7 Best Snowboard Brands on the Market, according to experts

best snowboard brands
Photo by Yann Allegre

There are a lot of different snowboard brands on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. In this blog post, we will rank the 7 best snowboard brands and tell you a little bit about each one. We'll also showcase one flagship board from each brand so that you can get a better idea of what they're all about. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there's sure to be a brand here that meets your needs!

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a snowboard brand:

  • Consider your budget. Some brands are more expensive than others, so you'll want to make sure you choose one that fits your price range.
  • Think about the riding you want to do. If you're looking to do freestyle riding, you'll want to choose a brand that specializes in that area.
  • Consider the quality of the snowboards.

1. Burton

Burton Snowboards is a pioneering brand that has created waves in the snowboard industry since its inception in 1977. Founded by Jake Burton Carpenter and headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, Burton has been producing some of the most innovative boards for over four decades now. Their mission to continuously advance snowboarding with new technologies, has made them the leading manufacturer of boards worldwide. From their experimentation with camber profiles and directional shapes to their burly flexes, Burton continues to innovate with rider experience kept firmly at focus. With so many years of rich heritage and commitment to excellence, it's easy to see why Burton Snowboards are synonymous with performance.

burton logo

Burton Snowboard is one of the best snowboard manufacturers and has achieved some incredible milestones in its history. Founded in 1977, the company quickly set itself apart from other snowboard companies by producing high-quality boards and using innovative technologies. In 1988, Burton snowboards became the first snowboard company to be recognized by the snow sports industry giant National Mountain Sports Retailers Association (NMSRA). Furthermore, in 1992 Burton snowboards became an official Winter Olympic sports supplier and established itself as a leader in snowboard design. In 1995, Burton Snowboards released the world's first true twin snowboard with freestyle specific geometries – a feat that changed snowboarding forever. In 1997 Burton snowboards started acquiring multiple smaller snowboard companies with unique technologies.

In 2006, they became the first snowboard manufacturer to make boards with Infinite Ride. This process is intended to help the snowboard retain its flex and pop for a longer period and increase the snowboard's durability. Another milestone was in 2011 when they launched STEP ON® snowboard bindings, which allowed riders to easily step in and out with a premium snowboard-to-boot connection. 2016 marked another milestone for Burton when they released their award-winning line of high-quality boards featuring 'Flying V' technology, allowing users to maintain complete control over the board without compromising on maneuverability. 2019 Burton acquired Anon Optics, helping them expand their foothold in Europe.

These milestones are prime examples of why Burton has succeeded for more than 40 years as an iconic snowboard company.

The Burton Custom (650$) - Burton Flagship

  • Flex Rating: Medium
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Roc/Cam/Roc/Cam/Roc
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Burton Custom Flying V Snowboard 2023

The Burton Custom is the flagship model of the company, launched in 1996! It's like Toyota Camry of the snowboard world. Burton Custom Snowboards are truly custom-made pieces of art. Constructed with lightweight yet durable Flying V™ technology, these boards have just the right mix of flex and response to handle any terrain.

The Burton Custom Flying V is a professional-grade piece of equipment for any true snowboarding enthusiast. It's made from the best materials and designed to keep riders safe and stable in the most challenging terrain. It's crafted with lightweight materials and has a twin-shape design – making it perfect for all your shredding needs. The board is equipped with sintered WFO base technology, allowing riders to move quickly while improving their technique even in icy conditions. In addition, the board features an ultrapop core allowing you to hit higher jumps and easily cut through turns.

If you want top-of-the-line performance, then look no further than this classic yet revolutionary snowboard.

2. Lib Tech

Lib Tech is a snowboard company founded in 1977 by Mike Olson in Bellingham, Washington. The company began as a small, handmade surfboard company but quickly expanded to include snowboards in the 1980s. Lib Tech gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative snowboards, and they quickly became popular among riders around the world. In the early 2000s, Lib Tech expanded its product line to include skis, skateboards, and surfboards.

