How to Select an All-Purpose Snowboard

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

The all-purpose or "freeriding" snowboard is for both beginning and advanced riders and allows for everything from floating down a powder run to spinning some tricks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Helmets
Snowboard Bag
Snowboard Bindings
Snowboard Boots
Snowboard Clothing
Snowboard Goggles
Snowboard Hats
Snowboard Leash
Snowboards
Waxes
Helmets

Step 1

Consider your height. While ski length varies directly with your height, snowboard lengths follow a much looser scale. Adults typically ride a freeriding board between 150 and 165 cm; children ride boards of 100 to 140 cm. When stood on end, the board should reach somewhere between the center of your chest and nose.
Step 2

Measure your feet. Width is an important factor in selecting a snowboard because overhanging toes and heels can hinder turning. Feet sized 11 and over usually require a wide board.
Step 3

Consider your build. Small, light riders may benefit from a flexible snowboard to compensate for a lack of weight. Larger riders should look at longer, stiffer boards to keep them afloat above soft powder. Beginners generally benefit from the easier maneuverability of more flexible boards.
Step 4

Be aware of board construction materials. Snowboard cores can be made of wood, composites or experimental hybrids. Wooden cores are usually more responsive and durable.
Step 5

Contact your local board shop or an online merchant for assistance in finding the board best suited to your specifications. Start thinking about colors and graphics only when you have narrowed down your board choices.
Step 6

Rent a "demo" board before purchasing, if possible. Renting a demo for a few days is a good idea, especially if you're not certain which board type you want.

Comments

JimShorts said

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on 1/7/2007 funny, whenever i go boarding, i've noticed that very few people have those step-in binding that you claim are "dominating the market" and rei and other places only carry a few of them as opposed to dozens of strap models.

Anonymous said

on 8/8/2006 A few more things
-If you're a big chunker (like me) make sure to get a big board. With a large shovel (front end of a board). If you got big feet (like me as well) get a wide or double wide board. For a size 12-13 boot, about 28 cm wide.

on 11/22/2005 Some Burton bindings are made of a plastic-like material, but most of it (like the baseplate) is made of a bullet proof material and has a lifetime warranty. Also, Burton's high end bindings are made of carbon fiber, so in other words Burton bindings are the best.

on 11/22/2005 On the topic of step-ins:

Burtons are the best design in terms of never icing up, but they are made of plastic, so they are a little sketchy.

Next up is the side-mounted bolt on the boot, made by Switch & Original Sin. The Original Sin's are of somewhat better construction.

K-2 Clickers are by far the most popular, because they were introduced first. They have clips on the toe and heel, built right into the boots. There are two varieties. The older version (which is flat) is intended to be ridden with a boot that has built- in support. The newer designs have high backs on the bindings, so the boots are softer and easier to walk in. They don't explain the difference to you, so it's easy to ride boots that are too soft on flat bindings. Unless you're only doing freestyle riding, avoid this, as you will usually need the extra support.