One of the greatest of all snow sports is snowboarding. Something about flying off hills and cascading off of mountains in the snow is exceedingly exhilarating. Of course, to go snowboarding, you need a snowboard.
If you’re just starting out, there’s no reason to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a sophisticated, technologically-perfect board. There are plenty of beginner snowboards available on the market that will get the job done with ease.
These boards are available at all price levels, but are typically no more expensive than a few hundred bucks. Looking to buy your first snowboard? If so, read on.
This article will not only tell you what to look for in a beginner snowboard, but will also provide you with a compilation of the 10 best on the market today.
Top 10 Best Beginner Snowboard Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arbor - Boys Helix Snowboard 2017, 130 | Possesses a nice combination of balance and speed Available in two different sizes Biax glassing offers excellent glide and durability Reverse camber profile offers plenty of stabilization | 3 | $$$$$ |
 | Rossignol Circuit Amptek Snowboard - Men's Wide | Offers a moderate flexibility for both power and control Possesses above average durability Edges are curved up to allow for effortless maneuverability Equipped to accommodate all snowboarding terrains | 3 | $$$$$ |
 | Rossignol RocknRolla AmpTek Snowboard - 152cm | Can be altered to have either a rocker or camber profile Offers lots of flexibility for maximum balance and “pop” Sidecuts allow it to be maneuvered with little effort | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | Burton Chopper Kids Snowboard 130 2012 | Sized specifically to accommodate the height of children Steel edges are both durable and responsive Soft flex makes it great for most terrains | 4 | $$ |
 | JUNIOR BOYS 540 "PARTICLE" BEGINNER SNOWBOARD SIZE 110CM | Sized specifically to accommodate the height of children Steel edges are both durable and responsive Medium flex makes it great for both rocky and smooth terrains | 4 | $$$ |
 | JUNIOR BOYS 540 "PARTICLE" BEGINNER SNOWBOARD SIZE 110CM | Comes equipped with foot attachments Compact size makes it great for young kids Foot attachments are adjustable for ultimate comfort and safety | 4.5 | $ |
 | FreeRide 110 Beginner Level 2 Snowboard 1069T - Fit for Rider up to 95lbs by Emsco | Comes equipped with foot attachments Perfect for young kids looking to get started Foot attachments are adjustable | 4.5 | $ |
 | Millenium 3 Halo 3 Solstice Girls Snowboard and Binding Package | Comes with foot attachments included Plexiglass exterior offers durability and glide 140 cm length is perfect for the majority of young girls | 4.5 | $$$ |
 | K2 Women's First Lite Snowboard 2015 (150cm) | Biax glass exterior offers exceptional glide Possesses superb durability Available in 6 different sizes Moderate flex offers both speed and stability | 5 | $$$$$ |
 | Rossignol Circuit Amptek All Mountain Snowboard - Men's 145 | Available in 3 different sizes Biax glass exterior provides exceptional glide Moderate flexibility offers both power and balance Extremely durably construction | 5 | $$$$$ |
What Type of Beginner Snowboards Are There?
In general, there are two different types of beginner snowboards. The most simple type of beginner snowboards are typically made out of thick plastic, and come pre-equipped with foot straps so that they can be used immediately. While they’re not usually at as high of quality as the other type of beginner snowboard, they’re typically very affordable, and great for young kids.
The other type of beginner snowboards are like high-end snowboards, but without the absolute best of construction, materials, and technology. These boards come without any pre-equipped attachments. It’s necessary to buy your own after you have bought your board. These are typically more expensive than the other type of beginner boards, but also generally offer far superior performance.
If you’re a kid or young teen, you’d probably be best served by the first type. If you’re an adult or old teen, you’d probably be best served by the second type. In the end, however, it is, of course, up to you.
Benefits of Best Beginner Snowboard
There are quite a few benefits that come with buying a beginner snowboard. Unlike with high-end boards, beginner boards are fairly inexpensive, typically available for a couple hundred dollars or less. This enables a person to get into the sport of snowboarding without blowing their entire budget on a board.