In the last ten years, Lib Tech snowboards have achieved two major milestones. First, their riding style changed dramatically when they developed Magne-traction edges, which increased edge grip and stability while riding. This revolutionary riding style changed the way people viewed riding a snowboard. Furthermore, the company shifted its focus to sustainability in response to the increasing global demand for environmentally friendly products

Lib Tech Travis Rice Orca (800$) - Lib Tech's piece of art

  • Flex Rating: Stiff
  • Shape: Directional
  • Rocker type: Camber/Rocker/Camber
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Advanced-Expert

The Lib Tech Travis Rice Orca is the flagship and a bestseller board on the Lib Tech line.

It's a revolutionary board that truly excels in its agility and smoothness on the slopes. It's lightweight yet responsive - allowing you to stay relaxed while still providing an extra edge of confidence with every turn. Its dampening system makes it feel like you're barely even there, giving control over each movement without letting any progress go unnoticed or unappreciated! This versatile all-mountain-powder carving board offers amazing comfort at speed. The steeper and deeper your journey becomes, the more this masterful craft opens up for some serious fun along the way.

The Lib Tech Orca is a perfect blend of freeride and freestyle performance. It's stable enough for big side hits, drops, and jump lines but also light enough to play with buttering and turns. With its easy rocker in the middle, it has exceptional edge-setting that will have you charging through every mountain feature without hesitation - no railblading needed here! Its playful feel gives riders confidence while carving around on steep slopes or floating over pow - this board loves showing off what it can do.

For the more advanced to the expert rider looking for a dynamic, unique ride experience on steep slopes and challenging terrain, look no further than Lib Tech's Orca. This board is designed specifically with those riders in mind who want maximum fun while conquering difficult lines - not recommended for beginners or intermediate riders.

3. Jones

Jones snowboards is one of the snowboarding brands that has been gaining traction among snowboarders since its debut in 2010. Founded by big-mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones, this brand is built on his framework to create snowboards that maximize backcountry performance and durability. Not only are their snowboards excellent for skiing deep powder slopes, but they also have a range of all-mountain snowboards that are perfect for anyone aspiring to become an expert in the sport. Jones snowboards use sustainably sourced wood core, carbon fiber stringers, and ballistic impact-resistant bases creating not only long lasting boards with incredible response and pop but also environmentally friendly ones. With an impressive line up like this, it's no wonder Jones snowboards have become so popular among professional snowboarders.

Jones Ultra Mountain Twin (649$) - Super stiff snowboard

  • Flex Rating: Very Stiff
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
  • Terrain: Freestyle, All-Mountain, Freeride
  • Ability Level: Advanced-Expert

Jones is a great all-mountain, freeride brand of boards. With a freestyle flare, they bring out the fun in every part of the mountain. Their boards are specifically crafted for steeps and deeps but with enough flex that makes the entire mountain so much fun! The torsional stiffness ensures quick reactions allowing any rider who hops on board to carve quickly down slopes while maintaining control throughout--no matter how fast your approach or hard you press into these edges. So if it's thrilling rides with some tricks that make up your definition of "fun," this board is for you.

If you're an experienced snowboarder looking for the ultimate in control and performance, this board is a great choice. It's packed with advanced technology that will allow riders to truly unlock their full potential, making each experience more exciting than ever before. While freestyle boards as a whole can be fairly user friendly, those on the higher end like this one may take some time getting used to — so it might not be ideal for newbies just starting out!

4. Salomon

Salomon.com ski company is one of the world's major ski and snowboard brands. Founded in France in 1947, Salomon began when François Salomon and his wife, growing tired of having to repair their ski equipment after a day on the slopes, engineered sturdy ski bindings which could survive a hard crash. This invention gained international recognition and, by 1966, had reached the United States. As time went on and ski technology improved, Salomon designed high-performance ski boots and skis that have become some of the most popular models. Through recreational ski races to competitive Olympic outings, Salomon has been a part of skiing's major moments since its inception over 70 years ago. By 1984, Salomon began making snowboards and quickly established itself as one of the best snowboard brands.

