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Buying Guide - Snowboards

With so many different manufacturers and types of snowboards buying one can be a daunting process. There are many factors that will determine which snowboard you buy from your height and weight to the type and frequency of riding that you do. Just remember that equally important to a snowboards aesthetics are its construction and design - don't choose a board for its cool graphics alone, you need to at least be familiar with several things about yourself, the snowboards, and the different riding styles before you can choose a snowboard that is suitable for you and your level.

At Sail and Ski we have developed this easy to use buying guide to help you decide which of the many snowboards we stock is the right one for you. All the sections to this guide are based on questions our technicians would ask you if you came in to one of our stores. This guide will help you choose a snowboard that will enhance your performance on the slopes and in the park.

A simple question to start, but an important one. Are you male or female?

Snowboards are now being made to fit women of all ability levels. When making your selection, consider whether the design fits you and matches how you plan to use the board. There are several reasons why a woman specific snowboard differs from a standard board. Firstly, women's feet are smaller than men's and so require a snowboard that has a narrower waist width to ensure maximum power transition from feet to board during turns. Next, the flex of a women specific snowboard is softer from that of a standard board. This is because women are generally lighter for their height than men and may find riding a standard board harder to control. Finally, the core of a women specific board is lighter than a standard board, again to aid control.

Next we need to determine how much snowboarding you have done.

The amount of snowboarding you have done will affect your choice of snowboards. If you a relatively new to the sport it is no good buying one of the top of the range snowboards that you will struggle to ride. However, it is useful to consider snowboards that you can progress into otherwise you may find yourself growing out of your board too quickly. Soft, flexible snowboards are great for beginner riders as it will turn more quickly and with greater ease at low speeds than stiffer or longer snowboards and requires less technique and strength. It should be noted that most snowboards are not strictly aimed at one specific level of snowboarder but more likely it will encompass a few different levels of rider. Click below to determine the level of snowboard appropriate to you. These correspond to the levels shown at the bottom of the description of each of the snowboards shown in our on-line store.

Click here to see the ability definitions

Ok, now you know what level of boarder you are it is important to find out what style of riding you prefer.

There are four main styles of snowboarding - Freestyle, All Mountain, Freeride and Backcountry - each with it's own snowboard type. For example, Freestyle snowboards are shorter and more flexible with twin tips and is designed to be ridden in the parks and pipes. By contrast Freeride snowboards are stiffer, wider and longer, providing stability and great edge hold when riding at speed on and off piste. It is important that you buy the right snowboard for your particular style if you are to get the most out of your riding. Take a look at the link below and see what category best describes your style of riding. The category of each type of board is then shown below its description in our on-line store.

Click here to define your riding style

Finally, how much riding are you likely to be doing in the future?
As briefly mentioned in section 2 of this guide, it is sometimes an idea to buy a snowboard that you can progress into. This depends on how much riding you are planning on doing. For example, if you are currently a 'cautious intermediate' but are planning on going away for more than a weeks holiday or you plan to have extra tuition while you are away this winter it would be useful to buy a snowboard suited to a 'confident intermediate'. The last thing you want to do is spend time and money buying a snowboard only to find you quickly 'outgrow' it.

So now you've a good idea of what to look for when buying your snowboard. If however, you're still confused or just want a more personal opinion then call one of our experts on (01743) 353776 or (01244) 344580. Alternatively, email us on estore@sailandski.co.uk with your question.