Best-in-class picks to match your style.
Amplid LoveLife
Best For: Aggressive Riders
Amplid got the memo that not all women crave soft flex and graphics that look like Disney-princess wallpaper. Despite the unfortunate name, expert testers endorsed the LoveLife for its tip-to-tail stiffness, created by a low-density poplar core and a carbon stringer that runs along the vertical axis. The design delivers energetic flex and snappy ollies without preventing playful turning. “It threw butters left and right,” said one tester. Multiple contact points afforded by the slightly set-back camber profile gave riders confidence in no-fall zones.
Price $520
K2 Wildheart
Best For: Surf-Inspired Cruising
The Wildheart earned an unofficial accolade from our testers—Funnest Board Tested. With a wide, old-school surfboard shape, it’s designed for smooth carving on groomers and should be sized five or more centimeters shorter than a standard deck. “It’s not shy,” one tester said. “This is a directional carver with a playful side.” The exaggerated nose gave it plenty of buoyancy in powder, and the stubby tail supplied enough pop to offer a little extra hang time in the air. This isn’t a board for choppy conditions, but when there’s powder, slush, or groomers on the menu, you’ll be happy it’s in your quiver.
Price $549
Never Summer Proto Type Two
Best For: Enjoying It All
This asymmetrical twin blew testers out of the powder. Though it’s tough to see the difference between the all-new Proto’s traditional toe and deeper heel sidecuts, we felt it in the trustworthy edge hold and fluid turns. Responsive carbon stringers and a camber-rocker-camber profile allowed one tester to minimize back-leg fatigue while floating in deep snow and still access pop at speed. “It’s soft and playful but also solid underfoot,” she said. “This is my ideal all mountain board.”
Price $570
Gnu Ladies Choice
Best For: Playing in the Terrain Park
From the (ahem) jump, testers of all abilities knew they were going to enjoy the Ladies Choice, given its history of taking Jamie Anderson to the podium. The profile—with both camber and rocker—stomped jibs and jumps, and our crew ranked it far and away the best freestyle deck of the season. But with mid-stiff flex and serrated edges, it also performed on groomers, moguls, and untracked powder. “Honestly, she’ll treat you right wherever you take her,” said one tester.
Price $570