Introduction

Snowboarding is an expansive sport that has riders of many types. Therefore, there are a multitude of snowboards that are available on the market. With the amount of snowboards that are available for snowboarders, it can be tough for a person to find the board that is right for them. There are several things that a snowboarder should consider when they are shopping for a new snowboard.

 

Selecting the Right Size

Snowboards are sold with various lengths and widths. The length of a snowboarder’s board depends on their weight and riding style. A general starting point for a snowboarder is to select a snowboard that reaches up to their chin when the board is standing up lengthwise. However, the length of a rider’s snowboard is personal preference and depends on the riding that they plan on doing. Freeriders, for example, tend to choose snowboards with longer lengths.

 

A snowboarder’s boots should hang slightly over the edge of their snowboard when its width is the correct size. However, the edges of a snowboarder’s boots shouldn’t be too far over the edge of their snowboard, as this can prevent them from using the edge of their board properly.

 

Choosing a Snowboard Type

There are different snowboards that are designed for different types of terrain. The type of board that a snowboarder selects should match the terrain that they are expecting to ride on on a routine basis. All-mountain snowboards are suitable options for snowboarders who want versatile boards that can work well on multiple terrains.

 

Different Snowboard Flex

Snowboards are designed to flex as riders ride. However, different manufacturers rate their boards with different flex ratings, and the ratings aren’t standardized across the industry. Boards that are stiffer are more stable at higher speeds and are more suitable for snowboarders who will be freeriding or riding in the backcountry more often.

 

Binding Compatibility

The mounting holes of a snowboarder’s board need to match the mounting pattern of their bindings. Conventional snowboards are sold with four different hole patterns, with two of the patterns only being specific to snowboards that are sold by Burton Snowboards. There are, fortunately, universal discs that can be mounted to snowboard bindings to make them suitable for multiple boards.