Snowboards are more than just another piece of gear - they are an investment. With prices ranging from around $250 to more than $1,000 for a new snowboard as of 2009, finding the right snowboard should not be taken lightly. A snowboard should be perfectly suited toward the rider's style and built to last. When buying a new board, look for an established company with a history of producing quality boards - ones that perform well season after season.
Burton Snowboards
Established by Jake Burton in 1977, Burton Snowboards is known for its quality and innovation. Burton boards consistently pushes the envelope each season with new designs and technical innovations. With the variety of boards in its catalog, Burton has a board for every facet of snowboarding, from the Hero Wide Ltd. ($449.95, as of 2009) for park riding to the all-mountain freeriding Vapor ($1,199.95, as of 2009).
Rossignol
Founded in 1907, Rossignol has more than 100 years of snow sports experience behind each of its snowboards. Attention to detail makes this company stand out, particularly with its R.P.M. park board ($299.99, as of 2009). Built with the beginner and intermediate park rider in mind, the R.P.M. features a softer flex, providing a larger margin of error for learning how to ride in the park.
Forum Snowboards
Started by pro snowboarder Peter Line in 1996, Forum Snowboards is known for its progressive approach towards the sport, whether on the mountain, in the park or riding handrails in town. The company's Destroyer board ($449.99, as of 2009), built specifically for riding rails and boxes, typifies Forum's jibbing tendencies. Forum's Scheme board ($449.99, as of 2009) is designed for riding in powder as well as in the park.
About The Author
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear for 5 years. He regularly contributes to The Record Searchlight, uncooped.com, and trails.com as well as other print and online publications. He has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
