Best for freestyle… Spinster by Forum
The latest offering from Forum, this board lives up to the ‘no nonsense’ brand mantra and will have you stirring it up in the parks all season long. It’s strong enough to stand the most hardcore of tricks, yet lightweight and flexible making it perfect for boxes, rails and butters. This snappy little number is the perfect partner for 2009.
£299, €399; forumsnowboards.com
Best for progression/beginners… Jett by Rome
The beauty of this board is that it has been designed with fun in mind. Who wants to learn to snowboard if they find it unfulfilling and unenjoyable? Exactly. Step on this board and away you go – it has a smooth cruising laminate that’s perfect for finding your feet on the mountain, but is sturdy enough for the park when you’re ready to progress.
£220, €245; romesnowboards.com
Best for freeriding… Promise by Ride
If you are looking for an all-round performer at a price that won’t break the bank, then this bad boy’s got your name on it. Promise is specifically designed with a narrower waist for easy turning, allowing optimal board control and comfort. And it looks damn good too.
£270, €290; ridesnowboards.com
Best for all-round girliness… Lipstick by Burton
Fool your fellow park-goers into believing you are cute and girly by stepping out with this board – and then unleash some kick-arse moves. This board is designed to the new ‘rocker’ shape, with additional rockers towards the nose and tail for more foot control; it puts the ‘pop’ in lollypop.
£280, €310; burton.com
Best graphics… Lily by Salomon
The graphics on this board are stunning, but if that’s not enough to convince you – Lily is also top snowboarder Jenny Jones’ board of choice. The ‘Popster’ core profiling gets great ollie height, perfect the moves and you’ll look hot.
£270, €290; salomonsnowboard.com
Best ‘inbetween-er’: not too soft, not too stiff… Fling by K2
This board has been refined to achieve true versatility, offering twin-tip design and medium flex, it’s the one you’ve been waiting for. If you’re looking to improve your park performance then this could be the answer – and the 80’s styling gives you the attitude to go with it.
£290, €310; K2snowboarding.com
Words by: Laura Adcock
