Christy Sports – Snowboard Deck Buying Guide
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SNOWBOARD
There are numerous snowboard options on the market, so it can be hard to determine what board you should invest in to enjoy your time on the mountain. There are many factors that play into snowboard design and intended use, and this guide can be used to help you narrow your search and pick the right board. This guide discusses terrain type, ability level, and board sizing to help you determine what kind of board is best for your abilities and preferences.
Terrain Type
Different snowboard designs are optimized for specific terrain and riding styles (though many are versatile).
Choosing a board: Match board design to your riding style and preferred terrain.
Park/freestyle:
- Softer flex
- True twin profile (symmetrical for easy switch riding)
- Best for butters, spins, and park riding
- Examples: Salomon Sleepwalker, Salomon Oh Yeah
Steep/big mountain terrain:
- Stiffer flex
- Directional stance, construction, and sidecut
- Best for speed and steep terrain
- Examples: Gnu Gremlin, Jones Stratos
All-around terrain versatility: Boards that balance playfulness, stability, and versatility.
- Examples: Lib Tech T. Rice Pro, Never Summer Infinity
Ability Level
Match board to ability + style
- Beginners: softer flex → easier to control, more forgiving, helps progression
- Experienced riders: stiffer flex → more precision and control at speed/variable terrain, requires skill
Rocker vs. Camber profiles
- Rocker: forgiving, easier for beginners, better float in powder
- Camber: precise edge control, better for aggressive/fast riding
- Rocker–camber blends: balance forgiveness and precision (e.g., Never Summer hybrid profile innovations)
Key takeaway: Choose board based on both ability level and typical terrain.
Size: Length and Width
Board sizing basics
- Traditional rule of thumb: board should be about chin-height
- Modern sizing: based on weight and board volume (surface contacting snow), not just height
Volume by design
- Some boards are meant to be ridden shorter due to wider profile = more volume
- Can be referred to as "volume-shifted" boards
- Examples: Lib Tech T. Rice Orca, Ride Warpig, Salomon Dancehaul
Size charts
- Always check the specific size chart for each make/model
Width considerations
- Important for riders with larger feet → prevents toe drag
- “Wide” board models available to fit bigger foot sizes
Shop Top Snowboard brands
Snowboard Sizing
Sizes are Approximate
| Snowboard Size (cm) | Rider Height (in) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-120 | 4'-4'8" | 120-140 | 60-90 |
| 110-130 | 4'8"-4'10" | 140-147 | 90-110 |
| 128-136 | 4'10"-5' | 147-151 | 110-120 |
| 133-141 | 5'-5'2" | 152-157 | 115-130 |
| 139-147 | 5'2"-5'4" | 158-162 | 125-135 |
| 144-152 | 5'4"-5'6" | 163-167 | 135-145 |
| 149-157 | 5'6"-5'8" | 168-172 | 140-155 |
| 154-162 | 5'8"-5'10" | 173-177 | 150-165 |
| 159-167 | 5'10"-6' | 178-182 | 160-175 |
| 160+ | 6'-6'2" | 183-187 | 170-185 |
| 160+ | 6'2"-6'4" | 188-192 | 180-195 |
| 160+ | 6'4"+ | 193+ | 190-205 |
