Q: How do I know how to pick my proper snowboard size?
A: Determining the proper size of snowboard can seem to be an overwhelming task with the amount of variables that are factored into the decision process.  There are six key elements, which we have listed in level of importance:

1)  Price
2)  Waist Width
3)  Appropriate length based on rider weight
4)  Snowboard shape / geometry
5)  Snowboard construction
6)  Good looks!

We could break each one of these elements into a full dissertation, so to save space we'll try and keep it as simple as possible.

Q: Why is price the number one factor?
A: Simple!  If you're not going to buy a snowboard, then you won't be snowboarding this season.  Pretty straight forward, yes?

Q: What is so important about WAIST WIDTH:
A: The waist width is the #1 factor as I see it.  Since you stand on a snowboard sideways, your toes and heels need to line up just with the edge of the snowboard (or just slightly over the edge).  When your boots are properly aligned with the edge of the snowboard, you are guaranteed optimum edge-to-edge performance.  You will achieve maximum leverage and power when turning, as well as quick transition between turns.  If you're too far over the edge, this is the #1 complaint you'll hear all too often.  As you edge begins to take hold, it digs deeper into the snow.  If you're boots are extended beyond the width of the board, your boots will quickly hit the snow causing the dreaded "boot-out".  Now, if you're boots are smaller than your board is wide, it's not such a problem.  The only draw back is that you'll experience slow turn transitions creating a sluggish feeling snowboard that feels slow and difficult to control with ease.

Q: OK, How do I determine the best Waist width for me?
A:  As a simple rule you can use this conversion chart.  Keep in mind, this is very generic as all boots models and construction shapes vary.  One boot brand / model can be shorter or longer than another in the same size. Another very important factor is how thick the baseplate of your bindings is.  If you have a thick baseplate, your boots will be higher off of the board and further away from the edge (we'll save geometry lessons for another day) allowing for a narrower board.  Check below for MEN'S  boot sizing.

MEN'S- 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5| 10.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 11.5 | 12.0 | 12.5 | 13.0 | 13+
                24.0 cm      |     24.5 cm    |    25.0 cm        |       26.0 cm        |     26.5 cm+

Q: What is my appropriate length based on weight?
A:  Again, this is a general guide only.  After choosing the appropriate length based on this chart, you size can then vary slightly depending on the shape and design that suits your riding style.

Weight (lbs): 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 200 | 210+
Length (cm):     140  |   145      |         150          |     155      |              160              |     165+


You'll see there's a lot of room to move either longer or shorter for each weight / length class.  If you're and advanced, aggressive, all mountain rider, then you can safely add a few centimeters in length.  If you're looking for maneuverability for freestyle / park riding, then you can safely subtract a few centimeters.   All boards are generally manufactured in the appropriate length for the it's intended usage.  A 152 cm freestyle board isn't also made in a a 155 cm size, therefore the 152 cm would be your ideal freestyle length.  It's pretty neat when the designers have already made the decision for you!

Q: What is my best snowboard shape and geometry?
A: There are two major categories in snowboard shapes.  FREESTYLE and FREERIDE.

Freestyle: This shape is generally considered a "Twin-Tip", meaning the dimensions are identical (or close to it) for both the tip and tail of the board.  If you want maximum maneuverability and flex for all of your freestyle needs, this is for you.

Freeride: Everything else.  This is designed for unidirectional performance (i.e., your nose of the board is always leading the way).  You ride the whole mountain, often passing by the park without a second glance.  You love powder, steeps and speed.  These boards are designed to turn better when the nose of the board is leading the way (not so good at riding backwards, or 'Fakie'.

Sure, there's more to it than this, but if you cover this basic option, you're off to a good start.  We'll save the niche models for another day.  You usually know what you want by the time you're looking at these other options.

Q: What do I need to know about snowboard construction?
A:  Virtually all boards in equal price ranges are going to be nearly the same construction. There hasn't been a lot of innovation in the last few years and the playing field is virtually level between manufacturers.  Sure, some have "this-or-that" technology and it'll be up to you to sort that out and see if something seems more important to you or not.  If you buy a $300.00 Burton board, it's going to be just about the same as a $300.00 Nitro snowboard.  Once you pick your price point, the construction decisions will also be pretty much decided by the snowboard designers.  They're all trying to make the same wheel better at this point.

Q:  What do I need to know about snowboard 'Good Looks'?
A:  Well, that's up to you!  I'm the first to admit I have no fashion sense and my wife will be the second.


SUMMARY:

 If the board is in your price range, the waist width you need, the appropriate length, the shape you want, and looks to die for; you're ready to buy.  Now just hunt down a few comparable models and see what gets your fashion fire burning.
 
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