Snowboarding, a thrilling winter sport, has seen a steady evolution over the past few decades. The adrenaline-fueled descent down snow-covered slopes on a snowboard has attracted millions across the globe, making it a mainstream winter sport alongside skiing. The market for snowboarding and skiing equipment has witnessed fluctuations over the years, influenced by various factors, including global events and technological advancements.

In the span of a decade, from 2012 to 2022, sales of skis, snowboards, and skiing equipment have oscillated between 4.2 to 4.7 million units worldwide. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019/20 caused a slight dip in sales. However, the subsequent year saw a rebound, attributed to pent-up demand, with projections indicating a potential increase in the coming year. This article delves into the most popular snowboard brands, offering insights into their history, quality, and unique offerings.

Burton

Burton stands as a titan in the snowboarding realm. Founded in the 1970s, it has evolved into the largest snowboard manufacturer globally. Renowned for its innovative graphics, Burton’s consistent production of high-quality snowboards has made it a staple for both beginners and pros. Their commitment to sustainability is commendable, with eco-friendly practices infused into their manufacturing process.

Capita Snowboards

Capita is a beacon of unique graphics and designs in the snowboarding industry. Established in 2000, this relatively new brand has already carved its niche. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly manufacturing techniques. Particularly favored by freestyle riders, their innovative designs give riders an edge on the slopes.

Mervin Manufacturing

As the powerhouse behind renowned brands like Lib Tech and Gnu snowboards, Mervin Manufacturing has a storied history dating back to the 1970s. Their reputation for eco-friendly manufacturing practices and groundbreaking designs has made them a favorite, especially among freestyle and freeride enthusiasts.

Arbor Snowboards

Founded in 1995, Arbor Snowboards has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a beloved brand among snowboarding aficionados. With a fervent commitment to sustainability, Arbor’s boards, crafted from sustainable materials, are a testament to their dedication to the environment. Their unique graphics and designs, coupled with their popularity among freeride and backcountry riders, make them a brand to watch.

K2 Snowboards

A veteran in the industry, K2 Snowboards has been revolutionizing the snowboarding scene since the 1960s. Known for their impeccable designs and unwavering commitment to quality, K2 caters to all riders, from freestyle to freeride enthusiasts. Their dedication to sustainability further enhances their reputation, with eco-friendly practices embedded in their manufacturing process.

Jones Snowboards

Founded in the 2000s, Jones Snowboards has rapidly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Their commitment to sustainability and high-quality production has garnered them a loyal following, particularly among freeride and backcountry riders. Their innovative designs, combined with eco-friendly manufacturing processes, showcase their dedication to both the sport and the environment.

Ride Snowboards

Since the 1990s, Ride Snowboards has been delivering top-tier snowboards to enthusiasts worldwide. With innovative designs and a commitment to excellence, Ride has cemented itself as a reputable brand in the snowboarding cosmos. Their diverse range of snowboards caters to varying riding styles, further enhanced by input from their team of professional riders.

Nitro Snowboards

Nitro Snowboards has been a staple in the snowboarding industry since the late 1980s. Their blend of innovative designs and commitment to quality has made them a favorite among freestyle and freeride riders. Beyond producing stellar boards, Nitro plays an active role in promoting snowboarding events globally, further solidifying their presence in the community.

Rome Snowboards

Rome Snowboards, established in the early 2000s, has quickly risen to prominence with its performance-driven boards. Their diverse range, catering to various flex patterns and rider preferences, combined with their collaboration with professional riders, makes Rome a brand that resonates with both novices and pros.

Salomon Snowboards

With roots dating back to the early 1990s, Salomon Snowboards brings a blend of history and innovation to the table. Their advanced technologies, combined with top-tier materials, result in boards that offer unmatched performance and durability. Their collaboration with professional riders ensures that their designs are always in sync with the demands of high-level snowboarding.

