Best Headlamps for 2022-2023

August 9, 2022August 9, 2022 Alfie Feliciano

Below you will find our staff’s current Top 10 Best Headlamps for 2022-2023. 2021-2022 was an amazing season for snowboarding and 2022-2023 is going to be even better. Our team has gotten a look on some of the Best Headlamps out there for Snowboarding (or Hiking and Running!) so far. And getting hands-on time with some of the coolest headlamps out there has been a real pleasure!

Choosing the perfect Headlamp whether you are Snowboarding at night or camping on vacation can make all the difference between frustration and a fantastic experience. No one likes a dim or ineffective Headlamp and relying on a flashlight or smartphone light to guide you through the night is never ideal. In order to make this Top 10 Best Headlamps List, all headlamps had to satisfy certain requirements. Comfort, durability, construction quality and design were all factors.

Ranked from Skier’s, Snowboarders, Campers, and Hikers scattered across the globe, These headlamps have been tested in various conditions and environments. From the Mountains of the Pacific Northwest to the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America, these headlamps have seen a variety of things. These are some of the best Headlamps out there, and any time something better comes along, we will update this list with the latest and greatest headlamps. Choosing your first headlamp as a beginner can be a little overwhelming, but this Top 10 Best Headlamps list is here to help you find the best headlamp for your needs. Enjoy, and of course. . .safe riding!

Our Top Rated Headlamps

1. Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp

2. Vont Spark Headlamp

3. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

4. Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp

5. Petzl NAO Headlamp

6. Petzl TIKKA Headlamp

7. Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp

8. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

9. Fenix HP25R Headlamp

10. Petzl TIKKINA Headlamp

1. Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp

The Black Diamond Revolt Headlamp is one of the best headlamps and overall a stellar product. It’s above average in nearly every major category: emits up to 350 Lumens in max mode, Red night vision mode, and a dimming feature. But it’s major selling point is its battery performance by using rechargeable batteries and integrating a charger in the housing that is supported by a USB adapter or your typical triple AAA batteries.

It’s a great option for long trips as you don’t need to carry additional batteries with you. Just top up the battery after every use by plugging it into a car adapter, laptop, external, battery, etc. and you’ll start your next adventure not having to second guess your battery life. This is an excellent option for someone to buy a Snowboarding Headlamp once and never having to buy another one again.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

2. Vont Spark Headlamp

A monster of a headlamp, the Vont Spark Headlamp is the epitome of prime versatility!

Whether you’re into a range of outdoor sports like snowboarding, spelunking, or hunting; or you’re into staying fit and keeping healthy by running, biking, or rock climbing; or you’re simply the worry wart who wants to be ready for any emergency at home or outside, like a car breakdown, a storm, a power outage, and even a zombie apocalypse, then this beast of a headlamp is a must-have for you!

Power-packed with 200 lumens of LED lights, the robust Vont Spark Headlamp boasts of its waterproof, drop-resistant, and military-grade construction that has been rigorously tested to prove its indestructibility in extreme conditions.

With all that said plus its comfortability, reasonable price, and the lifetime quality guarantee that it carries from Vont, the Spark Headlamp may just be the best bang for your buck you can get without a doubt!

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

3. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

Compared to the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp, the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp would be considered the bigger, stronger, older brother. This robust headlamp packs 400 lumens using 1 QuadPower LED along with 1 DoublePower white LED. However such a powerful Headlamp requires four AAA batteries instead of three.

While it shares many of the same attributes as the Spot Headlamp such as PowerTap Technology it also includes Red and Green SinglePower LEDs for better Night Vision. Also, the Storm comes with a customized housing that is completely sealed from dust and water.

This is the premier Headlamp for outdoor usage, whether that is climbing in wet caves, hiking up tropical forests, and snowboarding in deep powder. The Black Diamond Storm Headlamp is a must buy for any outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t let a lack of sunlight get in the way. We believe it to be one of the best headlamps available.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

4. Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp

The Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp is a perfect multi-discipline headlamp that can provide stellar light riding down a mountain or running on a dark, but busy road. With 275 Lumens, this headlamp is designed with the runner in mind because of the three red strobe taillights that can give fair warning to bikers or drivers coming up behind you. Or it can give your snowboarding partner another point of reference to find you when riding through the trees. The versatile Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp is a perfect option for those who are into multiple sports and would rather buy one headlamp instead of more.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

5. Petzl NAO Headlamp

The Petzl NAO (700 Lumens) is in a league of its own. Considered one of the more luxurious headlamps out there, the Petzl NAO Headlamp has an amazing feature: the ability to adjust light output based on the situation. The integrated front sensor responds to reflected light and adjusts accordingly, giving you the perfect amount of light you would need in any given situation. When you’re stopped reading a map or your phone, the light will become soft and diffuse. When you’re moving, the headlamp will use a wide medium setting to show obstacles within your field of view. And when you’re looking ahead, it brightens and narrows to help you pick out your next target/path.

Best of all, it’s extremely customize-able using Petzl software to add up to 4 profiles/preference types to suit your needs.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

6. Petzl TIKKA Headlamp

Considered the generic, baseline model of the group, the Petzl TIKKA Headlamp is a perfect purchase for the casual user. It’s one step up from the Petzl Tikkina and a few models down from the overpowering Petzl NAO. With 300 Lumens, The LED is brighter and has more control than the Tikkina model.

