Looking for a freestyle snowboard that can handle everything from park laps to backcountry jumps? Our guide features the top 15 best freestyle snowboards, ranked in climbing order, from the versatile and responsive Burton Custom X to the playful and forgiving Salomon Sleepwalker. Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced rider, there’s a board on this list that will help you take your freestyle skills to new heights. So, strap in and get ready to ride with confidence and style.
Before we dive into our list of the top 15 best freestyle snowboards, let’s check out two basic questions that normally a newbie wants to know.
Q. What makes a freestyle snowboard?
Ans. A freestyle snowboard is designed specifically for riders who enjoy park and freestyle riding. There are a few key characteristics that set freestyle snowboards apart from other types of snowboards:
Flex: Freestyle snowboards typically have a softer flex than all-mountain or freeride snowboards. This softer flex allows for more flexibility and forgiveness, making it easier for riders to initiate and land tricks.
Shape: Freestyle snowboards often have a twin shape, meaning that the board is symmetrical from tip to tail. This allows for easy switch riding and landing, making it easier for riders to perform tricks in either direction.
Camber profile: Many freestyle snowboards feature a camber profile, which is characterized by a curve in the middle of the board. This provides good edge hold and pop, making it easier for riders to ollie and jump.
Width: Freestyle snowboards often have a narrower waist width than other types of snowboards. This provides quicker edge-to-edge transitions, which is important for riders who need to make quick movements in the park.
Q. Is there a difference between a freeride and a freestyle snowboard?
Ans. Yes, there are significant differences between freeride and freestyle snowboards, both in terms of design and intended use.
Freeride snowboards are designed for riders who enjoy riding in variable terrain and backcountry conditions. They typically have a longer, narrower shape and a stiffer flex than freestyle snowboards. This design provides stability and edge hold in steep and challenging terrain, allowing riders to carve at high speeds and navigate through powder with ease. Freeride snowboards often feature a directional shape, meaning that the board has a distinct nose and tail and is intended to be ridden primarily in one direction.
Freestyle snowboards, on the other hand, are designed for riders who enjoy park and freestyle riding. They typically have a shorter, wider shape and a softer flex than freeride snowboards. This design provides flexibility and forgiveness, making it easier for riders to initiate and land tricks. Freestyle snowboards often feature a true twin shape, meaning that the board is symmetrical from tip to tail. This allows for easy switch riding and landing, making it easier for riders to perform tricks in either direction.
Now, since we threw it out of the way, lets take a look at the top 15 best freestyle snowboards, shall we?
Table of Contents
The Burton Custom X
The Burton Custom X is a high-end snowboard that is designed for advanced riders who demand precision and control on the mountain. It’s a directional board with a stiffer flex, camber profile, and a slightly setback stance that makes it ideal for carving and charging through all types of terrain.
Shape:
The Burton Custom X has a directional shape, which means that the nose is longer and wider than the tail. This gives the board better float and control in powder and also allows for smoother turns. The nose is slightly tapered which enhances the board’s performance in deeper snow.
Flex:
The Custom X has a very stiff flex rating of 9 out of 10, making it one of the stiffest boards in Burton’s lineup. This stiffness provides maximum response and stability at high speeds, and allows riders to confidently charge through variable terrain without worrying about the board folding or washing out.
Profile:
The Burton Custom X features a traditional camber profile, which means that the board has a slight arch between the bindings and the contact points. This provides excellent edge hold and stability, especially at higher speeds. The board also has Frostbite edges that extend out slightly beneath the bindings for additional edge hold on hard-packed snow and ice.
Verdict:
The Burton Custom X is a high-performance snowboard that is built for advanced riders who want to charge hard and carve with precision. Its stiff flex, directional shape, and traditional camber profile provide excellent edge hold, stability, and control in all types of snow conditions. While this board is not the best choice for beginners or intermediate riders, it’s a top-of-the-line option for experienced snowboarders who demand the best performance from their equipment.
Slash Brainstorm Splitboard
The Slash Brainstorm Splitboard is a backcountry freestyle all-mountain machine that has been split for enhanced exploration.
The Slash Brainstorm Splitboard is built with a Forever Core that comprises paulownia, spruce, beech, and poplar. This combination makes the board lightweight, responsive, and über powerful, ensuring a smooth ride, whether you’re carving up groomers or slashing powder in the backcountry.
Shape:
The board’s shape is optimized for freestyle riding, and its juiced-up carbon fiber, Kevlar, and basalt stringers give it enhanced float and maneuverability.
