Snowboard Shopping Tips

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.