Creating the ultimate snowboard quiver is a dream of many who spend time standing sideways. A true boarder’s quiver is an artillery of snowboards, designed for specific riding scenarios that will operate in the riders desired field. When it comes to designing your quiver, it is important to take a look into the riding you’re going to be getting yourself into and recognizing what style of a board is going to work best for each of those circumstances. To help further dial you in on what you need from your quiver we’ve compiled a list of features from each category that will help you decide what you’re going to need for every type of riding.
-Terrain Park Snowboards-
When choosing a park deck to add to your quiver, there are a few things to consider before your purchase. Some attributes of park boards are specifically added to the board’s profile and shape to help the deck perform best on rails, jumps, and smaller transitions. Most park oriented snowboards are going to have a true twin shape, meaning the board will be able to operate in both a regular stance and a switch stance, and a softer camber profile flex to make the board more forgiving on rails and to allow the board to press easier when being flexed to pop out of rails. Generally, a park snowboard will have an extruded base to keep the board’s maintenance requirements low, allowing the base to take a beating without affecting the ride as much. True twin shape, a softer flexing camber profile, and a low maintenance base are a few qualities that make a park board desirable for your quiver. However, don’t feel pigeon-holed into one type of board. Many people take different styles to the park and sometimes like something different!
Take a look at our “Top 5 Park Snowboards of 2019” and “Top 5 Women’s Park Snowboards of 2019” to find some great picks and dive a little further into the tech of these “shredworthy” decks!
-All Mountain Snowboards-
When choosing your all-mountain deck you can be a little pickier, however, with this it’s all about personal preference, so don’t overthink it! Most traditional all-mountain boards come with a directional shape which allows the board to have a longer nose than tail. Nowadays, it is not abnormal to have a true twin shape on your all-mountain setup, in fact, most people enjoy the true twin for an all-mountain board. You may also want to consider the materials that are in this deck that are going to contribute to the flex. Considering a sintered base for added speed is a fun pick here, knowing the deck won’t be constantly attacked. A stiffer board with some stronger materials and a camber profile are going to provide this deck with a stronger edge hold for carving, pop for play, and energetic ride that’s fast, versus something with a softer flexing personality. A softer flexing, rocker profile snowboard will feel loose and playful, something easily managed and relaxed feeling for those who don’t want to be “on point” all day.
Take a look at our “Top 5 All-Mountain Freestyle Snowboards of 2019” and “Top 5 All-Mountain Women’s Snowboards of 2019” to find some great picks and dive a little further into the tech of these ATV’s!
-Powder Snowboards-
For the days Mother Nature dumps a boatload of fresh powder on the slopes, you better bet you’ll have your best day on a powder specific snowboard. When searching for a powder deck for your quiver there are a few essentials to look for. Most powder specific boards have a wider nose to surf through the pow and a more narrow tail. A directional shape is standard for a powder board, this shape creates a unique nose and tail and is meant to ride one direction continuously. You’ll love riding deep snow with a rocker profile, as it creates a consistent central contact point and lifts the tip and tail off the snow, creating fewer hangups when slashing through the pow. The rocker profile also creates a surfy feel in the powder. Most pow boards have a sintered base which provides its riders with a faster, smoother ride over the freshies. A stiff flexing board provides you with more grip when turning, holds a good speed and provides you with a stronger edge hold to give you all the carving and slashing ability you want in powder.
Take a look at our “Top 5 Big Mountain Snowboards of 2019” and “Top 5 Women’s Powder Snowboards of 2019” to find some great picks and dive a little further into the tech of these snow surfers!
Creating a snowboarding quiver for yourself can be one of the most fun things you do when you have different kinds of terrain to ride. Remember that your snowboard is merely a tool that you use to pilot yourself across the mountains, your local resort or through the parks and the streets. Don’t forget that most decks perform well in many situations and that you’ll find what you like over time. It’s just snowboarding after all so grab your deck, stock your quiver and keep standing sideways. Make sure you’re ready for the upcoming season by not only tuning your board but refreshing your snowboard boots and bindings to create the perfect package.
Questions? Ask away! Or visit our shop, YouTube channel, or chat with one our experts!
PHOTOS- Stephan Jende
