[Vangruver]

Here's my take on gear.


The most important factor when it comes to snowboarding is the boot, it's pretty extensive and pretty necessary since you're spending 90% of the time on a hill in a snowboard boot.

What is your riding ability?

Beginner - First time, taking lessons, snowboarded 1-3 times.
Intermediate - Ride 10+ days a year, solid linking turns, ride switch, basic airs.
Advanced - Category of your own.

Determine riding style:

Freeride - Utilizing the entire mountain. Powder, trees, groomers, carving, dropping, bonking, catching air.
Freestyle - Technical aspects on the mountain such as Snowboard Parks, Pipe, and Rails. Includes mostly airs, slides, spins, inverts, grabs.
Alpine/Boarder X - High speed, carving and transitions.

Taking riding ability and style into account will point you in the right direction to have a boot perform the way you want it to. Freeride specific boots will be stiffer in flex and have a taller cut. Freestyle boots will have additional cushioning to soften landings and a softer flexing shell, giving the rider more freedom of movement.

Features:

Many different features are used to control how a boot feels and reacts. Five key features to look for are:

Lacing systems - Traditional lacing, speed lacing and boa cables. These will ensure a performance fit and proper foot hold.
Dual Density soles - Phylon, Vibram, or air bag designs. Provide cushioning for hard landings and optimal grip on icy terrain.
Memory foam liners - Offered in most high end boots. Conformable for the ultimate in comfort and fit. Also provide additional warmth for cold days.
Liner Styles - Intuition, Foam injected, and stitched. ULTRALON EVA foam - a patented foam developed specifically to be moldable, flexible and durable for users at all skill levels.
Shell Construction - Synthetic Leather, Cordura, and textiles. Today’s most sophisticated and advanced technologies provide customizable fit and excellent performance.

Fit:

A good fitting boot feels tight out of the box and may remain very snug during the first few days of riding. Ideally, your big toe should brush the tip of the boot while standing up straight. As you flex forward (bend your knees in a natural riding stance) your toe should pull off the front of the boot. Your heel should feel comfortably secure with minimal heel lift. Your boot will break in (usually after a couple days riding in them) and will compress to a comfortable level. Take into account the thickness of your socks. One pair of thin to medium weight, non-cotton socks, will be sufficient.

Types of Snowboard Boots

Below is a summary of the three main styles of snowboard boots. It is important to realize that the boundary between the three is not distinct, but most boots will cater more towards one style of riding than the other, and any of the snowboard boots that we offer can be used everywhere you ride.

Freestyle Snowboard Boots

Freestyle snowboard boots are designed to offer comfortable, flexible support for riders that spend the majority of their time in the snowboard park or half-pipe. Freestyle snowboard boots benefit from increased lateral range of movement to facilitate tweaking grabs, and also have a more progressive forward flex for accommodating a deeper knee bend while riding.

If comfort is paramount for you, and you plan on spending the majority of your time refining tricks or jibbing rails, a freestyle oriented boot will offer the best performance and comfort for how you ride.

Freeride Snowboard Boots

Freeride snowboard boots are designed to allow you to conquer the entire mountain, regardless of the conditions or type of terrain. A boot that is geared more towards freeriding will generally be stiffer than a freestyle boot, which offers increased control, power and edge response, at the deficit of some comfort and tweak-ability. The additional support provided by a freeride style boot is welcomed by many snowboarders with ankle injuries due to the additional support the boot provides.

If you spend much of your time riding the entire mountain, carving hard pack or value additional support for your ankles, a freeride snowboard boot will offer the control, power and stability you need, while also pampering your feet with technology and comfort.

Snowboard Boot Technology

Below is a review of the basic technology that is used in current snowboard boot design and construction.

The laces on a snowboard boot provide the tension that holds the boot together, surrounding your foot and leg in a supportive, comfortable position. Although technological advancements have changed the way a snowboard boot is laced, the end result is the same.

BOA Lacing System:

BOA lacing system mimic their traditional counterparts, but feature a very thin titanium cable where the lace material would normally be. Additionally, tension in the cable is supplied by a small ratcheting dial mechanism. A rider simply puts their foot in the binding, and spins the dial on the tongue to dial in just the right amount of support and tension. At the end of the day, pull out on the dial and the tension in the cable is released allowing you to open the tongue of the boot and remove your foot. the BOA system is a great piece of technology that takes much of the work out of lacing your boots and can be found on many intermediate to high end snowboard boots.

