Like to cruise groomed runs? Float through powder? Hammer chutes? Or ride the rails? The right snowboard for you is one designed for the terrain you prefer.
The learning curve on a snowboard is very fast, so if you're a beginner, you should consider buying for where you want to be and aim for a board that will accommodate improving skills.
Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a snowboard:
- Snowboard length: As a general rule, if you stand a board on its tail, the nose of the board should reach somewhere between your nose and chin. You can use size charts and recommended rider weights to get more precise.
- Types of snowboards: Your choices include all-mountain, freestyle, freeride, powder and splitboards. The right type of board depends on what type of terrain and snow conditions you plan to ride in.
- Snowboard camber and rocker: There are many different camber and rocker profiles to choose from. If you plan to ride fast on groomed runs, then a cambered board is a good choice. But for riding soft snow you'll probably want a flat, rocker, camber/rocker or flat/rocker board.
- Snowboard width: With the right width board, your boots will extend just slightly over the edges of the board. If they overhang too much, though, they could drag and make you lose control.
- Snowboard shape: Choose a directional board for high-speed carving, a true twin board for park and pipe use, or a directional twin for all-mountain riding.
- Other snowboard features: You can refine your search by considering things like sidecut radius, effective edge, board flex and base material.