SNOWBOARDS

More about snowboards

Constantly changing technologies do not stop at snowboards. Shape, materials, sustainability aspects - there are always new things to discover. In order not to lose the overview and to find the best board for you, we have summarized the most important information.

Types of snowboards

Are you looking for a board that will accompany you on any terrain and show the best performance in any snow conditions, then an all-mountain snowboard is just right. Such boards are very versatile - the medium to hard flex offers you stability on the slopes despite high speed, good control during turns and at the same time is good in the park and freeride.

If you are sure that you need your board mainly off-piste, then it is best to choose a freeride board. The directional shape is optimal for steep terrain and adventures in deep snow. The board is more suitable for advanced riders and has a harder flex to give you more control and stability.

You prefer to hang out in the park and hone your jumps? If you can answer this question with a resounding "yes", then it's best to go for a freestyle board. They tend to be shorter and have a softer flex to stand up to your artwork. Their twin-tip shape makes it possible to use both edges and easier to push and butter the board.

You will preferably choose a splitboard if you prefer to climb the mountain under your own power instead of the lift. The board can be split lengthwise and then functions like a touring ski. This allows you to climb completely untouched areas of the mountain.

Before the descent, you simply clip both board halves together again, remove the skins, and you're ready for your descent. Due to the technical diversity, which offers you a splitboard, it is somewhat heavier, and also the price is somewhat higher.

Bindings

The bindings that fit your snowboard depend on the flex, the binding system and your desired entry level. Flex levels range from soft, to medium, to hard flex. You can choose between 2x4, 4x4, Burton 3D inserts and the channel system. Depending on which entry you prefer, you can choose between rear-entry, step-in and strap-in bindings. For more details, check out our snowboard bindings.

Length of the board

There are also differences in sizes! As a rule of thumb, the board should reach at least up to your chin. There are also things to consider:

As a beginner, we recommend you rather a shorter board. On the one hand, this has the advantage that you can control it more easily. If you are already a bit more experienced and would describe yourself as an advanced rider, then you can calmly reach for a slightly longer board. The extra length gives you more speed. Freeriders also tend to prefer a longer board, as it provides more float in deep snow. As a park rider, on the other hand, you'll probably have more fun with a shorter board, as you can move it around the turns more easily and take more control on the jumps.

Rocker, Camber and Flat - Board Profiles and their Differences

As with skis, there are very different profiles for snowboards and splitboards that snowboard manufacturers have come up with over the years. The three main protagonists are called: Rocker, Camber and Flat. But why limit yourself to just three profiles when there are so many options? That's probably what the manufacturers thought, too, and they're making us happy with two more profiles: Hybrid Camber and Hybrid Rocker.

CAMBER

Camber snowboards have the "classic" or positive preload. If you lay the board flat on the ground, the outer contact points lie on the nose and tail. Once the standard in snowboard construction, this type of camber still guarantees maximum performance, pop and edge grip.

ROCKER

A snowboard in rocker construction has a negative preload. Nose and tail are bent up from a certain length from the center of the board. Some board manufacturers also speak of a reverse camber, since the board is bent up in the opposite direction compared to the classic camber. The advantages here are clearly the better buoyancy in powder, as well as a greater turning ability of the board, which makes it easier to initiate turns, especially for beginners. On the other hand, the board loses edge grip, stability and pop due to the rocker.

FLAT

The name says it all: When you lay your board on the ground, it rests on the ground with the entire running surface. The middle ground between camber and rocker combines the advantages of both types of construction. The flat profile usually has a longer effective edge than a rocker, and is at the same time more turn-friendly than a camber.

HYBRID CAMBER

Hybrid Camber snowboards and splitboards have a camber in the middle. The rocker in the nose and tail provides better floatation in powder and tilts less easily. The remaining camber still provides stability and edge grip.

HYBRID ROCKER

Hybrid Rocker snowboards and splitboards have a rocker in the middle for turning ability and float, while the camber, usually under the bindings, provides edge hold and stability.

Snowboard Brands: Wide Selection at Sport Conrad

Depending on the manufacturer, you will of course find different specifications. If you want to make a few test runs before investing in your new snow equipment, you can do that for example during the Sport Conrad test days: On these days you will be advised by our experts and can easily try out different boards to see which one is the best for you.

If you don't want to wait that long, just take a look around our online store. There are numerous snowboard brands and suitable boards for women, men and children. In addition to Burton, Nitro and Jones, we also offer other top brands so that nothing stands in the way of your adventure in the mountains.