2024's Best Snowboards! The Top 10 Badass Boards this winter!
It's almost time! With the 2023 Australian winter season just around the corner, it's time to get stoked for another epic season! The best way to get stoked is to find the perfect board to match your style. This is not always an easy take and can feel a bit like searching for untouched pow the morning after a big dump – not always that easy, but totally worth it when you find it! And hey, that's what we're here for! Australia is in the lucky position to get the latest boards a season ahead of the northern hemisphere! So we've scoured the snowboard universe, gathering insider info and industry trends to compile a list of the top 10 all-mountain 2024 boards. In this rundown, we'll explore a variety of board brands, technologies, profiles, and features catering to riders of all skill levels and styles, all while checking out the latest updates to boards making a comeback from last year.
With this guide, you'll be set to find the perfect board to match your riding style, skill level, and preferences, ensuring that you'll be tearing up the slopes in style this season. We cherry-picked our favourites from some top-tier brands and utilised reviews, technologies, and specs to tailor-make a list of the most steezy boards dropping this year. The type of Boards that will be turning heads and carving up a storm and leaving trails of stoke in their wake. Let's dive in!
1. Bataleon Cruiser+ 2024
New to the Bataleon lineup is the Cruiser+, a board that's been making some serious noise in the snowboarding world. This bad boy brings the best of both worlds, combining the charging prowess of a powder board with the versatility of an all-mountain slayer. The Cruiser+ features Bataleon's signature Triple Base Technology (3BT) with a medium flex and SideKick tips, making it a smooth and stable ride perfect for shredding the Australian snowfields. This board's been racking up rave reviews from mags like Snowboarder and TransWorld SNOWboarding, and it's no surprise why: the Cruiser+ is the ultimate all-terrain weapon.
The Cruiser+ outshined other boards in Bataleon's 2023 lineup, including the Goliath, Evil Twin, and Whatever, thanks to its superior versatility, impressive edge control, and the perfect balance of playfulness and response. The Cruiser+ has been meticulously designed to cater to a wide range of riding styles, ensuring that you can conquer everything from deep powder to groomed runs with confidence and finesse. Its unique 3BT profile with SideKick tips not only provides excellent edge hold and responsiveness but also delivers effortless float in powder and smooth turn initiation. As if that wasn't enough, Bataleon has packed the Cruiser+ with a bamboo and carbon-infused core, giving it the perfect blend of strength, durability, and lightweight performance. It's clear that Bataleon has pulled out all the stops with the Cruiser+, creating a board that's not just a jack-of-all-trades, but a true master of the mountain. So, if you're looking for a snowboard that can handle anything the Australian snowfields throw at it, the Cruiser+ is the ride for you.
Shape: Directional
Profile: 3BT Camber with SideKick
Flex: 6/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
2. Salomon Huck Knife 2024
The Salomon Huck Knife has been a fan favorite in previous years, with riders like Louif Paradis and Chris Grenier repping this beast in the past. Back again for 2024, this all-mountain freestyle board boasts a versatile and playful design, perfect for park rats and all-mountain shredders alike. The Huck Knife's Quad Camber profile delivers the perfect balance of pop, stability, and float, making it a top choice for those looking to send it in the park, carve up groomers, or float through pow.
The Salomon Huck Knife truly stands out as a high-performance snowboard, thanks to its meticulously engineered construction and top-notch materials. Crafted with a responsive Aspen Select Core and a sintered EG base, the board delivers exceptional durability and speed, ensuring you'll be ripping through the mountain with ease. Furthermore, the innovative Slingshot Sidewalls made from carbon inlays provide maximum shock absorption and energy transfer, allowing for precise edge control and a smooth, chatter-free ride. The board's medium flex ensures versatility across various terrains, making it ideal for those who want to push their limits and explore every inch of the mountain. Overall, the Huck Knife's remarkable design and features make it a go-to board for riders seeking a reliable and dynamic all-mountain freestyle experience.
