• SNOWBOARD
    BUYING GUIDE

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INTRODUCTION

Snowboarding is a great way to get out and enjoy the snow every Winter, having the proper board set up is key to the enjoyment. Whether you like to cruise groomed runs, hit features in the park, or seek out fresh powder in the mountains, there’s a snowboard setup that’s right for you. In this guide, we’ll explain the different parts of a snowboard setup and how to select the right gear for you.

WHAT MAKES UP A SNOWBOARD SETUP?

Three main parts make up a snowboard setup: the snowboard deck or board, the snowboard bindings, and the snowboard boots.

Let’s start by learning about the deck, or board.

Now let's learn about what connects you to the deck, the bindings.

Last, though definitely not least, let’s talk about boots.

WHAT SIZE SNOWBOARD TO I NEED?

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the best size snowboard for an individual. Check out our Snowboard Sizing Guide for more information on this.

WHAT TYPES OF SNOWBOARDS ARE THERE?

There are several types of snowboards available, but the two most common types are all-mountain and freestyle (AKA park boards). While you can ride any snowboard anywhere on the hill and in any conditions, having the right board for you will make your time on the hill more fun.

ALL-MOUNTAIN

All-mountain snowboards, just as their name suggests, are designed to perform anywhere on the hill and in all snow conditions. Whether you want to spend your day on groomed runs, have the chance to hit some powder, or even take a few laps in the park, these boards can do it. All-mountain boards are usually directional (meaning they have a dedicated downhill direction), they can also be found in twin-tip styles for those that like to ride switch (meaning either foot forward.)

Because of their versatility, all-mountain boards are tremendously popular among riders of all types. If you’re a newer rider and unsure what’s right for you, an all-mountain board is a great option.

Freestyle or Park

Freestyle, or park, snowboards are designed to shine in the terrain park and are an excellent option for anyone that wants a playful board. If you like to hit the terrain park, spend time in the pipe, or want to play on any terrain you can find, whether at your local hill or your favorite urban rail, a freestyle board is for you. They’re shorter in length, lightweight, have a softer flex, and are typically twin-tip.

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Freeride

Freeride boards are for the rider that wants to spend time off of the groomed runs, whether it’s hitting fresh powder or riding the steeper terrain on a mountain. They’re typically a bit longer, stiffer, and are directional to let a rider hold an edge at higher speeds and tackle a variety of tough terrain.

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Women's Snowboards

Within the different styles of snowboards, you’ll also find men’s and women’s options. So what makes a women’s snowboard different? It’s not just a matter of making the board shorter. Women are typically lighter than men of equal height, and they also usually have smaller feet. A men’s board might be too stiff or too wide for a smaller rider to be able to turn the board efficiently. This means that women’s boards will be built with a softer flex and narrower waist in order for the board to perform the way it should and give the best performance to the rider. That said, women can certainly select a "men’s" board and vice versa depending on the rider's wants and needs.

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Kids Snowboards

The most important thing to consider when buying a snowboard for your child is getting the right size. While it might be tempting to buy a board that they can grow into, a board that’s too big will be hard for them to turn and control, while an appropriately sized board will be easier for them turn and ultimately more enjoyable to learn on.

One great option that ERIK’S offers, if you’re concerned about buying a snowboard setup for your growing child, is our ERIK’S Kids Downhill Ski and Snowboard Lease Program.

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SNOWBOARD SHAPES

Directional

Directional boards, which are often all-mountain and freeride boards, are designed to be ridden in one direction. The binding inserts are usually set back slightly towards the tail to shift the rider's weight back. The board is generally softer in the tip and stiffer in the tail, to allow for carving at higher speeds

Twin Tip

Twin tip boards are common in the freestyle/park category. The boards have an identical tip and tail design, both in shape and flex while the binding inserts are centered on the board. The twin shape allows for the board to be ridden in either direction, which makes it ideal for riding in the park.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical boards may look odd at first, but the reasoning behind them makes perfect sense. Humans are mostly symmetrical left to right, but definitely not front to back. This is why if you’ve ridden before you’ve undoubtedly noticed that turning on your toe side is usually easier than turning on your heel side. To help overcome this, asymmetrical boards will have a deeper and shorter sidecut on the heel side of the board. Some asymmetrical boards will even go a step further by making the core on the heel side softer and thus easier to flex. The combination of these two tweaks makes the board feel more consistent between its toe and heel sides.

