Snowboarding was relatively recently introduced into the Olympics program, which confirms its status and prevalence of this kind of sport. A lot of people, especially young people, choose him directly. It is possible to explain this by the fact that it is quite unusual, bright, unique and extreme, which will enable a person to prove himself with, studying and demonstrating various tricks. Of course, it is necessary to start snowboarding with the choice of equipment, where an important role is played by the board, the athlete rides on it. There are a large number of important details that are required to purchase a product, but not all users are aware of them. To know how to choose a snowboard, you should read the recommendations.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of a snowboard
A snowboard is a special board that is designed for downhill skiing from snow slopes, regardless of height. Outwardly, it is a flat base that has curved ends. Includes fixture, plastic and smooth surfaces in contact with the snow, bases with fasteners for shoes and a side metal edging.
The slide will provide speed. The cost of the board itself will depend on the material of manufacture.
The lid will be laminated and a pattern will be applied to it in almost any situation. Matte lid variations are more practical, they will not show damage, like on glossy surfaces. In case of minor breakdowns, repairs will not be required, since this part of the snowboard does not affect the operating parameters.
Edges are required for improved grip when cornering or other maneuvers, and they provide board control. They need to be sharpened, so they need to be sharpened from time to time.
The mortgages are intended for fastening purposes. The more there are, the more accurately the user adjusts the position of the lower limbs for the rack.
Snowboard selection options
The question often arises which snowboard to choose. Finding the best board is extremely difficult. An emphasis should be placed on a large number of details, starting from the age of the athlete and ending with the technical parameters of the snowboard.
Lenght and width
Often the question arises of how to choose the size of the snowboard. Carving and universal boards must be chosen about 10 cm shorter than the athlete's height. For this purpose, it will be sufficient for the user to place the snowboard next to him: the upper part should be level with the chin or nose.
Those who are engaged in freestyle or freeriding should buy a board that is only 5 cm shorter than the height.People with a thin physique are suitable for less long ones, 3 cm should be subtracted, and with a full one - longer, here you need to add the same amount.
There are 4 categories in width: standard and medium, narrow and wide. This indicator should be selected taking into account the size of the foot.
Manufacturers often develop their own tables that make it easy to navigate. They are on the page on the web or on the snowboard itself, the package.
Snowboard designs
The following basic designs of snowboards are known:
- Cap (cap). The core of the board is closed on top with a monolithic cover, and on the bottom - with a sliding surface. Such boards are easier to manufacture (and also to carry out repairs), therefore, they have a lower price. But when dropped, the cap is able to split: the cap moves away from the sliding surface.
- Sandwich (sandwich). The core, sliding surface and top cover are pressure-compressed. This will result in a reliable assembly of 3-4 layers. When such a snowboard breaks down, the repair becomes difficult. In addition, sandwiches have a higher price tag.
- Combined. Often 2 technologies are used in the manufacture of snowboards. The flaky sandwich ends will make the board stronger, and the middle cap will provide lightness.
Materials
The cores can be made from various materials:
- Beech, ash, poplar, oak, pine trees. The wood core will resist shock and vibration very well. Some of the snowboards from the manufacturer Mervin are produced with a core made of genetically modified wood without rings. It is generally accepted that this has a good effect on elasticity and reliability.
- Wood and foam. Thanks to the foam, snowboards will have less weight and cost. But at the same time, their elasticity and vibration resistance will be reduced.
- Combinations of different materials. Wood, carbon and aluminum will provide the snowboard with rigidity and light weight. A large number of combinations are known, new developments are regularly released.
For sliding surfaces, 1 of 3 materials are used:
- Extruded polyethylene has a budget price, does not require expensive repairs and special care. It is inferior in speed data.
- Sintered polyethylene is distinguished by a porous structure that absorbs special grease. From this, the surface will glide better, it is not afraid of ice chips and minor damage. After 5 runs, you will need to renew the covering paraffin layer.
- Graphite. It is the most expensive material, but at the same time it is reliable and fast. Highlighted in black, can be found in the best products for professional riders.
Deflection
The key indicator during selection is the type of deflection. It directly affects the ease of use of the snowboard. The following varieties are known:
- Classic or weight. A similar snowboard has a raised center. If a person stands on the board, the pressure is evenly distributed. Learning on such models is quite difficult: skating needs good technique. Therefore, for beginners, another type of deflection is optimal - rocker.
- Rocker. The center of the snowboard is in contact with the ground and the ends are curved. The arc shape makes learning easier: thanks to the 1 point of support, the snowboard is more obedient and easier to control, it turns after the user with any movement of the body.
- Null. The center of such a snowboard is completely flat, the ends are raised above the surface. It is perfect for a relaxed beginner riding, for freestyle.
Geometry
Snowboards differ in the location of the mortgages — the steel holes for the bindings. There are 3 types:
- Directional. In the devices under consideration, the mortgages are displaced: the nose or tail will be longer. It is possible to move only in one direction - from the slope. To improve durability and reliability, the nose is made softer than the tail. Similar models are used for carving and freeriding.
- Twin type. Fully symmetrical boards, often used for movement in parks. Due to the fact that the nose and tail have the same length and rigidity, it is possible to move in any direction.
- Directional twin-type. In such a product, there is a slight offset of the inserts, differ in the rigidity of the nose and tail. The latter will provide stamina, and a long nose will provide advantages during off-road driving.
