Much Awesome

Boots are an important and essential piece of gear for any snowboarding setup. Rather than just pick up any old pair, why not invest a little of your hard-earned dough in a top-quality set of shred kicks this winter.

The best snowboarding boots might cost a little more but they offer the very best in comfort, performance, durability, and support. There is a good chance that your riding will improve as you’ll feel more comfortable on your board and be offered a greater range of motion and comfort. Plus, the best boots last a lot longer than a bottom of the shelf pair.

Here are the best snowboard boots of 2014 in no particular order:

1. 2014 DC Travis Rice Snowboard Boots

You can be all but certain that any snowboarding product with Travis Rice stamped across the top are top-quality and his 2014 DC Travis Rice Snowboard Boots are no different.

Designed by the professional snowboarding powerhouse, the high-tech snowboard boots absolutely rip. Incredible comfort and superior stability are at the core of this boot. A stiff feel with a leather upper and articulated cuff the 2014 DC Travis Rice Snowboard Boots are a great choice for all-mountain and freeride madness.

Find out more about the 2014 DC Travis Rice Snowboard Boots.

2. 2014 Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots

Well-known as a powerhouse in the skate/casual shoe market, Van’s has been producing killer snowboard boots for the past couple of years. The 2014 Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots are their high-tech take on an age-old classic.

A rugged exterior and a plush-interior give the boots the best of both worlds: comfort and durability. The boots hold up well to harsh landings and lots of chop and will last more than a couple of seasons without losing their superior feel or great looks. The hybrid closure system and traditional laces keep your feet locked down and snug. With the Infuse boots, you have the ability to adjust the flex depending on riding conditions and your personal preferences.

Find out more about the 2014 Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots.

3. 2014 Adidas Blauvelt Snowboard Boots

Adidas is also a relative newcomer to the snowboarding game, but their 2014 Adidas Blauvelt Snowboard Boots, designed by none other than Jake Blauvelt, are one of the hottest pairs of the season.

Inspired by the football (soccer) cleats that Adidas is most well-known for, the Blauvelt is a top-of-the-line boot with the highest-quality construction. Comfort is at the center of the boot with a merino wool inner that wicks away moisture and keeps your feet snug. Aerotherm thermal barriers and RECCO integrated avalanche system are a few other special features to write home about. Need a versatile boot that can shred any terrain? Cop the Blauvelt.

Find out more about the 2014 Adidas Blauvelt Snowboard Boot.

4. 2014 Nike Lunarendor Snowboard Boots

Style, comfort, and support are all evident in the 2014 Nike Lunarendor Snowboard Boots, one of the very best boots of the year.

The pinnacle of Nike’s 2014 boot line, the Lunarendor comes complete with a molded upper, external backstay, flywire inner lacing harness, adjustable flex liner system, and lunarlon tooling. These features add together for impeccable lightness, otherworldly cushioning, and boardfeel like none other. Dynamic support keeps your legs and hips comfortable by ensuring they are naturally aligned in your snowboard stance. The Lunarendor is a top-quality pair of boots for snowboarders that demand the very best.

Find out more about the 2014 Nike Lunarendor Snowboard Boots.

5. 2014 Burton Ion Snowboard Boots

There is no question about it: Burton is one of the absolute best creators of snowboard gear around. And their 2014 Burton Ion Snowboard Boots are one of their best products yet.

Rooted in comfort above all else, the Ion barely feels like a boot at all…it feels more like a…uh…pillow for your feet. This comfort also translates into cushioning for harsh landings, rough terrain, and just about anything else you can soak up on your board. The flex and response are incredible and the boardfeel is in a league of its own. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Burton’s Ions.

Find out more about the 2014 Burton Ion Snowboard Boots.

The snowboarding industry is filled with dozens of superb companies offering a wide range of top-quality products for boarders and skiers alike. While forking over moola for a new jacket might not be quite as exciting as, say, investing in a new snowboard, it cannot be denied that it is equally (or near equally) as important.

A good snowboard jacket is warm, waterproof, comfortable, and rugged. And the best snowboard jackets are all of these things in addition to stylish, lightweight, and able to regulate airflow.

We’ve rounded up our very favorite snowboard jackets of the year here at Much Awesome. The five jackets below are the very best of the best for 2014 as far as we are concerned. If you are in the market for a new outer layer, look no farther than these five best snowboarding jackets.