Lace Assist Systems:

Recently, manufacturers have worked hard to simplify the system that is used on their snowboard boots, without compromising the effectiveness. The result as been a lace assist system which takes much of the work out of the actual lacing process, and makes it easier to supply the necessary tension to ensure a correct fit.

The names vary depending on the manufacturer, but goal of providing an easier to use system, that reproduces the same fit each time you ride is the same. This style of lacing system is fast replacing traditional laces, and offers a world of improvement in terms of performance and convenience for the rider.

Traditional Lacing Systems:

The standard for snowboard boot lacing is a traditional lace system, similar to what you find on most athletic shoes. With a traditional lacing system, the laces are secured up the front of the boot manually, and the tensioned is supplied by pulling on the free ends of the laces. This style of lace is consistent, strong and affordable, which makes it a perfect choice for beginner to intermediate level snowboard boots.

Boot Liner

The liner is the part of the boot which surrounds your foot and is responsible for being supportive and yet forgiving at the same time. Since you are in contact with the liner everyday, it is important that it serve its purpose extremely well. Recently, snowboard boot manufacturers have invested a great deal of R&D into making liners that offer a better fit with more comfort. At the end fo the day, a high quality liner made with multi-layer foams will make your foot much happier, which leads to better riding and more fun. When shopping for a snowboard boot, liner technology should be at the top of your list.

Bindings

Snowboard bindings serve a simple purpose; they anchor you to the board. Beyond that though, a state of the art set of bindings will also offer increased performance, convenience and safety over snowboard bindings that were made just a few seasons ago. This snowboard binding tech guide will outline what features and technology you should be looking for as you shop for your new snowboard bindings.

When choosing a snowboard binding, determine the type of riding you prefer and your ability level. Many bindings offer different levels of performance that can be broken down between flex patterns and functionality.

Strap bindings provide flexible adjustments for a perfect fit. Choosing a binding can be solely the rider’s preference, but certain characteristics can help narrow down the search and provide the ideal interface between a board and boots.

For the best interface, you may want to choose a boot and binding combination from the same manufacturer. Manufacturers tailor their bindings and boots to provide the rider with optimum fit and control. Bindings typically come in three to four sizes - Small, Medium, Large, X-Large. The sizing will depend on the boot size. Snowboard binding manufacturers offer sizing charts to determine the specific size range for your foot. Choose a size that allows you to comfortably get into and easily adjust the straps.

There are many companies that offer many different bindings. The more expensive a binding, the more exotic the materials are. Think carbon fiber, high quality aluminum....etc....

materials

Many different materials are used to control how the binding feels and reacts. Base plates are constructed from plastic (nylon), carbon fiber, or different grades of aluminum. Binding straps are made from leather or synthetic textiles combined with plastic or aluminum ratcheting systems.

Some argue that aluminum bindings are superior to plastic in that they are stronger and more responsive. Aluminum can be light and stiff, giving you more control and quicker reaction time over your snowboard. Plastic can be light and stiff by blending it with fiberglass or carbon. The dampening characteristics are better than aluminum and do not require as much rubber or foam to lessen vibrations.

The materials of most binding straps are leather and synthetic textiles. Leather is great for precise fit and comfort. The strap’s natural tendency is to form fit and wrap your boot, eliminating hot spots.

Overall, snowboard bindings have become lighter, more comfortable, and include more adjustment options as the price increases.


Last but not least.

The snowboard.......


First things first......Determine your riding style:

Freeride - Utilizing the whole mountain. Powder, trees, groomers, carving, dropping, bonking, catching air.
Freestyle - Technical aspects on the mountain such as Snowboard Parks, Pipe, and Rails. Includes mostly airs, slides, spins, inverts, grabs.
Alpine/Boarder X - High speed, carving and transitions.

Once you have narrowed down your riding ability and style, move on to more important board buying decisions. The board length and width, which depends on your height and weight.


There are 3 basic styles of snow boards on the market now, with one latest emerging into the scene.

- cambered board, where the waist of the board is pointed upwards when laid down on the base.

- flat cambered board, where the waist of the board is FLAT against the ground when laid down on the base.

- reversed cambered board, typically known as a banana board. the board has the waist pointed downwards on the ground where the contact points of the nose and the tail are pointed towards the sky, a very playful board with lots of positive rider feedback.

And lastly.

