Snowboard Buying Guide

What is a snowboard?

Taking its inspiration from surfing and skateboarding, a snowboard is a single piece of wood or polyethelene with bindings that lock on to your feet. The bottom of the snowboard is known as its base, the front is called the tip and the back is called the tail.

A snowboard is curved, with contact points at the front and back and a camber in the center, which can be measured when you put the snowboard on a flat surface. A high camber indicates a snowboard that’s more flexible.

Snowboards also have metal edges that aid in turning, with a toe edge at the tip and a heel edge at the tail. The amount of contact a snowboard’s edge makes with the snow is known as its effective edge. Longer effective edges give a snowboard more stability, while smaller effective edges allow for quicker turns and more maneuverability.

Freestyle, freeride or race?

There are generally three types of snowboarders: those who ride the half-pipe and snowboard park (Freestyle), those who want to ride all over the mountain (Freeride) and those interested primarily in racing (Race).

Freestyle snowboard riders often have backgrounds in other board or extreme sports, such as surfing, skateboarding or BMX riding. Freestyle snowboards are lighter than Freeride or Race boards so that the rider can get higher on jumps and maneuver more easily. These snowboards aren’t as quick on the downhill, so you may not want to take them all over the mountain. Thanks to a twin-tip design (meaning the nose and tail have the same dimensions), a Freestyle snowboard can be ridden forwards and backwards.

Most people fall into the Freeriding category. Freeriders snowboard the whole mountain, and the label includes everyone from beginners to the experienced. Freeriding snowboards are the easiest to learn on and are the most versatile of the snowboard types. Unlike the Freestyle board, a Freeride snowboard is directional, with the tail narrower and flatter than the nose. A downside to this is that the snowboard is meant to be ridden in one direction, but the directional design helps transition from edge to edge. Another benefit to Freeride snowboards is that you can find them at almost any price range. 

Racing boards are also known as Carving or Alpine snowboards. Many expert skiers transition to this type of snowboarding. These snowboards are generally for an advanced boarder, as their size and speed make it difficult for a beginner to learn snowboard control and technique. Racing snowboards are built to go fast, and their long, narrow shape gives you more control on quick turns. 

Snowboard size

Snowboards are measured in centimeters. One well-known guideline to determine the size of your board is how tall the board is compared to your own height. In general, the board should measure between your chin and your nose. 

A more accurate way to find the right snowboard length is to use your weight. A rider who is heavy for his or her height may have difficulty maneuvering a snowboard, especially at a higher speed. On the other hand, riders who are too light for their snowboards board may have trouble with turns. Heavier riders should look for longer snowboards, while lighter riders should choose a shorter snowboard.

The width of your snowboard is important as well. When standing on your board, your toes and heels should protrude just slightly over the edges. Any more and your feet will drag in the snow, which is known as toe or heel drag. Too much space between the edge of the snowboard and your foot will give you trouble with turns

Flex is how much give a snowboard has. If you’re a beginner or light for your height, stick to a snowboard with greater flex, which requires less muscle to control. A more advanced or heavier rider needs a snowboard that’s a little stiffer. Although it requires more energy to turn, it will respond more quickly to its rider’s body.

Women should look for snowboards that take into account their height and weight variance rather than buying men’s boards. Women’s snowboards have taken great strides in recent years and are a legitimate option even for experienced boarders. Women’s snowboards take into account smaller foot sizes and lower center of gravity, delivering better response and control. If you’re a tall woman, you’ll prefer a snowboard sized for a man a little shorter than you are with extra flex.

Terrain

Where will you be snowboarding? On the hard, man-made snow that is commonly found in the Northeast or the natural snow of the West Coast and Rocky Mountain resorts?

Snowboarders on manmade snow require features such as a rubber dampening foil, which will control vibrations as the snowboard glides over hard and sometimes icy snow. A core made of a combination of wood and carbon fiber will also ease vibrations, although it makes for a heavier board than a pure-wood core.

For those riding snowboards on powder, a longer snowboard is beneficial. As a snowboard increases in centimeters, it adds lift, keeping the board from sticking in layers of fresh snow. A snowboard ridden in soft snow should also be a little wider.

Many experts advise buying snowboard boots first, then the snowboard. This is also the place to spend a few extra bucks. Since your boots will be in direct contact with you all day, you want them to be as comfortable as possible.

Need to know more?

• Snowboarding Trends for 2007 – 2008
  http://www.transworldsnowboarding.com/twbiz/features/article/0,21214,1599897,00.html
• A Woman’s Guide to Selecting the Right Board
  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/siforwomen/2001/january_february/gear_goddess/snowboards/
• Top 10 Snowboards
  http://www.snowboarding.com/products/top-ten-snowboards.html