Below is what I consider to be the top 5 beginner snowboards for women currently on the market. Or more accurately now the Top 10.
This list has been updated for the 2017-18 season.
As per Snowboarding Profiles Tradition, each board will be given a score out of 100. Note that the scores reflect how suitable the board is for a beginner – not the overall performance of the board.
Of the 29 different women’s beginner boards that I looked at
- The average score was 86.4/100
- The highest score was 95/100 (see #1 board below)
- The lowest score was 74.5/100
- The average price was $400
NOTE: This list is for the 2017-18 season. For the Top 15 Beginner Snowboards for the latest season, check out the following:
>>The Top 10 Women’s Snowboards for Beginners (Latest Season)
O.K. let’s get into the top 10!
Women’s Beginner Board 10th=
Board: Capita Paradise
Price: $399
Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Expert
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Medium (5/10)
The women’s version of the Outerspace Living, the Paradise certainly isn’t thought of as a beginner board off the bat – but it has most of the things that you would want in a beginner board – easy turn initiations, stability and a price that’s easy on the bank account.
It’s a little stiffer flexing than the ideal beginner board – but it’s the ideal choice for rider’s who are a bit above the weight recommendations (in which case the board will feel more like a medium-soft flex) or for very athletic riders.
This board is also super-versatile – it can handle any part of the mountain, it can handle any style of riding and it’s the kind of board that can stay with you even up to an expert level
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 233 | 235 | 237 | 239 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 36-58 | 38-60 | 40-64 | 45-66 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 80-130 | 85-135 | 90-140 | 95-145 |
Check out the video for more on the Paradise
Score Breakdown for the Paradise
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Versatility: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 89.5/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board 10th=
Board: Rossignol Frenemy
Price: $399
Beginner Board Rating Score: 89.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Medium (5/10)
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Frenemy, like the Paradise, is a little stiffer than I would normally recommend for a beginner – but in the case of larger riders and more athletic riders, this board is a great beginner option.
It’s also extremely versatile and the kind of board you could have for as long as you wanted it – in terms of progression, in terms of where you can ride it and in terms of the style you want to ride with it. And on top of that, it’s also one of the best boards for riding icy/hard snow.
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 144 | 147 | 150 | 153 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 239 | 240 | 241 | 242 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 30-55 | 35-60 | 40-65 | 45-70 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 65-120 | 75-130 | 90-145 | 100-155 |
Check out the video for more on the Frenemy
Score Breakdown for the Frenemy
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Versatility: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Base: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 89.5/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #9
Board: Burton Genie
Price: $359
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Beginner
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (2/10)
- FAST PROGRESSION
Whilst not as versatile as the preceding two boards, the Genie is one of those boards that will accelerate your progression – so if you’re looking to improve as quickly as possible and are happy with having to upgrade once you’ve upped your skill level and/or found your preferred style, then this is going to be a great choice.
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 138 | 142 | 147 | 152 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 240 | 241 | 243 | 244 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 45-68 | 45-68 | 54-82 | 68-91+ |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 100 - 150 | 100 - 150 | 120 - 180 | 150 - 200+ |
Check out the video for more on the Genie
Score Breakdown for the Genie
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Versatility: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 90/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #8
Board: YES Emoticon
Price: $399
Beginner Board Rating Score: 91/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Style of Board: All-Mountain Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
- HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
This is basically the ideal beginner board for anyone who encounters hard/icy snow conditions often – so if you’re on the East (Ice) Coast of North America, for example.
It’s got a great balance of being versatile but also offering a fast progression. It’s easy to ride but it will last you for the long term in terms of your progression and your style.
And of course, it’s not just for icy conditions – my wife owns this board and loves it in all conditions.
This is essentially the women’s version of the men’s YES Basic.
