Snowboarding is one of the most exciting activities you can do during winter vacation. However, most people think that it’s an expensive sport. While that’s not entirely wrong, you can still find plenty of affordable ways to ride the slopes. One thing we recommend is getting yourself a budget board. As the name suggests, a budget board isn’t actually a great piece of tech. But still, it has more than enough to give you an enjoyable ride, especially for beginners. So, in this article, we’ll reveal how to choose the best snowboard under 200 plus the best type of snowboard for tricks and provide some great recommendations for it. Without much ado, let’s dive straight into it!
How to Choose the Best Snowboard Under 200
Picking the best snowboard under 200 is basically the same as choosing a snowboard in general. You have to consider riding style, flex, branding, and other technicalities. And since you’re going to buy affordable gear, chances are it doesn’t come with great quality. Therefore, it’s very important to look at the reviews section. You can see how many riders are satisfied/disappointed with the product. So, here are some factors that you should take into account in choosing the best snowboard under 200.
Ability
It’s always important to choose a snowboard based on your abilities. For beginners, it is highly recommended to avoid snowboards that are too complex. Instead, pick a speed plank designed as an all-rounder gear. It’s also recommended to get the best snowboard under 200 with a classic shape, as it can handle pretty much any terrain remarkably well. Furthermore, if you’re unsure about your skills, go to a local snowboard shop and let the staff rate your technique and experience.
Dimensions and Surface
You should know that there are three vital factors that shouldn’t be overlooked in choosing any snowboard, especially when it comes to the best type of snowboard for tricks. They’re flex, width, and length. For first-timers, we suggest you stay away from the board with a stiffer surface. That’s because this type of plank will be much more difficult to control at low speeds. As for the width, choose the best snowboard under 200 that’s no more than 25 centimeters. Otherwise, you’ll get a board that’s difficult to turn. Meanwhile, the length is equally important. The longer the board, the more stable and fast it is. However, it’ll be more difficult to maneuver. So, once again, pick one that suits your style and abilities.
Graphics and Prices
Graphics are more of something you need to avoid, rather than consider. If we may suggest, don’t let yourself be dazzled by the board’s visual design as it doesn’t affect any performance! Furthermore, expensive boards don’t equal great boards. So even if you’re looking for the best snowboard under 200, quality should still be your main concern.
System Timeless CRCX
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Despite its affordable nature, System Timeless CRCX is a playful board. Spend a few hours with this gear on any mountain, and we guarantee you’ll leave with a big smile on your face. It has twin shapes, which are great for honing skills, especially for beginner riders. Apart from that, the System also offers a satisfaction guarantee of up to three years. That way, you can ride those slopes in peace, knowing that there will be a replacement unit ready to ship, should something happen to the board.
In addition, we also love Timeless CRCX’s edge lock technology. It allows you to have a decent amount of plop and exemplary control. Overall, this is a very satisfying best snowboard under 200. Make sure to check it out while you can.
What We Love
Edgelock technology that allows for greater control
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Durable core
- Three-year warranty
- Playful board
Cons:
- Not built for speed
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VoltSurf All-Mountain (CU)
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If you’re looking for the best snowboard under 200 with high versatility, the VoltSurf All-Mountain won’t let you down. It’s especially great for novice riders and should be able to perform incredibly great on most surfaces. And since the board is built with prime materials, you’ll be guaranteed a fun and enjoyable ride.
Another thing we would like to mention is the base. The VoltSurf All-Mountain has a sintered base, which is great for high speeds. No need to worry about bumpy and rough rides, since this product uses the famous poplar wood core. In short, if you’re looking for a satisfying product that won’t hurt your wallet, this would be a great solution.
What We Love
Works great on the most surface
Pros:
- A decent all-mountain board
- Highly versatile
- Durable construction
- Playful
Cons:
- Skillful rider might crave for other boards
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Rossignol Gala (404)
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The Rossignol Gala was originally designed for women, but we think men will also enjoy a ride on this fantastic board. It was built to provide utmost performance in a variety of conditions and terrain. If you’re looking for an all-mountain plank that won’t force you to break the bank, this one is definitely worth considering.
As for the flex, Rossignol Gala has fine control and stability. In addition, you’ll also get lots of great turns with this board. If that’s not enough, there’s also great versatility. Overall, this is a really nice best type of snowboard for tricks. It’s great and won’t make your money go to waste.
