How To Select A Snowboard
Selecting a snowboard can be a complex process. There are many factors to consider, including length, flex, waist width, shape,
taper, stance options, and others.
Here is a breakdown of some of the factors and how YOU can choose.
Length:
A quick starting point for board length is to have it reach somewhere between the tip of your chin and the tip of your nose when
standing the board in front of you. The board you most enjoy riding, however, may not fall within that range. Typically, a jib
board for rails and flatground tricks will be a little shorter. A board intended purely for powder riding or for high speed carving
down groomed runs will be a little longer. A heavier set person will often be better off with a little longer board, whereas a small
framed person may end up happier on a shorter board.
Flex:
Personal preference is a huge factor in the flex of the board you select. Stiffer boards are typically used for higher speeds,
carving, or pipe riding. Softer boards are preferred for beginners. It is easier to initiate a turn with a softer board, while
stiffer boards will hold an edge at a higher speed.
Waist width:
The width of the board should be fit to your boot size and stance angles. Typically, boots size 12 (mens) and larger should be on
a board designated as wide. For maximum response, a width that allows the toe and heel of the boot to sit up to an inch over the
edge of the board is ideal. The combination of the curve of the boot sole and the rise from the binding baseplate will eliminate
the possibility of heel or toe drag.
Shape:
Boards come in many shapes. This may not be obvious at a glance, but there are several possibilities. The most common shapes are
twin and directional. A twin shaped board is one that is symmetrical tip and tail with sidecut that is the same at either end. Twin
shaped boards are great for park and pipe riding, and are easier to ride switch (rear foot first). A directional board has a longer
tail than nose and often has progressive sidecut, where the radius is not one consistent curve from tip to tail. Directional boards
are more often used for freeriding.
There are also tapered, swallowtail, and other shapes.
Taper:
Taper refers to the difference in width between tip and tail of the board. Tapered boards are ideal for powder because the narrower
tail will sink more easily, allowing to nose of the board to stay at or above the surface. Tapered boards also work well for carving
on groomed runs, but don't work as well for riding switch.
Stance options:
If you like to ride with a really wide stance or a really narrow stance, then you will want to check the stance options on the board.
All boards have inserts to attach the bindings to the board, and there will be a range of widths possible using those inserts.
Besides width, there is also setback to consider. Many boards come with the inserts set back 1" or more from a centered stance, but
the bindings can still be mounted on center. Conversely, for boards with the inserts centered on a board, bindings can still be
mounted off center.