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When buying a snowboard there are many things that you will need to consider. The purpose of this guide is to walk you through many of the basic items to help you make a more informed decision on what snowboard is right for you. It is a common mistake of less informed purchasers to buy a snowboard based solely on the looks of the board, or the manufacturer brand name.
The biggest problem with this type of purchasing decision is that you will end up with a snowboard that may not be appropriate for your skill set. If this occurs, it may actually hinder your performance rather than help it. Our goal is to guide you to an informed decision so that your purchase coincides with your skill set and also that you are confident with your purchase.
What Type of Board are You Looking For?
What Do You Want From Your Board?
- - Entry-level Boards
- - Mid-level Boards
- - Advanced-level Boards
- - Directional v. Twin v. Directional Twin
- - Video Tutorial: How to Select the Right Size Snowboard
- - Video Tutorial: The Purpose of Wide Snowboards
- - Video Tutorial: Rocker Technology for Snowboards
Shopping for a snowboard can be a bit overwhelming if you haven’t done it before, in large part because of the vast number of boards that are on the market. The reason for the large selection of boards is because every rider is looking for something different. For this reason, the first step in picking out a board is to ask a little about you. Make an honest determination of what your skill level is, what your wants are, and what your needs are in respect to a snowboard.
It’s not a bad first step to determine what rider level you are. Different snowboards generally reflect the ranges outlined below, and often the complexity of the construction increases as the level of expected performance increases. While it is not an issue to buy a board that you will be able to progress into, you want to be careful that you do not get a board that is too advanced for your rider range. If you do, this will only make advancing your skills more difficult.
As you read on and we begin to discuss construction and board types, you will gain a better insight into selecting a board that your skills can grow into. In the meantime, know that it is common to refer to rider levels in terms of beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Also keep this in mind when reviewing any of the snowboard product pages on our site. We have developed a “skill rating” that can be found in the product specifications section of each snowboard page, which is designed to help you better select a snowboard.
Beginner: A beginner rider is typically within his or her first couple of seasons of riding. For many, this means trying to connect turns and basically make it down in one piece. A rider at this level is usually looking for a soft, forgiving board with a simple design that will provide the confidence that they need.
Intermediate: Intermediate level riders typically have a season or two under their belt. If you are getting more and more comfortable making turns and carving, and you can generally make it through a run without catching an edge, then you probably can classify your skill level here.
Riders at this level are beginning to look for more performance in their gear and are experimenting with increased speeds, as well as some smaller terrain park features. Intermediate riders may not be able to take on all runs or terrain, but they are becoming more comfortable and confident with the skills they have already acquired.
Advanced: Riders at this level usually have a good feel for what type of terrain they prefer to ride. They are comfortable with making quick turns and are in control at any speed. They may be specifically interested in riding in the terrain park, or carving hard on steep runs. Either way, they are confident in their abilities and generally have a preference as to what they are looking for in their equipment. Snowboards at this level also tend to be more specific to styles of riding as well.
You may not find this surprising, but it must be noted that women are built physically different than men. The physical differences mean that women’s snowboards should be, and are built differently. Luckily, female riders now have as many options as their male counterparts when it comes to equipment selection. Women usually have smaller feet than men, meaning the waists of their boards can be made narrower, and are therefore easier to turn. The flex of the board is also generally softer so women can properly flex the board to receive better control and response.
As far as board construction is concerned, women’s snowboards are also made from lighter materials. Again, this makes the board easier to control, easier to flex, and better for board response. If you are a female rider there isn’t any reason you shouldn’t get on a women’s board.
Video Tutorial: The Difference Between Men's and Women's Snowboards
What Type of Board are You Looking For?
Determining what type of snowboard you are looking for is the next step in the board selection process. One way to make this determination is to make an honest assessment of where you spend most of your time riding. It is important that you make this assessment honestly because you do not want to get a board that doesn't fit your boarding style, otherwise your performance will suffer. Getting the answer to this question can be accomplished a couple of ways and will not only apply to the type of board you're looking for, but also the size you will need, which will be covered in latter sections of this guide.
When it comes to snowboard types, you will find three broad categories: All Mountain, Freeride, and Freestyle.
All Mountain: All Mountain snowboards are available for different rider levels, but overall an All Mountain board will provide you with the ability to go anywhere on the mountain and essentially do it all. Entry-level and intermediate-level riders will typically use a board of this type because they are uncertain of what types of riding they prefer. Generally, All Mountain boards will vary in performance due to the amount of response each board has. The response is based on the flex of the board and the overall complexity of the design. An All Mountain board can be used in the terrain park or for quick, steep runs down the mountain without presenting you with any problems. The primary difference between an All Mountain board and a Freeride or Freestyle board is that an All Mountain board simply lacks some of the terrain specific features that a Freeride or Freestyle board would provide.
