Being big isn’t always easy. Finding the right snowboard for you can be hard under any circumstances but when you’re a bigger guy it can be extra tough.
But there’s something out there for everyone and today we’re going to run down the top 5 snowboards for heavier riders! Whether this is your first time out on the slopes or you’ve been out a million times before and just need a new board, today’s the day to narrow down your choices and find the perfect board for you.
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Top 5 best snowboards for big guys
Burton has been doing snow sports right for a long time and they’ve done it again with this board. Bringing you all the sweet features and sparks of a traditional Burton board, they’ve brought out the big guns for the big guys so you can hit the slopes in safety and style.
The deck of this board is a directional twin shape that has a true camber profile that keeps up the energy and personality that keeps punching for days. The main feature is Burton’s Infinite Ride core that allows the deck to break in before you even hit the first step so you’re left with no surprises on this ride.
Burton’s board has Frostbite Edges that give you a wider waist width for added edge hold and grip on both hardpack and slick terrain. Altogether, this board can accommodate someone that has a boot size larger than an 11 with ease!
What We Liked
- Powerlite Core
- Hybrid Camber
- Mountain Flex
What We Didn't Like
- Directional Shape not good for switch
- Definitely not a beginner board
This is it. The pinnacle of the “big guy” snowboards! This board keeps up and conquers any obstacles that may dare to stand in its way.
The board is a directional twin that makes it a great freestyle board for any heavier riders. The hybrid C2 Camber profile helps it tackle all-terrain slopes with ease. The C2 allows for a rockered zone right between the rider’s feet with longer camber zones underfoot. The core on this board is mixed, creating a deck that is durable to help you conquer the slopes.
Along the edges of this board is a Magne-Traction lip that gives you multiple contact points to hold on better in slick terrain and hardpack trails. The underside of this board also requires less maintenance which keeps you out on the mountain and out of the tune-up shop!
What We Liked
- Wide deck for boots over the size of 11
- Great traction on the edge
- Built for all-terrain
What We Didn't Like
- Can be more expensive
Gnu has been priding themselves on building easy-riding snowboards for a long time now. The Carbon Credit Wide is no exception! This board allows you to progress through all types of terrain and still maintains the easy riding status that Gnu brings to the table.
The board is a true twin shape with a rockered zone in between the rider’s feet. They’ve included a mild camber profile under the feet to create contact points for a whole deck that’s easy to ride and continue to progress on. Gnu adds in a Magne-Traction edge that contains multiple contact points to help you keep a good running length and strong edge on hardpack and icy terrain.
This is another board with a wider waist so it will accommodate boots over the size of 11 with ease. All told this board has a great grip and a smooth ride that allows you to sail down the slopes with the best of them!
What We Liked
- Wider waist for heavier riders
- The edge that grips hardpack and icy terrain
- Base is durable
What We Didn't Like
- May not work on all types of terrain
If you want to get out and rip up the whole mountain, this is the board to take on the ride. While it’s designed to be ridden all over the mountain, its true home is in the deeper snow!
This board is designed with a directional twin shape that helps you get out into that deeper snow quicker but will give you great control and speed over the whole mountain. The hybrid Camrock profile gives you a camber zone under your feet and a rockered tip and tail. This combination lets you make tight turns and float across the snow.
The core of this snowboard is a dual-density full wood core and has bamboo stringers laid out from tip to tail that make it snap with energy. Again, this is a board that works great with anyone who has a larger than size 11 boot to accommodate!
What We Liked
- Wider waist board
- Rockered tips and tail for fast turns
- Speedy
What We Didn't Like
- Can be more expensive
This board is all about letting whoever wants to hit the slopes, hit the slopes with confidence! Whether you’re a bit taller or heavier, Nitro wants you to get out on the slopes, learn, and keep progressing with ease.
This board is a directionally shaped board that has a hybrid Cam-Out profile with a camber dominant bend. The rockered tip and tail allow the board to be powerful and hard-charging while still maintaining some playfulness along with the nose and tail. This board also has a wide waist which can bring in those larger than 11 size boots, no problem!
Along the edges, Nitro has included a Dual Degressive sidecut that gives you the feeling of riding a standard-width deck. The board continues to be lightweight despite being wider in the waist due to a Powerlite Core. All told, this board works great and gives you the feeling of flying across the powder and hardpack!
What We Liked
- Rides like a standard size board
- Ultra-lightweight
- Forward-thinking sidecut
What We Didn't Like
- Can be more expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What length of the board will I need?
The length of your board is really important and there are lots of size charts that can help you determine the right length for your height and weight. Talking through the options with an expert at your local outdoor sports store can give you a better idea of what board will work for you. You can also track down the specific charts online and use them to help determine what you’ll need if you want to order on the web!
Does width matter?
Width is another factor that helps give you an edge as a bigger guy. The width of the board is determined by the length of your boot and goes in line with that. You want to be sure to avoid any situations where your boot would hang over the edge of the board and cause you to drag and lose momentum or speed at a crucial moment. Not mention it can be unsafe! All of the boards in our list are credited as “wide” which means they work great for anyone who’s boots have gone beyond the size 11.
Can I work with any shaped board?
There are three typical board shapes: directional, twin, and the directional twin. The direction board has a very noticeable front and back while the twin is identical on both ends. The directional twin combines the two and has a very slight distinguishing tip and tail to show the front and back. The shape of your board helps determine the type of snowboarding you’ll be doing. Each one does better on carving, park, and pipe, or all-mountain riding so be sure to check which one you need!
Conclusion
Determining the right board for your snowy activities can be a chore but by narrowing down the type of board you need for your sport, the length, and width, you can get the best board to help you carve up the mountain!
The winner of our countdown is the Lib Tech Skunk Ape! It works great for anyone who’s outgrown a size 11 boot and still wants to get out on the slopes and get things done and get them done fast. Because this board is designed to be all-terrain, the core remains durable to keep you on the slopes longer without having to hit the repair shop.
Whether you’re heading out for the first time or the 101st time, finding the right board can be a challenge. We’ve done the legwork for you so that you can pick the board of your dreams and hit the slopes in style!