To understand how to choose the right snowboard, you first need to decide what style of skiing will be. Snowboards are divided into soft and hard, each type is designed for a specific style. The soft ones are designed for riding on the neat slopes of the mountains off the track, the hard ones are for freestyle or freeriding.
Snowboard, or rather, its form, plays a significant role in the choice. On a freestyle board, both ends are rounded equally and have a twin-type shape, for freeriding - a directional shape, with ends one longer than the other. There are universal snowboards that allow you to ride both on the track and in the park, both in the style of freestyle and in the style of freeride. They have low stiffness and different lengths of the rear and front parts.
Another important selection criterion is the size of the snowboard. This means that the length of the board to be selected must be proportional to the dew and weight of the athlete. Usually, the size of the snowboard is attached to it in the form of a table, but in order not to be mistaken, it is better to consult with a sales assistant.
Here's an exemplary freeride snowboard size for snowboarding:
With a weight of 40-50 kg:- height 150-165 cm - length - 135 cm
- height 165-175 cm - length - 145 cm
- height 175-185 cm - length - 150 cm
- height from 185 cm - length - 155 cm
| With a weight of 60-75 kg:- height 150-165 cm - length - 150 cm
- height 165-175 cm - length - 155 cm
- height 175-185 cm - length - 155 cm
- height from 185 cm - length - 160 cm
|
With a weight of 50-60 kg:- height 150-165 cm - length - 150 cm
- height 165-175 cm - length - 155 cm
- height 175-185 cm - length - 155 cm
- height from 185 cm - length - 160 cm
| With a weight of 75 kg:- height 150-165 cm - length - 155 cm
- height 165-175 cm - length - 160 cm
- height 175-185 cm - length - 160 cm
- height from 185 cm - length - from 165 cm
|
For freestyle skiing, the size of the snowboard should be less than five centimeters. Rigid boards are chosen for the slalom style, and each individual has its own size of the snowboard.
The material of which the sliding surface is made should also be considered when choosing, since the speed of the board and its working qualities depend on this.
Types of sliding surfaces:
- graphite - a high-speed and most slippery surface, soft, so it wears out quickly;
- graphite with the addition of polyethylene - highly slippery, wear-resistant;
- polyethylene - speed indicators are low, but durable.
For riding speed it is important what the sliding surface is treated with. It is lubricated with the compounds most suitable for the necessary weather conditions and air temperature.
It is worth mentioning other important indicators for choosing a board.
1) Depends on the width of the board, how it will be stable and controllable. The wider the board, the more stable it will be in the snow, but the controls are less malleable.
2) If the board is too heavy, it will be difficult to jump on it, and climbing the slope of the mountain with extra weight will not be so easy.
3) The length of the contacting part of the board with snow. The shorter - the better in control, the longer - the more stable.
4). Component stiffness. The softer the board, the better at landing, but it keeps the speed faster. The stiffer the board, the worse the cushioning, but is more stable at high speed.
5) Mount. Purchased separately from the board. There are three types:
- soft - this is a plastic or metal plate with a back supporting the leg and straps on the rattles;
- hard - these are bindings with boots, like skiing;
- fastening step-in (Step-in) - an automatic fastener.
6). Boots:
- soft - used when riding in the style of freestyle and freeride. You should choose very carefully. Shoes should clearly fix the foot, be comfortable and size in size;
- hard - used for skiing in the style of slalom and carving. These shoes consist of two layers. External - plastic, internal - soft, removable. Shoes should have as many clips as possible.
Given that, in addition to the board, it is necessary to purchase equipment, the cost of a quality snowboard can reach up to fifteen thousand and more.