Below I have selected my top 10 for the best freestyle snowboards for the 2019/20 season.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each board will each get a rating out of 100.
In compiling this list I rated 38 different freestyle/park boards:
Prices have not been considered in the scores unless 2 boards have the same score, then the cheaper board gets the higher place.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Freestyle list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
O.k. here’s the top 10!
FREESTYLE BOARD #10
Board: Arbor Westmark Camber
Price: $469
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 83.0/100
The Westmark Camber is on the aggressive side, due to it's camber and being a little stiffer than most on this list. But Arbor's system camber is a little more mellow than a traditional full camber feel - so it's not quite as aggressive as you would expect.
Still, it has heaps of pop, is super stable on landings, spins easily and can be taken out of the park for some good carves too.
Not the best on this list for jibbing/buttering but for the jump line, natural hits on the mountain, ollies and basically anything else airborne, this is a killer deck.
Check out the video for more about the Westmark Camber
Score Breakdown for the Westmark Camber
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 12/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #9
Board: Capita Ultrafear
Price: $479
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 83.5/100
The Ultrafear is the best jibber on this list, so if you spend a lot of time in the jib line in the park or do a lot of Urban riding, then the Ultrafear is worth looking at.
In fact, if I did a separate category for jib/street boards it would likely be quite close to the top, if not the top. But it’s certainly no slouch over jumps either. It’s super easy to spin and to press – an awesome board for all-day park laps.
Not something that’s great outside of the park, but awesome for park laps.
Check out the video for more about the Ultrafear
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 3.5 | 14/20 |
JIBBING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 2.0 | 2/5 |
PIPE | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.5/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #8
Board: Never Summer Dipstick
Price: $539
Flex: Soft (3/10)
Feel: Loose
Smart rating score: 83.5/100
The Dipstick is new in Never Summer's line for 2020. It sort of replaces the Warlock but not exactly.
This is a super buttery, super playful loose feeling board. If you wanting something about as easy going and buttery as it gets, then the Dipstick is a great option for the job.
Check out the video for more about the Dipstick
Score Breakdown for the Dipstick
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 3.5 | 14/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 2.0 | 2/5 |
PIPE | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.5/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #7
Board: YES Basic
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 84.6/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Basic is one of those boards that could be considered a mellow all-mountain-freestyle or freestyle. I've chosen to include it in the Freestyle list this year, as I think that's where it's at it's best.
The Basic is a nice consistent, buttery yet stable board that is a great board for beginners, intermediate riders and freestyle/park riders a like. A great all-round freestyle option, especially for those who encounter hard/icy conditions regularly.
Score Breakdown for the Basic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 3.5 | 14/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.6/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #6
Board: Lib Tech Skate Banana
Price: $499
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Loose
Smart rating score: 85.2/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
Another great jibber in the list, the Skate Banana, comes in at #6.
The biggest weakness of the Skate Banana (in the most important freestyle factors) was in jumps – but it still performed really well in that category.
And if hitting rails, boxes and any other obstacle you can find, is your thing then the Skate Banana will be an awesome deck to have beneath your feet.
Just a great all-round freestyle board that isn't too bad outside of the park too.
If you often ride in hard/icy conditions but still like a loose feel for your freestyle board, then this is going to be the ideal ride for you.
Check out the video for more about the Skate Banana
Score Breakdown for the Skate Banana
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 3.5 | 14/20 |
JIBBING | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 2.0 | 2/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.2/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #5
Board: Slash Happy Place
Price: $399
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 85.7/100
Coming in at #5 is the Happy Place by Slash.
If you are looking for a board that can handle switch, jibs and jumps with equal aplomb and can also do a bang up job in the pipe – then the Slash Happy Place is a great pick.
Whilst it doesn’t get a perfect score in any of the categories, it’s close to it on all the important ones for ripping it up in the park and pipe.
If doing sick park laps all day is your thing then riding this board will definitely take you to your happy place!
Oh yeah and if your wallet isn’t bulging, this board will make you even happier. It’s the cheapest on this list – the performance-to-cost ratio of this board is outstanding! The best choice for anyone on a tight budget.
Check out the video for more on the Happy Place
Score Breakdown for the Happy Place
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.0 | 16/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.7/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #4
Board: Burton Paramount
Price: $519
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Feel: Semi-Locked In
Smart rating score: 85.7/100
The #4 position goes to the Paramount.
It's the most aggressive board on this list and has heaps of pop and power when it comes to jumps and really solid on landing and approach.
As well as all that camber, it also has a nice and light core, making it easier to get air and spin.
Not ideal for the jib line, IMO, and not the easiest to butter - but for the jump line and for carving up groomers on the way to the park or natural hits, it's a beast.
Check out the video for more about the Paramount
Score Breakdown for the Paramount
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 12/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.7/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #3
Board: Endeavor Pioneer
Price: $550
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 87.4/100
This was the first time I tested Endeavor boards and the Pioneer really impressed - enough so to get the #3 spot.
It's most suited to jumps and spins, but is fine for jibs too - and is nice and easy to butter. It's also not bad outside of the park - so a great option if you want to get outside the park every now and then for some groomer laps or smash some sidehits.
Score Breakdown for the Pioneer
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.4/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #2
Board: YES Jackpot
Price: $479
Flex: Medium-soft but bordering on Medium (4.5/5)
Feel: Stable
Smart rating score: 89.0/100
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The YES Jackpot. This board is a demon in the park – no matter what you like to do in there – so if you like to do it all, the Jackpot will be a great weapon.
But if you like to break up your park laps and feel the need for speed or if you want to lay down some carves, then the Jackpot can tackle that too – and whenever you see natural hits on your journey down the rest of the mountain – this board becomes super fun.
It would also score very well as an all-mountain-freestyle board.
It’s a great option for it’s versatility in that sense and also for anyone who rides in hard/icy conditions a lot too.
NOTE: The Jackpot underwent more changes for the 2020 model. It's now a wider platform overall and has a different sidecut radius. IMO this has been an improvement to an already sick deck!
Score Breakdown for the Jackpot
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 3.5 | 14/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 4/5 |
POWDER | 3.0 | 3/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
PIPE | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89.0/100 |
FREESTYLE BOARD #1
Board: Never Summer Funslinger
Price: $539
Flex: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Feel: Semi-Loose
Smart rating score: 90.7/100
And the #1 spot goes to the Never Summer Funslinger.
After riding the 2020 model, I liked this board even more than before. It's just a super fun and lively ride.
The Funslinger nails all the important freestyle performance factors – and can definitely play in the pipe and over the rest of the mountain too.
This thing has got plenty of pop, is super easy to spin and is really fun for anything park or for natural hits – and as a bonus it actually carves pretty well for a freestyle deck.
But you can also hit the jib line with confidence on this board and it butters with ease - making it a great all-round freestyle option.
Check out the video for more on the Funslinger
Score Breakdown for the Funslinger
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 15/15 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Over to You
There you have my top 10 freestyle decks for the 2019-20 season.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Freestyle list, check out the link below:
>>TOP 10 FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS (Latest Season)
Buying Past Season Models
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a past season model, it will likely be close enough to the latest model but you can get it cheaper, if available and in a suitable size for you. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
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