Welcome to the ultimate guide for snowboard enthusiasts!
In this post, we’re breaking down the winners of the Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood Awards; showcasing the best snowboards for both men and women. We’ll be diving into what makes each board unique, with a comprehensive list of tips and tricks for selecting the perfect board for your needs. Get ready to shred the mountain like a pro with our guide to the best snowboards on the market!
What are the Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood Awards?
The Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood Awards are the ultimate recognition for the best snowboards. These awards have been around for over two decades and are widely respected by the snowboarding community. Each year, a team of expert testers ride and review countless snowboards to determine the winners. The testing takes into account factors like stability, handling, versatility, and overall performance. The winning snowboards are then featured in Transworld Snowboarding’s Good Wood issue, where they are showcased as the best of the best. The awards are not just a badge of honor for snowboard brands – they also serve as a valuable guide for snowboarders looking for their next ride. With the Good Wood Awards, you can be sure that you’re getting a board that will take your snowboarding to the next level.
Top Picks for Men’s Snowboards
When it comes to snowboarding, having the right board can make all the difference. Here are the top picks for men’s snowboards from Transworld Snowboarding’s Good Wood Awards:
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Burton Custom – Widely considered the gold standard in snowboarding, the Burton Custom has been a top pick for years. It’s a versatile all-mountain board that can handle any terrain and any style of riding.
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Lib Tech T.Rice Pro – Designed in collaboration with legendary rider Travis Rice, this board is built for backcountry riding and big-mountain terrain. It features Magne-Traction technology for extra grip on hardpack and icy slopes.
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Jones Flagship – Another great choice for big-mountain riding, the Jones Flagship has a directional shape and a stiff flex that gives you plenty of control at high speeds.
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Nitro Team – This all-mountain board is a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who want something that can handle everything from park to powder. It’s lightweight and responsive, with a traditional camber profile that’s perfect for carving.
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K2 Broadcast – If you’re looking for a board that can handle everything from steep chutes to mellow groomers, the K2 Broadcast is a great choice. It’s an all-mountain board with a directional rocker profile that gives you plenty of float in powder.
Top Picks for Women’s Snowboards
When it comes to women’s snowboards, a few key features can make all the difference. First up is flex – many women tend to prefer a board with a softer flex that’s more forgiving, especially if they’re just starting out. The Good Wood Winners for women’s snowboards reflect this, with some excellent choices that combine flexibility with stability and control.
One top pick is the Jones Twin Sister, a freestyle board with a directional twin shape that’s perfect for all-mountain riding. The women-specific design features a narrower waist and a subtle Magne-Traction edge for extra grip and control on hard-packed snow. The Twin Sister is soft enough for playful riding, but won’t let you down when you need to carve your way down a steep section.
Another great option is the GNU Klassy, a board designed by women for women. With a medium-soft flex and a true twin shape, the Klassy is a versatile board that’s equally at home in the park or on the groomers. The serrated MAGNE-TRACTION edges give you extra hold in icy conditions, while the eco-friendly construction ensures you can ride with a clear conscience.
If you’re looking for something a little more hard-charging, the Salomon Wonder is a top choice. This board features a hybrid camber profile that combines the stability of traditional camber with the playfulness of rocker, giving you the best of both worlds. The edge control is rock-solid, while the softer tips make it easy to initiate turns and play around in the park.
Ultimately, the best women’s snowboard for you will depend on your skill level, riding style, and personal preferences. But with the Good Wood Winners as a guide, you can be sure you’re getting a board that’s been thoroughly tested and approved by the experts.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing the Right Snowboard
Choosing the right snowboard can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the sport. The key is to know what features you’re looking for and how they will impact your performance on the mountain. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the right choice:
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Determine your riding style: Are you primarily interested in shredding the park, carving up the groomers or floating through powder? Different snowboards are designed for different riding styles, so knowing what you want to do will help narrow down your options.
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Consider your ability level: Beginners generally require softer and more forgiving boards, while advanced riders may prefer stiffer and more responsive ones. If you’re not sure where you fall on the spectrum, opt for something in the middle that will allow you to progress.
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Look at the size chart: Snowboards come in different lengths, widths and thicknesses, and choosing the right size is crucial for your comfort and performance. Consult the manufacturer’s size chart to find the one that suits your height, weight and shoe size.
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Check the board’s flex: The flex of a snowboard refers to how easily it bends and rebounds, and it affects your ability to control the board in different situations. Flex is typically scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Again, your riding style and ability level are key factors in choosing the right flex.
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Look at the board’s shape and camber: The shape and camber of a snowboard refers to the curvature of the board from tip to tail. Different shapes and cambers affect how the board performs in different types of terrain and snow conditions. For example, a board with a rocker camber is better for powder, while a board with a traditional camber is better for groomed runs.
Remember, the key to finding the right snowboard is to do your research, know your riding style and ability level, and try before you buy if possible. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be carving up the mountain in no time.