Shape: True Twin
Profile: Quad Camber
Flex: 5/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
3. Lib Tech T.Rice Orca
The powerful Lib Tech T.Rice Orca, designed by snowboarding legend Travis Rice, is a force to be reckoned with on the mountain. The Orca features the C2X hybrid camber profile, which offers a perfect blend of rocker and camber for unrivaled edge hold and float in powder. Combine that with Magne-Traction edges for extra grip and a directional shape for increased float, and you've got a board that's capable of charging through the most challenging terrain. Take the Orca for a spin on Mt. Buller's off-piste terrain like Family Run, and you'll quickly see why it's earned its reputation as a top all-mountain choice.
Travis Rice's Lib Tech T.Rice Orca is a beastly all-mountain board with a directional shape that helps it float through powder. Its C2X hybrid camber profile and Magne-Traction edges offer excellent grip and control, making it ideal for charging through challenging terrain. The Orca is constructed with a mix of aspen and paulownia woods, making it both strong and responsive. It's a popular pick for riders who want a board that's both eco-friendly and performance-driven. Get ready to dominate the mountain with the Lib Tech T. Rice Orca.
Shape: Directional
Profile: C2 (Camber/Rocker Hybrid)
Flex: 7/10
Rider Level: Advanced
4. Jones Mountain Twin
The Jones Mountain Twin is a versatile and reliable all-mountain board that's perfect for exploring everything the Australian mountains have to offer. Its directional twin shape provides a balanced ride, allowing you to switch between regular and switch riding with ease. The medium-stiff flex delivers excellent response and stability, making it the ideal board for tackling a wide range of snow conditions and terrain features. The Mountain Twin also boasts Jones' Traction Tech 3.0, which adds extra edge grip for enhanced control in icy conditions. Strap into the Mountain Twin and carve up the slopes of Perisher's Ridge Run for a truly unforgettable experience.
Shape: Directional Twin
Profile: CamRock
Flex: 7/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
5. GNU Headspace
Designed in collaboration with freestyle snowboarding wizard Forest Bailey, the GNU Headspace is a versatile and playful board that excels in both park and all-mountain riding. The C3 camber profile offers precise control and pop, while the Magne-Traction edges ensure superior edge hold on icy surfaces. Its asymmetrical twin shape allows for a balanced ride, making it a great choice for riders who love to switch between regular and goofy stances. The GNU Headspace is the perfect companion for those looking to conquer the diverse terrain of Australia's snowfields, from the groomed runs of Thredbo to the challenging off-piste terrain at Mt. Hotham.
Shape: Asymmetrical Twin
Profile: C3 Camber
Flex: 4.5/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
6. Burton Free Thinker
The Burton Free Thinker 2024 is undoubtedly a snowboard that commands attention on any slope! Since its inception, the Free Thinker has been a highly sought-after all-mountain board with a distinctive shape and exceptional performance. Its Directional Camber profile offers outstanding float in powder and effortless turn initiation, while the medium-stiff flex guarantees stability at breakneck speeds. The Free Thinker's wider waist width caters to riders with larger boot sizes, ensuring swift edge-to-edge response. Take this board for a thrilling ride down Whistler Blackcomb's famed Peak-to-Creek run, and you'll quickly grasp why the Free Thinker is a fan favorite among all-mountain enthusiasts.
The Burton Free Thinker's 45° Carbon Highlights ensure the board's strength and responsiveness, while the Pro-Tip construction reduces swing weight for improved maneuverability. The Free Thinker also boasts a Super Fly II 700G core, constructed with a blend of strong and lightweight woods for an unparalleled balance of performance and weight. Its premium sintered WFO base guarantees exceptional speed and endurance, allowing you to conquer the mountain with confidence. With its striking design, exhilarating performance, and robust construction, the Burton Free Thinker 2024 is a snowboard that's prepared to tackle any challenge the mountain presents.
Shape: Twin
Profile: Camber Positive
Flex: 6.5/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
7. Ride Warpig
The Ride Warpig is one of the most recognised boards on any mountain! First released in 2017, the Warpig is a fun and aggressive all-mountain board with a unique shape that stands out on the mountain. Its Tapered Directional Rocker profile offers excellent float in powder and easy turn initiation, while the medium-stiff flex ensures stability at high speeds. The Warpig's wide waist width makes it suitable for riders with larger boot sizes, providing ample edge-to-edge response. Take the Warpig for a spin down Falls Creek's popular Drover's Dream run, and you'll quickly understand why this board has become a fan favourite among all-mountain riders.
