards.
For the Dancehaul, I would say 147 is your best bet. It’s going to feel smaller than your old Super 8, but it’s noticeably wider than the 152 Bellevue. And also in the 152 Dancehaul, I think it’s too big, when you take into account the length and width, even taking into account what you’re used to riding.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I will be 50 this up coming season. I have been riding almost 20 years but never learn to do jumps since I start riding in my 30s. I just love curving down the mountain with speed. I started with Burton then Arbor cadence 146 for longest times. Finally I did more research and got myself Jones Dream catcher 148 which changed my view of having a good board actually makes the difference.
After experiencing that, I’m curious what else out there that advance my riding.
Do you have any suggestions? I’m 5’5”, 125lb, size 6.5.
Hi M
Thanks for your message.
Dream Catcher certainly more suited to the type of riding your doing versus the Cadence, which is more freestyle oriented, so I’m not surprised you noticed a difference there. So certainly one option would be to stay with the Dream Catcher.
But if you wanted to explore some other options, then the Equalizer is something to consider. It’s not any more aggressive than the Dream Catcher – and not necessarily an upgrade overall but the sizing (in the 146) is more suited to your boot size, IMO. Size-wise, I think you’re spot on with the 148 in the Dream Catcher, but that’s a board you can ride a little longer, so I would be looking around 146 depending on the board.
Something like the Barrett or Lady’s Choice would definitely work too and would be an upgrade in terms of speed and carving. The Lady West in the 147 would be a good size and the 146 Barrett – only question mark with the Barrett is the width in terms of sizing. And for both, the thing I would think most about is the change in camber – they both have rocker between the feet, which can be a feeling that takes getting used to when you’re not used to it. That said, they are, particularly the Barrett, still more camber than rocker dominant. Note that the Lady West isn’t getting a 2023 model. They have a new Lady FR which is quite a different board (stiffer, more aggressive).
The Burton Story Board would give you that more similar camber profile feeling and I think ticks all the boxes you’re looking for with the biggest question mark being size. The 147 would work for you length-wise, but the width is a little on the wide side, IMO.
The Flagship is probably your best bet if you want that noticeable upgrade but with a similar feel in terms of the camber profile. You’ll get better speed and carving performance – and in a slightly narrower option overall (in the 146), which is a little better suited to your boot size. The biggest thing you’d have to get used to is the extra stiffness and the taper. The Dream Catcher doesn’t have a lot of taper and that can be a different feel, if you’re not used to it.
Of course there are other options too. These boards are all good in powder. If you weren’t riding powder much, then you could certainly look into more all-mountain options as well.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the reply.
I was this close to buy Lady West but hesitated because of the locker hybrid profile. I even read the review that some people are having a hard time getting off the lift so good to know that it does require getting used to it. Considering my age, not sure that’s something I want to try now. Will Lady FR also have rocker hybrid profile?
I kind of know Flagship will be an upgrade but wanted to try other brands and having said that maybe I can try Equalizer. The only other thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that I ride mostly packed groomer or icy conditions being CA. Is that change your opinions?
Hi M
Yeah hybrid rocker does tend to be a little trickier getting off the lift, but you do get used to it. The Lady FR has a pretty unique camber profile (triple fusion camber I think is what Never Summer call it). It’s technically hybrid camber (by my definition) because there is camber between the feet, but then it goes to rocker just before the inserts and then half way through the inserts goes to camber again (hope that makes sense). It’s got more of a hybrid camber feel to a hybrid rocker feel, IMO.
The Equalizer could work for sure. It’s not as good in icy conditions as something like the Flagship, IMO, but it’s still decent.
Hi, I am hoping on this thread because I also am almost 50, ride a dream catcher, live in California and am looking to upgrade. I have also been considering the Jones Stratos. I purchased a Ravish for icy days but am now thinking the Barrett would have been a better choice. The Ravish was great on groomers and fresh pow but I struggled in chunder and tight tree turns. The Dream Catcher pushes through chunder and turns in trees so well! We have had so much snow and I did the same black diamond on a pow day two different days. I felt more float on the Ravish than I did on my Dream Catcher as it just didn’t seem to float.
Hi Kim
Thanks for your message.
I think you would certainly notice better powder performance from the Stratos vs the Dream Catcher and should get at least as good out of it in terms of chunder. I don’t think it will be as good for quick turns in trees though. The Dream Catcher pretty good for that – and the extra stiffness of the Stratos making it a little harder to manage at slower speeds. So, I definitely think an upgrade in terms of powder, carving, speed and probably for chunder too, but not quite as good for trees, IMO. The Flagship is better than the Stratos in the trees (IMO) and would give you everything else that the Stratos can offer (only thing maybe not quite as stable at high speeds but still good in that respect).
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
You seem to be the man! I definitely need your help!
I’m in the market for a new all mountain board. Im a good and confident rider… Moving to Switzerland the season and want something I can bomb the mountain with, as well as take on a few mellow park laps (I don’t like freestyle much and would probably use my other board if I was having a park day). My absolute priority is to enjoy the whole mountain- obv I’m hoping for some powder days too!
I am 5″2 and 47kg, size 6.5 feet. I like speed but find stiffer boards quite aggressive given my size. I have a Bataleon She-W (140) and Feelgood (138) I prefer the length of the feelgood. Think I want to try something away from bataleon now (having ridden them for 10 years).
I am very taken by Jones boards and have also read good things (on here) about the Arbour Swoon, but worry about them being a bit too bomby! Will consider all boards- including kids ones (given my size) if you knew of a suitable one!
Basically looking for something more playful than aggressive that I can enjoy the mountain on, get some carves down and also hit the pow….
ALL THOUGHTS welcome! Thanks a million!
Hi Jess
Thanks for your message.
Just to clarify – you mean the Bataleon Feelbetter, rather than feelgood right? Or did you mean the Burton Feelgood?
Firstly, in terms of sizing, I think something around that 138-140 range is a good bet to stick with, based on your specs. Given that you prefer the length of your feelbetter, erring closer to 138 is probably the best bet, but I think we can look at 140s, depending on the effective edge. Note that the effective edge on the She W 140 is 108.2cm and the effective edge on the Feelbetter 138 is 103.4cm. So your Feelbetter might only be 2cm shorter than your She W, but it’s 4.8cm shorter in terms of effective edge, which will make it feel quite a bit shorter than the 2cm would suggest. So, some 140s might be options still, depending on that factor.
Will also keep in mind width, so we don’t go too wide.
Lighter riders tend not to get on too well with stiffer boards, so I’m not surprised you don’t get on that well with stiffer boards.
Based on everything you’re describing, I would look at:
– Jones Dream Weaver 139 (234mm waist width, 102.1cm effective edge)
– Capita Paradise 139 (229 waist width, 106.3cm effective edge)
– GNU Ladies Choice 139.5 (226mm waist width). Effective edge hard to say – as GNU only publish contact length, which is different to effective edge (though some just take their contact length and publish it as effective edge, so be careful there). Effective edge is always longer than contact length, so with a contact length of 103.0cm, the effective edge is likely to be closer to 106cm – but that’s really a very rough guess as it’s really hard to determine. I wish all companies would publish both effective edge and contact length. More are publishing both now than they used to, but a lot still don’t. Anyway, I digress!
– Arbor Swoon Rocker (232mm waist width, 103.6cm effective edge). I would go with the rocker version for 2 reasons. Firstly, the camber version doesn’t have a suitable size. And secondly it’s not that good in powder. Also you might find it too aggressive. I don’t think you’d find the Rocker version too aggressive though.
Note that all of these will be stiffer than what you’re used to, but are mid-flex options rather than mid-stiff or anything. So there will be some getting used to the extra stiffness, but they’re not like super stiff or anything.
I considered the likes of the Jones Twin Sister 140, but I think the likes of the combination of the width and effective edge will make it feel too big for you.
I would be leaning Jones Dream Weaver or Capita Paradise, because I think they suit what you’re describing the best. The other 2 would certainly work though. The Ladies Choice isn’t as good for powder as the likes of the Dream Weaver and there’s the unknown factor of the effective edge. The Swoon Rocker I think would suit fine, but you may miss the camber in it, given that you’re used to boards with camber. Between the Dream Weaver and the Paradise, I think I’d be leaning Dream Weaver. I think the sizing will work well – and it’s that kind of all-mountain board that’s leaning more freeride and should perform the best in powder of all the options – and is better in icy conditions than the Paradise, IMO. Not sure if you get icy conditions in Switzerland, but something to think about.
Hope this helps
Nate,
Thanks so much- you are epic- that’s exactly the advice I was needing.
Yeah- meant the Bataleon feelbetter, so you were spot on!
Really interesting about the effective edge- I couldn’t work out why it felt so much bigger!
Quick clarification, the jones Dream weaver comes out late this year. Would you hold out for the 2022/23 weaver or would you consider it worth picking up the 2021/22 catcher as a sale/cheaper option?
Thanks so so much again!
Jess
Hi Jess
The Dream Weaver looks like it’s literally just a name change from the Dream Catcher (apart from getting 2 new sizes), so typically I would say just go for the 21/22 so you can get it cheaper. However, one of the new sizes is the 139, so the Dream Catcher 21/22 didn’t come in the 139. The smallest size was a 142. I really like the 139 for you, and for that reason, I would hold out for the 22/23.
