As the 2015-2016 Winter snow season is kicking off, many people are rushing out to go buy new boards. Now, this process isn't as simple as it once was. Up until just a few years ago, you could put a board down on the snow,
look at it sideways and they would all look quite similar. Most board
profiles had remained pretty much the same since the late eighties when
camber was introduced. Prior to this, the early years of snowboarding
were rife with experimentation and all kind of wacky designs. In more recent years, the experimental feel was revived. In 2007, Lib Tech brought out the Skate Banana and K2
introduced the Gyrator. These reverse camber, or rocker, sticks marked
the start of a board shape revolution.
I have adapted the information below from an article on www.whitelines.com which breaks down the differences between the types of boards out there and inserted a video to further expound upon the differences and add to the visual understanding.
I have also grabbed information on the specific board I chose and explained why as well as given you some additional information on picking the right size board for your weight/height.
What does it look like?
When you look at a cambered boards sideways on, it has four contact points with the snow near the tip and the tail, and it arches up at the centre between the bindings.
What does it do?
Cambered boards have more flex for carving and bend allowing more of the effective edge to touch the snow. The extra springy resistance of the concave profile gives it that extra pop. These boards are built for charging hard, riding pipes or hitting big booters.
What does it look like?
These boards curve upwards towards the nose and tail in a kind of banana shape. The angle of the reverse camber and the point at which it starts varies from brand to brand.
What does it do?
The upturned tip and tail gives a more loose, playful ride and gives you extra float in powder. The downside is it isn’t as fast and doesn’t hold an edge like a cambered board. Jibbers and rail riders will often opt for a rockered board, as they’re more maneuverable and less likely to catch an edge.
What does it look like?
These boards sit completely flat on the snow, apart from a slight turn up at the nose and tail.
What does it do?
This keeps your effective edge in contact with the snow at all times. As your weight is more evenly spread along the edge, it actually makes it harder to catch an edge compared to a conventional camber board. However, flat boards do lack pop and springiness out of turns.
What does it look like?
They combines elements from camber and rocker boards, in the hope of creating an all-rounder. Different brands take a variety of approaches to this. The Burton Easy Living, for example, uses the Burton’s Flying V shape of rocker between the feet before transitioning into camber in the tail and nose.
What does it do?
These boards get the benefits of both profiles but obviously don’t have the same flex or solidity as either extreme.
As a final tip…
It can be confusing when you’re trying to decide what kind of profile you want your board to have. We’d recommend really thinking about what you want to use your board for. Are you going to be hitting big kickers or jibbing most of the time? Or do you just want something that’s an all-rounder? Once you’ve worked that out, then it should be easier to decide which kind of profile will suit your style of riding.
For me, I personally hit boxes, rails, hard pack (mainly since it's California) and a little powder when I'm lucky enough. I went with the Burton Deja Vu Flying V Snowboard, Winter 2014 Collection when I picked my last "new board" which was a huge upgrade from my Burton Twin.
So, for example, if you are going to be mostly free riding consider getting a slightly longer board for more stability and speed. If it's a freestyle tool you are looking for, consider smaller sizes that will be easier to spin and maneuver in the terrain park or half-pipe. *see chart below for help and visual!*
Choosing the right size board is a combination of a rider’s height and weight. Most riders will want the height of their board to be from the chin to the bridge of the nose. The weight range is a recommendation and fairly open, riders will fall on the heavier side and on the lighter side. If you are on the heavier side, know that the board will feel softer, and if you are on the lighter side, know that the board will feel stiffer.
If you stray outside of the weight range don’t worry, just know the feel of the board might be a little different than advertised. Getting the right length board will only help to add to the fun you will have while riding. For those riders that want to check the board out in person before buying, here are some tips for hand flexing boards: Place hand/forearm across the contact points on nose or tail, apply pressure in the middle, and at binding area, you can angle the board slightly. DO not hold the tip of the board and then bend it in the middle. This is not a good judge of the flex since most of what is flexing in the tip.
Hope this was all very helpful in your new board selection! Remember, buy smart! Last years editions come with a much cheaper price tag and have really neat features as well. Shop around, ask advice from fellow boarders, shop staff and check out all options. Being female, the more feminine board designs are only really made by a few brands. So check out the male designs as well (it's all pretty much the same tech) and feel. You can also demo boards at most mountains before committing to a purchase. Best of luck your shopping!
I have adapted the information below from an article on www.whitelines.com which breaks down the differences between the types of boards out there and inserted a video to further expound upon the differences and add to the visual understanding.
I have also grabbed information on the specific board I chose and explained why as well as given you some additional information on picking the right size board for your weight/height.
CAMBER
What does it look like?
When you look at a cambered boards sideways on, it has four contact points with the snow near the tip and the tail, and it arches up at the centre between the bindings.
What does it do?
Cambered boards have more flex for carving and bend allowing more of the effective edge to touch the snow. The extra springy resistance of the concave profile gives it that extra pop. These boards are built for charging hard, riding pipes or hitting big booters.
ROCKER
What does it look like?
These boards curve upwards towards the nose and tail in a kind of banana shape. The angle of the reverse camber and the point at which it starts varies from brand to brand.
What does it do?