Profile:
The board is designed to power through deep snow with ease, thanks to its backseat camrock technology. This technology places rocker in the nose and a slight amount in the tail, with positive camber in between, creating camber stability and control between the feet and in the tail, with the added float and maneuverability of the rockered nose.
Flex:
The flex of the board is rated 6 out of 10, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who like a playful, yet stable ride.
The Traction Bump edges work twofold, providing ultimate grip through turns and also biting hard on the split up. This feature is particularly useful when tackling icy or hard-packed terrain.
Verdict:
The Slash Brainstorm Splitboard is a versatile, high-performance board that’s perfect for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a playful, yet stable ride. The combination of backseat camrock, Traction Bump edges, and Forever Core makes it an excellent choice for riders who want to explore the backcountry without sacrificing on-piste performance.
The Lib Tech Skate Banana
The Lib Tech Skate Banana snowboard is a freestyle board that has gained a cult following due to its innovative design and versatility. It’s a true twin board with a medium-soft flex, hybrid profile, and centered stance that allows riders to have fun in the park while also being able to tackle a variety of terrain.
Shape:
The Skate Banana has a true twin shape, which means that the board has there is no difference in dimensions and profile at both the nose and tail. This allows for balanced riding and makes easy for riders to transition between regular and switch riding. The board also has a slightly wider waist width that enhances its float in powder.
Flex:
The Skate Banana has a medium-soft flex rating of 5.5 out of 10, which provides a playful feel that is ideal for freestyle riding. This flex allows riders to easily press and butter the board, while also providing enough stiffness for stability and pop when hitting jumps or carving on groomers.
Profile:
The Lib Tech Skate Banana features a hybrid profile, which combines rocker between the feet with camber underfoot. This provides the board with excellent float in powder and a forgiving ride, while also enhancing its edge hold and pop. The board also has Magne-Traction edges that feature multiple contact points along the edge for added grip in icy or hard-packed snow conditions.
Verdict:
The Lib Tech Skate Banana is a popular and innovative snowboard that is perfect for riders who want a playful and versatile board that can handle freestyle riding and all-mountain cruising. Its true twin shape, medium-soft flex, and hybrid profile provide a perfect balance of playfulness, response, and control. This board is ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that is easy to ride and can handle a variety of snow conditions. Overall, the Lib Tech Skate Banana is a fun and reliable board that will keep you smiling from the park to the backcountry.
The Arbor Relapse
The Arbor Relapse snowboard is a versatile and stylish board that is designed for freestyle riding. It’s a true twin board with a medium flex, camber profile, and centered stance that allows riders to have fun in the park while also being able to tackle a variety of terrain outside the park.
Shape:
The Arbor Relapse has a true twin shape, which means that the board has the same dimensions and profile at both the nose and tail. This symmetry allows for balanced riding and makes it easy for riders to transition between regular and switch riding. The board also has a slightly wider waist width that enhances its float in powder.
Flex:
The Relapse has a medium flex rating of 5 out of 10, which provides a good balance of response and playfulness. This flex allows riders to easily press and butter the board, but also provides enough stiffness for stability and pop when hitting jumps or carving on groomers.
Profile:
The Arbor Relapse features a traditional camber profile, which provides excellent edge hold and pop, especially at higher speeds. The board also has Grip Tech edges that are designed to provide additional edge hold on hard-packed snow and ice. This technology enhances the board’s ability to carve and maintain control in variable conditions.
Verdict:
The Arbor Relapse snowboard is a fun and versatile board that is perfect for riders who want a board that can handle freestyle riding and all-mountain cruising. Its true twin shape, medium flex, and traditional camber profile provide a perfect balance of playfulness, response, and control. This board is ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that is easy to ride and can handle a variety of snow conditions. Overall, the Arbor Relapse is a reliable board that will keep you feeling confident and stylish on the mountain.
Check out the comprehensive review of the Rome Ravine Snowboard, read it here.
Ride Twinpig
The Ride Twinpig snowboard is a playful and versatile board that is designed for freestyle riding. It’s a true twin board with a medium-soft flex, hybrid profile, and centered stance that allows riders to have fun in the park while also being able to tackle a variety of terrain outside the park.
Shape:
The Ride Twinpig has a true twin shape and has the same dimensions and profile at both the nose and tail. This board allows for balanced riding and easy for riders to transition between regular and switch riding. The board also has a wider waist width and shortened sidecut radius that enhances its maneuverability and edge-to-edge quickness.
