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Finding the Right Snowboard for You
With so many snowboard types and technologies to choose from, finding the ideal snowboard for your riding style and terrain preferences can be confusing. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting a new snowboard.
Snowboard Types
The three main snowboard types are:
- All-Mountain - Designed to perform well across varied terrain from groomed runs to backcountry. A good choice for beginners and advanced riders.
- Freestyle - Made for the park and pipe with a twin flex pattern and soft flex. Allow quick spins, jumps, and jibs.
- Freeride - Optimized for backcountry riding with a directional shape and stiffer flex. Provide stability at high speeds and float in powder.
Snowboard Shape
Two common snowboard shapes are:
- Directional - Tapered towards the tail with a wider nose. Made for freeriding.
- Twin - Identical tip and tail. Allows for switch riding. Ideal for freestyle.
Snowboard Flex
| Flex Rating | Flex Description |
|---|---|
| Soft - 1-3 | Best for beginners and freestyle riding |
| Medium - 4-6 | Versatile flex for various conditions and terrain |
| Stiff - 7-10 | Provides precision edge control at high speeds |
Snowboard Length
Choosing the right length is crucial for control and stability. Follow these general guidelines:
- Beginners - Start with a shorter board, around chin height.
- Intermediate - Select a board to your chin or nose.
- Advanced - Size up to a board between nose and top of head.
- Freestyle - Go shorter for spins and aerial tricks.
- Freeride - Get a longer board for float in powder.
Snowboard Width
Wider boards provide more float in powder while narrower widths are better for quick edge-to-edge turns. Consider your boot size when choosing width:
- Size 6-8 Men's - Go for regular width
- Size 9-11 Men's - Look for a mid-wide board
- Size 11+ Men's - Choose a wide board
With knowledge of your riding ability and style along with these key factors, you'll be ready to find and choose the ideal snowboard to take your riding to the next level.
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Choosing Snowboarding Boots
Selecting the right snowboarding boots is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention on the slopes. Follow this guide to find the perfect pair of boots for your needs.
Boot Flex Rating
Snowboarding boot flex ratings typically range from 1 (soft) to 10 (stiff). The ideal flex depends on your riding style:
- Soft flex (1-3) - Best for beginners, freestyle, jibbing
- Medium flex (4-6) - Versatile for all-mountain riding
- Stiff flex (7-10) - Optimized for high speeds, carving, freeriding
For example, a beginner would benefit most from a soft flexing boot around 2 or 3 to allow easy flexing of the ankle for turn initiation.
Boot Height
Snowboard boots come in three height options:
- Low cut - Sit below the ankle for flexibility
- Mid cut - Extend to the ankle bone for all-around support
- High cut - Ride above the ankle like a pair of hiking boots for maximum stability
High cut boots work well for freeriding while low cut boots suit freestyle riders looking for ankle mobility.
Lacing Systems
Boots offer different lacing configurations for fit and convenience:
- Traditional laces - Allow for zoned tightening and custom fit
- Quick-pull laces - Enable fast entry and exit from the boots
- Boa - Dial-based system for an even, glove-like fit
- Hybrid lacing - Combines Boa dial with laces for customized tightening
For example, Boa dials make it easy to get in and out of boots quickly between runs.
Boot Liners
Liners provide comfort, warmth, and impact absorption. Common liners include:
- Closed cell foam - Budget option that packs out over time
- Heat moldable - Can be customized to your feet with heat
- Integrated - Attached to the boot shell for a snug fit
High end boots often feature integrated liners that hug your feet like a glove for a responsive feel.
Footbeds
Aftermarket insoles or footbeds can enhance comfort and support. Look for these key elements:
- Arch support - Aligns feet for proper boarding stance
- Heel cup - Holds heel in place to prevent slippage
- Shock absorption - Reduces foot fatigue from landings and chattery terrain
- Metatarsal bulge - Fills space under ball of foot for a contoured fit
Custom footbeds molded to your feet provide the ultimate fit and comfort.
Try Before You Buy
It's essential to try on boots in person for the best fit. When testing boots:
- Wear snowboarding socks you'll use on the mountain
- Walk around and flex ankles to assess flexibility
- Ensure no pressure points or slipping in the heels
- Toes should just graze the front without cramming
With attention to these vital factors, you'll find the perfect snowboarding boots to elevate your riding.
Must-Have Snowboarding Apparel
Choosing the right snowboarding clothing is essential to stay comfortable, protected, and performing at your best on the mountain. Here are the key pieces of apparel every snowboarder needs.
