Finding the Right Snowboard Flex

By Published On: March 23rd, 201181 Comments

Go take out a really stiff snowboard. Better yet, take it into the trees and try to control it, even at slow speeds. Seriously. If it’s not your style, you’ll get bucked around wild bronco style, like the board is riding you versus you riding the board. It’s not a good feeling, but it’s a good reason to get out your flex meter and find out what stiffness fits your style of riding before buying a snowboard.

First, the two types of flex:

Torsional Flex is the flex across the width of a snowboard, between the two edges, and defines how a board holds its edge. More (softer) torsional flex will make it easier to twist the board and initiate sharp-radius turns, and manipulate the board on park features.

Longitudinal Flex…. you guessed it, is the flex of the snowboard going the long way, from tip to tail. Freestyle riders prefer a softer longitudinal flex as well, for laying down ‘butters’, boardslides and bonks without catching an edge.

The longitudinal flex will either be balanced through the length of the board or progressive, ie. progressively stiffer towards the nose, or softer. For example, a softer nose than tail is ideal for soft snow because it resists diving beneath the surface, while the stiffer tail helps maintain edge control and create ‘pop’.

Really it comes down to personal preference, and most boards will have a flex rating on a scale of 1-10. Once you’ve gauged your own flex preferences, that’s a good place to start. And remember, the softer the flex the easier a board is to turn, but if it’s too soft you won’t feel stable committing to turns at high speed. -MH

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81 Comments

  1. Mike June 13, 2011 at 6:07 pm - Reply

    hi house, i have a 2010 dc pbj 144cm, but am looking for something a little biger im thinking on the pbj 2011 149cm but i’d like to ask if it is just as good as the 2010 modal, like does the rocker effect any thing like the speed, turning/handling,or flex of the board or any thing like that. the 2010 is a perfect board for what i need it for but i need it a hiar bigger and i want to try out a rocker, and if u want can u give me any suggestions.
    my hight is 5’5″, boot is a 8, my wieght is 130-140

  2. Andrew July 1, 2012 at 4:28 pm - Reply

    HI so I am looking for a very forgiving park board. I’m looking for something set aside more for boxes and rails then park. Easy flex for presses and all. As of currently i’m looking into a stairmasater. I was looking for your opinion on that. I would like to stay to a cheaper budget.

    I’m 5 8 weigh about 130

  3. Andrew July 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm - Reply

    HI so I am looking for a very forgiving park board. I’m looking for something set aside more for boxes and rails then jumps.it will be used for urban. Easy flex for presses and all. As of currently i’m looking into a stairmasater. I was looking for your opinion on that. I would like to stay to a cheaper budget.

    I’m 5 8 weigh about 130

    • gufrocks July 17, 2012 at 2:55 pm - Reply

      Hey Andrew- The Capita Stairmaster is a perfect board for street. You should also check out the Forum Contract, Signal Rocker or Park, Stepchild Street Recession, and Ride Kink.

  4. Travis November 13, 2012 at 3:39 pm - Reply

    hey man,
    I am a 5’8 160-170lb male who is going to spend most of my time on the east coast mountains in virginia. mostly wintergreen where conditions can be less than ideal at times. rarely ever is there a lot of powder and at night i find that it can get icey. i like to spend equal time on terrain park and just cruisin the mountain looking for fun stuff to shred. im looking for a board, knowing all of this what would you reccomend?

    • danaw November 13, 2012 at 5:53 pm - Reply

      I would recommend check out the new Lib Tech Hot Knife. If you like control and power it would bea great board.

  5. William February 3, 2013 at 12:25 pm - Reply

    I’m 5-10 about 195lbs, male. Currently looking for a new board, perhaps a powder board. I enjoy riding deep powder and through wooded areas, mainly. I don’t spend much time in the terrain park, but do enjoy a good jump every now and then. Any ideas?

    • danaw February 12, 2013 at 5:02 pm - Reply

      Gotta love the pow! I would check out the Barracuda.

      Another board that I really like to ride all over is the Capita Totally FK’N Awesome. There is not much I can say about it except that it is Totally Awesome! It has a Hybrid camber shape. Meaning it has cambered under foot for control and rockered up in the tip and tail to make the board more forgiving and adding extra float in the powder.

  6. wyatt February 4, 2013 at 3:35 pm - Reply

    im looking for a snowboard with soft flex and some good pop 5’3 and 123 pounds

    • danaw February 12, 2013 at 4:47 pm - Reply

      Hey Wyatt. Check out the Ride Kink. It has a med flex but it will give you the pop you desire.

