The Best Snowboarding Gear for Freestyle: Where to Start.
Are you ready to take on the slopes and show off your freestyle moves? If so, you’ll need the right snowboarding gear. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your snowboarding performance.
Choosing the right snowboarding gear can be intimidating, particularly if you’re new to the sport. But if you focus on the key items that make up a snowboarding setup, you’ll have all you need to take your freestyle runs to the next level.
In this post, we’ll discuss the essential snowboarding gear for freestyle. We’ll go over what each item is, why it’s important, and give you tips for picking them out. So, get out your note-taking pens, fire up your laptop, and let’s dive into the best snowboarding gear for freestyle.
Snowboard
The most important piece of snowboarding gear is your snowboard. The type of snowboard you need can be determined by several factors, such as your riding style, body type, and terrain you’ll be riding.
For the most part, the best snowboard for freestyle is a twin tip snowboard. The shape of the board is symmetrical, allowing for easy switch riding and spins. Its construction is also designed to absorb impacts and feature a softer flex; perfect for trick jumps and rail slides.
If you already have a snowboard, great! But if you’re looking to buy one, a moderate-sized board is best for freestyle. It should be about waist-high with a width of around 10-11 inches.
When it comes to snowboarding gear, the one area where you don’t want to skimp is on quality, as a good board is the foundation of a great snowboarding experience.
Bindings
Bindings may not be the most stylish piece of your snowboarding setup, but they are arguably the most important component when it comes to freestyle. Not only do they attach your feet to the board, but they also offers control, balance, and power over your performance.
The right bindings for freestyle need to be comfortable and provide ultimate flex. Look for snowboard bindings with a highback design and high-strength baseplates; this is essential for torque and power on jumps, spins, and grinds.
Your boots should also fit snugly in the bindings, as loose boots can easily slip or come undone – and you don’t want that on a trick jump.
Boots
Complementary to your bindings is the right pair of snowboard boots. Snowboard boots come in a variety of sizes and styles, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Look for a pair of boots with thick cushioning, as this will increase your comfort and support when you’re landing from jumps. The lacing system is also very important; go for lace-up boots for more control over tightness and fit.
When it comes to snowboarding gear, your boots should be waterproof and insulated. This will help keep your feet dry and warm so that you can ride all day long.
Goggles
A quality pair of snowboard goggles is essential for any snowboarder. If you’re riding freestyle, you’ll want a pair of goggles that fit comfortably around your face and offer impressive vision in all directions.
Look for a pair of OTG (Over The Glasses) goggles, as these will provide the best field of vision while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Some goggles also feature anti-fogging and anti-scratch coatings, which will keep your vision clear no matter what snow conditions you’re riding in.
Helmet
In addition to your snowboard, bindings, boots, and goggles, you should also wear a helmet. Helmets are the best way to protect your head from injury, so it’s certainly worth investing in a good one.
The type of helmet you choose should depend on where you plan to ride. If you’re hitting the park and doing jumps, a full-face helmet is your best bet. This style of helmet offers full coverage, plus ventilation and a low-profile design.
Park skiers and racers may opt for a half-shell helmet, as this provides adequate protection with enhanced ventilation for those high-speed runs.
Clothing
Last but not least, let’s talk about clothing. Having the right clothing pieces is just as important as having the right equipment.
In cold weather, aim for layers with technical fabric. These will help pull sweat away from your body so that you don’t feel chilled when you jump around.
When it comes to bottoms, go for something thin yet durable. Most freestyle snowboarders opt for thin, flexible pants that keep you warm without holding you back when you pull off tricks.
Your clothing should fit snugly so that it won’t catch when you land on your board or racks. For additional warmth and protection, you can also invest in snowboarding accessories, such as gloves, face masks, and neck gaiters.
Final Thoughts
Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport, and having the right gear is essential for taking your freestyle skills to the next level. The right board, bindings, boots, goggles, helmet, and clothing pieces can make a major difference in your performance and overall safety on the mountain.
By following the tips in this post, you can be sure that you have the best snowboarding gear for freestyle. So, get out there and hit the slopes – and be sure to show off your best tricks!
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