best snowboard

Key Takeaways

  • These boards balance stability, forgiveness, and pop for steady progression.
  • Hybrid camber profiles give grip on edge and easy turn initiation.
  • Medium flex rides groomers, side hits, and light powder without drama.
  • Pick the right size for your weight and stance, not just height.

The best intermediate snowboards help you ride faster, turn cleaner, and try new lines with control. Look for a hybrid camber profile that grips on hardpack yet stays easy to start a turn.

A medium flex keeps the board calm at speed and still fun on side hits. True twin or directional twin shapes work great for groomers, trees, and switch laps.

A sintered base holds speed on flats and late-day slush. Pick a size by weight and stance width, not height. With the right deck under your feet, you can carve deeper, pop higher, and handle mixed snow without stress.

Below are ten proven options that make progression feel natural.

Best Intermediate Snowboards

Best Intermediate Snowboards

The Custom Flying V suits riders who want one board for most days. Its hybrid profile blends rocker between the feet with camber underfoot. You get a smooth turn entry and a strong edge hold on hard packs.

The medium flex feels lively but never twitchy. A sintered base keeps speed on long traverses. The directional shape adds stability without killing switch riding.

Pros
  • Forgiving turn initiation
  • Stable through chopped snow
  • Strong edge grip for carves
  • Fast base holds speed
  • Lively pop for side hits
  • Wide size range
Cons
  • Not the fastest in icy conditions
  • Float is moderate in deep snow

The Element Camber rewards clean technique and growing confidence. Arbor’s parabolic camber mellows the contact points, so the board tracks without surprise. Grip feels solid on firm mornings.

The medium flex supports carves, small jumps, and natural features. Arbor’s wood topsheet adds a damp, smooth ride feel.

It rides centered and predictable from first chair to last run.

Pros
  • Confident edge hold
  • Smooth, damp ride feel
  • Predictable, centered balance
  • Quality build and finish
  • Reliable at moderate speed
Cons
  • Less press-friendly than rocker boards
  • Needs tuning to stay fast in spring snow

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The Raygun Pop adds snap to a proven all-mountain shape. Extra camber increases energy out of turns and ollies. It rides easy on groomers and handles trees without fuss. The flex sits right in the middle, so mistakes rarely punish.

It tracks well when the resort gets rough late day. Great value for riders stepping up their pace and control.

Pros
  • Energetic camber feel
  • Easy, confidence-building turns
  • Handles mixed snow well
  • Strong value for money
  • Good stability for the flex
Cons
  • Base speed feels average without fresh wax
  • Not a powder specialist

The DOA is a true twin that loves laps through the park and all-mountain lines. Its hybrid camber profile locks in edge grip yet stays playful. Flex sits around medium, with solid pop for jumps and rollers.

It holds speed and feels composed on firm snow. Intermediates will notice fast progression in spins and carves. It rewards clean input and good stance.

Pros
  • Great pop for jumps
  • Strong edge hold for carving
  • Fast base when waxed
  • True twin for park and switch
  • Proven, durable build
Cons
  • Can feel demanding if you get lazy
  • Moderate float on storm days

The Riders Choice brings asym shaping and Magne-Traction for smart control.

Rocker between the feet keeps turn entry smooth. Camber underfoot adds drive and stability on edge. The asym sidecut makes heelside turns feel natural. 

Flex hits the middle sweet spot for presses and carves. It rides great across groomers, side hits, and soft afternoon bumps.

Pros
  • Magne-Traction grips hard snow
  • Asym turns feel intuitive
  • Balanced flex for park and all-mountain
  • Stable at moderate to higher speeds
  • Fun switch performance
Cons
  • Feels “locked in” to some riders
  • Not ideal for very deep days

The Assassin is a directional twin built for variety. Rock Out Camber gives snap underfoot with a friendly, flat center. It carves clean lines in the morning and pops off every roller. The board stays calm when the snow turns choppy.

 Freestyle moves feel natural thanks to the balanced shape. It’s a do-everything deck that keeps pace as your skills grow.

Pros
  • Versatile across most terrain
  • Balanced for jumps and carves
  • Calm ride in tracked snow
  • Strong edge support at speed
  • Switch riding feels natural
Cons
  • Not the loosest feel for butters
  • Only average float in heavy powder

The Basic helps intermediates build clean habits without drama. CamRock keeps the ride catch-free yet secure on edge. UnderBite sidecut pulls contact points inward for simple, smooth turns.

Flex sits in the middle, so it forgives small mistakes. It handles groomers, side hits, and mellow trees. Price stays friendly while performance stays real.

Pros
  • Easy, confidence-building turn feel
  • Forgiving flex for progression
  • Stable enough for faster laps
  • True twin for switch practice
  • Strong value
Cons
  • Tops out for heavy, hard chargers
  • Needs wax to feel lively in spring

The Rossignol One is a directional all-mountain staple. Its rocker-camber blend grips when needed and releases smoothly.

The ride feels damp and predictable on late-day crud. 

Edge hold stands out on firm days, yet it never feels catchy. Flex runs medium, ideal for learning harder carves and small drops. It’s a steady partner as your speed climbs.

Pros
  • Reliable grip on hard pack
  • Damp, smooth feel in chop
  • Stable directional stance
  • Good energy out of turns
  • Works across many snow types
Cons
  • Not a park standout
  • Only moderate press ability

Jones Mountain Twin

The Mountain Twin blends all-mountain drive with freestyle freedom. Directional twin shaping keeps carves powerful and switch natural.

Camber between the feet adds bite and pop. Tip and tail rocker help in trees and soft snow. The flex leans medium-stiff, so it stays calm at speed. 

It suits riders pushing beyond groomers into bowls, chutes, and natural jumps.

Pros
  • Strong stability at speed
  • Confident edge hold for steeper lines
  • Better float than most twins
  • Durable construction
  • Handles big side hits well
Cons
  • Stiffer feel for mellow butters
  • Heavier than pure park decks

The Warpig is short, wide, and a blast to carve. You size down, gain quick edge-to-edge moves, and keep surface area. The profile balances grip with a surfy release. It loves side hits, trees, and spring slush.

The damp ride helps when the snow gets rough. It’s quirky on paper and addictive on snow.

Pros
  • Carves hard with little effort
  • Quick, nimble feel in tight spaces
  • Stable for size and length
  • Fun in slush and light powder
  • Easy to size for many riders
Cons
  • Less traditional feel for straight park
  • Short length can feel odd at first

Pick the board that matches your daily terrain and pace. Aim for a medium flex and a hybrid profile for the smoothest progress. Size by weight and stance, then lock your angles and go ride.

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