Upgrading Snowboards
Whether your kids are getting older and moving up from smaller boards, or you yourself are going from one skill level to another, upgrading a snowboard is always a great ideaeven if your motive is merely aesthetic or you're just going for what's newest and best. Snowboards made a couple of years ago don't hold up as well next to their newer counterparts, so it's always important to look towards improving the board you have.
Differences in Boards
There are three different types of snowboards: freestyle, freeride and alpine. Depending on what kind you use, you'll be looking for different things when you upgrade. The
freeride board is the most popular of the three.
'''Freestyle Snowboards''': Freestyle boards are wider and therefore more stable; they are usually recommended as a beginner board. They are shorter and lighter than freeride options, and also softer so they have more flexibility. They are mainly built for tricks, but they do have limited stability. They also aren't good for quick turns, so racing downhill might not be the best choice.
'''Freeride Snowboards''': Freeride boards are also known as ''all mountain boards'', and are suitable for just that: all mountain. They also do well on the half-pipe and in the park. The tail is narrower and flatter than the front of the board, and this shape means they are meant to be ridden in one direction. Freeride boards make up more than 50% of sales because of their versatility.
'''Alpine Snowboards''': Also known as carving boards or race boards, these are long and narrow, built like a thicker ski. They are perfect for getting some fierce speed down the hill. Like freeride versions, they are made to be ridden in one direction. Alpines offer some serious performance, but are not recommended for beginners.
Upgrading By Skill
Snowboard Shape Types
* '''Camber''': Camber in general is a blanket term for all snowboard shapes; it is the traditional shape of a snowboard. Camber boards have a slight arch in the middle, so they look almost like upside-down U's. This is a great choice for turn control.
* '''Rocker''': Rockers are a fairly new design, appearing mostly after 200, and can also be called reverse-camber. The middle end touches the ground but the sides are turned up, so you can literally rock on the board. These are incredibly maneuverable and are perfect for park riding.
* '''Flat''': ''Flat'' means the entire bottom of the board is flat and touching the ground. They feel pretty broken in from the get-go, so they can be more comfortable.
Upgrading From Kid to Adult Boards
Top Beginner to Intermediate Boards
Top Intermediate to Advanced Boards
Top Advanced to Expert Boards
Related Guides
*
Expert Snowboarding
*
Burton Snowboard Roundup
*
Snowboarding Boots
*
Wax and Tuning Accessories
*
Snow Skis vs Snowboards
