What’s New in Snowboard Gear This Season?
It’s that time of year again – the snow is falling, and snowboarders everywhere are hitting the slopes. With a new season comes new gear, and this year, there are some exciting innovations that are sure to get snowboarders stoked.
So, what’s new in snowboard gear this season?
Let’s start with snowboards themselves. This year, we’re seeing some interesting new shapes and technologies that promise to improve the riding experience. One of the most talked-about new designs is the “swallowtail” – a board with a notched-out tail that resembles the tail of a swallow. The idea behind this design is that the notched-out tail reduces drag and improves control in deep powder. Another new design that’s generating buzz is the “Camber-Rocker-Camber”, or “CRC” for short. This design features a traditional camber profile between the bindings, and then transitions to rocker on the tips. The result is a board that’s easy to turn, but still offers plenty of pop.
In addition to new shapes and designs, snowboard manufacturers are also incorporating new materials and technologies into their boards. For example, Arbor Snowboards has introduced a new “Thunderhead Tips” technology, which uses a blend of carbon fibers and urethane to reduce swing weight and improve pop. Other manufacturers, such as Burton and Lib Tech, are experimenting with new core materials and laminates to achieve different flex patterns and ride characteristics.
Of course, it’s not just the boards that are getting an upgrade this season. Snowboard bindings are also seeing some new innovations. One of the most exciting new bindings on the market is the Burton Step-On binding system, which allows riders to simply step onto their board and start riding. The binding system uses two connection points (one at the toe, one at the heel) and a high-back that snaps into place. The result is a secure and responsive connection that eliminates the need for traditional strap bindings.
Another exciting development in bindings is the use of materials and features borrowed from the world of advanced prosthetics. For example, the new “Hovercraft” binding from K2 Snowboarding features a footbed made from smart foam that adapts to the rider’s foot and provides custom support. Other manufacturers are experimenting with materials such as carbon fiber and titanium to achieve lighter weight and more durable bindings.
But what good is a great board and bindings if you don’t have the right boots? Luckily, this season’s snowboard boots are some of the most advanced yet. One of the most interesting new developments in boots is the use of “Boa” technology – a lacing system that uses a reel and cable to tighten the boot around the foot. Boa systems are lightweight, easy to use and offer a highly customizable fit. Another new development in boots is the use of heat-moldable liners – a technology borrowed from the world of high-end ski boots. Heat-moldable liners allow the rider to get a custom fit that’s tailored to their specific foot shape, resulting in more comfort and better performance.
Last but not least, snowboard outerwear is getting some upgrades this season as well. One of the most exciting new developments in winter apparel is the use of “smart” fabrics that can react to changing conditions. For example, several companies are now using “phase change” materials that can absorb, store and release heat depending on the temperature. This means that a snowboarder wearing a jacket made of phase-change materials will stay warm when it’s cold outside, but won’t overheat when they start working up a sweat.
Other companies are incorporating new materials, such as graphene (a super-strong, lightweight material) into their outerwear. Graphene-infused fabrics are designed to be more durable and longer-lasting than traditional fabrics, and they offer improved resistance to water and wind.
So, there you have it – the latest and greatest in snowboard gear. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, these new technologies and innovations are sure to make your time on the mountain more fun and more comfortable. So, suit up, strap in and get ready to shred!
Image Credit: Pexels