Snowboarding Gear 101: Our Top Picks, How to Choose, and More
Gliding down snow-covered slopes is an exciting experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or hitting the slopes for the first time, having the right snowboarding gear can enhanceyour experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll focus on the snowboarding gear, from top picks for beginners to essential tips on choosing the best equipment. We'll also explore where to buy or rent the gear you need for your next snowboarding adventure.
How to Choose the Best Snowboarding Gear?
Choosing the right snowboarding gear is crucial for your performance and safety. We'll provide guidance on selecting the best gear:
Snowboard:
Are you drawn to all-mountain, freestyle, or freeride snowboarding? Different styles may require specific gear, so understanding your preferred riding style is the initial step.
- Type: Align your snowboard type with your riding style. All-mountain boards are versatile, freestyle boards offer more playfulness, and freeride boards are tailored for off-piste terrain.
- Size: Select a board size according to weight, height, and skill level. Refer to size charts provided by manufacturers for guidance.
- Flex: Opt for the appropriate flex rating based on your skill level and riding style. Softer flex is beneficial for beginners.
Capita D.O.A Snowboard - 2023/2024
Specs:
Snowboard Style |
All-mountain |
Snowboard Shape |
True Twin |
Snowboard Profile |
Camber/Rocker |
Recommended Rider Weight |
150 CM: 100-150 pounds 154 CM: 120-180 pounds 156 CM: 130-190 pounds 158 CM: 140-200 pounds 159 CM Wide: 150-210 pounds 160 CM: 160-220 pounds 161 CM Wide: 160-220 pounds 162 CM: 180-240 pounds |
Board Dimensions |
150 CM: 29.0 / 24.6 / 29.0 centimeters 154 CM: 29.5 / 25.0 / 29.5 centimeters 156 CM: 29.8 / 25.2 / 29.8 centimeters 158 CM: 30 / 25.4 / 30 centimeters 159 CM Wide: 30.7 / 26.1 / 30.7 centimeters 160 CM: 30.4 / 25.7 / 30.4 centimeters 161 CM Wide: 30.9 / 26.2 / 30.9 centimeters 162 CM: 30.6 / 25.9 / 30.6 centimeters |
Effective Edge |
150 CM: 119.1 centimeters 154 CM: 122.2 centimeters 156 CM: 123.3 centimeters 158 CM: 125.6 centimeters 159 CM Wide: 125.9 centimeters 160 CM: 127 centimeters 161 CM Wide: 128 centimeters 162 CM: 128.7 centimeters |
Sidecut Radius |
150 CM: 7.7 meters 154 CM: 7.9 meters 156 CM: 8 meters 158 CM: 8.1 meters 159 CM Wide: 8.2 meters 160 CM: 8.2 meters 161 CM Wide: 8.3 meters 162 CM: 8.3 meters |
Stance Setback |
0 centimeters |
Core |
Paulownia/poplar |
Construction |
Tip-to-tail wood core with fiber glass bioresin/sintered base |
Bolt Pattern |
2x4 |
Flex |
Medium |
Gender |
Unisex |
The Capita D.O.A snowboard is a top choice for tackling terrain and conditions. All-mountain snowboards are designed to excel across the entire mountain, including groomed runs, backcountry, and even the park and pipe. These boards can be directional, meaning they are primarily intended to be ridden in one direction or twin, allowing for hanging in either direction, known as a "switch."
Snowboarding Boots:
Choosing the right snowboarding gear is essential for optimizing your on-piste and off-piste experiences while ensuring comfort. So, where do you begin? Your starting point should be selecting the proper snowboarding boots, as they are in direct contact with your feet and need to cater to your needs perfectly.
Fit:
Prioritize comfort and fit above all else.
Try on multiple pairs of boots to find the ones that fit snugly but not too tight.
Ensure that your toes lightly touch the front of the shoes when standing upright.
Lacing System:
Opt for boots with lacing systems that align with your preference, whether traditional laces, BOA systems, or speed laces. Finding the right lacing system can significantly enhance your overall snowboarding experience.
Vans Encore OG Snowboard Boots - Women's - 2023/2024
Specs:
Riding Style |
Freestyle |
Snowboard Boot Flex |
Soft Flex |
Upper |
Synthetic fibers |
Liner Material |
V1 UltraCush |
Moldable Liner |
Thermoformable |
Boot Lacing System |
Dial Lace |
Liner Closure System |
Quick Pull |
Walk Mode |
No |
Gender |
Women's |
The Vans Encore OG Snowboard Boots are designed to provide a snug fit around your heel without feeling uncomfortably tight. They strike an excellent balance between offering support and response, making them suitable for various riding styles. Additionally, they have an impressive footprint reduction, which is beneficial if you're debating between a wide and regular-width board and prefer the narrower option. These boots can help you comfortably fit onto the thinner board of your choice.
