Snowboard Sizing
Back in the day a rider’s preferred snowboard size used to be determined by an individual’s height. The formula was: Rider Height (inches) x 2.54 x 0.88 = Suggested Board Length (cm). This is not so much the case anymore. In today’s modern snowboard scene, board selection is based more on a rider’s weight, type of terrain, and personal preference.
Generally a longer board (measured in cm) can be controlled at higher speeds and attain better float in powder. A shorter board will allow for greater maneuverability and provide a lower swing weight for better response in the park. The snowboard size chart below is based on a generality, your optimum board depends on what your riding and what you prefer.
Things to Consider!
Beginners- first time riders who have been on the mountain 0-8 times. Beginning snowboarders should purchase a snowboard that falls withing the beginning rider level. Most snowboard manufactures will specify the amount of skills suggested for each specific model.
Intermediate- riders who hit the hill or the park at least 5-1o times a year. Intermediate riders can typically ride regular and switch with ease and can manage small jumps and boxes. Again, most manufacturers will define what snowboard models work best doing what. An intermediate rider could be looking for a snowboard that’s good in the park and pipe or snowboard that kills the backcountry. We suggest you decide what type of riding you’re going after and purchase a snowboard according to that.
Advanced- advanced riders typically have a bottomless bag full of steezy tricks. These are the guys that kill everything from the backcountry to park and from the park to the pipe. Advanced riders you know who you are and you know what kind of board you want. Congrats on being advanced, beginners all over the world envy you.
Riding Style for Snowboard Sizing
Riding style plays a major part in your next snowboard purchase. Now, for you rookies that have no idea what type of riding you prefer, you should shop moderately priced snowboards that are recommended for beginners. We suggest an all mountain board with moderate flex and a twin shape.
For you intermediate riders that have experience all over the mountain, your next snowboard purchase really depends on what you enjoy and what you want to purue. If you find your style leaning towards pow fields and backcountry chutes you should purchase a snowboard that’s a little on the stiff side and will float well in powder. If you want to lap the park and shred the groomers you should purchase a softer, twin shaped snowboard that will perform on rails, boxes, jumps and hold an edge on groomers. If you like everything from backcountry booters to park and pipe sessions you should probably shop for an all mountain twin with moderate flex.
For all you advanced riders, you already know what style you like, what snowboards you like, and what type of snowboards work best in the different types of terrain. So happy gear shopping and enjoy your next purchase!
Snowboard Sizing Length
Snowboard length is an important factor when considering your next snowboard purchase. The length of a snowboard used to be directly related to a rider’s height. However, now things are leaning more towards rider preference and weight.
Smaller snowboards are obviously easier to maneuver and lighter in weight, which make them ideal for a rider who wants to improve his freestyle and park skills.
Longer snowboards offer more stability and float better in powder making them better for backcountry conditions. Most snowboard manufactures offer a rider weight rating that associates with each individual size of snowboard. Find your size and shop away.
Snowboard Sizing Width
A snowboard’s width is a factor for riders with larger feet. Typically a rider with a size 11 boot or lower doesn’t have to worry about how wide their snowboard is. However, if your boot size is 12 or larger you need to take toe drag into account before you purchase your next board. Toe drag happens when the riders toes drag the snow when entering or exiting turns.
Toe drag happens because the rider’s toes extend out past the edge of the snowboard. To help the toe drag problem, snowboard manufactures have designed “wide” snowboards specifically for riders with larger feet. Wide simply means that the waist of the snowboard is larger than the typical model. If you have big feet and don’t want to worry about toe drag, purchase a “wide” snowboard.
Snowboard Sizing Flex
Snowboard flex is a huge factor that you need to consider before deciding on snowboard sizing. Flex is normally described as soft or hard. A softer board provides more maneuverability and is good for the park, buttering, spins, tricks, pressing etc. Harder snowboards typically provide better response and perform better when slashing groomers, landing big jumps, and riding at high rates of speed. Pick your flex based off of the type of riding you want to do and then you can accurately pick the correct snowboard sizing that will accommodate your riding style the best.
