As is the case with alpine skiing, when choosing a snowboard, you first need to decide where and how you will ride.

Carving, hard snowboards (Carving, Alpine)

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Long and stiff snowboards are designed for high-speed riding on groomed slopes. Such boards are used only with rigid bindings and boots and are suitable for professionals and progressive athletes.

Universal snowboards (All-mountain)

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The name speaks for itself: such snowboards are suitable for skiing on prepared trails and for light skiing. They are less rigid, with more narrow waist(the narrowest point of a snowboard), they are easier to ride: no refined technique is required. Beginners should choose these boards.

What to buy

Freeride snowboards

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These are boards for unprepared slopes, suitable for riding in deep snow. They are longer and wider than the universal ones. Often the nose is wider than the tail.

What to buy

Freestyle snowboards (Freestyle, Park & ​​Pipe)

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Such boards are shorter and softer than universal ones, often have twin-tip geometry, that is, identical ends, due to which the rider, after jumping, can continue riding both face-first and backwards.

The purpose of the snowboard can be found on the label or asked from a consultant. In online stores, as a rule, you can set the desired parameter in the product filters.

What to buy

What length and width should a snowboard be?

The next important selection parameter is the length of the board. A snowboard is selected according to the height of the rider, taking into account the purpose of the board.

1. All-purpose or carving snowboard should be 15 cm shorter than your height. To find a suitable board by eye, place it next to you: the top edge should be near your nose or chin.
2. should be 10 cm shorter than your height.
3. To choose freestyle snowboard, subtract 8–10 cm from your height.

If you weigh little, subtract 5 cm from the resulting value. If you have an impressive build, on the contrary, add 5 cm.

Also, the choice of length depends on the level of riding: beginners should buy a snowboard 2–3 cm longer than advanced riders.

Snowboard manufacturers often have special tables in which you can find your height and weight and find out what board length you should choose. The table can be on the manufacturer’s website or even on the snowboard itself, or rather on a sticker on the sliding surface, which indicates the characteristics of the board.

By width, snowboards are divided into:

1. Narrow(narrow): waist width up to 250 mm.
2. Standard(regular): waist width 250–260 mm, end width up to 300 mm.
3. Average(mid-wide): waist width 250–260 mm, end width from 300 mm.
4. Wide(wide): waist width from 260 mm.

Choose the width of your snowboard depending on your foot size. If the size is larger than 44, you should take mid-wide or wide.

Snowboard designs and materials

There are two main snowboard designs and their combinations:

1. Cap). The core of the snowboard is closed on top by a monolithic lid, and on the bottom by a sliding surface. Such boards are easier to produce (and also to repair), and therefore they are cheaper. However, unlike sandwiches, the cap may split during a fall: the lid will move away from the sliding surface.
2. Sandwich. The core, sliding surface and top decorative cover are pressed under pressure. The result is a durable structure made of several layers. If you can break such a snowboard, it will be more difficult to repair it. In addition, sandwiches are more expensive.
3. Combined designs. Often both technologies are used in the production of snowboards. Due to the puff sandwich ends, the snowboard becomes more durable, and the middle cap provides lightness.

Snowboard core

Snowboard cores are made from different materials:

1. Wood beech, ash, poplar, oak, spruce, pine. The wood core resists shock and vibration loads well. Some Mervin snowboards come with a genetically modified wood core without guides. It is believed that this has a good effect on elasticity and strength.
2. Wood and foam. Foam makes snowboards lighter and cheaper. However, this reduces their elasticity and resistance to vibration.
3. Combinations of different materials. The combination of wood, carbon and aluminum provides the snowboard with rigidity and lightness. There are many combinations, and new developments are constantly appearing.

Sliding surface

There are two sliding surface options:

1. Extruded polyethylene surface(extruded). It is cheaper, does not require special care, and if damaged, expensive repairs.
2. Sintered polyethylene surface(sintered). Polyethylene powder is sintered under high temperature and high pressure. This surface has a porous structure that absorbs ointment well and glides better. In addition, she is not afraid of scratches and small ice chips. However, it will be more difficult to repair it.

What deflection should a snowboard have?

An important parameter when choosing is the type of deflection. The ease of control of a snowboard directly depends on it.

