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The Good Ride 2026 Freeride Favorite Snowboards

Welcome to the 2026 Freeride Favorite Snowboards list that comes from more extensive testing and comparing than any other list you will read. 

Why Should You Trust This Favorite Freeride Snowboards List?

I’ve ridden close to 900 different model snowboards and a lot more if you count the various versions of the same model over the years. I’m an average rider, but with a solid snowboard gear memory. I extensively test and compare boards on a level no one else does. So you’ll want to check out this Freeride Favorite list.. And if you know The Good Ride, then you know this is no pay-to-play 2026 Freeride Favorite Snowboard list. These boards got here only by how they ride, and that’s it. I don’t even require to keep the boards sent for testing.

What Is A Freeride Snowboard To The Good Ride?

So, Freeride is a pretty loose term, but I define it as a board that sits in between more tapered/directional / set back Alternative Freeride boards and more centered, less tapered, directional all-mtn boards. It’s great for those who like big mtn riding or those who want a more setback / tapered/directional daily driver than an All Mtn board. If you want to know more, you can also check out a detailed breakdown at The Good Ride Riding Styles Explained article.

What If Your Board Didn’t Make The List?

Now…If your board didn’t make the list, it’s fine, and it can still be your favorite. If you want to know why your board didn’t make the list, go to the snowboards review page, thegoodride.com, and check our review. If it’s not there, leave a comment for me to review it, and I’ll do my best to get on it.

Now that you know where I’m coming from, it’s time to get to this list. If you want to learn more about the board, click through to the individual reviews on The Good Ride, check the ratings, use our filters, and the comparison tool.

Stranda Descender Evolution $949 (Big Mtn Versatility)

Ability Level: Advanced To Expert

Shape: 9mmTaper and Pretty Directional.

Setback:-20mm @ 19.25” On Sidecut / -3.75” @ 20.75” Set All The Way Back

Camber Profile: Directional Hybrid Camber With Mellow Early Rise in the tail and more in the nose

Flex: Medium/Stiff Nose. Stiff from a little before the nose to the tail. Very Good Pop & Very Damp.

Positives/Swipe Right

• Very Damp
• Great Pop
• Excellent In Uneven Snow
• Super Fast Base
• Solid Grip
• Great Mid to Steep Angle Float
• Great Big Mtn Board
• Great For Chill Groomer Riding
• Not Just a Straight Liner

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not a lot of sizes
• Expensive

Summary

The Descender Evo is capable of both Big Mountain riding and chill, medium-angle groomer and pow riding. It’s special because it’s very damp yet still has a lot of pop. It’s also got one of the fastest bases I’ve ever tried, quick turn initiation, and a really solid grip. It has extra mini-disc friendly setback inserts for a pow day and very good steep to medium angle float, but it still has lots of landing gear for getting air. It’s just at home, making more turny across the groomer carves as it is pointing it. The Decender Evo has this consistently comfortable feeling underfoot in everything from a chill to an all-out mood. And if the price is too high, you can always go with the softer Descender that’s been re-done for 2026.

Full Stranda Descender Evo Review

Buy from Stranda –  $949.99 (List Price) Telos DST Buy it Now

 

Nidecker Megalight $849 (Mega-Light / Mega-Versatile / Not Mega-Chattery)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: -14mm Taper and Pretty Directional

Setback: -30mm @ 22” On Sidecut / -5.5” @ 22.75” Set All The Way Back

Camber Profile: High Directional Camber with early rise before the nose

Flex: Medium-Soft Nose. Medium-Stiff between the feet. Medium-Stiff in the tail. Softer Tortionally in the middle

Positives/Swipe Right

• Light with Exceptional Pop
• Good Chatter Absorption for This Weight/Pop
• Really Great Low Angle to Steep Angle Float
• Exceptional Turning & Carving Experience
• Really fast base

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Set Back Inserts are much wider than the reference Stance
• Not many sizes (more coming next year)
• Needs Full-Size Discs for the Pow Inserts

Summary

The Nidecker Megalight has much more camber and a new form of ultra-light construction that somehow isn’t a chattery mess. This combo makes it a much better all-around ride than it was before, with a much more springy turn and ollie, but also better uneven snow performance. This is the most setback, turny, slashy, almost surfy big mtn ride on the list. When on the set back inserts, it has great low-angle float, and on reference, it’s a great big mtn board. It also really shines for snowboarders that like riding a little posi in the rear and like a little more of a back foot weighted turn on groomers. The only thing I don’t like is that the setback inserts run wider than the reference stance.