Hi Nate! First off, absolutely love your reviews! I have learned so much on your site. I was hoping to get your input on my next board – looking for a freeride or all-mountain
Height: 5’5″
Weight: 130
Boot size: 6.5(Ride Context) – can fit up to 7.5 in various brands
I currently ride:
– 145.5 GNU Ladies Choice (20-21)
– 147 Capita Space Metal Fantasy (21-22)
I am intermediate/advanced rider. I love being playful in the park, which was my goal with my boards this year. However, I have found that on icy conditions and steep conditions that these will not hold up as my daily driver. Looking for something that would also handle well in pow since neither of my boards are exactly great for it at the moment.
I like to stay in the trees the most, working on tighter turns. I also would like to progress on Black to Double Black terrains. My current boards do not make me feel stable at high speeds/do not feel like they hold an edge well at high speeds and on steep terrain. It would be a plus if the board handled well on groomers and had a nice pop for random side hits.
I’ve considered all of the boards on your top 5 and am open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks so much in advance for all of your time and efforts!
P.S. Sorry if this accidentally got submitted twice
Hi Brittany
Thanks for your message.
The Capita Equalize, IMO, is going to be the most nimble in trees and will still give you speed performance improvements over the likes of the Ladies Choice and Space Metal Fantasy, so that’s a good option, given you want that performance in the trees, with tighter turns. The Barrett is the best in icy conditions and still good in trees, so that’s something else to look at. The Flagship and Lady West are the stiffest options, but are surprisingly nimble for how stiff they are, and are both good in icier conditions – not quite to the extent of the Barrett, but a little better versus the Equalizer, IMO. The Story Board is also a good option, so I don’t think you could make a wrong choice out of any of them (I know that doesn’t help!) – but sizing can often be a tie breaker.
Size-wise, I would stick to something around 146/147. Going longer would give you better speed performance, but worse performance for trees/tight turns, so I think something around that length should be a good sweet spot between both.
– Equalizer: 146 (235mm waist)
– Barrett: 146 (241mm waist)
– Lady West: 147 (236mm waist)
– Flagship: 146 (237mm waist – but wider at the inserts than it looks)
– Story Board: 147 (242mm waist)
With 6.5s I would err on the narrower side, so I would be leaning either Equalizer or Lady West.
Hope this helps
Thanks so much! Do you think having both the Burton Talent Scout and Capita Equalizer would be redundant?
Hi Brittany
Apologies for the slower than usual reply – has been a crazy few days!
I think they could work together in a quiver. They’re not opposite ends of the spectrum or anything, but they’re different enough that you could use them for different things and that they would compliment each other.
Hi Nate,
You seem to be the person I have been looking for. I have been riding for 30 plus years: I started riding before snowboarding was even allowed on any mountain. I am an advanced rider and love to ride powder, when it is around, but otherwise find myself in the bumps (odd rider out that it is one of favorite things to ride-rode Mary Jane in WP every day in a bad winter year in 1996 and fell in love with bumps), trees, etc. Ride groomers to get from trail to trail but don’t seek them out but need a board that can handle icy/steep conditions as that is what we have in dry years like this in SW Colorado. Don’t get me wrong, I love to lay it out and carve on corduroy if it is around but we are generally up high riding double black bump or steep runs/trees. My home mountain is Telluride and then get to a few other resorts every year. I do not ride switch or go into the park so a one directional board works for me. I am 5′ 7” and 134 lbs with a size 10 shoe. I always rode Burton until I got a NeverSummer Auro 148 a few years ago, but the board does not do well on groomers and given I ride them when I am going from trees to bump runs, I need a new board that I can have fun riding flats when there is no snow and conditions are hard pack/icy. Thanks so much in advanced.
Hi Julie
Thanks for your message. Awesome that you’ve been riding that long – and even when snowboarding was outcast!
For what you’re describing, I think the Flagship would suit you well. The Story Board would also be an option, if you wanted to go back to Burton, but I would be leaning Flagship. Size-wise:
– Flagship: 149 – you could go up to a 152 as well for this board, if you really wanted to, but given that you ride bumps and trees a lot, I would go 149
– Story Board: 147
But for someone who’s been riding as long as you have, you probably have some personal preferences on sizing too, so definitely take those into account as well.
Hope this helps with your decision
Wow. You have wonderful, in-depth analysis within these comments. An advanced thank you from myself!
I’m really wanting to purchase the Salomon HPS- Annie Boulanger. Partly because I love powder, partly because I feel like snowboards I look at are too narrow, and partly because it’s a beautiful board.
I’m 5’5 and a half, 135 pounds, size 8.5 to 9 snowboard boot, intermediate (mainly blues, search for powder). On my current board Salomon Surface 151 (from 2008) I’ve noticed I almost have to hop when I turn because it feels so resistant (almost like someone is pushing me the wrong way when I’m turning). My board has almost no camber as well.
Is the Salomon HPS- Annie Boulanger 149 too pow specific? I’d mainly be riding in pow, but don’t want to get stuck if I am on a groomer or the snow conditions change that day.
If I should go with a different board, any Salomon recommendations? And size? I believe my 151 is probably a bit too long, but I had no idea what I was doing when I bought it. Haha.
Hi Lauren
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think 151 is a bit too big. I would put your size at around 148, assuming a relatively advanced level.
Whilst, I think you could certainly stretch to 149cm, it might be a bit too big with the HPS Annie Boulanger, given how wide it is. It’s wide for your boots and the combination of that with a length on the upper end of your range, makes it bigger than ideal. I think you’d likely love it in powder, but might find it a little slow/heavy to turn on groomers.
Given your love for powder (a love that a lot of us share!) I would look at the Bellevue. And I think the 148 Bellevue would be a great size for you – good width and length, IMO. You could also look at the Pillow Talk – but I’d be looking at the 145, because of the wider width on that one as well.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
I’m in the market for a powder board – we’re headed to Revelstoke and plan to spend the majority of our time in the trees. I’m 5 feet tall, and 125 lbs., size 5 boot size. I’m intermediate and still finding my groove so I’m hyper focused on getting a board that is relatively easy to maneuver. Thank you in advance for your guidance! I appreciate it.
-Erika
Hi Erika
Thanks for your message.
Given your boot size, I think you’ll need to go as narrow as you can, in order to get that easy maneuverability. And since you’re looking for something that’s good in powder, I would say:
– Capita Equalizer 142 (229mm waist): this is one of the narrower women’s freeride boards and is at a good length for you, IMO. I wouldn’t go much longer than this for your specs, particularly if you’re looking for maneuverability and going to be spending a lot of time in the trees, but this length is fine – and you also don’t want to go too small, so you still get good float in powder.
– Never Summer Infinity 142 (232mm waist): Not a freeride board and not as good in powder as the Equalizer (IMO), but decent in powder and not far off the equalizer in that sense. Really easy to maneuver board. Not many freeride options in a length/width combo that would suit you, IMO, so this is an option to go for a more all-mountain board, that’s still decent in powder.
– Capita Paradise 139 (229mm waist): Again not a board that’s freeride, but still decent in powder. In this size, you would be looking at something that’s super maneuverable but drop a little in terms of powder, versus something like the 142 Infinity. You could also, if you wanted to get a little more powder float at the cost of a little bit of maneuverability, look at the 141 (231mm waist), which the Paradise also comes in and would also be a good size for you.
– GNU Ladies Choice 139.5 (226mm waist): Another little step down in terms of powder, but still above average – and in that size it should be nice and maneuverable for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
The Capita Equalizer is really catching my eye. I was wondering if you think that would be the best fit for me or if there is some other boards you’d recommend.
I’d say I’m an intermediate rider, mostly on blues/blacks. I love going through trees and side jumps. Parks are probably my lowest priority. I snowboard mainly in BC (Whistler). I’m 5’3, around 58kg, and boot size 8.
I currently ride with the Never Summer Proto Type Two, no complaints, just looking for something new 🙂
Thanks!
One more thing to mention, my friends and I always look for untouched runs to rip through fresh pow ! That is by far my most favorite thing to do aside from tree runs.
Hi Julia
Thanks for your message.
I think the Equalizer would be suitable for sure. It’s pretty nimble (which is nice for tree runs) and it’s pretty good in powder (a step up in powder for sure form the Proto Type Two, IMO). And still not too bad for riding switch, if you wanted to every now and then. Not as good for switch as the PT2 – and not as good for park either, but not that far off – and still fine for side hits etc.
Size-wise, I would say the 146 would be your best bet. It’s at the longer end of your range, IMO, but still in range. The 142 is also a possibility – at the shorter end of your range. The biggest question on the 142 would be width – bordering on too narrow for 8s. I’m guessing your probably on either the 142 or 145 PT2? If you could confirm which one, that would also help. Don’t want something that’s going to be too far removed from what you’re used to riding, in terms of size – unless you feel like you’re current board is either too big or too small.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the quick response!
I would say by ranking: I like powder > tree runs > speed > switch > park. Would there be any other boards at par or in comparison that is worth looking at?
Right now, I am using a 142 PT2 with medium bindings. It doesn’t feel like much of an issue in terms of size. I came from a longer board so going down to 142 made the ride a lot easier and smoother for me.
I also dig the Jones Flagship board. It’s slightly more expensive than the Capita Equalizer but I really like the way it looks 🙂
Hi Julia
It is a sick board, for sure!
A couple of things to note with the Flagship.