Never Summer Snowboards

Never Summer is not just a name; it’s a promise of enduring quality and performance. Since its inception in the early 1990s, Never Summer has been associated with durable, high-performance snowboards. Their patented Rocker Camber Profile combines the benefits of both rocker and camber, providing riders with unmatched versatility and control on the slopes. What makes this brand stand out is its commitment to manufacturing entirely in the United States.

Lib Tech Snowboards

As a subsidiary of Mervin Manufacturing, Lib Tech brings forth a legacy of eco-friendly manufacturing practices coupled with innovative designs. Founded in the late 1980s, Lib Tech has consistently pushed boundaries with their advanced materials and technologies. Their collaboration with professional riders ensures that their snowboards meet the rigorous demands of high-level snowboarding. Moreover, their Magne-Traction® technology offers enhanced edge hold, especially on icy terrains.

Bataleon Snowboards

Bataleon stands out in the snowboarding world with its unique Triple Base Technology, ensuring enhanced control and stability. Since its inception in the early 2000s, Bataleon has been at the forefront of snowboard design, offering models that cater to various riding styles. Their collaboration with professional riders helps refine their designs, ensuring they resonate with the snowboarding community.

Rossignol Snowboards

Rossignol, a name synonymous with quality since the early 1980s, has continually set benchmarks in snowboarding gear. Their innovative designs, combined with advanced materials, make their snowboards a top choice for riders worldwide. By collaborating with professional riders, Rossignol ensures its designs meet the rigorous demands of the sport.

Yes. Snowboards

Yes. Snowboards brings a fresh perspective to the snowboarding world. Established in the early 2000s, this brand quickly gained traction with its unique designs and unwavering commitment to quality. Catering to both freestyle and freeride riders, Yes. offers a range of models that resonate with varying riding preferences. Their collaborative approach with professional riders further refines their designs.

DC Snowboards

DC, a name that has been synonymous with quality since the early 1990s, offers a range of snowboards that cater to both freestyle and freeride riders. Their innovative designs, combined with a commitment to quality, make them a favorite among enthusiasts. Collaborating with professional riders, DC ensures that their designs are always top-notch.

Flow Snowboards

Flow Snowboards is revered for its unique rear-entry binding system, offering unparalleled convenience. Catering to all types of riders, Flow’s commitment to innovative designs and quality is evident in every board they produce. Their wide range of models ensures every rider finds the perfect fit.

Gnu Snowboards

Another gem from Mervin Manufacturing, Gnu Snowboards champions eco-friendly manufacturing and cutting-edge designs. Their advanced materials, combined with state-of-the-art technologies, ensure a superior riding experience. Popular among freestyle and freeride riders, Gnu’s snowboards are crafted to perfection.

Academy Snowboards

Academy Snowboards embodies the perfect blend of innovation and quality. Their diverse range of models appeals to both freestyle and freeride riders. By focusing on affordability without compromising performance, Academy ensures that every rider gets the best bang for their buck.

Signal Snowboards

Signal Snowboards has carved its niche in the snowboarding world with its high-quality boards. Their innovative designs resonate with both freestyle and freeride riders. Committed to environmental sustainability, Signal uses sustainable materials, ensuring their boards are as eco-friendly as they are performance-driven.

Update: the website is no longer up

Smokin Snowboards

Being rider-owned and operated, Smokin Snowboards truly understands what snowboarders crave. Their high-quality boards, coupled with innovative designs, ensure every ride is memorable. Their range caters to both freestyle and freeride enthusiasts.

West Snowboards

West Snowboards has always been at the cutting edge of design and innovation in the snowboarding industry. Tailored especially for freestyle and freeride enthusiasts, their snowboards boast top-notch quality. Rider-owned and operated, West ensures the priorities and preferences of snowboarders are always at the forefront. Their collaboration with professional riders ensures that their designs are not only stylish but also functional and performance-driven.

