What is Freeride Snowboarding?
Freeride snowboarding is a style of snowboarding that allows riders to go anywhere they choose on the mountain without having to follow a specific route or ride specific terrain. Freeride snowboarders value variety and creativity, allowing them to experience the mountain in their own unique way. Freeride snowboarding is often done on mountains with deep and variable snowpack. Riders use the varied terrain to surf and slash in natural terrain and jumps and drops when the conditions allow. Freeride snowboarding is growing in popularity for its combination of playfulness, challenge, and freedom.
How to Choose a Good Freeride Snowboard
The best freeride snowboard for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your ability level, what style features are important to you, and the conditions you’ll most often be riding in.
When selecting a freeride snowboard, there are a few key components to consider. Firstly, the shape of the snowboard should be taken into account, as this determines its performance in different conditions. Generally, freeride snowboards have a directional shape, with a slightly wider nose than tail, allowing for better floatation and stability.
The next important feature of a freeride snowboard is its flex. Snowboards with a softer flex are better suited for beginner and intermediate riders. Soft flexes allow for more play and control when turning and flexing in the deep snow.
An experienced freerider would likely prefer a board with a stiffer flex. Stiffer flexes are better suited for riding aggressively in unstable or choppy terrain. They are also preferred for backcountry touring, as they provide better edge hold, stability, and longer lasting board life.
Finally, a good freeride snowboard should have plenty of technology, such as sintered base wax for improved wax absorption, dampening technology for better shock absorption, and camber profile for superior edge hold and responsiveness.
The Reviews Are in – Here Are the Best Freeride Snowboards for 2018
1. Salomon Watt 405 Snowboard – The Salomon Watt snowboard is an all-mountain freeride board that will take you anywhere you want to go. Its directional shape provides superior floatation and stability, while its soft flex allows it to be ridden in any conditions. The board’s camber profile provides excellent edge hold, while the sintered base wax keeps you riding fast.
2. Burton Fish Snowboard – The Burton Fish is a great freeride board for beginners and advanced riders alike. Its fish-like shape gives it excellent floatation and stability, while its mellow flex helps it hold its edge in choppy conditions. The board also features Burton’s camber profile for lightning fast edge to edge response.
3. K2 Ultra Dream Snowboard – The K2 Ultra Dream is the perfect board for advanced freeriders looking for the ultimate ride. Its tapered directional shape floats through deep powder, while its stiff flex provides the stability and response necessary for charging down big lines. The board also comes with K2’s dampening technology, adding even more stability and comfort.
4. Rossignol Jibsaw Snowboard – The Rossignol Jibsaw is built for the streets and park. It has a true twin shape, allowing for equal performance switching between regular and switch. Its medium flex allows for jibbing comfort, while its camber profile provides edge hold and response. It’s the perfect board for jibbing, carving, and hitting kickers.
5. Nitro Rook Snowboard – The Nitro Rook is a do-it-all freeride board. It features a directional twin shape, providing both freeride float and park stomp power. Its medium flex allows it to be ridden in any condition, while its camber profile provides tons of pop. The board also features sintered wax for speed and dampening technology for increased shock absorption.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great freeride snowboards out there. It all depends on what type of riding you want to do. The boards listed above will give you an excellent ride, no matter what kind of terrain or conditions you’re riding in. Pick the board that best suits your needs and hit the slopes. Happy shredding!
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