Snowboard Buying Guide
Snowboarding is no longer a fringe sport turned to by those rebelling against the conservative sport of skiing. Snowboarders are showing up at mountains across the country, both the young and more mature slicing through the snow on a lone snowboard. Interested in joining them? Pronto’s Snowboard Buying Guide will help you navigate through the potentially confusing process of buying your first snowboard.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Snowboard parts
A snowboard with a high center arc, known as a camber, will be more flexible than one with a low camber. The effective edge of a snowboard determines how quickly it can turn; long effective edges provide more stability while short effective edges are best for quick turns.
Freestyle, freeride or racing?
Freestyle snowboards are lightweight and very flexible, making it easier to pull tricks in a half-pipe. Heavier, less flexible freeride snowboards are the best choice for all-around use and beginners. Racing snowboards are the longest and heaviest type and deliver speeds that are best suited to downhill boarding.
Snowboard size
As a rule of thumb, a snowboard should measure somewhere between your chin and your nose and offer enough width to leave your feet near its edges. Women of average height should choose a women’s snowboard. Heavier riders should look for longer snowboards with less flex, and lighter riders should choose smaller snowboards with more flex.
Terrain
If you’ll be boarding on manmade snow, look for a snowboard with features that minimize vibrations. Those who snowboard on natural snow should choose a board with a little extra length and width to get extra lift on loosely packed surfaces.
Boots
Buy your boots before you buy your snowboard. Spend the extra money on boots to get the comfort and support you need.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Rome Anthem Snowboard
We like the Rome Anthem Snowboard, a versatile freeride board that can travel all over the mountain, even on the half-pipe. Rome has emphasized lightness, flex and edge control to make this snowboard a great performer in a variety of conditions, but its directional design may be limiting for hardcore half-pipe trick riders.
experts say
Transworld Snowboarding—“The
Artec 3.2 is the answer to the quest of most jibbers on the hill. With all its special sliding features, it's the ultimate answer to all the obstacles that might turn up in the park."
Source: Transworldsnowboarding.com
Extreme365—“The
Burton Air Snowboard is energetic enough for the park yet stable at any speed. The air blends energy and strength with smooth edge-to-edge transitioning in a fun ride for any style of riding.”
Source: Extreme365.com
About—“The stability of this Glissade [All Mountain] snowboard is apparent in the first turn. It is very reliable - no chatter, no slipping edges. It wants to be ridden aggressively at all time, and will reward you for your efforts. It plows through choppy snow easily, and also handles carving with precision.”
Source: About.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of snowboards?
In snowboarding, performance is what matters, but looks are what show off your personality. Plenty of well-known artists have designed the graphics for snowboards, and now you can join those designers on the slopes with a creation that’s all your own. Endeavor’s Color Series snowboard has a plain white top, and it ships with a selection of paint pens so you can create a board design that represents you.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
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Budget-priced snowboards are generally freeride boards made from wood that are heavier and less flexible but offer good stability. Try to match the effective edge of these snowboards with the type of riding you’re most likely to do. |
Compare prices at 3 stores
$135 - $370
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Midrange snowboards include polycarbonate fiber cores for more flex and advanced bases that improve gliding over the snow. Here, you’ll need to choose between general-purpose free ride boards and freestyle boards with symmetrical designs for easier tricks. |
Compare prices at 5 stores
$350 - $500
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High-end snowboards are specialized to the needs of freestyle riders and racers. You’ll find the latest technological advances, coatings and design features to maximize the fun of your preferred style of riding. |
Compare prices at 13 stores
$600 - $1,000
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shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Base
The bottom surface of a snowboard, which makes contact with the snow when you ride.
Camber
The arc in a snowboard, which can be seen when you place it on a flat surface. A high camber indicates a board with greater flex.
Core
The materials used in the center of a snowboard, between the top and the base. Cores can be made from wood or from polycarbonate fibers that reduce weight and add flexibility.
Effective edge
The length of the metal edge of a snowboard that makes contact with the snow during a turn. Longer effective edges offer greater control while shorter effective edges allow tighter turns.
Flex
The ability of a snowboard to bend.
Free ride
A longer, heavier snowboard with a directional design that can be used for tricks or general riding.
Freestyle
A lightweight, highly flexible snowboard with a symmetrical design that can be ridden in either direction, making it ideal for jumps and tricks. These snowboards are also smaller than free ride or racing boards.
Racing
A longer, heavier snowboard that provides superior control at high speeds. Some alpine racing snowboards may have a split tail for better high-speed turns.
