Top 5 Beginner Boards
Snowboarding is a sport that some may seem a little crazy and dangerous. However, most sports all have their own risks.
So, if you are looking to get into the sport, here are 5 of our favorite boards for beginner and intermediate riders.
Another great board for riders of different skill levels, is the Carbon Credit from Gnu. This board is a beauty that offers amazing strength and power. The great thing is that as strong as it is, the board is actually pretty playful as well.
One thing that gives this board such a great performance is its BTX Camber that really gives it that playful feel. This camber combines a banana rocker and fairly subtle camber. The Carbon is great for jumps and provides a soft, but quick landing.
The board is built with Aspen and Colombian Gold Miraculous Aspen that gives it the durability it needs to withstand every ride you take. However, this doesn’t mean it is heavy. It is actually light and fairly poppy.
Another great thing is that the board you can carve with best of them without losing the ability to make sharp, quick turns. Plus, it rides great in any type of conditions you may find yourself in.
What We Liked
- Very lightweight
- Freestyle ride
- Great for multiple skill levels
What We Didn't Like
- Pretty soft as far as flex goes
- More advanced riders might not like this board
The Salomon Pulsi is great for freestyle riders who are fairly new to the sport and are wanting to enhance their skills with a freestyle feel. This board would be great as a beginner’s board.
Its directional twin shape makes it highly versatile. The Flat Out Camber keeps it stable with optimum response. Though it isn’t meant for aggressive carving, it does handle mellowed out carves great. Salomon paired these features with bite free edges for low consequence riding. Though it is one of the softer boards it does have a good amount of snap that allows it to just spring off of anything.
The Pulse is also a great option for a fairly versatile all mountain board as well.
What We Liked
- Great price range
- Very snappy
- Bite free edges
What We Didn't Like
- Zero rocker
- Definitely a beginner’s board
The Brainstorm is an all mountain style board that is best for more experienced beginners and intermediate riders. Advanced riders that want a more playful ride could have a lot of fun on this board.
Slash designed this board in a way that makes riding powder a fun experience. Though, it is not the most aggressive carver it can do a few smaller ones here and there.
Initiating turns is super easy and made skidding no problem at all.
One thing to watch out for is that it doesn’t handle high speeds very well and can start to get wobbly. However, it does great at maneuvering around bumps in rougher terrains.
Being so playful, with tons of pop that is easy to access, this board is great for jumps of all sizes but it really shines on medium sized jumps. The landings are nice and solid but aren’t all out stomps. It also does well with side hits.
What We Liked
- Great for jumps
- Tons of pop
- Easily maneuverable
What We Didn't Like
- Wobbly at high speeds
- Not great at carving
- Not a jibber
The Typo from Yes is a great all mountain ride that is great for skill levels from beginners to the more advanced. It is also offered in 8 different size variations.
This is very similar to the Yes Basic but is a little faster, better for riding powder, and great at carving. This makes the board perfect for those looking for a truly versatile snowboard.
Turning and carving is smooth and easy but not overly aggressive. This board is extremely maneuverable at slower speeds and can weave between trees seamlessly. It is even great at going over rougher terrains.
The maneuverability of the board makes it great for side hits, spins, and has pop that is easy to get to. It’s jumping sweet spot are small and medium sized ones. While the board can handle larger jumps, it definitely was not made for them.
What We Liked
- Very versatile riding
- Great for riders that can handle a growing skill level
- Playful and stable
What We Didn't Like
- Not the fastest board
- Not great for large jumps
- Okay performance on powder
Snowboard manufacturer, Capita, uses their Dual Blaster Ashpop Core™ in their Ultrafear. Being a three time “Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood” winner, the ultrafear is Capita’s team pick.
This board combines Kevlar/Titanal Body Armor™, cork edge dampening system, and Holysheet™ Fiberglass to be a top competitor in jib and park boards.
Capita’s Park V1 Profile gives this board a smooth ride with precision turning. Add to this a twin flex, you have a board that is considered the go-to freestyle board for tearing up the parks but not a great choice for backcountry boarding.
Though it isn’t a top runner for mountain trails, it is still pretty fun on milder trails. It is actually pretty nice on groomers.
The Ultrafear is a great board for upper beginners through intermediate riders.
What We Liked
- Great Intermediate Board
- Great for tearing up parks
- Good Wood winner
What We Didn't Like
- Very much a lower skill level board
- Not great for all over riding
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most asked questions regarding purchasing a new snowboard.
What size snowboard should I get?
For the best results, you should find a local dealer and check in person. The key component to finding the right size is your weight.
For a general example, if you stand at 5’10” and weigh 175 lbs, the best size would be 154 for freestyle, 156 for all-mountain, and 158 for powder.
What size bindings should I get?
Each brand is totally different, so we can only offer a general size chart. The safe choice, if you don’t have access to a dealer, is as follows:
MENS – Small 5.5 thru 7 – Medium 7.5 thru 10 – Large 10.5 thru 14
EXPEDITION – Medium 7.5 thru 10 – Large 10 thru 14.
If you go below a 10 the toe box of your boot may push against the top sheet of your board and interfere with your stride.
Do I need to wax or tune my brand new snowboard?
Capita boards are waxed at the factory for most weather conditions but will need specific waxing for extreme conditions.
Some boards are also de-tuned so that contact points aren’t too grabby right from the start. Other than that, riders should tune as they see fit.
Conclusion
Overall, for a great board that offers a lot of versatility and would be great for beginners and intermediate riders is the Typo by Yes.
Not only is it easy the maneuver, but it is a great board that will stick with a rider as they develop their skill levels. It even comes in a wide range of sizes to ensure you can find the best one for you, no matter your height.
Plus, with it being able to handle just about any and all terrains, beginners that are interested in any aspect of the sport is sure to have a gun riding experience.
Whether you are just starting out, have been riding for a while, or caught somewhere in between, the Typo from Yes is a great choice. It will stick with you, give you versatility that will help you grow your skills, and isn’t going to completely break your bank like some boards.