1. Classic or weighted deflection(camber). This snowboard has a raised central part. When the rider stands on the board, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface. Learning to ride snowboards with a classic camber is quite difficult: riding requires good technique, and mistakes are not forgiven. Therefore, another type of deflection is better suited for beginners - rocker.
2. Rocker(banana, rocker). The central part of the snowboard touches the ground, and the ends are curved. The arched shape makes learning easier: due to one support point, the board is more obedient and easier to control; it turns behind you with any movement of the body.
   Snowboards with such a bend are often chosen by freestylers: the rocker is good for big air (jumping from a springboard) and jibbing (sliding along railings and other surfaces). The rocker is also suitable for freeride.
3. Zero deflection(flat). The central part of such a snowboard is absolutely flat, and the ends are raised above the ground. It is well suited for both relaxed beginner riding and freestyle tricks.
4. Combined deflections. There are a large number of hybrid cambers: camber-rocker-camber (as in the picture above), rocker-camber-rocker (freeride camber), rocker-flat-rocker and many others. Due to the combination of bends, certain characteristics of the snowboard are increased. For example, speed or ease of control.

Edges

Edges - narrow strips of steel along the edges of a snowboard that allow the rider to make sharp turns - can be divided into two types:

1. Straight- the most common edging. It can be long (along the entire length of the board) or shortened, when the front or rear part is not protected by an edge (often found in freeride snowboards, it allows you to reduce the weight of the board).
2. Magne Traction- special development of the Mervin company. This is a wavy edge that resembles a cheese knife.

Thanks to five or seven edge support points, you can turn on any surface without any problems, even on ice crust.

Geometry

Snowboards differ in the placement of mountings - steel holes for fastenings. There are three types:

1. Directed(directional). In directional snowboards, the lugs are offset so that either the nose or tail of the board is longer. You can only go in one direction - down the mountain. To increase stability and stability, the nose of a snowboard is usually made softer than the tail. Directional snowboards are used for carving and freeride.
2. Twin type(twin-tip). These are completely symmetrical boards that are often used for park riding. Since the nose and tail are the same length and stiffness, you can ride in any direction.
3. Directional twin type(twin-tip directional). In such boards there is a slight offset of the mortgages and differences in the stiffness of the nose and tail. A stiffer tail provides stability, and a longer nose provides advantages when riding on virgin soil. Snowboards with this geometry are chosen for freeride and piste riding at high speed.

Mortgages can also be positioned differently relative to each other.

1. 4×4. The mortgages are located 4 cm from each other both horizontally and vertically.
2. 2×4. Vertically, the mortgages are located 4 cm from each other, and horizontally - at a distance of 2 cm.
3. 3D Pattern. These are mortgages placed in the shape of diamonds. These are only used on Burton boards.
4. Infinite Channel System (ICS)- This is a development of Burton. The screws are not screwed, but inserted into a special groove on the board. This makes it easy to change the position of the fasteners.

ICS boards require special fasteners, ideally EST from Burton. Some regular bindings are sold with a special adapter disk that allows them to be used with both a regular board and an ICS snowboard.

How to choose mounts

First, let's look at the main fastening elements, and then we'll talk about how to choose an option to suit your needs.

1. Base- mounting base.
2. Highback- a heel that secures the heel of the shoe.
3. Arc- thrust bearing.
4. Straps- two straps securing the front of the boot.
5. Buckley- two fasteners.
6. Gas pedal- a retractable bar on the toe of the mount, which allows you to adjust its length.

Types of fastenings

Fastenings with two fasteners (Strap-in)

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These are the most common mounts. To put on such fastenings, you need to unfasten two straps, insert your leg and fasten the straps.

There are also options with a special lower strap - capstrap. It wraps around the toe of the boot not only from the front, but also from the top, firmly pressing it to the base.

Fastening with capstrap. shayboarder.com

With folding highback (Rear-entry)

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These are models that can be fastened easier and faster. In such fastenings, the straps are connected to each other for better fixation of the boot. To put them on, you need to flip the highback, insert your foot, and then push it back into place.

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This is a system where the boot snaps into place when the rider steps on the binding. On the one hand, it’s easier to fasten the boots this way, on the other hand, snow can get stuck in the fastening and then fastening it will be problematic.

