This post will go over the specs of the freeride snowboard, why they are designed the way they are and the different variances so you can get an idea of what specs are right for you and whether a freeride board is right for you. Just to be clear on my definition of what a freeride snowboard is some people consider freeride and all-mountain boards to be the same but they are definitely completely different beasts!
Freeride snowboards are invariably on the stiffer side. This is partially personal preference but most freeride boards tend to either have a stiff or medium-stiff flex. Some come in a more medium flex but they are the minority. Check out this post on all mountain boards if you think an aggressive all-mountain board could be more your style. Freeride boards usually have a tapered directional shape — and sometimes a directional shape — but always some version of directional.
This is because freeriding requires optimal performance in one direction down the mountain and there is no need to be riding switch — at least not for any prolonged length of time. Freeride boads usually have a setback of 20mm or greater. If you were centred on the board you would have to work extra hard on leaning back and keeping that nose up — this is not only exhausting but it also takes your focus away from riding and finding the best lines and avoiding those obstacles!
There are various camber profiles for freeride boards but some are definitely better than others — this is again partly personal preference but there are certainly some profiles that are better for freeriding in my opinion.
The most popular, and best in my mind, camber profiles for freeride boards are the hybrid camber and hybrid rocker shapes. The camber sections of these shapes helps with edge-hold hugely important for freeriding and the rocker sections help with float in powder — also really important. Check out the link below to see a more in depth analysis on the camber profiles of a selection of different style of snowboards including freeride boards.
Freeriding is a hard charging agreesssive style of riding so it needs a hard charging aggressive style of base. Freeride boards predominantly come with sintered bases. Sintered bases are faster and glide better than extruded bases if you maintain them properly.
So if you get stuck in any flat sections in the backcountry or slight uphills you will glide for longer meaning you can get through some sections without taking your board off that might otherwise not have been able to with an extruded base. This allows it to be more responsive and faster from edge to edge — important when you are trying to negotiate trees or narrow chutes. Check out this post for how to choose the right width. This will allow you to ride a narrower board with less chance of boot drag.
I hope this has helped you to decide whether a freeride board is right for you and the key specs to look out for when choosing a freeride snowboard. Check out the links below to see what I consider are currently the best 5 freeride snowboards on the market. Get the 7 step email series plus other relevant snowboarding emails, review releases, promotions, and information from time to time. We take your privacy seriously. No spam. See our privacy policy here. A tail that's stiffer than the nose will also help drive through powder.
If you like to get more creative off piste then you should be looking at directional twins which encompass a seriously wide spectrum of snowboards. With these you can still reap some of the benefits of a twin snowboard for backcountry freestyle riding while retaining most of the things that make a snowboard float and send rooster tails in powder.
If you haven't already tried one, try one now. These snowboards shift volume from the length to the width so you get the same surface and contact area but a short shape for manoeuvrability and that extra width gives ultimate float. If you want to put the party back into snowboarding then these are the snowboards for you, they're often great on piste too. Assess your needs and riding style first and foremost. If you're only interested in powder turns then get the most spoony nosed directional snowboard you can find, probably with a funky swallow tail.
If you also like a bit of versatility for less snowy days you should take inspiration from all mountain snowboards and reign in the directional shape a little. If you love to throw spins and grabs off cliffs check you out! All our reviews are independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission when you buy from links to Amazon and other affiliates on this page. This site uses cookies and similar technologies. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from this website.
Stories Snow Top Tens. Best Freeride Snowboards Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Share on Share on Facebook. The Best Ski Resorts in Canada. The Best Ski Resorts in Switzerland. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Notice Conditions of Use.
Salty Peaks Snowboard Snowboards. Used Bindings. Used Step-in Bindings. Parts and Accessories. All Parts and Accessories. Women's Hats and Caps. Scarves and Knit Gloves. All Used Snowboard Gear. Freestyle Snowboards: The best freestyle snowboards are typically a softer flexing, twin tip board with a mellower side cut that meets up to the demands of most park rats and hot doggers on and off the slopes.
All-Mountain Snowboards: Most snowboarders ride all-mountain boards.
0コメント