  7. Fred February 10, 2013 at 11:21 am - Reply

    Hi
    I am 5’9 and 198lb male. I mostly snowboard on pisted slopes, occasionally powder and a few runs in the park. Have not been on a snowboard for 15years but keen to get going again. What type/brand etc would you recommend?

    • danaw February 12, 2013 at 4:33 pm - Reply

      Hey Fred,
      Based on you size you going to want to get about board around 157-159cm. I would suggest check out the Burton Process Flying V.

      Another board you should check out is the Rossignol One Magtek. This is one of my favorite boards to ride and it is great on groomed runs and in the back country.

      If you would like some more help feel free to give me call at 1 800 409 7669 just ask for Dana.

  8. Derek July 28, 2013 at 9:44 am - Reply

    Been riding a burton blunt , 156, I’m really into big jumps, and back country freestyle but at the same time deff spend time in the parks, I’m looking for something lighter and more flex , any ideas for new boards , thanks Derek

    • gufrocks August 19, 2013 at 11:09 am - Reply

      Hey Derek,

      If you want to stay with in the Burton line like the Blunt I’d suggest checking out the Process Flying V (https://www.the-house.com/9852btprfv14zz-burton-snowboards.html). Although the Process has a similar feel rating as the Blunt it will be a little better for big jumps and floating in pow because of the Flying V profile bend which is combination of stable camber and loose rocker.

      -Guf

  9. Nathan October 8, 2013 at 4:15 pm - Reply

    Hey I got a DC ply last year good board but I want something with alittle more flex i’m really into park don’t go any where else also getting into street wondering if you had any suggestions on a board i like a shorter board as well I’m 5,9 185lbs
    thanks nathan

  10. Casper October 23, 2013 at 7:20 am - Reply

    Hi im looking for a board that has a lot of flex. I only ride park, and love jibbing and buttering. Any boards u could prefer
    I really like rome, capita and stepchild but open for new brands

  11. Casper October 23, 2013 at 8:00 am - Reply

    Hi Im looking for a board that has a lot of flex. I only ride park, and love jibbing and buttering. Any board u could refer
    I really like rome, capita and stepchild but open for new brands

    Thanks
    Casper

  12. Natalie December 10, 2013 at 2:23 am - Reply

    Hi. the board i have now is way too stiff and is hard to maneuver down the hill. Im looking for something with a little more flexibility so that I can go down the hill and have fun carving in and out. Im female about 5’8, what board would you suggest?

  13. Dominick January 27, 2014 at 10:12 pm - Reply

    Hey I have been riding an all mountain board(wild life-ride). It’s awesome for bombing the mountain and hitting big jumps for me. I use it for the park but it’s not forgiving.
    I want to start buttering/jibbing with also park riding with rails and small/medium jumps. What board(s) would you recommend that is not stiff and able to perform the above.
    I am 5’11” 200lbs with size 13 feet so a wide board would have to come into play.
    Thanks in advance!

  14. Ardeshir June 3, 2014 at 5:41 pm - Reply

    Hey House, i am looking for a forgiving board that will hit rails and butter but will do good at high speeds. I want it more freestyle but want control. Thanks

    • Dana June 4, 2014 at 12:53 pm - Reply

      How much do you weigh and what size feet do you have? Also, where do you ride?

      • Ardeshir June 4, 2014 at 1:58 pm - Reply

        I weigh 130 shoe size 10.5-11 and i ride anywhere from Vermont to North Carolina but want to expand out west (Utah or Colorado )

      • Ardeshir June 4, 2014 at 3:48 pm - Reply

        I am looking at the Burton superhero2013 would that be a good choice and fit my criteria?

        • Dana June 18, 2014 at 9:47 am - Reply

          A superhero wide would be a pretty good option. When you say expand to to Utah or Colorado… do you mean move to or just a vacation?

  15. Ardeshir June 8, 2014 at 6:53 pm - Reply

    The house, inward also thinking about the k2 slayblade what is your opinion

  16. Ardeshir June 18, 2014 at 4:38 pm - Reply

    Currently vacation but hopefully in the near future move

  17. Josh August 7, 2014 at 8:19 am - Reply

    Hi I’m looking for a soft to medium flex board for rails and butters, but will float will float well through powder and have good control at high speeds. I’m about 5’10, weigh about 160, and wear a size 11 boot. Any board that you can refer
    I prefer traditional camber

    • Dana August 15, 2014 at 10:55 am - Reply

      The 2014 and 2015 DC PBJ is pretty soft cambered board and great for butters and rails. Based on your weight the 155 w would be a good options.