It also features a red LED for better night vision and a boost mode that allows temporary access to maximum brightness with a single press of a button. Other great features include consistent light output over the life of the batteries and a reserve mode when the batteries are running low. This is an ideal value-based headlamp that has great all-around uses. It doesn’t excel in any given category like the other headlamps on this list, but it isn’t inferior in any category either.

Best of all, it’s extremely customize-able using Petzl software to add up to 4 profiles/preference types to suit your needs.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 3.5/5

7. Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp

With a combination of a single Maxbright LED that throws a 150-lumen spot beam and 3 Ultrabright LEDs, the Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp has the ability to perform in any environment, whether you need it for a close range area headlight or long distance spotting. The simple lightweight design is equipped with an asymmetrical bracket, an easily accessible battery door enclosure, and a large easy-to-use push button switch to go between modes. The end result is a headlamp with true versatility in a compact, water-resistant package.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 3/5

8. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

One of the most popular headlamps out there, the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp is an all around headlamp capable of just about everything. This waterproof headlamp (up to 1.1 meters submersion for 30 minutes) comes equipped with the stellar brightness of 300 lumens. Also included is the PowerTap Technology that allows the user to make quick beam adjustments on the fly with small taps to the side button, allowing simple transition between full and dimmed power to increase or decrease illumination in distance or proximity modes. This feature’s ease of use is a step up from normal button presses but a step down to the adaptive adjustment of Petzl’s Reactive Lighting Technology found in the Petzl NAO Headlamp.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

9. Fenix HP25R Headlamp

The Fenix HP25 Headlamp is by far, the strongest, brightest headlamp on the list, and sometimes that’s all you need. It beats all the competitors by being able to project a beam of 1000 lumens at it’s max brightness! The trade-off for the Fenix HP25 Headlamp is it is heavier than the rest and drains batteries the fastest. However, the superior strength of this Headlamp more than compensates what it lacks in the other statistical categories of the other Headlamps such as the Black Diamond ReVolt or the Coast HL7.

Sometimes all you need is a super bright light when you’re running around at night or doing some quick turns in the trees. With the Fenix HP25 Headlamp, you’ll have the knowledge of knowing that nothing is brighter.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 3.5/5

10. Petzl TIKKINA Headlamp

The Petzl TIKKINA Headlamp is an excellent Budget Headlamp with 250 lumens that works great as an entry-level Headlamp. Considering the price, it gets the most bang for the buck in terms of battery life and performance. When compared to other headlamps in it’s price range, it drastically out-performs its competition. Any other Headlamp that you find that costs less than the Petzl TIKKINA Headlamp will have a significant drop-off in brightness and battery life. Anything less, and you get what you pay for.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 3.5/5

And there you have it! Our current Top 10 Best Headlamps of the 2022-2023 Season. There are literally hundreds of headlamps out there and finding the right one can be a challenge, so hopefully you agree with out choices. Do you think a certain headlamp deserves a spot on our Top Rated Headlamps list? Let us know? Email us at info (at) powderheadz.com and we will do our best to give it a thorough testing! Need more tips? Look below for a thorough guide on how to determine which headlamp is right for you. Happy riding!

>>Need some gloves? Click HERE for the Best Ski Gloves of 2022-2023<<

>>Need a Helmet? Click HERE for the Best Helmets of 2022-2023<<

How-to: Buy Headlamps

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp — Snowboarding Out of Bounds with and without a Headlamp.

Headlamps today use LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) which are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and extremely durable. But how can you tell the difference between headlamps? There are several ways to determine which Snowboarding Headlamp is right for you:

Light Output (Lumens):

Lumens are a unit of measurement that indicates the total amount of light that is emitted in all directions from a light source. Generally, a headlamp with a high amount of lumens will consume energy at a higher rate than a light with a lower amount of lumens. However a higher lumen count doesn’t always mean a brighter headlamp. The brightness of a headlamp is usually determined with how well the Headlamp Manufacturer focuses and directs the light.

Beam Distance:

A headlamp’s main purpose is to channel light to a targeted area. The manufacturer will usually determine how far (in meters) a headlamp’s light will project useable light. While lumens determines how bright a headlamp will be, beam distance will tell you how far the beam will travel.

Beam Type:

Spot – This beam type is usually tighter and enables long-distance viewing. This version is usually best when going really fast down a mountain.

Flood – This is usually suitable for slower, more technical snowboarding in the trees. It’s best to ride with this type of beam to see a large surrounding area.

Spot/Flood (Adjustable) – The best of both worlds and the most versatile. It’s recommended to find a Headlamp that has this option.

Headlamp Modes:

Low – This is usually the standard setting that most Headlamps will use and is perfect when you have some moonlight to also guide you through the mountain.

Mid – Some Headlamps will have settings between Low and High to give the user more options.

High – This is usually the max setting that offers the most light available given on the model. It’s best to use this when its almost pitch black due to cloud coverage or Moon-less nights. However this setting will drain the battery the fastest.

