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 floaty nose, tight sidecut, and maxim power tail.

The Lib Tech T. Rice Orca Snowboard is a versatile all-mountain board designed for advanced riders seeking a blend of freestyle and freeride performance. Built with Travis Rice's input, the Orca features a directional shape with a floaty nose for powder days and a powerful tail with "Whale Tail Technology" for maximizing pop and stability. The tight 7-meter radius sidecut ensures trench-carving precision on hardpack, while the wide body allows for comfortable riding and effortless maneuvering.

A rare and advanced piece of snowboarding progression from Lib Tech. It’s a wide, directional snowboard designed for power. Riding low-angle powder is a blast thanks to all the added buoyancy underfoot—in spite of the fact this this board was built for the steepest, deepest runs on earth. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners, but it’s a great tool for bridging the gap into more advanced, all-terrain snowboarding when a rider is ready to challenge themselves.
Ross Buchanan

Ross Buchanan

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Perfect board for:
Riders who want a higher nose and tail for improved float in powder, while maintaining a versatile flex for everyday riding.

The Nitro Team Snowboard is a versatile all-mountain ride that's been a staple for over two decades. With a classic twin shape, Trüe Camber profile, and a fast base, this board delivers reliable performance in any terrain. Whether you're carving groomers, hitting jumps, or exploring the backcountry, the Nitro Team has you covered.

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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 who want a reliable and enjoyable board that can be used on any kind of mountain.

The Burton Feelgood Snowboard is a classic all-mountain board. With its traditional camber, Super Fly II™ 700G Core, and Carbon I-Beam reinforcement, the Feelgood delivers a smooth ride in all conditions. Its twin flex and directional shape provide versatility and control, while the Frostbite Edges offer added bite when needed. The Feelgood is the perfect choice for riders seeking a reliable and enjoyable board who are all-mountain enthusiasts.

A classic all-mountain snowboard from the very experienced folks at Burton, the Feelgood is perfectly symmetrical and ideal for riding both ways. It’s a park board, a pipe board, a resort board, and (when set back slightly) a pow board. It’s stiff, responsive, and built to last.
Ross Buchanan

Ross Buchanan

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Perfect board for:
Intermediate to advanced riders who want a reliable all-mountain board with a freeride feel.

The GNU Antigravity Snowboard is built with a sustainable wood core, Magne-Traction serrated edges for superior edge hold, and an eco-sublimated low-maintenance base. With a modern shape and proven geometry, the Antigravity blends high-performance tech with radical style, quality, and value—perfect for riders who want to rip everything without overthinking it.

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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:
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:
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:
Riders who want to explore the entire mountain.

The Ride Compact Snowboard is a versatile all-mountain board designed with a standard camber profile that delivers a responsive and poppy ride, while the long, rockered nose provides excellent float and effortless turn initiation. The Quadratic Sidecut enhances edge grip and turn performance, making it easy to carve turns and maneuver through any terrain. Slimewalls absorb vibrations and impacts, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.

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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:
Riders who want to explore the entire mountain.

The Never Summer Harpoon is a versatile and high-performance snowboard designed with a unique volume-shifted shape, Rocker Camber profile, with effortless float in powder and quick edge-to-edge transitions on hardpack. The 13mm of taper allows for easy turns and playful maneuvers, while the durable construction ensures a long-lasting and reliable performance. Whether you're charging through powder, slashing through trees, or hitting the park, the Never Summer Harpoon is a great choice for riders who want to have fun and push their limits.

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Perfect board for:
Riders seeking a fun board that is very versatile on the slopes.

The Burton Feather Snowboard offers a smooth, stable, and forgiving ride for all-mountain exploration. Its Flat Top™ profile provides a stable platform underfoot with a catch-free feel, making it easy to maneuver through any terrain. The Extruded Base offers a durable and low-maintenance surface that delivers consistent speed and pop.

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Perfect board for:
Intermediate to advanced riders who want a board that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain.

The GNU Chromatic Snowboard is a versatile all-mountain board that features an Original Banana rocker/camber hybrid profile and Magne-Traction technology that deliver a smooth, playful ride with exceptional edge hold and control. The directional shape ensures a stable and powerful ride, while the advanced geometries and eye-catching artwork add a touch of style.

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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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