How to Choose a Freeride Snowboard

Snowboarding

Today’s snowboard market consists of three basic types of boards: Alpine Snowboards, Freeride Snowboards and Freestyle Snowboards. The Freeride Snowboard, also called an All-Mountain Board, is the most popular snowboard on the market today. More than half of all snowboards sold are Freeride boards, largely because they make a good general-purpose board for any snowboarding conditions.

Instructions

1. Set a budget for purchasing the freeride snowboard that you choose. Freeride Snowboards are available in many different price ranges, going from cheap beginner boards to expensive name brand equipment. There is something available to accommodate any budget, so decide in advance how much money you can comfortably spend, and stick to it.

2. Look the board over to make sure it is a Freeride Snowboard and not a Freestyle Snowboard. The primary difference is that bindings are centered on the freestyle boards, while they are set back in the freeride snowboards. Having the bindings off center allows the freeride snowboard to plow through deep powder like no other board can.

3. Ask about the material that the core of the snowboard is made from. Sometimes cheaper boards have a foam core instead of wood. While this lowers the price of the board, it also effects the quality of your snowboard experience.

4. Check the size of the board. A general rule of thumb is to stand the snowboard up in front of you. The top of the board should be somewhere between your chin and your nose. If you are an experienced snowboarder, you may want to go towards the shorter end of the spectrum, to gain a little speed and control, but you should still make sure the board comes up to your chin.

5. Check the edging on the front of the snowboard and on the tail. Freeride Snowboards are great for cutting up the mountainside, but you’ll want to make sure they are protected in case you hit something. Idealy, you will want to have a stainless steel edging on the front, and perhaps on the back, edge of the board.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to find a location that rents snowboards and try several different kinds before you commit to purchasing one.