Curated Snowboarding Expert Arielle Busch got her hands on the 2024 Nidecker Elle Snowboard this spring. Check out how it performed in the carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but consider the fact that each and every rider is different; if you have any questions about the Elle Snowboard or need recommendations on which board would be best for you, reach out to a Snowboarding Expert here on Curated.

Before we get started, it's worth noting that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands. All of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does Nidecker claim about this board? The brand claims that the Nidecker Elle has a super friendly flex, quality construction and a stunning matte graphic. The brand also claims it has everything you need to get stoked to ride. It features the most forgiving flat rock profile, which makes it well-suited to be laid back, cruisy and make turns with minimal chance of catching your edge.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? My overall impression of this snowboard is that it was able to do so many different things that a beginner snowboarder would want to do. I used to be an instructor, and after I rode this board, I would love to be able to teach someone on this board pretty much from like a level one to a four, maybe even five because it really skimmed the surface of a lot of those skills, but on the intro level.

How is the flex? The flex is a little bit stiffer than other beginner boards. It's a four out of ten. However, because I'm a little bit more aggressive of a rider, I didn't find it to be as stiff.

Carving

How it for carving? In terms of carving on this board, you definitely can carve. Like I said, it's going to be able to dabble into introducing yourself to some of those skills. However, you're not going to be able to get the deepest on this thing. There's going to be some other boards out there, but for learning how to carve it did great.

What is the edge hold like? I felt like the edge hold on this board was really, really good and better than some other boards.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? The board was pretty damp in the landings.

How does it perform at speed? It definitely didn't have as much of a speed limit. I was able to get this up to higher speeds and it was quite stable. I was impressed with its control at higher speeds.

Freestyle

How is it for freestyle snowboarding? This board can go through the park.

Could you speak about playfulness and pop? The board has a little bit of pop to it, which I was really impressed with.

Is it good for riding switch? It's definitely able to ride switch.

How is it for buttering? Even though it is that four out of ten, it definitely still has some flex. You'll definitely be able to do some presses, some butters for sure.

Freeride

How is it in powder? The shape of this board is a directional twin, which I really like, because in the deeper snow it definitely floated.

How is it in uneven terrain and chunder? How is it riding in the trees? How is its maneuverability? I did take this board into some bumps, some uneven terrain into the trees, and I found it beginner-friendly.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? This board is going to be perfect for a beginner or intermediate rider that has never owned anything yet and is still looking for a confidence inspiring board to really get in and dabble in all of the skills of snowboarding, someone who spends a little bit more time on some hard pack and is mainly going to be riding out east. A beginner rider wouldn't necessarily grow out of this board super quick. I would recommend this board to a woman who might be a little bit taller, because with that flex, it made it a little bit more stable at higher speeds, more stable in those landings.

Who should avoid this board, there are other better options out there for them? If you are on the shorter side and nervous about not being able to press the board, I would maybe go with something a little bit softer.

Snowboards work differently for different types of riders. If you want help finding the right board for you, reach out to Arielle or any other Snowboarding Expert here on Curated for free, personalized recommendations on the best board for you.