Here are the best snowboard jackets of 2014 in no particular order:

1. 2014 Outdoor Research Vanguard Jacket

Clocking in between $450 and $600, depending on the particular model and where you are shopping, the 2014 Outdoor Research Vanguard Jacket is one of the absolute best of the season.

Top-of-the-line performance is evident in the Gore-Tex soft shell that combats moisture while remaining breathable. The durable nylon face fabric looks good and prevents scratches, holes, and other abrasions while the fleece-lined inner is soft and comfortable. The Vanguard Jacket is built with a slightly relaxed fit, upping overall comfort and allowing enough room for a middle layer. CrossFlo chest-to-hip vents promote airflow by pushing overheated air out and moving fresh air in.

It’s available in black, glacier, and pewter/solar.

Find out more about the 2014 Outdoor Research Vanguard Jacket.

2. 2014 North Face Free Thinker Jacket

Headed out to the backcountry this winter? You’ll be all but naked if you’re wearing any jacket other than the 2014 North Face Free Thinker Jacket.

The most technical shell in North Face’s Summit Series, the Free Thinker features a 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro shell, fully taped seams, and water-resistant zippers, all working together to guarantee waterproofing without sacrificing breathability. The jacket sports an active fit that gives you a full range of motion and provides enough room for a middle layer when needed. Venting under the arms prevents buildup of warm air when you’re hiking or trekking to the top of a steep peak.

It’s available in black/blue aster, yellow, and black.

Find out more about the North Face Free Thinker Jacket.

3. 2014 Helly Hansen Thrym Jacket

Helly Hansen is all about the highest quality and performance in their outwear and the 2014 Helly Hansen Thrym Jacket is no different.

Constructed specifically with breathability and air-regulation in mind, the jacket is 100% waterproof and ultra-warm but is able to regulate your body temperature to a t. There is no need to add or remove layers when wearing the Thrym. Pit-zips, body-mapping, and top-quality synthetic materials (including PrimaLoft and goose down) all help the jacket regulate your body heat, pumping out the warm air when needed and keeping you snug when conditions require that. No other jacket regulates your body temperature as well as the Helly Hansen Thrym.

Find out more about the Helly Hansen Thrym Jacket.

4. 2014 Strafe Nomad Jacket

A versatile and stylish jacket with a decidedly “snowboarding” look, the 2014 Strafe Nomad Jacket is an excellent option for those snow rats looking for comfort and performance at a reasonable price.

The 3-layer Gelanots Hybrid Shell jacket is designed to keep moisture out and warmth in. At the same time, however, its lightweight and functional design makes for a high level of breathability and temperature regulation. A slim fit and a longer cut gives the jacket loads of style, comfort, and even more protection from the elements. The Strafe Nomad is just as at home on the manicured corduroy as it is in the deep fluff of the backcountry.

It’s available in stealth, mint, blue, and grapefruit.

Find out more about the 2014 Strafe Nomad Jacket.

5. 2014 Airblaster Grumpy Jacket

Airblaster has long been a favorite brand of snowboarders around the world and their 2014 Airblaster Grumpy Jacket is sure to become a staple on the slopes no matter where you are shredding.

A bare-bones style jacket, the Airblaster Grumpy takes the stance that perfect simplicity is much better than a bunch of random features tacked onto an otherwise good product. 10,000mm waterproofing and 10,000gm breathability make for a jacket that protects you from Mother Nature and keeps you cool. A tailored long fit, mesh lined underarm vents, wrist gators, and removable powder skirt are a few of the simple features that make this baby a top contender in 2014.

Find out more about the 2014 Airblaster Grumpy Jacket.

Poler Stuff and Nike have done it again with their 2014 Poler X Nike Vapen Snowboard Boot. The collab came out of a similar project between Poler and Nike Skateboarding and is the first time Poler and the snowboarding side of Nike have worked together.

The Vapen Boot is one of Nike Snowboarding’s absolute best products. It boasts a mid-flex feel that makes it the perfect choice for any type of riding. The boot is warm, high-performing, and comfortable. It features all the stability and support you could hope for without sacrificing anything in the way of board feel or maneuverability.

The highlight of the Poler X Nike Vapen Snowboard Boot is the colorway. Specially designed and inspired by the Morgan Mid 2, the boot has a camo tongue and interior liner along with other nifty highlights.

The Poler X Nike Vapen Snowboard Boot is one of the highest performing and all around best snowboarding boots of 2014. And it is far and away the coolest looking.