1. It’s stiffer than the Equalizer, and the Barret and Dream Catcher (which are both similar in flex to the Equalizer)
2. It’s not as good for riding switch
It is the best of all of them in powder though. Stiffer boards can be often be more work in tighter spaces, like trees. In the case of the flagship it’s more nimble at slow speeds than you’d expect for its flex though. That said, still a little more work to maneuver in trees than the other ones mentioned. But if you’re OK with that and something not as good for switch or park as the others, then it’s certainly going to be something that gives you more when in powder and overall a really nice board.
For reference:
Flex
Flagship: 7/10
Barrett: 6.5/10
Dream Catcher: 6/10
Equalizer: 6/10
Powder
Flagship
Barrett/Equalizer/Dream Catcher
Trees
Equalizer
Barrett
Dream Catcher/Flagship
Speed
Flagship
Barrett
Equalizer
Dream Catcher
Switch
Barrett/Equalizer/Dream Catcher
Flagship
Park
Equalizer
Barrett
Dream Catcher
Flagship
Hi Julia
Hmmm I think actually the 142, then. Sounds like you’re more comfortable around that size. And the effective edge of the Equalizer is a little longer versus overall length than the PT2, so you’d be going up 1cm in terms of effective edge anyway if you went 142. Width-wise, the 142 Equalizer is around 239mm on the back insert, versus the PT2 142 which is more like 242mm, so you’re going a little narrower but not by much, so I think you should be fine, so long as you didn’t have any boot drag issues on the PT2. Binding angles also play a part. So if you’re riding the PT2 with +15/-15 binding angles or similar and then switch to like a zero degree on the back binding, then that could increase your chances of boot drag (note that the reason why I’m referring to the back insert is that the back binding is never on a greater angle than the front binding).
In terms of boards that are good in powder, trees and speed, but still decent at riding switch, I would say:
– GNU Barrett – it’s shortest size is 146, which is getting on the longer end, particularly as now I think shorter than that is probably preferable
– Jones Dream Catcher – comes in a 142, but I would actually go to 145 for this particular board – it’s one that feels shorter than it’s overall length would suggest
Hi Nate!
Now that I think about it more, I’m going to start looking into purchasing the Equalizer. Although the Flagship is better in powder, I’d prefer a board that will be easier to maneuver when I’m going through trees.
My last consideration is deciding between 142 vs 146 for the Equalizer. I don’t remember having much of a toe drag on the 142 PT2 but I’m slightly worried of toe drag if I were to get 142 for the Equalizer.
Reason I’m considering 146 now is because of a review I saw on Reddit [the girl who reviewed the Equalizer is almost the same height/weight/boot size as me] and she happily rides 146.
Thanks again btw!
You’re very welcome Julia.
The 146 is certainly within a good range for your specs, so you should be good there. I don’t think you’d get boot drag issues on the 142, but the 146 would give you more leeway/confidence in that sense and less concern if you were wanting to experiment with bindings angles and/or stance width. Note that 146 will give you more stability at speed and better float in powder, at the expense of a little maneuverability at slow speeds – but it should still be easy to maneuver in the 146 – just not quite to the same extent as the 142 would be.
Hi Nate,
I’m just doing my first season in whistler. I love trees and going off groomed runs.
I’m looking for a powder board with Salomon. Which one would you recommend and what size?
My hight is 165cm, boot size 8.5
Thanks in advance
Elina
Hi Elina
Thanks for your message.
You’ve got a few options from Salomon – the Bellevue, HPS Annie Boulanger, Pillow Talk and Dance Haul, would all work for what you’re describing. But it’s going to depend on sizing to determine which is your best bet. All of the HPS Annie Boulanger, Pillow Talk and Dance Haul are short/wide boards, so it’s whether there’s an appropriate size there or not. To accurately determine the best option and size, could you let me know your weight. Weight (and boot size and your riding style and ability) are the most important things for sizing. I like to take height into account, but weight is more important for sizing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the reply. My weight is 65 kgs.
I’ve been looking at HPS but it only comes in 149.
Hi Elina
Thanks for the extra details.
Yeah, I think 149 would be a good size for you, if it was a narrower width, but given the width of the HPS, I’d say it’s too big overall.
The Pillow Talk’s sizing is kinda strange in that the shorter length seems to be the wider board and makes the size of that not ideal. If it’s a typo on Salomon’s website and in their catalog – and the 145 should actually be the one with a 246mm waist width, then I think that board in that size would work well. However, I’m not sure it’s a typo, given the Pillow Talk split has the same strange inverted width specs.
I think the Bellevue could work in either the 148 or 144. I’d be leaning 144 for that one, especially given that you like to ride trees. But the 148 would work too.
The Dance Haul 143 also looks like a good size for you.
So, in short, I would say either Dance Haul 143 or Bellevue (either 148 or 144, but if you want the most maneuverability in trees, then 144)
Hi Nate,
Looking to buy a snowboard for the 2021/22 season. It will be my second full season in the PNW and Whistler is my local resort. Looking for something that will be good in trees and pow but equally playful for side hits and nice to ride groomers.
I’m intermediate level, and was looking at the Capita Equalizer, but slightly concerned it might be too much board for me? Probably leaning more on the all mountain than free ride but I do want something that will be good for the powder days. I’m 157cm and weigh around 110ibs. Thanks!
Hi Danielle
Thanks for your message.
I don’t think you’ll find the Equalizer too much board. Jade, who tests women’s gear for me, rode the Equalizer last winter and found it an easy riding board – not catchy at all and easy to initiate turns on.
I have it categorized as a freeride board, but it’s really close to being an all-mountain board. You could argue a case for either category quite easily. So it’s an all-mountain board with a freeride aftertaste – or a freeride board with an all-mountain aftertaste. So I think it would be suitable for sure.
Size-wise, the 142 for sure. It’s at the longer end of your range, but within your range, IMO. But if you could also let me know your boot size, which is also important for sizing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reply, super helpful!
In your opinion, would you say the Equalizer is still good for riding switch, even though it’s more of a directional board? I’m thinking more getting through/round trees and some side hits rather than park. I’m hoping it’s also still soft enough to do some butters and have a bit of a playful side, looks like a medium flex so I think so.
My boot size is a 5.5, I would also be looking at purchasing bindings.
Thank you!
Hi Danielle
Yeah with 5.5s, definitely no longer than 142. And that is on the longer side.
It’s certainly not ideally suited to riding switch, but it’s not tapered or anything, so it’s also not the worst for switch. I would say 3/5. It’s not ultra buttery or anything but it’s easy enough to butter. 3.5/5 according to Jade for buttering. And Jade also said she found it quite a playful board and easy to maneuver – so it’s definitely got that playful side to it.
If you wanted something a little better for riding switch I could look at some options for you, but you’d likely be sacrificing a little in terms of powder to get it. The Equalizer will be fine for switch if you’re not using it that much – like if you’re just into switch for a little while. Also, if you can already ride switch OK, then it shouldn’t be too big an issue. But happy to look for alternatives.
Size-wise, I think ideally, you’d go a little smaller – like 139/140, but 142 is doable. And because the Equalizer is quite playful and quite narrow, I think you’ll be fine with the size.
Hi Nate,
That’s really helpful, thank you.
I wouldn’t say riding switch is my number 1 priority. I think first and foremost I’d like something all mountain leaning towards being better in powder and tree runs, and something that I can progress on. I want to try to learn to ride switch this season, but not really to ride park or anything and more to be able to maneuver around trees and just have that extra control.
I assume that the Equalizer might be difficult getting started at the beginning of the season but as I progress I will get used to it. I’d love to hear any other board recommendations if you do have some, I haven’t ridden a whole ton of boards so it’s quite difficult.
Thanks so much!
Hi Danielle
In addition to the Equalizer, you could also look at:
– Never Summer Infinity 142 (not quite as good for powder, but a little better for switch – still quite playful. Size is about the same – a little wider at the waist though)
– Capita Paradise 139 (229mm waist) – again not as good for powder, but better for switch, like the Infinity. But in a smaller size, which I think you’d enjoy, especially for sidehits and being more playful. And easier to maneuver in trees
– GNU Ladies Choice 139.5 (226mm waist) – again, really like the sizing for you. But it’s another step down for powder versus the Infinity and Paradise (still not terrible in powder but 1/2 step down), but really good for riding switch
Appreciate your help (in advance). Looking for a board for my adult daughter who is moving to UT. She likes trees and powder when available. She is 5’6 and 130 lb. She is int-adv and will go anywhere but doesn’t lay down carves or look for parks. Thanks
Hi Bob
Thanks for your message.
I think anything on this list will work for what your describing. All good in powder and trees. If you’re not looking to go too stiff, then something like the Flagship might be a little stiff, but otherwise suitable.
Given that she’s not laying down carves, you could also look at some more mellow options too, like the GNU Ravish, Roxie Smoothie, Jones Women’s Mind Expander or Capita the Equalizer to name a few.
Size-wise, I’d be looking at something in the 145 to 147 range, unless she has a particular preference for something outside that range. But if you could also let me know her boot size and narrow it down to 2-3 choices, I’d be happy to give some more specific sizing opinions on particular boards (sometimes it can depend on the board).
Hope this helps
Her shoe size is 8. The Equalizer sounds good. How would the Equalizer and the Mind Expander compare to the Jones Twin Sister (recommended elsewhere for her)?
