Snowboarding is an incredibly popular winter sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old. Snowboarders can enjoy the extreme weather conditions, the snow, and most importantly, the adrenaline rush that comes with speed. As a sport that is so accessible to anyone at any age, it is important to be sure you have the best snowboard for you.
Snowboard gear is designed to be versatile and works no matter what the conditions are. This is why you want to invest in a product that is made for all-mountain riding. The best all-mountain snowboards are designed to perform well in the backcountry, park and on a groomed snowboard field. The most important factor a board has is how it performs no matter what the conditions are. The best mountainboards are constructed with a stiffer flex that makes the deck stiffer and more responsive.
There are a variety of different snowboards that cater to different levels of experience and ability, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, here are some of the best snowboards on the market to help you get started.
Table of Contents
How to choose the Best Snowboards for you
Snowboarding is a great way to have fun and get some exercise while enjoying the winter outdoors. But before you hit the slopes, you need to choose the right snowboard for your skill level and body type. Here are some tips on how to find the best snowboard for you.
Shape: Snowboards come in a variety of shapes, including twin tips, directional twin tips, directional, and freestyle. Twin tips are designed for tricks and are equally good going forwards or backwards. Directional boards are designed for speed and stability when going downhill, while freestyle boards are versatile but not as fast or stable.
Size: Snowboards are also sized according to your weight and height. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to choose a board that’s shorter and lighter so you can control it better. As you get better at snowboarding, you’ll be able to handle a longer and heavier board.
Flex: Snowboard flex refers to how much the board bends when you lean on it. A board with more flex is better for tricks, while a board with less flex is better for speed and stability.
Stance: Your stance is the way you position your feet on the snowboard. There are three stances: regular, goofy, and switch. Regular is the most common stance, with your left foot in front of your right. Goofy is the opposite, with your right foot in front of your left. The switch is when you ride equally well with either stance.
Bindings: Bindings connect your feet to the snowboard and come in a variety of types, including strap-in, step-in, and release bindings. Strap-in bindings are the most common type and require you to buckle in your feet. Step-in bindings are similar to ski bindings and allow you to step into them with your boots. Release bindings are designed for snowboarders who want more flexibility in their stance.
Construction: Snowboards are made with a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, fibreglass, and carbon fibre. Wood boards are the heaviest but provide the best response time. Aluminium boards are lighter but not as responsive. Fibreglass boards are lightweight and responsive but can be expensive. Carbon fibre boards are the lightest and most responsive but also the most expensive.
Profile: The profile of a snowboard is the way the nose and tail are shaped. There are three profiles: camber, rocker, and hybrid. Camber boards have raised ends that provide good edge control for carving. Rocker boards have curved noses and tails that make them easier to turn but less stable at high speeds. Hybrid boards are a combination of camber and rocker, with raised ends and a curved nose and tail.
Now that you know the basics of snowboard types and features, you can pick the perfect board for your needs. Remember to take into account your skill level, height, weight, and riding style when making your decision.
The Best Snowboards NZ
1. Lib Tech Orca Split Snowboard
The Lib Tech 21 Orca Split Snowboard is an ultralight split board with a wide body and long nose. The poppy contact maximizes the whale tail manoeuvre with agility while the powerful SC construction and FSC-certified aspen and paulownia core provide a rugged, fast, and durable ride. The 3-D integrated tip inserts and Karakoram ultra clips round out the board’s features.
2. Capita Men’s Mercury Snowboard
Capita’s 2022 Men’s Mercury Snowboard is a dream come true for snowboarders who want to ride all-terrain, but still want to shred the mountain. This new all-terrain shape snowboard is constructed with a Panda Core and bamboo power rods, with a flex to match your riding style. It has raised the camber platform and given it a special type of profile while adding a raised camber platform to provide the ideal balance of playfulness and stability. It has also included a flat kick tip and tail arcs, 360 Degree HRC48 steel edges.
3. Lib Tech Men’s T.Rice Pro
The Lib Tech 2022 Pro Snowboard is a lightweight, long-lasting, powerful HP construction, versatile stick, Core: 60% aspen / 40%paulownia Glass. It has a versatile feel, which allows it to be used as a downhill or freestyle board. It also has a stable feel, which is a great advantage for those who are learning to snowboard. This Snowboard is great for beginner and intermediate riders.
4. Salomon Men’s Super 8 Snowboard
A versatile all-mountain shredder for the guys who want to get into snowboarding. This Super 8 longboard is perfect for riders of all skill levels, with a tapered directional profile and backseat camber side cut, the Salomon 2022 is a versatile all-mountain shredder that can handle everything from chutes to powder. The fine stone finish on the top and bottom of the deck gives this board a sleek and stealthy style while the ABS sidewall allows for a no-slip grip.
5. Arbor Foundation Rocker Snowboard
Arbor 2022 Foundation Rocker Snowboard is a durable and versatile board that is perfect for both beginners and experts. The Recycled Steel Edge is strong and durable and has a high-quality design with a high rebound flex for great pop. The 3600 Fully Wrapped Sidewalls ensure that the board stays strong, and the Biax Glassing and Extruded Base give the board a smooth ride. The Wend Natural Wax provides an excellent grip and the Factory Tuned ensures a ton of pop.
FAQ’s
Does New Zealand have good snowboarding?
Yes, New Zealand has a lot of great snowboarders and the best skiing in the world. There are many places to go for skiing, even, including Queenstown and Wanaka. For snowboarding, you can try Mount Hutt or take an excursion on the Southern Alps which is known for its steep slopes. There are also some great resorts within this country but it all depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
What cities in New Zealand have snow?
New Zealand has some of the best snowboarding in the world. Some of the major cities with good snowboarding are Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Ruapehu.