Why Certified Snowboarding Gear?
When it comes to winter adventures, nothing beats the feeling of conquering a fresh layer of powder on the slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner, it is essential to be equipped with the right gear to ensure a successful and, more importantly, a safe trip. Certified snowboarding gear is often the best choice for snowboarders as it offers protection from high-impact injuries and provides durability from all the bumps and slams that come with the sport.
So, if you’re looking to take your winter adventures up a notch, here’s your guide to certified snowboarding gear.
What is Certified Snowboarding Gear?
Certain characteristics will usually determine a piece of snowboarding gear to be ‘certified’. All certified snowboarding gear should be rated according to the applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety standard. These standards are put in place to ensure that snowboarding gear meets the minimum requirements of protection, durability, and impact resistance.
The ASTM standards include F2040, F2050, and F2053, with F2040 and F2050 being the most common. The F2040 standard applies to helmets, goggles, and wrist guards, and provides requirements for safety features, materials, performance, and protective features. The F2050 standard applies to snowboards, boots, and bindings and provides requirements for materials, performance, protective features, and sizing.
Where to Buy Certified Snowboarding Gear
Finding the right certified snowboarding gear for your winter getaway is easy with the countless options available on the market. Below are some of our favorite places that offer certified snowboarding gear:
Snowboard-specific retailers
Specialized snowboard retailers provide a variety of certified gear to choose from, often ranging from the basics to the must-haves. Look for online or physical stores that offer a variety of brands. This way, you’ll be able to compare prices and select the best gear for your needs.
Outdoor recreation stores
In addition to snowboard retailers, you can also find certified gear at outdoor recreation stores. These stores often carry gear that is designed for multiple outdoor activities, like skiing and snowboarding. Look for stores that specialize in outdoor gear and check out the equipment they offer to find certified snowboarding gear.
Sports stores
Sports stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Field & Stream, Modell’s, and Big 5 offer a selection of certified snowboarding gear. Look online or pop into their physical locations to check out their selection.
The Right Fit
Aside from buying certified gear, it’s equally important to make sure the gear fits correctly for optimal safety and performance. Keep in mind that improper fit can impair your ability to snowboard effectively.
Helmets, for example, should fit snugly. Look for a helmet with adjustable straps and a short amount of space between the helmet and your forehead. The helmet should also be secure enough that when you move your head, the helmet follows.
Also, consider the boot that goes with your snowboard. Pick a boot that fits tightly, but not too tight. You should be able to squeeze the ankles with your fingers and there should be no gaps. A tight fit will keep your foot secured in the bindings, preventing injury and maximizing control on the ground.
Final Thoughts
Certified snowboarding gear is essential for a safe and successful winter adventure. Keep in mind the three factors to consider when shopping for gear: certification, fit, and price. With these three factors taken into consideration, you should have no problem finding the perfect certified gear for your next winter trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get the gear you need to make your trip memorable and above all, safe.
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