- Hybrid camber, hybrid camber emerged the last 2 years as a combination of traditional cambered board, and reversed camber. The jury is still on the fence on this style of snowboard, but some of my friends that have one say positive things about it. The ability to spring towards a turn, AND still have a playful feeling when on the snow is good. However the price of them is a little higher, and it has yet to go towards the mass majority.

Types of Snowboards

Freestyle/Half-pipe
Freestyle snowboards are designed primarily for riding in areas like the terrain park. Because of that, freestyle snowboards have a softer flex pattern that is a little more forgiving and easier to butter around on. However, freestyle riders who spend a lot of time in the half-pipe like to have a stiffer flexing board because it is more responsive. The shape of freestyle boards tends to be more twin-tip, allowing you to ride switch easily.

All-mountain/Freeride
Designed more for all mountain performance, a freeride snowboard will typically be stiffer for more stability at higher speeds. As a result, a freeride board will not be quite as responsive as a freestyle snowboard, and will not turn as well at slower speeds. A freeride snowboard is best suited to the rider that plans to spend most of their time riding the entire mountain in all conditions.

Back Country
Snowboards designed for the back country are typically longer and have more surface area, which makes them ideal for riding in powder and crud. These boards will perform in all the conditions one would typically find in the back country, so you’ll be sure to get home, but they are poorly suited for riding in a park or pipe.
Snowboard Technology

Snowboard Sizing:

All snowboard manufacturers offer sizing charts to determine the specific weight ranges for the different shapes and lengths. it used to be......a general rule of thumb the length of the board should stand anywhere from your chin to the bridge of your nose, however, that isn't much the case anymore.....with more riders sizing down, and more ridings leaning towards reverse cambered sticks, it's no longer the norm to size up towards your particular height. The width of the board directly relates to your foot size. Small feet equals narrower width, big feet equals wider width.

Your weight can be a determining factor in the flex pattern of your board. Generally speaking, heavy riders should look for boards that are stiffer, while a lighter weight rider would choose a softer flex. Core ingredients and the construction of the board can give a better idea of what the flex pattern will be.

Snowboard Construction:

The performance of a board is greatly affected by the materials used in the construction. Different material types include wood, fiberglass, and carbon. Most board cores are made from wood stretching tip to tail. The choice of glass or carbon will determine the weight and flex pattern of the board. Fiberglass is used in all snowboards to give the board its liveliness and carbon is sometimes added, enabling the board to snap back to its original shape quicker.

The board’s base has a big impact on how the board will handle in varied temperatures. Two common base methods are Extruded and Sintered. Extruded bases are easy to repair but tend to be slower on the snow. Sintered bases are more durable and faster in most conditions.

Below is a review of the basic technology that is used in current snowboard design. If any terms are unfamiliar, check the glossary at the end of the page.

Base
The base of the board is a durable material that also allows your snowboard to glide across the snow with little friction. Base material is made from a polyethylene typically called P-Tex, and is designed to be both durable and fast, with low friction. Different manufacturers use other materials to achieve these properties, but the basic concept is the same. There are two types of bases that are used depending on the application the board is intended for, these are extruded and sintered.

Extruded Bases:
An extruded base is made by melting polyethylene and then molding it into the shape of the base. An extruded base will be durable, simple to maintain and easy to repair, but it is also the slowest type of base available. An extruded base will also hold less wax than other types of bases. For these reasons, extruded bases are usually found more on entry level boards where longevity, lack of maintenance and easy repair are important.

Sintered Bases:
A sintered base is made by grinding up the polyethylene material, then melting it and slicing it into the layers of the base. A sintered base is also very durable when compared to an extruded base, but is a little more difficult to repair if damaged badly. The biggest advantage to a sintered base is in the amount of wax it will hold, and its glide. Sintered bases are the fastest out there, and the best option if you want a quick board that glides well. A sintered base will require a bit more work to maintain in order to get the best possible performance out of it.

Core
Most snowboards now are using wood (typically Aspen or Poplar) for the core due to it’s attractive qualities and low cost. Depending on the type of wood used, these cores usually have a snappy feeling and are a good compromise between ride quality and weight.

Manufacturers have recently started using synthetic carbon, Nomex or other materials in the core construction of their high end boards. These types of materials are lighter, stiffer, and allow the designers to control the flex and energy distribution characteristics of the board for higher performance. A high end snowboard will also have a core that remains stiff and stable longer than an entry level snowboard.

Sidewall
The region joining the top of the board with the base is the sidewall. While designs vary depending on the manufacturer, the purpose is the same; the sidewall holds the board together and transfers the force you apply when carving to the edge of the board.