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 143 | 146 | 149 | 152 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 237 | 239 | 241 | 252 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 40-55 | 45-60 | 55-70 | 57-75 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 90-120 | 100-130 | 120-155 | 125-165 |
Check out the video for more on the Emoticon
Score Breakdown for the Emoticon
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Versatility: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 91/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #7
Board: Salomon Oh Yeah
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 91.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate
Style of Board: Jib/Park
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
- FAST PROGRESSION
In at #7, we have the Salomon Oh Yeah.
The Oh Yeah has a mix between a Flat-to-Rocker profile and a Hybrid Camber profile. It has a flat section between the feet and camber under the feet – these sections help the Oh Yeah with stability and then there are rocker sections towards the tip and tail which help with turning ease and a catch-free ride.
That plus a forgiving flex help to make this one of the best boards going around to learn on.
It’s only real weakness is that it’s not that versatile. So you will want to upgrade after progressing through the intermediate phase – especially if you’re not going to be riding in the park.
But it does come with another nice feature – the price.
Sizing: The Oh Yeah comes in 4 different lengths from 138cm to 151cm.
| Size (Length) | 138 | 143 | 147 | 151 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 238 | 240 | 242 | 247 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 35-60 | 35-60 | 45-65 | 50-70 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 77-132 | 77-132 | 99-143 | 110-154 |
Check out the video for more on the Oh Yeah
Score Breakdown for the Oh Yeah
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Versatility: | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #6
Board: Rossignol Tesla
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
Next up we have the Rossi Tesla.
This is a great option for anyone who wants to progress quickly and have a board that will take them to that intermediate level quickly – but still be able to keep riding and enjoying it at the intermediate level.
Just an all-round solid pick for a beginner – Rossignol make a lot of boards that are both stable and easy to initiate turns on and the Tesla is one of the better ones for these qualities.
Sizing: The Tesla comes in 4 different sizes from 136 to 148. Check out the table below for details.
| Size (Length) | 136 | 139 | 143 | 148 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 232 | 234 | 236 | 238 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 30-45 | 30-50 | 40-60 | 40-70 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 66-100 | 66-110 | 88-132 | 88-154 |
Check out the video below for more
The Tesla’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Versatility: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #5
Board: Ride Rapture
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 93/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (2/10)
- FAST PROGRESSION
The Ride Rapture may not be that versatile – it’s definitely freestyle oriented and it’s not going to stay with you your whole snowboarding life (though if you get into park riding, it’s definitely something you could keep as your park board) – but it is something you can progress very quickly on.
It’s got a nice soft flex and is an easy, catch-free ride.
Sizing: The Rapture comes in 4 different lengths ranging from 139 to 150.
| Size (Length) | 139 | 143 | 147 | 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 234 | 236 | 238 | 240 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 27-45 | 32-45 | 39-59 | 45-68 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 60-100 | 70-100 | 85-130 | 100-150 |
2017 Sizes
Note that the sizings changed for the 2018 model. If you are looking into a 201 model, the sizes for that model are below.
| Size (Length) | 138 | 143 | 147 | 151 | 154 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 238 | 240 | 242 | 244 | 246 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 27-45 | 32-45 | 39-59 | 45-68 | 52-73 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 60-100 | 70-100 | 85-130 | 100-150 | 115-160 |
Check out the video for more on the Rapture
The Rapture’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Versatility: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 93/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #4
Board: Rossignol Gala
Price: $299
Beginner Board Rating Score: 93.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Medium-Soft
- FAST PROGRESSION
The Rossignol Gala is the perfect balance of fast progression and versatility.
It’s an all mountain board and can take you into any style you naturally flow into – but it will get you there fast – it’s forgiving and catch-free and just a really easy going ride.
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 142 | 146 | 150 | 154 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 232 | 234 | 236 | 238 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 35-50 | 40-60 | 45-70 | 50-75 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 80-110 | 90-130 | 100-150 | 110-165 |
Check out the video for more on the Gala
Score Breakdown for the Gala
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Price: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Versatility: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 93.5/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #3
Board: K2 First Lite
Price: $379
Beginner Board Rating Score: 94/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (2/10)
- FAST PROGRESSION
Whilst not being that versatile when it comes to ability level (you’ll need to upgrade eventually), the K2 First Lite is really versatile when it comes to keeping your options open for the type of riding you will naturally flow towards. You can go anywhere and ride any style on this board.