Rigidity
Rigidity determines the riding style, experience and weight of the athlete:
- Tough.They hold excellently in hard snow and provide high speed. They effectively enter a sharp and sharp turn. Rigid boards are suitable for carving and slalom, but they need good skills and fitness. On a hard board, it is possible to develop high speed, landing is also hard.
- Average. Suitable for experienced riders, not just riding, but practicing and improving their own skills on a prepared slope.
- Soft. Most popular. Ideal for riding in parks. They are short and are used for jumping and tricks. But on the products under consideration, it will not be possible to make a “cut” turn on a hard snow cover and develop extremely high speeds.
Kant
The edging is considered to be a steel edging over the area of the snowboard, thanks to which it is possible to turn. It happens front and back. Often the edges are made straight, but in some situations you can find wavy ones. This option will provide controlled turns even in difficult conditions. Wavy ones are more suitable for a pro rider riding on an aggressive surface, for example, on an ice crust. Any edging needs to be sharpened before entering the slope.
Manufacturer
When it comes to choosing a brand of snowboard, then the most important issue will be cost. Since the quality of conveyor boards, which are produced in large quantities, is about the same, a beginner will not feel the differences between boards of different price segments.
Inexpensive products include Amplid, Palmer, Santa Cruz, Trans. Medium and high include the products of manufacturers Head, Arbor, Burton, CAPiTA, DC, Flow, Nidecker, Rome, Rossingol, Trans, Volkl. But, most of them also have inexpensive snowboards.
When choosing a developer, it is required to take into account the production of the board. Most of the brands manufacture their own products in the same facility. Therefore, there is often a significant overpayment for the advertised brand directly in this type of product. A bright concept and advertising campaign will be created, for which the buyer will pay.
Particular emphasis should be placed on one-off snowboards. Extremely expensive boards, mainly due to manual labor. Usually, they are distinguished by uniqueness and exclusivity. They should only be purchased when the user is seriously into snowboarding. Only such keen athletes will be able to properly evaluate the product.
Types of snowboards
A large number of different snowboards are known. It is not easy to choose a snowboard for your height, which would be optimal for skiing. Before purchasing, it is imperative to test various boards.
Carving
The devices in question are intended for descending on a hard track. The boards differ significantly from the standard boards that are familiar to a wide range of users. The tail section is trimmed, the nose is sharpened, and the fasteners, which are made in the form of metal frames, are equipped with rigid, ski-like, plastic boots.
Pros:
- high rigidity;
- significant turning radius;
- proper control of maneuvers;
- good speed is developing.
Minuses:
- not suitable for use in parks and virgin lands;
- provided for professional athletes;
- overpriced.
For freeride
The device in question is designed for movement on virgin lands. They are distinguished by high-speed driving and the option to use the existing terrain. Suitable for rolling off-road, virgin soil is difficult to find.
When they descend from the peaks many times, the cover will be compacted. Perfect for moving between trees, when passing various obstacles, etc. Such a board is suitable for people who prefer thrills.
They have a waist of considerable width, which makes it possible not to drown in the snow cover, moderate rigidity in order to hold the arc, adequate permeability for confined spaces.The board is about 7 cm taller than standard.
Pros:
- firmness;
- proper move;
- functions with different types of snow cover.
Minuses:
- sometimes there is not enough shock absorption during high-speed driving;
- lack of comfort due to rigidity.
For freestyle
Similar ones are used directly in special parks equipped for these purposes. The device in question is symmetrical and maneuverable, since there are a large number of tricks in this style. Such a board has more elasticity than standard, average rigidity, insignificant turning radius.
For trampolines, a model with an unusual side cut is required. To roll down the grooves will also require an unusual side cutout for better control. For jibbing - a soft ponytail with a nose, a hard core, a small length and a large waist.
Pros:
- reinforced mounts;
- reliability.
Minuses:
- riding on the railing will quickly ruin the snowboard;
- overpriced.
Universal
The considered devices of the universal category are optimal for athletes who have recently started snowboarding. It is a compromise solution that allows you to do a little of everything.
They hold perfectly on the prepared track and on virgin lands. They are characterized by a medium radius and a narrow waist. Such shells do not require honed skills from a person.
Pros:
- comfortable for an inexperienced user;
- proper price.
Minuses:
- does not reveal different styles.
Which snowboard to choose
To figure out how to choose a snowboard by weight, you need to read the following guidelines:
- Carving products are selected for professional skating on a solid prepared track.
- A freeride attachment should be purchased by those who are proficient in rolling over large snow cover.
- Freestyle products are calculated for any user. Chosen for riding in special parks.
- Universal accessories are optimal for beginners.
- It is advisable for full ones to purchase products that are somewhat increased in length, and for thin ones - shortened ones.
- The wooden core is resistant to damage, with the addition of foam it is lighter in weight, but has weak performance in speed, with the addition of aluminum it will add lightness and rigidity.
- It is recommended to purchase compressed polyethylene sliding surfaces, as this will be the best solution in terms of cost and quality.
- Graphite surfaces are the best in all respects, but expensive.
- The deflections “rocker” and “zero” can be used by freestylers and inexperienced users, the classic one will require special skills, the combined one will make it possible to increase certain indicators.
The question often arises of how to choose a snowboard by height and weight. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.
