Best Directional Snowboards

Directional snowboards offer better edge hold, stability, and floatation in powder. Our snowboard reviews are designed to help you weigh tradeoffs to find the best fit. We collaborate with riders and gear experts to review each snowboard based on carving (how well the board turns on its edge and slices through the snow without skidding), speed (how easy it is to go fast), and switch (the ability to ride with either foot forward). We update our rankings weekly based on SidelineSwap sales data.

Meet Our Experts

Carving
Speed
Switch
Perfect board for:
Riders who want a board that is stable, agile, and easy to land.

The GNU Riders Choice Snowboard features the new 3-D Delightwood Asym Chip construction, which distributes energy to your edges, enhancing pop, power, and performance. The asymmetrical design, slightly wider widths, and C2 Hybrid contours provide exceptional rail control, floatability, and maneuverability. The eco-minded construction with poppy carbon ensures durability and longevity. With its rider-focused design, the GNU Riders Choice is a top-tier choice for any snowboarder.

I’ve ridden different versions of this board since 2005. I’m still impressed with its well-rounded radness every time I strap in. I prefer sizing up the length and width (166W) to chase deeper snow, but the extra weight doesn’t hold this board down in the park. It jumps, jibs, and hauls ass. One of the best, most consistent snowboard models ever produced.
Ross Buchanan

Ross Buchanan

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Carving
Speed
Switch
Perfect board for:
Riders seeking a versatile and high-performance board.

The Nitro Drop snowboard is an all-mountain snowboard designed for effortless float and precise control. With its directional pow shape, Cam-Out profile, and Powerlite Core, the Drop delivers pop and lightning-fast rides. Its forgiving turn initiation and edge hold inspire confidence while the Dual Degressive Sidecut provides a loose and playful feel. The Sintered EcoSpeed HD Base offers speed and durability and the Powerpods extend the board width under the bindings for better edge control and reduced drag.

The Nitro drop is all-around fun in a speedy package. I like the directional twin shape in powder and on groomers, but it still feels locked in riding switch. Really lightweight, good for floating to any corner of the mountain.
Lauren Sauser

Lauren Sauser

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Carving
Speed
Switch
Perfect board for:
Riders who want a little bit of freestyle flavor into their all-mountain riding.

The Rome SDS Ravine snowboard is a playful all-mountain board that excels in both powder and groomed terrain. With its Directional Diamond 3D nose, tapered shape, and Free-the-Ride Camber, the Ravine delivers exceptional floatation, maneuverability, and stability. The Carbon HotRods and Directional Double HotRods provide added responsiveness and pop. Whether you're carving turns or busting tricks, this board offers a fun and exciting ride. Available in both men's and women's models, the Ravine is perfect for riders seeking a reliable and versatile one-board.

This directional board is built around a large, powerful front end that helps it charge around the hill on a pow day. It’s width makes it a bit less responsive on hard pack (especially if your feet are small for the board) but if you’re comfortable throwing your weight around, you’re gonna love the extra size. It’s got pop in the pow—but I wouldn’t ride it in the park.
Ross Buchanan

Ross Buchanan

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Carving
Speed
Switch
Perfect board for:
Riders seeking a versatile and high-performance freestyle board.

The Burton Process Snowboard is a lightweight, all-mountain freestyle board designed for riders who love to explore the mountain. With its twin shape, PurePop camber profile, and Super Fly II core with Squeezebox profiling, the Process delivers exceptional pop, stability, and responsiveness. Whether you're hitting side-hits, building kickers, or carving natural lines, the Process is the perfect choice for riders seeking a versatile and high-performance freestyle board.

Every aspect of the Process is loaded with Burton’s technological bells and whistles. From the core, to the edges, to the camber—this board is both futuristic and durable. Its a soft, all-mountain board with a heavy dose of freestyle influence, perfect for someone who wants to do everything well.
Ross Buchanan

Ross Buchanan

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Perfect board for:
All-mountain cruisers looking for a playful yet stable that floats in pow and holds strong on groomers.

The Rossignol EXP is a versatile directional all-mountain board built to handle everything from playful butters to blasting through choppy snow with ease. Featuring camber underfoot for solid edge hold and control, and a rockered nose and tail for added float and a fun, forgiving ride, the EXP strikes a perfect balance between stability and playfulness. A softer nose paired with a stiffer tail gives it that directional power without feeling too aggressive.

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Perfect board for:
Inexperienced riders who are looking to get back into snowboarding and want to progress their skills.

The Nidecker Elle Snowboard features a Flatrock profile, with its flat between-the-feet section and rockered tips, providing a smooth and easy-to-control ride, making it ideal for learning and progressing. The twin shape allows for effortless switching and freestyle fun, while the durable construction and N-5000 base ensure a long-lasting and reliable performance.

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Perfect board for:
Freestyle-focused riders looking for a responsive, stable ride that has enough flex for tricks.

The Kemper Freestyle snowboard is built with a hybrid camber profile, that delivers strong edge control for carving while staying catch-free for stomping tricks with confidence. Its medium-stiff flex strikes the perfect balance between stability at speed and responsive maneuverability, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced riders.

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Perfect board for:
Riders who want a board that can handle everything from park laps to powder days.

The Nitro Fate Snowboard has a Directional Twin Shape, which is versatile and can be ridden as a regular or a switch. The slightly longer nose provides excellent float in deep snow, while the Bi-Lite Laminates deliver a powerful and responsive ride. The Fate also features a Reflex Core Profile, which improves handling and allows the rider to steer the board with ease.

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Perfect board for:
Young riders looking to shred the slopes with ease and style.

The K2 Mini Turbo Grom Snowboard is a lightweight and durable board specifically designed to make turning effortless, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride every time. With its soft-flexing design and Twin Rocker Profile, the Mini Turbo offers a playful and forgiving feel, making it ideal for beginners and progressing riders alike.

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Perfect board for:
Riders of all ages that are looking to progress their skills quickly.

The Burton Chopper is a beginner-friendly snowboard designed for riders of all ages. Its Twin Shape and Flat Top Bend offer a balanced and stable ride, making it easy to learn and progress. The Easy Bevel technology provides a super soft flex and a convex base, resulting in a forgiving and catch-free ride.

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Perfect board for:
Young riders are looking to develop their skills and have fun on the mountain.

The Burton Chicklet board features a Twin Flex profile that provides a balanced ride, making it easy to learn and progress. The lightweight Fly 900G Core delivers a lively and responsive feel, while the Biax Fiberglass construction offers a soft and forgiving flex, perfect for jibbing and park riding.

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