In many cases, beginner boards come pre-equipped with all of the necessary attachments. Usually, when you buy high-end boards, you have to buy foot attachments and the board separately. You then have to assemble the parts after they have arrived. For a beginner, this can be stressful and annoying. It’s nice to just have the board set up and ready to go upon arrival.
As a beginner, you want to ease your way into the sport. Overwhelming yourself with an expensive new board is only going to discourage you. For this reason, beginners will benefit most from a beginner board.
Downsides of Beginner Snowboard
Just as there are quite a few benefits to buying a beginner snowboard, there are quite a few downsides as well. The most obvious downside of a beginner snowboard is that, performance-wise, it does not live up to high-end models. Not only will it not move as quickly, but it won’t maneuver or shoot off of slopes with as much force either. This can make it difficult to progress in your training as time passes by.
The other downside is that beginner snowboards are typically not as durable as high-end ones. High-end boards are designed to withstand loads of wear and tear from rocks and mountains while low-end boards are really only equipped to withstand even, grassy surfaces.
Essentially, you have to take the good with the bad. Beginner boards don’t offer the same quality as high-end boards, but are easier to assemble, easier to get used to, and a great deal less expensive.
10. Arbor Helix Youth Snowboard 2017
The first beginner snowboard we’ll review is the Arbor Helix Youth Snowboard. Available at a mid-level price, it offers quite a bit in the ways durability and performance.
This snowboard is available in sizes of both 110 cm and 130 cm, allowing you to pick one that’s best for your specific height and riding style. Equipped with a biax glassing, it’s not only capable of withstanding quite a bit of wear and tear, but also of offering a smooth and consistent glide across the surface of snow.
With a flex rating of 3, this snowboard possess mid-range flex. This gives it a solid combination of both stability and speed, making it great for those who are not well accustomed with either. Sporting a reverse camber profile, it prioritizes balance just slightly over speed.
As far as width goes, this is a pretty standard board. It doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments, meaning that you’ll have to buy your own separately.
All in all, this Arbor snowboard is a solid mid-level board. Offering slightly above average construction quality and durability, it’s a nice, balanced board that is perfect for newbie snowboarders.
Pros:
- Possesses a nice combination of balance and speed
- Available in two different sizes
- Biax glassing offers excellent glide and durability
- Reverse camber profile offers plenty of stabilization
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with foot attachments
9. Rossignol Circuit Amptek Snowboard – Men’s Wide
The next snowboard on our list is this one from Rossignol. Available for a mid-level price, it possess not only above average durability, but balance as well.
Available in lengths of 156 cm and 161 cm, it offers some variation so that you can choose one that best accommodates your size and riding style. Featuring a smooth, slick surface, it glides across snow with little to no trouble.
This snowboard possesses moderate flex, accommodating both speed and balance simultaneously. For this reason, it’s great for beginner snowboarders who aren’t used to the mechanics of maneuvering and stabilizing.
Equipped with a deep sidecut, it can be turned with general ease. You won’t have to exert tons of force to operate it.
Overall, this Rossignol snowboard is a solid, mid-level product. It’s not quite on the level of high-end boards, but will still easily get the job done. It should be noted that it does not come equipped with foot attachments.
Pros:
- Offers a moderate flexibility for both power and control
- Possesses above average durability
- Edges are curved up to allow for effortless maneuverability
- Equipped to accommodate all snowboarding terrains
Cons:
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
8. Rossignol RocknRolla AmpTek Snowboard
If you’re looking for a beginner board that’s a little bit more on the cheap side, you might be interested in this one from Rossignol. While it’s fairly affordable, it still provides more than enough in the ways of durability and performance.
Possessing a wood core, it offers terrific flexibility, allowing newbies to maneuver and turn with very little technique or effort. It’s available in two different sizes: 148 cm and 152 cm. This gives users an opportunity to buy a board that accommodates their specific heights and riding styles.
In terms of width, this board is a little on the small side. It’s not meant to accommodate huge feet. If you wear something over a size 12, you’re going to have trouble using it. However, for all others, it’s perfectly suitable.
Capable of adjusting to both a rocker and a camber profile, it can be altered to prioritize either balance or speed.
All in all, this snowboard from Rossignol is a great budget buy. If you’re looking to buy your first snowboard and don’t want to break the bank, it would be a great option for you. It should, however, be noted that it does not come equipped with foot attachments.
