Introduction
It’s a common misconception that top-notch freeriding skills are all about talent, regardless of the equipment used. However, that’s far from the truth. Without the proper gear, your freeriding performance is bound to suffer. Good equipment can make all the difference in the world when it comes to enjoyment, comfort, and safety on the slopes. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top ten snowboarding gear reviews, to help you make an informed decision and take your freeriding skills to the next level.
Table of Contents
1. Snowboards
2. Bindings
3. Boots
4. Goggles
5. Helmets
6. Jackets
7. Pants
8. Gloves
9. Base Layers
10. Beanies
1. Snowboards
A snowboard is the centrepiece of your setup. It’s essential to have a sturdy and reliable board that can handle different terrains and conditions. Here are the top three snowboards that we recommend.
a. Burton Custom
The Burton Custom is a classic board that has been around for years. It’s perfect for freeriders who want a board that’s versatile and can handle any terrain. The board has a directional shape, which makes it easier to float in deep powder. Additionally, it has a camber profile that makes it stable at high speeds. The Custom also has an S-Rocker, which makes it easier to initiate turns and gives the board more pop.
b. Jones Flagship
The Jones Flagship is another great choice for freeriders. It has a more aggressive profile than the Burton Custom, with a stiffer flex and a hybrid camber/rocker profile. The board excels in powder but can also handle icy conditions with ease. Additionally, the Flagship has an added V-shaped carbon stringer, which improves the board’s stiffness.
c. Lib Tech T.Rice Orca
The T.Rice Orca is a newer board on the market but has already gained a reputation as a freeriding powerhouse. It has a stubbier shape, which makes it easier to turn quickly. The board also has a rocker/camber profile that makes it playful in powder and aggressive on hardpack.
2. Bindings
Bindings are an essential piece of gear that connects your boots to your board. It’s important to have a binding that’s comfortable, responsive, and durable. Here are the top three bindings that we recommend.
a. Burton Custom
The Burton Custom bindings are a perfect match for the Burton Custom snowboard. They’re lightweight, responsive, and comfortable. The bindings are also adjustable, which makes them easy to customise to fit your boots and riding style.
b. Union Atlas
The Union Atlas bindings are a great all-around binding that can handle any type of riding. They’re responsive and have a medium flex, which makes them perfect for freeriding. Additionally, the bindings have multi-disk compatibility, which means they can fit almost any snowboard.
c. Flux XV
The Flux XV bindings are a stiff and responsive binding that’s perfect for aggressive riders. The bindings have a high-back that provides plenty of support and a moulded composite baseplate that reduces vibrations.
3. Boots
Your boots are the most important piece of gear that you’ll buy. They’re responsible for transferring your movements to the board and keeping your feet comfortable and warm. Here are the top three boots that we recommend.
a. Burton Ion
The Burton Ion boots are a classic choice for freeriders. They’re sturdy, responsive, and have a medium level of flex. The boots also have plenty of cushioning and support, which makes them comfortable and durable. Additionally, the boots have a heat-mouldable liner that can adapt to the shape of your foot.
b. Salomon Malamute
The Salomon Malamute boots are a top choice for experienced freeriders. They have a stiff flex, which provides plenty of support and control. The boots also have a custom memory fit liner that adapts to your foot shape, which ensures maximum comfort and performance.
c. K2 Maysis Heat
The K2 Maysis Heat boots are the future of mountain riding. They have three heat settings that can be controlled by a mobile app, which means that your feet will always stay warm. Additionally, they have an intuitive BOA system that makes it easy to customise the fit of the boot.
4. Goggles
Goggles are an essential piece of gear that protects your eyes from UV rays and debris. It’s important to have a pair of goggles that fit well and have a good field of vision. Here are the top three goggles that we recommend.
a. Oakley Flight Deck
The Oakley Flight Deck goggles are a classic choice for freeriders. They have a large field of vision, which provides plenty of coverage and visibility. Additionally, they have a HDO lens technology that provides clear and accurate vision.
b. Smith I/O Mag
The Smith I/O Mag goggles are a great option for all-around riding. They have a magnetic lens system that makes it easy to swap lenses in changing conditions. Additionally, they have Smith’s ChromaPop lens technology, which enhances contrast and definition in all lighting conditions.
c. Dragon NFX2
The Dragon NFX2 goggles are a more affordable option that still provides top-notch performance. They have a frameless design that provides a wide field of vision. Additionally, they have a Lumalens lens technology that provides clear and accurate vision.
5. Helmets
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear that you can own. It’s essential to have a helmet that fits well and provides adequate protection. Here are the top three helmets that we recommend.
a. Smith Vantage MIPS
The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a top-of-the-line helmet that provides excellent protection. It has a hybrid shell construction that combines a tough outer shell with a lightweight inner shell. Additionally, it has MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces in the event of a crash.
b. Giro Range MIPS
The Giro Range MIPS helmet is a great all-around helmet that provides excellent protection. It has an In-Mold construction that combines a tough outer shell with a lightweight inner shell. Additionally, it has MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces in the event of a crash.
c. Anon Prime MIPS
The Anon Prime MIPS helmet is a more affordable option that still provides adequate protection. It has an In-Mold construction that combines a tough outer shell with a lightweight inner shell. Additionally, it has MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces in the event of a crash.