It’s hard to go wrong with a snowboard with as cool of a name as the Capita The Black Snowboard of Death Snowboard. Though the name is a little funky to get off the tongue, the board is pimped out to a startling degree of quality.

Completely redesigned for the 2014 season, the Black Snowboard of Death is an all-mountain freestyle monster that is well-suited for just about any rider, from experienced beginners to full-on pros. Though it’s a highly technical board, it does not take a highly technical rider to rip on it. The Capita Black Snowboard of Death is just as happy on mellow groomed runs as it is airing out huge park kickers.

The Capita The Black Snowboard of Death features a Mountain FK shape that has camber throughout the mid-section. A zero-hybrid tail and a custom-designed rockered nose round things out on the ends. Pop, control, and float are the benefits of this profile.

A Hover Core paves the way for a super lightweight snowboard. And Pre-Cured Carbon Fiber Boosters and a Wax Infused Rotation Sintered Speed Base make the snowboard fast and furious.

Though it runs for $570, the 2014 Capita The Black Snowboard of Death is one of the most advanced snowboards on the market. Whether you’re planning on sticking to the park or hiking up into the backcountry this winter, your very own Black Death Snowboard is sure to keep you stoked.

The holiday season is upon us once again and people everywhere are rushing around in an attempt to pick up the very best gifts for their loved ones.

If there is a snowboarder in your family or friend group, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t try to base your gift around that passion. For one thing, a snowboarding-related gift is sure to make any snowboarder happy. For another, knowing that you need to look in this specific area will make your holiday shopping all the easier to do.

Ten of the best gift ideas for snowboarders include:

1. Snowboard

Perhaps the absolute best gift you can get for the snowboarder in your family is a brand new snowboard. Of course, you really have to love someone to get them a gift this expensive!

A great place to start looking is in our “best of 2014” guides. We have sorted through all of the year’s offerings and picked out the best 2014 splitboards, the best 2014 freestyle snowboards, and the best 2014 all-mountain snowboards to make your life easier. You can also look through our “gear” tag for other awesome snowboards that didn’t make this year’s lists but are still worth every penny.

It’s important to note that giving the gift of a snowboard as a surprise is only a good idea if you have a solid understanding of the sport. If you don’t, then taking your snowboarder board shopping with you is always smart. This will ensure they select a snowboard that matches their height and weight, skill level, and preferred discipline.

2. Season Pass

Few holiday gifts for snowboarders are as awesome as a season pass at their local ski area. Though prices for passes are quite a bit higher if you buy them after opening day, they are still worth the money for a true lover of the snow. For instance, a season pass at Mt Baker, my local snow paradise, is worth nearly as much (or more) than a top-quality snowboard.

Head to your local mountain’s website for more information on purchasing a season pass as a holiday gift.

3. GoPro Hero3

Want to get your snowboarder a gift that kicks ass without dishing out too much money? The GoPro Hero3 fits that bill perfectly. Created by the top action camera company around, the Hero3 has 4k filming capabilities, built-in Wi-Fi, and a durable and intuitive design.

Learn more about the GoPro HD Hero3 Black Edition.

4. Avalanche Vest

An avalanche vest is one of the best gifts for the safety-conscious gift giver. If you know a snowboarder that likes to trek out to the backcountry to float over fresh powder on a regular basis, then this is one of the best gifts possible for them.

Working much like an airbag system in a car, the vest actually expands when an activation handle is pulled, providing the floatation needed to keep the wearer on top off or near the top of the sliding snow. The best avalanche vests also provide ample storage room so that you don’t need to take a backpack along with you on your mission.

One of our favorite avalanche vests is the North Face Powder Guide ABS Vest.

5. Avalanche Beacon

Give the gift of safety this year with an avalanche beacon.

While avalanche airbag systems are relatively new phenomena in the snowboarding and skiing world, avalanche beacons are not. In fact, every rider who ventures out into the backcountry needs one of these on hand.

Avalanche beacons basically act as transmitters/transceivers if worse comes to worse and someone is buried under the snow during a backcountry trip. They help you locate your fallen friend as quickly and efficiently as possible. They are one of the most effective ways to rescue a friend in a backcountry accident before it is too late.

A few of our very favorite avalanche beacons include the Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon, the Pieps DSP Pro Avalanche Beacon, and the Ortovox Zoom Beacon.

6. Voile Split Kit

The Voile Split Kit is a gift that is sure to make just about any powder monkey smile. The kit allows you to transform any old snowboard into your very own splitboard. So if you know someone with an old board sitting around collecting dust, this is the gift for them.

