Curated Snowboarding Experts Everett Pelkey & Yuri Czmola got their hands on the 2024 Nidecker Score 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 Score 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? [Everett] Nidecker claims this is that step-up, next-level board that if you’re trying to score that next level, this board will do it. It is the next board after you understand the fundamentals and the beginner stage of getting on a snowboard. You go from the Play, and step up to the Score. The only difference is you’ll get a bit of a stiffer profile.

[Yuri] Nidecker has this listed as a fantastic cam rocker profile for those looking to get towards their first setup, adding a little more punch to this board than the Play. It’s at an awesome price point for a snowboard that will let you explore the mountain more and more each day.

Overall Impressions

What is your overall impression of this board? [Everett] It is not a park-specific board. It is for someone ready for their second board to get on to more terrain confidently without breaking the bank.

[Yuri] All in all, the Score is a solid snowboard that is slightly more stable underfoot than the Play. I didn’t find this board for higher-end carving. The Escape is a better option for a more locked-in feel. Even the Merc, I think, is a more stable snowboard.

Carving

[Yuri] This board had a nice cam rocker feeling that’s very inviting to enter in and out of turns.

What is the edge hold like? [Everett] The camber between the feet will give you a little bit more of a rock-solid feel. Plus, with that slight stiffness, you can lock in a lot more.

How damp is the board? Do you feel any underfoot chatter? [Everett] You’ll feel some dampness and chunder, but it’s not the top-notch board if you’re looking for that.

How does it perform at speed? [Everett] Being a slightly stiffer all-mountain board, this will give you a little more confidence. You can go faster. You can hard charge more, but you will still not be able to push and pin it top notch with this board fully. It is still going to be able to wash out on you.

Freestyle

Is it good for riding switch? [Everett] It is a directional board. You can still go switch or regular. It’s not much different from the Play, but you’ll feel a bit of a longer nose. You get more stability.

[Yuri] This is a great option for those who want to ride switch.

Freeride

How is it for freeride snowboarding? [Everett] This board is probably not for the most aggressive freerider.

[Yuri] I would not recommend this for someone looking for a committed park experience, riding bigger jumps, or a more technical freeride experience.

How is it in powder? [Everett] You can get a little bit of powder with that directional profile. It will not be the strongest, but it just opens up those worlds so you can score those sections on those days when they hit.

How is it in uneven terrain and chunder? [Everett] It’s a solid beginner experience. It can dabble in intermediate terrain, whether a bit steeper intermediate blues or even your first park lap.

How is it riding in the trees? How is its maneuverability? [Everett] You can hit bumps and trees.

What terrain is this board good for? [Everett] This board can handle the entire mountain and then some that you need to explore those blues. It will help you start gaining on some harder-charging terrain so you can begin upping your levels.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this board to? [Everett] If you’re still unsure and trying to get the fundamentals of snowboarding down, this will help you unlock a lot more of the rest of the mountain at an affordable price point. This will be a great step up for you if you’re looking to start working on terrains and beginning to get something a little bit more aggressive than your first true beginner rocker board — or just a softer one.

[Yuri] If you’re looking for a board with a little bit more bite, maybe a rental setup, or looking to upgrade to a newer kit, this is a great update at a solid price point.

Who should avoid this board, are there other better options out there for them? [Everett] If you’re looking for something in Nidecker’s lineup that wants to be a little more advanced or progressive, you look at either the Escape or something a little more freestyle oriented as the Merc.

[Yuri] If you’re looking for steeper terrain riding, I think it’s a great investment to look toward the Merc or maybe some other boards in their line, like the Escape.

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