As a passionate snowboarder, I know there’s nothing like gliding on fresh powder. It gives you an adrenaline rush and a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else. However, finding the right freeride snowboard that can handle the deep powder is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll analyze some of the top freeride snowboards that are beasts in the pow!
But before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly touch on what a freeride snowboard is supposed to do. Freeride boards are designed for riders who want to ride big mountains, deep snow, and anything the backcountry throws at them. We’re looking for boards that offer stability, control, and edge hold that will allow us to charge through powder and carve up the mountain at high speeds.
So, let’s examine a few freeride snowboards that are proven to be beasts in the pow:
1. Burton Family Tree Skeleton Key
Burton is one of the most popular snowboard brands on the market, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made it onto this list. What makes the Family Tree Skeleton Key stand out is its S-Rocker Shape, which combines camber underfoot with rocker in the nose and tail. This design helps to float easily on pow and provide a surf-like feel.
Additionally, the board has a directional shape that gives it a stable and predictable ride. The board is also incredibly versatile, making it a great choice for any condition. But don’t just take my word for it, the Skeleton Key has won a Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood award in the all-mountain category.
2. Capita Black Snowboard of Death
Capita’s Black Snowboard of Death (BSOD) has been a staple in the freeride snowboarding world for years. The board has a classic camber profile that gives it insane edge hold when carving, allowing it to rip through groomers and pow alike. The board’s stiff flex pattern also provides stability at high speeds and on steep terrain.
The BSOD’s impressive edge hold and precision make it an excellent choice for hard-charging riders. Additionally, the board has a directional shape that makes it float effortlessly in deep powder. The board’s sintered base provides premium speed on long traverses and big lines. The BSOD was so impressive that it won Transworld Snowboarding’s Best Men’s All-Mountain Snowboard award multiple times.
3. Jones Hovercraft
Jeremy Jones is a snowboarding legend, so it’s no surprise that his pro model, the Jones Hovercraft, made it on this list. The board has a unique shape that’s designed to maximize floatation and minimize drag. It’s also incredibly lightweight, which helps when you’re hiking up the mountain for fresh powder.
The board’s trademark feature is its 3D Contour Base 2.0, which has a spoon-like shape that lifts the nose and tail up off the snow. This design helps to keep the board afloat and reduce drag, even in wet and heavy powder. Additionally, the Hovercraft’s tapered shape and directional rocker profile make it incredibly stable when bombing down steeps while keeping it playful enough for shredding pow in tight trees.
4. K2 Marauder
If you’re looking for a snowboard that can handle anything that the mountain throws at it, the K2 Marauder might be the one for you. Its directional shape and all-terrain rocker provide plenty of floatation while its stiff flex—paired with a carbon-laced core—provides stability on hard-packed and variable snow conditions.
One element that truly sets the K2 Marauder apart is its smooth ride quality. It has a dampened feel that gives the rider plenty of control without feeling twitchy or unstable. Additionally, K2’s Ollie Bar gives the Marauder a ton of pop in the tail, which makes it easy to launch off of rollers and natural features. No wonder this board picked up Transworld Snowboarding’s 2019 Best Men’s All-Mountain Snowboard award.
5. Rossignol XV
Xavier De Le Rue is one of the most respected freeride snowboarders in the world, and the Rossignol XV is his pro model. The board is stiff and has a straighter sidecut, which means it requires more oomph to turn it—but when you do, watch out—the board feels like it’s running on rails.
The XV’s board shape is tailored for speed, stability, and quickness in tight terrain. The board’s Hakuba Powder Profile and AmpTek Elite Rocker make it an excellent choice for deep pow, providing superior floatation and edge control. Be warned, though: the XV is better suited for experienced riders that enjoy charging through varied terrain and high-speed carving.
Conclusion
In summary, these five freeride snowboards are proven to be beasts in the pow. From rip-roaring carving to effortless floating, these boards are specifically designed to handle any condition the mountain throws at you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into freeriding, having the right freeride snowboard underfoot is essential for a good time in the mountains.
Now that you know our top picks, it’s up to you to choose one that suits your riding style and level, so get out there and find your beast in the pow!
Image Credit: Pexels