The best thing of all about a splitboard? Wide open lines and powder for days all accessed without a ski pass…

Find out more about the Voile Split Kit.

7. Airblaster Ninja Suit

Some of the best long underwear on the planet, the Airblaster Ninja Suit is a great addition to the growing pile under the tree. Available in a variety of cool designs, the suit features a one-piece design with a full seven-panel form-fitting hood to keep your noggin warm. A full-length front zip and thumb-hole cuffs keep you locked up tight. Don’t let your loved ones get cold this winter.

Find out more about the Airblaster Ninja Suit.

8. Snowboarding Goggles

Few presents are better to unwrap then a fresh pair of goggles. A great gift in more ways than one, it is hard to go wrong with snowboarding goggles. Not as hard to size or to find a quality pair as other snowboarding equipment, goggles are a great gift to give a snowboarder if you don’t know much about the sport yourself.

A few of the very best snowboarding goggles of 2014 include the Oakley Airbrake Snowboard Goggles, the Anon M2 Goggle, and the Smith I/OX Snowboard Goggles.

9. Winter Socks

More along the lines of a stocking stuffer, a solid pair of warm winter socks is never an unappreciated holiday gift. Perfect for snowboarders, winter socks keep your toes warm and dry while you’re up on the mountain shredding it up.

You can never go wrong with anything from SmartWool. Snowboarding giant Burton also does socks right.

10. Snowboarding Movies

Every snowboarding nut loves a good snowboarding movie. When the weather is terrible or you just can’t make it up to the mountains, a video featuring the best snowboarders on the planet is a surefire way to ease the pain and pass the time.

Check out our list of the ten most epic snowboarding videos of all time for gift-giving inspiration.

It’s just about that time of year…when nearly every ski resort across the country opens up and snowboarders from all over flock to get their shred on.

But why head up to the mountain with anything but the best? You don’t want to be left in the dust.

That’s where the 2014 Rossignol Templar Magtek Snowboard comes in. It’s a killer stick that will put you at the front of the pack. Head to your local mountain with the utmost in quality this year and make 2014 your best snowboarding season to date.

The Rossignol Templar Magtek Snowboard is sick. There is no other word for it. It’s an all-mountain beast that runs for $400. As far as top-quality boards go, that’s down-right cheap.

The Templar Magtek is an all-around easy snowboard to ride. Rossignol Amptek All Mountain profile and Magne-Traction provide superior grip on just about anything. Camber between the bindings and a rockered tip make way for a solid and sturdy feel on big landings and a floaty ride when the pow is fresh.

A slightly stiffer flex between the bindings, courtesy of Aramid core reinforcement, bumps stability up yet another notch. However, the tip and tail remain soft to give you a little more cushion when the going gets choppy.

The 2014 Rossignol Templar Magtek Snowboard is a fast and ferocious animal in the snow. It is quick, lightweight, and incredibly durable. It is able to soak up bumps and hard landings without sacrificing float. And did we mention it has pop galore? It does. Now we have.

Make 2014 your year with the 2014 Templar Magtek Snowboard.

Splitboarding has been around for years but it is largely a recent phenomenon. Until the last decade or so, snowboarders hoping to make it up into the untouched powder of the backcountry either had to hoof it or make one of their regular snowboards into a homemade splitboard.

That’s no longer the case. In fact, 2014 brings splitboarding fans over 60 different boards to choose from. Nearly all of the large snowboarding manufacturers now offer splitboards in their lineups.

Simply put, that’s a lot of boards to choose from. And when you’re investing money into something as pricey as a splitboard, you need to make sure that it is money well spent. That is where our 2014 review of the best splitboards comes into play. We have taken a look at all of this year’s splitboarding offerings and have selected five of our very favorite.

Here are the best 2014 splitboards in no particular order:

1. 2014 Burton Landlord Splitboard

Backcountry riding never got this good. The 2014 Burton Landlord Splitboard is a directional twin powerhouse that allows you to choose from numerous stances to fine-tune perfection.

The board’s S-Rocker profile means that speed and float are your best friends. The rocker extends from your front foot to the nose. Camber is between the feet and drives back towards the tail. This unique setup provides maximum float without sacrificing momentum or stability. The Landlord’s directional flex makes for a poppy and resilient ride where control and maneuverability are the names of the game.

It’s available in 159 and 163 and runs for $800.

Find out more about the 2014 Burton Landlord Splitboard.

