In order to end up with the snowboard best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of snowboards are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a snowboard.
Research the market: Snowboard essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the snowboard market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Type: Freeride snowboards, freestyle snowboards, backcountry snowboards, kids snowboards and women's snowboards - or how about racing snowboards? Different types of boards are suited for different types of activities. Shorter boards are generally used for tricks, while longer boards are used for speed and 'carving'.
Size: Snowboards come in various sizes. Length is important and will depend on your riding style while factoring in your height. Width is also a consideration. Those with wider feet will need a wider board. Women usually have boards with less girth. A short snowboard will come up to your collarbone. A medium-length board will come up to your chin or nose. And, a long board will come up to your forehead or go above your head.
Features: Additionally, snowboards will have a certain amount of flexibility, called 'flex'. A higher-quality snowboard will flex more than a cheaper board. Also, you'll have to think about the weight of your board. Lighter boards will manoeuvre much more easily than heavier boards. Lighter, yet well-made snowboards are more expensive than boards that do not use lighter, composite materials.
Cost: A budget-model snowboard will cost 1/5 the price of a quality board designed for general freestyle riding.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a snowboard. For example, will you use the snowboard only for leisure or are you a budding competitive board rider?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a snowboard before? |
| | If you have used a snowboard, work out what you did or didn't like about the snowboard. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What do I want a snowboard for? |
| | You might be looking for a thrill-seeking sport, want to try something besides skiing, or are interested in competitions. |
| Where am I going to be able to ride it? |
| | You could live in an environment where you'll be able to ride the snowboard often or you might have to travel to use it. |
| What kind of rider am I? |
| | You may be looking to do tricks, race slopes, or simply be versatile for many types of riding. |
| How experienced am I? |
| | You may have snowboarded before. If you have, you might have a better idea of what you prefer to do on a board. |
| How much do I want to spend? |
| | Snowboards have become more expensive over the last few years. Think about your budget and how much you can afford to spend on one. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of snowboards and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:BackcountryThinking of buying a backcountry snowboard? Here's howBackcountry snowboarding - no yodeling required!Buying GuideBeginners snowboard buying guideSnowboarding equipment - know what you needBe snowboard savvyFreerideWhat is a freeride snowboard?SizeIt's all about snowboard sizeWhat size board is best for me?