Buying Snowboards Made Easy

Snowboarding

Buying a Snowboard probably isn't as easy as it used to be when the choice was fewer, however it is nothing to be scared of and pretty much any sensible choice your make will yield good results - you won't die! There are so may different Snowboard companies out there competing for your cash. With so many great choices you need to be informed, so we put together a page to help out in the hopes that Buying Your First Snowboard will be an exciting and pleasurable experience.

There lots of different types of snowboards available today.

Here are the most common types of snowboards:

What was once a simple idea, has got pretty hi-tech. It is a good idea to make sure your snowboard lingo is up to date. For some important verbage and ammunition for your buying experience it is a good idea to brush up on snowboard definitions.

Snowboards

You already have some of the answers!

Snowboard buying requires a few important questions to be answered, but you’ll be super-stoked to know that you already have the answers. Your weight, height, foot size and riding style are the main factors that will define the appropriate stiffness, height, width and shape of the board you’ll buy. However you will need to know:

Your riding ability - now be very honest with yourself.

What type of riding style do you enjoy most?

The riding style you prefer will help determine the type of board you should buy. There are many different opinions on how many riding styles there are but we are going to break them down in to three main categories of riding styles.

The three most common riding styles are:

After you have decided on your ability and riding style we can move on to the most important board buying decisions: Board length and width. This is not only a function of your height but also your weight.

Length

A good rule of thumb is that the board should stand between your chin and your nose when set on its tail.

Width

Snowboard width is usually directly related to your foot size, you need a board wide enough so your heel and toes do not drag in the snow while performing a turn.

Weight

A major factor in determing the correct board size also has to do with your weight. Riders who are heavy should look for boards that have a stiffer flex. Lighter riders will need a board with a softer flex.

CHOOSE YOUR SNOWBOARD

Now its time to pick out the board for you, if you are a:

All Mountain/Freerideer
Your choices are many as this is the most popular type of board and can be used anywhere on the mountain.

Freestyler
Your boards are built for performing tricks; spins, airs and riding fakie (backward). Freestyle boards are very responsive; the soft flex makes them forgiving and easy to turn, which also makes these good beginner's boards.

Alpine/Carver
You want a longer board for riding and carving downhill, these boards are stiffer and narrower than other types of boards. Alpine/Race boards are not made for doing tricks.

So far so good, and now that you know the appropriate type of board for you theres just a few more things to consider, for instance - Brand, Price £, and Graphics, not necesarily in that order because these choices are all so personal.

Brand

Many snowboarders choose to buy the same brand as their favorite pro snowboarder. There are alot of ski companies that have hopped on the snowboard explosion. Do your homework and research the brand that interests you for what ever reason.

The major brands are Burton Snowboards, Ride Snowboards, K2 Snowboards, Lib Tech Snowboards (now famous for the Skate Banana)

How much do I want to spend?

A new snowboard costs between GBP £99.00 and GBP£650.00. This buying decision is directly related to how much money £ you can spend on your snowboard. Most Snowboard companies offer a selection of boards at different prices. The higher end boards are usually called Pro Models and are designed by a pro rider and usually carry their signature. Don't be fooled into thinking these boards are better than cheaper models, often they are no different, just a big part of the sale price goes into the pocket of the pro rider.............which is ok if you want to support them, that's fine. We all need to make a living.

How does it look?

Snowboards are a great way to get your personal message across. Most buyers choose a snowboard because of its graphical nature. This is a way to show the world your inner spirit, or not. Snowboards are quickly becoming works of art. Most Snowboard companies provide a large selection of designs and colors to choose from. Many manufacturers will keep the same graphic for the model type board regardless of size. Others use graphic design to separate board size. There are a lot women's boards coming out with some really cool girly designs too. Some companies like Monson snowboards will actually let you design your own graphics. Graphics is a personal decision and should be considered only after the proper board characteristics have been decided. But most riders choose a board based on graphics rather than compatability.

TIME TO BUY?

Wait, Rent first If you are beginner it is a good idea to rent. This will allow you to try a few different styles, models and brands of Snowboards. Most resorts offer snowboard rentals. Board, boots and bindings can all be rented at the same time. Many local sporting goods shops also offer snowboard rentals. This is helpful to do the day before so all proper adjustments can be made.

What about a used board ?

A used board is a great way to go if your budget is tight. Used boards can be found on the internet, newspaper classifieds, online bulletin boards (like in Snowboarding.com's Forums). Most used boards ride just as good as a shiny spankin new one, unless its physically cracked or broken, a used board can provide as much fun as your rich buddies signature model.

What about last years models?

This is a good way to get a new board at a great price. Unless some new material is found from another planet, it is a safe bet that last years model will ride just about as good as this year's.