When it comes to iconic snowboard brands, Santa Cruz stands out with its celebrated reputation and gorgeous artwork graphics. Based out of California, Santa Cruz has been crafting high-performance snowboards by hand since 1993. The brand focuses on innovative design and durability to equip riders for all types of terrain and conditions.
As riders consider Santa Cruz snowboards for their 2024 setup, they may wonder – are Santa Cruz boards worth the often premium price? This in-depth Santa Cruz snowboard review will examine the brand’s latest models, technology, construction, and key considerations for riders in 2024. Read on to gain the knowledge needed to determine if a Santa Cruz snowboard is the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Overview of Santa Cruz Snowboards
Santa Cruz stepped into snowboarding already boasting legendary status in skateboarding. The brand soon gained equal renown crafting durable, poppy snowboards covered in their signature artistic graphics. Here are some quick facts on Santa Cruz boards:
- Founded: 1993 in Santa Cruz, California
- Focus: All-mountain, freestyle, freeride boards
- Construction: Poplar wood core, full or partial carbon fiber laminates
- Base: Extruded or sintered 4000+ P-Tex
- Core profiling: Mixed camber dominant or R/C rocker in tip and tail
- Skill levels: Beginner to expert
From park and pipe to backcountry adventures, Santa Cruz aims to offer rugged and dynamic boards suitable for all riders and conditions. 2024 sees continuation of their proven board designs now updated with the brand’s latest tech innovations.
Rider Reviews of Santa Cruz Snowboards for 2024
Here’s what fellow riders had to say after testing out Santa Cruz’s latest snowboards:
“The Carbon Beam 60 stringers made the new Nomad dangerously fast and stable at mach 10 speeds. It begged to charge down the entire mountain.”
“I’m loving the surfy float of the Swift powder board in deep snow. The shape and rocker profile have this thing effortlessly carving through soft stuff.”
“I was able to press and tweak the flexible Jackalope like crazy in the park. Landing tricks feels forgiving and the edges grip nicely on icy rails.”
“The new Dasher with carbon upgrades feels so snappy and responsive all over the hill. The stiff flex means it’s not for beginners but rips hard once you have skills.”
Santa Cruz Snowboard Technology for 2024
Santa Cruz incorporates cutting-edge technologies and materials into their snowboard construction for optimal durability, response, and control:
- Carbon Beam 60 – Strategically placed unidirectional carbon fiber stringers add pop and stability while minimizing weight. This tech sees expanded use across 2024 models.
- Rad Core – Impact panels with extra poplar reinforcement absorb heavy landings to prevent core damage. Rad Core provides confidence boosting durability.
- Hot Knife Sidewalls – Tapered sidewall edges enhance edge hold on hard snow while also damping vibrations for a smooth ride.
- Carbon Laminate Topsheets – Woven carbon fiber topsheets protect from scratches and impacts while providing lively board feel.
- Sintered 4000+ Base – Durable ultra-high molecular sintered bases maintain max glide speed even after repeated waxing.
Santa Cruz’s Top Snowboards for 2024
Let’s check out some of Santa Cruz’s premium snowboards available for 2024 and how they target specific riding needs:
Santa Cruz Snowboards for All-Mountain Riding
1. Santa Cruz Dasher Snowboard
- All-mountain freestyle twin
- Carbon Beam 60 stringers
- Early rise rocker
- Price: $599.99
The Dasher excels for all-terrain freestyle with twin shape versatility enhanced by Carbon Beam 60 technology.
2. Santa Cruz Hybrid RTC Snowboard
- Directional hybrid camber/rocker
- Carbon Beam 60 central stringers
- Deep sidecut for carving precision
- Price: $649.99
With Hybrid Rocker Technology, this board blends poppy camber zones with rockered tips for aggressive all-mountain ripping.
Santa Cruz Powder and Backcountry Boards
1. Santa Cruz Swift Powder Surfer
- Tapered directional swallowtail
- Short/wide volume-shifted outline
- Surf-inspired early rise rocker profile
- Price: $599.99
The Swift surfy shape provides effortless float and maneuverability through bottomless powder fields.
2. Santa Cruz Nomad Snowboard
- Freeride focused
- Carbon Beam 60 stringers
- Radar sidecut profile for stability
- Price: $649.99
Built to charge steep lines, the Nomad remains rock steady at speed with carbon reinforcement and camber underfoot.
Santa Cruz Park and Pipe Decks
1. Santa Cruz Alamo Snowboard
- True twin park deck
- Flat camber profile between feet
- Extruded 4000 base for durability
- Price: $399.99
With jib friendly soft flex and centered twin shape, the Alamo delivers fun progression focused park performance.
2. Santa Cruz Jackalope Snowboard
- Freestyle twin tip
- Hybrid camber rocker profile
- Upgraded 4000+ sintered base
- Price: $499.99
Featuring playful graphics, the Jackalope combines lively pop with forgiving flex for learning tricks with confidence.
Are Santa Cruz Snowboards Worth the Cost?
Santa Cruz boards demand a premium for their reputation and use of high-end materials like carbon fiber laminates. Prices range from around $400 up to $650+ for 2024 models. Performance-wise, they deliver on their promises of responsiveness and durability. The key deciding factors become:
Worth It If You Want:
- Lively and energetic board feel
- Innovative hybrid profiles and carbon tech
- Attention-grabbing artistic graphics
- Proven durability for hardcore riding
May Not Be Worth It If:
- Seeking a budget board under $400
- Want simple camber or rocker without hybrid shapes
- Don’t require extensive durability for hard charging
- Newer rider not needing high-end performance
The value comes down to matching Santa Cruz’s strengths to your specific needs and budget. Their craftsmanship and tech justify costs for many hardcore riders. Yet casual hobbyists may find better value in cheaper options without the premium upgrades.
Final Verdict: Are Santa Cruz Snowboards Worth Buying in 2024?
For intermediate to expert riders seeking a lively and durable snowboard, Santa Cruz’s 2024 lineup delivers quality worth investing in. Their construction innovations like Carbon Beam 60 meaningfully enhance stability, pop, and speed.
The brand rightfully commands a premium price tier backed by their flawless reputation and Cadillac components. Graphics also rate among the most artistic and iconic in snowboarding.
While cheaper boards exist for casual hobbyists, Santa Cruz boards aim at enthusiasts who ride hard and demand high performance. The 2024 models continue that mission of melding energetic liveliness with tank-like reliability. Rest assured by buying Santa Cruz you acquire a rugged and dynamic snowboarding machine built to last.