I also have another daughter who is a little less experienced and stays mostly in bounds. Height 5’4, 145 lb, same shoe size. Recommendations please – and thanks again
Hi Bob
Twin Sister could also work. It’s more of an all-mountain “do-it-all” kind of board. The Equalizer is bordering on all-mountain itself. The Twin Sister not quite as good at speed or in powder as Equalizer, but still decent at those. Twin Sister a little better for riding switch, but overall for powder/trees, I think Equalizer, but the Twin Sister would certainly work. The Mind Expander is a little more powder specialist. Best of the 3 for powder but not as good for carving or speed as either. And the least switch friendly.
With 8s, and for her specs, I would say:
– Equalizer: 146
– Twin Sister: 146
– Mind Expander: 146 (though getting quite wide)
The widths should be all good on them, though the Mind Expander is getting quite wide. Could size down to the 142, but I think that’s getting a little too short.
For your other daughter, I would maybe check out the following, assuming she’s not a complete beginner:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
Size-wise, I’d say around 148/149, if she was a more advanced rider, but given she’s more intermediate (?), I would say more like 146/147, so a similar size range, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I am looking for a new board and it’s becoming quite the task! I am an advanced female rider who’s 5 feet tall and about 150 lbs. Being on the heavier side but vertically challenged makes choosing the right board challenging. I am a freerider. I was wondering if you could make any recommendations?
Hi Roman
Thanks for your message.
I would say size-wise, something around 148 would be a good bet – I know that’s going to feel tall compared to height, but I think it’s the best balance in size to go with – but anything from 146-149 would be a good range to look at. If you could also let me know your boot size – that certainly comes into it too – and it may be the case, depending on the particular board, that sizing down a little is a good idea, if the board is on the wide side for your feet. Some options below. If there are 2-3 that stand out for you, let me know and I would be happy to advise on a side specific to each board, if I also have your boot size.
– Arbor Veda 145
– Burton Story Board 147
– GNU Barrett 146 or 149
– Jones Women’s Flagship 146 or 149
– Never Summer Lady West 147 or 149
– K2 Cold Shoulder 147
– Salomon Bellevue 148
Depending on boot size, there might also be some other options that weren’t caught here. I searched between 145 and 149. If boot size suggests that it’s a good idea to go shorter than 145, there could potentially be other options too.
Hope this helps
Hi,
I am a small feet guy (6.5 men or 7.5 women) which has lead me to women’s board with narrower waist width.
My current freeride board is a Jones Women’s Flagship 152cm from a couple years ago. At the time I was still a novice rider who struggled to make controlled turn with it, but after 500+ days on snow (probably about 200 days on that board), it’s the board I reach out for if I know I am going to ride hard outside the park. It’s my most stable ride, and I love the responsiveness of that board, though I’ve come to think that I am a bit heavy for the board (145-160lbs depending on the load).
But at sometime this season it sustained a crack to all the way to the core and the technician basically said the board is pretty much done. So now I am looking for a replacement.
The obvious choice stick with the Women’s Flagship, but sizing up for more float. It does make the board a bit wider, but at this point I think that I should have the riding ability to handle it.
But I have also heard great things about the Lady West (looking at the 156cm). And one thing I noticed is that you rate the Lady West as a better carver. Could you please explain why?
I am also looking at the Nitro Victoria (given that I am kind of heavy for women’s board but have a feet size of an average women if not a little smaller, I am looking for a board that is still relatively narrow even at larger size, and Nitro boards seem to tick that box) but I don’t see a lot of reviews for it. Do you have any experience with it?
I am okay separating freeride from a board I will mostly use for carving, but it would be nice if the board can be superb at both.
Hi TN
Thanks for your message.
In terms of carving, I just go off feel. The ratings here are, for the most part, based on my experience with the men’s equivalent of the boards. And I just enjoyed laying down a carve more on the West Bound (Lady West equivalent) vs the Flagship. But in saying that, the Flagship is certainly good to carve on. One thing worth mentioning, is that the Lady West will feel quite different, with it’s hybrid rocker profile (rocker between the feet) vs the hybrid camber profile on the Flagship. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but just know that you will require a bit of adjustment to that feel, given that you’re used to the hybrid camber on the Flagship. You other board(s) may have hybrid rocker and you might be used to it there, in which case it’s less of a thing.
I don’t know much about the Nitro Victoria, but based on specs and my experience with other similar-ish Nitro boards, I’d say it’s quite an aggressive ride, well suited to carving and speed, but less suited to powder, than something like the Flagship or Lady West.
Another option to look at could be the Burton Family Tree Sensei (if you can wait for 2021 boards). It’s one of Burton’s new Family Tree boards for next season and is designed for smaller footed riders. I didn’t ride it, because I felt it would be too narrow for me, but I did measure the 156, which has a width at the inserts of 252mm, which is narrower than what the Women’s Flagship 155 would be at the inserts. I didn’t measure the width at the waist (and for whatever reason Burton aren’t that forthcoming about the specs for their next season’s boards, they keep it pretty well underwrap, so I’m not sure there), but I imagine the waist on it would be around 242mm-ish.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your reply.
The Burton Family Tree Sensei does seem interesting. One shop in Australia list the waist width at 24.5cm (for the 156cm), which would be pretty narrow for a men’s board of that size.
I have actually tried a few hybrid rocker, and have two other Never Summer board. However, they are sized smaller (148-150cm) and softer, as I got them for purpose other than charging (jib/park and pow slashing/tight trees).
At speed, I am definitely more comfortable with the Women’s Flagship, but I am not sure if it is down to the camber or the length/stiffness of the Flagship versus the other boards that I have. I note that you gave the same score under “Speed” for the Lady West and Women’s Flagship. Do you feel that the West and Flagship are pretty much even when charging down a line? And do you notice any difference in the base (glide) when going off flats?
Thanks again!
Hi TN
I would say that the new Flagship and Lady West are equal in terms of speed. However, the older flagship was more of a bomber than the latest one – which I would say is more stable at speed than either the new Flagship or Lady West. Camber certainly helps with stability at speed, but there is camber on the Lady West too – and stiffness and length are big factors for stability at speed too. So yeah, I would say that the Lady West wouldn’t be as good at speed vs your old Flagship, though still really good nonetheless, but to me it’s as good as the new Flagship.
In terms of glide, Jones boards are typically really strong in that area. In fact for most boards, I barely notice glide (I do have it as part of my testing, but seldom notice any difference between most boards), but I actually really notice the difference on some Jones boards – the Flagship included. So yeah, I would say that the Flagship is better in terms of glide vs the Lady West, but that’s not to say that the Lady West is bad at all in that department, just the Flagship is particularly good.
Any advice on Lady West sizing? Never Summer never posts weight ranges. I would say I’m an advanced strong female rider, 5’5” and 145lbs. I live and ride mostly in Revelstoke BC. I have a 148 Proto and a Nitro Treehugger powder board (which doesn’t get a ton of use). I’m just wondering what I should be looking at for size, 153?156? 158??? Oh ya, and I have size 9 Vans Ferra Pro’s so either waist width should work.
Hi Kari
Thanks for your message.
I would be weighing up between the 151 and 153 for your specs. Might lean towards the 151 if it was going to be your only board and you wanted to do a bit of everything on it (not that it’s really a bit of everything kind of board) but since you already have a shorter board for a more freestyle oriented ride, then going with the 153 Lady West would make sense, to give you that variety in your quiver. I mean the 2 boards are certainly different enough to give you variety without sizing, but I still think 153 would be the best bet as part of a 2 board quiver with the Proto 148. The 156 and 158 are getting a bit big for your specs, IMO, even as a strong advanced rider. If you’re used to riding boards that long, and like it, some people have personal preferences outside of normal ranges, but if that’s not the case, I would go 153 for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Seems your quite the Guru; excellent job on responding to everyone’s in-depth questions.
So I’m best described as an intermediate Lev 5. I’m from the Southern hemisphere Australia/NZ so our snow is hard pack/icy, spring slush and we do get the occasional “powder” like substance but not light or in abundance. I have seen 1.2meters in 72hours that’s exciting for Australia lol. I have also heliboarded in NZ.
Got 2014 Rossi Frenemy 147, 2018 Salomon Gypsy 143, Ride DVA & looking for next board to take to my first JAPAN trip in 2020. Im obviously a real POW novice. I’m 5’7 and range from 135-142lbs boot US8.
Was looking at Jones Twin Sis, GNU Klassy ,Yes HelYes or Capita Equaliser.
My local guy (but Canadian lol) knowing I wanted something Japan friendly but also realising I will be riding it at home in Aus an my yearly NZ trips suggested the Dream Catcher 148cm. He rode men’s equivalent of this & twin sis but thought the Explorer/Dream Catcher was great & good choice for for me.
Would love some feedback from you. Is 148cm too small? I should be closer to 135lbs then. Would 151cm be better??
Cheers Shell
Hi Shell
Thanks for your message.
Given that you’re looking for something to ride pow in Japan, but want to also be able to ride it back at home, then you’re probably not looking for a powder specialist, so I think you’ve got a good list going there. I would be leaning towards the Klassy or Dream Catcher, but a few notes.
Hel Yes: Would definitely do the job in pow and great for hard/icy conditions for when you’re riding in AUS/NZ. But the Klassy and Dream Catcher just that little better for pow.
