You haven’t tried the Lib Tech Retro Ripper yet have you? The 166cm version is truly legendary. It’s the best deep powder board that also rips through groomers on transitions that I’ve ever ridden. My only criticism of the board is that Lib Tech bases seem to lose their wax quickly under hard riding and then they eat a ton of wax at each new waxing(which for me is after each day of riding). I did a day with over a fresh meter of snow overnight at Mt Bachelor and it was absolutely incredible, very few boards out there could have stayed afloat in those conditions and I was having an effortless day blasting through the pow 👍🏼
The last couple of "best" for snowboards videos you have done, Nidecker always seems to comes first. Do you still have a relationship with Nidecker OR has that gone after last year and this is more of an unbiased opinion?
That’s because it’s not a pure powder board. No knock on it. It’s just impossible to be the best in multiple categories. Now the endeavor archetype is a pure pure powder board. Check that out, it’s highly recommended by a lot of people
I was riding the Nidecker Beta APX as a demo board at Apex mountain, BC, Canada last season. Such an amazing board, effortless pow riding, stiff and great at carving on the groomers as well. Because of my own stupidity i had a crash which sprained my mcl and put me out for the season. I have always wanted this board ever since, and im keeping an eye out for any opportunity to get one.
I'm a board hoarder, here's a few powder favorites from my current quiver. Bataleon Camel Toe/Magic Carpet, Neversummer Harpoon/Big Gun, Rossignol Sushi, Capita Slush Slasher, k2 Eighty Seven and one of my newest favorites the Amplid Snommelier.
@@whoisthe1412 I found it hard to have a favorite because they are have things they are better at. For example, I love traditional camber, but in powder it can’t hold up against at rockier or a hybrid.
@@whoisthe1412 If it's an epic powder day the Amplid Snommellier would be my first choice. For tight trees I'd pick the Rossignol Sushi. For a mix of conditions I'd pick the Neversummer Harpoon. If I'm in the mood for switch riding and spins I'd pick the Bataleon Magic Carpet. Definately enjoy every board I've listed but Ive been so impressed with the Amplid that I'm really curious about their other decks.
GREAT VIDEO!!! I was very happy to see u rated the Orce #3 in your list. I bought the Orca at the end of last year’s season and still haven’t ridden it. What flex bindings would u suggest? I’ve ridden more the last two seasons than I had the previous 15, u can kinda say that I really fell in love with snowboarding all over again. I’m approaching a solid “advanced” level and wanna keep the train rolling as long as possible! Again, thx for the sharing your vid
I litterally just bought an ultra mind expander as my first board a couple days ago! I tried it at an indoor slope yesterday and high speed carving is absolutely awesome on it! I even hit some pretty big jumps. Can't wait to take it off piste!
Exciting Top 10 list! I do however believe that the Hovercraft should be mentioned in it. The board is unsinkable and handles the steep n icey like a champ. In addition, it comes in at a competitive price point
What are your thoughts between the Nidecker Beta APX vs. Orca as an all mountain everyday board minus the park stuff? I've been on Orca for past 3 years and it's because I can use it on all conditions and when the powder hits, I don't have to make any adjustments. Appreciate feedback and your channel. Looking forward to an epic 2023 season
Number 8. I’ve watched that Video so many times I can almost hear the soundtrack. 🥰 My newest board would probably be my favourite too, it did look like he was having way more fun in that last clip.