  18. Rob August 28, 2014 at 1:50 pm - Reply

    Anyone familiar with the High Society Temerity? I’ve been riding for over a decade, primarily mountain, and have gradually built a greater interest in park (beginning with rails, boxes, & med-large kickers). I’m still looking to occasionally fly down a slope, but want to further my park abilities and maintain some pop in the board for smaller kickers that require more than just riding straight off for the thrill.

    I’m 5’9, 200 lbs, and currently ride an all mountain 162 (Ride Havoc – very old model, roughly 11 years).

  19. Jack October 6, 2014 at 12:24 pm - Reply

    I want a really flexible board for park. I am 5’11 and 190lbs. The board is going to be only used on park so what are some good boards for what I am looking for.

    • Dana October 22, 2014 at 3:41 pm - Reply

      Hey Jack. What size feet do you have?

  20. Kevin December 7, 2014 at 9:14 pm - Reply

    Hi. I”m 6 feet and 225lbs. I’m an intermediate rider and currently have a Rossignol R.P.M. with a 6 out of 10 flex. I want a stiffer board, what would you suggest?

  21. david January 13, 2015 at 2:53 am - Reply

    I’m 5’7″ and about 150 lbs I have a morrow truth witch I bought from the house about a year ago…. But I’ve got a lot better sense and I know what I want in a board. But I can’t find one that fits all the needs. I want a board that has a soft flex, good pop, I want to still bomb the hill at 45 mph and not constantly catch edge while I’m progressing on my flatland tricks… Is there a board like this. Is this why they made the flying v or do I have to buy 2 different boards

    • Dana January 15, 2015 at 11:55 am - Reply

      Soft flexible boards dont really have the best pop and are typically that best at high speeds. with that being said I think you need a good all around Twin park board with a medium flex. Such as a Ride Kink or a maybe the K2 Slayblade.

    • Dana January 15, 2015 at 1:40 pm - Reply

      Also check out the Capita Outsiders

    • Dana January 15, 2015 at 1:41 pm - Reply

      Also check out the Capita Outsiders

  22. cath February 1, 2015 at 7:21 pm - Reply

    Do you know if the ride OMG has good pop and easy to ollie?

  23. Kyle February 19, 2015 at 4:18 pm - Reply

    Hey im 5’9 and looking for a good park board with a good amount of flex for butters, but not so much that its sketch to land big jumps. Any reccomendations?

  24. Dirk February 28, 2015 at 8:28 pm - Reply

    Hi house,
    In need of a assistance. I’m 6ft 185lb, size 10 boot. Looking for a flexible board, for performance in powder (Japan), looking for sweet butters and speed through powder too. I ride pretty much everything at intermediate level.

  25. cody March 9, 2015 at 9:53 am - Reply

    whats the most flexible board round 148 – 152cm?

  26. damion August 22, 2015 at 12:25 am - Reply

    hey guy I’m 106 pounds 5’3 and my feet size is 7 men’s away I’m ride a Burton super small Heros it’s a138 i like the board but to me it doesn’t seem to flex very easy I’m looking for a softer board anywhere from a 136-137 just seeing what you guys can recommend for me I just started riding in the park so I’m looking for something easy to allie and ride rails

  27. Billy September 15, 2015 at 10:06 am - Reply

    Hi house, I am looking for a new board and hope you can recommend me a good one. I have a elan woodcore omega sidecut, stiffness around 3 and 159cm. My height is 5’11 weight roughly around 165 to 170, boot size 11. I would like a board that is good for small jumps and hopefully if I expand to bigger jumps. Free ride and also groomed snow. Would like a board with flex from a 6 or higher. Please help me out as I would like to buy a board soon. And price range from $200 to $450 including boots and bindings please and thank you. Billy.

  28. Nate September 29, 2015 at 10:27 am - Reply

    Hey guys I’m looking for a park style board with a lot of flex and pop, I’m 6’3 165 and my boot size is 12 any ideas?

  29. billy smith October 18, 2015 at 12:25 pm - Reply

    whats up guys, ok i have been riding a while now with the same stiff board and i got really good at terrain and free style and i need some pop and flex badly! please point me in the right direction im 6 foot 1 170 pound guy who likes to go big in air and fast on the big slopes and want to do butters so bad this season please help guys thank you!!

  30. Nick November 29, 2015 at 4:45 pm - Reply

    hey I’m 6″1 and about 150 lb I’m trying to find a good flexible board for park and buttering and my price range is about 250 to 350$ please help

  31. kat Hood December 10, 2015 at 4:46 pm - Reply

    hiya im 5’4 and weigh 103llb and my board I’ve had for years is a 148 however i find it hard to pop. Is the flex a massive factor in pop as i also want a board i can ride hard and give me stability. Was thinking of getting a 143 as this will lighter for me but need some advice on what flex would be good!thanks !

