The Best Snowboard Gear for Freestyle.
Snowboarding is one of the most popular action sports in the world, allowing riders to glide and slide across the slopes in an exciting, extreme way. It’s also hugely popular with all kinds of riders, from beginner to expert alike, and everyone can find something to enjoy from the sport. While it might not be the most technically involved sport, snowboarding does require some specialist equipment, and most of all the right snowboarding gear for freestyle.
Having the right snowboard for freestyle is essential for any snowboarder wanting to take on ramps, jumps, and rails, and do it with style. Freestyle boards offer the right combination of playfulness and stability, making them ideal for more technical tricks, while also still being enjoyable to ride in all different conditions. Snowboarders often look to freestyle board to come up with innovative tricks, or just to have some extra fun when travelling the mountain.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the world of freestyle snowboarding, or an experienced rider looking to upgrade, this article will help you choose the best snowboarding gear for freestyle, so you are setup for success on the snow.
1. Snowboard
The first and most important piece of snowboard gear for freestyle is the snowboard itself. Freestyle snowboards tend to have a specific design, and features that differentiate them from all mountain, freeride and powder specific shapes. So the most crucial decision when choosing a board will be selecting the correct ‘camber or rocker profile’ for freestyle riding.
Camber and rocker profiles are usually split into two distinct categories, ‘positive’ or ‘negative’, which refer to how the board graphically sits when placed on a flat surface. This profile affects how it performs in certain conditions, too.
For freestyle snowboarding, you will want a board with a rocker profile, otherwise known as a ‘flat to rocker’. Look for a board with a flat profile in the centre of the board and positive camber at either end, this will offer plenty of board control and maneuverability, but with the pop and flexibility of a rocker design.
2. Snowboard Bindings
The second most important piece of gear for freestyle snowboarding is wheels. Bindings are the part that connect your boot to the board, and are therefore incredibly important for making sure you stay attached. Like boards, bindings come in different styles and sizes and will also be designed for specific types of riding.
For freestyle snowboarding look for bindings which are specific to freestyle or park riding. That way, you can guarantee you’ve got a technically designed binding that is purposely crafted for this style of riding. These bindings are usually lightweight, durable and relatively soft or medium flexed.
3. Boots
Boots are the third most important piece of gear for freestyle snowboarding, yet probably one of the most underrated. A good pair of boots is essential for getting the most out of your freestyle experience, offering the necessary support and comfort when tackling terrain parks, powder and backcountry riding.
Freestyle specific boots will have a softer flex than all mountain boots, offering greater mobility and control when manoeuvring tricks and jumps. Some freestyle boots also come with unique lacing systems, to ensure they stay snug and secure all day.
4. Goggles & Helmet
Goggles and helmets are essential in any kind of snowboarding, and this applies double when it comes to freestyle. Freestyle riders need to ensure they have the correct gear to protect them, when pushing the boundaries and pushing their boundaries.
Goggles are especially important for keeping your vision clear, a vision is one of your biggest assets when riding terrain parks and snow slopes and a pair of good, clear goggles will make all the difference on the slopes.
Helmets are also incredibly important, as they provide crucial and potentially life-saving protection if things go wrong. Look for a lightweight helmet manufactured from impact-resistant materials, designed for riding at speed, and with improved ventilation to keep your head cool.
5. Clothing
Clothing is just about the last piece in the puzzle when it comes to finding the best snowboard gear for freestyle. Not all gear is made equal, and often riders need to invest more money into buying jackets, trousers and thermals, as they will offer greater protection when tackling jumps and rails.
Look for a waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket, with plenty of pockets for stowing away snacks and other items. You’ll also want to make sure you’re kitted out with a good pair of snow pants, designed for freestyle riding, as well as some comfortable, warm thermals and snow socks for keeping your toes toasty and dry.
Conclusion
Freestyle snowboarding requires having the right gear, in order to master jumps, tricks, and rails safely and with style. It’s important you choose the best snowboard gear for freestyle, so you perfect the animation and conquer any tricks you’re attempting. That’s why, in this article, we’ve outlined the five most important pieces of equipment you need, to get the best out of your time snowboarding. This includes the snowboard, bindings, boots, goggles & helmet, as well as clothing to ensure you remain comfortable and protected on the mountain.
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