2. 2014 Rossignol XV Magtek Splitboard

Move over competition, the 2014 Rossignol XV Magtek Splitboard is here. Tweaked and fine-tuned by Xavier de la Rue, the splitboard is all about big mountain destruction where bold, remote lines are just the icing on the cake.

The splitboard’s AmpTek All-Mountain profile throws together traditional camber between the bindings and moderate tip and tail rocker for a perfect combo. Stability, versatility, and float all benefit from this setup. To enhance control and edge hold, Magne-Traction is incorporated in the XV’s design from tip to tail. This board simply blasts through powder, with a super-stiff front end, a washier tail, and an incredibly powerful yet smooth overall feel.

It’s available in 167 only and runs for $600.

Find out more about the 2014 Rossignol XV Magtek Splitboard.

3. 2014 Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard

It’s rare to find a “best of” list that pertains to snowboarding these days without a mention of Jones Snowboards. Simply put, snow legend Jeremy Jones’ personal brand of snowboards have always been known to rip. The Carbon Solution Splitboard is no different.

Right off the bat, it’s essential to point out that the 2014 Carbon Solution Splitboard from Jones is not a toy. Naturally, no snowboard is a toy, but the Carbon Solution is seriously fit for only the most experienced of backcountry snowboarders (even its price tag warrants this). Every single feature was designed with professional freeride destruction in mind like the kind thrown up by Jeremy and the Jones team. A stiff flex, directional shape, and directional rocker give the board a hyper-stiff and extremely responsive feel. Its light weight and forgiving feel are thanks to its carbon topsheet and carbon stringers. This splitboard is your solution to big lines, high speeds, and uneven terrain.

It’s available in 158, 161, and 164 and runs for $1,200.

Find out more about the 2014 Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard.

4. 2014 K2 Northern Lite Splitboard

A splitboard specifically designed for highly skilled female rippers, the 2014 K2 Northern Lite Splitboard leads the charge as far as women’s splitboarding goes.

The Northern Lite was constructed as a solution to a common problem: woman riders needing to size down on a men’s splitboard. Naturally, this creates a less than ideal ride due to the weight, flex, and size imbalance created. K2 comes through once again with a top-of-the-line rip stick with a flex and width suited for woman riders. The tapered shape and hybrid camber give the board a sturdy and stable yet powerful feel on any terrain. The setback stance and lifted nose provide ample flotation so you can get on top of even the most epic, free flowing powder. Solid dampening and indestructible durability ensure you’ll be ripping on this incredibly comfortable splitboard for years to come.

It’s available in 152 and runs for $1,000.

Find out more about the 2014 K2 Northern Lite Women’s Splitboard.

5. 2014 Lib Technologies T. Rice HP Splitboard

You already know the 2014 Lib Tech T. Rice HP Splitboard is top-notch just from the simple fact that it’s Travis Rice’s go-to board for backcountry domination.

The key characteristic of the T. Rice HP Split is its lightweight. Seriously though, this thing is insanely light. And if you’re an experienced splitboarder, you know that a light setup means an easier and less tiring climb and ride up the mountain. In addition to its miniscule weight, the T. Rice Splits comes with basalt for torsional rigidity. This might not sound very special but it actually makes the splitboard feel the exact same as a normal snowboard. Lib’s famous C2 BTX Power Banana/Camber Blend hooks the board up with an aggressive power stance for experienced shredders. Solid tip and tail pressure creates pop, power, and precision for days. And the small amount of pressure between the bindings helps in the stability, edgehold, and float department.

It’s available in 161.5 and 164.5 and runs for just under $1,000.

Find out more about the 2014 Lib Tech T. Rice HP Splitboard.

The 2014 Slash ATV Snowboard truly is an all terrain vehicle. Designed for everything the mountain can throw at you, the snowboard is equally at home in the park and in the powder.

The Slash ATV Snowboard combines a traditional directional twin shape with traditional full camber. It has the same feel as snowboards did twenty years ago. At the same time, however, it incorporates modern-day high-tech features into its design that emphasis durability and lightweight. These new tweaks make for a board that feels old school but that rides like a new-age weapon.

Slash took special care to build a board with loads of pop and a very reactive feel. The camber plus the materials used to construct the board (including its all new Forever Wood Core) create a unique and functional feel. The snowboard is playful without going overboard.

Need a new stick for the upcoming 2014 season? The Slash ATV Snowboard might just be a great bet for you.

