The Best Snowboarding Gear for Powder Snow.
Whether you’re just starting out in snowboarding or want to take your skills to the next level, having the right snowboarding gear for powder snow is essential. With the array of snowboarding equipment available, it’s easy to get confused about what you need for snowboarding in powdery conditions. Even experienced snowboarders can find it challenging to know what’s best for riding on deep powder snow.
The terrain you ride on and the type of snow can make a huge difference to the performance of your snowboard. Purchasing the right equipment for powdery environments will help you progress and ensure you have the most enjoyable and safe experience. So, let’s take a look at the best snowboarding gear for powder snow.
Best Snowboard for Powder Snow
When it comes to riding powder snow, size really does matter. You should always look for a powder-specific snowboard; they’re longer and wider than an all-mountain or freestyle snowboard and the additional surface area gives the rider more control and better overall performance in the snow.
The camber profile of powder boards is also designed differently than that of other designs. A rockered camber profile usually holds all of your weight in the center of the board, making it much more stable when riding in powdery conditions. A directional shape is also preferred; having a wider front end will make turning in deep snow much easier.
All these features make powder boards great for those of you looking to take your skills to the next-level and hone your deep snow shredding ability.
Best Snowboarding Bindings for Powder Snow
Bindings are probably the most important part of your snowboard setup; they provide you with the most direct control over your board. Although all-mountain bindings will provide you with adequate performance in powder snow, they don’t have the same features as powder-specific bindings.
Powder-specific bindings have added features such as stiffer highbacks, wider straps and a lowerback profile to give you more control on deep snow. Pre-curved highbacks will also help you better maintain your balance and create a smoother ride in un-groomed powder.
Look for bindings that provide a good energy transfer and response between your legs and board; this will help you tame the beast of powder snow.
Best Snowboarding Boots for Powder Snow
Your boots are important for any type of snowboarding. They not only support and protect your feet, but also provide a direct connection between your legs and board.
Having boots with a good fit and flexibility is also essential; you don’t want to be slipping around in your boots while you’re trying to control your board on powder. It’s important to buy a pair of boots that are soft and comfortable, so you can maintain good balance on your board.
A good way to test this is to perform a flex test in store. Get in the boots and crouch down to get a feel for the responsiveness in them. Look for boots with extra padding around the ankle and heel area; this will provide more support and cushioning in powder snow conditions.
Best Outerwear for Powder Snow
When you’re riding powder, you need to be warm and dry to stay safe and enjoy your experience. This means investing in a good set of outerwear is essential.
A good set of snowboard pants and jacket are vital. Look for ones with waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics; this will ensure you stay warm and dry while you’re riding. It’s also a good idea to choose ones with zipped pockets and other features that make your ride easier, like ventilation zippers.
The right base layers are also important, look for thermals that are lightweight, breathable and wick away moisture to keep you comfortable. Avoid using cotton as it absorbs sweat and will make you freezing cold when riding in powder.
Conclusion
Having the right gear for powder snow is essential if you want to progress safely and successfully. Investing in the correct snowboarding equipment will make a huge difference to your snowboarding experience and give you more control and comfort when riding in deep powder.
Remember to look for the right size board, powder-specific bindings, comfortable boots and the right outerwear for powder snow to make sure your rides are enjoyable and safe.
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