The Best Snowboarding Gear for 2021.
The winter months bring with them one of the most eagerly anticipated activities of the year: snowboarding. As the snow begins to fall everyone starts getting excited about hitting the slopes and having some fun. But what snowboarding gear should you buy to ensure that you have the best possible experience?
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best snowboarding equipment of 2021 so you can hit the snow knowing you have the best gear out there.
First and foremost, let’s take a look at some of the absolute core pieces of snowboarding gear you should have in your collection.
Snowboard Boots
When it comes to your feet during snowboarding, you can’t mess around. The right boots can make a huge difference, not just in improving your experience but also in reducing potential injury. A good pair of boots should fit snugly and comfortably around your feet — not too loose, as this can cause slipping, and not too tight, as this can cause cramping and limit movement.
Look for boots that are specifically designed for snowboarding, as opposed to just winter boots. Snowboard boots provide the support your feet need on rugged terrain and while performing stunts. They should also be relatively lightweight, so you don’t get tired and sluggish too quickly.
Snowboard Bindings
Bindings are the mechanisms used to attach yourself to your snowboard when riding. Unlike ski bindings, which have a release mechanism, snowboard bindings do not, so properly choosing and properly fitting your bindings is of the utmost importance.
You should look for bindings that fit your boots as closely as possible. Tight boots mean tight bindings, which will help keep your feet firmly attached to the board, improving your experience and reducing your chances of becoming detached from your board. Furthermore, good snowboard bindings should come with thick straps to help keep things secure.
Snowboard
Your snowboard is potentially the most important piece of equipment you’ll buy, as it’s going to be the thing you’ll be riding on. Snowboards come in all shapes and sizes, and the right one for you will depend largely on your own height, weight and skill level.
Beginners can get away with a cheap and basic model. Aim for a model that is around your height (or sometimes a few centimetres shorter), and with an appropriate stiffness — softer boards are best for beginners, while more advanced riders may require a stiffer board.
Snowboard Jacket
A good-quality snowboard jacket is essential for any snowboarder, both for warmth and for protection against the elements. Look for a jacket that has a decent waterproof rating, whilst still being lightweight so as not to weigh you down too much.
Air pockets are a nice bonus, as these allow you to keep warm without being weighed down. Gortex is the leading brand in waterproof fabrics, and is highly recommended for jackets intended for snowboarding.
Snow Pants
Snow trousers are an absolute must-have for any snowboarder, and should be just as fashionable as snowboard jackets, as you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in them. Getting your snow pants right is essential in staying warm, as part of the fun of snowboarding is being able to go outside and enjoy it.
Again, high-end waterproofing and breathability are key, while plenty of pockets and a slim fit can help you look good while still having plenty of room to move.
Snowboarding Helmet
Safety should always come first when snowboarding, and the most important piece of equipment that you should buy to keep yourself safe is a snowboarding helmet. It’s a good idea to go for one that covers the back of your head and fits snugly on your head.
A good snowboarding helmet should have good ventilation, as you don’t want your head to get too hot, as well as being lightweight so that you can stay agile on the slopes. Additionally, a good helmet should make use of a shock absorber liner to help protect your head from impacts.
Goggles
Snowsports goggles should be good quality and fit snugly on your face, as you don’t want any snow or wind getting into your eyes.
Goggles come with a variety of lenses, each with its own color and made from various materials. Generally, go for a darker lens if you’re going to be snowboarding in bright outdoor environments, or a lighter lens if you’re looking to snowboard at night.
It’s also a good idea to buy a pair with interchangeable lenses so that you can easily switch them up depending on the conditions.
Gloves
Your hands are likely to be the first part of you that starts to feel the cold, so it’s important to get a good pair of winter gloves or snow mittens that will keep your hands warm and toasty while on the slopes.
You should opt for gloves with waterproofing and plenty of insulation, allowing you freedom of movement and a decent level of grip. A good pair of snowboarding gloves should have proper cuffs so you don’t get snow up your arms, and good padding and insulation to stop your hands from getting cold.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a complete beginner to snowboarding or a seasoned pro, having the right gear is essential for you to have the best experience possible. The right snowboard accessories will also allow you to become a seasoned rider, with properly fitting boots, bindings and protective equipment ensuring that you stay safe and warm while you’re out in the snow.
Now that you know what the best snowboarding equipment is for 2021, you just need to go and find it. Good luck and happy shredding!
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