10 Best Snowboard Brands for Every Type of Rider

With the rising popularity of snowboarding in recent years, the sport has truly gone mainstream. According to Snowsports Industries America, snowboarding participation has increased 14% over the past decade to reach nearly 8 million riders in the U.S. alone.

As more people discover the thrill of carving down snow-covered slopes, the market for snowboard gear is booming. But with so many brands and models available, choosing your first (or next) snowboard can feel overwhelming. That‘s why we‘ve compiled this expert guide to the very best snowboard brands on the market.

Whether you‘re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your ride, you‘ll find the perfect board for your needs on this list. We‘ll dive deep into the history, technology, and must-have models from the most respected names in snowboarding. You‘ll also get useful tips for picking the ideal board based on your riding style, experience level and budget.

So strap in as we countdown the top 10 snowboard brands that are pushing the sport to new heights!

#1: Burton Snowboards

No list of the best snowboard brands would be complete without Burton. Founded in 1977 by Jake Burton Carpenter, this Vermont-based company is one of the longest-running and most successful snowboard manufacturers in the world.

Burton played a pivotal role in transforming snowboarding from a niche hobby to the mainstream sport it is today. The company has always been an innovator, constantly developing cutting-edge designs and technology. Many of their team riders like Shaun White and Kelly Clark are household names who have dominated the competition circuit.

Some of Burton‘s most acclaimed snowboard models include:

• Burton Custom ($630) – This versatile all-mountain board is a perennial bestseller. It features a directional shape and camber profile for precision carving.

• Burton Process ($530) – A true twin freestyle board at a more affordable price point. Great for park riding and tricks.

• Burton Flight Attendant ($600) – A freeride board designed to handle any and all terrain. The directional camber and tapered shape provide excellent float in powder.

In addition to making killer snowboard gear, Burton is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Their sustainability goals include using 100% renewable energy and eliminating hazardous chemical use. Burton also founded the Chill Foundation in 1995 to help disadvantaged youth build life skills through snowboarding.

#2: Lib Technologies

Lib Tech has been handcrafting high-performance snowboards in the U.S. since 1977. This pioneering brand is known for its innovative manufacturing techniques, funky graphics, and commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Lib Tech‘s unique serrated edge technology called Magne-Traction adds seven strategic contact points along the board edges for superior grip on hardpack and ice. They also developed a patented Banana rocker profile that puts rocker between the feet for catch-free riding while keeping the tip and tail flat for stability.

Lib Tech has an eclectic team of top pro and amateur riders who embody the brand‘s core values and progressive style. Some of their most popular models include:

• T.Rice Orca ($650) – Pro rider Travis Rice‘s pro model board that excels in powder. Features a unique swallowtail shape.

• Skate Banana BTX ($500) – Lib Tech‘s flagship park board with a soft reverse camber for easy pressing and buttering.

• Cold Brew ($450) – An all-mountain freestyle deck at a budget-friendly price. The C3 camber profile delivers pop and power.

Lib Tech is dedicated to sustainable manufacturing in the U.S.A. They use non-toxic materials, water-based inks, 100% solar power, and locally harvested trees in their products. Lib Tech also offers free shipping and a 3-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

#3: GNU

GNU is Lib Tech‘s funky younger sibling brand founded in 1977. Based out of the same eco-friendly facility in Washington state, GNU shares Lib Tech‘s commitment to quality manufacturing and environmental stewardship.

However, GNU has always done things a bit differently, with a special focus on progressing women‘s snowboarding. In the 1980s, GNU produced some of the first pro-model and women-specific snowboards to support female riders. Their Ladies Choice model, designed by legendary rider Barrett Christy, is still a top seller today.

GNU is all about the quirkiness, with wild graphics and collaborations with avant-garde artists. They‘ve won TransWorld SNOWboarding‘s Good Wood Award for board design many times. Some standout GNU models are:

• Riders Choice ($580) – This C2X all-terrain killer has a rocker/camber hybrid profile for power and float.

• Klassy ($430) – A soft jib board made for the park with a flat profile between the feet. Asymmetric design for heel-toe balance.

• Mullair ($600) – Big mountain pro rider Nico Muller‘s signature freeride board. Equipped with Magne-Traction for ultimate edge hold.

As part of the Mervin Manufacturing family alongside Lib Tech, GNU adheres to the same stringent eco-standards in their production. Most of their boards use recycled steel edges, bio-plastics and water-based graphics for minimal impact.

#4: Jones Snowboards

Founded in 2008 by legendary freerider Jeremy Jones, this eponymous brand has quickly earned a reputation for producing premium, big mountain focused snowboards. Their claim to fame is innovative 3D base contours that improve edge control and float in any snow conditions.

Jones is all about the backcountry, with most models designed for off-piste powder hunting and epic lines. They use high-end materials like bamboo, flax and basalt to create damp, responsive boards that can handle rough terrain. Standout designs include:

• Flagship ($600) – Jeremy Jones‘ pro model built for hardcore freeriding. Features a blunt nose and directional rocker for speed and float.

• Hovercraft ($500) – Short and wide powder board that lives up to its name. Spoon-shaped 3D Contour Base lifts the edges for a surfy feel.

• Women‘s Stratos ($630) – Freeride board designed by the Elena Hight with a directional shape and camber profile. Built to charge steeps.