6. Jackets
A jacket is an essential piece of gear that keeps you warm and dry in cold conditions. It’s important to have a jacket that’s waterproof, breathable, and comfortable. Here are the top three jackets that we recommend.
a. Volcom L Gore-Tex
The Volcom L Gore-Tex jacket is a top-of-the-line jacket that’s perfect for freeriders. It’s made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the jacket has plenty of pockets, a powder skirt, and adjustable cuffs.
b. Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic
The Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic jacket is a great all-around jacket that can handle any type of riding. It’s made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the jacket has plenty of pockets, an adjustable hood, and armpit vents.
c. Patagonia Snowshot
The Patagonia Snowshot jacket is a more affordable option that still provides excellent protection. It’s made from H2No, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the jacket has plenty of pockets, a powder skirt, and a adjustable hood.
7. Pants
Pants are an essential piece of gear that keeps you warm and dry in cold conditions. It’s important to have pants that are waterproof, breathable, and comfortable. Here are the top three pants that we recommend.
a. Burton AK Gore-Tex Swash
The Burton AK Gore-Tex Swash pants are a top-of-the-line pant that’s perfect for freeriders. They’re made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the pants have plenty of pockets, a powder skirt, and adjustable cuffs.
b. Volcom Roan
The Volcom Roan pants are a great all-around pant that can handle any type of riding. They’re made from V-Science, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the pants have plenty of pockets, a powder skirt, and a adjustable waist.
c. North Face Freedom Insulated
The North Face Freedom Insulated pants are a more affordable option that still provides excellent protection. They’re made from DryVent, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the pants have plenty of pockets, a powder skirt, and a adjustable waist.
8. Gloves
Gloves are an essential piece of gear that keep your hands warm and protected. It’s important to have gloves that are waterproof, breathable, and comfortable. Here are the top three gloves that we recommend.
a. Burton AK Guide
The Burton AK Guide gloves are a top-of-the-line glove that’s perfect for freeriders. They’re made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the gloves have a PrimaLoft insulation and a DryRide lining that keeps your hands warm and dry.
b. Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex
The Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex gloves are a great all-around glove that can handle any type of riding. They’re made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the gloves have a Fiberfill insulation and a Bemberg lining that keeps your hands warm and dry.
c. Dakine Titan Gore-Tex
The Dakine Titan Gore-Tex gloves are a more affordable option that still provides excellent protection. They’re made from Gore-Tex, which provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, the gloves have a Thermoloft insulation and a tricot lining that keeps your hands warm and dry.
9. Base Layers
Base layers are essential pieces of gear that keep you warm and dry in cold conditions. It’s important to have base layers that are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Here are the top three base layers that we recommend.
a. Smartwool Merino 250
The Smartwool Merino 250 base layer is a top-of-the-line base layer that’s perfect for freeriders. It’s made from Merino wool, which provides excellent warmth and moisture management. Additionally, the base layer has flatlock seams and covered elastic waistband for ultimate comfort.
b. Patagonia Capilene Midweight
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight base layer is a great all-around base layer that can handle any type of riding. It’s made from polyester, which provides excellent moisture management and durability. Additionally, the base layer has Gusseted underarms and a self-fabric collar for ultimate comfort.
c. Columbia Midweight Stretch
The Columbia Midweight Stretch base layer is a more affordable option that still provides excellent protection. It’s made from polyester and elastane, which provides excellent stretch and mobility. Additionally, the base layer has an Omni-Wick technology that wicks moisture and dries quickly.
10. Beanies
A beanie is an essential piece of gear that keeps your head warm. It’s important to have a beanie that’s warm, comfortable, and fits well. Here are the top three beanies that we recommend.
a. Burton AK Wool
The Burton AK Wool beanie is a top-of-the-line beanie that’s perfect for freeriders. It’s made from Merino wool, which provides excellent warmth and moisture management. Additionally, the beanie has a fold-up cuff and classic pom-pom for ultimate style.
b. Oakley Factory Cuff
The Oakley Factory Cuff beanie is a great all-around beanie that can handle any type of riding. It’s made from acrylic, which provides excellent warmth and moisture management. Additionally, the beanie has a classic design and a pom-pom for ultimate style.
c. DC Shoes Big Star
The DC Shoes Big Star beanie is a more affordable option that still provides excellent protection. It’s made from acrylic, which provides excellent warmth and moisture management. Additionally, the beanie has a classic design and a logo patch for ultimate style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to freeriding. With our top ten gear reviews, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and take your freeriding skills to the next level. Remember, it’s important to take care of your gear and replace it when necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety on the slopes.
FAQ
1. What should I look for in a snowboard?
It’s important to look for a snowboard that’s the right size, has a camber profile that suits your riding style, and has a shape that matches the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.
2. How often should I replace my equipment?
It’s important to replace your equipment when it becomes worn out or damaged. You should inspect your equipment regularly and replace it when necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety on the slopes.
3. What should I look for in a helmet?
It’s important to look for a helmet that fits well and provides adequate protection. Look for a helmet that’s made from a durable outer shell and has a soft and comfortable inner lining. Additionally, look for helmets with advanced safety features like MIPS technology.
4. Should I invest in a Gore-Tex jacket?
Gore-Tex jackets are a top-of-the-line option that provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. If you plan on riding in wet and cold conditions, it’s worth investing in a Gore-Tex jacket for optimal protection and comfort.
5. What type of base layer should I wear?
It’s important to wear a base layer that’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Look for base layers made from materials like Merino wool or polyester that provide excellent moisture management and warmth. Additionally, look for base layers with stretch and mobility for optimal comfort and mobility.
Image Credit: Pexels