We scored boards on overall performance, responsiveness, turning ability, pop, and performance at speed, and dove deep on flex, carving chops, and more. Skill sets ranged from intermediate to local-legend status-a critical mix that helped us assess which boards are best for each specific skill level.Īfter hammering two or three laps on a board-occasionally more if the deck deserved it-testers returned to shredquarters to fill out comprehensive review forms. Riders made the pilgrimage from as far as Whistler, BC and as near as Sugar Bowl’s own terrain park. We had over 30 testers in the mix-enough to handle 54 solid decks submitted by brands big and boutique alike. Finally, the last couple days of the test were some of the best of the season: deep conditions with hardly anyone out. Translation: a mangled, re-frozen mess ideal for determining which boards can hang when the going gets tough. Then a storm rolled in, leaving ungroomed slopes covered in a thin blanket of fresh snow. We started with a sunny, slushy spring day. Our test was blessed with perfect testing conditions to match. We set up shop a snowball’s throw from the base of the Disney quad chair, enabling quick access to everything from rippable groomers to spicy cliffs. The independently-owned resort offers the exceedingly rare combination of low-key liftlines and high-quality freeride terrain. This year’s snowboard test was a five-day, mid-April board bash on the crown jewel of Tahoe’s Donner Summit: Sugar Bowl. Number of Stern Talking-To’s By Ski Patrol: Oneįat Tire Cases Offered to Ski Patrol as Atonement: More than one Longest distance anyone traveled to help us test: 995.5 miles Read more: The Best Splitboarding Gear of 2023 How We Test Regardless of discipline, they all have one thing in common: they’re damn fun. Decks range from park and pow specialists to all-mountain crushers. We’ll donate 100 percent of the proceeds to The Outdoorist Oath.īelow, you’ll find the best snowboards of 2023, tested and selected by an all-star crew at Sugar Bowl this past spring. Outside’s partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, print a free shipping label, and send them off. ![]() Free Gear UpcyclingWhen it’s time to upgrade your gear, don’t let the old stuff go to waste–donate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill.
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