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 2018-19 season.
There have been a couple of subtle changes to the rating system for this list, compared to last year's list - for details on those changes refer to the bottom of the post.
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.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Women's Beginner list, check out the link below:
>>Top 10 Women's Beginner Snowboards (Latest Season)
O.K. let’s get into the top 10!
BEGINNER BOARD #10=
Board: Burton Hideaway
Price: $399
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-intermediate
Style of Board: Freeride
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
The Hideaway is an easy going, catch-free ride that makes it quick and easy to progress on.
It's also a freeride board, which is rare for a board this soft. So, it's great for beginners who think they are going to get into riding off-groomer and backcountry in their future or for the beginner to intermediate rider who wants to explore the not-so-beaten paths, without having to do it on a stiff aggressive board.
This board is replacing the Burton Feather in Burton's line - and is essentially just an evolution of that board with some minor changes.
Learn More About the Hideaway in the Video Below
The video below is for the 2018 Feather - but the Hideaway is essentially an evolution of the Feather renamed (there are some subtle differences). Once I find a 2019 video I'll post it here.
Burton Hideaway 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 | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Versatility | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
Shape & Stance | 2.0 | 2/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #10=
Board: GNU Chromatic
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
If you're looking for a board that's great for leaning and progressing on but is also awesome in hard/icy conditions, should you experience them regularly, then the Chromatic is a great option.
It's a very versatile board that's great on the mountain in the resort and in the park.
Not the cheapest on this list, but if you've got a decent budget this is definitely an option.
It's a looser feeling ride, which can make one-footing it off the lift a little squirrelly until you get used to it, but otherwise it's a great beginner option, especially if you ride hard/icy conditions often.
Learn More About the Chromatic in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Chromatic
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Stability | 4.0 | 16/20 |
Turning Ease | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #10=
Board: YES Emoticon
Beginner Board Rating Score: 90.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Style of Board: All-Mountain Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
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.
Check out the video for more on the YES Emoticon
The Emoticon’s Score Breakdown
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Stability | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Turning Ease | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Price | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #9
Board: Rossignol Meraki
Beginner Board Rating Score: 91.5/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-advanced
Style of Board: Jib/Park
Flex: Soft (3/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
*HARD/ICY SNOW OPTION
The Meraki is new for Rossignol this year and is the women's equivalent of the men's Sawblade.
It's a super easy going ride that really limits any chances of catching an edge. It's soft flexing and really easy to maneuver at slower speeds. All things that you want in a beginner board.
It's the ideal option for any beginner who encounters hard/icy conditions often. And it's also great for anyone who sees freestyle/park riding in their future as it's somethign that will be easy to start out in there too.
Learn More About the Meraki in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Meraki
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 | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #8
Board: Ride Rapture
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100
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.
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 | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Versatility | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shape & Stance | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 92/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #7
Board: Burton Stylus
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Beginner
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
The Burton Stylus (formerly called 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.
Also great for anyone foreseeing a future riding freestyle/park.
Check out the Video for More on the Stylus
The video below is for the 2018 Genie - but the Stylus is basically the Genie renamed. Once I find a 2019 video I'll post it here.
Score Breakdown for the Stylus
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 | 3.0 | 9/15 |
Shape & Stance | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 92/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #6
Board: Arbor Poparazzi
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 92.0/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-advanced
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Medium-Soft (4/10)
The Poparazzi is that little bit of a step up from the Arbor Ethos (see #3 on this list). It's virtually the same as that board but just a little stiffer, which makes it a great option for heavier riders and those who have some time under the mountain under their belt but still need an easy going catch-free ride to progress on. Still beginner, but not absolute beginner.
For a contunuos rocker profile, it's not as loose as you would think due to the system rocker that Arbor uses.
But it's still on the looser side, so it's going to have that little bit of a squirrelly feel, coming off the lift one-footed. But that's something that you get used to and also helps to make the board really catch-free, when linking turns.
Learn More About the Poparazzi in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Poparazzi
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Flex | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Stability | 4.5 | 18/20 |
Turning Ease | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Price | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 92/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #5
Board: Rossignol Myth
Price: $299
Beginner Board Rating Score: 94/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
And coming in at #5 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 at some point later on, 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.