Strobe – This mode usually comes with two rates: fast and slow. It’s often used as an emergency signal.

Red Light – Some headlamps will offer this mode which can help prevent the pupil to shrink as compared to the standard white light. It’s good for nighttime navigation (when you’re walking around), but not necessarily when you are snowboarding.

Headlamp Modes:

Low – This is usually the standard setting that most Headlamps will use and is perfect when you have some moonlight to also guide you through the mountain.

Mid – Some Headlamps will have settings between Low and High to give the user more options.

Strobe – This mode usually comes with two rates: fast and slow. It’s often used as an emergency signal.

Battery Life:

Headlamp Manufacturers usually determine the Headlamps effectiveness or run time based on how long the headlamp can produce usuable light (think light from a full moon) at two meters. Most Headlamps are designed to work with lithium batteries because they normally outperform alkaline batteries in cold-weather conditions. Rechargeable batteries work as well, but they tend to lose power when they are sitting idle. However, it’s always smart to carry backup batteries just in case. Never get stranded on a mountain because of carelessness.

Also, some high-powered headlamps offer battery packs in the rear of the headband with a small cable running to the front of the headlamp. It spreads the weight of the entire headlamp across your head, but it often feels clunky. It’s best to stick with regular headlamps.

Weight:

Usually, most Headlamps weigh less than 8 ounces (including batteries). You won’t notice a difference in weight between Headlamps unless you go for some of the high-powered models that have external battery packs or have top straps for balance.

Other Features:

Regulated Output – Instead of the headlamp’s light gradually dimming, a regulated headlamp will offer a steady amount of brightness throughout a battery’s life. This is a very popular feature but the downside is once it goes dark, it goes dark. You won’t get the gradual warning that your headlamp is about to go like you would if your headlamp was unregulated. That is why it is always important to carry spare batteries.

Water Resistance – Most headlamps will be able to withstand some degree of moisture from water and snow and can handle be immersed in water depending on length of time and depth. Usually, this is a non-issue.

Tilt – The ability adjust the headlamp up and down while you are wearing it is a great option to consider. It lets you position the beam exactly the way you like it and lets you ride more comfortably.

Top Straps – This option helps with the stability of the headlamp. You usually won’t need this option since the headlamp is usually wrapped around your helmet. You may want a top strap if you are planning to use this headlamp for other activities besides Snowboarding.

>>Need some gloves? Click HERE for the Best Ski Gloves of 2022-2023<<

>>Need a Helmet? Click HERE for the Best Helmets of 2022-2023<<

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Best Snowboards for 2021-2022

September 22, 2021August 14, 2022 Alfie Feliciano

There are hundreds of snowboards out there and they come in many shapes and sizes. And it can be daunting to find the best snowboard for you. Here at powderheadz.com, we strive to tell you which are the best snowboards for each type of rider. Whether you’re for All-Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride, or a Powderhound, we’ve got you covered for what we think are the best snowboards available.

You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Snowboards for 2021-2022 down below.

Safe riding!

Our Top Snowboards for 2021-2022

Men’s Snowboards

1. Flight Attendant Snowboard

2. CAPiTA DOA Snowboard

3. Burton Custom Snowboard

4. Jones Flagship Snowboard

5. CAPiTA Ultrafear Snowboard

6. K2 Alchemist Snowboard

7. Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard

8. Arbor Coda Snowboard

9. Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard

Women’s Snowboards

1. CAPiTA Paradise Snowboard

2. K2 First Lite Snowboard

3. Gnu Ladies Choice Snowboard

4. Burton Stylus Snowboard

5. Jones Hovercraft Snowboard

6. Burton Talent Scout Snowboard

7. Salomon Pillow Talk Snowboard

8. K2 Lime Lite Snowboard

9. Salomon Gypsy Snowboard

All-Mountain

Freeride

Freestyle

freeride-snowboards

Our Top Rated All-Mountain Snowboards

All-Mountain riders want it all. And these boards will give them the ability to handle it. All-Mountain boards tend to have a medium or stiff flex that give you more control and stability. They also come in either Directional Twin for those who want to point their boards down the mountain or True Twin for those who want the entire mountain to be their playground. These snowboards are designed to take all the punishment you can dish out. All-Mountain Boards are not to hot and not to cold, they’re just right.

Here are what we consider some of the Best All-Mountain Snowboards for Men:

1. CAPiTA DOA Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	148 \| 152 \| 154 \| 156 \| 158 \| 158W \| 160 \| 161W
Shape	True twin
Profile\|Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA DOA is the cream of the crop True Twin Snowboard that will be the highlight of anyone’s quiver. The FSC Certified Dual Core and Carbon fiber beams will give you plenty of power and response for a playful ride. It’s the one board to rule them all, backed by tons of snowboarders everwhere. Go defend that awesome.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

2. Burton Custom Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	150 \| 154 \| 154W \| 156 \| 158 \| 158W \| 162 \| 162W \| 166W \| 170W
Shape	Directional Twin
Profile\|Bend	Camber
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The Classic Burton Custom is never going give you up, never going to let you down. This classic board has been a perennial favorite for over 20 years. It’s classic camber profile will give you that great pop off jumps. And it’s directional twin shape will let you stay stable through all types of terrains, from off-piste to deep powder to the park.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.7/5

3. Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	153 \| 156 \| 157W \| 158W
Shape	True Twin
Profile\|Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard comes with Lite Frame Technology – a urethane strip around the snowboard’s circumference, from nose to tail. This gives the board shock absorption across its full length and also enhances maneuverability. You’ll get a ridiculously smooth ride while maintaining complete board control.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Here are what we consider some of the Best All-Mountain Snowboards for Women:

1. K2 First Lite Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	142 \| 146 \| 150 \| 154
Shape	Tapered Directional
Profile \| Bend	Rocker – Flat – Rocker
Flex	Soft
Terrain	All-Mountain
Riding Level	Beginner – Intermediate

The K2 First Lite is made to help Snowboarders learn their skills quickly and effortlessly. The Catch-Free Rocker Baseline™ reduces the risk of catching an edge while you learn how to carve down the mountain. And the soft flex rating will give you a forgiving ride while still remaining fun and playful. It’s a great board that will hopefully build your confidence for years to come.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.7/5

2. Gnu Ladies Choice Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	139 \| 142 \| 145 \| 148
Shape	Asym True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Camber – Rocker – Camber
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The Gnu Asymmetrical Ladies Choice Snowboard is a no nonsense hard-hitting board built for the woman who wants to the ride the whole mountain. Rides as fun as a surfboard but precise enough to handle the side country and variable conditions like a boss. It’s Magne-Traction edges give you insane control on ice and makes this snowboard a TRUE all-mountain board.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

3. Burton Stylus Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	138 \| 142 \| 147 \| 152
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker – Flat – Rocker
Flex	Soft
Terrain	All-Mountain
Riding Level	Beginner – Intermediate

The Burton Stylus Snowboard is a great beginner to intermediate board that will give you a fun, super-chill, and mellow ride without overwhelming you. The Easy Bevel combines the butter soft flex with a convex base for a catch-free riding experience while the Rocker-Flat-Rocker Profile and True Twin Shape will provide you with stable platform that offers effortless maneuverability.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

freeride-snowboards

Our Top Freeride Snowboards

Freeriding is snowboarding with a soul. Freeriders take various aspects of snowboarding into a style that adapts to natural challenges, off-piste terrain and strays away from man-made features like jumps, rails, and groomed runs. It’s freedom of flow on the mountain. A poetry in motion of sorts. And a good poem needs a good pen. The Best Freeride Snowboards have a directional shape and flex – a wide, soft nose with a stiff, narrower tail which allows the rider to lean back to float easily on powder. They are often longer and stiffer to keep you stable and fast and perform well in variable terrain.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freeride Snowboards for Men:

1. Flight Attendant Snowboard

Sizes available(cm)	152 \| 156 \| 159 \| 159W \| 162 \| 162W
Shape	Directional
Profile \| Bend	Directional Camber
Flex	Stiff
Terrain	Freeride \| Powder
Riding Level	Advanced-Expert

The Burton Flight Attendant floats beautifully on powder but is able to carve hard into the groomers. You’ll be able to maintain high speed while remaining extremely stable. The snowboard has a slight tapered tail, forcing the board to dip down at slower speeds while riding through powder. The Flight Attendant is suitable for riding in the park, but this board deserves to be in the trees.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 3.7/5

2. Jones Flagship Snowboard

Sizes available(cm)	154 \| 158 \| 159W \| 161 \| 162W \| 164 \| 165W
Shape	Directional
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Stiff
Terrain	Freeride \| Powder
Riding Level	Advanced-Expert

The Jones Flagship Snowboard is a point and shoot type of snowboard. It’s a heavy and stiff snowboard with a slightly set back camber with a longer rocker in the front. You can go amazingly fast and aggressive on this very stable board, blasting through powder or chop, yet carve with complete control. This is a perfect freeride snowboard if you like doing a little freestyle off natural terrain.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

3. K2 Alchemist Snowboard

Sizes available(cm)	159W \| 163
Shape	Directional
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Camber
Flex	Very Stiff
Terrain	Freeride \| Powder
Riding Level	Advanced -Expert

The K2 Alchemist Snowboard comes fully loaded with tech like its SpaceGlass Tip, Spectral Braid, and it’s Bambooyah Pro Core – a combination of bamboo and aspen to help increase response. Its snowphobic topsheet helps keep extra snow (weight) off your board for some speedy runs. It’ll be smooth riding on this snowboard that wishes it was a surfboard.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4/5

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freeride Snowboards for Women:

1. CAPiTA Paradise Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	141 \| 143 \| 145 \| 147 \| 149
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freeride
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA Paradise Snowboard is an all-mountain freeride angled snowboard that’s poppy, stable and supportive while still remaining forgiving and easy to ride. The True Twin outline of a freestyle board and the camber profile of a freeride board offers a confident ride to the more adventurous riders out there.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

2. Jones Hovercraft Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	144 \| 146 \| 150
Shape	Directional
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	Freeride \| Powder
Riding Level	Advanced – Expert