Full Nidecker Megalight Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $899 Buy it Now

 

 

Burton Counterbalance $659 (Solid Grip and Versatile)

Ability Level: Committed Intermediae To Expert

Shape: 8mm of Taper and Directional

Setback:-25mm On Sidecut @ 22”  /  -3.5” @ 23” Set Back

Camber Profile: Directional Camber

Flex: Medium Nose. Medium-Stiff Under The Camber / Semi-Easy To Butter / Good Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Solid Grip For A Burton Board
• Near Excellent Pop
• Not As Chattery For This Much Pop
• Decent Medium to Steep Angle Float

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Base Glide Could Be Better

Summary

The Burton Counterbalance is a really balanced directional one-board quiver with a much larger disruption near the back foot, which gives it more grip than most Burton boards. Burton always has an exceptional flex personality that is poppy but not ultra-bucky, and the Counterbalance holds true to that reputation. It’s a great directional daily driver for those who love Burton but want more edge hold. It’s one of the better boards on this list if you occasionally ride switch but still want more directional float than most All Mtn boards. I just had a blast on this, and I think a lot of people will as well. I just hope Burton keeps it longer than a season or 2.

Burton Counterbalance Full Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $699 Buy it Now

 

 

Weston Gnarnia $699 (Versatile Big Mountain)

Ability Level: Committed Intermediates To Expert Riders

Shape: -8mm Taper and Directional.

Setback: -20mm @ 21.6” On Sidecut. -3.625” @ 22.25″ Set Back

Camber Profile: Full Camber

Flex: Medium Stiff / Medium Nose / Good Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Fast Base
• Good Grip
• Fun To Turn
• Solid Straight Liner
• Still Can Turn
• Durable Topsheet

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not The Best Low Angle Float

Summary

The Weston Gnarnia is replacing the Ridgeline, and it’s very similar, but there is something extra they put into this board’s personality that makes me like it a little more than the Ridgeline, and brought it up to this list. It has a very classical big mountain shape with enough set back for easier float in moderate to steep conditions, but it’s not a great low-angle pow ride. You also get a fast base, competent grip, and a damp feel that doesn’t suppress the pop.Then you get a very durable topsheet too. Even though I ride more of a low-angle mountain mtn these days here at Mt. Bachelor, I still had a good time on it. But if I were still living in Tahoe or Mammoth, I would absolutely love this ride.

Full Weston Gnarnia Review

Buy From Evo – $699 Buy it Now

 

 

United Shapes Cadet $749 (Exceptional Versatility / Amazing Float)

Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert

Shape: 5mm Taper / Directional
Setback: -15” @ 22” on sidecut / -5.5” @ 22” back on board

Camber: Directional Camber with Rocker Before The Nose

Flex: Medium Nose/ Medium Stiff Everywhere Else / Semi-Easy To Butter / Good Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Amazing Float On The Set Back Inserts
• Solid Big Mtn Capability On Reference Stance
• Good Pop
• Great for getting Air
• Fun and Balanced Turning Experience
• Initiates A Turn Quickly For Its Width

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Not the Best in hard-to-icy snow.
• Needs Full-Size Discs For the Set Back Inserts

Summary

The United Shapes Cadet is one of my personal favorites on this list because it’s the closest you can get to the two boards for the price of one kind of thing. It has a pretty centered feel on reference, and has really good spring out of the turn. It can even ride the switch ok. This board can cruise or go hard, and it’s not a bad board in steeper big mountain lines. On a deep Pow day, those setback inserts give you more directional float than any of its peers on this list except the Megalight. That’s really special, and it’s almost there with a dedicated pow ride. Aside from wanting a little more grip on hard-snow days, I feel like I’m compromising the least with this board, and if one of their sizes fits your specs, it’s definitely worth a look.

Full United Shapes Cadet Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $749 Buy it Now

 

 

Jones Flagship Pro $999 (Exceptionally Fast & Stiff But Forgiving)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: 12mm Taper / Directional

Setback: -20mm @ 23.6” / -4.75” @ 22.8” back on board

Camber: Directional Camber With Considerable Rocker

Flex: Stiff / Not Easy To Butter / Moderate Pop

Positives/Swipe Right

• Exceptional Dampness
• Amazing In Soft Uneven Snow
• Good Directional Float and Pow Turn
• Excellent Straight Liner
• Very Forgiving For This Flex

Negatives/Swipe Left

• Not As Much Pop As Other Boards On This List

Summary

The Jones Flagship Pro is the stiffest and fastest board on this list, yet it remains forgiving, and even a committed intermediate with a shit ton of cash could ride it, even though they will be better off with the softer flexing flagship. That’s also an honorary mention, as it’s just a softer version of this with a little slower base.

It doesn’t have a lot of camber, and the spring out of a turn isn’t there with many on this list. Then the reference and the setback stances are too wide. Despite all that, it’s on this list because it’s not a lighter / more chattery version of the regular Flagship. It’s actually stiffer and damper, so it really does have that pro flex and feel, but with average guy forgiveness and very easy turn to it, especially in tight spots. It also has a really fun turn and easy float in pow, thanks to the early rise and spoon tech that runs from the nose into the effective edge. If you love going straight but don’t want a one-dimensional, go-hard-all-the-time ride, this is your board.