Pros:
- Can be altered to have either a rocker or camber profile
- Offers lots of flexibility for maximum balance and “pop”
- Sidecuts allow it to be maneuvered with little effort
Cons:
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
- Not the widest snowboard around
7.Burton Chopper Boys Snowboard
A great beginner snowboard for kids would be this one from Burton. Available for an incredibly affordable price, it offers everything a kid needs to ease his or her way into the sport.
Available in lengths of 3x8x14 inches, it can be purchased to fit the general size and riding style of its users. Possessing soft flex, it offers a combination of flexibility and balance, allowing it to be used on bendy terrains with lots of curves.
With steel edges, this board is both durable and responsive. It takes very little effort to maneuver, making it especially great for kids who are of low strength. Possessing a smooth, glossy surface, it’s equipped to glide cleanly across snow.
Aesthetically-speaking, it features a cartoon face design that is both visually stimulating and intriguing.
All in all, this kids snowboard from Burton is a terrific buy. If your young kid is looking to get into the sport, it makes for an excellent first board. It should be mentioned, though, that it does not come equipped with foot attachments.
Pros:
- Sized specifically to accommodate the height of children
- Steel edges are both durable and responsive
- Soft flex makes it great for most terrains
Cons:
- Not designed to accommodate adults
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
6. JUNIOR BOYS 540 “PARTICLE” BEGINNER SNOWBOARD SIZE 110CM
Another solid, but more expensive, beginner snowboard for kids is this one from Five Forty. Excellent for kids and young teenagers, it offers a decent amount in the ways of construction and durability.
Unfortunately, this board is only available at 110 cm in length. This may or may not accommodate your specific height. If not, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Offering medium flexibility, it is equal parts fast and stable. This enables you to ride it on both smooth and rocky surfaces.
With a core made out of wood, this board possesses quick and responsive maneuverability. This means that you won’t have to exert a lot of effort to turn and operate it.
It possesses capped edges, offering tons of durability, and a very responsive nature. Its front is wider than its back, giving you plenty of surface area to balance on.
All in all, this snowboard from Five Forty is a solid board for kids who are just getting into the sport. Because it prioritizes balance, it’s rather easy for kids to operate. It should be noted that it does not come with foot attachments.
Pros:
- Medium flex offers both speed and balance
- Capped edges make it both durable and responsive
- Wide front end offers tons of stability
Cons:
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
- Only available in one length
5. EMSCO Group – Supra Hero Snowboard – Great for Beginners – For Kids Ages 5-15 – Solid Core Construction
One of the most affordable beginner boards on the market comes from EMSCO Group. It’s designed specifically for kids between the ages of 5 and 15.
This is not a competition-grade board. It comes at an undisclosed length, and is really only equipped for recreational purposes. Made out of a heavy-duty plastic, it’s reasonably durable, but doesn’t offer much in the way of flex.
Unlike most of the boards on our list, this one is equipped with foot attachments. This is great for someone who really just wants to get a taste of snowboarding before going all in on a more expensive board.
The bindings on the board are completely adjustable, ensuring maximum safety and comfort at all times.
Overall, this board from EMSCO Group is a terrific board for those kids who are just looking to dabble in the sport. It’s not exceptionally durable, and not exceptionally responsive, but will get the job done.
Pros:
- Comes equipped with foot attachments
- Compact size makes it great for young kids
- Foot attachments are adjustable for ultimate comfort and safety
Cons:
- Made out of a plastic that lacks the durability of plexiglass
- Not designed for competitive purposes
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4. FreeRide 110 Beginner Level 2 Snowboard 1069T – Fit for Rider up to 95lbs by Emsco
Another beginner snowboard with pre-attached foot attachments is this one from Emsco. Providing slightly better quality than the one reviewed above, it’s available for a very comparable price.
Measuring in at 110 cm in length, this snowboard is designed specifically for kids. Adults could try to use it, but would almost undoubtedly struggle. Again, this board is not made out of plexiglass, but out of plastic. This makes it fairly durable, but not horribly responsive.
Its foot attachments can be adjusted to fit the exact shape and size of your foot, offering terrific comfort and maximum safety at all times.
