Purchasing a snowboard has become a serious investment, so it pays to heed some basic snowboard buying rules.
It’s snowboard buying season again. The new models are out. The magazine reviews are in print. Board shops are already—or will soon be—running their pre-season ski sales. So, if it’s time to buy a new board, it’s time to review the basics.
Find a reputable specialty shop. It’s all good to find a bargain, but if the board doesn’t fit, don’t buy it, and only a reputable shop with qualified sales personnel can properly fit you to a board. Confirm the shop’s ability to service you after the sale, handling everything from warranty and performance guarantees to buyer’s remorse.
Find a sales person who wants to get to know you. S/he should ask you lots of questions, and let you tell them what you want the board to do for you, and what you want out of your riding experience. If a salesperson doesn’t "get to know you" and ask you questions, get different help.
Use your knowledge of the Product. Snowboard companies have done more to inspire "self-education" about their collective products than almost any other industry. Use consumer catalogs, magazine buyer’s guides, and company websites to learn everything you can about the products. Picking the right size board means nothing if it’s the wrong board to begin with.
Price and graphics aren’t everything. The old adage of "getting what you pay for" is true in this, as in any purchase. Is that board on sale because it’s three years old and the shop couldn’t move it? And, forget the graphics. It’s the board’s performance you’re after.
Snowboard Sizing. Keep these factors in mind:
- Rider’s weight. Weight is probably the most important criteria in selecting a board. Nearly all makers provide a "recommended weight range" in their product information. Learn where you are on the weight curve and adjust the board size accordingly.
- Rider’s height. Use height in conjunction weight, but mostly as a rough gauge for leverage. Gauging height against the weight helps size a board that will carry your mass, but be big enough to be stable at speed, and hold a good edge without sacrificing maneuverability.
- In general. A length that’s anywhere between the chin and the eyebrows is acceptable.
- Sizing a board "long" (towards the eyebrows) makes the board faster, more stable at speed, affords better float in powder, and yields a larger platform for a more stable landing off jumps.
- Sizing a board "short" (towards the chin) makes the board maneuverable, but sacrifices some stability at higher speeds.
- Board flex (rigidity or stiffness) also contributes to selecting a size.
Rider’s experience level. Experience (or lack of) directly effects choosing the right model. Product knowledge is important here; many boards will look the same, but not feel the same.
Rider’s boot size. Understand—boot size does not mean shoe size. The idea is to address toe/heel overhang. If you have too much of either, it interferes with smooth carving and turning. Most manufacturers indicate board width as part of the model’s name or description, or in the technical specs.
Select a wide board when you wear a 10-10.5 or larger boot; it’s necessary with any boot larger than 13.
Note: Stance angles also come into play when selecting board width. A rider with larger feet who rides with steeper angles, may not necessarily need a wider board.
Anticipated / Preferred Riding Style. Select the kind of board for the type of riding you do. A park board for a rider who just wants to carve won’t work; nor would a powder board for a rail-slider.
Questions you should know the answers to.
- How often do you snowboard?
- How experienced are you?
- Where (at what resort) do you ride frequently?
- What type of terrain do you like to snowboard? Favorite trails?
- Do you require lots of versatility, or selective performance?
- How much variety in the size and shape of your turns do you make?
- Are you timid/moderate/aggressive in your riding?
- How long do you want to keep this particular snowboard? Are you thinking growing into it (either by size, or ability), or growing out of it (and replacing it sooner)?