Full Jones Flagship Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $999 Buy it Now

 

 

Amplid Souly Grail $1,019 (An Exceptional Turning Experience In All Conditions)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: 5mm Taper / Directional

Setback:-15mm @ 21.5” / -4” @ 22.8″ back on board

Camber: Directional Camber 

Flex: Medium to Med-Stiff / Ok To Butter / Easy Pop

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Exceptional Chatter Absorption For This Flex/Weight
• Really Fun to Turn And Carve
• Great for getting air

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Only 1 Set Back Insert For The Back and Not The Front
• Not Good Low Angle Float

Summary

Next up is the Amplid Souly Grail. This is more for committed intermediates on up to experts. This made the list because it is one of the dampest, most chatter-resistant boards on this list for this kind of flex, and it doesn’t seem to compromise much pop to make it happen.

For 2026, they upgraded the dampening technology, so it’s a little better than last year. And while it doesn’t have the best setback easy directional float, it’s just such a fun turning, great all-day ride that I kept finding excuses to keep testing this chatter-free ride. It also has lifted sides in the nose that stay completely out of the effective edge, so you never get that washy feel on groomers, but you do get a great turning experience in softer snow and powder, despite not having that much float. If you see a lot of uneven snow and ride all day, this could be your board

Full Amplid Souly Grail Review

Buy Directly From Amplid – $1019 Buy it Now

 

2026 Hard Snow Freeride Favorites

Lib Tech Son of Birdman $749 (Grip and Float)

Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert

Shape: 12mm Taper / Directional

Setback: -2.5″ @ ?? / -3.25” @ 21.75″ back on board

Camber: Directional Camber With Lots Of Early Rise Before The Nose

Flex: Medium to Med-Stiff / Semi-Easy To Butter / Easy Pop

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Near Exceptional Hard Snow Grip & Stability
• Really Good Float
• Fun To Turn In Any Condition
• Easy/Good Pop

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Base Needs Constant Waxing

Summary

The Lib Tech Son Of Birdman does have a thirsty base, but that’s my only complaint about the SOB. This is far from being just an excellent hard snowboard because it floats like a champ.  It’s a pretty forgiving ride with a good bit of rocker but with enough camber and pop to be really fun for an ollie or a turn. I had a great time turning this in everything from hard snow to deep powder. This is more on the mid/wide side but still doable for regular footers, like me, that want a more floaty, cruisy ride. I really liked the way the SOB’s flex personality, slightly deeper sidecut, and camber profile all worked together to create a really fun turning experience that I didn’t have to dial back in harder snow. So this is a great ride for those who truly see all conditions.

Full Lib Tech Son Of Birdman Review

Buy From Evo – $749 Buy it Now

 

 

Lib Tech Ejack Knif $699 (Hard Snow Turning and Air Machine)

Ability Level: Advanced to Expert

Shape: 5mm Taper / Directional

Setback: -1″ @ ?? / -3” @ 22.5″ back on board

Camber: Directional / Mostly Camber

Flex: Medium to Med-Stiff / Semi-Hard To Butter / Near Exceptional Pop

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Near Exceptional Hard Snow Grip & Stability
• Near Exceptional Pop
• Super Fun To Carve
• Great for getting air

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Pretty Technical/Catchy
• The base is on the slower side

Summary

The Ejack Knife doesn’t have the easiest float in powder or the fastest base compared to most of the boards on this list, but man, is it a grippy, lively ride. The stability of this mostly camber profile with a somewhat mellow but really effective sidecut disruption makes this an excellent hard snow ride. It also doesn’t grab too much in soft snow. Then you throw in this dynamic pop that doesn’t get out of hand in uneven snow, you have an excellent board for turning and getting air. I find myself recommending this to East Coasters a lot.

Full Lib Tech Ejack Knife Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $699 Buy it Now

 

 

2026 Low Cost Favorite

YES Pick Your Line $499 (Low Cost Big Mountain)

Ability Level: Committed Beginner To Expert

Shape: -5mm of Taper / Almost Directional Twin

Setback: -10mm @ 22.5” on Sidecut / -2.5” @ 22.5” setback on board

Camber: Directional Camber with early rise before the nose / Tail

Flex: Medium-Stiff / Easy To Butter / Good Pop.

Positives/Swipe Right:

• Great Low Cost Big Mtn Option
• Solid Grip
• Turny but Straight Line Friendly
• GoodCentered Float

Negatives/Swipe Left:

• Not The Best In Low Angle Pow

Summary

And last on the list is the hard snow favorite, the YES Pick Your Line. It’s stiffer this year than in past years, has a flex that better matches YES’ rating system, and feels much more like a typical freeride flex.

It has a pretty tapered directional shape and, on snow, an even more pronounced feel, but with a more centered stance than almost any board on this list. It obviously has great grip, and it’s a great board for those who see hard-to-icy snow. But it has pretty good float for being so centered on board in powder, and this isn’t a bad board if you see more steep terrain on powder days. And while this does need more back foot weight on more challenging turns on groomers, it still has a good spring out of the turn, a fun, somewhat slashy, turny feel, but it can also go straight pretty well, especially this year with the stiffer flex.

Full YES Pick Your Line Review

Buy From Blauer Board Shop – $499 Buy it Now

 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, that’s the freeride list for 2026 and I hope this helps. There are many boards out there so don’t feel that this list or any list is the gospel on what to buy. Check our reviews, use our comparison tools and see what works best for you.

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