We, time and again, remind watersports enthusiasts that we shouldn’t follow the same buying guide for all sorts of waterboards. The features to watch out for in wakeboards are different from those of snowboards. But you shouldn’t have to sweat it, too. We’ve got you covered.
From the cream of the crop, pros of the pros from a far-out snowboard shop Melbourne comes a super easy-to-follow buying guide. Here’s to the awesome-est main types of snowboards you’re going to want your hands, and feet, on.
Main Snowboard Types
There are 5 basic kinds of snowboards, each one with its own feature function.
Freestyle Snowboard
Freestyle Snowboards are known for their twin tips which are flexible like no other and are light and short. Just like its name suggests, this snowboard is good for lively coasts down various areas of a mountain. And yes, regardless of terrain and incline.
Freestyle snowboards, a.k.a. park snowboards, are shorter compared to its brothers and sisters. They’re great for wall rides, terrain parks, jibs, etc. This is because it’s a non-dominant foot-forward piece.
They tend to have an asymmetrical, unbalanced structure precisely because it’s all-terrain. Its versatile overall-form is what allows it to handle varying surfaces and still have you maintain agreeable control over its manoeuvrings.
All-Mountain Snowboards
Love hitting the mountains for some crunchy terrain that slope and slide like waves on some serious pow? All-mountain snowboards are it. They’re built specifically for this objective. To reign over the drops and curves of the elevated wonders of Mother Nature.
It’s recommended for first-time riders. So in case you’re unsure about what board to christen with your name, an all-mountain is the safest choice. Groomers, park and pipe-runs, and backcountry are pieces of cake for this sharp tool.
They have “directional” written all over them, which means that they’re basically ridden in a singular motion. Or at least, they perform at their optimum as single-directionals. Additionally, they’re also considered “twin”. This description implies that it can follow through with riding on switches – on either direction.
Powder Snowboards
Powder snowboards are similar to all-mountains in that they’re directional. Only, they’re best for when you have deep powder at the helm. Everything about this board, from its tail, its board flex, and even its nose form have to do with giving you ease on snow upon snow, upon more snow.
We’re talking anything that’s as deep, or far deeper than 10cm of fresh pow. Its nose surface will really be useful for backfoot steering and floatation. The location of its binding inserts is at the back portion of the board for a self-governed stance. After all, this characteristic is related to its narrower-than-average tail.
Splitboards
To put it into perspective, a Splitboard is a “regular” snowboard that has the ability to split into two. This one’s backcountry from the inside out. The purpose of its splitting mechanism is so for you to be able to instantly combine and/or merge them according to use and comfort. Split, for when you climb. Merged, for when you’re ready to shred the gnar.
Those who select Splitboards already have prior knowledge of avalanche safety, safety equipping, terrain, snow, and weather-shifting expertise, and the like. Thus, they’re left to professional snowboarders.