Freeride: Freeride snowboards are usually directional in design and a little stiffer than All Mountain boards. The stiffer design of a Freeride board is meant to give the board additional response, which is a key characteristic of Freeride boards. As a general rule, the stiffer the board is, the better the response, or transfer of energy it will have. If you love to carve hard at high speeds, then you need something stable that will cut through crud and powder alike. By comparison, a Freeride board will not be as stiff as an Alpine or Race board, but it will be much more maneuverable and versatile. Additionally, Freeride boards are built to absorb shock and dampen any vibration without sacrificing any energy.
Freestyle: As freestyle snowboarding has gained in popularity over the years, so has the evolution of the design of Freestyle boards. Freestyle refers to the various types of riding that can be performed, typically in the terrain park. Hitting rails, jumps, boxes, and performing other tricks are just some of the many riding types that Freestyle boards are designed for. The constrcution is typically soft and springy with lots of energy and pop of Ollieing and performing other tricks. The design is usually twin-shaped, meaning that the nose and tail are shaped exactly alike. This makes it easier to ride in a switch stance (riding with your non-dominant foot forward). However, keep in mind that even with the Freestyle board category, there are boards within the category that are meant for different terrain. You will find Freestyle boards that are specific for Rails/Jibbing and will generally be the softest. You will also find boards that are specific for the Pipe, which will be stiffer and snappier than a Jib board.
Video Tutorial: Different Types of Snowboards
What Do You Want From Your Board?
Finally, you will want make a determination on what exactly you're hoping to get out of your board. For some, this may mean that you want to be able to pass it down to a sibling in the future. This would mean you'll want to assess boards for quality, picking the board that is likely to last long enough to pass on. For others, this may mean getting a board that will last a long time. This would mean that you'll not only want to assess boards for quality, but also get a board that is slightly above your skill level that will allow for you to progress into. You'll want to be careful not to select one too far beyond your range, as it may hurt you rather than help you from a skill level progression standpoint.
To help give you an idea of what to expect when shopping one board to the next, here are the typical price ranges and rider levels they will likely correspond to:
Entry-level Boards -- $150 - $299: Soft flexing and very simple in design. Boards of this price range and rider level are easy to ride and very forgiving. They are perfect for first-timers and beginners to help build the confidence necessary to progress their skills. Upper-end brands such as K2 or Ride will make a solid entry-level board in the price range of $269 - $299.
Mid-level Boards -- $299 - $450: For All Mountain boards, this usually means more response. Boards are usually stiffer and lighter in this range, constructed of more complex materials. This will provide you with more response at higher speeds, as well as additional stability.
Freestyle boards in this range will have more technology built-in, and their soft, buttery flex will not be compromised either. Additional technologies will provide more pop in the board, and also allow the rider to use it at higher speeds without losing control or stability, which is often the case with softer boards.
Advanced-level Boards -- $450+: A board at this level and price range will offer you the ultimate in performance and stability. For an All Mountain or Freeride board this will mean that you can take on any conditions. The drive and response of the board will ensure a smooth ride regardless of your speed. Boards in this range also tend to be lighter, which is desired by any advanced-level rider.
Freestyle boards that are found in this range are usually specific for Pipe riding, but you may also find some stiffer, hard charging Freestyle boards.
After you have determined what your rider level is, what type of board you're looking for, and what you hope to get from your investment, the fun part begins. While you should never select a snowboard based solely on looks, you will have already answered the questions you need to answer to select your board, and can therefore begin looking at graphics and such.
With all of the different manufacturers on the market, you will have a lot of graphics to choose from and one, if not many, are certain to be to your liking. Just don't forget that a graphic isn't going to help your skill progression or your performance on the snow. Find a board that fits your needs first and then find a board that you like from a visual standpoint.
Directional v. Twin v. Directional Twin
Directional
When snowboards first hit the market, all boards had a directional shape. This means that the nose of the board was actually longer, the bindings were set further back, closer to the tail, and generally the tail of the board was stiffer, allowing the board to float better in deep snow. This type of board got the sport of snowboarding going, but has since given away to other shape designs.
Twin
Originally, twin tip snowboards were typically found in the freestyle category. A twin board has a nose and tail that are identical. The dimensions are the same and they are constructed the same way. Simply put, a twin board has no designated front or back. The idea for this design concept originated from the desire to ride a snowboard regular or switch (your opposite foot forward), and have the board perform the same way.
Directional Twin
In today's snowboarding market, most snowboards will have this type of shape. A directional twin means that the nose and the tail will look similar, but have slight differences in shape and construction. This will give the board and the rider a little more versatility, as well as provide a board that is more appropriate for various types of riding.
The information presented above should help you with developing an idea of what you are looking for, but we also understand that you will come across many terms and snowboard "lingo" while undertaking your search. Here are a few terms and features that you will find when searching through snowboards, along with some insight to help you decipher what they mean.
Core
The core is the interior construction of a snowboard. This is usually comprised of laminated fiberglass that surrounds wood. However it isn't uncommon to find a variety of other technologies included that are designed to affect other areas of your ride. Companies are routinely experimenting with technologies designed to change the flex, strength, weight, and dampening of the board. Wood core boards with added technologies are typically more expensive, but are noticeably more durable and smoother on the snow.
