Buying a snowboard is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, so do your research and shop around. Meanwhile, when purchasing a new snowboard, there are several factors to consider, especially if you are new to the sport.
There are thousands of alternatives on the market, ranging from freestyle snowboards and all-mountain boards to freeride boards. And your money, expertise, and personal tastes will influence which one you choose. So a top and reputed snowboard shop can assist you in getting the best new board for your ability level so you can get the most out of the season. And when purchasing a new snowboard, the following are some of the most significant elements to consider:
1. The Type of the Snowboard
The first step is to select a snowboard appropriate for your needs and skill level. There are several variations available, each with its own set of qualities. And here are some of the types of the snowboard below:
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All-Mountain Snowboard
All-mountain snowboards are boards designed for the mountain region. Also, they can handle anything from groomers to parks to powder and everything in between.
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Freestyle Snowboards
Freestyle snowboards are for riders who expect to spend a lot of time working on their abilities. These boards will usually have a twin profile and be shorter than an all-mountain board for the same size rider, and they become more lively as a result.
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Freeride Snowboards
Freeride snowboards are designed for riders who like to spend time exploring areas other than groomed slopes. They are usually longer directional boards than their freestyle counterparts.
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Powder Snowboards
Powder snowboards are designed to float over deep snow readily, and they usually have a tapering shape with a broader snout and a narrower tail. The rider is usually somewhat placed towards the board’s bottom to enhance float, while a rocker profile is also standard on power boards.
2. Size of the Snowboard
When purchasing a board, look for the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations first. All snowboards at any snowboard shop come with advice from the manufacturer on what size to acquire. And you can compare your height and weight to the size they prescribe for that model.
The most important decision you must make is whether you want to ride a little shorter or longer board. A little shorter board is more playful, softer, and excellent for drifting about, hitting small and medium features, and buttering. Meanwhile, a longer board is often stiffer, more stable at high speeds, and provides more stability while landing massive jumps, ideal for freeriding and powder riding.
3. Sidecut Radius
The sidecut radius refers to the curve that runs down the board’s side. The length or shortness of this curve will influence whether the board performs best in tight or broad turns.
Making tight bends, for example, is frequently more easy on boards with a reduced sidecut radius. And the board excels at longer arching turns when the sidecut radius is greater.
4. Base Material
In addition to snowboard type and form, the base on the board should be considered while making a purchase. Extruded and sintered bases are the two most common forms.
Extruded bases are, on average, less costly. They are tough, and if repairs are required, they are usually simple to fix. However, they do not hold wax as well as a sintered base and are hence slower on the snow.
On the other hand, sintered bases are more likely to absorb wax than extruded bases. Besides, when properly waxed and cared for, this base allows you to glide through the snow considerably more quickly. They are, however, often more expensive to buy and more difficult to repair.