Since the turn of the 21st century, Salomon snowboards have been setting milestones in the snowboard industry. Salomon continuously improves their snowboarding products to deliver innovative solutions, from revolutionary snowboard boots to groundbreaking snow sports technologies. By 2002, Salomon had already released their Twinframe snowboard construction, which increased edge grip while allowing complete freedom of movement on slopes. Then in 2006, they introduced their Custom Fit heating technology that allowed customers to customize boot liners that fit like a glove and kept feet warm during snow sports activities. In 2011, they introduced Rocker snowboards which feature a raised tip and tail that provide veteran snowboarders excellent float and turning capabilities no matter what condition the mountain terrain is in.

Although Salmon is considered the champion for skiing, they continue to improve snowboarding equipment, making pioneering progress within the snow sports community as we continue into the future.

The Salomon Sight X Snowboard (350$) - Salmon's most popular snowboard

  • Flex Rating: Soft
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Salomon Sight X Snowboard 2023

The Salomon Sight X Snowboard is an excellent choice for any snowboarder looking to make the most out of their time on the slopes. This board’s unique design and construction provide some amazing benefits, including, but not limited to, camber for fast edge-to-edge transitions, quick turn initiation, pop for launching off jumps and rails, and strong edge hold when on hard-packed snow. The natural rocker profile helps absorb shock upon landing while allowing effortless float in the powder, making it suitable for any terrain. It comes with Quadratic Sidecut Technology, which gives unsurpassed grip on icy surfaces while remaining responsive when carving multiple turns at high speed. All these features packed into one board allow riders to maximize their skills and enjoyment while shredding on the mountain.

All this for a very affordable price

5. Nitro

Nitro Snowboards is one of the few snowboard brands that have been around since the early '90s. They began from humble beginnings making freestyle snowboards with innovative designs, and their focus on creativity and innovation has only grown stronger since then. Nitro Snowboards are known for setting high standards for performance and quality, bringing together top athletes and designers to bring riders the best in snowboarding technology and design. From park boards to all mountain boards, every Nitro board is created with purpose and rides dependably. With team riders like Jake Blauvelt, Bjorn Leines, Scotty Lago, Austin Smith, Flo Geiger, and more shredding their decks around the world Nitro continues to push the boundaries of what a snowboard can do.

  • Flex Rating: Medium
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Rocker/Flat/Rocker
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Nitro Prime Raw Snowboard 2023

The 2022 Nitro Prime Raw Snowboard offers all the performance of a high-end board but with an accessible price point. Perfect for those who enjoy all-mountain riding, this directional-shaped board provides plenty of float in powder and makes turning easier than ever! The softer flex allows riders to experience greater forgiveness while still enjoying amazing speeds. Whether you're hitting up your favorite park or just exploring off-piste terrain, the Nitro Prime has it covered.

This board is perfect for riders who want to go all-terrain, with a flat camber profile underfoot and early lift in the nose and tail, creating more float while turning. It comes in standard or wide widths as well as an All-Terrain Flex, providing a medium-style flex pattern. Also featured: radial side cut, which provides incredibly smooth cruising from edge to edge through gentle turns - making it an ideal everyday boarding experience!

The Nitro Prime Raw Snowboard is the perfect pick for an all-mountain ride! It offers top performance, user, and progression friendliness. A Power Core made from tip-to-tail Poplar wood that provides lightweight snappiness - plus Bi-Lite Laminates in its top sheet with glass fibers crossing at 45° angles for great torsional flex. On top of this, it has our Premium Extruded FH base, which makes waxing easy while ensuring reliable power on whatever terrain you choose.

6. CAPiTA

CAPiTA Snowboards is a snowboard company founded in 2000 by Blue Montgomery in Seattle, Washington. The company's goal was to create high-quality, innovative snowboards that would appeal to riders of all levels. CAPiTA quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the best snowboards on the market, and they expanded their product line to include bindings, boots, and outerwear. In the early 2010s, CAPiTA also began producing skateboards and surfboards.

CAPiTA Mercury 2023 (600$) - Gear for professionals

  • Flex Rating: Stiff
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Rocker/Camber/Rocker
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Advanced-Expert
CAPiTA Mercury Snowboard 2023

The capita Mercury is a versatile all-mountain board made for every type of terrain imaginable. It's powered by Capita's V2 Resort Profile, which combines regular camber with reverse cambers in the tail to create a truly unique ride experience - one that provides stability, snappy ollies/pops, and hard carvings both on groomers or off.