Jones is a member of 1% For The Planet and has donated over $1 million to environmental nonprofits since 2010. They also use FSC-certified wood cores, water-based finishes and recycled materials in their boards. Plus they plant one tree for every snowboard sold!

#5: Arbor Collective

Arbor is all about crafting snowboards that honor the roots of the sport and the raw beauty of the mountains. With a brand history dating back to 1995, Arbor has stayed true to its ethos of sustainability, progression and craftsmanship.

Arbor pioneered the use of bamboo and other renewable wood materials in snowboard construction. They believe in a "farm-to-mountain" approach that emphasizes sustainably sourced, handmade products. Unique wood topsheets are a hallmark of Arbor boards.

Some of their most well-received models are:

• Bryan Iguchi Pro Camber ($580) – Directional freeride board designed by veteran pro Bryan Iguchi for stability at high speeds.

• Whiskey ($450) – Versatile all-mountain twin with a medium flex pattern and recycled steel edges.

• Swoon Camber ($430) – Women‘s specific all-terrain board with recycled steel edges and a sustainably sourced wood core.

Arbor is deeply involved in the preservation of forests, particularly in Hawaii where they support the replenishment of native Koa trees. Arbor also advocates for the protection of public lands where we all love to ride. They‘ve given over $300,000 to groups like the Conservation Alliance and Protect Our Winters.

How to Choose the Right Snowboard

Now that you‘re familiar with some of the top snowboard brands, it‘s time to find your perfect ride. Consider these key factors when making your selection:

Riding Style – Where do you spend most of your time on the mountain? If you love ripping groomers, look for a stiffer cambered board. Park rats may prefer a softer reverse camber deck for easier presses. Powder hounds will want a tapered, directional board with a rockered nose.

Ability Level – Beginners will progress faster on a more forgiving, softer board. Advanced riders can handle aggressive camber profiles and stiffer flex ratings. When in doubt, opt for an all-mountain board with medium flex.

Board Size – Length is primarily determined by your height and weight. Use the manufacturer‘s size chart to find your range. Width should be based on your boot size – you want minimal overhang for toe/heel drag. Shorter boards are easier to turn while longer boards are more stable at high speeds.

Shape and Profile – Consider the sidecut radius (smaller = tighter turns), waist width (wider = more stable), nose/tail shape and camber/rocker profile. Many brands offer a range of hybrid profiles or 3D base designs to achieve different performance characteristics.

Price – More expensive boards ($500+) generally use higher-quality materials and construction for better durability and ride quality. However, you can find very capable boards for less if you‘re just starting out. Look for previous season models to save some cash.

Graphics – While it won‘t impact performance, the topsheet artwork may sway your decision. Most brands refresh their graphics every year, so shop previous seasons if you want a specific design.

Snowboard Maintenance 101

Your new snowboard is an investment that should last for many seasons with proper maintenance. Follow these basic tuning and storage guidelines to keep your board in tip-top shape:

• Wax your base regularly to prevent oxidation and improve glide. How often depends on how much you ride, but aim for at least every 3-4 days on the slopes. You can either DIY with an iron and all-temp wax, or get it done professionally at a local shop.

• Inspect your board for damage after each use. Minor scratches and dings are normal, but deeper gouges should be filled with P-tex repair candles.

• Detune your edges periodically with a gummy stone to avoid catching an edge unexpectedly. Only file down burrs though – you still want your edges sharp for carving.

• Store your board properly in the off-season. Wipe it down thoroughly to remove dirt and moisture, then put it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. You can hang it on a wall rack or store it flat on the ground. Avoid leaving it strapped together with your bindings to prevent camber collapse.

FAQ

Q: What are the different types of snowboards?

A: The four main categories of snowboards are: all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, and powder/backcountry. All-mountain boards are the most versatile for any terrain or snow conditions. Freestyle boards are flexy and short for park riding and tricks. Freeride boards are stiffer and directional for high speeds and big lines. Powder boards are tapered and rockered for epic float in deep snow.

Q: How often should I wax my snowboard?

A: It depends on the conditions and how frequently you ride, but a good rule of thumb is to wax your board every 3-5 days on the mountain. At minimum, you should be waxing at the beginning and end of each season. If you notice your base looking white and dry, or you feel like you‘re riding slower than usual, it‘s time for a fresh coat!

Q: How long does a snowboard last?

A: With proper care and storage, a quality snowboard can last up to 10 years or 150-200 days on the slopes. However, most riders will upgrade their gear before that due to changing preferences or wear and tear. You may get fewer seasons out of a board if you‘re putting serious mileage on it or frequently riding park features.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you the information and inspiration needed to find your dream snowboard. Whether you‘re just getting into the sport or looking to level up your game, investing in a high-quality board from a reputable brand is essential.

There‘s a reason the names on this list have stood the test of time – they continue to innovate and refine their offerings to meet the demands of the modern rider. From stunning graphics, to sustainable tech, to gender-specific designs, these brands put creative passion into every board.

Remember, different boards excel in different conditions, so read the specs carefully and choose based on your unique riding style. When in doubt, ask for advice from a knowledgeable salesperson or fellow snowboarder.

Once you‘ve got your new stick, be sure to show it some TLC with regular waxing and repairs. That way you can shred for many years to come!

Now get out there, support these awesome snowboard brands, and enjoy the pure stoke of an epic day in the mountains. See you on the slopes!