Below is my list of the top 5 women’s freeride snowboards currently on the market. This list has been updated for the 2020-21 season.
As per tradition at Snowboarding Profiles, each board is given a score out of 100 based on a number of different factors.
Comparison
To give some perspective to the top 5 boards below. From 15 different women's freeride boards:
Note: Splitboards haven’t been included.
O.k. let’s take a look at the top 5
WOMEN'S FREERIDE BOARD #5
Board: Lib Tech Dynamiss
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating: 85.6/100
Starting the list in the #5 position is the Lib Tech Dynamiss.
If you're looking for something directional, but not too directional, precise but with a bit of forgiveness and with that medium flex, for a more easy going ride, but one that is still going to let you bomb and carve, then the Dynamiss should be on your list.
Learn more about the Dynamiss in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Dynamiss
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 14/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SWITCH | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
WOMEN'S FREERIDE BOARD #4
Board: GNU Barrett
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Flex: Medium- Stiff bordering on Medium (6.5/10)
Rating: 86.1/100
* HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Next we have the GNU Barrett. Barrett Christy's pro model, (which was previously the GNU B-Pro of recent years), has been given a make over to reflect Barrett's own evolution in snowboarding.
Barrett has had a pro model since the mid 90s, so this board has a lot of history behind it.
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.
Score Breakdown for the Barrett
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.0 | 9/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.1/100 |
WOMEN'S FREERIDE BOARD #3
Board: Burton Family Tree Story Board
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Flex: Medium- Stiff bordering on Medium (6.5/10)
Rating: 86.7/100
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, then the Story Board might be a great option for you.
Learn more about the Story Board in the Video Below
Score Breakdown Story Board
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.7/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #2
Board: Never Summer Lady West
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
In at #2, we have Never Summer’s Lady West.
Like it's men's counterpart (the West Bound), the Lady West was new from Never Summer for 2020 and unsurprisingly returns for 2021.
It's a smooth, consistent, yet also hard charging board that carves well, handles the uneven terrain well, can bomb and floats well in powder - everything you want from a good freeride board. But at the same time feels quite forgiving, when you want to slow it down a bit.
Learn more about the Lady West in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Lady West
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
FREERIDE BOARD #1
Board: Jones Women’s Flagship
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Flex: Medium Stiff (7/10)
Rating: 90.6/100
And in at #1, we have the Jones Women's Flagship.
The Women's Flagship underwent some fairly significant changes for the 2020 model (retained for the 2021 model), making this board less of a straight line bomber, but a much more well rounded, more agile deck, that's just a little more forgiving than it's previous models.
What it lost in flat-out bombing, it gained in uneven terrain, agility (now a much better board in the trees) and for jumps.
But that doesn't mean you can't ride it fast. It's still very very good when opening it out and bombing - just not quite as freakishly bomby as previous models.
Still definitely a board for the steep and deep - but it's evolved into a more modern feeling, more well rounded option.
Learn more about the Flagship in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Flagship
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
POWDER | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.6/100 |
Over to You
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped you to the best women’s freeride snowboard for you.
Check out the links under each board for more info/availability/current prices.
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