The Best Snowboarding Gear: Everything You Need to Hit the Slopes
As snowboarding season is upon us, it’s time to start thinking about which snowboarding gear you’ll need to get the most out of your winter adventures. From the right board and boots, to protective wear and the perfect accessories, this blog post dives into the best snowboarding gear to help you prepare for endless days on the slopes.
Choosing the Right Snowboard
When it comes to selecting your snowboard, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Different shapes, sizes, and styles each offer various benefits and can be designed for different types of snowboarding. It’s important to choose wisely though as the wrong board can limit your ability to progress in your skills.
Freestyle Boards
Freestyle boards are ideal for rookie snowboarders and those more inclined towards tricks. They’re designed for maneuverability, with softer flex options and true twin shapes providing the best options for spinning and locking into presses. The freestyle boards are usually the best for jibbing, whereas freeride boards are more for straight-line speed.
Freeride Boards
Freeride boards offer more stability, precision and control and are great for carving, switching and hitting powder. Their directional shape and longer nose give them more control and stability on the steeper runs or in the deeper powder. They can often be found with shorter radial sidecut bikes meaning that they will give great performance on the way down but won’t be as agile when tricking.
Alpine Snowboards
Alpine boards offer the least amount of flexibility compared to freestyle and freeride boards but leave you with your highest speed. These boards are the best option to hit the racetracks and are perfect for those who enjoy racing and want a board that gives them the control and glide speed needed.
Choosing the Right Snowboarding Boots
When it comes to choosing boots, the most important thing is that they fit correctly. Snowboard boots should also be able to withstand extreme temperatures and ensure ease of lacing. Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selecting your boots, but here’s a breakdown of the different types and which offer the best performance:
Soft Boots
Soft boots are great for beginners, tend to be more comfortable and don’t require much break-in time. However, their forte isn’t really their performance, with many riders feeling like they offer slight heel lift. They do provide more flexibility and can be easily adjusted, making them the better option for riders looking to focus on tricks.
Medium Flex Boots
Medium flex boots are great for all levels of rider and offer the best performance for all-terrain riding. They offer adjustable support, comfort and control making them a great choice if you want to progress in your skills.
Stiff Boots
Stiff boots provide the most responsive energy transfer and will give you maximum control in more aggressive terrain. The higher flex rating means they aren’t as flexible as the soft or medium flex boots and are therefore less forgiving when making mistakes. If you’re planning on taking your skating on steeper terrain or cliff drops, these are the go-to option.
Selecting Protective Wear
Prioritizing safety is key when snowboarding, and the right protective wear is key to helping you avoid serious injuries. From helmets, to wrist guards and padding, here’s a breakdown of the best equipment you need when you hit the slopes.
Helmets
Helmets are an absolute must when snowboarding, whether it be on the bunny slopes or the black trails. There’s no one-size fits-all here either, so look out for a helmet that offers the best levels of protection, comfort and ventilation for the slopes you’ll be riding.
Goggles
Having the right goggles can make-or-break your ride. Not only will the right ones minimize fog and provide UV protection, but also keep the wind out of your eyes and increase your visibility of the terrain. Look out for ones which come with seals, vents and interchangeable lenses.
Gloves
The right gloves are vital both on and off the slopes. Not only do they need to be fully waterproof, but should be breathable, flexible and padded too. There’s also a variety of windproof and insulated varieties on the market, which are great for extreme weather conditions.
Padding
The right body armour can also be key in reducing injuries when hitting the slopes. Whether you opt for a full set or just a back protector, hip pads or wrist guards, look for ones that are lightweight, breathable and comfortable and offer the best levels of protection while you’re on the ski lift.
Snowboarding Accessories
It’s essential to consider the accessories you need when you’re on the slopes. From warm clothing and snow pants, to the best wax for your board and an avalanche pack, there’s lots of equipment which you need to keep you safe and make your days miles better.
Clothing
Whether it’s for the slopes or for apres-ski, layering properly is key. Look for loose, breathable and waterproof materials and aim to layer from the skin outwards. Merino, wool and synthetics are generally the best materials to choose from.
Avalanche Pack
An avalanche pack is a must have when you hit the slopes, no matter how cautious you are. Look for ones which have pockets big enough to fit your supplies, harness clip-points and ventilation to help you stay comfortable.
Base Layer
Having a light and snug base layer is key in keeping you warm and avoiding windburn. Look out for ones made with merino or synthetic fabrics as they provide great insulation and humidity control, while still being breathable.
GoPro
A GoPro is a great way to remember every trick you nail or every powder run you get. Look for ones which are waterproof, shockproof and can be mounted easily for maximum stability.
Wax
Having the right wax for your board will make your carving more efficient and decrease the tendency of your snowboard to hook up on the ice sections. Look for waxes which are designed specifically for colder climates and provide better slide control and increased speed.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you decide which snowboarding gear you’ll need to complete your winter setup. With the advice above, you can be sure that you’ll be able to get the most out of your days on the slopes. Happy snowboarding!
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