Is Your Snowboard Gear Ready to Conquer the Powder? Check Out These Must-Have Freeride Reviews!
Introduction:
With the winter season upon us, it’s time to strap on our snowboards and hit the mountains for the ultimate adrenaline rush! But before you rush to the slopes, ensure that your snowboarding gear is up to the mark. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newbie, it’s critical to have the best freeride snowboarding gear to conquer the powder.
It can be overwhelming to choose from the plethora of options available in the market. Hence, we have compiled a list of must-have freeride snowboarding gear that you don’t want to miss out on. In this blog post, we’ll dive in-depth into each of these products, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed choice. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents:
1. Snowboard
– Burton Custom Snowboard
– Capita Mercury Snowboard
2. Bindings
– Union Force Snowboard Bindings
– Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings
3. Boots
– Burton Ion Snowboard Boots
– Salomon HiFi Snowboard Boots
4. Goggles
– Oakley Flight Deck Snow Goggles
– Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggles
5. Helmet
– Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet
– Giro Range MIPS Snow Helmet
6. Jacket
– Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1 Jacket
– The North Face Clementine Triclimate Jacket
7. Pants
– Burton AK 3L Hover Snow Pants
– Volcom Swift Bib Overall Snow Pants
Snowboard:
The snowboard is the most important piece of gear when it comes to freeride snowboarding. Choosing the perfect board can make all the difference in your performance, safety, and overall snowboarding experience. The two most popular snowboards in the market today are the Burton Custom Snowboard and the Capita Mercury Snowboard.
Burton Custom Snowboard:
The Burton Custom Snowboard is a classic board that has been around for over two decades. It’s a versatile snowboard suitable for all levels of riders and all types of riding styles. This board provides a stable platform for high-speed cruising, great float in powder, and responsive turning.
The board features a Super Fly II™ 700G Core combined with Dualzone™ EGD™ and Squeezebox for enhanced energy transfer, control, and pop. The Frostbite Edges provide increased edge hold for carving on hardpack. This directional board has a setback stance that provides the tail with more lift to float in powder and a tighter turning radius on the front.
Pros:
– Classic board suitable for all levels of riders and riding styles.
– Offers enhanced energy transfer, control, and pop.
– Frostbite Edges provide increased edge hold.
– Responsive turning due to Dualzone™ EGD™ and Squeezebox.
– Provides great float in powder.
Cons:
– Expensive compared to other boards in the market.
– Not suitable for park riding.
Capita Mercury Snowboard:
The Capita Mercury Snowboard is a premium board for advanced riders. This board is designed for pure freeride performance and can handle the steepest terrains and the deepest powder. The board features a Hybrid FK Camber Profile combined with Carbon Kevlar Struts, providing maximum pop and power.
The camber profile is flat-to-rocker to deliver float in powder, stable landings in backcountry jumps, and excellent edge hold on hardpack. The Carbon Kevlar Struts add torsional stability to balance the board’s flex and maintain a solid edge hold.
Pros:
– Designed for advanced freeride performance.
– Flat-to-rocker camber profile for float in powder and stable landings.
– Carbon Kevlar Struts provide torsional stability and edge hold.
– Excellent pop and power.
Cons:
– Expensive.
– Not suitable for beginners or park riding.
Bindings:
Bindings are the interface between your boots and your snowboard. A good pair of bindings provides support, responsiveness, and comfort, allowing you to ride with confidence. The two most popular snowboard bindings in the market today are the Union Force Snowboard Bindings and the Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings.
Union Force Snowboard Bindings:
The Union Force Snowboard Bindings are a versatile and reliable choice for all levels of riders. This binding features a Stage 4 Duraflex ST baseplate that delivers a responsive feel, even on challenging terrains. The bindings have a buckled ankle strap with thermoformed EVA cushioning and a multi-positional toe strap to ensure a comfortable fit.
Moreover, the Force Highback provides support and response while allowing freedom of movement. The binding uses a 3D Extruded Aluminum heelcup and tool-less forward lean adjustment for customization.
Pros:
– Versatile and reliable for all levels of riders.
– Provides a responsive feel and support.
– Buckled ankle strap and multi-positional toe strap for a comfortable fit.
– Force Highback for support and response.
– 3D Extruded Aluminum Heelcup and tool-less forward lean adjustment for customization.
Cons:
– Might be too stiff for some riders.
Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings:
The Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings are a professional-grade binding for the ultimate freeride experience. This binding features a Single-Component Re:Flex™ Baseplate that provides consistent response and flex. The Canted Hammockstrap™ and Supergrip Capstrap™ 2.0 toe strap provide support and comfort.
The binding uses the Zero Lean Hi-Back for a playful and relaxed feel with a tool-less forward lean adjustment. The binding is compatible with all major snowboarding mounting systems and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
– Professional-grade binding for the ultimate freeride experience.
– Provides consistent response and flex.