Flex:
The Twinpig has a medium-soft flex rating of 4 out of 10, which provides a playful and forgiving feel that is ideal for freestyle riding. This flex allows riders to easily press and butter the board, while also providing enough stiffness for stability and pop when hitting jumps or carving on groomers.
Profile:
The Ride Twinpig features a hybrid profile, which combines rocker between the feet with camber underfoot. This provides the board with excellent float in powder and a forgiving ride, while also enhancing its edge hold and pop. The board also has a Roll-In Slimewall sidewall construction that dampens vibrations and provides a smooth ride.
Verdict:
The Ride Twinpig snowboard is a fun and playful board that is perfect for riders who want a board that can handle freestyle riding and all-mountain cruising. Its true twin shape, medium-soft flex, and hybrid profile provide a perfect balance of playfulness, response
The Capita Scott Stevens Pro
The Capita Scott Stevens Pro is a snowboard designed for freestyle riding and is named after professional snowboarder Scott Stevens.
Shape:
The board has a twin shape, meaning that the nose and tail have the same shape and size, making it easy to ride switch (riding with your opposite foot forward). It has a flat camber profile, which means that the board sits flat on the snow with no curve in the middle. The board also has Capita’s unique “Freestyle FK” technology, which combines flat camber with lifted contact points on the nose and tail for a forgiving ride that can handle a variety of terrain.
Flex:
The board has a medium-soft flex, which makes it ideal for jibbing, buttering, and spinning. It has a playful feel and is easy to manipulate, allowing riders to be creative with their tricks.
Verdict:
The Capita Scott Stevens Pro is a great choice for riders who want a playful and forgiving board for freestyle riding. Its flat camber profile and medium-soft flex make it easy to jib, butter, and spin, while its twin shape and Freestyle FK technology give it versatility on a variety of terrain. Overall, it’s a great board for riders who want to have fun and get creative in the park.
Rome Agent
The Rome Agent is a popular all-mountain snowboard that’s designed to handle a wide range of terrain and conditions.
Shape:
The board has a directional twin shape, which means that the nose is slightly longer and wider than the tail. This gives the board more float in powder and stability at high speeds. The Rome Agent also features a “QuickRip” sidecut, which allows the board to turn quickly and easily, making it great for carving.
Flex:
The board has a medium flex, making it a versatile choice for riders who like to mix up their riding style. It’s soft enough to be playful and forgiving, but still provides enough support and responsiveness for more aggressive riding.
Profile:
The Rome Agent features a hybrid camber/rocker profile, with camber underfoot for pop and stability, and rocker in the nose and tail for float in powder and forgiveness on landings.
Verdict:
The Rome Agent is a great all-mountain board that can handle a wide range of conditions and terrain. Its directional twin shape, QuickRip sidecut, and hybrid camber/rocker profile make it versatile and responsive, while its medium flex provides a good balance of support and playfulness. This board is a good choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from groomers to powder to park features.
Niche Wraith
The Niche Wraith is a high-performance all-mountain snowboard that’s designed to handle a variety of terrain and conditions.
Shape:
The board has a directional shape, with a slightly longer and wider nose than the tail. This gives the board better float in powder and also gives stability at high speeds. The Wraith also features a setback stance, which places the bindings closer to the tail of the board for better control in deep snow.
Flex:
The board has a medium-stiff flex, making it ideal for aggressive riding and high-speed runs. It provides excellent stability and responsiveness while still being forgiving enough for some freestyle tricks.
Profile:
The Niche Wraith features a hybrid camber/rocker profile, with camber underfoot for stability and pop, and rocker in the nose and tail for float in powder and forgiveness on landings.
Verdict:
The Niche Wraith is a great all-mountain board that excels in a variety of conditions. Its directional shape, setback stance, and hybrid camber/rocker profile make it a great choice for riders who like to ride fast and hard. The medium-stiff flex provides the support and response needed for aggressive riding, while still allowing for some playful freestyle maneuvers. This board is best suited for intermediate to
Yes Dicey
The Yes Dicey Snowboard is a versatile snowboard suitable for both freestyle and all-mountain terrains. The extruded base material is softer than sintered bases and is easier to fix with a P-Tex stick if it gets scratched. It retains wax better and is quicker at lower speeds when waxed correctly.
Shape:
Its shape features a true twin design, which means that it is symmetrical and identical at both ends of the board, making it suitable for riding switch. The radial sidecut is effective and predictable, providing complete freedom of expression while keeping the board neutral and responsive.
