Snowboarding is a versatile sport that requires choosing the right board for optimal performance and enjoyment. Shreddington Snow offers a wide selection of snowboards for different uses, genders and age groups. In this blog, we discuss different snowboard models, their uses, length recommendations and the differences between men's, women's and children's models.
Models and Uses of Snowboards
All-Mountain Boards
- Intended use: Versatile use on slopes and off-points.
- Length recommendation: The board should reach between the user's chin and nose. For example, for a 170 cm tall calculator, the recommended length of the board is about 160 cm.
- Description: All-mountain boards are well suited for all kinds of skiing, be it groomed slopes, powder or small jumps.
Freestyle Boards
- Purpose: Tricks and parking.
- Length recommendation: A shorter board that reaches at or slightly below the height of the user's chin. For example, for a 170 cm tall calculator, the recommended length is around 155-160 cm.
- Description: Freestyle boards are light and easy to turn, which makes them excellent choices for tricks and parking.
Freeride Boards
- Intended use: Free fall and deep powder.
- Length recommendation: A longer board that reaches the height of the user's nose or slightly above it. For example, for a 170 cm tall calculator, the recommended length is around 165-170 cm.
- Description: Freeride boards offer stability and buoyancy in deep snow and are designed to descend steep and technical lines.
Powder Boards
- Intended use: Deep powder and off point.
- Length recommendation: A longer and wider board that reaches the height of the user's nose or above. For example, for a 170 cm tall calculator, the recommended length is around 165-175 cm.
- Description: Powder boards are specially designed for skiing in deep snow, and their design enables better buoyancy and controllability in soft snow.
Splitboard Boards
- Intended use: Backcountry and ascent and descent routes.
- Length recommendation: The length depends on the conditions of use, but in general the board should reach between the user's chin and nose. For example, for a 170 cm tall calculator, the recommended length is around 160-170 cm.
- Description: Splitboards can be split into two parts for ascent and combined back into one board for descent. They are perfect choices for backcountry and long trips.
Gender and Age Differences in Snowboarding
Men's Snowboards
- Description: Men's snowboards are generally stiffer and wider, providing more support and stability for larger body weights and heights. Men's boards are also often longer.
- Length recommendation: The length of men's boards is chosen according to the height and weight of the user.
Women's Snowboards
- Description: Women's snowboards are designed to be lighter and more flexible, better suited to women's anatomy. They are also often narrower and shorter than men's boards.
- Length recommendation: The length of women's boards is chosen according to the height and weight of the user, but generally a little shorter than men's boards.
Youth Snowboards
- Description: Youth snowboards are designed to be light and easy to control, so that young skiers can develop their skills safely and comfortably.
- Length recommendation: The length of young boards is chosen according to the height and weight of the user, generally the board reaches between the chest and the chin.
Children's Snowboards
- Description: Children's snowboards are light and flexible, offering easy control and comfort for the youngest skiers. They are designed especially for children's needs.
- Length recommendation: The length of children's boards is chosen according to the child's height and weight, generally the board reaches between the chest and the chin.
Snowboard Materials and Environmental Programs
Snowboards are usually made from wood cores such as poplar or bamboo, which offer a good combination of lightness and durability. Fiberglass or carbon fiber is added around the core, which increase the stiffness and responsiveness of the board. The base of the board is usually made of sintered or extruded base, which provides good sliding and durability.
Many snowboard manufacturers are committed to environmentally friendly practices and material procurement. For example, recycled materials are used more and more, and many brands strive to reduce the environmental impact of production processes. FSC-certified wood materials and environmentally friendly resin and coating materials are common.
Why Choose a New Snowboard for extreme conditions
The choice of a new snowboard is recommended especially for extreme conditions, such as mountains, where safety and performance are paramount. The seams and structures of used snowboards may be worn, which reduces the reliability and performance of the board. The new board offers the best possible protection and comfort, ensuring that you can enjoy skiing safely.
Advantages of a used snowboard in Finnish conditions
Snowboarding conditions in Finland are usually milder, and a used snowboard can be a good and cost-effective option. A used board can provide excellent performance on local slopes and powder, as long as it is in good condition. It is important to check that the structure and seams of the board are intact and that the base is in good condition.
Parts and Terms of Snowboards
- Core: The wood material inside the board that gives the board its flexibility and strength. Examples are poplar and bamboo.
- Fiberglass/Carbon Fiber: Materials used around the core to increase board stiffness and responsiveness.
- Bottom: The bottom surface of the board that touches the snow. It can be sintered or extruded, which affect the slideability and durability of the board.
- Edges: The edges of the board that provide grip and control in turns.
- Camber: The shape of a board that affects its performance. Traditional camber is curved in the middle, while rocker is curved at the ends.
- Flex: The flexibility of the board, which affects its handling and comfort. A stiffer board offers more stability, while a softer board is easier to turn.
Shreddington Snow Experts Help You Choose
From the Shreddington Snow store, you can get expert help in choosing the right snowboard. We also have bindings and shoes, and we can install them ready on the board so you can get to the slopes quickly. Our experts will help you find the perfect board
