| Buying a snowboard these days can be confusing, but with the guidelines below things should be easier. First thing to do is set your budget, then go out and have some fun.
Research: Read through buyers' guides and reviews to see what's available. Find a reputable shop that is staffed by boarders. Ability: Assess your level honestly or you could find yourself careering out of control. Type: It's very important to go for a board that suits you, so think about what type of boarding you are going to do most of the time (piste/off-piste/snow park) and go for a board in that range. Length: The type of boarding you do, your height and your weight are used as a guideline. In general, taller heavier men take longer boards than smaller, lighter men and women. Freeriders tend to go for longer boards, as do riders who want stability. Fun park freestylers go for shorter twin tippedboards. Width: Riders with larger feet now have an extensive choice of wider boards. This prevents toes and heels catching the snow when the board is on an edge. Freeriders may also appreciate a wider board for increased stability and flotation. However, as wider boards tend to be much slower edge to edge, many riders prefer a narrower board. Riders with bigger feet that still want the precision of a narrower board can set their binding angles steeper. Flex: Each board has its own individual flex pattern and, as a general guideline, the more experienced you are, the stiffer the board you will be able to cope with. Demo boards: It may be possible to demo a board before buying it. But choice may be limited and the state of the board should be taken into consideration. Finally: Don't buy a board just because you like its funky graphics... |