How to Choose My Snowboard
In order to get the most out of your performance on the mountain there are 4 important steps you should consider before buying a snowboard. We can help you out with this so here's our little guide for choosing the perfect gear:
1. What's My Riding Style and Level of Ability?
Finding the right snowboard starts with determining your riding style and level of ability. Here's a breakdown to help you decide what suits you best:
Riding Styles:
Freeride:
Typically spends a lot of time off-piste in backcountry terrain.
Looks for powder lines, cliff drops, steep terrains, and high-speed turns.
Occasionally hangs out on groomed runs.
Freestyle:
Primarily lives in the terrain park.
Focuses on jumps, rails, and side-slope jibbing.
Loves fun, playful riding and working on new tricks.
All-Mountain:
Enjoys a mix of all terrains and riding styles.
Carves on-trail, shreds powder, and hits the terrain park.
Offers versatility and flexibility for different conditions.
Ability Levels:
Beginner:
Just starting out or with limited experience.
Looks for boards that are easy to control and help improve skills.
Advanced:
Has a lot of experience and skill.
Needs a board that supports complex maneuvers and varied terrains.
Expert:
Highly skilled and typically rides in challenging conditions.
Seeks performance-oriented boards that offer precise control.
2. What Board Shape Should I Pick?
The right board shape depends on your riding style and preferred terrain.
Twin vs. Directional:
Twin:
Symmetrical nose and tail, centered bindings.
Even swing weight, making it ideal for freestyle and riding switch.
Directional:
Asymmetrical setup with a longer nose and bindings set towards the tail.
Prefers all-mountain and speed riding, feels smoother and more natural.
Shape Technologies:
Hybrid Camba DCT:
Mixes regular and flat camber with a tapered, narrow waist.
Enhances torsional flex for better carving and all-mountain performance.
Hybrid Camba POP:
Features a shorter pintail, wider nose, and extra volume.
Provides stability, speed, and lift, great for backcountry and groomers.
Camba:
Regular camber profile for seasoned riders.
Offers stability and precision.
Rocka:
Reverse camber for park, pipe, and urban features.
Playful and fun in all terrains.
Flocka:
Combines rocker playfulness with camber precision and predictability.
3. How Much Flex Do I Need?
The flex level of a board affects its responsiveness and performance.
Soft Flex (Scale 1-10):
Usually ranges between 1 and 4 on the scale.
Playful and forgiving, suitable for freestyle and beginners.
Medium Flex:
Ranges between 5 and 7.
Offers a balance of maneuverability and stability, ideal for all-mountain.
Stiff Flex:
Ranges between 8 and 10.
Provides stability and precision at high speeds, suitable for freeride and advanced riders.
4. Which Board Size is the Right One for Me? Do I Need a Wide Board?
Choosing the correct board size depends on your body stats and riding style.
Board Length:
Freestyle:
Typically shorter boards for better maneuverability.
Board length usually between the chin and shoulder.
Freeride:
Longer boards for stability and float in powder.
Board length usually between the nose and forehead.
All-Mountain:
Board length can vary but generally sits around the chin to nose.
Board Width:
Standard Width:
Fits most riders with shoe sizes US 11 and below.
Wide Board:
Necessary for riders with US 11.5 and above.
Prevents toe and heel drag for better control.
How Should I Maintain My Board?
Proper maintenance can enhance your board's lifespan and performance.
Waxing:
Scrape: Remove old wax and dirt.
Apply Wax: Heat the wax with an iron and spread it over the board.
Iron-In: Ensure even distribution and proper absorption by the base.
Scrape Again: Remove excess wax after it cools.
Edge Maintenance:
Deburr Edges: Remove any burrs for a cleaner edge.
Tune Edges: Customize the sharpness according to your riding preference.
Sharper edges for precision and speed.
Smoother angles for a forgiving ride.
Base Repairs:
For significant scratches, use P-Tex to fill in holes.
Seek professional help if less experienced.
Conclusion
Getting the right snowboard involves understanding your riding style, choosing the appropriate shape and flex, and ensuring the correct size and width. Proper maintenance further ensures your board performs well and lasts longer. Enjoy the snow and #ridehead!