If you check in on occasion here at Much Awesome, then chances are that you’ve seen our recent post on the best all-mountain snowboards of 2014. In it, we took our knowledge of 2013/2014 all-mountain sticks and sorted through them to come out with five of our very favorite all-mountain rippers.

Naturally, we had to do the same for freestyle snowboards. As much as we love the big mountain and all that dank powder that’s been dropping as of late, jibbing rails, launching off kickers, and destroying cliffs is just as fun.

Choose any of the five snowboards listed below for a freestyle experience like no other. Each of the boards is tailored towards different types of riders and the one you should roll with is dependent on the discipline you most often ride in and your skill level.

Here are the best 2014 freestyle snowboards in no particular order:

1. 2014 K2 World Wide Weapon Snowboard

The 2014 K2 World Wide Weapon Snowboard, also known as the WWW, is a lady in the streets and a freak in the bed! Straight out of the box the board has looks that kill. And take it to the slopes and the thing hits it even harder.

The WWW has been around for 10 years and 2014’s version is better than ever before. It is perfectly set up for jibbing galore with a soft and supportive profile and flex. While you’ll be able to blast off small kickers with ease, the board comes up short on anything larger or on rougher terrain. Read: this is not an all-mountain freestyle board. But it is incredibly at home in the park. Amazing response and pop and a playful, buttery feel make the K2 World Wide Weapon ride similar to a skateboard and allows you to destroy absolutely any rail, box, or bench the park or the streets can throw at you.

It’s available in 142, 147, 151, 154, and 157 and runs for $400.

Find out more about the 2014 K2 WWW Snowboard.

2. 2014 Lib Tech Burtner Box Scratcher BTX Snowboard

Another park-oriented jibbing machine, the 2014 Lib Tech Box Scratcher is Jesse Burtner’s solution to freestyle madness. Far and away one of the best freestyle snowboards of the year, you’ll be pressing anything in your path with this bad boy.

The Lib Tech Burtner Box Scratcher has a relatively soft flex and a kink nose and kink tail. It’s twin shape means make way for switch madness. The snowboard is actually designed to be ridden in a slightly smaller size than normal without sacrificing stability. The Magne-Traction steak knife technology is largely the reason that this is possible.

It’s available in a 147 and a 152 and runs for just over $450.

Find out more about the 2014 Lib Tech Burtner Box Scratcher Snowboard.

3. 2014 K2 Fastplant Snowboard

Another K2 creation that makes our list of the best freestyle snowboards of 2014, the K2 Fastplant is the perfect solution for those that like to ride both inside and outside of the park.

Suited for just about any type of terrain, the 2014 K2 Fastplant Snowboard is a needle in the haystack as far as all-mountain freestyle sticks go. It is constructed out of bamboo from tip to tail for the utmost in light weight, durability, and response. Seriously though, this baby is a pop machine. In addition to its springy bamboo construction, the Fastplant features a full camber design with integrated carbon ollie bar. Better yet, it comes with a 5 year no snap warranty.

It’s available in 151, 154, and 157 and runs for $530.

Find out more about the 2014 K2 Fastplant Snowboard.

4. 2014 Flow Verve Snowboard

Another crazy dope jibbing board, the 2014 Flow Verve Snowboard is most at home on boxes and rails but can hold its own in the snow.

With a cool graphic and a twin shape, the Verve is as buttery and catch-free as freestyle snowboards come. Its forgiving flex and convex base only serve to add to its catch-free ride. A blunted nose and a blunted tail further help you keep things locked. The Verve is your segue to switch ollie heaven.

It’s available in 152, 154, and 154W and runs for $360.

Find out more about the 2014 Flow Verve Snowboard.

5. 2014 Burton Nug Snowboard

We’ve realized this list has been jib heavy and that’s where the 2014 Burton Nug Snowboard comes in. Though it makes pressing rails simple, it is more at home launching off kicker jumps, bombing groomers, and getting tech in high-speed tree lines.

The Nug features a cool graphic and sports a twin shape. Like every snowboard Burton produces, it holds up for the long haul with an incredibly durable and lightweight design. It’s stiffer than any of the other boards on our list which gives it that high-speed stability that you need while riding the big mountain. However, a rockered profile and spoon-shaped nose and tail keep the ride playful and buttery. Burton suggests getting the snowboard in a smaller size than you normally ride for the ultimate in freestyle feel and luxury.

It’s available in 142, 146, 150, and 154 and runs for $420.

Find out more about the 2014 Burton Nug Snowboard.