Nidecker is a family-owned snowboarding company based in Switzerland. It’s a big brand in Europe and while it’s not as well-known as the US and Canada, it’s still considered to be one of the best manufacturers.
But how good is Nidecker snowboard gear when compared to other top brands?
Who Are Nidecker?
In North America, Nidecker is not as well-known as snowboard brands like Burton and Arbor, and that’s a surprise.
Not only has Nidecker been around since 1887, but it is a huge winter sports brand in Europe.
What’s more, Nidecker is part of a parent group that includes many other snowboard and ski companies, including Jones, Bataleon, NOW, YES, Flow, and Switchback.
The result is a brand that combines over 130 years of history and has access to some of the best facilities, technologies, and designs in the industry.
Does that mean that Nidecker produces good snowboards? Let’s find out.
Are Nidecker Boards Affordable?
Nidecker snowboards are incredibly well made. We want to put that out there straight away.
It’s not a premium brand, but it’s also not a throwaway budget brand.
In our opinion, Nidecker sits somewhere between these two price ranges. It’s the brand you choose when you’re happy to pay a little more to get a high-quality board, but you don’t have $800+ to spend.
Most Nidecker snowboards cost between $300 and $650. At the time of writing, there are sitewide discounts bringing the most expensive boards south of $550, which is very reasonable.
Our only complaint when it comes to Nidecker is the lack of options for advanced riders. Intermediate riders have plenty of options, as do those who have spent a few hours on the slopes and are ready to step up from a bargain-basement board, but if you want the very best performance, you may struggle.
There is the Ultralight Freeride board, which is probably as good as it gets, but at $1,000, you’re venturing into expensive territory and we think you’d be better suited to US snowboard brands that cater to pro riders.
The Best Nidecker Snowboard Gear
Nidecker features something known as a Tech Wheel on all of its boards. This is effectively the Nidecker score, and it highlights the board’s features and capabilities in an easy-to-digest format.
It includes elements such as a carve and ride switch score, high-speed stability, floatability, and whether the board is best for intermediates, beginners, or advanced riders.
The Mellow is one of our favorite Nidecker snowboards. You can pick up this board for less than $400 and it’s a great freerider for anyone hovering around the intermediate level.
The Mellow is fairly stiff, with a Flex Rating of 8. It features an ash wood veneer, a master core wood core, and a blend of Kevlar, carbon, and basalt fibers for added strength and durability.
If it’s a short shredder you’re looking for, check out the Mosquito, which many have labeled as the best snowboard in the Nidecker range.
If you’re looking for a good all-mountain board, check out the Alpha. It’s far from the best snowboard we have reviewed, but it’s fantastic for the price (around $480) and is a good all-rounder.
The Alpha provides great stability and carvability.
Nidecker also sells snowboard boots, snowboard bindings, board bags, and clothing. The clothing is a little disappointing, as it’s mostly branded tees, caps, and hoodies, and there’s nothing to truly set them apart, but we really like the brand’s bindings.
Where Can I Find a Nidecker Store?
Most of Nidecker’s stores are in Europe, but you can also find dozens of retailers selling the brand’s equipment in the United States.
The Nidecker website features a store locator you can use to get directions to your nearest location.
Are Nidecker Good Boards?
Most riders will be very happy with the Nidecker range. It sells well-made, premium snowboards for a surprisingly reasonable price.
Despite being one of the oldest brands in the business, it doesn’t use its reputation as an excuse to overcharge, and that makes for a refreshing change.
You’ll find boards that offer great edge hold for most snow conditions, as well as boards that deliver expert-level performance at high speeds.
These boards are a great option for beginners who want something more, as well as intermediate riders seeking a board tailored to their style and level. Advanced riders may need to look elsewhere, though.
Is it Worth Paying Big for a Beginner Snowboard?
You’re a complete beginner and you’re preparing for your first snowboarding trip. You have a little money to spend, but you don’t want to blow all of your budget on a board, not when you still have clothing and other equipment to buy.
Can you justify spending a lot of money on a good snowboard or should you opt for something simpler and cheaper?
This is a common question among beginner riders and it’s one that Nidecker is able to answer.
Nidecker sits somewhere between the budget and the luxury, giving you more quality at a price that is still fairly reasonable.
Of course, if you’re a complete novice, you shouldn’t be spending more than $600 on a board, even if you’re convinced that this is the sport for you and you’ll be making many more trips in the future.
At the same time, you don’t want a board that will make your life easier and potentially break down after a few hours on the slopes.
As the saying goes, if you buy cheap, you buy twice.
By opting for a well-made snowboard that focuses on quality without going over the top, it can stay with you throughout your time as a beginner. Even as you advance to another level and buy another board, that beginner snowboard will remain in your quiver and you can still get it out on occasion.
You should always look for the best quality that your budget can afford, as it’ll save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
Of course, if you’re only going to be snowboarding once or twice, and it’s nothing more than a passing fad, that advice doesn’t apply. In such cases, you’d be better off with a cheap sub-$200 board or a mid-grade rental.