Equalizer: Would also do a decent job in pow, but less suited to hard/icy – and still not quite the powress of Klassy and Dream Catcher
Twin Sis: Again would be fine for pow, and good for AUS/NZ too, but I would say that the Dream Catcher just has it over the Twin sis for pow
Klassy: Equal best for pow with Dream Catcher, and good for AUS/NZ conditions too. As well little more different than the other boards in your quiver, for better variety.
Dream Catcher: Equal best for pow with Klassy, and good for AUS/NZ conditions too. Also a little more different than the other boards in your quiver, for better variety.
Size-wise, for the Dream Catcher, I would say 151 is your best bet. It’s the kind of board you can ride a little longer, since it has less effective edge compared to overall length. The 148 is doable too, but for your overall quiver, I think the 151 makes more sense. And when looking at the effective edge (EE), the 148 has 109.9cm EE vs the Frenemy 147 (111cm) and Gypsy 143 (111.5cm). The 151 (112.5cm) would be 4cm longer than the Frenemy but only 1.5cm more in EE. For the other boards in the list, I would stick closer to that 148cm margin.
Klassy: 148 (113cm EE)
Hel Yes: 149 (113cm EE)
Twin Sister: 149 (111cm EE)
Equalizer: 150 (112.6cm EE)
Dream Catcher: 151 112.5cm (EE) OR 148 (109.9cm EE)
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate!
Looking to replace one of my boards and would love some some suggestions!
Quick background: 38 year old Advanced level rider, 5th season. 5’4”, 105lbs. Mainly East-coast rider (which means I need a board that bites into ice/hardpack) but take at least one big-mountain trip per year (Europe, Jackson, Banff, Mammoth…). More freeride oriented but still love to carve up groomers and love me my steeps. First-chair to last-chair kind of girl so inevitably ride quite a bit of bumps & moguls, and come across some rutted out stuff in the trees. Don’t ride switch much and stay out of the park. Powder days that coincide with days off of work don’t happen as often as I’d like lol. Average 30-40 days a year.
Currently on a 2017 Nitro Victoria (146) that I’ve managed to turn into a noodle though I loved it up until last week. My Pow board is last year’s Gnu FreeSpirit (love it too!). Like my boards to be responsive. Boots wise, 6-6.5 depending on the brand. Like a stiff boot and just killed my Ride Cadence after 1.5 seasons. Will be picking up my 32 TM-2 XLTs next week. Binding wise have some Now Vetta And some Ride DVAs.
Now for where I’m at in my search: Was thinking of the Yes Hel Yes but my local shop says it may be too soft for what I like? Someone recommended the Rome Winterland. Also considering the Never Summer Aura (but can’t find it in my size) and am seriously considering this year’s GNU B-Pro which I have managed to track down in my size. Would prefer to get a new board before my trip to Banff this March but if need be will hold out to next year (my shop mentioned LibTech is coming out with the Dynamiss next year which will be a ladie’s specific C3 and might be good for me, though I figure probably very similar to the B-Pro).
Would love your feedback and any other suggestions for a board to compliment my FreeSpirit and that will perform well out here in the East as my go-to regular board.
Thanks!
Hi Tanja
Thanks for your message.
Usually I wouldn’t say something like the B Pro for what you’re describing, because it’s a more freestyle oriented all-mountain ride. Certainly aggressive, which would likely suit you, based on what you’re describing, but not great in powder. But since you also have the FreeSpirit, then it could be a good compliment. Even though on paper it’s rated as mid-firm, and the Hel Yes as mid (6/10), in reality I would say the GNU is more 6/10 flex, certainly once you’ve ridden it a bit. I tend to find GNU/Lib Tech boards feel a little softer than their flex ratings, usually. That’s been my experience. The Hel Yes maybe a little softer tip and tail.
Both the Hel Yes and B Pro are great icy conditions options. The Hel Yes more directional and freeride oriented. I would say the Hel Yes a little better in bumpy conditions.
I don’t test Rome boards currently, but based on the Specs of the Winterland it looks like a good option, if you’re looking for a stiffer ride and want something more directional than the B Pro. Based on specs a little stiffer than both Hel Yes and B Pro. Don’t know what it’s like in hard/icy conditions though.
I think the Aura would be a great option if you found that in your size. Maybe not the same edge-hold in hard/icy as Hel Yes and B Pro, but still good.
But yeah, as a compliment to the FreeSpirit, I think the Hel Yes, B Pro & Aura would all be good options – with the Aura being slightly stiffer and the other two being stiff enough, but more 6/10 flex, IMO. They would all be great for carving up groomers for sure. The Hel Yes and Aura a little more forgiving in messy/bumpy terrain. But if you’re looking for the most camber like feel, then B Pro would be it. With the Aura having a little more rocker between the feet – and the Hel Yes having that rocker towards tip and tail.
Hope this gives you a bit more to go off for your decision
Awesome! Thanks 🙂
You’re very welcome Tanja. Happy riding!
Hi Nate.
I’m looking at GNU Spam as my next board but can’t find enough reviews about it to help me to decide if that is the right choice for me. I’m definitely looking into more of freeride board, that will do ok on groomers too but will definitely be better in the powder than my current boards. I have been snowboarding for about 14 years and I think I’m more towards an advanced rider. After 3 weeks (3 years) on the board I have bought my first board Burton feel good 152. A few years later I felt I need something more advanced and after a long research I have bought GNU B PRO C2 BTX 152. I loved the board since I stepped on it, it felt like it was made for me! I’ve been riding it for so many years now and don’t wanna give it up! The only thing is, that it’s not great in the powder and the past few years as I have advanced I’m moving towards off piste/freeride riding more and more whenever I get the opportunity. Mainly I ride in the Alps. I went to Japan a couple of times and have bought Never Summer Raven for this trip about 4 years ago (I think it was one of the last Ravens if not the last one in their line) I went for 151 size as I thought shorter was better for the tree riding. It was great, nonetheless I ride my GNU back in The Alps. Now I’m going to do full on off piste week in The Alps and I think Never Summer Raven is short and quite narrow to keep the float in the heavier powder of Alps. I’m really intrigued by the GNU Spam but it’s quite short too and it sounds very stiff/aggressive – more than my Raven! How would the GNU spam perform in moguls, uneven terrain, trees? I’m 168cm, 77kg and I used to ride US size 9 Burton Sapphire boots with Lexa bindings. I have bought new boots Burton Ritual size 9,5 and I’m considering escapade bindings but I may stay with Lexa. Also looking at Jones boards as another option.
Many thanks,
Jitka
Hi Jitka
Thanks for your message.
If you really like the B Pro, then I think you would like the SPAM, if you’re looking for a more powder ride. It has the same C3 Camber as the B Pro, but a lot of features to make it much more powder friendly (like a long nose and tapered shape (wider nose than tail) and overall being quite wide).
I wouldn’t say it would be any more aggressive than your B Pro (apologies, I just noticed I had 7.5/10 for the flex on here – it was meant to be 6.5/10 – not as stiff as that for sure – I have changed it now).
Vs the Raven, it’s more freeride oriented, IMO. It’s more directional and more setup for powder. So, even in a similar size, it should float better. The Raven does have more rocker in the profile, but I still think overall that the SPAM will float better, even in the same size. It’s also a much wider board overall, so that also really helps with float.
Size-wise, I would usually say closer to 155 for a freeride board for you, but since this board is wider, sizing down to the 151 is actually a good thing. And then that size down also helps for maneuverability in the trees. So that you still get that wider platform for powder float, but that shorter length for trees.
Bindings-wise, I would stick with the Lexas for the SPAM. The Escapade would work, but I think the Lexa are more suited. If you were to get Escapades, I would put them on the B Pro instead, and move the Lexas over to the SPAM. Or you could just use the Lexa for both.
Hope this helps
Looks like my comment wasn’t approved yet. I’ll just uodate…
47 yr old mom. Just want to make nice controlled turns down the groomers. I tend to lose my heel edge when I pick up too much speed or hit steep skied off patches. Don’t ride switch unless necessary. Rately see powder. East coast with some trips to Utah or CO in my future. I tend to stay off the narrow trails because they just feel like hard work staying on edge. Want to update my 20 year old Salomon which is 146 cm. I am 5’ 3 1/2” and weigh 130 lbs. Just bought Burton step on in size 6.5. (Love them). No idea what snowboard I should look at.
Hi Michele
Didn’t see this updated comment before, sorry.
Size-wise, I would say sticking with something around that 146cm mark is a good idea. Width-wise, with 6.5s, preferably less than 234mm at the waist. But for boards wider than that you could size-down the length a little to compensate for that.
So, for the boards mentioned (not including the Feelgood Flying V or the Capita Paradise – just because they’re not as good for East Coast conditions, IMO):
~ Twin Sister 146 (or you could ride 143 for a more easy going ride and also it’s on the wider side for 6.5s, IMO, so sizing down isn’t a bad idea).
~ Dream Catcher 145 (this is something you could actually ride in the 148 for length, as it’s the type of board you can ride a little longer, but I think the 145 would be a good balance between length and width for you)
~ Arbor Swoon Rocker 144 (or 148)
~ Rossignol Frenemy 144 (could also ride the 147 but I think the 144 would be a better length/width overall
~ Salomon Rumblefish 144
I would also mention the Yes Hel Yes. Slightly more aggressive, but great edge hold for hard/icy conditions. The 146 would be your best bet with that one.
