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If you’re a fan of snowboarding, then you know that resort runs can become boring after a while. The same routes, the same jumps, the same crowds. That’s why, if you want to take your riding to the next level, you should try freeriding! However, freeriding requires specific equipment to be safe, comfortable, and to enjoy it to the fullest. In this blog post, we will go through the best snowboarding equipment for wild rides. We’ll cover everything from snowboards to helmets, so sit tight and enjoy the ride!
The Snowboard
The snowboard is the centerpiece of your riding experience. To choose the right snowboard for freeriding, you should consider its length, width, shape, and flex.
Length: Freeride snowboards are generally longer than park or resort snowboards. This is because the length provides stability and helps to keep your speed.
Width: Most riders will need a snowboard that is around 25.5 cm wide or more, as this provides stability and prevents toe and heel drag. If you have larger feet, you will need a wider board.
Shape: Freeride snowboards are typically directional in shape, which means that they have a defined front and back. The nose of the board is slightly bigger than the tail to make it easier to float in deep snow.
Flex: Lastly, the flex of the snowboard is critical. A stiffer board will provide more stability at high speeds and in the snow, while a softer board will provide more maneuverability and enable you to tackle different terrain.
Some of the best freeride snowboards on the market include:
- Burton Flight Attendant
- Jones Flagship
- Nitro Squash
- Ride Warpig
- Never Summer Proto Type Two
The Bindings
The bindings are what attach your boots to the snowboard, and they are as important as the board itself. When choosing bindings for freeriding, you should consider their adjustability, responsiveness, and how they will fit with your boots.
Adjustability: Most freeride bindings will have adjustable highbacks and straps so that you can customize them to your specific riding style and preference.
Responsiveness: You’ll want a binding that is responsive, meaning that it can transfer the movement and energy from your boots to the board quickly and efficiently. This will make your turns, jumps, and tricks more precise.
Compatibility with your boots: Lastly, make sure that your bindings will fit your boots or that you choose bindings and boots together. This will help you avoid any compatibility issues.
Some of the best freeride bindings on the market include:
- Burton Genesis X
- Ride Rodeo
- Union Atlas
- Nitro Team
The Boots
Your boots are the interface between you and the snowboard. They are responsible for transmitting movement and energy, and they need to be comfortable and sturdy.
Comfort: Freeriding boots should be comfortable, as you will be wearing them for long periods. Look for boots with proper padding and support, and ensure that they fit well with your bindings.
Sturdiness: Freeriding also requires stability, and your boots should be sturdy and have a robust design to provide extra support and prevent injuries.
Some of the best freeride boots on the market include:
- Burton Ion
- Vans Verse
- Nitro Select
- Ride Anthem
The Helmet
Safety should always be your top priority when snowboarding, and a helmet is essential to protect your head in the case of falls or collisions.
When choosing a helmet for freeriding, consider the following features:
Ventilation: Freeriding can be pretty intense, and you’ll need a helmet that allows airflow to keep you cool and comfortable.
Protection: The helmet should be sturdy and have enough protection to prevent injury in case of an impact.
Comfort: The helmet should fit well and be comfortable, so that you can wear it for long periods.
Some of the best freeride helmets on the market include:
- Poc Auric Cut Backcountry Spin
- Burton Anon Prime MIPS
- Giro Range MIPS
- Bern Watts EPS
The Goggles
Lastly, goggles are essential when snowboarding, as they protect your eyes from wind, snow, and UV rays. When choosing goggles for freeriding, here are some things to consider:
Lens quality: You need goggles with high-quality lenses that can provide clear vision in different lighting conditions.
Fit: The goggles should fit well with your helmet and not let in any snow or air.
Ventilation: Just like with helmets, goggles should also have proper ventilation to prevent fogging.
Some of the best goggles for freeriding include:
- Oakley Flight Deck
- Anon M4 Toric
- Smith I/O Mag
- Dragon X2
Wrapping Up
Freeriding is an incredible experience, but it requires specific equipment to be safe and comfortable. We hope that this list of the best snowboarding equipment for wild rides helps you choose the right gear to take your freeriding to the next level. Remember, always practice safety when freeriding and never ride alone. Have fun out there!
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