this review was insanely helpful! I want to buy a second board specifically for powder and wasn’t sure where to start. i wish i could try all of these lol
Love the orca but number 3 kev? Cmon you know its the better free ride board of almost everything on this list with the versatility, styling and popularity :)
It’s angrys favorite pow board and he’s ridden more boards than anyone. Reviews are unanimously great. It’s not like the majority of swallow tails where the tail is useless other than sinking into the snow. Your feet are between the camber zone. It carves, there’s rebound in the tail unlike other swallows. It’s different. Don’t knock it till you try it
I'm a board horder: i'd go jones hovercraft*, jones mind expander (current season) or ultra mind, korua cafe* cacer/dart/pencil or pin tonic, weston backwoods*, powfinder morris* as a very carvy swallow tail, amplid big kahuna, classic burton fish* always works most pow boards work in pow :) it all changes when you not just ride pow on pow days but the whole season (hiking/splitting etc) ... this is where i have best memories with the hovercraft
Was sure the backwoods or japow would be on here. Surprised no love for one of the aloha vibes/ dada/ morning glory or big kahuna too. Suppose you can’t ride them all… although everyone should ride the Backwoods at some point in their life
@@IamMarian right, the back foot is inside the camber zone so its not easily maneuverable. But instead, with the archetype, unlike other swallow tail baords, you get more powerful ride since youre applying pressure to the camber contact point ride before the tail. Feel closer to centered stance compared to others. Guess this just one of those "to each is own" moments cause I love it haha
Great great view! really helpful I'm going to buy a Nidecker Beta APX, but i found there is only 3 sizes available on the market, 157/162/165w. I'm 175cm/76kg, do you think 157cm board good for me to ride? Also, can you tell us what the different between Nidecker Beta and Beta APX. I hope that I can find answer from you. Thank you
So I love your channel I found a sweet deal on the orca but, that board made me feel like my riding was better. Also felt so natural to ride switch which sounds crazy but, love it thx for the recommendation
* off topic * I'm an intermediate snowboarder who spends 10/15 days a year in the snow always with low-end rental equipment and I feel that I get conditioned by the board that doesn't let me learn more. I really enjoy taking advantage of all the jumps and rails. what board would you recommend me? evil twin or doa? thanks a lot, much love from portugal! 🇵🇹🇵🇹
Did Nidecker give you a promo code to share with watchers of your channel to get a discount on their gear through their website? Because if they had I’m sure they would have seen a big uptick in sales…. But maybe their real issue was that you didn’t ride exclusively Nidecker on your channel during your sponsorship with them
I rock the golden orca at a bigger size than recommended. I find the extra length really helps with float on deep pow days. For me its my daily driver and quiver killer. I ride in confidence no matter the conditions or terrain. Keep up the great vids!
I do the same, with mini disk bindings. On pow days I just set the bindings all the way back and no need to back seat. I know the normal orca would be smaller and faster but I’m just not in powder every day.
Hi Kevin, I am 5'10" tall and weight 175lb. Do you think a 157cm Nidecker Beta Apx would suit me well? Or do I need to go up to 162cm? Mainly used in Whistler's powder day. Thanks!
What’s up Kevin !!! Keep doing what you’re doing! I’m heading to Whistler late February early March…. Not sure if you want to guide a day or your schedule but if you want to meet to shred msg me!!!!! Thanks Keep it up!
I have a flagship and it’s a beast. Just took it out in some deep stuff in Utah and it did amazing. It likes big carves and is a little slower edge to edge compared to most boards. It’s also very stiff so it requires an aggressive ride to handle it. Really fun board for steep stuff, powder, choppy snow, and ice!
Great vid, mate! I got a question regarding the Nidecker Beta APX: I'm 6ft4inch tall, weight 80kg, boot size 44 2/3 (EU). What sizing could be right for me? (My daily driver is a Libtech Orca 156 (I downsized coz of general guidlines on that model)). Hope to get your oppinion. Have a nice one! BH.
Hey Kevin, I'm surprised that the Jones Storm Chaser didn't even make the top 10. I've ridden for the last 20 yrs straight and owned many boards and never had better/easier float in pow then on that board. Not a great board in all conditions but as a powder specific board, in my opinion, one of the best!
@@mikaelthunstrom8854 I haven't ridden the storm wolf personally but I would assume the main differences are the width of the board and the camber profile. The storm chaser has a much wider nose and wider waist than the storm wolf and the storm wolf has positive camber underneath the feet while the storm chaser is a surf rocker shape, essentially mostly flat under feet with a large rocker nose that starts at the beginning of the binding inserts on the front foot. Based on that info I would have to assume the storm chaser has better overall float in powder than the storm wolf but maybe Kevin can give us his thoughts on it since he's ridden both.
I have size 13 boots... Lots of toe drag on all boards less than 27 cm wide at the waist (current riding Nvr Smr drag free). Do you have any insights on powboards for big footers?
