Because of the controversies that surround nonreleasable bindings, choosing the best board is a subjective process, which depends on your skill level and risk tolerance. Sports medicine expert Carl Ettinger, known for his Vermont Ski Safety studies, reports that ski-boarders using boards with nonreleasable bindings were 11.8 times more likely to experience ankle fractures than traditional alpine skiers and 15.8 times more likely to fracture their tibia. While some purists insist that skiboards with nonreleasable bindings hold a better edge and are less expensive, skiboarders concerned with overall safety realize that the extra money spent on releasable bindings is less than what they would spend on surgery.
Summit Headwall 95cm
The handcrafted Summit Headwall 95cm boasts a shaped design, suitable for carving tight turns on all terrain. Its curved tip and tail makes it a viable ski for playing in the terrain park or half-pipe. This ski board uses step-in releasable Tyrolia bindings. Backcountry skiers can request Frtischi Freeride bindings, which allow you to free your heels for climbing up hills.
Elan Freeline 125cm Skiboards
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of a super-short ski, but still curious about skiboarding, consider the Elan Freeline. At 125 cm, these boards provide more stability than the shorter models, without comprising the short quick turns that characterize the skiboarding experience. Elan revolutionized the ski industry with their shapely, parabolic skis, and the Elan Freeline stays true to the shaped-ski tradition. These boards use releasable bindings.
Hagan Nanook 99cm
The Hagan Nanook is ideal for those who want to skiboard in the backcountry. These 99 cm boards come with premounted backcountry bindings, which facilitate easy climbing. They are wider than most ski boards, giving them better flotation in powder.
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