Dinosaurs Will Die Snowboards

With a name as unique as Dinosaurs Will Die, this brand promises snowboards that are equally distinctive. Since their inception, they have been catering to freestyle and freeride riders with their high-quality boards. Their innovative designs, combined with rider feedback, ensure that every board they produce resonates with the snowboarding community. As a rider-owned and operated brand, they prioritize the needs and preferences of snowboarders, ensuring that their designs always hit the mark.

Amplid Snowboards

Amplid is a beacon of innovation in the snowboarding world. Known for their high-quality boards tailored for freestyle and freeride riders, Amplid has always been at the forefront of design and performance. Their focus on creating lightweight snowboards without sacrificing performance ensures a seamless ride on the slopes. By collaborating with professional riders, Amplid ensures that their designs are always in line with the demands of high-level snowboarding.

Slash Snowboards

Slash brings to the table snowboards that are a perfect blend of design and functionality. Catering to freestyle and freeride riders, their snowboards are known for their quality and innovative designs. With a focus on creating versatile boards that excel in various terrains and conditions, Slash has carved its niche in the snowboarding world. Their collaboration with professional riders provides invaluable feedback, ensuring their designs are always top-tier.

Lobster Snowboards

Lobster is a brand that’s synonymous with unique graphics and top-quality designs. Designed specifically for freestyle and freeride enthusiasts, their snowboards are both stylish and performance-driven. Being rider-owned and operated, Lobster ensures that the designs and features of their boards are always in sync with what snowboarders truly want. Their collaboration with professionals ensures that every board they produce is tailored for high-performance.

Have merged with Lobster Snowboards

Switchback Bindings

While Switchback may be more renowned for their bindings, their commitment to quality and performance is evident. Their innovative designs ensure that riders have the best experience on the slopes. As a rider-owned and operated brand, Switchback understands the intricacies of snowboarding, ensuring that their bindings are not only functional but also enhance the overall riding experience.

NOW Snowboards

NOW stands out in the industry for their exceptional snowboard bindings. Their focus on innovative designs and quality ensures that riders have the best support and control on the slopes. With a range of binding models tailored for different riding preferences, NOW ensures that every rider finds their perfect match. Their use of advanced materials and technologies further enhances the durability and performance of their bindings.

Roxy

A titan in the world of women’s snowboarding gear and apparel, Roxy offers a range of snowboards designed specifically for women. Their boards, known for quality construction and performance, ensure a smooth and responsive ride on the slopes. As a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Roxy benefits from decades of expertise in the action sports industry, enhancing its reputation and credibility. Apart from snowboards, Roxy’s extensive range includes bindings, boots, outerwear, and accessories, making it a one-stop destination for women snowboarders worldwide.

Conclusion

Choosing the right snowboard brand can significantly influence your experience on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable board or a professional seeking top-tier performance, the brands mentioned above offer something for everyone. Always prioritize quality, sustainability, and design that resonates with your riding style. Happy snowboarding!

FAQ’s about snowboard brands

1. Top Snowboard Brands to Look Out For:
While everyone’s pick for the best brand varies, Burton, Capita, Mervin Manufacturing (behind Lib Tech and Gnu), Arbor, K2, Jones, Ride, Nitro, Rome, and Salomon consistently rank high.
2. Selecting the Perfect Snowboard Brand:
Look for a brand’s quality, performance reputation, innovation, commitment to sustainability, and the type of snowboarding they focus on. Your design preferences also matter.
3. Identifying Quality in Snowboard Brands:
Reputable brands often have positive reviews from snowboarders, top ratings in product tests, and endorsements from professional riders or industry experts.
4. Eco-friendly Snowboard Brands:
Brands like Arbor, Lib Tech, Gnu, and Borealis are renowned for sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
5. Finding a Brand that Matches Your Style:
Consider a brand’s design, their specialty in riding types, and their brand values. Delve into reviews, graphics, board shapes, and flex patterns, and chat with fellow snowboarders for insights