Profile:
The midbite technology blends the response of a narrow waist width with the stability of a wider nose and tail, giving the board better edge control and stability. The CamRock profile combines the response of camber with the floatability of rocker. The camber between the feet acts as a spring, keeping the contact points on the ground and providing edge hold for longer. The rocker accentuates the camber and lifts the nose out more, allowing it to float better.
Flex:
The flex rating for the Yes Dicey Snowboard is 6 out of 10, which means that it is a medium flex board. The full poplar woodcore construction is lightweight and provides a predictable balance between durability and consistent flex. The biaxial glass laminates add more response and pop to the board.
Verdict:
The Yes Dicey Snowboard is an excellent option for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a versatile board that can handle various terrains. Its CamRock profile, true twin shape, midbite technology, and medium flex rating provide excellent edge control, stability, and predictability while allowing complete freedom of expression.
GNU FB Head Space Asym C3
The GNU FB Head Space Asym C3 snowboard is a freestyle all-mountain board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a versatile and playful board. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The FB Head Space Asym C3 snowboard features an asymmetric twin shape, which means that the board has a symmetrical shape along the length, but the heel and toe edges are different. This design helps to compensate for the differences in body mechanics between heel and toe turns, providing more control and balance. Additionally, the board has a medium-wide waist width, which provides stability on landings and a better platform for rail and jib tricks.
Flex:
The board has a medium flex rating, which provides a balance between responsiveness and forgiveness. The flex allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and provides stability on jumps and rails, while the slight softness in the flex helps absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable ride.
Profile:
The FB Head Space Asym C3 snowboard features a camber-dominant hybrid profile known as C3. This profile has traditional camber underfoot for edge hold and pop, with mild rocker between the bindings for float in powder and catch-free turns. This profile also features a slight banana rocker in the nose and tail for added float in deep snow and a playful feel.
Verdict:
Overall, the GNU FB Head Space Asym C3 snowboard is a versatile and playful board that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. Its asymmetric twin shape, medium flex, and C3 hybrid profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to powder days. Additionally, the board’s eco-conscious construction and use of sustainable materials make it a responsible choice for environmentally-conscious riders.
Never Summer Proto Slinger
The Never Summer Proto Slinger snowboard is next in the list of best freestyle snowboards. It is a freestyle all-mountain board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a versatile and responsive board. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The Proto Slinger snowboard features a directional twin shape, which means that the board has a symmetrical shape along the length but a slightly longer nose than the tail. This design helps with the float in powder and stability at high speeds while still allowing for switch riding. The board also has a mid-wide waist width, which provides stability on landings and a better platform for rail and jib tricks.
Flex:
The board has a medium-stiff flex rating, which provides a balance between responsiveness and forgiveness. The stiffer flex allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and provides stability on jumps and rails, while the slight softness in the flex helps absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable ride.
Profile:
The Proto Slinger snowboard features a Shock Wave Rocker Camber – Shock Wave Rocker Camber gives you the shock of explosive power and the fluid feel of riding a wave. SWRC features longer camber areas under the bindings for huge pop and vice like stability with a smaller rocker area in between that retains quick turn initiation and flotation. The hallmarks of the patented Rocker Camber Profile. Additionally, the board features a V-shaped carbon fiber layout in the nose and tail for added stability and pop.
Verdict:
Overall, the Never Summer Proto Slinger snowboard is a versatile and responsive board that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. Its directional twin shape, medium-stiff flex, and Fusion Rocker Camber profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to powder days. Additionally, the board’s high-quality construction and use of premium materials make it a durable and long-lasting choice for serious riders.
Check out snowboarding size chart to help you select the right size board, click here.
Bataleon Disaster
The Bataleon Disaster snowboard is next on the list of best freestyle snowboards. It is a park-specific board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that excels at rails, boxes, and other park features. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The Disaster snowboard features a true twin shape, which means that the board has the same shape and flex pattern on both the nose and tail. This design allows for switch riding and landing tricks in either direction. Additionally, the board has a narrow waist width, which makes it easier to maneuver on rails and boxes.
Flex:
The Disaster snowboard has a soft flex rating, which provides a lot of forgiveness and playfulness. The softness in the flex allows for easy turn initiation and provides a comfortable ride on landings. However, this flex pattern may not provide enough stability for high-speed riding or aggressive carving.
Profile:
The Disaster snowboard features Bataleon’s signature Triple Base Technology (3BT) profile. This profile has a traditional camber underfoot for edge hold and pop, with uplifted side bases that provide a loose and catch-free feel on rails and boxes. Additionally, the board features a park-specific jib 3BT shape, which has a flatter center base and longer side bases for maximum stability on rails.