Superb review! I’m currently owned a libtech Orca 150 (I’m 5’6”/ 165 pounds/ 8 boot size), my only complaint about this board. It is a bit wide for sketchy turn between tight trees run. I’m hesitating between Jones ME 150 or 154. I mostly ride east coast glades “powder” and groomed. Wich size do you recommend and do you think the ME will be too close of the Orca ride?
Hey Kevin, what are your thoughts on the Burton Deep Daze and being slightly over the weight range for the board? I'm 6'2 tall and 210lbs give or take a few pounds. The 159 weight range ends at 200lbs and I just wondered if you thought that may affect the float substantially.
I don’t think it would affect the float substantially, but I think you would notice a bit. I’m about your size and even though i had a great time on the board I wish I had a bigger size.
I appreciate what Kevin does, but these lists are misleading when he puts Nidecker at the #1 spot for 2/2 lists so far. I bought my Super DOA a couple years back when his list was more honest, so for any newcomers who happen to come across these videos might just think Nidecker is the #1 brand in the world bar none.
You do realise Nidecker make boards at their factory for quite a few other brands. There are only about 6 factories world wide, if that. Most are in europe.
it's not there cause it's so bad (even compared to this list) hover beats the SC by miles ultra mind is also so much better (if u just look @jones line) not even mentioning the other companies options
Top 10 Powder Snowboards:
1. Nidecker Beta: bit.ly/3SaBHkR
2. Jones Ultra Mind: bit.ly/3S9dTgS
3. Lib Tech Orca: bit.ly/2MGqyXV
4. Jones Storm Wolf: bit.ly/3S2ZBP1
5. Deep Daze: bit.ly/3d8Kkb5
6. Nidecker Mellow:
7. Bataleon Surfer: bit.ly/3FlGAzM
8. NITRO POW:
9. Spring Break Tree Hunter:
10. Golden Orca: bit.ly/3rpDPu4
:)
@@Rodshahm haven't heard of it
Would the Surfer be higher on the list if it was a POW only list? Whats your go-to for heavy west coast pow?
You haven’t tried the Lib Tech Retro Ripper yet have you? The 166cm version is truly legendary. It’s the best deep powder board that also rips through groomers on transitions that I’ve ever ridden. My only criticism of the board is that Lib Tech bases seem to lose their wax quickly under hard riding and then they eat a ton of wax at each new waxing(which for me is after each day of riding). I did a day with over a fresh meter of snow overnight at Mt Bachelor and it was absolutely incredible, very few boards out there could have stayed afloat in those conditions and I was having an effortless day blasting through the pow 👍🏼
The last couple of "best" for snowboards videos you have done, Nidecker always seems to comes first. Do you still have a relationship with Nidecker OR has that gone after last year and this is more of an unbiased opinion?
Got the orca last year and couldn't be happier. For a powder board, its surprisingly good everywhere.
That’s because it’s not a pure powder board. No knock on it. It’s just impossible to be the best in multiple categories. Now the endeavor archetype is a pure pure powder board. Check that out, it’s highly recommended by a lot of people
I was riding the Nidecker Beta APX as a demo board at Apex mountain, BC, Canada last season. Such an amazing board, effortless pow riding, stiff and great at carving on the groomers as well. Because of my own stupidity i had a crash which sprained my mcl and put me out for the season. I have always wanted this board ever since, and im keeping an eye out for any opportunity to get one.
I'm a board hoarder, here's a few powder favorites from my current quiver. Bataleon Camel Toe/Magic Carpet, Neversummer Harpoon/Big Gun, Rossignol Sushi, Capita Slush Slasher, k2 Eighty Seven and one of my newest favorites the Amplid Snommelier.
nice list
bahaha - you are a collector my dude!
Which one you like best bro?
@@whoisthe1412 I found it hard to have a favorite because they are have things they are better at. For example, I love traditional camber, but in powder it can’t hold up against at rockier or a hybrid.
@@whoisthe1412 If it's an epic powder day the Amplid Snommellier would be my first choice. For tight trees I'd pick the Rossignol Sushi. For a mix of conditions I'd pick the Neversummer Harpoon. If I'm in the mood for switch riding and spins I'd pick the Bataleon Magic Carpet. Definately enjoy every board I've listed but Ive been so impressed with the Amplid that I'm really curious about their other decks.