In addition, Step-in bindings require special rigid boots, so it is better not to buy them if you want a calm and relaxed ride or if you are getting on a snowboard for the first time. For beginners, it is better to choose soft bindings with not too strong leg fixation with straps.

traektoria.ru

These are models for IST boards with a channel system from Burton. Unlike conventional fasteners, ESTs have a lightweight base, and instead of the usual holes, there are runners and lugs on it.

It is into these ears that two bolts are inserted, which secure the EST to the board and allow you to adjust the position of the fasteners.

Another important point: the bindings must be selected together with the boots.

How to choose snowboard boots

Rigidity

The main criterion for choosing boots is rigidity. Your comfort while riding and how easy it will be to control the snowboard will depend on it.

Stiffness is determined on a scale from 1 to 10. Above five are boots for progressive and professional riders, for those who have advanced equipment and are going to ride at high speed on prepared trails.

Stiffer boots provide good control, but are quite uncomfortable, especially if you are a beginner rider.

Models with stiffness from three to five are suitable for beginners, as well as freeriders and freestylers. These rather soft boots are comfortable to walk without a snowboard, which is necessary when climbing wild slopes. Plus, they allow you to avoid damaging your legs while ski jumping.

There are also boots with variable stiffness. They contain special plastic inserts, due to which the rigidity changes within a given range. For example, without inserts the stiffness of the boots is four, and with them it is seven. These boots will be useful for those who plan to ride both wild and prepared slopes.

Mostly children's boots are produced with a stiffness of one to three.

Lacing type

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This is the most common lacing that needs to be tightened by hand. Despite their simplicity, many professional athletes choose these boots because they consider them more reliable.

Boa system

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This is a wheel that automatically tightens the laces when turned. With this system, lacing takes much less time.

Puff

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In terms of speed and convenience, it is a cross between classic and Boa. You don't spend a lot of time, but you don't rely on a complex mechanism either.

When trying on boots, pay attention to how they behave when walking. If the heel of a fully laced boot comes off when you step up, it's not the right shoe for you. The boot should fix your foot well: this will allow you to avoid injuries when riding.

That's all. If you have any tips for choosing a snowboard, bindings or boots, please leave a comment.

We have a wide selection of snowboards, a knowledgeable team and useful tips experts to help you make informed choices.

Snowboard design:

Wondering how to choose the perfect snowboard for you? Don't worry, we will help you do this. And it doesn’t matter whether you choose your first snowboard or your 15th. The first step in choosing a new board is to determine:

• skiing level;
• snowboard width;
• snowboard length;
• style and place of skiing.

The factors listed above play a key role in choosing the right board. Camrock, Banana C2BTX, sidecut, edging... there's just so much information out there about snowboards, which is why we've written this guide to help break it all down.

Length

How to choose the right snowboard length? The length of your snowboard will vary depending on your weight and how you plan to ride. Previously, the size of a snowboard was determined this way: you stand next to the snowboard, and if the end of the board rests on your chin, great, that's what you need! Of course, this is how you can start. But weight is also an important factor when choosing the appropriate board length. And it’s also worth paying attention to how you plan to ride.

For example, if you're going to be primarily freeriding, you might want to buy a longer board for stability and speed. If you are looking for a freestyle board, then choose a smaller size. On such a board it will be more convenient to make flips in the park, and such snowboards are more maneuverable.

In this table you will find all the sizes of our snowboards. Remember that the length is selected individually for each rider, so these are just recommendations. It doesn't matter if the snowboard is shorter or longer - if you're comfortable on it, go for it. Use our size chart as a starting point.

Also use these criteria when choosing a snowboard size:

• If you ride mostly park or freestyle, choose a board with shorter ends.
• If you prefer all mountain, powder or freeriding, check out the longer boards in the sizing chart.
• If you're above average weight, consider a longer snowboard.
• If you're a beginner, look for the shorter boards in our size range.

Skiing level

What is your riding level? Riders with any skills and preferences will find a snowboard here. Stiffness, shape, length, construction, materials, design - every aspect matters when choosing a board according to the level of the rider. Be honest with yourself about your mountain abilities when choosing a board. Choosing the right snowboard for your ability will determine how quickly you progress and enjoy your ride. The boards are:

• for beginner riders;
• for intermediate (advanced) riders;
• for professionals/experts.

Width

How to choose the right snowboard width? With the right snowboard waist width, the boots will hang over the edges of the board a little, but not so much that they touch the snow when the board is riding on its side. The slight flaring of your toes and heels at the edges of the snowboard allows you to “pull” into the board and control the pressure with your feet. If your boots go too far over the edges, they will touch the snow during sharp turns and you will fall.

