Every year, new boards are released, old boards are updated, and lists and reviews are compiled ranking the years’ top boards for each category. At Snowboard Mag we call the best boards of the year our Platinum Picks. What makes a board worthy of being a Platinum Pick? With each category we look at what is most important for each style of riding, and which boards surpass our expectations for those qualities. After all, you don’t need a powder specific board to ride in the deep, but undoubtedly certain boards will float and perform better than others.
No two snowboarders are the same.
When it comes to park-specific snowboards, flex, pop, shape and construction are undeniably the most important factors. You need flex to hold a press, but not too much that you lose pop. Shape and style are important, but not if they ultimately compromise the most important element – construction. A season of hitting jumps and sliding rails is guaranteed to put a beating on your deck, and it’s our opinion that if a board can’t handle the abuse, than it’s not making the cut.
At Snowboard Mag we also recognize that no two snowboarders are the same, and there are inherently both objective and subjective elements in choosing boards. That’s why we bring you the below hand-selected collection, four of our favorite park boards, each for a different reason. We hope this collection helps you in making the decision for which board you will be adding to the arsenal this season.
Photography by Dave Lehl, shot on location at the Denver Art Museum
The Interior Plain Project, The Harrow
Built on the philosophy of a “Premium Medium,” The Harrow from The Interior Plain Project features premium materials built into a board that can handle it all. A medium flex between the bindings is complimented with carbon stringers that run from inserts to nose and tail, adding the necessary stiffness to pop onto rails while retaining the forgiving nature of a park board. Minimalist camber only contributes to the form and function of The Harrow, a feature that conventionalists will be quick to embrace. The Harrow screams traditional versatility and is another example that tech-focused, advanced design doesn’t always translate to a better snowboard. This is the board for someone who wants a park oriented board that doesn’t need bells or whistles and can still crush everything you throw at it.
RIDE Helix
The RIDE Helix is the big-boy no-nonsense park slayer. Boasting traditional camber and a stiffer flex pattern than most park boards, the Helix will make you work to press, but will hold steady once you get there. Enough reverse-camber loosey-goosey presses already. The asymmetrical design assists with turn initiation and keeps things playful, while the urethane sidewalls reduce chatter and make for a smooth ride whether you are nuking into a take off, or putting the landing gear down on the big jump line. It’s Danimals go-to, ride everything board, and due to its aggressive nature can be trusted to charge it all, even when you decide to step outside of the park for a bit. This is the board for riders who like a lot of meat under their feet and are ready to make a park board work for them.
Never Summer Warlock
Riders looking for a tech-packed park killer, the Never Summer Warlock is here to stir things up. The Warlock features Original Rocker Camber profile, with rocker between the feet, and camber outside of the bindings, this board has a playful loose ride that still retains pop and structure. Press Flex Wood Core, features two sections of softer wood between the feet for two distinct flex zones. These soft zones act as a hinge, not only will your nose presses be bona fide, but you will hold them with ease. Whatever your superstitions may be, a ride on the Warlock will become a ritual you won’t be able to resist. This is the board for the rider who likes an extremely playful park board with the latest in shape technology.
Salomon, Villain
Over the years, The Villain from Salomon has fought its way to the upper echelon of the most feared and respected decks in all of snowboarding. Step on The Villain and you will figure out that we chose it for more than good looks. Its hybrid camber profile—flat between your feet, camber underfoot, rocker to the contact points—blends the pop of camber with the ease of rocker for the best of both worlds. The strength of carbon stringers in the tip and tail give that extra pop in the rocker portions of the board, which provide the boost to lock into that solid nosepress. The Villain from Salomon is soft where you want it, but not to the point of sacrificing on board feel and stability. This is the board for the rider who will stop at nothing until they have global freestyle domination.
Explore more 2017 snowboards and more in The Product Collection
Explore your favorite brands in the 2017 Brand Guide