Just bought the 2020/2021 Orca partly because I saw how much you loved it. Super stoked to take it on the mountain
Great video…I wish I watched this b4 buying my board…
I just bought myself a Burton 3d deep haze best powder board I’ve ridden just love it 🎉
GREAT VIDEO!!! I was very happy to see u rated the Orce #3 in your list. I bought the Orca at the end of last year’s season and still haven’t ridden it. What flex bindings would u suggest? I’ve ridden more the last two seasons than I had the previous 15, u can kinda say that I really fell in love with snowboarding all over again. I’m approaching a solid “advanced” level and wanna keep the train rolling as long as possible!
Again, thx for the sharing your vid
I litterally just bought an ultra mind expander as my first board a couple days ago! I tried it at an indoor slope yesterday and high speed carving is absolutely awesome on it! I even hit some pretty big jumps. Can't wait to take it off piste!
Ultra mind expander as your first board? You went from beginner to advanced on a rental deck? 🤔
@@irontit2480 believe it or not, I actually did:) though I have been borrowing boards and rocking rentals for like 3-4 years now
keep it in good nick that board has a lot of potential
Love the video Kev! If you get a chance this season you should try the K2 excavator. I think you would really enjoy it!!
Second that
Third 🤘
What an amazing list of pow boards! I'm sure it was quite tough to rate some of those boards and and find their place on the list.
It was tough to find the proper place for each one!
Exciting Top 10 list! I do however believe that the Hovercraft should be mentioned in it. The board is unsinkable and handles the steep n icey like a champ. In addition, it comes in at a competitive price point
can confirm, one of my best memories I have with the hovy, sadly after several years it died :(
What are your thoughts between the Nidecker Beta APX vs. Orca as an all mountain everyday board minus the park stuff? I've been on Orca for past 3 years and it's because I can use it on all conditions and when the powder hits, I don't have to make any adjustments. Appreciate feedback and your channel. Looking forward to an epic 2023 season
Number 8. I’ve watched that Video so many times I can almost hear the soundtrack. 🥰 My newest board would probably be my favourite too, it did look like he was having way more fun in that last clip.
So the Nitro Pow would’ve scored higher, but it’s only good in powder. This is a list of powder boards.
I just bought a jones flagship. I wonder how different the ultra mind expander is in pow vs the flagship.
Currently have Moss Snowstick Wingpin for powder, price is pretty steep but so worth it.
this review was insanely helpful! I want to buy a second board specifically for powder and wasn’t sure where to start. i wish i could try all of these lol
Look into a endeavor archetype. Arguably the best powder board out. If you do some research you’ll see
Love the orca but number 3 kev? Cmon you know its the better free ride board of almost everything on this list with the versatility, styling and popularity :)
It’s not the best pow board though. That title belongs to the endeavor archetype
@@szaret1 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 oh man i havent laughed that hard in a very long time
@@Bad_Riders 😜glad I could make your day
It’s angrys favorite pow board and he’s ridden more boards than anyone. Reviews are unanimously great. It’s not like the majority of swallow tails where the tail is useless other than sinking into the snow. Your feet are between the camber zone. It carves, there’s rebound in the tail unlike other swallows. It’s different. Don’t knock it till you try it
Great vid bro!
Got my eye on a storm chaser
I'm a board horder: i'd go jones hovercraft*, jones mind expander (current season) or ultra mind, korua cafe* cacer/dart/pencil or pin tonic, weston backwoods*, powfinder morris* as a very carvy swallow tail, amplid big kahuna, classic burton fish* always works
most pow boards work in pow :) it all changes when you not just ride pow on pow days but the whole season (hiking/splitting etc) ... this is where i have best memories with the hovercraft
Sweet collection you got there. Check out he endeavor archetype. Ive ridden a most of what you have there and id do archetype over anything for pow
Was sure the backwoods or japow would be on here. Surprised no love for one of the aloha vibes/ dada/ morning glory or big kahuna too. Suppose you can’t ride them all… although everyone should ride the Backwoods at some point in their life
@@szaret1 I didn't like archetype at all in trees, its swallowtail is way too small, to be nimble.