The Jones Hovercraft Snowboard is the board built for those who still dream of taking turns in the park while they’re riding deep in the powder snow. It’s a versatile all-mountain board that’s designed for you to take it to the limit off the beaten path, translating your park skills into more natural terrain with a blend of balanced power and playful pop.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4/5

3. Salomon Pillow Talk Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	145 \| 151
Shape	Directional
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Camber-Rocker
Flex	Stiff
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freeride
Riding Level	Advanced – Expert

The Salomon Pillow Talk Snowboard will give you a good nights rest after a hard day of riding. It’s a powerful and responsive beast of a boad with an extra-wide cambered profile that’s designed to take on the whatever path you desire in the back country, whether it’s big mountain air, deep powder stashes, or gorgeous tree lines.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.3/5

freestyle-snowboards

Our Top Rated Freestyle Snowboards

It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time. It’s tricky. Freestyle snowboarding is riding hard in the park or finding booters in the backcountry. It’s constantly seeking the thrill of mixing grabs, 180s, 360s, and flips with grinding rails and boxes. Freestyle boards are soft, have more flex, and have a directional-twin or a true-twin shape so you can easily ride back and forth between goofy and regular, linking tricks along the way. Grab any of these boards if you plan on being hyper-aggressive riding park.

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freestyle Snowboards for Men:

1. CAPiTA Ultrafear Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	149 \| 151 \| 153 \| 153W \| 155 \| 157
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker-Flat-Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The CAPiTA Ultrafear keeps it loose. It’s a versatile flat, freestyle snowboard with a little bit of rocker towards the nose and tail of the board. Though it’s not built for speed, it’s still pretty fast and you’ll be able to turn on a dime without catching an edge. Suitable for powder, the CAPiTA Ultrafear works best at the park with it’s skateboard-like feel.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

2. Arbor Element Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	153 \| 155\| 157 \| 158MW \| 159 \| 161
Shape	Directional Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Intermediate \| Advanced

The Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard provides a stable ride on cold, crusty snow and hardpack. This speedy ride will let you take on the park, pop your take-offs, and stomp your landings. The Element provides the flex and response you want while jibbing, without sacrificing the stability you need for higher speeds and bigger gaps.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4/5

3. Arbor Coda Rocker Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	157MW \| 158 \| 161MW \| 163
Shape	Directional Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker
Flex	Stiff
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freeride
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The Arbor Coda Rocker Snowboard offers a surfy ride with natural float and clean tracking. It’s designed with a slightly directional twin shape that lets you conquer any terrain the mountain gives you, whether it’s backcountry or park. It’s all about versatility with a poplar core that provides an enhanced edgehold and some extra pop.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.3/5

Here are what we consider some of the Best Freestyle Snowboards for Women:

1. Burton Talent Scout Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	138 \| 141 \| 146 \| 149 \| 152
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Camber
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Advanced – Expert

The Burton Talent Scout Snowboard has Overbite Frostbite Edges that provide enormous edge control in icy conditions and an off-axis squeezebox core that gives the snowboard some great pop. It’s true twin, cambered profile will take your talents all over the mountain.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

2. K2 Lime Lite Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	138 \| 142 \| 146 \| 149 \| 153
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker – Flat – Rocker
Flex	Soft
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Beginner – Intermediate

The K2 Lime Lite Snowboard comes with the Tweekend™ twin rocker profile that will give you the freedom and control to jib and spin in the park while the carbon stringers will keep you stable and smooth with a superior edge hold. It’s a great progression snowboard that’ll keep you fun and loose.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

3. Salomon Gypsy Snowboard

Sizes available (cm)	138 \| 143 \| 147 \| 151
Shape	True Twin
Profile \| Bend	Rocker – Camber – Rocker
Flex	Medium
Terrain	All-Mountain \| Freestyle
Riding Level	Intermediate – Advanced

The Salomon Gypsy Snowboard features the Quadralizer, Slingshot Sidewalls for more control, maneuverability, and better flex in the park. The Rock Out Camber combined with the Popster Booster Core will help you send it through the air while the Slingshot dampening will cushion your landings.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

This is our current List for the Best Snowboards of the 2021-2022 Season. However, there are tons more Snowboards out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a Snowboard and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Snowboards List? Let us know! E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com. Take a look down below on how to determine which board is right for you.

As always, happy riding!

>>Need a Ski Helmet? Click HERE for the Best Ski and Snowboarding Helmets of 2021-2022<<

>>Need a Beginner Snowboard? Click HERE for the Best Beginner Snowboards of 2021-2022<<

How-To: Buy the Best Snowboards

There are so many types of snowboards out there with a multitude attributes, it can be a bit confusing into figuring out what kind of snowboard you should get. Camber or Rocker? Directional or True Twin? Flex, Shape, Profile? Here at Powderheadz.com, we’ll try and help you figure out what everything means.

If this is your first major purchase snowboard, it’s best to get familiar with some of the terminology out there.

Ability Level:

Determining your ability level will help nail down which type of snowboards you should look at. Many snowboards are actually described as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert or have a range such as Intermediate to Advanced. The right board can help make learning easier for beginners or have specific characteristics designed for an expert rider.