I’m having trouble figuring out what kind of snowboard I should be looking for. I’m a 47 yr old mom and haven’t gotten a lot of runs in over the years…. sadly, mostly once a year vacations but I hope to change that. I don’t want to go fast or go anywhere near mogul runs. I just love making pretty turns on the groomers, feeling like I am skateboarding down the hill. I would like something with a bit better control and anything that will make nice turns. I currently ride a beautiful 20 year old yellow salomon board. I would say I’m an intermediate rider. I can ride switch but only do so to navigate around something. I ride with both feet at a positive angle.
Hi Michele
Thanks for your message.
Since you don’t want something to ride fast on, and since you classify yourself as intermediate, I would probably be looking at something more all-mountain than freeride. Freeride tend to be more aggressive and are typically stiffer. The Dream Catcher would be the best option off this list for you, but you might also want to check out the following:
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
>>My Top 5 Women’s All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
I think something like the Jones Twin Sister, Burton Feelgood Flying V, Arbor Swoon Rocker or Rossignol Frenemy would work well or something like the Salomon Rumble Fish or Capita Paradise. The latter 2 won’t be as good for riding powder, if you like to ride off the groomer sometimes. You could also look at the Never Summer Infinity if you were looking for something that was really easy going and a little more surfy/loose.
Size is also important. If you’re not sure of the best size for you, I would be happy to give you my opinion. I would just need your height, weight and boot size.
Hope this helps
Opps, I can’t find my comment but to link back to it. I just read your classification of skill levels. I would say I’m advance 6.
Hi G
Thanks for your messages.
Going with something from here or here – >>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards would be a good way to go, based on what you’re describing – and be more suitable than the Onyx for how you’re riding.
Size-wise, something around 143 would work well, IMO, but you could go a little longer for the type of terrain you’re riding mostly, if you wanted. But, since you’re coming from a soft flexing 140, I wouldn’t go too much past 143. For the Hel Yes, the 146 is the smallest size. Would be doable, but bigger than ideal, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Wanted to get your input. I’ve been riding a for awhile now. Originally had an all mtn board got pretty good, intermediate to expert. I thought I was going to go the park route and started riding a 140 Never Summer Onyx (might have been a little short for me)… borderline park all mountain board. Needless to say, started riding with a pow pack as my other friends started having babies and it has been tumultuous last few years for me. Craving down down blacks and having my board start bending in the middle and wiping me out, launching off of moguls, having my knees turn into pistons to fight chatter/turbulence, or surfing tumultuous powder that inadvertently turns me into an acrobat as I get caught in it..lol..
I’ve decided it’s time change boards for snow chasing trips I’ve been doing and stop torturing myself. I was thinking of going to the hel yes route with 146. I don’t know if it’s too big for me. I’m about 5’3 and range in weight from 110-120. Right now i’m on the lighter spectrum of weight. Any input or suggestion on my potential choice for a board.
Hi!
After riding the last 8 years on a Roxy all mountain board I’ve decided to finally upgrade as I have probably outgrown my board 5 years ago! I am having trouble committing to a new board to buy and was looking for some advice.
A little background, I live on the east coast but in the last 4 years we have committed to mostly skiing ‘west’ coast like Colorado, Utah, Idaho and most recently Montana! Every once in a while we still take trips up to Vermont for short weekends. I have been snowboarding for over 10 years now and used to ski before that. After reading your blogs I have decided my style is mostly freeride and I’m at the Advance level 6. I love hitting the back bowls, hiking up to the “no fall zones”, surfing powder, going through trees, shoots and speeding down groomers. But, I am a first to last chair rider and inevitably hit the choppy end-of-the-day trails. After researching boards I find myself unable to commit and pull the trigger on buying a new board. I am currently between the Jones Flagship or the Burton Family Tree Story Board. I absolutely love a surfy powder ride, but since I only ski around 10 days a year I can’t guarantee a powder day.
I find myself wishing I can get advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. I feel like the ski stores by me just try to sell be boards that they have in stock and that tend to be good for beginner riders on man made snow or the icy conditions on the east coast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Rachel
Thanks for your message.
The Story Board sounds like it would fit what you’re describing well. The only thing would be edge-hold in hard/icy conditions. The Flagship also ticks most boxes, with the only thing being how it feels in choppy snow. Though neither would be bad enough at either to be a deal breaker, IMO. If that makes sense. The Aura would also be a good fit, sacrificing a little in powder though.
Another option would be the GNU Klassy or Hyper Kyarve (surfy). A little softer flexing, if that’s OK. But have some different strengths and weaknesses to give you some other options to consider.
Klassy
Carving – 3.5/5
Powder – 4/5
Speed – 4/5
Uneven Terrain – 3.5/5
Jumps – 3.5/5
Switch – 2.5/5
Hyper Carve
Carving – 3.5/5
Powder – 4/5
Speed – 3/5
Uneven Terrain – 4/5
Jumps – 3/5
Switch – 2.5/5
But I think one of Story Board or Flagship would be a great option. Just a matter of whether you wanted to sacrifice a little in terms of edge-hold or a little in terms of performance on end of day chop.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your help! I think I’m going to go with the Story Board. Any recommendations on bindings for that board? I am a 7.5/8 boot.
Thanks again!!
Rachel
Hi Rachel
I think something like the Burton Lexa, Union Legacy or Flux GX would be good options or the K2 Hue would be a good match too.
Size-wise, it will depend on the brand you go for. Check out:
>>Snowboard Binding Sizing
Also check out:
>>Top Women’s Freeride Bindings
>>Top Women’s All-Mountain Bindings
Hope this gives you some options
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the super helpful website! I’m planning to buy a new snowboard this season. I’d rate myself as intermediate level 5, looking for an all-mountain board that verges more on freeride (I don’t spend any time in the park and do like to play in powder). I’m 5’1, 98 lbs., size 6.5 boot. I’ve been looking at the Jones Dream Catcher. I imagine that the 142 is a good size but I do wonder if I want something just a tiny bit longer (my current board is a 142–I find myself wishing it were longer when I’m in deep powder but it’s a pretty flexy board not designed for that terrain/purpose). I’m curious as to your recommendation for length and if you have any other board recommendations. Thanks!
Hi Laura
Thanks for your message.
I think the Dream Catcher would be a great option for what you’re describing. And yeah, I would say 142 is the best size for your specs. However, it does depend on what you’re used to riding too. But it also depends on how suitable for powder your current board is. Extra length helps with powder but there a number of other things that contribute to float in powder, so if your current board isn’t suited to powder, then it might not necessarily mean that you need more length. I just wouldn’t want you to go too long on the Dream Catcher if it’s not necessary, which might sacrifice how it feels when not in powder.
If you know the brand and model (and year too, if you know it) of your current board, then I can make a more accurate assessment of size for the Dream Catcher.
Hope this helps
Please, correct your description for Jones Flagship: it’s stiffness=8, not 7.
All Jones models were upgraded and became 1 point stiffer from 2018.
Hi Darya
Thanks for your message.
Like I mentioned in my other comment in the other post, I base my ratings on flex feel on snow, not on the official rating. It was my understanding that the Women’s Flagship is a touch softer flexing than the Men’s Flagship. My feel on the men’s flagship is an 8/10. Given that the Women’s version is supposed to feel a little softer, I have rated it 7/10. However, if the women’s version is now the same stiffness as the men’s version I am happy to discuss that and change the flex rating if warranted.
Hi Nate! Hoping to get your expert advice. Several years in and looking to upgrade to a more advanced board. Currently riding a never summer infinity at 147cm. I’m 5’5” 150 lb size 9.5 boot. Super over the flimsy female boards and really looking into the flagship. Terrible idea if i go for the men’s 151? Any other suggestions for a board that handles well, great for speed, both icy conditions and powder?
Thanks!!
Hi Marlene
Thanks for your message. Apologies for the slow response – a bit behind after vacation.
Going from Infinity to Men’s Flagship is going to be a massive change. Certainly understand you’re looking for a more advanced board and sounds definitely like you want something stiffer, but it might be a little too much going straight to the men’s Flagship. In terms of length and width it works, just whether it would feel too much or not?. The Womnen’s Flagship is still a lot stiffer than the Infinity (which is quite soft – 4/10 in terms of flex, IMO), but would be a better transition, IMO. Probably the 152 for your specs, if you wanted to go longer, but the 149 would be doable too, if you didn’t want to get too much longer.
Basically anything from this list is going to be stiffer/more aggressive than the Infinity too. Assuming you’re not riding a lot of switch or freestyle and you’re at a relatively advanced level, then this is a good list to be looking at, IMO.
Hope this helps, if you haven’t chosen something already.
Hi Nate,
I’m an upper intermediate rider, 5’5” and 125lbs. Been riding a 149 Feelgood for a few years, thinking about getting a Dreamcatcher for better float in powder and maybe better grip in icy conditions. How would the boards compare? Will 151 Dreamcatcher be suitable?
Thanks
H
Hi Hil
Thanks for your message.
Generally speaking I would say something around a 144-146 would be good for your specs/ability. But I do like to take previous board length into consideration, so considering that you’re used to a 149 – and the fact that the Dream Catcher has a smaller effective edge compared to length than the Feelgood, then going longer than that is definitely an option.
