How to Buy, What to Look for & This Year’s Top Trends

by Lily Duevel

Buying a Snowboard is never easy, especially for those of you who may just be getting into the sport. There are about 70 different companies out there all competing for your attention and your money, trying to convince you that they are the best choice. With so many different options, the decision to invest in a snowboard needs to be an informed one that requires answering a couple of different key questions before hand.

What is your riding ability?

Beginner – first time, taking lessons, snowboarded 1-3 times

Intermediate – board 3-5 times per year, turning is no problem

Advanced – you know who you are!

What type of riding style do you prefer?

All mountain/Free ride style – you enjoy utilizing the whole mountain

Freestyle or Technical Riding – jumps, grabs, spins, jibbing, rail sliding on the half pipe

Carve/Alpine style – combines speed and deep turns utilizing everything the mountain has to offer

Length: A good rule of thumb is that the board should stand between your chin and your nose when standing on its tail

Width: Snowboard width is usually directly related to your boot size. You need a board wide enough so that your heels and your toes do not drag in the snow while performing a turn.

Weight: A major factor in determining the correct board size also has to do with your weight. Riders who are heavy should look for boards that have a stiffer flex. Lighter riders will need a board with a softer flex.

Men’s:

The Burton Blunt Snowboard never sugar-coats anything but your landings. This true twintip, true rocker board doesn’t have the slightest idea how to tell a lie. Forget about catching edges—it won’t happen. The Blunt was designed to make you look good in the park, and it will.

Model Year: 2010

Sizes: 158cm, 155cm, 147cm, 142cm, 151cm

Colors: One Color

$369.95

Driver X Boot “Best response in the business.” $349.95

Women’s:

The GNU WomenAAAs B-Nice BTX Series Snowboard hates to disappoint,

so it somehow manages to be everything to everyone. Expert riders looking for a board that doesn’t wipe out their beer fund will revel in the B-NiceAAAs outstanding advanced technology, while newbies will find these same features fun, forgiving, and confidence-building. For all the B-NiceAAAs efforts, Transworld Snowboarding recognized it with a pat on the head and the 2009 Good Wood award.

Model Year: 2010

Sizes: 145cm, 154cm, 151cm, 148cm

Colors: Geometric, Floral

$399

Burton Sapphire Boot “For those who love to live in their boots.” $229.95

GIRO Unisex Chapter Helmet: In-mold construction, Interior subliner, 8 Super Cool vents with Thermostatcontrol, Intake Port vent system, Stack Vent. Compatible with all aftermarket TuneUps systems. Available in: Matte Black, Matte Black Static, Matte Brown Low, Matte Pewter, Matte Soda and Matte White.

$140

For more information, visit: www.snowboarding.com, www.burton.com, www.dogfunk.com and www.GIRO.com.