There are two basic sidewall designs that are currently being used, a classic sidewall construction and monocoque construction.

Classic Sidewall
This type of construction joins ABS plastic between the top sheet and base of the board to form the sidewall. This style of construction is less expensive to make, and also holds up well especially when enhanced with an elastic material to cushion the edge of the board. A snowboard constructed with a classic sidewall with have a perpendicular sidewall along the length of the edge.

Monocoque Sidewall
A monocoque construction is achieved by tapering the sidewall of the board down gradually to meet the base of the board. There are many variations on this type of construction, but in all of them the deck of the board wraps down to meet the edge in a low profile design. This style of construction is extremely durable and help to prevent sidewall blowout and delamination. Monocoque construction also helps to focus the energy applied while turning directly onto the edge for more aggressive carving.

Sidecut
Sidecut is the amount of curve in the edge of the snowboard, from the contact point at the nose to the middle of the snowboard. Sidecut helps the snowboard turn, and dictates how quickly it reacts, A bigger sidecut will result in a shaper turning, more aggressive snowboard, while a smaller sidecut will result in a snowboard that does not turn as sharp and requires more effort to get on edge.

Snowboard Shape:

Choosing a riding style will narrow down a variety of boards that will perform exceptionally well.

Directional shapes are ideal for Freeriding. The directional board has a longer nose than tail and the stance is set back, keeping the rider naturally over the tail. The side cut will be tapered with a longer arc in the nose and sharper tail radius. Enabling the board to float in powder with more control.

Freestyle boards tend to have a nose and tail with the same geometry and length. Insert patterns are centered putting the rider directly over the top of the board. The side cut is continuous throughout, making the board handle equally, whatever direction the rider is going. This stability and balance aids in switch riding.

In Conclusion:

With so many great choices, buying a snowboard isn’t as easy as it used to be. Take the time to read any technical information to help narrow down the search. This guide is a general rule of thumb and choosing a board is ultimately a rider’s preference.

Glossary of Snowboard Technology Terms

Base
The base is the surface of the snowboard that is in contact with the snow while riding.

Core
The core is the central component of the snowboard and is responsible for many of the snowboards properties. Flex, weight, vibration dampening, pop and more are all directly related to construction and technology used in the core.

Edge
The edge is the metal portion of the snowboard that joins the sidewall to the base. The edge allows the snowboard to carve a clean path through the snow when turning.

Effective Edge
This is a measurement of the length of the snowboard edge that is actually in contact with the snow during a turn.

Flex Pattern
The flex pattern of a snowboard determines where throughout the length of the snowboard and how much a snowboard will flex when pressure is applied to it. A softer snowboard is more forgiving and easier to turn, while a stiffer board will edge better on hard snow, and will be more stable at high speeds.

Inserts
Inserts are metal nuts that are laminated into the construction of the board and are used to secure your bindings to the deck of the board. Some manufacturers use higher quality inserts that are backed to prevent a bolt from penetrating all the way through the base of the board.

Nose (tip)
The nose is the part of the snowboard that faces forward. The shape can vary, the nose of the board is designed to prevent the snowboard from digging itself into the snow.

Nose Width
The widest part of the board measured at the nose is referred to as the nose width.

Overall Length
This is the total length of the snowboard, usually measured in centimeters. A longer board will be more stable and is better suited for heavier, taller riders, while a shorter board will be more responsive, and is best for shorter, lighter riders. Refer to the size charts available when shopping for the correct size snowboard for you.

Sidecut Radius
The radius of the arc that the sidecut creates is referred to as the sidecut radius. A smaller sidecut radius will results in a board that turns tighter, and vise-versa for a larger sidecut radius.

Tail
The tail of the board is the end which faces away from the direction you are traveling. Many boards have a similar design at the tail as the tip to facilitate riding switch stance.

Tail Width
This is a measurement of the width of the tail taken at the widest part.

Top (Deck)
The top sheet of the board that includes the top graphic and the binding inserts that are used to secure your bindings to the board.

Waist Width
This is the width of the snowboard at the narrowest point, which is usually measured in millimeters. A narrower board will result in a more response ride with quicker edge-to-edge transitions. Narrower snowboards will also have less surface area and will be limited to riders with large feet.

*as an aside*

I have a comprehensive information guide specifically for snowboards.

It was compiled by myself, and a few friends for review towards a magazine.....the article never became published, however i still have a copy.

I maybe inclined to post it, however i need permission from others prior