#6 on this list
Rain
Arbor
The Arbor Rain is engineered for snowboarders who spend their winters looking for features to launch off. Tested and praised as a premier platform for cliffs, side hits, and resort kickers, this board pairs traditional camber pop with an assertive, jump-focused chassis. It appeals to aggressive all-mountain riders and freestyle enthusiasts who need a reliable, stout landing gear that will not wash out on flat landings or steep runouts. Arbor built the Rain around an assertive camber profile supported by their proprietary grip-enhancement contact points along the sidecut. This gives the board tremendous spring off lip transitions and rock drops, while maintaining strong traction when setting an edge on icy takeoffs. The flex is medium-stiff and uniform throughout, preventing the tips from folding when absorbing high-impact landings. It feels planted underfoot and carries speed cleanly across flat runouts. The downside of the Rain’s jump-oriented DNA is that it requires full concentration in tight, technical situations. It does not pivot as casually as rockered or hybrid boards, and navigating low-speed mogul fields can feel like work. Additionally, because it lacks substantial taper or nose rocker, it takes conscious back-leg pressure to keep the tip afloat in deep, untouched powder. **Highlights** - Full camber design generates maximum spring off lips and drops - Stiff, stable flex provides dependable support on heavy landings - Proprietary edge bump technology improves traction on firm snow - Durable topsheet and sidewall construction resist impact damage **Watch-outs** - Subpar powder float compared to rockered or tapered shapes - Demanding to ride at low speeds through bumpy, crowded slopes
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#7 on this list
El Camino
Arbor
The Arbor El Camino is a dedicated speed-and-carve machine designed for riders who prioritize directional velocity above all else. Celebrated by test outlets for its all-around resort performance and hard-charging character, this board is built to point downhill and stay there. It targets advanced riders who spend their resort mornings laying down high-speed carves on fresh groomers and their afternoons powering through tracked-out chop. Under the hood, the El Camino uses a refined directional profile optimized for rail-to-rail transitions at speed. The core is reinforced to dampen vibration, giving the board a quiet, grounded sensation even when chattering across frozen morning refreeze. Arbor’s grip-enhancing edge contouring provides steady, predictable hold through the apex of every turn, preventing the tail from blowing out when loaded with heavy pressure. It holds its line with minimal rider micro-adjustments. The compromise is playfulness. The El Camino is not built for buttering, low-speed flat-ground tricks, or casual laps through the terrain park. Its stiff flex, directional outline, and aggressive camber profile mean it resists being driven lazily. If you get into the backseat, the board will quickly dictate direction, requiring strong technique to muscle back on track. **Highlights** - Excellent vibration damping provides a calm, chatter-free ride at speed - Camber-driven design yields deep, reliable carving performance - Directional flex delivers powerful drive through the finish of turns - Robust base material holds wax well for sustained glide **Watch-outs** - Very little playful flex for flat-ground freestyle or buttering - Punishing if your weight drifts back onto the tail at high speed
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Rain | El Camino |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Traditional camber | Directional Camber |
| Flex Rating | Medium-stiff | — |
| Riding Style | All-mountain freestyle and jumping | — |
| Target Rider | Advanced to expert | — |
| Approximate Price | $600 | — |
| Shape | Directional twin | — |
| Category | — | Directional All-Mountain Freeride |
| Flex Profile | — | Stiff (8 out of 10) |
| MSRP | — | Approximately $650 |
| Ability Level | — | Advanced to Expert |
| Base Material | — | High-density Sintered |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Rain
- Exceptional pop off kickers, side hits, and natural cliff drops
- Stout, stable flex prevents washouts on high-impact landings
- Grip-Tech sidecut delivers dependable edge hold on icy surfaces
- Durable construction stands up well to aggressive resort riding
- Requires constant concentration and physical effort in tight trees
- Below-average float in deep, untouched powder compared to rockered decks
- Demanding at lower speeds and unforgiving of lazy footwork
El Camino
- Damp, quiet ride with minimal tip chatter at high downhill speeds
- Reliable edge hold on hardpack and icy resort groomers via Grip Tech
- Punchy rebound through turn exits when driving into the stiff tail
- Durable sintered base with excellent wax retention and sustained glide
- Unforgiving flex pattern punishes lazy technique or backseat riding
- Lacks playfulness and flex for terrain park features or buttering
- Requires high physical commitment to maneuver at low resort speeds
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.