SNOWBOARD PROFILES

Camber

Camber was traditionally found on all boards. When laid on a flat surface the tip and tail of the board make contact and the board curves upward. The board essentially stores energy when it’s flexed, providing for lively turns when you move from edge to edge, or providing pop when you hit a jump or the top of the pipe.

Rocker

Rocker, also called reverse-camber, is essentially the opposite of camber in that it curves upward. When laid on a flat surface, the board's tip and tail will kick up in comparison to the center of the board. Where and how much that board kicks up will vary depending on the board’s design. Rocker boards are designed to be a bit easier to ride since the tip and tail are less likely to dig into the snow when moving from edge to edge and are more forgiving if you under-rotate a spin. They also float better through powder by lifting the nose.

Flat

As the name says, these boards are flat between the tip and tail. If you laid one down on a flat surface, it would sit flush. These boards offer a compromise between camber and rocker with less chance of catching the tip or tail when turning while still holding its edges well.

Hybrids

Many boards fit into this category. The blend of camber, rocker, and flat that a board manufacturer chooses will match the style of riding that the board is designed for. Some will offer rocker at the tip and tail for ease of turning and float in powder or choppy snow, with camber in the middle of the board to better hold an edge and provide more pop. Other boards will move the cambered sections under the bindings with rocker between the feet to provide great carving and pop.

SNOWBOARD BINDINGS

The bindings are what connect you to your board and will define how your board feels beneath your feet. Just like boards and boots, bindings will typically fall into the all-mountain, park and freestyle, and freeride categories as well as men's, women's and kids. Riders usually pick ones that fit with their overall setup.

Strap-in bindings are the most common. They typically have two straps, one that runs over the toe of your boot and one over the ankle. Strap-in bindings are available in a wide variety of styles suitable for every type of riding and personal preference, whether it’s a very stiff binding for freeriding or a more flexible binding for park and freestyle riding.

Burton’s Step On binding system eliminates the need for straps and instead allows you to simply step into the binding. The boot is then held in place by three locking points, one on either side of the toes and one at the heel. To release from the binding, you pull up a quick release lever and step out. This system does require that you use Burton Step On boots as well.

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SNOWBOARD BOOTS

Snowboard boots might not be as flashy as a deck, but they’re easily the most critical part of your overall setup. An important thing to keep in mind is that snowboard boots aren’t like a pair of shoes you walk around in on a daily basis; they’re a piece of performance footwear.

Fit

Snowboard boots should fit snugly and properly support your foot without causing any pain. Keep in mind that a pair of snowboard boots will break in and the liners will pack out slightly after a few days on the hill, so they should be reasonably tight from the start. Your toes should graze the end of the boot but still allow for enough room for you to wiggle them. When you bend your knees, your heel should be held securely in the boot.

Flex

Just like boards and bindings, boots will typically fall into the all-mountain, park and freestyle, and freeride categories as well as men's, women's and kids. Riders usually pick ones that fit with their overall setup. A softer flex is usually preferred for park and freestyle riding while a stiffer boot will be better for all-mountain and freeriding.

Lacing Systems

There are several different types of lacing systems found in snowboard boots.

Traditional laces, like those you’d find on your everyday shoes, allow for a customized fit and feel.

Quick-pull systems are tightened by pulling up on a “lace” and lock it in place. Many boot liners use a single quick-pull to tighten. Quick-pull laces are easier to operate with gloves or mittens than a traditional lace

Boa lacing systems are the easiest to use, even with bulky mittens, and offer the advantage of small adjustments. Boa systems use a small dial that ratchets and locks in place, pulling a very strong cable. Boa systems will have anywhere from one to three Boa dials, with more dials offering more adjustability throughout the boot.

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Got more questions about snowboards?

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