Snowboard companies produce products designed for beginners and professional users. Novice athletes are advised to purchase semi-rigid or soft boards, on which you can learn the basics of "driving" on snowy slopes. In fact, a snowboard is not the kind of equipment that allows you to qualify for a sports Olympus. First of all, it is an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. In order not to be disappointed in this sport, you need to learn how to choose the right equipment.
Criterias of choice
Before purchasing "boards", you must be guided by the following factors:
- Stiffness (carving indicator). These professional snowboards are for lovers of high-speed skiing on specialized slopes.
- Universal models. They are suitable for freeride and circuit races. Such models are optimal for beginners in the specified sport.
- Snowboard companies also produce boards for special rolling in deep snow. It is convenient to move them with your back or face forward.
The length and width are selected based on the user's height, foot size and the final operation of the snowboard. For example, devices for ordinary descent are taken 150 millimeters less than height, for freeriding - 100 mm.
Snowboard Head
The brand produces premium class boards; the main production facilities are located in the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy. Products from this manufacturer are of high quality and reliability. Selected materials are used in the manufacture, completed with the use of innovative technologies. This brand is preferred by the most titled and famous athletes. At the Olympics, it was Head snowboards that most often visited the Golden Olympus in this sport.
Benefits:
- maximum use of modern technologies;
- perfect combination of price / quality parameters;
- a wide range of;
- strength and reliability;
- ease of management and maintenance.
Among the minuses is the loosening of the mount on some budget versions.
Flow
This brand has been offering snowboards for over 15 years. Since its founding, the company has overcome a difficult path from obscurity to worldwide recognition. In 2002, the company's designers released 14 modifications of Flow snowboards, equipped with a core made of solid wood, passing from tail to nose.
The growing popularity of products of this brand began in 2004. Now models from this manufacturer are among the five leaders in the global market. It was the designers of Flow who developed a new type of fastening that became easier without losing reliability indicators. The best freestylers choose boards from this manufacturer.
Pros: reasonable cost and a fundamentally new type of mount.
Nitro Snowboards
One of the oldest brands producing snowboard, exists since 1990. The success of the company is mainly due to the fact that its founders were two professional riders. They made this decision because of the poor quality of accessories at that time. All modifications are developed and tested in the USA and Canada, and production facilities are located in Austria.
It is worth noting that it was this company that released a special freestyle board for women, characterized by an increased rate of rigidity. In addition to snowboards, Nitro also manufactures and sells sportswear, shoes and related accessories.
Benefits:
- mounts with three sections;
- special technology for the implementation of the required deflection;
- asymmetric twin type.
Burton
This manufacturer is one of the three leaders in the production of snowboards and accessories for them. The brand is ranked among the founders of snowboarding on the boards. The head office of the company is located in the USA, the company is known for introducing various innovative technologies, which are often copied by competitors.
The Burton snowboard mounts are patented and are the hallmark of the boards in question. The combination of soft and hard wood makes it possible to achieve the optimal combination of power and lightness.
Among other advantages:
- variable core thickness;
- special factory test system;
- carbon rods;
- lightweight double fiber;
- optimal wedge geometry.
Lib Tech
Lib Tech snowboards are available in the USA. The brand has been on the market for more than 20 years. At the same time, the company was able to stay in the top five leaders in the manufacture of "boards" not only in America and Canada, but also around the world. Models from this brand are manufactured at the Mervin factory, which is characterized by high quality products.
Lib Tech boards are manufactured using the latest technology focused on efficiency, safety and reliability. In the line of snowboards there are modifications for children, women, professionals and novice users.
Advantages:
- unique style of design of boards;
- wide range;
- verified geometric parameters;
- constructive innovation.
The disadvantages consumers include overpriced products.
"Atom"
The top ten leaders in the production of snowboards includes a domestic brand. Since 2000, bicycles have been produced under this brand. The first Atom snowboards appeared in 2004. The landmark of the company is a constant increase in the quality indicators of manufactured products. Unlike most competitors, this enterprise does not seek to reduce the cost of production by organizing the production of boards at the world's best plants, aimed at applying the latest technologies and high-quality materials. In addition, specialists collect information and suggestions from users of various age and professional categories.
Atom Snowboard Pros:
- the presence of laminated vertical cores;
- optimal combination of price / quality parameters;
- Original design
- wide functionality.
Never summer
Among the best manufacturers of snowboards, this company is deservedly. One of the few companies that have retained fully manual assembly of boards, from the initial stage to the finishing stage. The brand has been on the market since 1991. He became famous and popular not due to advertising policy and strong management, but due to the high quality of manufactured products. Modifications Never Summer are offered in the best stores focused on the implementation of boards for skiing in the snow.
Advantages:
- ideal core thicknesses, the configuration of which is made using a cutter;
- quality control of products at all stages of manufacturing;
- manual assembly, for each step of which a separate person is responsible.
Among the disadvantages is the high cost of production, due to the characteristics of production.
GNU
If you are not sure which snowboard to buy for the average user, pay attention to this brand. All modifications of this brand are issued with the unique Banana rocker deflection. A similar constructional feature guarantees smooth gliding, maximum control and high speed.
In the manufacture of boards, the companyโs specialists use wood, polymer and metal elements that are durable and light. Many snowboarding stars choose this particular brand. It should be noted that in the assortment of the company there are models for all ages and categories of users.
The main advantages:
- reliability of fasteners;
- high quality parameter;
- stability and strong kernels.
The downside is the high cost, like most high-quality boards.
