#1 on this list
Howler
Jones
The Jones Howler sits at the top of the heap thanks to wide acclaim across multiple major gear test outlets. Engineered as a high-velocity hybrid between an aggressive freestyle board and a technical carver, the Howler caters to experienced riders who demand instant response and unwavering edge bite. It bridges the gap between park power and freeride stability, making it ideal for resort riders who treat natural terrain features and steep groomers with equal aggression. On snow, the Howler rewards a centered, athletic stance. Its aggressive camber profile provides immense energy and rebound out of turns, while subtle traction tech along the edges ensures reliable hold on scraped-off hardpack and morning ice. It tracks cleanly at high speeds without the tip flap or chatter common to softer all-mountain boards. The trade-off is rider forgiveness: the Howler is not a casual cruiser. If you relax your form or miss a landing slightly off-axis, the stiff flex and sharp contact points will punish you. Construction is premium throughout, featuring a sustainably sourced wood core reinforced with targeted stringers to maximize torsional stiffness without adding unnecessary swing weight. For riders with the skill and leg strength to drive it, the Howler turns high-speed resort laps into a clinic on precision. **Highlights** - High-camber profile delivers exceptional pop and energetic turn exits - Specialized edge profiling provides dependable grip on ice and hardpack - Stiff torsional flex maintains composure through high-speed chatter - Broad size range including dedicated wide options for larger boot sizes - Versatile shape balances directional drive with switch-riding capability **Watch-outs** - Demanding flex profile quickly tires out novice or intermediate riders - Unforgiving contact points can lead to edge catches at slow speeds
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#2 on this list
Goat Pro Carbon
Cardiff
The Cardiff Goat Pro Carbon is an unapologetic, top-tier freeride weapon designed specifically for high-consequence alpine terrain and full-throttle descents. Built for expert riders who measure their days in vertical drop and steep pitches, this board dispenses with resort-cruiser compromises. Independent testing places it among the highest-performing big-mountain platforms available, provided you possess the technical skill to command it. The board pairs a directional shape and setback stance with a stout carbon-fiber layup that virtually eliminates chatter. When pointing through frozen refreeze, heavy variable crud, or runout chunder, the Goat Pro Carbon feels completely unflappable. It tracks like a train on rail, translating rider input directly to the edges with zero delay. In powder, the tapered tail and rockered nose provide effortless float without forcing you to lean on your back leg, keeping fatigue minimal on deep backcountry tours or storm days. The primary barrier to entry is the combination of cost and stiffness. Sitting well above the thousand-dollar mark, it is one of the most expensive solid production boards on the market. Furthermore, its uncompromising torsional stiffness makes it exhausting to pilot at slow speeds, in tight moguls, or across mellow flats where you cannot build sufficient momentum to flex the deck. **Highlights** - Carbon-reinforced construction delivers exceptional torsional rigidity and dampening - Directional shape with nose rocker floats effortlessly in deep powder - Unmatched stability when carving through high-speed crud and chop - Premium base material retains wax and generates rapid glide **Watch-outs** - Extremely high price point compared to standard all-mountain boards - Requires significant rider input and speed to maneuver comfortably
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Howler | Goat Pro Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $700 | — |
| Riding Level | Advanced to Expert | — |
| Profile | Directional Camber | Directional Camber with Nose Rocker |
| Flex | Stiff | — |
| Sizes | 152, 155, 157W, 158, 160W, 161, 163W | — |
| Primary Focus | Carving and Aggressive All-Mountain | — |
| Riding Style | — | Big-Mountain Freeride |
| Core Material | — | Carbon-reinforced lightweight wood core |
| Flex Rating | — | Stiff (approx. 8.5/10) |
| Base Type | — | Sintered graphite |
| Approximate Price | — | $1,050 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Howler
- Superb edge hold on firm snow and icy morning groomers
- Explosive snap and rebound out of carves and off jumps
- Stiff chassis eliminates high-speed tip chatter through rough chop
- Wide sizes available to accommodate larger boot profiles
- Demanding flex quickly tires out intermediate or casual riders
- Aggressive contact points can catch edges at slow speeds
- High price point around $700 limits broad appeal
Goat Pro Carbon
- Superb vibration dampening and composure at high speeds through heavy crud
- Instantaneous edge hold and power transfer on steep, icy terrain
- Effortless nose flotation in deep powder thanks to tapered directional shape
- Extremely high strength-to-weight ratio via premium carbon construction
- Sticker price well over $1,000 puts it out of reach for most riders
- Extremely stiff flex requires constant physical aggression and technique
- Cumbersome and unrewarding at slow speeds, in moguls, or in the park
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.