Choosing a good snowboard in 2021 – recommendations for beginners

This season, the issue of winter vacation options is as relevant as possible. Since most of the inhabitants of Russia will have to postpone holidays in warm regions until next year, it's time to think about outdoor activities in the snowy expanses of their homeland. Recently, snowboarding has become as popular as classic skiing. The difference lies in the greater complexity of mastering the technique, so a beginner should be careful when choosing the first model. The sports equipment will affect the ride comfort, safety and, most importantly, the enjoyment of the process.

Choosing a snowboard for your riding style

A snowboard is a board made of several layers of plastic of various types, steel edges are provided for protection and better glide. The surface configuration is variable, it directly affects the style of future driving on the slopes. Therefore, a beginner needs to choose it before buying. It should be noted right away that until Russia “replaced imports” of boards for skating, they are all produced in the West, where, in fact, this sport originated. Hence a lot of Americanisms and borrowed words in the names of riding styles, equipment, etc. Many words do not have an equivalent in Russian, and in everyday life the original words in English are used. Therefore, in this article we have tried to prescribe all sorts of original terms to make it easier for you to navigate when choosing a snowboard on vacation and in online stores.

For each riding style, certain parameters of the recommended boards are characteristic.

• All-Mountain - As the name implies, an all-mountain board is designed for a variety of riding conditions. That is why it is a great choice for beginners.
• Freeride (Freeride) - skiing on unprepared tracks on fresh, like powder snow. Including during high-altitude descents, when not a lift, but a helicopter delivers snowboarders to the top. For this style and location, boards with a directional shape (Directional) are suitable, in which the front is slightly wider than the back, for better glide in fresh snow.
• Freestyle (Freestyle) - Fans of this style of skiing hang out all day in snowboard parks with obstacles in the form of railings, slides and jumps. Symmetric Twin Tip or Directional Twin Tip boards are perfect for this snowboarder.
• Frikarv (Freecarve) - downhill, close to extreme. Not recommended for beginners, associated with an increased risk of injury.
• Jibbing (Jibbing) - riding on unusual, almost snowless surfaces (handrails, low buildings), performing tricks (turntable / gliding). As you can see from the description, it is rather not for beginners in snowboarding, because it requires an excellent skill to stay on the board. Snowboards for this style of riding are a bit shorter to spin faster. They also have a reinforced base and edging so that they do not break from repeated impacts on hard surfaces.
• Splitboarding (Splitboarding) - riding on a board that “with a slight movement of the hand, turns into elegant” .... skis. Obviously, the inventors of this projectile were tired of compromises and came up with a solution for skiing in places where it is sometimes easier to move between tracks on “skis” that will turn into a board at the top of the next slope. A universal solution that gives absolute freedom of choice.

The best option is to rent a snowboard on the advice of a specialist and try different styles under the guidance of a trainer. According to personal feelings, you can determine which one will be more convenient. After that, the parameters of the sports equipment are analyzed.

We select a snowboard for the level of skiing

All-mountain board is perfect for those who first come to the slope. These boards are slightly shorter and softer than their more “serious” counterparts. Such a snowboard will “forgive” a lot for a beginner and will allow you to quickly master the basic skills of skiing, enjoying the process.

If this is not the first season for you, you have stopped testing your pants for water resistance and are eager to learn new skills, in addition to the All-mountain board, the Freestyle kit will also suit you. On such a snowboard, you can go down the mountain, jump into the park and, after making a couple of jumps, continue the descent.

Main characteristics of snowboards

When choosing a board, pay attention to the following characteristics:

The shape of the board differs depending on the purpose and style of riding.