Snowboard boot sizes vary across manufacturers, and even models within the same line can vary, so a manufacturer's outsole in size A 11 may be slightly longer than an outsole of the same size.

(Sizes 10 and 11.5 Burton boots on Lib Tech board)

Some boots are specially made with a low profile. The shorter soles of low-profile shoes allow the rider to ride a narrower snowboard. Additionally, the angle on snowboard bindings partially determines how big a boot you can wear when riding a particular snowboard. A higher angle means the boot will adjust more easily to a narrower board.

Style and location

Which snowboard would be more comfortable for you to ride? You can ride any snowboard, in any terrain or on any snow, but each snowboard is specifically targeted at a specific terrain, conditions and application. For example, it will be more comfortable to ride a powder board in powder and a park board in the park. The following descriptions will give you a clear idea about the main categories of boards.

Allmountain

All Mountain snowboards are suitable for riding on any snow and on any terrain. They feel at home on prepared trails, on powder, and in the park. Most snowboarders choose all mountain boards because of their versatility. If you're just starting out or don't know exactly what you need, an all mountain snowboard is a great choice.

Freestyle

Freestyle and park boards should be a little shorter in length and they love parks, rails, straps, trash cans, tree trunks, turns, rails and more. Freestyle boards usually have a twin shape and are chosen by riders who prefer to ride in the park. A more versatile version of the freestyle board is the all-mountain freestyle board, which combines the all-mountain style with freestyle elements.

Freeride

Freeride snowboards are suitable for those who spend most of the day on prepared slopes. They tend to have a stiffer flex and are larger than freestyle snowboards. Freeride snowboards often have a directional shape that is designed for optimal unidirectional riding.

Puffy

Powder snowboards love fresh snow. Somewhat similar to freeride boards, powder snowboards sometimes have a wider nose and a tapered tail. The mounts on the bindings, which determine the rider’s stance, are located closer to the tail so that the rider can easily “emerge” from the powder. Powder snowboards usually have a lot of camber, which also helps keep the rider afloat.

Splitboard (split snowboard)

Splitboard snowboards are designed specifically for backcountry riders. Splitboards consist of two (connected) parts and are designed for both descents and uphills. Such boards require special fastenings. Once you reach the top, you connect the two halves of the board again and descend like a regular snowboard. Don't forget to have the appropriate equipment, skill, safety, knowledge of terrain, weather and snow conditions (plus climbing skills) when you set out to ride your splitboard.

Form

Directed

Popular among freeride and all-mountain riders, the directional shape is designed for riding primarily in one direction. These boards are often stiffer at the tail and softer towards the nose to maintain stability when cutting at high speeds. The mounts are usually installed as close to the tail as possible.

True-twin

The twin shape (also called true-twin) is completely symmetrical, with an identical nose and tail. The fasteners are installed centrally. These boards are often chosen for freestyle, as the dual shape is ideal for parks due to its ability to ride in any direction.

Directional-twin

The directional-twin form is a combination of two types of snowboards: both directional and twin. These boards have a symmetrical shape (the nose and tail are the same size) combined with a directional core (the nose is softer than the tail) or vice versa: a directional shape but a symmetrical core. Twin-pointed snowboards are at home in all-mountain and freestyle styles.

Asymmetrical shape

Most asymmetrical boards have asymmetrical sidecut profiles, asymmetrical cores, or both. The idea behind an asymmetrical shape is that your body is not symmetrical, so your snowboard shouldn't be either. Boards with a lower heel, longer front sidecuts and softer side cores make for an easier and more fun ride!

Deflection type

Camber

Camber is a traditional snowboard camber and is still popular among advanced park riders because it provides maximum energy and bounce. Camber boards have a smooth arc under the rider's feet that touches the tip and tail when there is a lack of weight: when the rider's weight is added, the pressure is evenly distributed along the board and the edges.

Rocker

Rocker camber snowboards (sometimes called reverse camber) are an inverted camber. These boards have a side profile opposite that of camber, with a smooth curvature at the bottom and fewer contact points. Boards with rocker glide better on powder and are easier to control. They also tend to be less grippy on the nose and tail and more maneuverable when turning.