What We Love
Versatile board on a budget
Pros:
- High versatility
- AmpTek Auto Turn rocker
- All-mountain flex
- Sustainable core
Cons:
- Advanced riders probably won’t love this
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Nitro Prime (404)
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Nitro Prime is another product worth considering when you’re looking for the best snowboard for ground tricks. A new model will cost you around 300 bucks. However, the used one can be found easily in many different marketplaces and is offered at a relatively cheap price. If you’re looking for something that won’t hurt your wallet, this incredible speed plank is the answer.
As for technicality, Nitro Prime features a directional shape that provides a great balance between steadiness and speed. It also has a flat-out rocker to guarantee a playful and exciting ride. While for the flex, you get an all-terrain setting that should work well in a variety of conditions. To conclude, this is a nice board to have. You certainly won’t regret getting it.
What We Love
Flat-out rockers for a fun ride
Pros:
- Directional shape
- Radial sidecut
- All-terrain flex
- Standard width
Cons:
- Only available in two sizes
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Capita Navigator (404)
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Capita Navigator is an ultra-light plank that can handle rough surfaces well. But if you want to unleash its maximum potential, we suggest taking this board to the powder or somewhere with lush trees. With that being said, this magnificent gear is still capable of quite a few carves and bombs.
A brand new model is offered at around 400 bucks. However, you can easily get some used units for half the price. They generally have fairly decent conditions and should be able to last for 2-3 years. So if you’re looking for the best snowboard under 200, Capita Navigator is another option that deserves to be on your radar.
What We Love
Able to handle rough terrain well
Pros:
- Alpine assault force
- FSC certified dual-core
- Carbon fiber beams
- Fiberglass magic bean resin
Cons:
- Not quite beginner friendly
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Rossignol Circuit (404)
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If you consider yourself a beginner or intermediate snowboarder, then you’ll find a comfort zone with the Rossignol Circuit. This board is equipped with the Amptek all-mountain, which allows you to learn some new tricks or become a shredding master with relative ease. Apart from that, it’s also available in various sizes. Get one for your next winter break and see for yourself what magic it can bring.
As for the price, the Rossignol Circuit is available for just $ 199. For a relatively small amount of money, you’ll get a fantastic board with great stability, 100 percent sustainability, and high versatility. If you still haven’t found your best snowboard under 200, make sure not to miss this one.
What We Love
Amptek all-mountain flex for better steadiness and control
Pros:
- 100 percent sustainable
- High versatility
- Auto Turn Rocker
- Effortless turn
Cons:
- Some reported the surface scratched too easily
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Salomon Super8 (404)
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For those looking for an incredible freeride machine, the Salomon Super8 isn’t for you. But if you need a solid board that performs remarkably well in most conditions, this is the best type of snowboard for tricks you’ve been looking for. As for the price, this gear is also quite wallet-friendly. A new unit is available for $500. But if you want to save more, we suggest taking advantage of promos. They’re usually offered towards the winter holiday or the end of the year. There’s a good chance you get the board for up to half the price!
As for features, Salomon Super8 is packed with a tapered directional shape, backseat camber profile, and quadratic sidecut. They’re designed to give you a stable ride, effortless turn, and a great compromise between pace and control. To conclude, this is a remarkable gear. If you have the opportunity and time, don’t miss checking out this product.
What We Love
Good for all types of terrain
Pros:
- Directional shape
- Quadratic side cut
- Sintered base
- Camber backseat
Cons:
- Not too great for freeride
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Jones Explorer (CU)
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The Jones Explorer is one of the most aggressive on this list. Furthermore, it presents the right balance between pace and drive. That way, you’ll get a pretty forgiving ride, which will come in handy when you’re not in top condition. Additionally, the board is suitable for the park. So you can avoid packing too much plank for next winter break.
When it comes to the price tag, the Jones Explorer is offered between $ 479 to $ 449. However, you can get a secondhand unit for around 200 bucks. Please note that it’s quite difficult to find the exact same model in brand new condition these days. But if you’re really a stickler, this best snowboard for ground tricks is now being re-released under the name Jones Frontier.
