Snowboard Sizing and Buying Guide

There's a ton of information floating around about what to look for when buying a snowboard whether its your first or you're just adding to the quiver. Luckily here at Twelve we know that this can be a little daunting so we are here to help.  

The essentials of finding the right board come down to finding the right length, width and determining what terrain you want to ride.

How do you pick the correct snowboard length? 

The length of the board you choose will depend on your weight and what type of riding you want to do. 

Beginners: Aim for a shorter board in your size range. It will make it easier to turn.

Freestyle/Park Riders: You may want to size down, making it easier to spin and throw the board around.

Freeride: Consider sizing up for more stability and speed. Or a volume shifted board.

See full size guide here: 

How do you pick the right width?

When a snowboard waist width is sized correctly the snowboard boots will hang over the edges of the snowboard just slightly but not so much as to hit the snow when the board is on edge.

The general rule of thumb is that if you have size 12 boots, you will typically need a wider board. Some boards are wider than others, look for a board with a waist width of 26.0.

 

What type of snowboard should I get?

There are three basic board profiles, which can often be combined into hybrid profiles.

Camber: Great edge hold, and increased pop

 

Rocker: Easier to initiate turns. More float and surfy feel.

 

Flat: Stability

 

What terrain are you riding?

All Mountain:

Typically mid flexing boards and are designed to work in all snow conditions whether it be groomers, park, freeride or powder. They are your workhorse and known for their versatility. Great for people who need that one board quiver killer.

Freestyle/Park: 

Typically a true twin shape and can be either soft in flex or quite stiff depending on whether you are mostly a jibber or are hitting big jumps.

Freeride:

Freeride boards are designed for the rider that spends most of their time just riding the mountain and in varied conditions. They are typically stiffer for stability/speed and are directional in shape. 

Powder: 

Powder boards are designed for those epic days when the snow is deep. Typically powder boards will have a directional shape with a wider nose and tapered narrowing tail making it easy for you to float in the deep stuff.

Happy sliding :)