Wassup Moritz ;)
@@IamMarian right, the back foot is inside the camber zone so its not easily maneuverable. But instead, with the archetype, unlike other swallow tail baords, you get more powerful ride since youre applying pressure to the camber contact point ride before the tail. Feel closer to centered stance compared to others. Guess this just one of those "to each is own" moments cause I love it haha
The storm wolf is my favorite
Kevin would never ride that board... I hear he gave it away 😆
@@goodridevibes yup haha this is true hahah
Great great view! really helpful
I'm going to buy a Nidecker Beta APX, but i found there is only 3 sizes available on the market, 157/162/165w.
I'm 175cm/76kg, do you think 157cm board good for me to ride?
Also, can you tell us what the different between Nidecker Beta and Beta APX.
I hope that I can find answer from you.
Thank you
I have the same orca -- Its solid in all conditions.....
So I love your channel I found a sweet deal on the orca but, that board made me feel like my riding was better. Also felt so natural to ride switch which sounds crazy but, love it thx for the recommendation
Orca is a great board 👍
Great content. All mountain next please!!
Top Ten Tuesdays!!
* off topic *
I'm an intermediate snowboarder who spends 10/15 days a year in the snow always with low-end rental equipment and I feel that I get conditioned by the board that doesn't let me learn more. I really enjoy taking advantage of all the jumps and rails. what board would you recommend me? evil twin or doa?
thanks a lot, much love from portugal! 🇵🇹🇵🇹
How does the new mind expander compare with the more camber profile ?
Did Nidecker give you a promo code to share with watchers of your channel to get a discount on their gear through their website? Because if they had I’m sure they would have seen a big uptick in sales…. But maybe their real issue was that you didn’t ride exclusively Nidecker on your channel during your sponsorship with them
5:30 Where is this Ice Cave? Omg! What the… Awsome. Would love to see one.
I rock the golden orca at a bigger size than recommended. I find the extra length really helps with float on deep pow days. For me its my daily driver and quiver killer. I ride in confidence no matter the conditions or terrain. Keep up the great vids!
I do the same, with mini disk bindings. On pow days I just set the bindings all the way back and no need to back seat. I know the normal orca would be smaller and faster but I’m just not in powder every day.
Great review!
Freaking love my Mind Expander. Would like to try the 23 model. Sounds like they made some good improvements.
Hey Kevin, what's your opinion on the Jones Hovercraft compared to the above ten.
I'll keep my Amplid and Winterstick thank you... but I do like that Orca.
What size Beta did you ride?
Hay kevin do you know what david making ?
Where would you put jones flagship into this list? If at all? How would you compare it to these boards, particularly the lib tech orca?
Hi Kevin, I am 5'10" tall and weight 175lb. Do you think a 157cm Nidecker Beta Apx would suit me well? Or do I need to go up to 162cm? Mainly used in Whistler's powder day. Thanks!
Nitro squash is off the chain!
What’s up Kevin !!! Keep doing what you’re doing! I’m heading to Whistler late February early March…. Not sure if you want to guide a day or your schedule but if you want to meet to shred msg me!!!!! Thanks Keep it up!
Great job on the reviews!
Any review on the Jones flagship as a free ride powder board?
I have a flagship and it’s a beast. Just took it out in some deep stuff in Utah and it did amazing. It likes big carves and is a little slower edge to edge compared to most boards. It’s also very stiff so it requires an aggressive ride to handle it. Really fun board for steep stuff, powder, choppy snow, and ice!
No Arbor snowboards!? Yall should test the Arbor Single
You should do elevated surfco goldfish
Stranda Tree Surfer ! 3 best words in the English language :)
Great vid, mate! I got a question regarding the Nidecker Beta APX: I'm 6ft4inch tall, weight 80kg, boot size 44 2/3 (EU). What sizing could be right for me? (My daily driver is a Libtech Orca 156 (I downsized coz of general guidlines on that model)).
Hope to get your oppinion.
Have a nice one!
BH.
Hey Kevin, I'm surprised that the Jones Storm Chaser didn't even make the top 10. I've ridden for the last 20 yrs straight and owned many boards and never had better/easier float in pow then on that board. Not a great board in all conditions but as a powder specific board, in my opinion, one of the best!