– Canted Hammockstrap™ and Supergrip Capstrap™ 2.0 toe strap for support and comfort.
– Zero Lean Hi-Back for a playful and relaxed feel.
– Compatible with all major snowboarding mounting systems.
Cons:
– Expensive.
Boots:
The boots are the link between your body and your snowboard. Good snowboard boots provide comfort, support, and responsiveness, allowing you to ride with stability and ease. The two most popular snowboard boots in the market today are the Burton Ion Snowboard Boots and the Salomon HiFi Snowboard Boots.
Burton Ion Snowboard Boots:
The Burton Ion Snowboard Boots are a premium choice for advanced riders. These boots have a medium flex that provides support and versatility for all mountain freeriding. The boots feature a Life Liner with DRYRIDE Heat Cycle™ Lining and Tuff Cuff Lite™, keeping your feet warm and dry.
Moreover, the boots use the Focus Boa® Coiler™ System for customizable fit and convenience, while the Vibram® EcoStep™ rubber outsoles offer stability and grip on icy terrains.
Pros:
– Premium choice for advanced riders.
– Medium flex for support and versatility.
– Keeps your feet warm and dry.
– Focus Boa® Coiler™ System for customizable fit and convenience.
– Vibram® EcoStep™ rubber outsoles for stability and grip.
Cons:
– Expensive.
Salomon HiFi Snowboard Boots:
The Salomon HiFi Snowboard Boots are a versatile option for all levels of riders. These boots have a medium flex that provides support and comfort on all mountain freeriding. The boots feature the ShadowFlex™ liner, which provides custom fit and keeps your feet warm and dry.
The boots use the Focus BOA® dual BOA lacing system for precise hold and the Energy Cell+ for cushioning and rebound. The HiFive EC+ Outsole provides grip and durability on all terrains.
Pros:
– Versatile option for all levels of riders.
– Medium flex for support and comfort.
– ShadowFlex™ liner for custom fit and warmth.
– Focus BOA® dual BOA lacing system for precise hold.
– HiFive EC+ Outsole for grip and durability.
Cons:
– Might not be suitable for advanced riders.
Goggles:
Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and snow, providing clear vision and comfort while snowboarding. The two most popular snow goggles in the market today are the Oakley Flight Deck Snow Goggles and the Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggles.
Oakley Flight Deck Snow Goggles:
The Oakley Flight Deck Snow Goggles are a premium choice for the ultimate freeride experience. These goggles provide exceptional clarity, field of view, and comfort. The goggles feature Prizm™ lenses that enhance contrast and visibility, providing unmatched vision in all conditions.
Moreover, the goggles use Ridgelock Technology that allows for easy lens changing, while the F3 Anti-Fog Coating prevents fogging even in the coldest and wettest conditions. The goggles also have triple-layer foam and a discreet frame, providing seamless compatibility with helmets.
Pros:
– Premium choice for the ultimate freeride experience.
– Exceptional clarity, field of view, and comfort.
– Prizm™ lenses for unmatched vision in all conditions.
– Ridgelock Technology for easy lens changing.
– F3 Anti-Fog Coating and triple-layer foam for fog prevention.
Cons:
– Expensive.
Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggles:
The Smith I/O Mag Snow Goggles are a versatile option for all levels of riders. These goggles provide superior vision, fit, and durability. The goggles feature ChromaPop™ lenses that enhance color and contrast, providing excellent vision in all light conditions.
Moreover, the goggles use the quick-release lens change system MAG™ that allows for effortless lens changing, while the 5X™ Anti-Fog Inner Lens provides fog prevention even in the harshest conditions. The goggles also have a 3-layer DriWix Face Foam with silicone grip and a semi-rimless frame, providing seamless compatibility with helmets.
Pros:
– Versatile option for all levels of riders.
– Superior vision, fit, and durability.
– ChromaPop™ lenses for excellent vision in all light conditions.
– Quick-release lens change system MAG™ for effortless lens changing.
– 5X™ Anti-Fog Inner Lens and 3-layer DriWix Face Foam for fog prevention.
Cons:
– Might not fit well for some riders.
Helmet:
Helmets provide protection for your head from impacts and accidents while snowboarding. A good snowboarding helmet is lightweight, comfortable, and provides excellent ventilation. The two most popular snow helmets in the market today are the Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet and the Giro Range MIPS Snow Helmet.
Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet:
The Smith Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet is a premium choice for advanced riders. This helmet provides exceptional protection, breathability, and comfort. The helmet features MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) that reduces rotational forces caused by impacts, preventing head injuries.
Moreover, the helmet uses the Aerocore™ Construction technology with Koroyd® for maximum ventilation and energy absorption. The 100% Seamless Compatibility with Smith Goggles ensures a perfect fit, while the Boa® 360 Fit System provides customizable fit and comfort.
Pros:
– Premium choice for advanced riders.