Snowboarding Jacket
A quality snowboarding jacket should have these features:
- Waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex to keep you dry
- Zippered underarm vents for regulating body temperature
- Hood that fits over helmet and is adjustable
- Powder skirt to seal out snow at waist
- Taped seams to prevent moisture penetration
- Cuff gaiters with thumb holes to keep wrists covered
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Snowboarding Pants
Essential elements in snow pants are:
- Fully taped seams for waterproofing
- Vents to prevent overheating
- Reinforced boot gaiters to keep snow out
- Adjustable waist for customized fit
- Pant-to-jacket interface to keep gap from exposing skin
Base Layers
Base layer tops and bottoms work to wick moisture and regulate body temperature. Choose those with:
- Merino wool or synthetic fibers
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
- Snug fit for layering under outerwear
Helmet
Every snowboarder should wear a helmet. Look for one with:
- EPS foam or ABS plastic shell for impact protection
- Ventilation holes for airflow and defogging
- Goggle integration to maximize field of view
- Audio compatibility if you want to listen to tunes
With high-performance snowboarding apparel like this, you'll ride in comfort and safety all season long.
Essential Snowboarding Protective Gear
In addition to a helmet, snowboarders require protective gear to help prevent injuries while riding. Here are some key pieces of protective equipment every snowboarder should use.
Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries are very common in snowboarding. Wrist guards help prevent sprains and fractures by:
- Supporting the wrist joint
- Absorbing impact from falls
- Limiting hyperextension and overflexion
Look for adjustable and low-profile guards that still allow flexibility.
Knee Pads
Knee pads protect from impact as well as abrasion. Key features include:
- Hard shell cap to distribute impact force
- Foam padding for cushioning falls
- Non-slip lining to prevent shifting
Place them over or under snow pants depending on fit and preferences.
Elbow Pads
Lightweight and flexible elbow pads safeguard your joints when landing jumps and tricks. Opt for pads with:
- Molded shells for mobility
- Dense foam for shock absorption
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit
Butt Pads
Also called crash pads or tailbone protectors, these pads shield your backside when sitting down hard. Key features are:
- Low-profile and flexible construction
- Padding over the tailbone and hips
- Breathable fabric
Back Protectors
Back protectors prevent spinal injuries from direct impacts when landing jumps. Seek ones with:
- Lightweight and breathable materials
- Plastic shells over vulnerable areas
- Zipper integration for jackets
With the right protective gear, you can push your riding in the terrain park or backcountry with more confidence.
Top Snowboarding Bindings for Control and Response
Your snowboard bindings connect you to your board and directly affect your control, feel, and performance. Here are some of the top binding systems for responsive riding.
Burton Step On®
The innovative Burton Step On® bindings allow you to click your boots into the bindings without sitting down. Benefits include:
- Instant entry and exit for speedy transitions
- Snug fit from toes to heels provides a locked-in feel
- Low profile creates stability and board feel
By eliminating straps, these convenient bindings maximize time riding versus sitting and strapping in.
Union Strata
A top all-mountain binding, Union Strata offers:
- Medium flex for versatility across terrain
- Re:Flex® technology for shock absorption
- Extra sticky grab on straps for security
- Canted footbeds to align knees and ankles
Their comfort, control, and damping make them ideal for hard-charging riders.
Flow NX2-GT
Flow NX2-GTbindings feature a rear-entry system for speed and convenience:
- Lock in with the backflip HighbackTM rather than straps
- Active Strap technology eliminates strap slack
- Dampening between the baseplate and highback
- Adjustable straps across the toe for snug fit
The rear-entry design enables fast laps with great control.
Now Drive
Designed for freestyle riding, the Now Drive bindings provide quick edge-to-edge response through features like:
- A skate-tech inspired side profile
- Medium flex for snap and pop
- Slick bottom for buttery slides
- Shock absorbing bushings
Their innovative shape and flex make them perfect for the park and pipe.
With the performance of bindings like these underfoot, you'll elevate your snowboarding to the next level.
How to Select Snowboarding Goggles and Helmets
Choosing the right snowboarding goggles and helmets is crucial for protection, visibility, and comfort on the mountain. Consider these key factors when selecting gear.