• • Twin tip is a completely symmetrical board that can be driven forward on either side. Such a board has equally sharpened edges and stiffness is evenly distributed throughout the board. As noted above, these boards are ideal for freestyle riding and jibbing in parks and railings.
  • Directional Twin - the very shape of such a board is symmetrical, but other parameters may vary. So, for example, the mounts can be located under a wider rack, and the deflection and profile provide for movement with a certain side forward. This board is suitable for riding in the park, but due to its versatility, it is also an excellent choice for full-fledged descents. In other words, a versatile option for a varied day in the mountains.
  • Directional (Directional) boards provide for the descent in one specific direction. These boards have their bindings set back to allow for a longer “nose” and shift the weight from it to the back of the board. Thanks to this design, you can ride off-piste and make more powerful turns. Boards of this type can be found among both universal and freeride options.
  • Tapered boards are characterized by tapering towards the “tail”, providing a wider “nose” lift due to the wider surface. These boards are great for freeriding.
  • The asymmetric shape of the snowboard is somewhat reminiscent of the structure of the human foot with the toes looking to the sides and a sharper cut from the heel. It is this shape of the board that allows you to make sharp turns and eliminates the difference in the technique of turning from the heel or from the toe. This board provides balanced contact with the entire surface of the foot, which in turn provides a stable ride. Suitable for riding almost any style.

Sliding board material

There are three types of snowboard manufacturing technologies:

• • Extruded ( Extruded) - molten material is applied to a rigid base. The surface is smooth, resistant to mechanical damage, has good sliding. It is also the most economical option and does not require much maintenance. Ideal option for beginners.
  • Sintered - A stiffer surface for faster riding. More difficult to repair and maintain, requires regular waxing.
  • Premium coating is the highest level of coating used on professional boards. The absolute leader in sliding speed

Snowboard stiffness (Flex)

“Soft” snowboards have good handling. As the speed of descent increases, the stiffness should also increase. There are gradations of hardness 1-10 and that's what they mean.

• • Soft boards (1-4). Best suited for beginners or freestylers. The soft board is forgiving and easy to turn. Well, those who ride in the park like its ability to smooth out hard landings.
  • Medium boards (5-7). This is the most popular stiffness class, suitable for any style and riding conditions. Universal choice.
  • Hard boards (8-10). Great choice for downhill or splitboarding. Rigidity provides control and clarity in the execution of elements. This type of board is suitable for experienced snowboarders.

Snowboard dimensions

• • The length is selected according to height (table). The main rule is that the snowboard should reach to the chin, but there are exceptions for more modern ways of skiing. Freeride snowboards can in principle be shorter or longer than usually recommended, while Jib snowboards can be shorter, making them lighter and easier to spin. A lot comes down to personal preference, so as mentioned above, trying out a rental board before buying your own is a great idea.
  • As for the width of the snowboard, then it is necessary to compare the width of the board (indicated in the description of the boards in the store or on the seller's website) and the length of the foot. If the length of the foot is greater than or equal to the width of the board, it is worth looking at a wider board. Basically, if your shoe size is over 44, you should choose a wide board.

• • The length of the edge is the area of ​​contact with the snow. The larger it is, the more stable the trip will be, but at the cost of reduced maneuverability. For example, a longer sidecut radius of 7.5-9 is good for fast descents with long turns, while a radius of 6 to 7.5 is easier to control and allows you to turn faster.

Camber or profile of the snowboard

Profile - this is how the contact of the board with snow looks from the side.

• • Traditional (Camber) - with two points of contact, where a slight bend has a smooth upward arc between the nose and tail of the board. By standing on the board, you provide uniform pressure across its entire surface. This camber is great if you want more power and grip on the board.
  • Rocker (Rocker) - evenly curving board from nose to tail. The board's point of contact is between the bindings, with the nose and tail elevated. Thanks to the turning point in the middle, these boards seem to float down the slope and turn very easily.
  •  Powder Rocker is the curve of the board for riding in deep snow. The elevated rocker profile of the front of the board allows you to literally float above the fresh powder. A Powder Rocker board has an S-shape, which consists of an area of ​​bulge or flat area in front of or under the bracing. This profile is usually directional or tapered to provide maximum fun on fresh snow.
  • Zero is a stable and balanced curve of the board. This board lays flat on the snow. This shape combines the benefits of traditional Camber and Rocker boards to give you better edge grip than a regular Rocker while being less aggressive than a Camber. In search of better balance, this curve is preferred by Freestyle or Jibbing snowboarders.
  • A hybrid rocker is a curved board that provides stability, excellent traction and buoyancy. The hybrid rocker has a rocker between the mounts that makes it easy to turn and “float” in soft snow. On the nose and tail of such a board, there is a camber (bulge), which guarantees a better grip on the board. This snowboard profile is suitable for all conditions.
  • The hybrid camber is a great choice for freestyle. This board has a flex area under your body and bindings, and a rocker or flat section at both ends of the board. This profile is very good for freestyle and jibbing. The camber feature provides excellent grip and power for high-speed descents. At the same time, the curved or flat ends of the board provide a soft landing after high jumps, forgiving some technical errors.
  • A board with a 3D profile provides buoyancy, maneuverability and less drag. The 3D-based profile takes design to the next level. The sides of the nose and tail of the board are curved upwards, giving the ends of the board the shape of a spoon. This will give you more surface area at the ends and allow you to enjoy fresh snow for longer. The 3D-based board guarantees aerial turns and sway on hard snow, as well as a new level of maneuverability in the park.