– Exceptional protection, breathability, and comfort.
– MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for preventing head injuries.
– Aerocore™ Construction technology with Koroyd® for maximum ventilation and energy absorption.
– 100% Seamless Compatibility with Smith Goggles and Boa® 360 Fit System for customizable fit and comfort.
Cons:
– Expensive.
Giro Range MIPS Snow Helmet:
The Giro Range MIPS Snow Helmet is a versatile option for all levels of riders. This helmet provides superior protection, ventilation, and adjustment. The helmet features MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) that reduces rotational forces caused by impacts, preventing head injuries.
Moreover, the helmet uses the In-Mold Construction technology with AURA Reinforcement for durability and ventilation. The helmet also has a Conform Fit Technology that adapts to your head shape for a perfect fit, while the Fidlock® Magnetic Buckle provides easy and secure closure.
Pros:
– Versatile option for all levels of riders.
– Superior protection, ventilation, and adjustment.
– MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for preventing head injuries.
– In-Mold Construction technology with AURA Reinforcement for durability and ventilation.
– Conform Fit Technology and Fidlock® Magnetic Buckle for perfect fit and easy closure.
Cons:
– Might not be suitable for advanced riders.
Jacket:
Jackets protect you from the harsh weather conditions and keep you warm and dry while snowboarding. A good snowboarding jacket is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and provides insulation. The two most popular snowboarding jackets in the market today are the Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1 Jacket and The North Face Clementine Triclimate Jacket.
Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1 Jacket:
The Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1 Jacket is a premium choice for ultimate protection and versatility. This jacket is made of H2No® Performance Standard 2-layer polyester shell that provides waterproof and breathable protection. The jacket also has a zip-out liner that provides warmth and insulation, making it a 3-in-1 jacket suitable for all weather conditions.
Moreover, the jacket uses DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to make water roll off the jacket, while the adjustable powder skirt keeps snow out. The jacket also has multiple pockets for storing your essentials.
Pros:
– Premium choice for ultimate protection and versatility.
– H2No® Performance Standard 2-layer polyester shell for waterproof and breathable protection.
– Zip-out liner for warmth and insulation.
– DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and adjustable powder skirt for weather protection.
– Multiple pockets.
Cons:
– Expensive.
The North Face Clementine Triclimate Jacket:
The North Face Clementine Triclimate Jacket is a versatile option for all levels of riders. This jacket is made of DryVent™ 2-layer shell that provides waterproof and breathable protection. The jacket also has a zip-in liner that provides warmth and insulation, making it a 3-in-1 jacket suitable for all weather conditions.
Moreover, the jacket uses a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish for extra weather protection, while the snap-down powder skirt ensures snow stays out. The jacket also has ample pockets for storing your essentials.
Pros:
– Versatile option for all levels of riders.
– DryVent™ 2-layer shell for waterproof and breathable protection.
– Zip-in liner for warmth and insulation.
– PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish and snap-down powder skirt for weather protection.
– Ample pockets.
Cons:
– Might not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.
Pants:
Pants protect your legs from the cold, snow, and wind while snowboarding. A good pair of snowboarding pants is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and provides insulation. The two most popular snowboarding pants in the market today are the Burton AK 3L Hover Snow Pants and the Volcom Swift Bib Overall Snow Pants.
Burton AK 3L Hover Snow Pants:
The Burton AK 3L Hover Snow Pants are a premium choice for advanced riders. These pants are made of GORE-TEX® Pro Shell that provides waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. The pants also have a PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation that provides warmth and insulation.
Moreover, the pants use the Mapped with stretch and taffeta lining to provide a comfortable and custom fit, while the Crossflow Venting™ provides maximum ventilation when needed. The pants also have several pockets for storing your essentials.
Pros:
– Premium choice for advanced riders.
– GORE-TEX® Pro Shell for waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection.
– PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation for warmth and insulation.
– Mapped with stretch and taffeta lining for a comfortable and custom fit.
– Crossflow Venting™ and multiple pockets.
Cons:
– Expensive.
Volcom Swift Bib Overall Snow Pants:
The Volcom Swift Bib Overall Snow Pants are a versatile option for all levels of riders. These pants are made of V-Science 2-Layer Shell that provides waterproof and breathable protection. The pants also have a V-Science Breathable Lining system that prevents overheating.
Moreover, the pants use the Zip Tech® Jacket to Pant Interface for a seamless and secure fit, while the adjustable suspenders and stretchy bib provide a comfortable and custom fit. The pants also have several pockets for storing your essentials.
Pros:
– Versatile option for all levels of riders.
– V-Science 2-Layer Shell for waterproof and breathable protection.
– V-Science Breathable Lining system for temperature regulation.
– Zip Tech® Jacket to Pant Interface for a seamless and secure fit.
– Adjustable suspenders and stretchy bib and multiple pockets.
Cons:
– Might not be suitable for
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