How to buy a snowboard?
If you're already sure you're into snowboarding, it's time to think about your own board. You've probably already tried a few models and know what you're looking for and where you'd like to go. Fast down the slopes, freeriding on snowy slopes, or maybe a wild ride in the snow park? Each activity has its own model. Here's a guide to choosing the right type, softness, shape, and length for your dream board. What do terms like camber and flex mean? Should you choose an all-mountain or freeride board? Let's find out!
Types of snowboards
Flex is another term for a board's stiffness. It's usually described on a scale of 1 to 10, from softest to hardest. What's the difference? Soft boards are easy to handle, forgiving, and ideal for the snow park. Hard boards, on the other hand, are great for fast riding and dynamic, very precise turns. It's worth choosing a hard board when you're a more experienced rider and know that fast riding is what you're looking for on the slopes.
Is this the shape for me?
There are three board shapes: twin tip, directional, and wide. Twin tip boards are symmetrical boards with an even center of gravity. Often found in freestyle boards. Directional boards have their center of gravity shifted to the rear. They are used for freeride. Wide boards are slightly wider than standard boards, designed for riders with larger shoe sizes than size 45.
Which construction should I choose?
There are six board designs. Camber is the most popular. It's stable at high speeds with a significant pop, making it easier to maintain stability. Classic rocker is a banana-shaped board that's easier to turn and doesn't dig into the snow. V-rocker is a board similar to the classic rocker, but with a slightly larger radius. Powder rocker has an extended and raised nose. Bumps are no obstacle for it! Flat rocker is a flat, fast board that sticks completely to the snow, also quite popular. Hybrid rocker is a final design for advanced snowboarders that combines the profiles described above.
How to determine length?
Measuring a board is easy! The easiest way is one you might already know. Just stand up straight, reach for the board you're interested in, and check if it reaches your chin. If it's that long, it should be the right length. You can also use slightly more accurate charts provided by manufacturers, which also take weight into account. If you have wide feet, remember to choose the size with the suffix W, meaning wide.
Types of snowboards
- The All Mountain is the most popular board, best suited for beginners and intermediate riders. It's very forgiving and suitable for a wide range of activities. It's the most popular type of snowboard.
- Freeride is a board designed for riding off-piste. If you're looking to embark on an adventure in the mountains, choose this board to avoid getting bogged down in deep powder.
- Freestyle is a type of board ideal for snowparks. Its soft, wide board allows for stunts and sliding over obstacles. There are also subtypes of freestyle boards, such as jibbing and buttering.
Flex is another term for a board's stiffness. It's usually described on a scale of 1 to 10, from softest to hardest. What's the difference? Soft boards are easy to handle, forgiving, and ideal for the snow park. Hard boards, on the other hand, are great for fast riding and dynamic, very precise turns. It's worth choosing a hard board when you're a more experienced rider and know that fast riding is what you're looking for on the slopes.
Is this the shape for me?
There are three board shapes: twin tip, directional, and wide. Twin tip boards are symmetrical boards with an even center of gravity. Often found in freestyle boards. Directional boards have their center of gravity shifted to the rear. They are used for freeride. Wide boards are slightly wider than standard boards, designed for riders with larger shoe sizes than size 45.
Which construction should I choose?
There are six board designs. Camber is the most popular. It's stable at high speeds with a significant pop, making it easier to maintain stability. Classic rocker is a banana-shaped board that's easier to turn and doesn't dig into the snow. V-rocker is a board similar to the classic rocker, but with a slightly larger radius. Powder rocker has an extended and raised nose. Bumps are no obstacle for it! Flat rocker is a flat, fast board that sticks completely to the snow, also quite popular. Hybrid rocker is a final design for advanced snowboarders that combines the profiles described above.
How to determine length?
Measuring a board is easy! The easiest way is one you might already know. Just stand up straight, reach for the board you're interested in, and check if it reaches your chin. If it's that long, it should be the right length. You can also use slightly more accurate charts provided by manufacturers, which also take weight into account. If you have wide feet, remember to choose the size with the suffix W, meaning wide.
