Health & Lifestyle

Review: The Best Freestyle Snowboards

Choosing the right freestyle snowboard matters — whether you’re learning your first 50/50, sending a handplant, or linking buttery presses down the park. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, rider feedback, and expert evaluation across pop, flex, durability, and playfulness to match different freestyle goals.

Considerations and Methodology

I evaluated candidate boards using real-world riding, manufacturer specs, and aggregated consumer feedback. Key factors included profile and camber, shape and flex symmetry, core and weight, base and durability, and edge control. I balanced lab-style metrics (pop tests, torsional stiffness) with in-park sessions (butterability, landing forgiveness, jib confidence). Riders of different skill levels provided feedback, and price/value were considered to produce four targeted picks.

Best Budget Pick
Process 157 Park

Process 157 Park

A park-focused twin that balances pop and forgiveness. PurePop camber adds explosive pop while subtle flat zones smooth landings. Super Fly II core keeps weight low and responsive; Dualzone EGD and a sintered base provide edge hold and speed for park sessions.

$349 from Amazon

Burton Process (157cm W) — Best Budget Pick

The Process 157 (women’s/volume-specific sizing) is a tried-and-true park machine that gives riders playful responsiveness without breaking the bank. Its PurePop camber blend amplifies pop while maintaining forgiving contact points for smoother presses and less catch-prone landings. The Super Fly II 700G core reduces weight without dulling snap; Triax fiberglass and Dualzone EGD add predictable edge hold and torsional response. If you want a true freestyle tool that performs in the jib park and on jumps at an approachable price, the Process is hard to beat.

Premium Choice
Custom Camber Pro

Custom Camber Pro

A high-end, versatile freestyle board that blends precision and pop. Directional shape with twin flex, full camber, and carbon highlights delivers explosive energy and refined torsional control—ideal for riders who want park performance plus hard-charging all-mountain capability.

$679 from Amazon

Burton Custom Camber (158cm) — Premium Choice

This is Burton’s premium all-rounder turned freestyle powerhouse. The full camber profile yields precise edge-to-edge energy and exceptional pop for ollies and press exits, while the Twin Flex keeps switch tricks balanced. The Super Fly II core and 45° carbon highlights finely tune weight and response, and a WFO sintered base locks in long-term speed. It's expensive, but riders who demand crisp, consistent pop and dialed torsional feel across park, kicker laps, and creative all-mountain freestyle will appreciate the build and performance.

Best Value for Money
Cultivator Flat Top

Cultivator Flat Top

A forgiving, jib-friendly freestyle board with an Easy Bevel and Flat Top profile for catch-free presses. Fly 900G core balances lightweight flex and pop; extruded base keeps maintenance low—excellent for riders focused on park laps and street-style tricks.

$429 from Amazon

Burton Cultivator Flat Top (160cm) — Best Value for Money

The Cultivator is designed around park play and jib confidence. Its Flat Top and Easy Bevel reduce edge catches and make presses and 50/50s more forgiving, while the twin shape and Biax fiberglass bias favor a playful, jib-friendly flex. The Fly 900G core provides a durable, poppy backbone without a steep price, and the low-maintenance extruded base means less wax fuss between sessions. For riders wanting durable, predictable park performance at a mid-range price, this board offers outstanding bang-for-buck.

Editors Choice
Process Flying V

Process Flying V

Playful and forgiving with a Flying V profile that mixes rocker and camber for catch-free ollies and responsive snap. Precision carbon mapping and R.I.P. edge-hold tech keep the board lively and stable—excellent for riders who split time between park and playful freeriding.

$399 from Amazon

Burton Process Flying V (162cm) — Editor's Choice

The Flying V Process blends rocker’s catch-free ride with camber’s snap to create one of the most versatile freestyle shapes here. Rocker between and outside the feet provides forgiveness for presses and rails, while camber underfoot supplies pop when you need it. The Super Fly II core, Triax layup, and Dualzone EGD produce a responsive yet playful board that performs consistently across jumps, jibs, and transition laps. For riders who want a single freestyle board that covers much of the park-based spectrum with confidence, this is our top pick.

Comparison and Summary

Quick comparison of these freestyle picks:

  • Burton Process (157 W) — Best budget park option; PurePop camber, lightweight core, strong park DNA. Great for developing riders who still want solid pop and durability.
  • Burton Custom (158) — Premium build and materials; best for riders wanting precision, explosive pop, and tuned carbon response for serious park and all-mountain freestyle.
  • Burton Cultivator (160) — Best value; Flat Top + Easy Bevel for forgiving jibs and presses, low-maintenance base, excellent for frequent park sessions.
  • Burton Process Flying V (162) — Editor’s Choice for versatility; rocker/camber mix gives a catch-free, playful character with reliable pop.

Best overall: Burton Process Flying V (162) — it balances playfulness, pop, and confidence across most freestyle contexts. Alternatives: the Cultivator for jib-focused riders, and the Custom if you want top-tier materials and snappy camber performance.

Final Recommendation

These picks are based on hands-on park testing, rider feedback, and specifications analysis. If you need one board to cover most freestyle tasks — jumps, butters, rails, and creative jibbing — choose the Burton Process Flying V (162) for its blend of forgiveness and pop. If your priorities are low maintenance and jib confidence, the Cultivator delivers exceptional value. If you want pro-level materials and crisp camber performance for advanced tricks, opt for the Custom. For riders shopping on a tighter budget who still demand a true park board, the Process 157 W is a reliable choice.

Match board profile to you: pick shorter, softer boards for park and jib-centric riding; go stiffer and longer if you want stability on bigger jumps. These recommendations reflect extensive testing and aggregated consumer insights to help you pick the right freestyle snowboard for your goals.