But that’s not it’s real strength as a beginner board – it’s real strength lies in the fact that it’s easy to ride, catch free and confidence inspiring – so you can progress really fast on this board – and have a lot of fun in the process.
Sizing:
| Size (Length) | 138 | 142 | 146 | 150 | 154 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 232 | 234 | 236 | 238 | 240 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | <59kgs | 41-73kgs | 45-77kgs | 50-82kgs | >54kgs |
| Weight Range (lbs) | <130lbs | 90-160lbs | 100-170lbs | 110-180lbs | >120lbs |
Check out the video for more on the First Lite
Score Breakdown for the First Lite
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Versatility: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
Women’s Beginner Board #2
Board: Rossignol Myth
Price: $299
Beginner Board Rating Score: 94/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft
- FAST PROGRESSION
And coming in at #2 is basically the perfect beginner’s snowboard – the Rossignol Myth and apart from versatility, basically gets a perfect score.
You’ll be able to progress super-fast on this board and it will really boost your confidence.
The only downside is that it’s not that versatile. It’s a freestyle board, so if you plan on riding in the park, then this will be a great option to keep as your park board. But even if you don’t plan riding the park, this is one of those boards that will just get you riding better, fast – just be willing to upgrade if you get into more all-mountain/freeride type riding.
On top of all that, this is the equal lowest-priced board in this list – so if you’re on a budget or don’t want to invest too much, then this also is a great option.
Sizing: It has 4 different sizes ranging from 139 to 154.
| Size (Length) | 139 | 144 | 149 | 154 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 234 | 236 | 238 | 240 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 30-50kgs | 40-60kgs | 40-70kgs | 50-75kgs |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 66-110lbs | 88-132lbs | 88-154lbs | 110-165lbs |
For more on the Myth check out the video below
The Myth’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Versatility: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
I hired a Myth for my then girlfriend (now wife 🙂 ) when we went to Whistler in 2015 and she loved it. She was a beginner to intermediate rider and said she had ridiculously more confidence on this board than the standard hire boards she had been getting at the time.
Her turns were way smoother, she felt way more confident and she was getting down the slopes much quicker – which was great as I didn’t have to spend as much time waiting!
Women’s Beginner Board #1
Board: Rome Royal
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 95/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
- FAST PROGRESSION
The Rome Royal is the women’s equivalent of the men’s Rome Mechanic (which also featured highly in my men’s top beginner list).
And it’s a great beginners option in both the men’s and women’s for a reason.
It’s really versatile in terms of the type of style you will want to ride – so you don’t need to have any inclination about how you might end up riding in the future.
And even more importantly it’s a confidence inspiring, catch-free, forgiving ride that’s easy to initiate turns on and has a stable feeling to it. This will be one of those boards that will help you to progress faster than most, if not all, but at the same time is very versatile.
Sizing: The Royal comes in 4 different sizes from 141 to 150.
| Size (Length) | 141 | 144 | 147 | 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 242 | 244 | 246 | 248 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 32-52 | 36-59 | 41-68 | 41-68+ |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 70-115 | 80-130 | 90-150 | 90-150+ |
For more on the Royal check out the video below
The Royal’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Stability: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Turning Ease: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Price: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Versatility: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shape & Stance: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Base: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 95/100 |
Over to You…..
So there you have it – Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 10 Beginner Snowboards for Women for the 2017/18 season. Hopefully this has helped with your research and helped to narrow down your search.
Where to Buy, Current Prices and More Info
If you can find one of these boards in the 2017-18 model, you should be able to get them at a considerably cheaper price than their MSRP. This is the nature of past season boards.
Check out the links below to see if you can find the board you’re after in a past model.
US STORES
CANADA STORES
NEW ZEALAND STORES
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