Are you preparing to purchase your first snowboard? With the wide variety of sizes, styles, and price points, shopping for a snowboard can seem overwhelming. We’ve put together this guide to provide you all the tips you need to select the perfect snowboard for your needs.
Tips for Choosing a Snowboard
1. Take into Account Level
Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced rider, or anything in between, it’s important to choose a snowboard that matches your level of experience. It’s essential to consider this when shopping for a snowboard because getting the wrong level of board can prevent a good snowboarding experience. For example, if you are a beginner, a board that is too aggressive will be difficult to pick up, and may cause you to become frustrated; a board that is too mellow will cause you to plateau, never really pushing yourself to progress.
2. Avoid Rental Equipment
From a purely economic standpoint, buying a new snowboard is a better option than renting because you can use the board over and over. Additionally, rental snowboards lack the quality and craftsmanship of a new snowboard in terms of individual shape and flex. So while it may seem cost-effective to purchase an old rental board, you may end up with a board that is too soft or doesn’t have the necessary features.
3. Personalize It
It is important to choose a snowboard that suits you as an individual; if you are a bit on the heavier side, select a stiffer board; if you weigh less, choose a softer snowboard. The size of the board you choose should relate directly to your height and weight. Don’t forget about the length of your bindings when selecting a board: the snowboard should be slightly longer than the bindings.
4. Take into Account Terrain
An all-mountain board may be the best board for an intermediate level rider seeking versatility. All-mountain boards contain characteristics from both freestyle and freeride boards, but also emphasize a balance between these two types of boards. A freestyle board is best for those who would like to focus on riding in the park. Freeride boards are best used for exploring the mountain, taking in untouched lines, and searching for natural features to ride.
5. Consider the Necessary Accessories
Aside from actually purchasing a snowboard, you must factor in other necessities such as boots and bindings. You will have to determine which binding styles match your comfort level, as binding style and use influence the overall snowboarding experience. Make sure to try on different boots to ensure they fit properly and they provide the piece of mind you need while you’re out on the board.
People Also Ask
Q. What size snowboard should I buy?
When selecting a snowboard, you don’t want the board to be too long nor too short. Generally speaking, the snowboard should match the size of your body and weight; as a rule of thumb, for adult riders, boards that stretch from the chin to nose are usually ideal for a good fit.
Q. What is the best beginner snowboard?
For beginner riders, the most important factor when selecting a snowboard is to choose the right size, style, and level of board. Novice snowboarders should opt for a board that is easy to handle and can help facilitate learning; if you are a beginner, generally an all-mountain board is an ideal choice.
Q. Are cheap snowboards any good?
Cheap snowboards are usually not of the best quality and are often too stiff for novice riders. That said, depending on the quality of the construction and the materials, cheap boards may provide some value for the price.
Final Words
Shopping for a snowboard is an exciting journey! But it’s also important to make an informed decision so take the time to explore your options. Consider the tips above and you’ll be ready to hit the slopes this season.