The Best Snowboarding Gear for Freestyle.
Snowboarding can be a thrilling experience, and when you’re looking to fully enjoy the ride and make some crazy moves, it’s important to have the best snowboarding gear for freestyle. Although the basics such as a snowboard, bindings, and boots are simple enough to understand, there are some additional items of gear that can help you enjoy your time on the slopes and make your jumps really stand out.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best snowboarding gear for freestyle that you should be looking to invest in, helping you become the craziest and most skillful snowboarder around!
Snowboard
Nothing’s more important than your snowboard when it comes to freestyle snowboarding, so it’s important to choose the right board. In general, a twin-tip board (meaning the nose and tails are both the same length) is the most popular style for freestylers, providing the versatility needed to perform tricks in the park or in the powder.
When looking at size, you’ll want to make sure your board is right for your weight and riding style. As a rough guide, you should look towards shorter boards if you’re into freestyle/jibbing, while longer boards are used most often by all-mountain and freeriders who want more stability at higher speeds.
Boots
When it comes to finding the right boots, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is between soft and stiff boots. Soft boots are flexible and comfortable, but offer less support. Stiffer boots give you more responsiveness and power when turning, and offer more protection for jumps.
In terms of size, most boots fit true-to-size, so it’s important to factor in how hot your feet get in the cold when selecting a boot. Additionally, some boots have a special “snow pocket” on the inner side, designed to keep your feet dryer in deep snow. For freestyle purposes, you’ll want to make sure the boots you select offer enough flex for the type of tricks you’re attempting.
Bindings
Having good bindings is key for freestyle snowboarders, as they’ll be the connection between your board and boots. As your board’s point of contact to your legs, bindings can have a big impact on your ability to control your board, and you’ll want to find something that closely fits your riding style and boots.
When it comes to bindings, soft flex models are ideal for freestyle snowboarding, providing increased mobility and the ability to tweak out tricks more easily. This soft flex can be found in both disk and strap bindings, with disk being most common in the park, while strap bindings are generally preferred for all-mountain riding.
Outerwear
Finally, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the elements by investing in decent outerwear. When selecting a jacket and pants, you’ll want to consider factors such as breathability, heat retention, waterproofing, and mobility.
Insulated jackets are generally the best type for snowboarders, as they’ll provide warmth and protect you from the elements even on the coldest of days. For pants, you’ll want to look for something that’s lightweight, waterproof and spacious, with minimal bulk. Features such as pocket lining for heated insoles, articulated knees and vents help make sure you stay comfortable and give you the freedom to move.
Conclusion
From snowboards to bindings, boots to outerwear, having the right freestyle snowboarding gear is essential. Investing in the right gear will ensure you make the most of your time on the slopes and have the ability to really stand out. Hopefully, this blog post has given you some insight into the key items of equipment you’ll need to have the best time freestyle snowboarding!
Image Credit: Pexels