Shopping for a snowboard? Good timing, since we have a facebook coupon if you like us for 10% off your snowboard purchase.
How do you decide which board is right for you?
1. Match your board to the terrain you ride.
Your choice of boards includes:
All-mountain: Performs anywhere on a mountain-groomed runs, backcountry, even park and pipe. Maybe
90% of all boarders ride all-mountain boards. Good, too, for beginners or someone returning to the slopes after a long layoff.
Freestyle/Park: Light, short, flexible snowboards with twin tips. For boarders who want
to push limits in terrain parks (rails, boxes, spins, tricks); not as
good for stability or fast cruising on hard snow.
Wide: Extra-wide snowboards designed for riders with large feet (men U.S.
size 11 and higher; women size 10+). They prevent toes from dangling
over edges and causing drag.
Splitboards: Boards
that split in half, attach to each foot and permit climbing on
backcountry slopes. Connect the halves to ride downhill. For riders who
have the skills to safely explore unpatrolled terrain.
Freeride: For swift downhill riding on backcountry slopes and traveling fast top-to-bottom on groomed runs. May be called
alpine or
carving boards. Stiff, so they’re stable when cruising hardpack.
Powder: For riders who spend time in deep pow among trees and in backcountry
bowls. Wide waists, even wider noses and rockered (upturned) tips and
tails work together to keep edges from catching or sinking.
Note: Women-specific boards, usually feature narrower waists and softer flex. If shopping for
kids,
avoid putting them on an adult board and hoping they’ll grow into it.
An oversized board can be tough for a young person to manage and slow a
child’s development.
2. Camber or Rocker?
In brief,
rocker (aka
reverse camber) makes riding easier by making a board:
- Easier to maneuver
- Easier to keep afloat in powder
Camber (aka
positive camber) supports faster riding by giving a board:
- More springiness
- Better edge control
3. Boots are important.
If you’re going to splurge, splurge on boots,
since they play a big role in a rider's comfort. Your feet will likely
reward you with no discomfort.