Beginner – If you’re struggling to stay on your feet or stop without falling you’re a true beginner. But if you’re able to link turns and aren’t too comfortable doing so, you’re at the high-end of beginner.

Intermediate – If you’re comfortable at linking turns but skidding a little bit you’re just entering the intermediate range. If you’re comfortable linking turns on Blue Runs and can somewhat navigate Black runs you’re at the high end of intermediate. You’re also at the high end of intermediate if you’re learning or able to ride switch, can take small jumps in the park, or your able to venture into the backcountry.

Advanced – You’re comfortable to ride black diamonds and some double black diamonds and you can link turns at high speeds or steep terrain. Or you’re comfortable landing most small/medium jumps, handling small/medium features (rails and boxes), able to get in and out of the pipe, or ride off-piste/backcountry with some confidence. At this point, you’ve also probably found your style of riding: all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, park, or powder.

Expert – You’re practically a professional and are sponsored. You’re riding fast down a double-black or challenging backcountry, or taking large/extra-large features at the Park.

Riding Style:

All-Mountain – All-Mountain Snowboards are designed in all snow conditions and terrain: groomers, powder, and park runs. If you’re unsure which board to purchase, these snowboards are the most versatile to suit your needs.

Freestyle – Freestyle Snowboards are often shorter and have a true twin shape so you can ride switch easily. These snowboards fit right in at terrain parks or the occasional street grind.

Freeride – Freeride Snowboards are often longer and have a directional shape with stiff flex. These snowboards are made for those who stay off groomed runs and in variable terrain (Off Piste or Backcountry).

Powder – Powder Snowboards are a variation of Freeride Snowboards. They are longer, have a directional shape, and a stiff flex. They also have a wider nose and a narrow tail and the rider’s stance is often in the rear of the board, to help with floating on powder.

Shape:

Directional Shape – Common shape for All-Mountain Snowboards and Freeride Snowboards. Directional Snowboards are designed to be ridden in one direction. They are often stiffer in the tail and softer towards the nose to help with stability while carving at high speeds. Bindings are mounted towards to the rear.

Directional Twin Shape – Common shape for All-Mountain Snowboards and Freestyle Snowboards. Combines both attributes of directional and true twin shapes. Can come with a symmetrical shape but directional flex or a directional shape with a symmetrical flex. Bindings are usually mounted in the center.

True Twin Shape – Common shape for Freestyle Snowboards. True Twin Snowboards are completely symmetrical with identical nose and tips as well as flex pattern. You’ll be able to ride in both directionons with ease. Bindings are mounted in the center.

Profile:

Camber – Traditional profile for snowboards. Has a smooth arch underfoot and even pressure when the ride stands on it. Offers maximum energy and pop.

Rocker – Has a smooth downward curve with less edge contact when the rider stands on it. Float well on powder. Doesn’t catch as much as Camber snowboards when trying to land 360s.

Flat – Splits the difference in benefits of a Camber and Rocker snowboard. Can turn better than a Camber snowboard but better edging than a Rocker snowboard.

Rocker – Camber – Rocker – Popular profile for Freeride snowboards. Gives a hard-carving edge hold on firm snow and greater turning ability in powder

Rocker – Flat – Rocker – Combination of Rocker snowboards and Flat Snowboards. Gives a hard-carving edge hold and pop more than a Rocker Snowboard.

Camber – Rocker – Camber – Gives a strong, pressured carving zone between the snowboarder’s feet and retains precision and pop from the nose to to tail.

Flex:

Flex is often measured from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest. Freestyle snowboards and All-mountain snowboards usually have a softer flex. They are more forgiving and easier to turn. Soft flex boards are great for beginners. Freeride snowboards and Powder snowboards usually have a stiffer flex. They provide a better edge hold and are more stable at higher speeds.

As always, happy riding!

>>Need some Ski and Snowboarding Goggles? Click HERE for the Best Ski and Snowboarding Goggles of 2021-2022<<

>>Need a Headlamp? Click Here for the Best Headlamps of 2021-2022<<

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Steal His Look: Bernie Sanders

January 21, 2021September 6, 2022 Alfie Feliciano 2 Comments

BY ALFIE FELICIANO

Vancouver, BC. – The Inauguration of Joe Biden has gone off without a hitch. Thankfully. But of course, one man stole the show: Bernie Sanders.

And with that, we’re gonna introduce a new column at Powderheadz.com: Steal Their Look.

The Look

The Gear

Burton Edgecomb Men’s Jacket

Waterproofing	DRYRIDE 2-Layer Brushed Nylon Taslan Fabric
Insulation	Living Lining™ mapped Embossed Tafferta \| 40% Recycled THERMOLITE®
Breathable	Yes
Fit	Regular
Length	Hip
Designed For	Everyday

You only really need one good jacket.

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

Disposable Face Mask

3-Ply Face Mask With Elastic Earloops for Day to Day Protection.
- Non-woven layer for anti-particles
- Absorbent non-woven layer (Breathable)
- High Density Filter
Flexible Nose Clip
Disposable

Powderheadz Rating

★★★★★ 5/5

>>Need some goggles? Click HERE for the Best Goggles of 2022-2023<<

>>Need a Helmet? Click HERE for the Best Helmets of 2022-2023<<

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Review: “The Fourth Phase” by Travis Rice | Vancouver, BC Premiere

September 13, 2016December 20, 2019 Alfie Feliciano Leave a comment

After LA, Travis Rice heads North for the Canadian Premiere.

