Shoe size
The main thing to note is that if your shoe size is 11 or above, choose a Wide snowboard, i.e., broader so that your feet don't dig into the snow in the curves. Otherwise, just go for what feels comfortable and secure.
How to choose your snowboard
Freestyle or All-Mountain? Flexible or rigid? Twin Tip or directional? And in what size?
Choosing a snowboard requires some technical knowledge – sorry, just going on what you think looks good won’t fly here – and you’ll need to have an idea of your snowboarding style too.
Don’t worry though, we’re here to help. Read on for our guide to choosing the right snowboard for you.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SNOWBOARD
When it comes to choosing your snowboard, you need to consider four things: how you’ll use it, your skill level, height and weight, and shoe size.
Usage
Freestyle
Freestyle snowboarding means you like going to terrain parks and experimenting with jumps and rotations. A freestyle board is a ‘Twin Tip’ board, which basically means that it’s symmetrical and has with bindings at the centre of the board (sometimes described as aa setback of 0 mm’). Freestyle snowboards are easy to manoeuvre and very versatile.
All-mountain
If you're more interested in making nice turns on the slopes, having better grip, and floating on powder, you’ll want an All-Mountain or directional board. This mostly just means that it’s shaped differently at the front and back – see how it’s curved at the rear and becomes more pointed towards the front? The bindings are also moved away from the middle of the board (or setback by 10 mm, 20 mm, etc). This kind of snowboard is more stable at high speeds and offers better stability and grip.
Your level
Beginner or intermediate
So, you mostly snowboard on green to red runs with some sideslip turns and small jumps – as long as there’s a flat landing? When you’re perusing our range of snowboards, look out for ones that have plenty of flex.
Advanced level
Carved turns, hard snow, red and black runs – are we talking your language? Throw in the ability to perform switch turns and link together 180° shifts and you’ll want a snowboard that perfectly balances stability with manoeuvrability. Look out for boards with a medium flex.
Expert
For descents in all kinds of snow and terrains, and a combination of speed, control, style, and efficiency, go for a rigid snowboard. You’ll be able to perfect a grab much easier too.
Size
For freestyle use
Hold your board vertically in front of you – the top should reach between your shoulders and chin.
The closer it is to your shoulders, the better it will be for rotations and figures, and the nearer to your chin it is, the more stability you’ll have at high speed and during landing jumps. The latter is recommended for snowboarders who are heavy for their height.
For all mountain use
Again, hold your board vertically in front of you, and again the top should hit between your shoulders and chin.
Choose a shorter board for better control, or if you’re light for your height. Choosing a bigger one gives you more stability at high speeds.