Less expensive snowboards will lack additional features, and the core is typically comprised of foam. Foam-core boards will provide a soft, forgiving flex at first, but will lose that flex and energy transfer over time.
Understand that entry-level boards need a soft flex, but wood core boards will maintain a more consistent flex over time. As the level of expected performance increases, the complexity of the core will too, often using a combination of materials.
Construction
When it comes to the construction of a snowboard, you will find two common references: capped construction and sidewall construction (also referred to as sandwich construction). Capped construction refers to a method where the top sheet is pinched over the sides of the snowboard, meeting the metal edge.
The more commonly used construction is sidewall (sandwich) construction. This type of construction is exactly how it sounds; the core and the sidewalls are sandwiched between the topsheet and the base of the snowboard. Sidewall construction directs more power and energy to the edges, while minimizing energy loss.
Camber
Camber refers to the middle of the snowboard, and the amount of arch the snowboard exhibits when placed on a flat surface. The more camber a snowboard has, the hard the nose and tail of the board will have to work. Therefore, camber helps stabilize the board at higher speeds. Older, worn out boards will likely have little camber, and some freestyle boards will have less camber to make performing certain tricks easier.
In recent years, certain snowboard manufacturers have developed a design called "rocker." Rocker technology will have different names from brand to brand, but essentially it is reverse camber. When the board is laid on a flat surface, the middle of the board touches and the areas near the bindings will arch up respectively towards the nose and tail. The easiest way to visualize the difference between camber and reverse camber is thinking of a banana. If you picture the tip and tail of a banana facing down, this is camber. If you reverse this, and the tip and tail are pointing up, this is reverse camber.
Different types of reverse camber will exist for powder boards, freestyle boards, and all mountain boards, so keep this in mind when shopping for the board you like.
Effective Edge
The edge of a snowboard refers to the metal that runs on the sides of the snowboard. The effective edge refers to the parts of that metal edge that actually make contact with the snow. When you shift your weight to your effective edge, you are able to turn and carve.
Recently, a design hit the market that was intended increase the effective edge of the snowboard. The design by Mervin Manufacturing, known as Magnetraction, is essentially a wavy sidewall and edge as opposed to the traditional style. The idea of this design is to have more contact points with the snow, and ultimately an increased effective edge. This will give you more control, increased edge hold, and help immensely in any icy snow conditions. Additionally, for freestyle riders, this means the ability to detune your edges for rails and boxes, but still have control everywhere else on the mountain.
Sidecut
Snowboard sidecut is the arch that can be seen on the side of the board between the nose and the tail. Sidecut is what allows the snowboard to turn. A board with a drastic sidecut will make quick, sharp turns and will have a small turning radius. Boards with a less severe sidecut will make long, wide turns and have a greater turning radius.
Base
The base of the snowboard is simply the bottom of the snowboard. While this may seem pretty basic, it is probably the most important part of the board to take care of. Since the base is the part of your board that is always in contact with the snow, you will want to keep a close eye on this area after each day of boarding. Bases are usually made of a polyethylene material called P-Tex, and have small holes that hold wax.
You will typically come across two types of bases, extruded and sintered. Extruded bases are basically just melted down P-Tex cut into shapes. Extruded bases are cheaper to make and easier to repair, but they also hold less wax because they have fewer holes to hold wax. Sintered bases however, have more holes and hold wax better, but are also more difficult to repair and more expensive to make. They are generally quick on the snow and found on boards that are more expensive.
Width
Width is a fairly understood term, but its importance in snowboarding should be explained for a full understanding. If the board you purchase is too narrow, your boots will hang over the edge of the board too far and will hit the snow. A wider board however, is harder to turn and less responsive if your feet are not large enough for it. This occurs because it takes longer to transfer the energy to the edges. Generally speaking, if you wear a size 10.5 or larger, you should be looking at a wide board. One exception to this rule is if you have older snowboard boots. Older boots are generally bulkier and thus even smaller sizes may still hang over the board too much. New boots usually have a footprint that is roughly a size smaller than an older boot.
Sizing
Sizing a snowboard is frequently accompanied with many misconceptions. Often, people are under the impression that a snowboard should simply come up to an area between an individual's chin and nose. While this will generally end up working for an average size person, it isn't as accurate for slimmer or heavier riders. Simply put, the board does not know how tall you are, but it does know how much you weigh. Therefore, it is better to size a board based on rider weight rather than height. To do this, utilize the weight range/board size chart below. Keep in mind however, that the weight ranges are rather broad and there are couple of other items you should consider when sizing a board.
A smaller board is easier to maneuver and therefore better if you are a beginner, park rider, or riding on mostly harder packed groomed runs. A longer board is faster and will float better in deeper snow. If you are a more aggressive rider it is ok to lean towards the larger size board. Either way, you never want to ride something too small or long for your weight range. You will end up overpowering a snowboard that is too small for you, and a board that is too long will be too difficult to control.
For additional help on snowboard sizing, please review our snowboard sizing guide.
Video Tutorial: Terms and Features of Snowboards
It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media to help guide you to the best snowboard for you.
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