How to buy the correct snowboarding gear:
Over the years, we have helped thousands of riders find the snowboarding gear that fits their style and specifications. Working from this knowledge, we have set up some guidlines that are intended to help you customize the board and/or gear for your best fit.
Are there beginner boards and advanced boards?
The main difference is that boards with more built-in technology, being lighter and livelier, are generally considered "Advanced Boards". These boards allow the advanced rider to attain a higher level of performance. Yet, these same "advanced" riders can hop on our least expensive boards and still have fun.
1. Board Length + Width
A recent survey showed 85% of pro riders revealed that on average they rode boards that are 88% - 91% of their height. The formula to live by is: Rider Height (inches) x 2.54 x 0.88 = Suggested Board Length (cm). And presto, you have the perfect board for you in all conditions. Right? Wrong!! Keep in mind that there is no magical formula for every rider. It's more or less determined by terrain, conditions and most of all, personal preference. In general, an overall greater cm length will yield a board that can be controlled at and attain greater speeads. In addition, longer boards are better performers and float more in powder due to their increased surface area. Shorter overall lengths yield a board that is more maneuverable and offer a lower swing weight.
Your height (inches) x 2.54 x 0.88 = Suggested Board Length
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2. Board Width
Board width is as important, if not more important, than overall length in selecting the right board for you. A board that is too narrow in relation to a rider's boot will cause toe and heel drag. With a board that's too wide, the rider will not be able to put adequate pressure on the toe and heel edge, thus creating an unresponsive ride. Use the following chart to gauge the relationship between your boot size and respective board waist width.
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3. Gender
Gender is a factor in determining the appropriate equipment for the rider. Women's boards are designed to take into account the riders lower center of gravity, smaller foot size, and lighter weight.
4. Athletic Ability
A rider with extensive experience in other board sports (surfing, skateboarding, skiing, in-line skating, etc.) will probably want to invest more in their equipment since they will more than likely "take" to snowboarding quickly At the same time, someone with little outdoor sport experience might be best to keep their equipment purchase in the beginning.
5. Hard Pack and Machine-made Snow
Hard pack and machine made snow is usually prevalent among eastern areas that are required to make snow Under these conditions, your snowboarding equipment should contain more vibration control materials, such as a rubber dampening foil, which will provide for a smoother ride across hard pack snow.
6. Groomed and Natural Snow
This type of snow is usually prevalent among western and Rocky Mountain are as where natural snowfall can be dependable every year. Most riders would benefit from a longer board in a powder snow conditions. The extra length adds additional lift and helps the rider "float" atop the snow.
7. Variable Conditions
Anything other than powder and hard packed man-made snows fall into this category Most boards today are designed to excel in variable conditions Do not be tempted to buy a shorter board if your riding will take you into variable conditions A longer board is almost always preferable, unless you are looking for a board strictly for technical freestyle riding or are just learning.
8. Budget
As with the purchase of any sporting goods equipment, budgets are an important consideration. A rider does not have to have the best/most expensive equipment to become a good rider and enjoy the sport With board &bindings, it is usually okay to save a few bucks, either by buying last years model or a brand with less marketing clout.
9. Graphic Appeal
Part of the experience of snowboarding is the whole package, and board/boot/binding graphics play a role in overall satisfaction.
10. Weight
Rider weight is by far, the most important personal characteristic in determining board size When a heavier rider purchases a board that is too short, the board will have a tendency to "wash out" or perform poorly, especially at higher speeds. Conversely, a lighter person on a longer board will usually have problems controlling the board and initiating turns.
The board sizing charts are intended to be a guide. If in doubt, please call one of our sales representatives who can guide you through the process.