This board is designed to hold up to 95 pounds. This makes it best for kids who are around 5 to 12 years old.
All in all, this board from Emsco is a solid starter board for young kids who are looking to get into the sport of snowboarding without spending loads of money. It’s not a competition-grade board, but will certainly get the job done.
Pros:
- Comes equipped with foot attachments
- Perfect for young kids looking to get started
- Foot attachments are adjustable
Cons:
- Plastic construction isn’t as durable as plexiglass
- Lacks responsiveness and maneuverability
3. Millenium 3 Halo 3 Solstice Girls Snowboard and Binding Package
A great beginner snowboard for girls would be this one from Millennium. Featuring above average performance and durability, it functions on the majority of terrains.
Measuring in at 140 cm in length, it will fit the vast majority of female riders. If you’re too tall or too short, you’ll simply have to look elsewhere. Featuring a plexiglass exterior, it’s slick, fast, and capable of terrific overall glide.
This board offers medium flexibility, making it both fast and stable. This is terrific for new riders who are slowly trying to learn the ropes of proper technique and maneuverability.
Fortunately, this snowboard also comes with foot attachments. They aren’t pre-attached, but can be attached with general ease.
All in all, this beginner snowboard from Millennium is a terrific option for young girls. Offering moderate flexibility, it’s great on rocky and even surfaces.
Pros:
- Comes with foot attachments included
- Plexiglass exterior offers durability and glide
- 140 cm length is perfect for the majority of young girls
Cons:
- Only available in lengths of 140 cm
- Bindings do not come pre-attached
2. K2 Women’s First Lite Snowboard 2015
If you’re looking for the best women’s beginner snowboard, you might be interested in the K2 Women’s First Lite. This snowboard offers tons in the ways of construction, durability, and overall performance.
Available in sizes of 138 cm, 142 cm, 146 cm, 150 cm, and 154 cm, there is sure to be one that fits your specific size and riding style. With an exterior made out of biax glass, it offers a smooth, slick, consistent ride at all times.
This board offers moderate flexibility, making it great for both smooth and rocky terrains. It also indicates a combination of both power and speed; a good combination for newbie riders who are still trying to get the hang of things.
The edges on this board are turned up, ensuring that it doesn’t snag or get caught on the terrain.
Overall, this is a solid beginner board for female riders. While it’s on the expensive side, its performance, construction, and durability make it worth its price tag. It should be noted, though, that it doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments.
Pros:
- Biax glass exterior offers exceptional glide
- Possesses superb durability
- Available in 6 different sizes
- Moderate flex offers both speed and stability
Cons:
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
1. Rossignol Men’s Circuit Amptek All Mountain Snowboard
If you’re looking for the absolute best starter snowboard on the market today, you might very well be interested in this one from Rossignol. It’s very arguably the top beginner snowboard around.
Available in sizes of 145 cm, 150 cm, and 155 cm, there is sure to be one that fits your size and riding style. With a biax glass exterior, this board possesses exceptional glide and maneuverability.
Possessing moderate flex, this board is great for both hill and mountain riding. It offers a great combination of speed and stability.
Unfortunately, this board does not come equipped with any foot attachments. You’ll have to buy yours separately.
But all in all, this is a terrific beginner snowboard. While it’s a little on the expensive side, it offers more than enough value to make it worthwhile.
Pros:
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Biax glass exterior provides exceptional glide
- Moderate flexibility offers both power and balance
- Extremely durably construction
Cons:
- Doesn’t come equipped with foot attachments
Editor’s Choice of Best Beginner’s Snowboard
After some careful review, we’ve decided to go with the Rossignol Men’s Circuit Amptek All Mountain Snowboard as the top beginner’s snowboard on the market today. While it’s a little on the expensive side, it offers quite a bit in the ways of durability and overall performance.
Available at 145 cm, 150 cm, and 155 cm, there should be one that suits your specific size and riding style. Possessing quite a bit of flex, it handles most of the maneuvering for you, allowing you to focus on your position and technique.
For more winter related reviews make sure to have a look at the best snowboard boots review to combine the with snowboards. That way you’ll have a great riding experience!
