The Best Snowboarding Gear for Pro Riders
Breaking into the winter sports scene can be an intimidating task. With so many brands and pieces of gear on the market, it can be hard to know which pieces of equipment are worth investing in. And when it comes to snowboarding, the right gear can make all the difference in the safety of your ride and the performance of your tricks. If you’re serious about snowboarding, you need to make sure you’re outfitted with the best snowboarding gear.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the right snowboarding gear is essential for your safety and performance. From the kind of board and boots you choose, to the layers of outerwear, protective gear, and accessories, having the right combination of equipment can make all the difference. To ensure your investment pays off, here’s a guide to the best snowboarding gear for pro riders.
Snowboarding Boards
One of the most important pieces of equipment when it comes to snowboarding is your board. It’s important to select a board that suits your style and skill level, while serving the purpose of the types of terrain you plan to ride down. Generally speaking, look for a board that is lightweight but still offers a substantial amount of stability.
For a beginner, a board made of soft flex materials is best, allowing for more maneuverability in slower speeds when you’re still learning how to snowboard. Intermediate and Pro riders should look for a stiffer, harder flex board, which is what a vast majority of Pro riders use. Boards made of higher-end materials and all-mountain boards that can handle a variety of terrain and speeds.
When it comes to choosing the size of your board, it all comes down to personal preference. You want to make sure that it’s not too long and cumbersome or too short and unstable, but instead somewhere in between, where you’ll feel comfortable with your level of stability.
Snowboarding Boots
Your snowboarding boots play a huge role in your comfort and performance, and there are tons of different types of boots on the market. Pro riders tend to be loyal to a particular brand and boot style, so it’s important to find one that you trust.
The right pair of boots will depend on the type of riding you do, your level of fitness, and your experience. Generally speaking, look for boots that are comfortable, supportive, and offer warmth and insulation. Often times, the waterproofing of a boot is a beneficial feature, as well as a good fit that is snug but not too tight or uncomfortable.
If you are an aggressive rider, you’ll want a boot that offers Ankle Support, allowing for a greater range of motion and flexibility for forceful tricks. Lacing systems and boot fit can make a big difference, too, so try out different boots to find the ones that fit your feet best.
Layers Of Outerwear
When it comes to hitting the slopes in style and protection, layers of outerwear are essential. You’ll want to start with a base layer such as a t-shirt and leggings, then move to an insulation layer, such as a fleece, hoodie, or a vest. Finally, add on a top layer of waterproof and windproof gear, such as a snowboarding jacket and pants.
A majority of Pro riders opt for a 3-in-1 system, in which all pieces can be zipped together. This offers more warmth and protection against the elements and allows for you to have the flexibility to remove layers when the weather and terrain changes.
When selecting your layers, look for ones with a breathable outer and inner fabrics, offering you a soft feel as well as wicking away moisture from your sweat. Ski and snowboarding specific designs often feature a helmet or goggle-compatible hood and boot pass throughs for added warmth.
Protective Gear
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro rider, protective gear is non-negotiable. While it might not be a part of your everyday style, it certainly serves its purpose.
The most common piece of gear is a helmet. You can choose between different styles and designs, ranging from snowboarding-specific designs with an integrated audio system, to an all-mountain design that can also be used for other sports such as skiing and skateboarding.
You’ll also want to equip yourself with wrist guards, knee pads and shin pads. These items provide extra protection during falls and wipeouts and are made with lightweight, breathable, and flexible materials. Pro riders often opt for additional back and chest protection as well, to ensure maximum protection and to make sure their movements are not restricted when they’re hitting their next trick.
Snowboard Accessories
The right accessories can often mean make or break the experience on the slope. For starters, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of snowboard goggles. Look for ones with a larger fit for maximum comfort, a double lens design for good optics, ventilation for fogging, and anti-fog coating.
For manipulating your bindings, a good multitool is essential. Look for ones with varied tools and a lighted grip for convenience and utility.
To ensure your phone can last the duration of your ride, you’ll also want to invest in a good power bank. Look for ones with a waterproof rating and plenty of charging ports, so that you have enough juice to power all of your gadgets. Lastly, make sure you are equipped with a good ski pass holder, so you don’t have to worry about losing your ski pass or cards when you’re trying to hit the slopes.
Snowboard Gear: The Bottom Line
No matter what level of snowboarding you are at, having the right gear can make all the difference in your safety and your performance. Whether it’s a snowboard, boots, layers of outerwear, protective gear, or a variety of accessories, make sure you are outfitted with the best snowboarding gear for pro riders.
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