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Snowboard Kit Essentials
Every year there are hundreds of new products released to the market, here are a few pointers to help you choose the right Snowboard kit for your needs. Good luck!
Your ideal board is determined by your size, weight, foot size, ability and style and of course your cash flow.
Make sure that the board you purchase is designed for you, your riding style, experience and your size and weight. If you have feet larger than a UK 9 go for a wider board, they are not as some people fear slower from edge to edge and harder to ride, if you have bigger feet you simply need a wider board!
I am a size 9.5 and ride the wide Salomon Patrols 164 and 167 an all round boardthat suits everything I do.
Just because you’ve been riding a few years doesn’t always mean that you need a top end board, in-fact most experienced recreational riders make it harder for them selves by riding boards that are too stiff for them and then find it hard to flex and manoeuvre them effectively.
Most boards are very similar in design, flex and dimension. This is because the standard design of board works very well for most riders.
Every year there is a new gimmick on the market that will help you execute perfect turns, with our catching your edge and without any effort turning you into a Pro over night. My advice is learn to ride properly with effective technique and buy the board suited to you and avoid the gimmicks.
We recommend that you purchase your board from a reputable retail supplier such as the TSA where you can talk to experienced sales staff and hear their recommendations and advice before making your decision.
Bindings
Just as important as the board if not more so!
There are many different brands to choose from so pick carefully.
Most manufacturers use the standard 2 strap system, after all these years you would have thought that there was a better alternative but although there are many new gadgets and systems flooding the market, as of now the 2 strap standard design is by far the best.
Look for a binding that is simple, strong, comfortable and effective.
You need a well shaped base plate with toe and heel risers to support your foot and offer precise pressure movements to your edges, a tall well shaped supportive high back with good forwards lean adjustment, an adjustment to rotate the high back flush with the edge of your board and 2 comfortable, padded and ergonomically shaped, robust straps, one for the ankle and one for the toes.
I find that step in bindings are designed for comfort and ease of use rather than for performance and in my opinion, are not suitable for high performance riding.
Again I’d recommend the tried and trusted models over the latest ‘thing’!
I ride the Salomon SPX pro and the Relay XLT.
Boots
Your boots should be comfortable, supportive and hold your feet firmly in place all day long.
Boots have a tendency to become looser during a hard days riding and get softer over time.
Find a pair of boots that fit and hold your feet well and offer you comfortable support when you lean your shin against the tongue of the boot.
Inner boot lacing systems and velcro shin straps are a good idea for increased foot, heel hold and comfort as is an adjustable lacing system that allows you to tighten the boot over your foot and up the cuff independently. I recommend that you get a fitted inner foot sole if you’re going to spend a lot of time riding.
If your boots start to feel too big stick another inner sole in there and it will make them feel like new again!
Any movement between your feet and your board will hinder your performance, take your time and find a boot that meets all your requirements not just your fashion sense.
I’m riding the Salomon Malamute as I like a very supportive, stiffer boot for freeriding.