For more on the Myth check out the video below
Score Breakdown for the Myth
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 |
BEGINNER BOARD #4
Board: K2 First Lite
Price: $349
Beginner Board Rating Score: 95/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (2/10)
*FAST PROGRESSION
Whilst not being that versatile when it comes to ability level (you’ll need to upgrade eventually), the K2 First Lite is really versatile when it comes to keeping your options open for the type of riding you will naturally flow towards. You can go anywhere and ride any style on this board.
But that’s not it’s real strength as a beginner board – it’s real strength lies in the fact that it’s easy to ride, catch free and confidence inspiring – so you can progress really fast on this board – and have a lot of fun in the process.
Check out the video for more on the First Lite
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 | 4.5 | 9/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 95/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #3
Board: Arbor Ethos
Price: $319
Beginner Board Rating Score: 95.0/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex: Soft (3/10)
The little sister of the Poparazzi (see #6 above), the Ethos is practially the perfect board to start snowboarding on.
It's catch-free, easy to initiate turns on and super maneuverable at slower speeds.
It's a little on the looser side, which is a plus for initiating turns but can sometimes make coming off the lift a bit more challenging, but it's something you get used to.
Otherwise this is pretty much the ultimate board to get your snowbaording journey started on.
Learn More About the Ethos in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Ethos
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 | 5.0 | 10/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 95/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #2
Board: Nitro Lectra
Price: $299
Beginner Board Rating Score: 96.0/100
Ability Level: Beginner-to-Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (3/10)
**FAST PROGRESSION
And the #2 board in this list - or I should probably say the 1st equal, is Nitro's Lectra.
This board has everything you want for your first board. It's easy to turn, easy to ride, maneuverable at slow speeds, makes it really unlikely to catch an edge and is really versatile, so it can take you into whatever style you naturally progress towards.
It's also the equal cheapest on this list, so you won't have to make too much of an investment getting your first board.
Learn More About the Lectra in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Lectra
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 | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 96/100 |
BEGINNER BOARD #1
Board: Rossignol Gala
Price: $299
Beginner Board Rating Score: 96/100
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Style of Board: All-Mountain
Flex: Soft (3/10)
**FAST PROGRESSION
The Rossignol Gala is the perfect balance of fast progression and versatility.
It’s an all mountain board and can take you into any style you naturally flow into – but it will get you there fast – it’s forgiving, catch-free, has easy maneuverability and is just a really easy going ride.
All of that and it's also the equal cheapest on this list (along with #2 and #5) so it won't break the bank either.
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 | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Price | 5.0 | 10/10 |
Versatility | 4.0 | 12/15 |
Shape & Stance | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Base | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 96/100 |
Over to You
So there you have it – Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 10 Beginner Snowboards for Women for the 2018/19 season. Hopefully this has helped with your research and helped to narrow down your search.
NOTE: This is a past seasons top 10. For the latest season's Top 10 Women's Beginner list, check out the link below:
Buying Past Season Models
Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a 2018 model, it will likely be close enough to the 2019 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.
Changes to this year’s Top Women’s Beginner List
There were some bigger changes between the 2016-17 and 2017-18 lists.
The changes this year (2018-19) are more subtle and just some small tweaks really.
Adjusted Flex Rating Scores
Previously I was awarding 5/5 for any flex that was up to 4/10 in terms of stiffness. For 2018-19 I have given subtly more points to boards with 2/10 or 3/10 flex (rarely does anything rate 1/10) compared to boards with 4/10 flex.
This is a subtle change but reflects my desire to make this a list of boards that are the best for beginners/learning on. Whereas previously I put some emphasis on boards that would be suitable for more advanced riding as well as beginners.
The new scoring is to reflect that the softer flexing boards (2/10 or 3/10) are easier to learn on/ride than something that's closer to Medium (4/10).
High-End Beginner/Intermediate Boards
For the 2017-18 list, I included a number of boards that were not as good for those just starting out and were more suitable for those who had a bit of experience (high-end beginner to low-end intermediate).
As with the flex rating scores, this list is now designed to purely cater to beginner riders (though some boards will still be good to progress to a more advanced stage on). I will be creating a new list for high-end beginner to intermediate riders, looking for a board.
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