The upturned tip and tail gives a more loose, playful ride and gives you extra float in powder. The downside is it isn’t as fast and doesn’t hold an edge like a cambered board. Jibbers and rail riders will often opt for a rockered board, as they’re more maneuverable and less likely to catch an edge.
FLAT BASE
What does it look like?
These boards sit completely flat on the snow, apart from a slight turn up at the nose and tail.
What does it do?
This keeps your effective edge in contact with the snow at all times. As your weight is more evenly spread along the edge, it actually makes it harder to catch an edge compared to a conventional camber board. However, flat boards do lack pop and springiness out of turns.
Camber-Rocker Combo
What does it look like?
They combines elements from camber and rocker boards, in the hope of creating an all-rounder. Different brands take a variety of approaches to this. The Burton Easy Living, for example, uses the Burton’s Flying V shape of rocker between the feet before transitioning into camber in the tail and nose.
What does it do?
These boards get the benefits of both profiles but obviously don’t have the same flex or solidity as either extreme.
As a final tip…
It can be confusing when you’re trying to decide what kind of profile you want your board to have. We’d recommend really thinking about what you want to use your board for. Are you going to be hitting big kickers or jibbing most of the time? Or do you just want something that’s an all-rounder? Once you’ve worked that out, then it should be easier to decide which kind of profile will suit your style of riding.
The
Burton Deja Vu Flying V is an all mountain board and has a twin shape. A
twin shaped (aka "twin tip") board is symmetrical and is designed to be
able to be ridden just as easily in both directions. As this is an all
mountain snowboard, it is designed to be able to perform adequately
across the mountain. I chose this since I have no problem riding goofy or regular down the mountain and I like the versatility when I am riding park.
Profile
Rocker-Camber-Rocker-Camber-Rocker
|
This
snowboard has a rocker-camber-rocker-camber-rocker profile, with rocker
in the tip and tail, camber underneath the bindings, and rocker between
the bindings. This design takes the best from each profile: the camber
profile provides great edge hold while the rocker increase float and
decreases the chance an edge will catch.
|
Shape
Twin
|
The
Burton Deja Vu Flying V has a twin board shape, meaning that the tail
and nose width measurements of the snowboard are exactly identical to
each other. A twin tip board is great for normal or "switch" riding.
|
Skill Level
 Intermediate |
The
2014 Burton Deja Vu Flying V is designed for an intermediate rider. An
intermediate rider can be classified as someone who is comfortable with
basic snowboarding skills, and is now exploring steeper and more
challenging terrain such as blue square and black diamond slopes. This
may even include occasionally venturing into the smaller terrain parks.
OK, now all of that is great and all, but what size do I buy now that I know what type of board I want to buy??
Length
How do you pick the correct snowboard length? The length of your snowboard will vary depending on your body weight and the type of riding you plan to do. Back in the day, traditional snowboard sizing meant you stand next to the snowboard and if the top hits your chin, great, it fits! While that may be a good place to start, weight is also very important factor in determining the appropriate board length. And another important consideration is the type of riding you plan on doing.So, for example, if you are going to be mostly free riding consider getting a slightly longer board for more stability and speed. If it's a freestyle tool you are looking for, consider smaller sizes that will be easier to spin and maneuver in the terrain park or half-pipe. *see chart below for help and visual!*
Snowboard Size Chart
| Rider Height (in) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Weight (lb) | Snowboard Size (cm) |  |
| 4'10" | 147 | 110 - 120 | 128 - 136 | |
| 5' | 152 | 115-130 | 133 - 141 | |
| 5'2" | 158 | 125-135 | 139 - 147 | |
| 5'4" | 163 | 135-145 | 144 -152 | |
| 5'6" | 168 | 140-155 | 149 -157 | |
| 5'8" | 173 | 150-165 | 154 -162 | |
| 5'10" | 178 | 160-175 | 159 -167 | |
| 6' | 183 | 170-185 | 160+ | |
| 6'2" | 188 | 180-195 | 160+ | |
| 6'4" | 193 | 190-205 | 160+ | |
Choosing the right size board is a combination of a rider’s height and weight. Most riders will want the height of their board to be from the chin to the bridge of the nose. The weight range is a recommendation and fairly open, riders will fall on the heavier side and on the lighter side. If you are on the heavier side, know that the board will feel softer, and if you are on the lighter side, know that the board will feel stiffer.
If you stray outside of the weight range don’t worry, just know the feel of the board might be a little different than advertised. Getting the right length board will only help to add to the fun you will have while riding. For those riders that want to check the board out in person before buying, here are some tips for hand flexing boards: Place hand/forearm across the contact points on nose or tail, apply pressure in the middle, and at binding area, you can angle the board slightly. DO not hold the tip of the board and then bend it in the middle. This is not a good judge of the flex since most of what is flexing in the tip.
Hope this was all very helpful in your new board selection! Remember, buy smart! Last years editions come with a much cheaper price tag and have really neat features as well. Shop around, ask advice from fellow boarders, shop staff and check out all options. Being female, the more feminine board designs are only really made by a few brands. So check out the male designs as well (it's all pretty much the same tech) and feel. You can also demo boards at most mountains before committing to a purchase. Best of luck your shopping!
Really I am impressed with your post. You have cleared the confusion related to Snowboard Sizing for beginners and it will helpful for choosing right snowboard. You have posted wonderful information, Thank you for sharing with us.
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