Snowboarding Clothing
Selecting your snowboard jacket is a task that deserves both time and effort. Its importance is equal to choosing the right snowboard and the perfect pair of bindings to complement it. Whether you're an avid backcountry adventurer or prefer the controlled environment of a snow dome, it's essential to consider selecting the ideal outerwear for your needs.
Opt for waterproof and breathable materials to keep you dry and comfortable. Ensure the jacket offers adequate insulation to keep you warm in various weather conditions.
Specs:
Riding Style |
Freestyle |
Snowboard Jacket Flex |
Soft Flex |
Outer |
Water-Resistant Nylon |
Liner Material |
New Mylar Thermal Lining |
Heating System |
5 carbon fiber heating elements |
Heating Setting |
3 Adjustable Heating Levels |
Heating Time |
3hrs on high, 5-6hrs on medium, 8-10hrs on low heating setting |
Water-Resistant |
Yes |
The level of insulation in snowboard jackets can vary, but if you tend to get cold easily, we would strongly recommend considering a jacket that is equipped with heated system when you're in the market for a new snowboard jacket. One of the primary advantages of a hardshell jacket is its capability to withstand the most extreme weather conditions you might encounter on the mountain.
This women’s skiing jackets are engineered to offer protection against rain and wind. They are designed to be highly breathable and durable. That's why they are often the preferred choice for backcountry enthusiasts.
Snowboarding Gloves:
Gloves rank among the most crucial accessories for skiing or snowboarding. Selecting the right pair might seem simple, but it's what stands between having a fantastic day on the slopes and enduring numb fingers. These gloves are purpose-built for skiing and snowboarding, equipped with essential warmth and comfort.
Make sure to opt for snowboarding-specific gloves, as they come with insulation, waterproof ability, and dexterity tailored for handling gear.
Specs:
Riding Style |
Freestyle |
Snowboard Jacket Flex |
Soft Flex |
Outer |
35% Lambskin & 65% Polyester |
Fill |
3M Thinsulate |
Liner Material |
100% Knitted Polyeste |
Heating System |
Heating Elements cover your 10 fingers and the back of the hands. |
Heating Setting |
3 Adjustable Heating Levels |
Heating Time |
3-4hrs on high, 5-6hrs on medium, 8-10hrs on low heating setting |
Water-Resistant |
Yes |
Touchscreen Compatible |
Yes |
Crafted from robust leather, these gloves are designed to keep your hands warm regardless of the weather conditions. They have significant features like a adjustable wrist leash and touchscreen compatibility, ensuring that cold hands won't hinder your activities. For resort skiers, these Venustas heated gloves are a fantastic choice. Their superior insulation and warmth make them a reliable investment.
Snowboarding Goggles
The factors like breathability, lens quality and comfort when trying to find the best ski goggles should be considered.
Lenses:
The anti-fog and UV protection functions are essential when opting for goggles. Interchangeable lenses allow you to adapt to changing light conditions.
Fit:
The snug fit seals well around your face to prevent snow and wind from entering.
MagFlight Goggles by Glade Optics
Specs:
Fog-free |
Yes |
Lens |
REVEAL™ photochromic lens technology |
OTG (over-the-glasses) compatible |
Fits most glasses 5.5” wide by 2” tall |
UVA/UVB |
100% UVA/UVB Protection |
BONUS |
Yellow low-light lens, |
Weight |
170 grams |
Fit |
Medium |
The MagFlight combines all the elements we appreciated about the Challenger goggles with a subjectively more stylish appearance and a practical magnetic lens swapping system.The Glade Fathom+ photochromic goggles were my saviors. They shield me from the intense morning sun when the weather took a turn for the worse. No fogging issues!
Where to Buy or Rent Snowboarding Gear?
When it comes to acquiring snowboarding gear, you have several options:
1.Local Snow Sports Shops:Local snow sports shops near ski resorts and in snow-prone areas often offer a wide range of snowboarding gear for sale. Staff at these stores can provide expert advice and help you find the right equipment.
2.Online retailers:Numerous online retailers specialize in snowboarding gear. Websites like REI, Evo, Backcountry, and The House have extensive snowboarding equipment, clothing, and accessory selections.
3.Ski Resorts and Rental Shops:If you're starting and want to try snowboarding before committing to buying gear, many ski resorts offer rental equipment. Rental packages typically include a snowboard, bindings, boots, and sometimes outerwear.
Rental shops at ski resorts also provide the convenience of swapping equipment or trying different boards during your trip.
When deciding between buying and renting, consider your commitment to the sport. If you're new to snowboarding or plan to ride occasionally, renting is a sensible choice.
Conclusion
With the right snowboarding gear, you can fully embrace the exhilarating snow sports in the world. Whether you're carving your first turns or tackling challenging terrain, your gear plays a pivotal role in your snowboarding experience. Follow the recommendations in this guide, and you'll be well-equipped for a thrilling and comfortable adventure on the slopes.