Each year the snowboard magazines decide their top snowboard choices by designing boards tests built around various methodologies. Snowboard Magazine has their Platinum Pick describes as the “best of the best. Here you find out our choices for best jib boards, best powder boards and just plain best things…”
The test is ultimately “not a product test, rather a look around the industry to see who is pushing design, materials, fashion and technology.” In fact they completely reach out and discuss product tests saying that it’s up to you, the rider, to determine if a board works for you…not some product test. So the platinum picks are really just top choices to consider for the upcoming year. I do wish for the sake of women’s snowboarding, that in the future there will be women’s models included.
Of the 11 winning boards, I’ve only ridden five of the boards (some in previous years). The list is a mix of popular boards like the Machete, Cobra, Jamie Lynn Phoenix but also some new choices to consider like the Sims and Endeavor. The list also seems very focused on boards that aren’t just park or powder but a good all-mountain/freestyle collection mix.
Snowboard Magazine’s Platinum Pick Winners (in order of appearance)
Burton Harvest
Endeavor BOD
GNU Impossible A.S.S Pickle
K2 Ultra Dream
Lib Tech Phoenix Series Jamie Lynn C3
Nitro Ultimate
Never Summer Cobra
Ride Machete GT
Salomon Villain
Sims X-Wedge
YES the Greats
What are your thoughts on the list?
Paco
October 22, 2012 at 7:43 pmGreat analysis…
Jonathan Glass
October 24, 2012 at 8:54 amGreat write up on what the Platinum Picks truly mean and what we are trying to convey to the reader about them. I guess they aren’t necessarily the best of the best, but rather the best of what’s new to the industry in terms of design, technology and fashion.
Now get out and ride!
JG
Keither
October 25, 2012 at 11:01 pmA.S.S. Pickle FTW!!