The Dream Catcher is something you can ride a little longer, because of that effective edge, so ordinarily I would recommend the 148 for you for that particular board. But going with the 148 you would be dropping a reasonable amount of effective edge compared to what you’re used to. The 151 Dream Catcher still has less effective edge than the 149 Feelgood, but it’s pretty close. So, if you wanted to keep a similar effective edge, but have more float in powder, then the 151 Dream Catcher would be a good choice. You could still ride the 148 – and usually that’s what I’d recommend, but for you, you could certainly go 151 as well.
Hope this makes sense and helps with your decision.
Thanks Nate!
Been going through your other posts regarding effective edge and set back stance, so more questions.
I’m not a park person, definitely into carving n powder (when I get a chance). Will setting back my Feelgood makes a difference? I think Feelgood has a small set back, but will setting it all the way back help stop the nose sinking in powder and make backcountry less tiring ? How will setting back affect the control if I stay on groomers?
Hi Hil
Yeah you could set it back further and that would certainly help with float to an extent. Assuming you have the Feelgood Camber? rather than Flying V – then it’s still going to be limited since there are no rocker sections to help it float. So, still wouldn’t be awesome in powder, but would improve it a little. It will affect your groomer riding (though you could move the bindings back into reference stance when there’s no powder). Personally I prefer not having too much setback on groomers. But I also like to ride switch a lot.
Thanks so much Nate!
Time to get a new board
You’re very welcome Hil. Hope you have a great season this winter! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Hi Nate! I was looking for some guidance. I’m in debate between a Jones Flagship and the Hel Yes. Although I am open to different options i’m looking for a board particularly good with powder and backcountry. I’ve been snowboarding for roughly 14 years and own a Feelgood and Gnu B-Pro. Do you have a suggestion of which one may be a better fit or any particular suggestions?
Thanks!!
Kelly
Hi Kelly
For you, I would say go with the Flagship. It will be better in powder and for backcountry than the Hel Yes, IMO, and would be a better compliment to existing boards.
Hope this helps. And if you’d like any size suggestions I would be happy to give my opinion. Would just need your height, weight, boot size and the sizes of your current boards.
That would be great, thank you. Traditionally, I’ve ridden longer boards. I had my feel good at 152 and b-pro st 149. However, I’m 5’4, 130lbs with a 7 boot size.
Hi Kelly
Apologies for the slow response – just welcomed the arrival of my son on Wednesday!
Usually for your specs, I’d say the 148. But I’d also usually say to go a little longer than what you would ride for a more all-mountain or freestyle oriented board, for a freeride board like this, especially if you’re going to be riding it in deep powder. So, since you’re used to longer boards the 152 is also an option. I think the 154 would be getting a little long though – and also quite wide for 7s, IMO.
So yeah 148 would certainly ride well for your specs, IMO, but if you want that extra length for backcountry excursions and since you’re used to longer boards, then I think the 152 would also work for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, not sure if my previous response posted. I ride larger boards for my size I learned on a 152 and currently ride a 149, I’m 5’4, 130lbs with a boot size of 7.
Hi Kelly
I did post a reply (see above). Apologies, if you didn’t get notification of it. If you can’t see it above, let me know and I’ll post it again.
I am an intermediate rider, 120lbs 5′ 5″. I live in Colorado (Aspen side) and LOVE steep and deep terrain. I will also ride in the trees and glades whenever possible. I do get on groomers often as well, but 99% of the time in good soft conditions. I’m looking for an all-mountain/freeride board that would be good in these conditions and advance my riding. I have no desire for park. I keep going back to the Jones Dream Catcher. The Arbor Swoon might be a good option as well. I really like the Jones Flagship, but I’m worried it might be too advanced for me. I’m thinking something in the 148-149cm range?Thoughts?? Thank you!!!
Hi Nicole
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I’m thinking something more like 144, 145. However, for the dream catcher the 148 would be fine (it’s the kind of board that rides shorter than it’s overall length). 148, 149 if you were always in open powder, but I think going to more like 145 is a better balance in terms of also riding trees (personally I like something shorter in the trees).
Since you describe yourself as an intermediate rider, then yeah the Flagship might just be a touch too advanced.
The Swoon Rocker would be a good option too – I would say the 144 – but if you really wanted to go longer (e.g. if you’re used to/have a personal preference for that 148, 149 size), then you could go 148 there.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Nate – Thanks so much for your reply! I do ride a Rossi Trick Stick 151 currently. It was a freebie and has served me well as a learning board, but it’s time to move on for sure. Are there any other boards that you might recommend for me? Would you think the Never Summer Aura is too aggressive as well?
Hi Nicole
If you’re used to a 151 and you’re comfortable at that length, that makes 148 more palatable and perhaps the better size for you. But I’d say not as long as 151 this time.
The Never Summer Aura is right on the edge, IMO. It’s quite aggressive and quite stiff. It’s going to be something that you could ride as a high-end intermediate, but will be a little more challenging to begin with than something like the Dream Catcher or Swoon Rocker, but it’s a possibility.
The other option off the top of my head that’s a good intermediate level freeride board would be the GNU Klassy. Probably the 148, based on what you’re riding now. But there’s also a 145.
Hey nate- thanks a bunch for the insight! It sounds like performance wise both these boards are pretty solid picks. I think since its still a pretty close tie, Im leaning towards aura over diva since i had the chance to demo and really enjoyed riding it, unless boot size is a detriment. Im a 7.5 which i believe is pretty close to maximum, but still within acceptable range on the aura. I would go 143 on the aura which i believe has a waist width of 234mm.
Hi Sophia
I’d say you could get on the Aura 143 with an 8 – and even something bigger depending on binding angles, so you shouldn’t have any issues with a 7.5, IMO. So that would be good width-wise. And yeah, since you’ve ridden it and know you like it (at least in certain conditions) – that’s certainly a point in the Aura’s direction.
Let me know what you decide
Went with the aura. I was only able to take it out once and it was a surprise powder day so i still cant say how shell do on straight hardpack. She did great in the trees and felt super fast on flat traverses and still handled well when it got choppy in the afternoon. I did hit some icy areas later in the day and didnt slip out or anything .
Thanks for the advice!
Hi Sophia
Thanks for the follow up. Appreciate it!
Looking at the NS aura as an all mountain board. Not sure whether to go 143 or 146. I’m 5’2″ and 120lbs. Any insight?
Hi Sophia
The 143 would be the best size for you, IMO, assuming you are a reasonably competent rider (which I’m guessing you are if you’re looking at the Aura). If you were wanting to ride it for like epic big mountain, catskiing or heliskiing or something like that, then 146 might be a better option. But as an all-mountain board, I’d definitely say 143, for your specs, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thank you! I did demo the board and thought it was a really fun ride. Unfortunately, I’m an east coast rider and the day I demo’d was great conditions, but atypical for us so I’m having some second thoughts. I’m a competent rider. Right now, i still have a beginner flat board. In comparison, the aura felt incredibly stable and super easy to turn and was overall just felt more fun and lively.
As I’m doing a little more research, I’m a little concerned about how this board will ride in hardpack. I was looking into YES hel yes, rossignol diva, GNU ladies choice, and capita birds of a feather. What do you think?
Hi Sophia
I find Never Summer boards are typically pretty good in hard/icy conditions. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say 4/5 in those conditions. The likes of the YES Hel Yes, Rossi Diva and GNU Ladies Choice would be a step better, but the BOAF would be not quite as good. I would say, purely in terms of hard/icy conditions.
Yes Hel Yes: 5/5
Rossi Diva: 5/5
GNU Ladies Choice: 5/5
Never Summer Aura: 4/5
Capita BOAF: 3/5
Also, I would say that the Hel Yes is the same category of board as the Aura, but the Diva, Ladies Choice and BOAF would be what I would consider all-mountain-freestyle boards – a little more freestyle oriented. Which is fine if that’s what you’re after. But if you’re after something more freeride oriented, then the Hel Yes or Aura are the best bets.
Hope this helps
Thanks! This certainly helps.
The yes hel yes is no longer available in my size.
I would prefer freeride but I am an east coast rider. I want a board i can bomb down a groomer and take in the trees when I can. I know the diva is more freestyle oriented but it seems that it performs great in the hardpack which is what most of our season is.
So im down to the aura and the diva. Do you have any thoughts?
Hi Sophia
I’d say the biggest differences between these boards, performance-wise are:
1. The Aura will be better in powder
2. The Diva a little better in icy conditions
3. Diva better for riding switch
4. Aura a slightly looser feel – definitely not super loose, but a little “surfier” than the Diva
Also, the Aura is a little narrower overall, not be heaps but if you didn’t have anything else to use as a tie breaker between the 2, then width might help you decide. If you can let me know your boot size, I can recommend which one I think would be a better width for you.
Hello,
I left a previous comment about board waist width help and sizing for a new women’s freeride board. I have since found out my feet are slightly different sizes and have more accurate sizing info for waist width and boot size and could use some help.
My left foot (I ride with this foot in front/regular stance) measures 9.25-9.3 inches. My right foot measures 9.45-9.55 inches. I also have wide feet making sizing more difficult.
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 160-180 lbs (large stocky frame w/ natural muscle)
Previous Board: Rome Blue 155cm- full camber not hybrid camber stiff freeride board. Loved it. I mistakingly bought a Gnu B-Pro C2 BTX 155cm board and hated it. I think it was way too wide and too soft for me. It had a 248mm waist width and measured 10 inches across at binding inserts underneath the board. I found it very noodly and loosy and had horrible trips snowboarding with it. Needless to say I’m looking for a new board.
