So you're no Shaun White. You haven't snowboarded to gold medals in the Winter X Games or the Olympics. And you're not sponsored by Burton or Oakley.
So what?
You're a pretty decent rider - good enough to justify buying some new snowboarding gear. But where do you start? Having ridden a few snowboards, you've probably got an idea which board length you're comfortable with. And of course there's your budget - you know how much you can spend on a board. Beyond that, how do you select the right one?
While just about any snowboard setup will get you down the mountain, having the appropriate board, bindings and boots for your individual style will make all the difference between merely riding - and truly owning the mountain. No promises on earning a gold medal, though.
Knowing about the different riding styles is vital when you're looking for your own equipment. After all, snowboarding gear - from boards to boots - is designed around the riding style for which it's intended.
The most popular snowboarding style, all-mountain freeriding is just what it sounds like. Freeriders hit every type of snow and every type of run, from groomed "blues" to powder-filled back bowls, and often like to go fast. The majority of snowboarding gear is designed for this versatile riding style.
Becoming ever more popular, freestyle boarding involves pulling tricks and grabbing big air in the snow park or half pipe. Many mountains offer extensive "trick parks" for freestyle enthusiasts.
This category primarily involves cruising at high speeds over packed snow.
When boarding, it's kind of obvious which piece of equipment is most important. With this in mind, don't skimp on price when buying a snowboard. Besides quality, paying more also means a lighter board and technical features to absorb vibrations or enhance stability. Here are a few general guidelines to help you select the right snowboard.
A few things should be considered when deciding on board length. Foremost, your individual height and weight; also, the terrain and snow conditions you favor. Generally speaking, a board should stand about as tall as your mouth or nose. From there, you can pick a longer or shorter board based on the following criteria:
Longer boards (which stand around your eye height) are:
Shorter boards (which stand at about your chin height) are:
Measure yourself at home to determine your ideal board height. Remember to measure to the height of your appropriate facial feature - not your overall height. Since snowboards are sized in centimeters, here's a quick conversion chart:
| Height of Eyes, Nose/Mouth or Chin (Inches) | Best Board Length (Centimeters) |
| 40 | 102 |
| 42 | 107 |
| 44 | 112 |
| 46 | 117 |
| 48 | 122 |
| 50 | 127 |
| 52 | 132 |
| 54 | 137 |
| 56 | 142 |
| 58 | 147 |
| 60 | 152 |
| 62 | 157 |
| 64 | 163 |
| 66 | 168 |
| 68 | 173 |
| 70 | 178 |
The turn radius of a given snowboard is approximated based on how deep the sidecut is, and increases with a shallower sidecut. Translation: The more a snowboard looks like an hourglass, the smaller the turn radius. A smaller turn radius means tighter and faster turns.
Flexible boards turn easier at slower speeds and are easier for beginners to maneuver. Expert riders should lean toward super-stiff boards with added "pop" for stability and a "chatter-free" ride on high-speed runs.
Just like any footwear, a good fit is the most important thing when selecting snowboard boots. Always buy boots before you look for compatible bindings! Follow these guidelines to pick the best pair.
Keep an eye out for extras such as heat-moldable liners that offer a custom fit after heating with a hair dryer, or systems that allow quick and easy tighten/ release with the turn of a dial.
Remember: If you have any problems with the fit of your boots, return them and Sierra Trading Post will gladly replace them with another pair.
Bindings don't just keep your feet attached to your snowboard - they are responsible for much of the energy transfer between you and your board. To get the best control and board responsiveness, you need the right bindings.
Important Tip: Buy the right snowboard boots first, then make a decision on bindings. Not all boots and bindings are compatible.
With few exceptions, bindings generally fasten to snowboards in a pre-drilled 4x4 mounting configuration. These fastening systems allow easy adjustment of foot placement and stance angle, which is important since you will likely change your stance to match your style as you become a more experienced boarder.
The "highback" or plate end of the binding, supports your heel and calf. The height and type of highback will determine the degree of power transfer from your body to your board.
The most common snowboard bindings, strap bindings are best for soft boots and either freestyle or all-mountain boarders. Be sure that the back of a strap binding is lower than the top of your boot. The highback on these bindings ranges from small (for freestyle mobility) to large (for all-mountain support). A major advantage of these bindings is that they can fit almost any boot.
These are bindings that fasten boot to board without straps. They are only compatible with specific boots, so they must match up with boots you already have. Their major strength is the quick convenience of attaching and releasing your feet between runs. Not a great choice for deep powder, though.
Some manufacturers make "hybrid" bindings that offer the benefits of step-in bindings without the need for special boots.
Sierra Trading Post is a proud sponsor of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Please follow the seven principles outlined below to ensure future enjoyment of your favorite hiking trails.