BY ALFIE FELICIANO

Vancouver, BC – This past Saturday, the Powderheadz.com Team was able to swing some tickets to get a first look at Travis Rice’s The Fourth Phase. And with a bit of patience and luck, we were able watch the film with the cast and crew of The Fourth Phase at the same location that Travis Rice premiered 2011’s The Art of Flight. It was a surreal experience for us.

The Fourth Phase | Powderheadz.com — From General Admission to VIP Guest Access.

Two days after the World Premiere on Thursday, September 8th at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, Travis Rice and company traveled north to Vancouver, BC for the Canadian Premiere at Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts of The Fourth Phase. With introductions of rest of the team, a slight jab to Canada by stating “we didn’t film one day here” because “you guys have it to good up here”, a fake call-out to no-show Justin Trudeau (no, he wasn’t there), and a raffle to the lucky guy in seat 33B who won a few beard trimmings from snowboarder Eric Jackson, the film started with raucous applause. It was safe to assume that everyone here was pretty amped with Redbull. Perhaps some Vodka as well. And they had every right to. It’s been 4 long years to see the next film from Rice.

The Fourth Phase Review

The film opens to a reflective Travis Rice aboard his Catamaran “Falcor” in a nondescript part of an ocean while Dr. Gerald Pollack, Professor of Bioengineering at UW, intros the main thesis to the movie:

‘We all learn that water has three phases. The solid state, the liquid state and also the vapor state. You can’t explain all the known properties of water with three phases alone. You need a fourth phase. As children, we have this natural tendency to explore. And then we go to school and we have to get the right answer. This has a tendency to squeeze out of us the truth-seeking nature that comes as a human being. Because of the institutionalized nature of science, scientists have become more hesitant to challenge perceived truth. If we wanna get real truth, we have to dig down beneath the foundations.’

And then the movie kicks into high gear. Immediately after the mellow opening, Travis lays waste to the Wyoming backcountry with insane tricks off of eighty foot kickers. He’s joined by snowboarders Pat Moore, Cam Fitzpatrick, and Ben Ferguson as they assault the mountain alongside him. Humble Master and Jackson Hole icon Bryan Iguchi comes along to do a quick session around the Grand Tetons with Rice before Rice embarks on this epic adventure.

JAPAN

“…I realized by combining my love of the ocean with my love of the mountains it might be possible to actually follow the flow around the north Pacific, travel with the water that melts down from the Continental Divide, sail with it as it sweeps across the ocean and turns into the snow that blankets Japan…” – Travis Rice

The crew embarks on their first trip of the journey through a dizzying view of a Japanese airport to some of the most beautiful tree riding we’ve ever seen. Travis Rice claims that the Japanese Alps is one of the snowiest places on earth and he wouldn’t be wrong. Snowboarders Mikkel Bang and Mark Landvik join Rice as they genuinely ‘play’ in waist deep powder.

This was the part of the film that was the most enjoyable to me. It looked like 3 guys having the time of their lives and were having a blast doing it. And it didn’t look like work. It looked like a lot of fun and there just happened to be a film crew. And its part of the film that seems the most attainable thing that the audience can do. The gorgeous lines that these 3 were able to take is sure to drive up snow-tourism in the area for years to come.

KAMCHATKA PENINSULA

“…The cycle swings up and tears past the Kamchatka Peninsula…” – Travis Rice

What comes up, must come down. The sheer joy that is on display in Japan gets replaced with the flipside of the harshness of Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. This section was probably the most interesting because it shows that even the greatest snowboarders in the world have to deal with an uncooperative Mother Nature or a very uncooperative foreign government. Or worse, boredom.

Flying around in a military helicopter around an active Russian Volcano was awe-inspiring, but once the riders got on the ground, it was a different story. They were riding through some of the ugliest, windswept terrain that’s been filmed. You can feel the frustration and boredom build throughout this part. And although a glimmer of hope gets them flying off for one last try, their trip gets crushed by government officials. The only silver lining was that Rice, Eric Jackson, and Mark Landvik were able to meet some Russian youths who recognized them from The Art of Flight. Snowboarding is alive and well in even the most harshest of places.

ALASKA

“…and then finally banks into the catcher’s mitt that forms the Gulf of Alaska. These charged weather systems coming off the ocean hit these coastal mountains which ring out precipitation like a sponge, creating some of the most incredible snow formations on the planet.” – Travis Rice

Rice, Landvik, and Jackson arrive to variable conditions and a questionable snowpack in Alaska. The grind of filming this movie has taken its toll on the team and Mark Landvik eventually bows out of film, leaving Rice and Jackson up north to wait it out. We are rewarded with their patience. Travis Rice and Eric Jackson put on a clinic of riding Alaskan terrain as they ride through vertical lines, narrow chutes, and knife-edge ridges with ruthless aggression. You can see the riders release all that built up energy.