Its regular camber and core components give it true power for faster carving turn or aggressive charging anywhere. Plus, its entirely centered base ensures maximum wax absorption, keeping this board running fast at all times! It comes pre-tuned with Capitas' most Premium Factory Tune in a mid-flex that needs more speed for best performing - perfect when ripping hard!

Capita's patented Bomb Proof Bonding creates a strong, durable snowboard ideal for intermediate to advanced riders looking for an energized and responsive ride. Comes in sizes 147 150 153 155 156 wide 157 158 wide 159 160 wide and 161.

7. Arbor

Arbor Snowboards is a snowboard company founded in 1995 in Venice, California by professional snowboarder and artist, Chris Miller. The company's goal was to create high-quality snowboards that were environmentally sustainable and aesthetically unique. In the beginning, Arbor focused on hand-building their snowboards in small batches, using sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled plastic. As the company grew, they expanded their product line to include apparel and accessories. Today, Arbor is known for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, and their snowboards are popular among riders around the world.

Over the past 20 years, Arbor snowboards has consistently pushed the boundaries of snowboard technology and their brand success is testament to this. From their very first snowboard designs in 1995 to their snowboards crafted with sustainable materials today, Arbor snowboards has established themselves as a leader in snowboard design and materials. In 2000, they released a combination bamboo/maple snowboard which was the first of its kind. This board changed the material game for snowboards, allowing for more flexibility and strength than ever before. Then again in 2018, Arbor snowboards further demonstrated their dedication to innovation by introducing a line of boards made from cork instead of plastic. With these two milestones, Arbor showed how committed they are to creating responsible products that maximize performance on snow.

Arbor Whiskey Snowboard (440$) - Most loved Arbor creation

  • Flex Rating: Medium
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Rocker type: Rocker
  • Terrain: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Intermediate-Advanced

It got its name because its looks like a whiskey barrel.

The Whiskey snowboard is the perfect companion for anyone who loves to explore new territories while riding a mixture of park and groomers. Its playful, forgiving nature makes it ideal for both freestyle outside the park as well as off-groomer exploration - all without breaking the bank! It's suitable even for those with some experience in boarding; however absolute beginners may want something with more flex.

Riding the snowboard was a bit like surfing - fast, responsive and easy to initiate turns. While it may not have been stiff enough for some extreme carving maneuvers, its agility made cutting through tight spaces in the trees an absolute joy! The board is also perfect if you're looking for something quick edge-to-edge with moderate speed; however, going too quickly can make things pretty wobbly so take care!


FAQ

Why beginner riders should consider certain brands over others

There are a few reasons why beginner riders should consider certain brands over others. First, some brands offer entry-level Snowboards that are specifically designed for beginner riders. These Snowboards tend to have features that make them easier to ride and more forgiving of mistakes. Finally, some brands simply offer better value for the money. This means that you can get a snowboard that is well-made and has all the features you need without spending a lot of money.

The best snowboard brands for experienced riders

There are a lot of great snowboard brands out there, but some are definitely better than others. For experienced riders, it's important to choose a brand that offers high-quality boards that can handle the rigors of advanced riding. Here are some of the best snowboard brands for experienced riders:

Salomon: Salomon is a French company that has been making quality snowboards for over 20 years. They offer a wide range of boards, from beginner to expert, and their products are backed by a strong warranty.

Nitro : Nitro is an American company that has been making quality snowboards since 1990. They offer a wide range of boards, from beginner to expert, and their products are backed by a lot of professional riders.

Burton: Burton is the most popular snowboard brand in the world, and for good reason. They offer high-quality boards at all levels, and their product line is constantly expanding. They also have a great warranty program.

What is the #1 snowboard brand

In the world of snowboarding, Burton is widely considered the top choice. A Burton snowboard can quite rightly be considered akin to 'the Apple of the tech world'! Known for forward-thinking ideas and intensive research into trailering technology, it's no surprise that the iconic company gains favoritism amongst pros and average riders alike. With their superior engineering, efficient creativity, and almighty performance output, it is easy to see why they are the largest snowboard company in the world.