The snowboard gear we love this season!
Rob Kingwill’s Shaper Summit Board Test has historically served as the proving grounds for our Rated Radical snowboard recommendations. But the ‘rona had other ideas and put the kibosh on the Shaper Summit in 2021. So for Issue Seventeen we turned to the members of the Shred Coalition and our Jackson Hole Snowboarder Magazine Advisory Board for their personal favorites and recommendations. Here are the snowboard gear selections our in-the-know crew is most hyped to ride this season. Check out the cream of the crop in snowboards, snowboard bindings, snowboard boots, and more below.
Women's Rated Radical
Cardiff Crane
TESTER
Meg Matheson
SIZE
150
“The Crane handles variable conditions with ease and delivers time and time again across the diverse terrain we have here in Jackson Hole. The tight sidecut radius yields a quick response edge-to-edge while also maintaining float on the deep days with its wide-waisted shape. Whether it’s carving groomers or dancing off freestyle features, this board does it all, and does it all effortlessly.”
Shop Now
Korua Dart
TESTER
Jenelle Linn
SIZE
156
“This German-made board easily plows through deep snow and carves nicely on groomers. Its huge nose and swallowtail allow it to float effortlessly in powder for a dreamlike ride. Because of its shape and setback stance, I was pleasantly surprised with how versatile it actually is. I wouldn’t shy away from riding it anywhere, in any conditions.”
Shop Now
Spark R&D Women’s Surge Pro Splitboard Bindings
TESTER
Heather Hendricks
SIZE
XS/S
“Light and ultra efficient, these splitboard bindings are built for long days out in the hills. They easily snap from skin-mode to ride-mode, so you’re not fiddling around while transitioning. Made of premium materials including carbon-reinforced nylon in the highbacks, they’re tooled to take you there, time and again.”
Shop Now
Deeluxe Women’s Team ID Lara
TESTER
Julie Zell
“I’ve had foot problems from day one on a snowboard. Massive foot pain and cramping had me constantly searching for support, until I found Deeluxe that is. With a sturdy spine and a thicker, stiffer sole, these boots protect my feet from feeling every little bump and twist. With a body that gives forward and lateral support without buckling, this boot delivers––in all conditions.”
Shop Now
Men's Rated Radical
Korua Pencil Split
TESTER
Olaus Linn
SIZE
164
“The Pencil is such a sick splitboard. The tapered nose, shallow swallowtail, and long sidecut make for arcing, effortless pow turns. It’s also light enough to make uphill travel a joy. If you’ve never heard of KORUA, they make great boards in fun shapes and the quality of their construction is second to none. I’m a big guy and this board holds up in any terrain at any speed!”
Shop Now
Pogo Wingergun
TESTER
Mikey Franco
SIZE
189
Like what you're reading?
“This thing is a beast! But she rides as gently as a butterfly. The smooth, long early-rise nose, 3D double concave base, and short stiff tail let you ride this thing around like it’s a 160, yet straight line like a 189 should. Rated Radical for sure!”
Shop Now
Rome Ravine Select
TESTER
Patrick Rice
SIZE
158
“I love this board. It’s so much fun to ride. It’s beefy yet playful, and can take a serious beating. It’s designed to turn the terrain that Jackson Hole boasts into your own personal park. The directional shape gives off a “key to the whiteroom” vibe, but it’s much more versatile than a pow-only board. It’s an absolute all-mountain workhorse that crushes in all conditions. Slap on a ‘BE LIKE MIKE’ sticker on it and LFG!”
Shop Now
Notice Lil’ 156
TESTER
Jeff Moran
SIZE
156
“The Lil’ 156 is the maple-bacon doughnut of the snowboard world. It satisfies all your sweet and savory shred desires. This quiver-killer is as stoked in any terrain or condition as Homer Simpson is at a Krispy Kreme.”
Shop Now
Donek Nomad
TESTER
Aaron Hallenbeck
SIZE
159
“The Nomad is a sick big mountain stick that handles choppy inbound riding, steep chutes, and bottomless turns with the same ease. The coolest thing about Donek is that every board is custom made for you. You can choose a specific stiffness, sidecut, board width, and stance width with any of their shapes. You can even choose the graphic.”
Shop Now
Vans Hi-Country & Hell-Bound
TESTER
Ryan Dee
SIZE
9.5
“Leave the stiff and uncomfortable boots to the skiers. If you like your boots on the stiff side of the scale, but want bell-to-bell comfort, place your order for a pair of Hi-Country & Hell-Bounds. While not the stiffest boots I’ve had, definitely the one pair that didn’t leave a lasting, unfavorable impression on my feet after a day of riding. And with a name like that you better be shredding to Sabbath.”
Shop Now
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
TESTER
Ben Gavelda
SIZE
Large
“Season after season, activity after activity this is my go-to warm layer. It’s breathable, stretchy, and cozy. Patagonia really set the standard for insulation with the Nano Air line. I’m never cold!”