How Durable Are Snowboards?

While a new board may be a nice idea, most snowboarders use theirs only one week per year. They keep their boards clean and waxed, and buy a new one when it's time for a change. But how durable are new boards and how long does snowboard last? We looked at the durability of popular brands like Salomon and YES.

YES

If you want to buy a snowboard that will last for years, consider a YES snowboard. Yes snowboards are built to withstand years of use, and the full poplar core is light and durable. They also feature an extruded base that is softer than sintered bases, and retain wax better. Plus, it's easy to switch feet on a Yes snowboard and get up and go in minutes.

YES.'s Greats UnInc.

The Greats Uninc is a versatile, durable board that is great for all mountain and freestyle riding. It has a strong edge hold and is comfortable on rails and jumps. It is not a bad snowboard even for beginners. They can land with Greats Uninc without issue. The asymmetrical shape and asymmetric MidBite sidecut deliver a great balance between grip and control on icy transitions.

Burton

You can depend on the durability of your Burton snowboard, whether you're riding it or storing it. The company has developed its products to be durable, yet lightweight. In addition, many of its products come with lifetime warranties.

Salomon

Salomon snowboards are built to last and will provide years of service. The company's innovative construction includes Aspen Select Core, which is made from FSC-certified wood strips for unmatched durability and lightness. It also features Biaxial Medium Density Fiberglass. The Triaxial Fiberglass core also increases the board's durability and life. The ABS Sidewalls incorporate Royal Rubber for superior edge-to-edge contact, and the Sintered Base provides moderate speed and wax retention.

Lamar

Lamar snowboards are built to be durable, long-lasting snowboards. All of their models feature five new core technologies, including Energy Transmission Frame technology. This patented technology provides a snappier ride and maintains the shape of the board over time. The boards also feature VersaFlex full wood core and a triaxial fiberglass construction for effortless glide over snow. The boards are also designed with alloy tip and tail protectors to protect them from debris and damage.

Head

Theresa "Tree" Clinton, a Whistler, Canada-based snowboarder and real estate agent, spent the last decade working for the outdoor industry as a marketing representative. She also worked for snowboard tour companies and has snowboarded in Chile, New Zealand, Japan, and all 50 states. She has a passion for snowboarding and is an avid tester for both new and used snowboards.

P-Tex

P-Tex snowboards have an added benefit of being resistant to abrasion. These snowboards have graphite embedded into their base, which reduces friction and helps them glide on the snow. This base also helps them hold more wax than other types of bases.

Full Wrap Edges

Full wrap edges are the most durable snowboard edges. They are made of steel or stainless steel and are permanently attached to the board using T-shaped inserts. They come in two styles, full wrap and partial wrap. Full wrap edges go around the entire board and are the strongest. Partial wrap edges run along the side of the board, making contact with the snow but are not as durable.

Hardwood Cores

Wood cores are the heart of snowboards. These strips of wood are glued together and act as the board's engine. Different types of wood provide different properties and performance, which can affect how the board rides.