How to Buy a Snowboard

Whether you are shopping for a new snowboard online or in your local snowboard shop, choosing the perfect snowboard can appear to be a complicated process. With a bit of knowledge, the formula for choosing the perfect snowboard isn't that difficult. Once you understand what's important to know when shopping, you'll have a targeted list of snowboards fairly quickly. As a seasoned snowsport professional, here's what I consider the most important factors when purchasing a snowboard.

Snowboarding ability level
Snowboards come in models from beginner to expert. Beginner models are very flexible so that beginner snowboarders can learn to turn the snowboard. Beginner snowboards will usually have a friendlier edge bevel that prevents nasty slams and falls. Snowboards for advanced riders will be generally be stiffer and come in models for freestyle and freeride riding. Above all, be honest about your real riding ability. We were all beginners at one point so don't be afraid to state that you are still learning.

Riding style
After determining the snowboarders riding ability, the second most important criteria for buying a snowboard is where you plan to ride it. Snowboards meant for the terrain park will have a softer flex than freeride or all-mountain snowboards. Freeride and all-mountain boards have a stiffer flex for stability at speed while freestyle boards allow riders to perform sick tricks. Freestyle boards tend to be true twin tip for switch and regular riding. Freeride boards will be directional. Backcountry riders may want a splitboard in longer lengths. Buy a snowboard for where you plan to do the majority of your riding.

Gender
Snowboards today are built for men, women, and children. The difference has little to do with the graphics on the topsheet. Today, women's snowboards have been designed and tested by female riders. They are made with women's physique in mind. Women tend to be shorter, lighter, and have less muscle mass than men. Men conversely need snowboards that will support their weight and height. Children's snowboards will accommodate their undeveloped fine muscle movements. Buy a board that supports the snowboarder's body type.

Weight
New snowboards today often come with a weight rating informing the buyer of the type of snowboarder that it is designed for. These ratings are just a guideline and allow room for flexibility. If you are shopping for a park board, you may want a noodle board for tricks. If you are racing, you may want to more closely follow the guidelines. Demo snowboards before buying and you'll know if it has the right flex for your weight.

Height
The height of the snowboarder is another informal guideline. Riding style determines the size of snowboard to purchase over the height of the snowboarder. Jibbers ride a shorter board than those who ride the groomers all day. Powder fanatics will prefer the length of longer boards so they'll float instead of sink. Combine weight with height and you'll get a better idea of the size of boards to demo.

Foot size
Snowboards come in regular and wide models. Wide snowboards allow snowboarders with large feet to ride without their toes or heels dragging in the snow. Wide snowboards are usually based on manufacturers popular snowboard models. Those with US men's size 12 foot and up should definitely be shopping wide models.

Snowboard sidecut
Snowboard sidecut is a personal preference. Snowboards with deep sidecuts allow easier and quicker turning. Deep sidecuts are often found on beginner and freestyle snowboards. Snowboards with shallow sidecuts are found on all-mountain snowboards. Sidecut should be considered together with snowboard flex during the purchasing decision. Snowboard can come in a variety of flexes with different sidecuts. Demo snowboards to find the right combination for you.

Base construction
Most snowboards are manufactured with two types of bases - sintered or extruded. Cheap boards tend to have extruded bases while performance boards have sintered bases. What's the difference? Extruded bases are easier to repair while sintered bases are more durable and can hold more wax. Repairs can be inexpensive or they could require board replacement. Waxing takes time and a dried out base can lead to delamination. Decide how much time and expense you want to deal with.

Rocker and Camber
Visit any snowboard shop today and there will be signs posted with rocker and camber on them. There are many different rocker designs on the market today. There is rocker for powder and rocker for park. To complicate matters, some proclaim rocker with magne-traction for extra grip on hardpack. Different rocker patterns have distinct handling characteristics. Demo boards and find the rocker for you. Snowboards with rocker aren't ideal for beginner snowboarders. If your heart is set on rocker or no camber, rent snowboards until you have solid toeside and heelside turns.

Budget
Snowboards can be purchased in a range of prices. Inexpensive models tend to be less durable while premium boards can give years of enjoyment. The cheaper boards tend to be hard to repair too. If you want to purchase a board but your budget is tight, consider looking for a used premium board over a cheap new snowboard.

While purchasing a snowboard can be confusing, it is possible to make an educated decision. With internet searches on manufacturers websites it is possible to have a list of snowboards to demo at the local demofest. Actual on-snow time will narrow down the list to the perfect snowboard for you. You'll buy the right snowboard the first time.

More on Associated Content:
How to Buy Snowboard Goggles
How to Mount Snowboard Bindings
Tips for Choosing Snowboard Boots

Sources:
Personal knowledge
http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/