Flat

The flat shape is as you would expect, flat from tail to nose. This shape falls somewhere between a camber and a rocker, with more forgiving cornering behavior than a full camber and a crisper edge than a rocker.

Some snowboards combine rocker, camber and flat camber to give the rider a wider choice of snowboard options.

Rocker / camber / rocker

This board shape will provide you with carving on hard snow, camber underfoot with increased maneuverability when riding, and gliding through powder with your nose and tail raised up. This camber is becoming increasingly popular for freestyle boards designed primarily for soft snow.

Rocker / flat / rocker

This is another rocker variation that aims to provide stability on harder snow than a full rocker, while maintaining ease of turning and float in powder. This deflection is between rocker and flat.

Camber / rocker / camber

This type of snowboard is suitable for riders whose weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the camber. This design creates a powerful camber at the rider’s feet, which is also maintained at the tail and nose of the board.

There are other types of deflections, including rocker/camber snowboards And rocker / camber / rocker / camber / rocker. Moreover, experiments with rocker are constantly continuing, and camber has become increasingly popular lately.

We've done our best to make sure you understand the different deflection combinations, but keep in mind that different brands combine the above deflections in different ways.

Which deflection is better? Answer: The deflections do not compete with each other, and the choice depends on your personal preferences. Typically, camber provides better hold and edge stability in hard snow and at high speeds, while rocker provides better float in powder and better maneuverability in the park. A rocker is more suitable for beginners, as it will make it easier to turn. Advanced riders who love the feeling of freedom can also enjoy riding a rocker board.

Rigidity

Each snowboard has its own stiffness. There are no clear criteria for hardness, meaning “average” hardness can vary depending on the brand. Many brands offer a flex scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest snowboard. To summarize, snowboards range from very soft to super hard. We typically classify hardness ratings as 1-2 (soft), 3-5 (medium), 6-8 (hard), and 9-10 (very hard).

The softest boards

Snowboards with the least stiffness (usually freestyle and all-mountain boards) forgive the rider's mistakes and are easier to handle turns. Such boards are suitable for beginner riders, those who have light weight or those who like to ride in the park. Soft snowboards shed a little at high speeds, but ride smoothly at low speeds.

Stiffer boards

Hard boards are aimed at freeride and backcountry riding. They provide better edge retention and greater stability at high speeds. Stiff snowboards are great for riders who like to turn fast, but lighter riders may struggle with these boards.

Entering a turn

Snowboards turn differently based on sidecut radius, waist width, and camber.

Side cut radius

This is the radius your board creates when turning. A smaller sidecut radius means a smaller turning circle, while a larger sidecut allows for sweeping turns.

Waist

Volume is the width of the snowboard at its narrowest point. It is usually measured in millimeters. The narrow waist width can be covered from edge to edge faster than on wider snowboards. When skating, your toes and heels are very close to the edge of the board, so your waist width should be roughly the same as your shoe size.

Deflection

Rocker on the tip and tail of your board makes turning easier. This type of rocker is sometimes called elusive because you can't catch the edges of the snowboard when turning. Waist width, cut radius and rocker are indicated in the characteristics of each snowboard in our catalog. Here's an example:

Embedment Locations & Mount Compatibility

There are 4 types of snowboard mounts. Mortgages come in 4x4, 2x4, Burton 3D and Burton Channel. 3D and Channel technologies are specific to Burton Snowboards, although some snowboard manufacturers have also begun to use Burton's Channel technology. 2X4 is a type of 4x4 that gives the rider more mounting options. Most non-Burton mounts will require dedicated hardware to be compatible with The Channel.

4x4

Burton 3D

Burton Channel

Women's snowboards

For a long time, snowboard companies simply wrote down the sizes of men's snowboards and put on pink graphics with flowers and animals. But now everything is not like that! Companies created women's teams, strengthened them and designed snowboards specifically for women based on their wishes. The female body is designed differently. Because women tend to have lower body weight and more short legs Compared to men's, women's snowboards have narrower waist widths, thinner profiles and softer curves.

Children's snowboards

If you want to choose a snowboard for your child that will help him develop, it is very important that the board fits him perfectly. Do you want your child to love sports? We think so. The right size snowboard will help your child develop quickly and get a lot of riding experiences. Children's snowboards are softer than boards for adults. Children learn to ride on these snowboards and they are easy to turn.

