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snowboard faq [frequently asked questions]When we managed a snowboard shop, we got a lot of questions about buying snowboard. Here are the answers to the most common questions. If you still need more info, ask us.
[Q] How long should my board be?
[A] The old standby and general rule is that your board should come to somewhere between your chin and nose when standing. However weight plays an important and more crucial role in determining the length you need. Many manufacturers have charts that suggest board lengths based on a rider’s weight as does our board finder. Bigger and heavier riders generally need a larger platform and a bit longer board. Generally speaking being taller and bigger equals heavier so using height to determine board length still holds some validity. However, if you are shorter but heavier, than a longer board may be necessary. Conversely, if you are tall but really lightweight, than a shorter board might be beneficial. If in doubt, err on the side of shorter, especially in the case of a beginner as shorter boards are easier to turn and control.
Additionally, the type of riding you prefer affects the length of board you should choose. If you are looking to hit a lot of rails, pipe and park then shorter is usually better. Big mountain riding, powder or cruising is usually better with a longer board.
As always, personal style plays a large role here so try a variety of boards if possible to determine what works best for you.
[Q] Do I need a wide model board?
[A] If your boot size is men’s 10.5 (women’s 12) or bigger a wide model is highly recommended. Optimal width is determined by the rider’s foot size, riding style and preferred angles. Big feet need wide boards to eliminate heel and toe drag. However, riders with small feet attempting to ride wider models will have trouble engaging one edge to the other and maneuvering the board. Generally speaking, a narrower board is quicker edge to edge and wider boards are more stable on landings and better at floating powder.
A new breed of board, which is becoming more and more common, is the category frequently called “mid-wide”. These boards are good options for those whose feet fall in the tweener range (men’s size 9-11) requiring a bit of extra width but not necessarily a full blown wide.
[Q] Freestyle or freeride?
[A] This more than any other question is mostly dependent on you and your riding style, preferred terrain and the conditions at your resorts of choice.
Freestyle boards are the most plentiful and come in a wide variety of shapes, widths and flexes. Generally speaking freestyle boards should be good for forward and switch riding (twin shape), have a softer flex than a freeride board, have slightly wider waist widths for stable landings and have wider stance options. If you prefer kickers, parks, pipes and urban rails then this is most likely the type of board for you. The exception here is that a lot of pipe riders prefer stiffer, narrower boards. But don’t let that throw you unless you plan on getting really specialized.
Freeride boards are generally defined by a directional shape with a set-back stance, longer lengths to float powder, stiffer flex for powering through crud, going fast and landing cliff drops, and a decent sidecut for quick edge to edge turning. Newer freeride boards are better and better at being go-anywhere and do-anything snowboards that can take a rider all over the mountain, including the park. If you like to ride a wide variety of terrain, powder and fast cruising, then a Freeride board is likely the best board for you.
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