Winter sports enthusiasts, rejoice! With the snowboarding season just around the corner, it’s time to gear up and hit the slopes. And with new gear innovations in the market, it’s time to make your shopping list to upgrade your kit. But with a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right gear. Fear not, as in this blog, we’ve curated the most innovative snowboarding gear of 2021 and provided a guide on how to choose eco-friendly options and the right size boots.
Most innovative snowboarding gear of 2021
1. **Burton Step On Bindings** – Known to change the game, Burton has launched its third iteration of the Step On Bindings. This year the brand has improved its power and precision in its bindings while reducing its overall weight. With a simpler latching mechanism, the Step On Bindings help maintain your balance and provide quicker response time.
2. **Oakley Flight Decks** – The next level of vision, Oakley Flight Decks offer an exceptional field of view to maintain maximum awareness on the slopes. With a rimless design and Prizm lens technology, these goggles filter out the visual noise and sharpen your perception so you can see every detail on your ride.
3. **K2 Party Platter Snowboard** – A new addition to K2’s lineup, the Party Platter is an all-mountain freestyle board that boasts multiple award-winning features. With a short, wide nose, and tapering, this board is ideal for those who love to ride in the trees, deep powder, and park.
4. **Smith Quantum Helmet** – Safety first, and with the Smith Quantum Helmet, you can rely on advanced safety technology. The Quantum has played a large role in revolutionizing helmet technology with its Aerocore construction that absorbs impact, reducing the forces transmitted to your brain in a crash.
5. **Therm-ic Powersocks Heat Socks** – Keeping your feet warm and dry is one of the most important aspects of snowboarding. And this year’s innovation is from Therm-ic; their Powersocks use a Bluetooth connection with a button on the sock, which allows the user to adjust the temperature of the sock to their liking.
Eco-friendly options for snowboarding gear
With environmental concerns on the rise, many brands have started to introduce eco-friendly options. The following are some of the ways you can make conscious purchases:
**Recycled Materials** – Brands like Burton, Volcom, and Patagonia have started using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and other waste material to make their products. This initiative has diverted a significant amount of post-consumer waste from landfills and is making a positive environmental impact.
**Sustainable Manufacturing** – Many brands now use sustainable manufacturing methods that support clean energy, reduce water consumption and waste material. These methods make use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy and ensure that there is no waste generation that could potentially impact the environment.
**Carbon Offsetting** – This practice is where companies invest in and support climate-friendly initiatives to offset their carbon footprint. For instance, Burton has partnered with Protect our Winters to offset their carbon footprint from shipping.
How to choose the right size snowboarding boots?
Choosing the right size for your snowboarding boots is crucial for a comfortable and safe ride. Here are four steps to ensure the perfect fit:
1. **Measure your feet** – The best way to measure the size of your feet is by ensuring a snug fit. Measure your feet accurately in a standing position, starting from the heel and ending at the longest toe.
2. **Flex and Support** – As snowboarding is a high-intensity sport, ensure that your boots offer the right support and flex. A stiffer boot provides better support and is ideal for longer rides and carving, while a softer boot is ideal for park tricks.
3. **Try them on** – Reputable shops offer a try-on and fitting session, so take your time and try on the boots. Strapping onto a board and spending a few minutes can give you a good idea of the fit.
4. **Consider adjustments** – Once you have found the right size, consider other minor adjustments that could help provide a better fit, like adding an insole.
In conclusion, it’s exciting to explore the new and innovative gear that is now available in the 2021 snowboarding market. It’s also essential to be mindful of your impact and make eco-conscious choices when it comes to snowboarding gear. Lastly, choosing the right size boots is crucial for the enjoyment of your ride. Happy shredding!
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