Children's snowboard size chart:

Durability and price range

When buying a snowboard, price is almost always a consideration. We strive to always offer quality products at the most favorable prices. Details such as the type of wood used in the core, the type of laminate used in laying, the quality of the base material and edges, and how all these elements are assembled into a board affect its ride behavior and durability.

High-quality materials and original design cost money. If you plan on snowboarding for multiple seasons or many days a year, investing in quality and durability is probably worth it.

Glossary of snowboarding terms

Camber/rocker- these characteristics relate to the deflection of the snowboard.

Core material is the material the middle of your snowboard is made of. Generally, the main material is wood or a mixture various types wood Foam and some other materials can also be found in snowboard cores.

Contact points- the length of the edge of the snowboard that actually comes into contact with the snow when the board is standing on the snow. The contact points are shorter than the length of the snowboard. Longer edges add stability, while shorter edges make your snowboard lighter, including in turns.

Extruded slide- this base is made of polyethylene (often called P-Tex). The term extruded refers to the process of heating and shaping the material into sheets during the manufacturing process. Extruded P-Tex is relatively inexpensive. These slides do not contain wax, unlike sintered ones, and therefore they can be slower than a well-tuned sintered base. However, an extruded slip is better than a poorly maintained sintered one. Also, the extruded slide is very strong and does not require regular maintenance.

Sintered slider- this base is designed for ultra-fast sliding. Like the extruded slider, the sintered slider is made from polyethylene (P-Tex). But unlike extruded bases, sintered bases are made by pressing tiny granules of polyethylene, rather than melting and pressing it into sheets. Sintered slips are very porous and absorb wax well. When they are perfectly waxed and properly cared for, they are much faster than extruded bases. Often additional materials such as gallium, graphite or indium are added to these slides to provide increased impact resistance, durability and better gliding. Sintered bases are usually more expensive and more difficult to repair than extruded bases.

Magne-Traction is a proprietary jagged edge technology developed by Mervin Manufacturing and used on Lib Tech, GNU and Roxy boards. The serrated edges are designed to “cut” through the snow like a knife, giving you more grip and edge control.

Side cut radius is the radius your board creates when turning. A board with a smaller radius is capable of shorter turns; Boards with a larger radius will naturally make wider turns at higher speeds.

Tail width- This is the measurement of the snowboard at the widest point of the tail.

Nose width- This is the measurement of the snowboard at the widest point of the nose.

Waist Width- this is the length of the snowboard at its narrowest point. Snowboard width, tail, nose and waist are usually measured in millimeters.

What should you consider when choosing a snowboard? Snowboard size, level of rigidity - if you have already decided what style is yours.

Good afternoon, are you thinking about purchasing, but don’t know how to choose a quality option and what indicators you should pay attention to first of all? This article will serve as a kind of hint in which we make every effort to help you in the selection process.

Choosing a type of snowboard

• freestyle - skating in park areas. Ski jumping. Jibing. Performing all kinds of tricks. This type of snowboard should be chosen if your goal is to ride in the city or parks in the mountains.
• freeride - riding away from the pistes on snow (deep snow mounds, powder, etc.). Skiing takes place mainly in the mountains. Involves systematic visits to mountainous areas.
• all Mountain are universal board options for riding both in the mountains and in parks. They will be an ideal solution for those athletes who spend most of their time on the urban slopes, but despite this, visit the mountains several times a year.

Many buyers have a completely logical question: “If All Mountain are universal snowboards, does this mean that their characteristics are inferior to freestyle or freeride boards?” Highly specialized boards are much better than universal ones, however, this only applies to certain indicators. If you have enough experience and intend to develop your skills further (let's say ski jumping), then you will need a snowboard that is designed specifically for this. However, if you are new to this business, or just want to ride for fun, take a closer look at universal boards.

How to choose the right snowboard size

The main indicators that are taken into account in the process of choosing a snowboard are the height, weight, height of the user and the stiffness of the snowboard, although the stiffness is more likely to be taken into account if you have already decided which style will suit you.
If you have chosen an all-mountain snowboard, then the size is average between Freeride and Freestyle.

