Choosing the right snowboard is an important, and sometimes frustrating task. But, it doesn’t have to be frustrating if you know what you are looking for. Before you go to your local board shop try to answer a few questions. First, decide what your riding style is. Do you like to freeride, or ride the pipe or the park, or maybe a cross between both? If you don’t know, rent or demo different types of snowboards until you find what style of riding suits you. Choosing a riding style will greatly narrow your choice of boards. When choosing a snowboard consider the length of the board, the width of the board, the sidecut radius, and the stance options. Also, look at the base of the board, the edges, and the “insides” of the board. The length of a snowboard is important, but also consider the width of the board, sidecut radius, and the stance options. There are two schools of thought on how to choose the length of a board. Some say to use the manufacturer’s weight recommendations as a guide, while others say that the board should be taller than your chin, but below your nose. You should use the manufacturer’s weight recommendation when choosing a board length. If you are short and heavy, and you ride a short board, you will probably not have fun riding in heavy powder. You will sink!

If you have big feet, boot size U.S. 11+, you will want to look into getting a wide board. Most wide boards have a waist size of around 260mm or greater. If you have big feet and ride a narrow board you will have toe and/or heel overhang and you will fall when you turn. Next, look at a board’s sidecut radius. Sidecut radius is what helps the board turn. The smaller the sidecut radius (usually less than 8.5m) the tighter you will be able to turn. The amount of sidecut you choose is up to you. Some people just don’t like boards with a lot of sidecut, while others swear that the more sidecut their board has, the better. Look for a board that has plenty of stance options. You will want to adjust your stance for different snow conditions, your riding style, or if you are growing. Most boards come with “eight-pack” inserts, which means there are eight holes to adjust your front foot binding, and your back foot binding. Other companies use 10-pack inserts, and Burton has their 3D hole pattern.

"eight-pack" inserts

Electra 4000 base																														Also, you need to consider the overall construction of the board. Look at the base, the edges, and the “insides” of the board. There are different types of bases that are made with different grades of P-Tex base material, such as: Extruded bases, sintered bases, and graphite bases. The fastest base available is the graphite Electra 4000 base. The base should be structured with grooves in it to channel water off your base and break the suction that melting snow causes. The edges of your board should be fully protected. Most snowboards are fully wrapped with a stainless steel edge. Some companies also use plastic tips and tails, in place of steel tips or tails. If the edges are not fully protected it is usually at the tip and at the tail where the edge is missing. A board that is not fully wrapped with a metal edge, or that does not have a plastic tip or tail, will be easily damaged. Look for a board that has fully protected edges. Finally, find out what is inside the board. Most snowboards have a full length wood core while others have foam cores, or a mixture of wood and other composite materials. With a wood core you are usually assured smooth response and lively flex. Some boards also have torsion bars to control flex, or vibration dampeners to control board chatter. There is a lot on the inside of a snowboard, so check out what is on the inside before you buy. Choosing a snowboard doesn’t have to be frustrating if you know what you are looking for. Before you go to buy a snowboard decide what type of riding you will be doing. Then, consider the length of the board, the width of the board, sidecut radius, and the stance options. Also, look at the base, the edges, and the “insides” of the board. By carefully choosing a snowboard you will find a board that will work for you, and that will last a long time.