The Best Women's Snowboards

For this test group we rode more than 20 models of women’s specific snowboards and reviewed them side-by-side. The boards were rated by considering the handling, pop and energy, versatility, edge hold and sustainability/craftsmanship. The Gear Institute Rating is the combined score across all categories, representing the highest overall level of performance. Only the top rated snowboards made the final cut. Snow conditions consisted of variable wintery snow with hard-packed groomers, and wind-buffed powder at Mammoth Mountain in California. Reviewers consisted of experienced local snowboarders and visiting snowboard shop employees from Southern California.

What is a Women's Snowboard?

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Women’s snowboarding is having a moment. Participation is at an all-time high and snowboard manufacturers are responding with equipment designed specifically for female snowboarders. The options for women’s snowboarders are plenty.  From beginner and introductory boards to intermediate, advanced, all-mountain and freeride boards, there is truly something for every type of rider.

All-mountain snowboards are designed to fill a one-board quiver, or to handle a variety of snow conditions. These boards are the best of both worlds from riding groomers, to terrain park laps, and steep and deep lines off the top of the mountain. While many specialty boards exist, the all-mountain category is consistently the most popular snowboard design for purchases because of the versatility of these boards.

Women’s snowboards are designed specifically for a smaller, lighter-weight rider with smaller feet. While many women can also ride general snowboards, the flex pattern of women’s boards and the size options available are more accommodating for many women. And after all, having equipment that fits your body and riding style will speed up the progression curve and allow you to have more fun while you are at it.

Review Year
Best in Class
Overall Rating
Price
Name Overall Rating Ratings The Good The Bad Price
Jones Snowboards Women’s Flagship
94
Best in Class
2016
Handling 10
Pop + Energy 8
Float 8
Versatility 9
Edge Hold 9
Sustainability/Craft... 10

Stable in variable conditions

Holds an edge well for big turns

Solid at high speed

Might be too much board for some

Not playful

MSRP
$599.00
BEST DEAL
Gnu B-Pro – 20th Anniversary Edition
92
Handling 9
Pop + Energy 8
Float 8
Versatility 9
Edge Hold 9
Sustainability/Craft... 9

One board does it all

Eco-friendly manufacturing

Many size options

Medium flex

Jones Airheart
90
Handling 8
Pop + Energy 8
Float 7
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 9
Sustainability/Craft... 10

Lightweight and poppy

Great handling and precision at speed

Fun for carving all mountain terrain

Not a one-board quiver

Moderate float

MSRP
$869.99
BEST DEAL
evo
Roxy Torah Bright XC2 BTX
89
Handling 8
Pop + Energy 8
Float 7
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 9
Sustainability/Craft... 9

Great control and handling

Progressive board

Playful and lively

Only made in a few sizes

Not as aggressive as other boards reviewed

MSRP
$539.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Burton Family Tree High Spirits
88
Handling 8
Pop + Energy 8
Float 9
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 7
Sustainability/Craft... 8

Superior float for powder

Fun carving board

Versatile free ride board

Only available in two sizes

MSRP
$599.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Burton Feelgood Flying V
87
Handling 8
Pop + Energy 8
Float 8
Versatility 9
Edge Hold 7
Sustainability/Craft... 7

Not too stiff, not too soft

Good handling on groomers

Great edge-to-edge control

More playful than speedster

Not the best in variable terrain

MSRP
$579.95
BEST DEAL
Arbor Swoon Camber
86
Handling 8
Pop + Energy 7
Float 7
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 7
Sustainability/Craft... 9

Good dampening

Stable at speed

Made from sustainably sourced materials

Might be too stiff for some

Not playful

MSRP
$449.95
BEST DEAL
Burton Family Tree Storyboard
86
Handling 8
Pop & Energy 8
Float 8
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 8
Craftsmanship 6

Playful, poppy & snappy

Handles a variety terrain with ease

Eats up variable snow conditions

An aggressive board that’s also fun

Only two sizes

Too advanced for beginner/intermediate riders

MSRP
$599.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Yes Snowboards Emoticon
82
Handling 7
Pop & Energy 7
Float 6
Versatility 8
Edge Hold 8
Craftsmanship 6

Great intermediate snowboard

Good carving & initiating turns

Narrow design & small sizes

Not made for high speed charging

Variable terrain was challenging

Advanced riders will want more

MSRP
$399.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Burton Yeasayer Flying V
80
Handling 7
Pop & Energy 7
Float 7
Versatility 7
Edge Hold 6
Craftsmanship 6

Fun lively feel

Versatile for all mountain riding

New & improved DejaVu design

Easy to turn

Does not handle speed

Only small sizes available

Limited to intermediate terrain

MSRP
$459.99
BEST DEAL
Ride Warpig
77
Handling 6
Pop & Energy 6
Float 7
Versatility 7
Edge Hold 6
Craftsmanship 5

Versatile for riders who can tame it

Handles high speed well

Likes variable snow conditions

Short wide design is maneuverable

Too much board for small riders

Few sizing choices

Nearly uncontrollable

Not designed for women

MSRP
$499.95
BEST DEAL
Yes Snowboards Hel Yes
77
Handling 6
Pop & Energy 6
Float 7
Versatility 6
Edge Hold 7
Craftsmanship 5

Versatile for riders who can tame it

Handles high speed well

Likes variable snow conditions

Short wide design is maneuverable

Too much board for small riders

Few sizing choices

Nearly uncontrollable

Not designed for women

MSRP
$499.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
Jones Snowboards Women’s Flagship

The Women’s Flagship is the ultimate snowboard built for confident women who want to ride advanced terrain. The board is on the most aggressive end of the spectrum for women’s riding and will satisfy the need for speed and a stable ride.  Beware of upgrading to this board before you are ready.

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