The Best Freestyle Snowboarding Gear: A Buyer’s Guide.
For those looking to take their snowboarding skills up to the next level, freestyle snowboarding is a great place to start. Freestyle snowboarding is all about performing tricks and stunts in the powder and on obstacles like halfpipes, rails, boxes, and jumps. With so many tricks to learn and perform, riders need the right snowboarding gear to make it all happen.
From helmets to boots and everything in between, freestyle snowboarding requires specialized gear for a successful and safe experience. In this buyer’s guide, we take a look at the best freestyle snowboarding gear so that you can hit the slopes with confidence.
Types of Snowboards
One of the most important pieces of freestyle snowboarding gear is the snowboard itself. While there are generally four main categories of snowboards, freestyle boards are designed specifically for performing tricks and stunts.
Freestyle boards have softer flexes and are usually directional-twin or true-twin in shape. Directional twin snowboards have a longer nose and shorter tail while true twins are the same length on both ends. Both shapes can be advantageous in different conditions, but most freestylers go with true twin because it allows them to ride regular (left foot forward) or switch (right foot forward) without a noticeable difference in how the board feels.
These types of boards also have a slightly reduced sidecut for improved jibbing and maneuverability, plus a mellower flex for increased press-ability when hitting rails or boxes and manipulating the board when in the air.
The Best Snowboard Bindings
Snowboard bindings are one of the most important pieces of freestyle snowboarding gear, and are, in fact, just as important as the board itself. The bindings are responsible for connecting the board to your feet, and the wrong bindings can end up proving problematic when performing tricks.
Freestyle bindings should provide you with the right amount of responsiveness, flex, and support so you have full control of your board and can hit all of your tricks with precision and confidence. As a general rule, you should look for bindings that are lightweight, comfortable, and responsive.
Most freestyle bindings come with a wide variety of features, which can include things like highbacks with a larger surface area that provide more lateral support, adjustable toe straps that can be set to fit your boots snugly, and even toe ramps to support your toes and reduce fatigue.
The Right Snowboard Boots
You may not think about it much, but your snowboard boots are just as important when it comes to freestyle snowboarding as the board and bindings. Your boots must provide you with the right fit, comfort, and support so that you can properly control your body while performing tricks.
Freestyle boots should be comfortable, lightweight and have a softer flex, allowing you to more easily maneuver. When choosing a pair of boots, you should be sure they fit snugly, with no hotspots or pressure points. Whenever possible, try out the boots at a store or have them air-fitted by a professional, and read up on the different features and materials that each pair offers so that you can find the best fit for your riding style and the terrain you’ll be riding.
The Right Protection
Head and body protection is always an important part of snowboarding, especially when it comes to freestyle. When performing extreme tricks and stunts, it’s essential that you have the right protective pads and helmet so you can stay safe and enjoy your time on the slopes.
The best freestyle helmets offer protection for the front, back and sides of the head and should fit snugly so that it won’t slip or move around when you’re shredding. For extra protection on the slopes, you may also want to consider investing in a back protector, elbow and knee pads, and even wrist guards.
As you can see, freestyle snowboarding requires specialized gear designed to make your experience safer and more enjoyable. With the right board, bindings, boots, and protection, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pro in no time. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran, the right gear is essential for success on the slopes.
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