The Ride Warpig's Roll-In Slimewalls provide the board with increased durability and impact resistance, allowing for smoother rides on rough terrain. The Warpig also features a Performance core, built with aspen, bamboo, and paulownia wood for a lightweight and responsive feel. Its high-end sintered base delivers exceptional speed and durability, ensuring you can shred the slopes with ease. With its unique shape, fun performance, and durable construction, the Ride Warpig is a board that can handle anything the mountain throws your way.
Shape: Tapered Directional
Profile: Directional Rocker
Flex: Medium
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
8. Nitro Team
The Nitro Team is a versatile all-mountain snowboard designed to provide a smooth and stable ride across various terrains. Its directional twin shape and camber profile offer a perfect balance of playfulness and control, making it suitable for Australian snowfields. The Nitro Team has been a go-to choice for many riders, thanks to its ability to perform well in a wide range of conditions.
The Nitro Team also boasts a Powerlite Core, which combines lightweight performance with a responsive and snappy feel. This, along with its Bi-Lite laminates, ensures an agile and precise ride on the slopes. Furthermore, the Sintered Speed Formula HD base provides exceptional speed and durability, allowing you to fly down your favourite runs all season long. With its impressive combination of features, the Nitro Team is an all-mountain snowboard that caters to a variety of riding styles, making it a popular choice for those who want to conquer everything the mountain has to offer.
Shape: Directional Twin
Profile: Cam-Out Camber (Camber/Rocker Hybrid)
Flex: 7/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
9. Capita Super DOA 2024
The Capita Super DOA (Defenders of Awesome) is a tried and true all-mountain favourite that has been ridden by the likes of Scott Stevens, Kazu Kokubo, and Jess Kimura in the past. With a reputation for being a powerhouse on the mountain, the 2024 model takes things up a notch with some sick new tech and an even more versatile design. The Super DOA's Resort V3 Profile offers a playful yet powerful ride, perfect for slaying the park or charging through steep and deep terrain.
The 2024 Super DOA doesn't just rely on its impressive heritage; it pushes the boundaries of snowboard innovation with cutting-edge construction and materials. The board's Hover Core is built with ultra-lightweight paulownia and poplar woods, providing an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for enhanced performance. Meanwhile, its Carbon Fiber Boosters and Amplitex V-Tech Amplifiers work in tandem to increase power, stability, and response, ensuring that you can tackle any terrain with ease. Additionally, the Super DOA's Hyperdrive base guarantees exceptional speed and durability, so you can charge down the mountain with confidence. Whether you're hitting big jumps, carving through tight tree lines, or exploring the backcountry, the Capita Super DOA is the all-terrain dominator that will have you riding like a pro.
Shape: True Twin
Profile: Resort V3 (Camber/Rocker Hybrid)
Flex: 6.5/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
10. Never Summer Proto Synthesis 2024
The Never Summer Proto Synthesis is a high-performance all-mountain board that delivers in every aspect. Its Shock Wave Rocker Camber profile provides exceptional float in powder and a lively feel on groomed runs, while the medium-stiff flex ensures stability and response for aggressive riders. The Proto Synthesis features Never Summer's Superlight Wood Core and Bi-Lite Fiberglass construction for a lightweight and durable ride. Give it a go on the renowned Playground run at Mt. Buller, and you'll quickly understand why the Proto Synthesis is a top choice for all-mountain enthusiasts.
Shape: True Twin
Profile: Shock Wave Rocker Camber
Flex: 6/10
Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Alright, shredders!
We've shown you our top 10 all-mountain snowboards for the Aussie winter season, featuring some rad boards that'll help you slay the slopes, no matter your riding style or skill level. Remember, finding the perfect board is all about matching your unique vibe and shredding style. What did you guys think of the order? Any boards you think we missed?
Before you go all-in on one of these bad boys, we've got a pro tip for you: Hit up your local snowboard shop and have a chat with the crew there. They're a goldmine of knowledge and can give you the lowdown on what's best for your style and terrain preferences. Plus, you'll get to scope out the boards in person, which can really help you feel the stoke and find the one that's screaming your name. So, rally the squad, cruise down to your local store, and get ready to make this Aussie winter season one for the books!