Side Note: You might recognize one of the Lines that Travis Rice takes from Skier Cody Townsend’s 2014 Line of the year:

If you’ve got time, read Travis Rice’s conversation with Cody Townsend about it. It’s a glimpse to a real world dilemma if hoarding film for a movie while others don’t have to.

Rice comes back to Alaska a year later with Victor De Le Rue and Jeremy Jones to tackle Valdez again. And the next part of the film was probably the toughest to watch out of all the segments. The film crescendo’s into these scenes and the you can hear the audience at the Centre in Vancouver groan in unison and then remain silent for the next few minutes. It’s something you have to see to believe.

WYOMING

“I have not figured out how to separate reckless optimism from a healthy appetite to pursue things until it becomes impossible. To be able to know the difference? Yeah, it’d be amazing. I’ve been lucky to have a few glimpses into this idea of what letting go really is. I know it’s impossible.” – Travis Rice

Ending where it begins in the Wyoming Back Country.

The film ends where it begins, on a homecoming high note. Travis Rice and crew “riding off in the sunset”. The Fourth Phase lives up to the hype. If you loved The Art of Flight, you’ll love this.

Watch The Fourth Phase on October 2nd when it streams live on Red Bull TV at 8 pm.

Happy Riding.

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News: La Niña is coming. And with that, snow for the Pacific Northwest.

September 10, 2016December 19, 2019 Alfie Feliciano Leave a comment

El Niño is dead. Long live El Niña.

BY ALFIE FELICIANO

Vancouver, BC – The 2015-2016 edition of El Niño has come to pass and La Niña has a 60 to 75% of making an appearance. And according to the NOAA, a pool of cold water is materializing in the Pacific Ocean below a shallow mass of warm surface water. La Niña is coming.

And if it does, the Pacific Northwest to Squaw Valley will see above average snowfall. There is already more concrete evidence as Whistler gets its first snowfall of the season (about 3cm). We should be seeing more action from La Niña in the late fall and through the winter. Some of the best Ski Resorts in North America will get the benefit of the larger than average snowfall:

Lake Louise, BC
Whistler, BC
Mt Baker, WA
Mt Bachelor, OR

Mt Hood, OR
Sun Valley, ID
Big Sky, MT
Whitefish, MT

Jackson Hole, WY
Squaw Valley, CA
Steamboat, CO
Lake Tahoe, NV

A Bit of History

The last time La Niña mattered was during the 1998-1999 ski season, when Mt. Baker, WA received the most snow at any location during a single season. 1140 inches of powder dropped that winter, totaling 95 feet. It’s still a record that hasn’t been beaten. Hopefully we get somewhere close to that this year, if not beating it altogether. It will more than make up for the lackluster winter of 2014-2015 that the Pacific Northwest had experienced two years ago.

It is still to early to tell when La Niña will truly show up, but it something to keep in mind if you are planning on any major snowboarding trips. There is a possibility that some resorts will have enough snow coverage for the Thanksgiving weekend. Or perhaps by Christmas time. But forecasts this far out can be a little unpredictable. La Niña should reveal her true colors in the next couple of months. We at Powderheadz.com think you should hold off on buying those plane tickets until more time has passed.

Perhaps I’m writing all of this because I just needed an excuse to just to show this clip:

Happy Riding!

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News: Vail Resorts Purchases Whistler-Blackcomb for $1.4 Billion

August 14, 2016December 19, 2019 Alfie Feliciano Leave a comment

Soon your Epic Ski Pass gets you riding in the Great White North

BY ALFIE FELICIANO

Vancouver, BC – Vail Resorts Inc’s $1.4 Billion friendly takeover of Whistler Blackcomb aims at making skiing and snowboarding cheaper for everyone. The proprieter of 13 resorts across the world just added the biggest gem to its collection with Whistler and on Monday, August 8th, they entered into an agreement to acquire them. This makes Vail Resorts owner of half of the 10 busiest ski areas on the North American Continent with Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, and Breckenridge being the top 3.

This deal comes only months after the British Columbia Provincial government approved of Aquilini Investment Group’s plan to build a $3.5 billion Ski Resort in Garibaldi Park at Squamish, BC, which is about at 45 minute drive south of Whistler. Also, Vail Resorts plans on honoring Whistler’s $345 million investment plan, the Renaissance Project, to create more offerings of additional four-season, weather-independent activities to make Whistler Blackcomb a better, more expansive year-round resort.

And What It Means for You.

For now? Nothing yet. As of right now, the Season Pass for Whistler Blackcomb is still valid for 2016/2017 and the current 2016/2017 Epic Pass from Vail Resorts (which includes Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, etc. Visit www.snow.com for more info.) does not include access for Whistler Blackcomb. However, Vail Resorts has confirmed that the Epic Pass will include Whistler-Blackcomb for the 2017/2018 season and that it has no intention of drastically raising its rates for the very inclusive Epic Pass.

For reference, the Whistler Season Pass for 2017 is regularly priced at $2049.00 CAD while the Epic Pass for 2017 is priced at $809 USD. So come Winter 2017/2018, Americans will gain a giant resort for the taking and Canadians will see a drastic price drop to their season pass. Snow for Everyone!