What We Love
Good pace, great drive
Pros:
- Good flex
- Nice and stable
- Strong edge hold
- Fun turn
Cons:
- Not too great for buttering
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YES Libre (CU)
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Approachable is perhaps the most appropriate term to describe Yes Libre. It’s an undemanding board, ideal for resorts, and is offered at a reasonable price. As for the core, this product uses poplar wood, biax fiberglass, and an extruded base. Whether you’re a beginner rider or veteran snowboarder, you’ll get remarkable responsiveness with this board. Another thing we love is the fact that Libre doesn’t need too much maintenance.
Overall, Yes Libre is a must-have best type of snowboard for tricks. Especially if you’re looking for something that does a little of everything. Brand new units may be a little tricky to come by, but you always have the secondhand option – which is much cheaper. And if you’re interested in other affordable travel gear, you might want to check out some of our 13 best hand warmers for skiing.
What We Love
An incredible board that is easy to ride
Pros:
- Biax fiberglass
- Poplar wood
- Extruded base
- Undemanding
Cons:
- Not suitable for freestyling
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Slash Happy Place (CU)
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Slash Happy Place is the best snowboard under 200 that definitely won’t disappoint. Over the last few years, they’ve kept the camber and overall shape more or less the same. However, there’s constant improvement in terms of materials. The last model gives you a better underfoot feel. It’s more stable among the feet and able to perform consistently well in all conditions.
A brand new unit of Slash Happy Place might be hard to find. That’s why we strongly encourage you to search for several secondhand marketplaces. There you should be able to find a lot of used units in pretty good condition and are offered between 100-200 bucks. If you’re still unsure, check out some of the reviews on various snowboarding sites and you’ll rarely find negativity about this board.
What We Love
Consistent performance across multiple terrains
Pros:
- Camrock camber
- Twin shape
- Medium flex
- Stable and forgiving
Cons:
- Quite bumpy on uneven surface
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Capita Outerspace Living (404)
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Here’s another great alternative for the best snowboard under 200. The Capita Outerspace Living comes with a medium flex, which makes it perfect for forgiving mountain style rides. However, we suggest you stay away from harder snow since the board’s hold isn’t that good. But apart from that, this speed plank works remarkably well. It’s everything you expect from an all-mountain board at an affordable price tag.
Thanks to Carbon Kevlar Struts, Capita Outerspace Living will allow you to make turns and bends, without worrying about the board breaking easily. Other than that, it still has a nice snap back. You won’t get a pop that stands out that much. Instead, the board will help you butter more easily.
What We Love
Medium flex, perfect for forgiving rides
Pros:
- Total Resort Destroyer
- Carbon Kevlar Struts
- Superdrive FX Base
- Magic bean resin
Cons:
- Not recommended for rough terrains
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Burton Flight Attendant (CU)
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Burton Flight Attendant is the best snowboard for ground tricks which will make a great ‘one size fits all’ solution. Take it to groomers and you’ll get a short board-like experience. Use it on powder and you’ll have a decent float. If you’re looking for an all-mountain board that doesn’t feature the regular twin shape, this one would be great.
With a centered stance and backseat camber profile, the Flight Attendant is also excellent for tight carving turns, especially on groomers. In addition, it also has a 10mm nose to tail taper, a key ingredient for nice floats. And if you need some extra flexibility, you can keep your body warm with one of our 13 best Columbia men’s fleece jackets.
What We Love
Good for powder, nice on groomers
Pros:
- Rocker / Camber Hybrid
- Nice float
- All-mountain board
- FSC Certified Super Fly II 700G core
Cons:
- No edge grip tech
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Capita DOA (404)
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The Capita DOA is possibly one of the most affordable aggressive boards you can get on the market today. It’s almost 100 bucks cheaper than other similar products. And if you’re lucky, you can get a secondhand unit in mint condition for half the price! Now that’s what we call the best snowboard under 200.
As a feature, Capita DOA has a medium flex, fine handling, and a decent amount of power. When it comes to the core, the Capita goes for the ashpop dual blaster, which is specifically designed to provide the utmost durability and control. Overall, if you’re a little tight on cash and looking for a nice one size fits all solution, DOA is really a great alternative. And for added convenience, you can pair it with one of our 13 best ski goggles for foggy conditions.
What We Love
Good one size fits all solution
Pros:
- Total resort destroyer
- Dual blaster ashpop core
- Fortress kevlar bound sidewalls
- Carbon fiber boosters
Cons:
- It may not be fast enough for some people
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