The tide is changing and winter is coming! It’s time to mull over which splitboards are our top picks for 2022/23.The good news is there’s something out there for everyone and we are here to help you choose the perfect board for your needs. Here are the boards getting us most excited about this winter touring season.
Powder Boards
That fluffy, billowing white stuff is why we love to go splitboarding. If you’re like most people you probably bought an all-mountain board thinking you would have to ride some switch and were worried about versatility versus pure joy riding. This is the year to make the leap into a powder splitboard as these shapes are mind-blowing fun to ride and will have your all-mountain board collecting dust until volcano season arrives.
Nitro Squash
The Nitro Squash is shaped for fun and powder. Being priced well below other splitboards, it's also a no-brainer for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a floatier board. The Nitro Squash is mid-wide and features a short mini swallow tail that allows riders to float without leaning back. With ample camber underfoot you can still feel confident riding steeper, variable terrain on the way to the powder stash. If you want to float but cannot compromise on that true camber feel, get this board.
Cardiff Powgoda
This season, I'll be reaching for the Cardiff Powgoda over my Lib Tech Orca. Where the Orca fails to be the same as its solid version, the Powgoda doesn’t let you down. It is literally impossible to sink this splitboard. With a stiffer flex and more effective shape specs than the Orca, the Powgoda will no doubt proove to be a top three powder splitboard moving forward.
Let’s compare these splits side by side.
Powgoda 158 = 314.5 / 272 / 294.5 ($899.95)
Orca Split 159 = 311 / 267 / 302 ($1199.95)
Not only are you getting a better board but you save $300!! Did I mention the Cardiff has a lighter more durable build? Just pre-order one before they’re all gone.
Weston Japow
Weston Japow is our winner from last year that holds strong on this year’s powder board cut. With two carbon stringers from the tail to the rear binding, the Japow really rails the turns and will give you as much speed as you let it. It is also the easiest board to ride by far. To feel the float, just stand up on it in neutral and shift your weight side to side. Do not be intimidated by the swallow tail shape. I’m 6’ 0” 195lbs and ride the 169cm. Want to have even more fun? Try a posi-posi stance on this split and you will be catching airs, wiggling through trees, and giggling for more.
All Mountain Boards
All mountain boards are the typical go-to for a first splitboard or for riders seeking something that is fast and stable. Choosing between our top three all mountain boards is like being a judge on INK’d. It’s hard to go wrong with any of these boards because they are almost identical in shape, flex, and sometimes size. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to ride them all and can break down the differences of why one over the other.
Jones Solution
Jones Solution is the gold standard that every all-mountain board is designed after. If you have a pre-2020 model, it's time to consider an upgrade to the current Solution which has the spoon base for easier turn initiation. It also busts over sun cups like no one's business. If you ride this in powder, do yourself a favor and get a Powgoda splitboard!
Weston Ridgeline
The Weston Ridgeline is more fun than the Solution for carving, making it the ideal choice for resort runs before or after close. For the time of your life, take this on the biggest of mountain runs. I highly recommend this as an expert snowboarder's first splitboard. With it's wide build, it is super easy for kick turning and helps riders get up and down the steeps. With more than three top sheets available, it’s hard not to buy them all.
Cardiff GOAT
The Cardiff GOAT is built of the same breed as the Solution and Ridgeline. If you love Cardiff Technology and the snow crafts built out of Utah, you can’t go wrong with the Cardiff GOAT. Not too wide, but not narrow, some would say it’s just right.
Consider the Weston Backwoods for an all-mountain board that surfs pow like a champion. The board floats with ease if you are looking for the best of both worlds.
If all this isn’t enough for you then check out some splitboard banter on Wild Snow.
