The Best Snowboarding Gear for This Season
It’s that time of year again! The snow is falling and even temperatures are dropping, so now is the perfect time to get geared up for an unforgettable winter season. Tech and apparel companies have been developing innovative snowboarding products these past few years, implementing some cutting-edge design features that make hitting the slopes a much more enjoyable experience. So, what are the latest and greatest snowboarding gear designs everyone’s raving about?
Snowboards
Arguably one of the most important pieces of snowboarding gear, the snowboard is the foundation of your snowboarding set-up. This piece of equipment will determine your style and performance, so it’s worth investing in a quality board that fits your needs.
This season, some of the hottest snowboard trends are more flexible boards, lightweight models, and boards with wider waist widths. Flexible boards are ideal for beginner to intermediate riders, giving a more forgiving ride and optimum technique development. Lightweight boards are good for speed, agility, and overall performance, while wider waist widths provide more stability and control, making them great for all-mountain snowboarding.
Boots
Due to their direct connection to the board, snowboard boots are the most neglected yet important piece of the gear equation. Many riders make the mistake of simply choosing a boot that looks good or is comfortable, without first considering how it will affect their performance on the slope.
Lately, some of the jibbers and potential bangers out there are leaning towards soft-flexing snowboard boots for extra comfort and rebound. On the other hand, park-specific riders require something with a stiffer flex rating for more response and control in jumps, spins, and grabs. Then there are the freestyle riders who require a combination of flex qualities, looking for a boot that’s mid-soft with a forgiving yet comfortable flex.
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred flex rating, the rest is all about personal preference. Design features like inner ankle lacing, waterproofing material, and higher-end cushioning help riders fine-tune their boots to their style.
Bindings
The right bindings are essential for transferring your force and power to the board.Freestyle riders usually go for mid-soft bindings that give you more play in the park and pipe. If you’re into jibbing, you’ll want something that’s super soft so you can throw some smiles at the judges. For all-mountain riders, a slightly stiffer flex rating is recommended for more response in hard turns.
These days, binding technology has come a long way and innovations like toe ramps, highback padding, and adjustable heelcup canting are being implemented for extra comfort, response, and performance. Toe ramps provide extra leverage for spinning and rocking on the boards, while adjustable heelcup canting is great for adjusting your stance angle in order to optimize your balance and stance.
Outerwear
With so much emphasis on inner comfort and performance, many riders tend to forget the importance of a quality layer of outerwear. Having the right clothes in cold weather can mean the difference between a day of fun on the slopes and a day of shivering in the lodge.
This year, some of the hottest trends in snowboarding apparel are lightweight fabrics and heavier layering pieces. While lightweight fabrics let you enjoy the ride without wearing too much material, layering pieces are perfect for providing warmth without hindering mobility.
For protection against the elements, water-resistant and breathable fabrics are necessary. Water-repellent fabrics help keep you dry and comfortable in the snow, while breathables help regulate your body temperature with much-needed airflow.
These are just some of the most recent design innovations to hit the snowboarding market this season. With some quality gear and the right apparel, you’ll be ready to take on the slopes like a champ. All that’s left to do is hit the mountain, enjoy the ride, and have a safe and fun winter season!
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