Let's focus more specifically on rigidity. In most cases, the stiffness of a snowboard is measured in the following terms: 1 - very soft.... 10 - very hard. Experts recommend that beginners take a closer look at softer models. They are more convenient to use and “forgive” mistakes. The disadvantage of soft boards is that they are slower (hard) and will hold the arc worse. As a result, we can say that soft boards - the best choice For those who are learning to ride, snowboards with a medium degree of rigidity are perfect for those who stand confidently on the board. And finally, the hardest boards are a matter of individual preference and characteristics. Most of it is hard freeride and carving styles.

Due to the fact that there are now many types of camber, boards have often become more universal, for example, when choosing a snowboard with banana technology, you can take a size slightly smaller than the recommended one, then you can feel comfortable in the park, but at the same time going to the mountains will not will be a surprise for you, and the deflection will allow you to maintain your weight and height even in deep snow.

How to choose a snowboard from all the deflections? Just decide what is most important to you; many people often achieve better results without bending.

Men's - universal

		Foot size	Board size (cm)
			From 140 to 150
			From 145 to 155
			From 150 to 157 (above)
	From 60 to 75 (above)		From 153 to 159 (above)
	From 65 to 80 (above)		From 155 to 160 (above)
			From 156 to 165
			From 160 to 167
	From 75 to 100		From 165 to 172
	From 75 - above		From 170 - above

Girls - universal

		Foot size	Board size (cm)
			From 133 to 140
			From 135 to 145
			From 140 to 147
			From 144 to 150
			From 145 to 152
			From 150 to 158
			From 155 to 160
			From 160 to 165
	From 70 - above		From 165 - above

If you have already decided what style you will ride in, then take the upper values ​​for freeride and the lower ones for freestyle. Those. male height 178, weight 82-85, foot size 43, then your board size will be 155-157 for Freestyle, 160-162 for Freeride.

Children - universal

		Foot size	Board size (cm)
			From 110 to 115
			From 115 to 120
			From 120 to 125
			From 125 to 130
			From 130 to 137

I would like to note that for a child who is just learning, the importance of whether the board will have a reverse deflection or whether it will be a twin type is not so important, children learn, then they have fun and only then decide what style and what kind of styles exist, plus you always need to remember that The child grows very quickly, which means it is better to take the size not according to the lower limit, but according to the average size, for example.

Snowboard waist width and bindings (WIDE boards)

1. Choice by design.

Most often our beloved girls are guilty of this. Even if you are only going to “seductively” fall into the arms of a chic snowboarder, he will simply laugh at you if your snowboard is beautiful, but does not suit you in size and purpose. But if you still want to learn how to ride, then it is better to choose the correctly selected length (size) and other technical characteristics of the snowboard (stiffness, deflection, geometry, etc.) over the pattern on the board.

2. Choosing a snowboard by height, not weight.

Often beginners, having not really learned to understand board technologies and having listened to the advice of friends, choose boards solely based on their height, so that they are “chin-deep.” This is how boards were chosen at the dawn of snowboarding - back in 1991. This is completely wrong! The weight of the rider must be taken into account. Each snowboard manufacturer has a “size” scale, which specifies the “sizes” of the snowboard and the weight ranges suitable for these “sizes”.

3. They don’t take into account the rigidity of the board and their weight.

This is practically a continuation of the previous point. If the rider is of a strong build, we can recommend a stiffer board for him. Very light riders should pay attention to softer boards. A light person will not “press” a hard board for normal edging. Hard boards do not forgive mistakes, but with soft boards things are a little simpler.

4. Board width.

This mistake very often happens to riders with non-standard foot sizes - especially very large ones. People with larger feet on a small board will “grab” the snow when they edge. For riders with large feet, manufacturers produce “wide” boards (such models contain the letter “W” in their names); Boots are always bought first - the board and bindings are selected to match them. We will tell you how to choose boots for snowboarding in one of our next posts.

5. Universal folk sets are a myth.

More precisely, such a kit is not suitable for everyone. For example, boots may fit like a glove, but a snowboard may not fit at all. And vice versa. Check the characteristics of each element of the set: the snowboard, bindings, and boots. If you are not completely satisfied with something, it is better to give preference to buying a set separately - take a board, crepes and boots at a discount from previous collections. “People’s kits” are cheaper on average by 20%-30%, but you definitely won’t get pleasure from a “not your own” board. But real pleasure from riding is worth a lot.

Good luck to all beginners in choosing a worthy piece of equipment, and getting the most out of their first steps in the world of mountains and powder!