November 1, 1999

The Top 25 took place April 26-30, 1999 at Mammoth Mountain, California. Three women and four men tested each board in varied terrain and scored it on a scale of one to five in the following categories: turn initiation, edge hold, stability, versatility (how well the board performed over varied terrain), and overall performance.

These category scores were added together on every tester's scorecard for each model, resulting in a preliminary total. At this point, we implemented the "Russian Judge" theory, discarding the highest and lowest of the seven testers' preliminary totals for each review board. The remaining battery of five preliminary totals for each model were then added up averaged to result in a final score. Since the review team was made up of both men and women of varying heights and weights, the participating manufacturers were invited to send each model in two sizes, one suited for smaller riders and one for bigger riders.

We know all this stuff is really confusing, but believe us, it works. And as a result, you've been dialed into the best freeriding boards on the market. You're welcome. Now, stop reading and go directly to your local shop and slap down some plastic. Then go riding.