Skill Level: Upper Intermediate-Low Advanced freeriding, (blue blacks and some blacks on powder days, carved linked turns not skidded), Beginner-Intermediate freestyle.
Issues: what waist width should I go with and what boards have a small enough waist width to also meet the fact I need 154-157cm length?
Boards that have small waist width and long length in Women’s freeride line I have found so far: Arbor Swoon Camber 155cm, Never Summer Aura 155 or 157 cm (not sure about another hybrid rocker though after Gnu B-Pro).
Boards I am also looking at if I can find a waist width that will work: Yes Hel Yes, Jones Flagship, Jones Dream Catcher, Rome Winterland, & Burton Family Tree family. Open to other suggestions you may have. Thanks!
Hi Jerilin
Thanks for your message.
I have read over our discussion from last year and your latest message, and I think we should probably be looking in that 235mm to 243mm waist width range, based on your foot size and previous experience with different boards.
The Aura would be a good size in that respect the 155 has that narrower 239mm waist – and compared to the B Pro’s C2 BTX profile, the Aura has Never Summer’s Ripsaw Rocker Camber, which is more camber oriented and less rockered, if that makes sense. But it would still be a risk going for that profile if you didn’t like the feel of rocker between your feet on the B Pro, so it might be safest to bypess that one.
I think the YES Hel Yes 155 (244mm waist, 288mm tip and tail) could work. It’s just outside the range we looked at in terms of waist width, but otherwise ticks all the boxes and would still be narrower than the B Pro (248mm waist, 290mm tip and tail).
The Flagship 154 is also a good option, IMO. It has a 243mm waist and a 284mm tail and 286mm tip. So it’s as narrow as the Aura 155 on the tail. This is probably a better option width-wise. You could go up to the 156 length-wise – but that would make things a little wider – 245mm waist, 287mm tail, 288mm tip.
Rome Winterland 154 (246mm waist, 287mm tip and tail). I think overall a little wider than ideal.
Arbor Swoon Camber 155 (240mm waist, 281mm tip and tail). Size wise, I think this is looking pretty good. I’m not that familiar with Arbor boards but looking at the specs it seems to be less of a freeride type board. Has a centered stance for starters. Also, it’s softer than the other options and from previous comments it sounds like you want something on the stiffer side. Certainly the other options are stiff enough (Hel Yes, Flagship and Winterland) but the Swoon Camber sounds like it’s more mid-flexing. The others mid-stiff. Also, probably not going to float as well in powder.
Burton Family Tree Story Board 154 (245mm waist, 292mm nose, 282mm tail). So quite a big taper nose to tail. So is going to have a longer wider nose (great for powder). Should still be narrower at the inserts than the B Pro – certainly for the back foot. I’d say there’s certainly enough camber in there and quite stiff flexing.
Hope this gives you more info to go off for your decision.
Thanks for the help!
I am leaning towards the Jones Flagship 154cm I think if I rule out the Never Summer Aura (more on that below)…
I need new boots too and since my right foot is 9.55 inches approx I don’t think I will be able to wear less than a size 7.5 boot? (according to your chart) If I can find a 7.5 boot to fit my wide feet that is…looking at the 32 TM-Two Boots. Are the tm two XLT women’s not made anymore? According to product pages these seem stiffer than the original tm twos? On 32s website it lists the original tm twos as medium flex? There is also a Jones women’s boot listed on 32 website that says stiff but I can’t find much info about it.
The Rome Blue I rode to death measures 9.75-9.8 inches across the binding inserts on the underside. I would guess this would be the widest I would ever want to go? (247 mm waist) I think the fact this board was so stiff and so responsive helped overshadow the fact it was pretty wide for me but I should probably stay at or under a 245mm waist I think.
Did the Gnu B Pro have rocker underfoot? If the Never Summer Aura has camber instead underfoot I might not notice the rocker so much in between the bindings or what do you think? How does the Never Summer float in powder if it has such a cambered nose? This is definitely the best option size wise if it would be cambered and stiff enough for me and also stable underfoot,
I used to be able to ride some with my right foot in front and have ridden switch with my right foot in front..do you think it would be worthwhile to try switching back to riding goofy since my right foot is bigger or will this not make that much of a difference in board handling?
Just to add that the B-Pro model I rode was the older C2 BTX model from 2013 (re the question about where the rocker was in it) Here is a link to the old evo product page: GNU B-Pro 2013
Hi Jerilin
The rocker in the C2 BTX did end before the inserts – so there is a little camber underfoot on the C2 BTX. Which is the same on the Aura. I’d say you probably feel the camber more in a Ripsaw Rocker, than you do on a C2 BTX. It doesn’t feel quite as loose to me (from experience on men’s equivalents) but you still feel that rocker between your feet – and whilst it feels more stable – I’d say it’s still on the looser side of stable compared with something like the Flagship or Hel Yes So, I think it would be a risk to go down that path again. You might be ok on it but wouldn’t be the safest bet, just for how you’ve felt with the B Pro. I mean it’s a different board – it’s stiffer, setback etc, but still not sure it would be the feel you’re looking for.
In terms of float for the Aura. It seems counter-intuitive that a cambered nose would float well, but that rocker between the feet actually helps with float as does the setback stance and there is also a little transition area after the camber towards the tip and tail that just flattens it out again, which also helps. It’s still not going to float as well as something like the Flagship, but will give better float than the B Pro and maybe a little more so than your Rome Blue did.
Thirty Two are still doing the XLT for the women’s TM-Two. I found it in the following place:
>>32 TM-Two XLT Women’s at backcountry.com
>>32 TM-Two XLT Women’s at amazon.com
For 32 boots, I find that I need to go 1/2 a size up. So you might need to go into 8s for 32. But that’s fine. That won’t affect your leverage and for the boards that we looked at 8s won’t be too long, even 8.5s would be fine on them.
Unless you feel just as comfortable riding goofy, I would change direction. A little bit of a longer foot on the right probably isn’t enough to make up a change to a less natural direction. I actually have the opposite of you – my left is slightly longer and I ride goofy. I personally wouldn’t switch to riding regular.
Hope this covers everything and gives you more to go off for your decisions.
Thanks for such a detailed review. I was thinking of the Jones Twin Sister but I can’t find it anywhere at a good price… I did think about the Gnu Eco Choice but I think that even though I like riding switch and doing jumps I feel a board with camber between the bindings is the better choice for carving. I have decided to get a Yes Basic, sadly the link through your site is sold out. I really like the board and I feel like it is a board that I can ride for the next couple of seasons and progress with it. Then perhaps I will look towards an asymmetrical board. Maybe by then Yes will make something for the ladies 🙂 I saw the Never Summer is an asymmetrical board and it looks really nice but after having the laminate come off a NS board after 4 days of riding and NS wanted nothing to do with the board saying it was my fault and refusing to do anything about it.
Thanks again and I have learned a ton from your site, it’s got such great info.
Hi Skye
Yeah, the YES Basic has been a very popular board this year. I hope you find it somewhere in your size.
The Never Summer Proto Type 2 is asym – but it’s also rocker between the bindings and it sounds like you want something that’s camber between the bindings (plus the issues you had with their top sheet).
The YES Greats is an asym and comes in a 152 or 154. It’s not a ladies board either though. Would be good to see more YES ladies boards – they only have the Emoticon and Hel Yes – something in between them would be great.
Hi,
With all the great deals I am looking into getting a new board. I feel I am a level 4 intermediate rider and looking to progress. I do tend to skid some turns if it is pretty steep. I like the look of the Hel Yes but am wondering if it might be too much board for me. I have ridden the Yes Basic 155 and really enjoyed it but rode an Emoticon in a 152 and felt it was too soft . I am 5’11, 150lbs and a size 9.5 boot.
Hi Skye
Thanks for your message.
I think that anything from a 152cm to 155cm would be a good size range to look at for you. As it sounds like the flex of the Emoticon felt too soft, then looking for something that’s a bit stiffer is also a good idea. But I’m not sure the Hel Yes is necessarily the best next step – I suspect, as you do, that it would be a step too far. It’s quite an aggressive board and quite stiff and could really slow down your progression.
I would say that the Emoticon is a medium-soft flexing board – whereas the Hel Yes is a medium-stiff flexing board. Something in the middle – i.e. a medium flexing board might be the best way to go for you. So I think an all mountain board or an all-mountain-freestyle board (one with a medium flex of course) is a good choice. You can check out the link below for some options.
>>My Top 6 Women’s All Mountain Snowboards
>>My Top 5 All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards
There are some in those lists that are medium-soft or medium-stiff – so for you I would skip those.
These aren’t exhaustive lists by any means, so if nothing in there appeals to you, let me know and I can give you some other options in that medium flex range.
The other thing to look out for is waist width. For your 9.5s I think something in the range 245mm to 251mm is a good waist width range to look at.
The other thing is that you could look at men’s boards if you didn’t have any qualms about that. For example the YES Basic 155cm has a 251mm waist width – and you said that you liked it – so that could be an option. Let me know if you are open to men’s boards and I can give you some other options if you’d like. But saying that I think there will be some great options in the lists linked above.
Hope this helps