"Best" is relative, and different for everyone based on where they ride, what they ride, size/weight, male/female, skill level, etc...
Personally for boards, I like Bataleon b/c they're a small company with triple base technology. Huge fan of Gnu & Lib Tech b/c of their NW roots and they're super innovative over the last couple decades. They basically invented the modern magnetraction, rocker technology, 4x4 binding mounting, etc... Also love Arbor b/c they're a rider owned/operated West coast co. and are the most eco-friendly with everything they make. Best part is, they've been that way since day one, long before the green movement, unlike all the bandwagon companies that are marketing that these days. Someday I'll own a Rome, Capita, Stepchild, maybe even Never Summer too.
I've always been anti-Burton boards because of the proprietary binding mounting, and since everything is so overpriced. No need for debate, as there are plenty of people that love Burton, and will continue to defend what they overpaid for, whether it's bias, ignorance, or whatever. I used to love Ride/Preston back in the day, but now I stay away from the ski brand with few exceptions.