(posted as contribution to contest)
Snowboarding is an expression of who we are, everything from how you ride right down to what you ride. Over the years snowboard graphics have been a great way for individuals to show their style. You choose weather you want your board to make a statement and let everyone know your there, or as some prefer, let your board fade into the background as you stomp your 9.
This year is no different; there are hundreds of styles suited for all personalities. Here’s a quick run down of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Burton:
As the biggest name is snowboarding its no wonder Burton has such a large variety to offer. That’s one thing they did right this year. Give people a choice as to what they put under their feet. However in an attempt to get their hands in the pockets of customers looking to be “wild” Burton took things a little to far. One link on their new website says “meet the faces behind the radness.” With graphics like those found in the UnInc line this year it seems as though Burton is trying a little to hard to be “out there”.
Burton’s Dominant Neon however almost warrents the use of the word “rad” on a Burton website.
Uninc and Dominant Neon
Please though in the future leave the “radness” for Airblaster.(any truth to the Airblaster board rumors?)
K2:
This years K2 line has just the right mix of flare and class. Boards like the WWW and Jibpan are perfect for those looking for loud.
While those looking for something a bit more elegant need to look no further than the Zeppelin and the for the ladies the Mix.
WWW, Jibpan, Zeppelin, and Mix
Rome:
As we have all come to expect Rome delivers big once again. There’s really no need to say more they just do every board right! Enjoy…
Agent, Artifact, Crail, and Blue
New guys on the block:
m4:
Is 4 more? For the most part M4’s graphics are nothing to complain about. Nima Jalali’s Heartbreaker delivers a interesting “griptape looking” topsheet, and a polka dot base that’s sure to send most punkers running to their nearest shop. One thing they have to be carefull about is stealing a little something out of Rome’s playbook, which seems to be the case with the Discord.
Heartbreaker and Discord
Stepchild:
Simon and the boys at Stepchild did alright for themselves this year as far as graphics go. The Sick Freestyle board is sure to catch the eye of those looking to match their board to their legbag, and the Corporate is one of those boards with a strong message behind the graphics (always a good thing). 
Dinosaurs Will Die:
If your looking for a board that’s gonna say “im here to have a good time… and I don’t care what the f*** you think,” look no further than DWD. These young guns know just what they are doing…. Snowboarding… and not giving a damn what you think of them.
Its true that this list could go on and on. This was just a quick glance at was is out there. However it just wouldn’t be right to end this without mentioning the reigning king of snowboard graphics….
Capita:
These guys are good. One guy in particular…. Cory Smith. For the last few years Cory Smith has provided the graphics for Capita’s Stairmaster. Somehow he manages to put a strong message into a board that looks amazingly fun and unique. Anyone who is that talented in both designing and riding a snowboard is something of a wonder.
Stairmaster and Stairmaster Extreme:
Travis Parker’s Texas pro model board looks good and screams fun, while the Photo Fetish and Indoor Survival deliver some of the most innovative graphics to date. Ohh and don’t forget the M.H.T comes stock with glow in the dark graphics.
Before you run out and buy your new board for this season put a little thought into it. And although graphics take a backseat to the “Tech Specs” try and find something that can put a little bit of your personality under your feet.
Let me know what you have to say about any or all of this....
