Transwiki:Buying snowboards

Snowboards and Snowboarding gear can be tricky as there are hundreds of different types and technologies. Of all the boardsports, including skateboarding and surfing, snowboarding probably has the most varied gear, with so much science into each model.

Board
The board you buy depends on your weight, height, and type of riding you plan to do. For freestyle, especially rails, the board's length should come up to your chin or lower. Pipe and freeride is often a little long, between the nose and chin. An alpine board can come in many lengths, from the height of your nose to taller than you. However, more important in choosing a board is your weight. Each board is designed for a different weight range so check the statistics for recommended weight on different boards.

Also, it is important to check the flex of the board (usually you can find this out through salespersons or manufacturer's description of the board). A beginner would want a flexier board. The heavier your are, the stiffer you want it too be. Also, pipe riders, freeriders, and alpine riders would want a stiffer board. Rail riders should keep their board rather flexy.

The width of the board should match your boots, taking the angle positions and stance of your boots into account. For freeride as little of the boot should stick over the board as possible, about 1cm max on the toeside (including the slant up that many boot manufactuers use. Alpine boards want about nothing sticking out.  For freestyle, it is more lenient, but still try to maintain less than 1cm over the board. bitch

Bindings
Strap Bindings are a little easier to choose than boards. Just make sure that the ankle strap is comfy, it fits your boots, and that its stiffness is compatible with your riding style. Carbon fiber reinforced bindings are generally for the advanced riders. There are also many little features on the bindings such as toestraps (which go around toes instead of over them), adjustable toe ramps and heelcups, extra high highbacks, and so forth. These are mostly preferences so ask the salesperson about them and see if it fits your riding.

Boots
Above all, boots should be comfortable. That is the number one thing to worry about so try them out in the store like you would for any other shoe. Also, boots, like everything snowboarding wise, have different stiffness. Ask the salesperson about different models. As usual, flexier gear is for beginners or rail riders. For sizing, it is recommended that the boots fit with little extra room and should be a little tight. One boot manufacturer known as ThirtyTwo has a liner that molds to your foot with body heat or using specially deisgned ovens as many retailers. Therefore it is often recommended that you go from a half size to one whole size smaller on those boots, as the molding will give you extra room after a couple days boarding.