 Snowboard Tips

At the time of purchase, it is difficult to determine the optimal model without driving experience. The best option is to invite a specialist to help you find the right snowboard. If this is not possible, you can take the advice of professionals.

You may also notice that boards in stores are sold separately from bindings and boots. We recommend buying the first set, guided by ready-made recommended sets for beginners. In case you already have some parts of the kit, you might be wondering if your boots will fit your new bindings or board. Now there are two snowboard binding systems: Clicker and Step-in. Most mounts are sold with two discs or discs that work with both systems. But it is always better to double check this item by calling the store and consulting with a professional before buying.

Depending on the type of riding and board, there are several options for installing bindings (Set-back). So, for example, on a twin-tip snowboard, the bindings must be centered in order to ride forward or backward. On Directional boards, the bindings can be set further away from the direction of travel to ride on looser snow, shifting the weight back, thus raising the nose of the board. The farther from the nose the bindings are, the more the board is designed for deep snow.

Recommendations for beginners

• We determine the weight. The snowboard must be lifted freely with one hand.
• Rigidity - from 3 to 5. Boards with a soft and medium index bend with little pressure.
• fixation method. You need to put on shoes and stand up straight, bend over a little. There should be no discomfort while performing the movements.
• Width. With a large foot size (from 44) you need to buy with the designation Wide .
• Don't forget to buy a stylish helmet and mask for skiing

After that, you can proceed to the analysis of specific models. It is recommended to buy them in specialized stores, where professional managers will provide advice and help determine the best option.

Optimal Models

There are various types of these sports equipment on the market from many manufacturers. Therefore, the analysis should be approached as professionally as possible. First you need to study the characteristics of each type, read the reviews. The price category for beginners is up to 40 thousand rubles.

Fresh men's wide model boards of medium hardness. Features a versatile Cross Profile with a combination of rocker and camber that creates the perfect balance of edge control and stability. The Aspen Strong core sets this model apart from its peers, providing increased springiness in jumps and responsiveness in carving. Suitable for all types of trails and freeride

Peculiarities:

• Cross Camber Profile
• Side cutouts Quadratic
• 2 mm thick rubber blocks installed in the high pressure areas of the ABS sidewalls
• Cross Profile
• Directional Twin
• Aspen Strong
• Quadratic
• BA LD
• extruded board
• Bit Free
• Rubber Pads

Snowboard Salomon 19-20 Wonder (28000r 18000 r)

The Salomon 19-20 Wonder Snowboard is an all-piste all-round women's snowboard that delivers high speed, excellent shock absorption when riding on uneven surfaces and control in both powder and leveled tracks. The symmetrically directional shape has a rich design, while the Rock Out Camber technology guarantees sensitivity and stability.

Peculiarities:

• Cross profile features Camber between bindings for better control
• Quadratic sidecuts
• Soft Royal soft rubber blocks •
Rock Out Camber profile
• EQ Rad
• Ghost Basalt stringers
• Directional Twin
• BA MD
• Popster
• Sintered base
• Aspen SLCT
• All mountain EB

GNU Billy Goat

If you have at least minimal snowboarding skills and a desire to develop in this direction, it is recommended to buy GNU Billy Goat. The board has medium hardness and can be used for freeride or freestyle with the same comfort. The maximum contact length is 125 cm.

Characteristics:

• maximum weight indicator - up to 160 kg;
• combined deflection;
• sintered sliding surface.