  32. Colter December 11, 2015 at 11:31 pm - Reply

    Hello. I am looking for a very very soft board withe a lot of flex.. Any suggestions?

  33. Cody January 12, 2016 at 5:48 pm - Reply

    I’m 5’11, 135lbs and ahhh, I just want to do everything ahaha. I want to fly down the steeps, then hit the terrain park rails/boxes, maybe dash between trees or moguls, and hit small-medium jumps. I just find myself dead center in everything for what I want to do, the only thing I know I never want to do is coasting down a gentle green without buttering, spinning, popping up anywhere I can, etc. as I ride very aggressively.

    I’ve been snowboarding for about 2 months and can link turns, carve, ride rails/boxes while spinning pretty decently (and even land), and do straight airs on small jumps. Working on flips.

    Currently using a K2 Brigade 158 which is way too long for me but the deal was too great to pass on for a beginner board that’s bound to get beat up.

    I sometimes think I should have two boards eventually but I’d want to switch every time I went down half a run.

  34. Scott January 16, 2016 at 7:20 pm - Reply

    Hey guys,
    I’m 6’8″ 260 with size 14.5 so I need a big board. I ride Tahoe so have plenty of icy slushy days to deal with. I ride groomers if I have to but prefer looking for kickers in tree runs if the snow is there. I don’t completely ignore the park either, but only hit boxes/kickers/and the occasional big hit if it’s been a good day. I’m looking at the lib tech skunk ape hp, capita super macho, jones flagship wide, and never summer storm trooper wide. Do you have a suggestion for me between them or another board to look at? Thank you

    • gufrocks May 9, 2016 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      You’ll love the Skunk Ape.

  35. Scott January 16, 2016 at 8:18 pm - Reply

    As an addition to my last comment…
    When I can’t hit the tree runs I like to bomb the steepest groomers I can find. Also, if the recommendation is the skunk ape then based on the conditions and type of riding I described would you recommend the traditional or the HP?

    Thanks guys!

    • gufrocks May 9, 2016 at 12:13 pm - Reply

      Both would be great! There’s a lot of guys that’d choose the Skunk Ape.

  36. Karl January 24, 2016 at 11:51 am - Reply

    Hey,
    I’m 5’8″ and about 160-170 pounds size 11 boot. I live in Colorado and ride strictly woods and park. I was looking into the gnu space case but are there any other recommendations for any other woods and park boards. I would like it to be flexible with a lot of pop.
    Thanks
    Karl

  37. Olegario Neto February 16, 2016 at 1:36 pm - Reply

    Hi guys, I’m a new ride from Brazil, I need buy my first board but what snowboard buy? Camber x rocker x hybrid? soft x medium x stiff? I have 245lbs and 5,9feet, HELP me please in march Im going to Whistler my first time un North America. Tsk for help.

  38. Ryan Mooney November 13, 2016 at 11:04 pm - Reply

    I have large feet (Men’s size 14) and am 6’1″, weighing 190lbs. I just got a board for Christmas last year (163cm WIDE Symbolic 369), but I am interested in getting a different one with more flex. My board right now is really stiff and has been since I got it in a package deal online. I have been snowboarding for 5 years now and am confident going down Black Diamonds but love hitting the terrain parks. Any suggestions on a better board more suited for the parks?

  39. Griffin Blanchard December 14, 2016 at 11:45 pm - Reply

    hey house, i rode a burton board (155cm) with a good amount of flex and i really liked it, so I’m looking here for a board. I’m 6’2 1/2
    and 165 pounds and ride park. whats your recommendation? thanks!

  40. Jake January 28, 2017 at 3:25 pm - Reply

    Hello my name is Jake i just recently bought a Mens Ride Control 16/17 edition and its has a lot of flex but when i purchased it they said it was ok in the park is this true because I’m a big park guy!?

    • gufrocks March 2, 2017 at 6:32 pm - Reply

      Yep, the Ride Control is a softer board that can rip in the park.

  41. Xav November 19, 2017 at 2:04 pm - Reply

    Please guys!
    if anyone knows exactly the flex of the rossignol Sultan board of 2010(black)
    Very nice to let me get the answer!
    thanks in advance and good ride all…

    • gufrocks May 2, 2018 at 5:34 pm - Reply

      The Sultan has a firm 5/10 flex rating.

  42. nathan January 26, 2018 at 9:39 pm - Reply

    sup dude it all suck

  43. […] you’ve determined the type of rider you are you should shift your attention to board flex/stiffness. If you really do split your time evenly on all parts of the mountain (on trail, off […]

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