Goggle Features
Look for goggles that offer:
- 100% UV protection
- Anti-fog coating to prevent lens fogging
- Varied lens tints for different light conditions
- Helmet integration for seamless fit
- Ventilation to reduce lens fogging
Helmet Features
Seek snowboarding helmets with these elements:
- EPS foam or ABS shell for impact protection
- Removable ear pads for goggle integration
- Adjustable vents to regulate temperature
- Certification indicating safety standards met
- Optional MIPS technology for added protection
Fit
A proper fit is critical for both goggles and helmets. For goggles:
- Ensure no gaps between goggles and face
- Strap should have light pressure without being too tight
- Allow room for wearing a balaclava or face mask
For helmets:
- Sit level on the head about 1-2 finger widths above eyebrows
- Straps adjusted to comfortably snug without pinching
- No rocking back and forth or up and down on the head
Visibility
Test goggle and helmet combos to maximize field of vision. Look for:
- Minimal obstruction of downward peripheral view
- Clear forward sight lines without intrusions
- Seamless integration when looking side to side
With well-fitting goggles and helmets suited to the conditions, you'll ride protected and see the terrain clearly.
Caring for Your Snowboard to Extend Its Life
Taking proper care of your snowboard will help it last longer and perform at its best season after season. Follow these snowboard maintenance tips.
Regular Waxing
Waxing your board regularly prevents snow from sticking and slowing you down. It also protects the base:
- Iron on a thin layer of wax before each day of riding
- Remove old wax and do a deep waxing every 5-10 days of use
- Use the right wax for the temperature - cold snow vs. warm, wet snow
Base Repairs
Fix any deep scratches, gouges, or delaminations on the base ASAP. Options include:
- P-tex candles to fill in scratches and dings
- Epoxy for structural base repairs
- Take to a shop for extensive base damage
This prevents further splitting and peeling that can spread and worsen quickly.
Edge Sharpening
Sharpening your edges occasionally helps maintain control. You can:
- Use a handheld diamond stone file
- Run edges over a metal file mounted in a vise
- Take your board to a shop for machine sharpening
Aim for a 90 degree sharpened angle for best edge grip and control in turns.
Storage
For off-season storage:
- Clean all dirt and wax buildup from the base
- Apply a storage wax to prevent drying out
- Store flat or vertically, avoid leaning on tail/nose
- Avoid excess heat, moisture, and humidity
Proper storage will have your board ready to ride again next season.
With regular care and maintenance, your snowboard can deliver top performance for many years before needing replacement.
What is the Benefit of Amazon Prime for Snowboarding Gear?
For snowboarders looking to purchase new equipment and apparel, an Amazon Prime membership provides several useful benefits:
Free Two-Day Shipping
Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items, including most snowboarding gear. This allows you to get your hands on new snowboard boots, bindings, outerwear and more in just two days without paying extra for quick shipping.
Having access to speedy delivery is perfect when you need replacements right away due to lost luggage, damaged gear from a recent wipeout, or simply forgetting to pack an essential cold-weather item for an upcoming trip.
Free Returns
Amazon Prime members get free returns on most purchases delivered through Prime. This makes it easy and affordable to order snowboarding jackets, pants, goggles, gloves, and other gear to try on at home when you aren't able to make it to stores.
Being able to test out and return or exchange pieces that don't fit quite right, without worrying about return shipping costs, allows you to take the guesswork out of online snowboard gear purchases.
Prime Early Access Deals
As a Prime member, you get 30 minute early access to Lightning Deals on snowboarding equipment among other product categories. This lets you scoop up discounts on sought-after snowboard models, bindings, boots, GoPro accessories, and snow apparel before inventory sells out.
Access to these exclusive deals throughout the year makes it possible to score quality gear at deeply discounted prices.
Overall, a Prime membership can save snowboarders time, money, and hassle when purchasing the essential gear, clothing, and accessories needed for an epic season on the slopes.
Discover The Best Snowboard Brands For Your Needs.
Here are some of the most popular snowboard brands for beginners:
- Burton - Burton offers a range of snowboards for beginners, including the Burton Ripcord and the Burton Stylus for women.
- K2 - K2 produces snowboards that are easy to ride and versatile, making them suitable for beginners.
- Nitro - Nitro's Prime snowboard is a great option for beginners who want an easy-to-ride and versatile board.
- Arbor - Arbor's Foundation snowboard is designed for beginners and features a forgiving shape that makes turning easier.
- GNU - GNU's GWO BTX snowboard is a great option for beginners who want a board that is easy to ride and progress on.
- Salomon - Salomon's Lotus snowboard is designed for beginners and features a soft flex that makes it easy to turn.
- Capita - Capita's Paradise snowboard is a great option for beginners who want an eco-friendly board that is easy to ride.
What Are The Differences Between Beginner And Advanced Snowboards?
Beginner and advanced snowboards have several differences that make them suitable for different skill levels. Here are some of the main differences:
Beginner Snowboards:
Advanced Snowboards:
Overall, beginner snowboards are designed to be forgiving and easy to ride, while advanced snowboards are designed to be more responsive and suitable for high-speed riding and aggressive turns. It's important to choose a snowboard that matches your skill level to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