Arbor
Among the best snowboard companies is Arbor. The brand has been present on the market since 1995. The initial production line is skateboards and snowboard. Features include the environmental cleanliness of the materials used and the reference geometry, achieved through the use of innovative technologies and control of each stage of production.
Design of snowboards is considered one of the best among competitors, the company works closely with artists who embody unique design ideas in reality. Some samples can be safely ranked as works of art.
Benefits:
- unique appearance, a kind of "calling card" of the brand;
- wide range of price segments;
- verified geometric parameters;
- ease of management and stability;
- optimal core thickness;
- Proven design for the right degree of strength and reliability.
Salomon
The French company was founded back in 1947. The company began to produce snowboards in 1997. Now it is part of 15 leading organizations for the production of boards for skiing in the snow. High quality and functionality of products is guaranteed by stringent requirements for each manufacturing process and constantly improving scientific and technical potential.
Many users to the question which snowboard is better for beginner athletes definitely answer - Salomon. A fairly acceptable pricing policy allows you to purchase not only a board, but also a complete outfit. Three prevailing factors are professionalism, corporate identity and a thorough approach to development.
Pros:
- high rate of flexibility;
- affordable cost;
- reinforced core cores;
- good agility.
HEAD Daymaker
I would like to dwell on some exclusive models from the above manufacturers. For example, a board from the latest Head collection combines affordability, reliability and high quality. The specified model has an increased width and the Twin Tip system, which guarantees professional riders and beginners an unforgettable journey through the "new" snow.
The control control of the board is improved due to the displacement of the embedded elements to the tail of the device. The product has an average deflection rate, sufficient rigidity is ensured due to the cut-in radius of 7.5 mm. The sliding extruded part proved to be excellent on soft snow cover and infusion. The snowboard does not require frequent paraffin impregnation, maintains operational characteristics for a long time, size - 1.46-1.62 m.
Benefits:
- universality of the model with high maneuverability parameters;
- many embedded elements;
- reinforced sandwich construction.
The disadvantages are poor absorption of wax by the sliding part.
Jones snowboards hovercraft
Modifications from this manufacturer are aimed at progressive and professional freeriders. The board is perfect for downhill skiing in any snow, thanks to the dovetail design. Admirers of this brand note good maneuverability and stability in any conditions. Additional support compartments stabilize the device when driving along a knurled track and untouched mountain slopes.
Pros:
- excellent maneuverability;
- directional stability, regardless of snow configuration and degree of slope;
- high rate of speed.
Nidecker princess
This is another option for advanced users. Most of the line of hard boards is focused on the female part of freeriders. The model is suitable for freestyle and carving. Among the design features, carbon elements are noted, as well as the classic deflection and rocker in the front. The reinforced braid makes it possible to easily overcome any obstacles on packed and downy snow.
The maximum functionality of the board is provided by modern technologies such as 3DN Concept, Sandwich and Cap. Experts say that this version has one of the best sliding parts. On any route, a high speed parameter and maneuverability is achieved due to the molecular texture of the device and the introduction of carbon particles.
Main advantages:
- advanced clamps;
- reactive fit into any turns;
- reinforced outer layer, resistant to mechanical stress and scratches;
- edge boring protection and combined core;
- high speed sliding element.
It is worth noting that this board is not suitable for beginners, it is designed for aggressive and skillful snowboarders.
GNU Carbon Credit
This legendary modification of snowboards has repeatedly received a significant award in its Good Wood segment from the reputable Transworld Snowboarding magazine. The stability of the board, even at maximum loads, is guaranteed by a reliable sandwich configuration and an aspen core responsible for torsion stiffness. The decrease in the mass of the board is due to limited contact zones and the extreme edging of reinforced polymer material.
The Twin Tip Series Rocker provides easy diving from deep snow, and also allows you to perform all kinds of tricks and jumps. The option is suitable for both professional athletes and novice users. These board models are assembled by hand, and quality is monitored at each assembly stage.
Pros:
- protection against delamination and mechanical deformation;
- variations across the width of the product;
- reduced weight;
- anti-vibration fuses.
Flow merc
A universal board focused on progressive riders and beginners. The stabilization of the device on the track of any configuration is provided due to the combined deflection. Trick lovers will appreciate this version, as it provides a lot of opportunities for freestyle and jumping of any complexity.
A pair of layers, medium structural rigidity and a reliable core are the guarantee of excellent controllability with a response to the slightest movement of the user. The cutout of the 3-DT Sidecut configuration in combination with reverse deflection makes it possible to do complex tricks and exits from loose snow. Vibration and shock protection is guaranteed by four polyurethane inserts. The modernization also affected the sliding element, which is made of a special combined material, Optix 2000 Base, which is distinguished by excellent performance and practically does not need maintenance.
Benefits:
- wide functionality (freestyle, jib, carving, downhill);
- high parameter of maneuverability and controllability;
- possibility of use by beginners and professionals.
Among the shortcomings is the difficulty of controlling movement at high speed for beginner athletes due to the presence of reverse deflection.
In conclusion
How to choose a snowboard by height and weight, is indicated at the beginning of the article. In addition, the review covers the most popular manufacturers of snowboards, and some modifications are considered separately. I would like to hope that the material presented will allow beginners to determine the type of snowboard, taking into account the features of the devices and the recommendations of specialists. It is worth noting that the choice of a suitable board depends on the tasks of the rider. Advanced users will appreciate the novelties of the boards from the TOP-15 list. The total cost of a snowboard also depends on the materials used, technological features, brand popularity and innovative implementations.