The Storm Wolf isnt that far off from the Chaser or?
@@mikaelthunstrom8854 I haven't ridden the storm wolf personally but I would assume the main differences are the width of the board and the camber profile. The storm chaser has a much wider nose and wider waist than the storm wolf and the storm wolf has positive camber underneath the feet while the storm chaser is a surf rocker shape, essentially mostly flat under feet with a large rocker nose that starts at the beginning of the binding inserts on the front foot. Based on that info I would have to assume the storm chaser has better overall float in powder than the storm wolf but maybe Kevin can give us his thoughts on it since he's ridden both.
I agree! My DD is a Stratos and I use a Flagship on groomer days, but the Storm Chaser is epic in POW.
bro so dope
What's your opinion of the Mosquito?
Have you tried the Burton Fish 3D?
I have size 13 boots... Lots of toe drag on all boards less than 27 cm wide at the waist (current riding Nvr Smr drag free). Do you have any insights on powboards for big footers?
Superb review! I’m currently owned a libtech Orca 150 (I’m 5’6”/ 165 pounds/ 8 boot size), my only complaint about this board. It is a bit wide for sketchy turn between tight trees run. I’m hesitating between Jones ME 150 or 154. I mostly ride east coast glades “powder” and groomed. Wich size do you recommend and do you think the ME will be too close of the Orca ride?
I bet a 148 would turn a bit better for you on the orca
Kevin, do you center your stance on your pow board or do you set it back? What is your recommendation on angle setting? Thanks!
Hey Thomas, I always set my stance back toward the tail. My angles are +18 and -9
hey kev, in the market for some new mitts, any recommendations?
My orca now collects dust on a powder day. I grab my Gilson fly. It’s seriously like being on a surfboard on a good day.
Burton Fish?
Is the nidecker beta apex bad for riding switch?
Not the best
@@SnowboardProCamp just bought the 2024 board. Thanks to your video. ;) I think it will be perfect for me.
Hey Kevin, what are your thoughts on the Burton Deep Daze and being slightly over the weight range for the board? I'm 6'2 tall and 210lbs give or take a few pounds. The 159 weight range ends at 200lbs and I just wondered if you thought that may affect the float substantially.
I don’t think it would affect the float substantially, but I think you would notice a bit. I’m about your size and even though i had a great time on the board I wish I had a bigger size.
@@SnowboardProCamp yeah, maybe I need to go with the 161 Fish 3D
I’ve ridden boards outside the weight range and if you’re within 10% you’re fine.
What do you think about the sushi? Just got a new 2021 for $200
I’ve had some friends who ride it and love it!
Sweet deal!
Tree Hunter not nimble. Mini Tree Hunter?
what about the mega merc from capita?
Mega Merc is more all mountain. Not a good pow board.
why isnt the excavator on the list
Hadn’t ridden it yet. It would be high on the list now.
Oh cmon, none of the Korua Shapes boards did make it on the list! It is one of the best powder boards produced in Europe, please test them as well!
I hear the Dart is insane
@@inmotion_snow true that :) I have tested it once and the handling was awesome, I own the Korua Pencil and it is like a yacht made for snow :)
Sashimi all day!
Rome stalefish??
k2 excavator is better, more stiff tho
no gentemstick?
Gentemstick deserves its own category!
I appreciate what Kevin does, but these lists are misleading when he puts Nidecker at the #1 spot for 2/2 lists so far. I bought my Super DOA a couple years back when his list was more honest, so for any newcomers who happen to come across these videos might just think Nidecker is the #1 brand in the world bar none.
You do realise Nidecker make boards at their factory for quite a few other brands. There are only about 6 factories world wide, if that. Most are in europe.
Where's storm chaser
it's not there cause it's so bad (even compared to this list)
hover beats the SC by miles
ultra mind is also so much better (if u just look @jones line)
not even mentioning the other companies options
boss
Never summer Swift
I’ve heard great things about the swift! Need to try it out!
First
So quick
This feels a bit like a conflict of interest
Take it or leave it, this is my honest opinion. We parted ways 6 months ago, so I have no reason lie.