Introduction
Are you an avid snowboarder? Well then this article is definitely for you. We will cover what innovative snowboarding gear is currently on the market that has people buzzing and showing off their new items. From specialized bindings to boards, we will be talking about what’s new, what’s noteworthy and what’s best suited for your brand of riding style.
It’s no longer enough just to go out and buy the latest board setup and put the same old bindings and boots on the board. Nowadays, technology has ramped up and snowboarding gear across the board has improved tremendously. We’re here to introduce you to some of the great advances in R&D and tech that have made it easier and more enjoyable to shred the mountain.
Ready to check out the newest gear available on the snowboarding scene? Let’s get right into it!
Boots
When it comes to boots, the major advancements have been made to the lining. There are now over 95 different varieties of liner available for use, allowing riders to customize the way their boots fit for a much more comfortable ride. This goes beyond the age-old concept of “breaking in” boots – now you can get exactly the fit you want from the get-go.
In addition, no more worrying about snowballing inside of your boots, or having perspiration build up over a long day on the slopes. These new liners are designed to be breathable and sweat-wicking, allowing for a much more enjoyable all-day ride.
Finally, some boots have integrated shock absorbent technology, which helps minimize the impact felt on your joints as you ride, especially after taking big jumps.
Bindings
Since bindings are the connection between your boots and the board, they have to be particularly suited to fit your needs as a rider. That’s why bindings now come in all three major rider kinds – aggressive (think jumpers), all-mountain (your standard all-arounders), and park riders (those who like to spin, flip, and jib like crazy).
But beyond that, some bindings are even designed to be versatile, allowing the rider to make adjustments on the fly and custom-tune the settings to make sure the bindings are providing ample response in any condition. This technology is still fairly new, and is definitely one of the more interesting advances in snowboarding technology.
Boards
No longer just a basic piece of plywood (not that there is anything wrong with that!), modern boards are designed to offer maximum response and control no matter what kind of terrain you’re riding on.
The biggest advancements have most definitely been made in regards to what materials the boards are made from. Now there are options like fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar, which help to reduce weight and boost response. Plus, the cores can be made to be more flexible or more rigid depending on the kinds of terrain and obstacles you’re going to be facing.
Moreover, the edges are now designed with different bevels in order to provide the best grip possible on icy surfaces and other conditions. Plus, the rails (the areas on the board that come in contact with the snow) are made to absorb more shock, making for an almost effortless ride.
Clothing & Accessories
It’s not all about your board – the protective clothing and accessories you wear can make all the difference in how enjoyable your ride is. Thanks to advances in both textile science and design, you can now get clothing that offers excellent insulation and breathability at the same time. Not to mention the fact that all the colors and prints available make it easy to express yourself on the mountain!
Of course goggles are still a staple item for snowboarding, and thanks to the advent of photochromic lenses you won’t even have to worry about changing them out if conditions on the mountain change.
As for protection, you now can find helmets, body armor and even airbag systems (which deploy if you take a hard spill), so you can rest assured that you’re as safe as possible while you’re out there.
Conclusion
As you can see, the world of snowboarding technology has definitely changed over the years, and the advancements are exciting and plentiful. From specialized liners and bindings to boards made of lighter materials and protective gear that make it easier and more comfortable to ride all day, it’s easy see why people are getting amped about the newest snowboarding gear on the market.
Now it’s your turn – go out and find the perfect gear for you and hit the slopes in style. Enjoy the ride!
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