The Best Snowboarding Gear for Freestyle Riding.
Are you an experienced snowboarder looking for the best gear for freestyle riding? Snowboarding is an incredibly popular winter sport and one of the best ways to get out and enjoy some winter fun. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert snowboarder, having the proper snowboarding gear will increase your enjoyment and safety while shredding runs, and make sure you can take full advantage of the freeride experience.
There’s a lot to consider when outfitting yourself for freestyle riding, including snowboard size, bindings, snowboard boots, and a variety of other accessories. We’ve rounded up some of the best snowboarding gear for freestyle to get you off and shredding in no time.
Snowboard Setup
The freestyle setup is an important factor when it comes to getting your board on the slopes. A good freestyle snowboard should be geared up with bindings specifically designed for this style of riding. Typically, freestyle snowboards will have slightly softer flex that provides more control and better grip when hitting the rails or boxes.
When it comes to length, it is important to choose a snowboard size that is suitable for your height, weight, riding ability, and personal style. Most freestyle snowboarders tend to choose the shortest size possible that still compliments their weight and style of riding. This will ensure the best control and response while maneuvering around the terrain park.
Bindings
The snowboard bindings you choose should be good quality and comfortable enough to stay strapped in for long runs. To make sure you’re getting the best performance from your bindings, it’s important to select bindings that are specifically designed for freestyle riding.
Freestyle bindings feature straps that can quickly be adjusted and usually have a padded and supportive ankle strap for the best fit and response. A supportive ankle strap ensures riders can avoid the pain of binding fatigue.
Snowboard Boots
Though it may seem like just another layer of clothing, snowboard boots are actually quite important to your freestyle snowboarding experience. The type of boots you choose can directly affect your riding style, response time, comfort, and, ultimately, your success.
Freestyle snowboard boots offer more flex and a more forgiving fit than boots designed for all mountain or racing, meaning you can be more active in all directions while remaining stable. Freestyle boots are typically soft, lightweight, and provide comfort while still providing the necessary control and energy transfer needed while stomping tricks in the terrain park.
Safety Gear
Just like any sport, it’s important to wear the right safety equipment while snowboarding. Safety gear includes helmets, goggles, and wrist guards, but back protection and knee pads are also essential for riding in the terrain park.
Helmets remain one of the best barriers to protect your head against serious injury. A good helmet should be lightweight and well fitting, with advanced features such as an adjustable dial to adjust the fit, as well as ventilation and moisture wicking technology.
Goggles are another important necessity for snowboarding, and most riders opt for a variety of lenses to suite the changing light conditions. Goggles lenses are usually categorised according to ease of vision in different weather conditions, and many models come with features like anti-fogging and interchangeable lenses.
Wrist guards provide important support and protection for your wrists and arms while landing difficult tricks. Wrist guards are especially important for younger riders who are new to the sport, and they should fit comfortably while still providing adequate protection.
Back protection is also important in the terrain park, as injuries to the back and spine are common while practicing more advanced snowboarding tricks. Look for a back protector that fits snugly against the back and is comfortable enough to wear while riding.
Knee pads are great for providing support to the knees, which get particularly put under pressure while taking hard landings. Look for a knee pad with plenty of padding, secure straps or fastening systems, and excellent ventilation.
Conclusion
Finding the right snowboarding gear for freestyle riding can make a huge difference in your experience. Thankfully, with the right board setup, bindings, boots, and safety gear, you’ll be ready to hit the terrain park in no time! So make sure to take the time to do your research and find the snowboarding gear that’s best for you.
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