Verdict:
Overall, the Bataleon Disaster snowboard is a park-specific board that excels at rails, boxes, and other park features. Its true twin shape, soft flex, and 3BT profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a playful and forgiving board for park riding. However, the soft flex may not be suitable for those who prefer more stability and control at higher speeds or aggressive carving.
YES Jackpot
The YES Jackpot snowboard is a freestyle park board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from rails to jumps. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The Jackpot snowboard features a true twin shape, which means that the board has the same shape and flex pattern on both the nose and tail. This design allows for switch riding and landing tricks in either direction. Additionally, the board has a mid-wide waist width, which provides stability on landings and a better platform for rail and jib tricks.
Flex:
The board has a medium flex rating, which provides a balance between responsiveness and forgiveness. The medium flex allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and provides stability on jumps and rails, while the slight softness in the flex helps absorb vibrations and provide a comfortable ride.
Profile:
The Jackpot snowboard features a hybrid profile known as CamRock. This profile has rocker in the nose and tail for float in powder and a catch-free feel, while camber underfoot provides edge hold and pop. Additionally, the board features a carbon stringer that runs from the inserts to the tip and tail for added pop and response.
Verdict:
Overall, the YES Jackpot snowboard is a versatile and responsive board that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. Its true twin shape, medium flex, and CamRock profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to powder days. Additionally, the board’s high-quality construction and use of premium materials make it a durable and long-lasting choice for serious riders. Whether you’re jibbing rails, launching off jumps, or shredding through powder, the YES Jackpot is a board that won’t let you down.
Capita Defenders of Awesome
Next on the list of best freestyle snowboards is The Capita Defenders of Awesome (DOA). This snowboard is an all-mountain freestyle board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park features to backcountry powder. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The DOA snowboard features a true twin shape, which means that the board has the same shape and flex pattern on both the nose and tail. This design allows for switch riding and landing tricks in either direction. Additionally, the board has a mid-wide waist width, which provides stability on landings and a better platform for rail and jib tricks.
Flex:
The DOA snowboard has a medium to stiff flex rating, which provides a balance between responsiveness and stability. The medium stiffness allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and provides stability on jumps and rails, while the slight stiffness in the flex helps provide control at high speeds and aggressive carving.
Profile:
The DOA snowboard features a hybrid profile known as Resort V1 Profile. This profile has traditional camber underfoot for edge hold and pop, with a flat section between the bindings for stability and a rocker in the nose and tail for float in powder and a catch-free feel.
Verdict:
Overall, the Capita Defenders of Awesome snowboard is a versatile and responsive board that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. Its true twin shape, medium to stiff flex, and Resort V1 Profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to powder days. Additionally, the board’s high-quality construction and use of premium materials make it a durable and long-lasting choice for serious riders. Whether you’re jibbing rails, launching off jumps, or shredding through powder, the DOA is a board that can do it all.
Salomon Sleepwalker
Next on the list of best freestyle snowboards is The Salomon Sleepwalker snowboard. This is a freestyle board designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park features to groomed runs. Here’s an overview of its shape, flex, and profile:
Shape:
The Sleepwalker snowboard features a true twin shape, which means that the board has the same shape and flex pattern on both the nose and tail. This design allows for switch riding and landing tricks in either direction. Additionally, the board has a narrow waist width, which provides quick edge-to-edge transitions and a playful feel.
Flex:
The board has a soft to medium flex rating, which provides a forgiving and playful ride. The soft flex allows for easy presses and butters, while the slight stiffness in the flex helps provide stability on jumps and landings.
Profile:
The Sleepwalker snowboard features a hybrid profile known as Rock Out Camber. This profile has a camber underfoot for edge hold and pop, with a rocker in the nose and tail for float in powder and a catch-free feel. Additionally, the board features Salomon’s EQ Rad sidecut, which helps provide a smooth and predictable ride.
Verdict:
Overall, the Salomon Sleepwalker snowboard is a playful and forgiving board that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. Its true twin shape, soft to medium flex, and Rock Out Camber profile make it a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to groomed runs. Additionally, the board’s high-quality construction and use of premium materials make it a durable and long-lasting choice for serious riders. Whether you’re hitting rails in the park or cruising down groomers, the Sleepwalker is a board that will keep you smiling all day long.
So, hope you like the collection of the top 15 Best freestyle snowboards in 2023, if you think I missed out on some seriously dope snowboards, please mention them in the comment. Take good care of yourself, see you in the next post.
