When it comes to hitting the slopes, one of the most crucial decisions you'll face is choosing what size snowboard should I get? Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned pro aiming to fine-tune your performance with a new kind of board, the importance of selecting the correct board size for your adventures cannot be overstated. From maneuverability and stability to speed and control, every aspect of your snowboarding experience hinges on this fundamental choice.
To ensure the best performance and experience on the slopes, understanding the nuances of snowboard sizing is vital. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of finding the perfect snowboard size, considering key factors like height, weight, riding style, and terrain, enabling you to make an informed decision and take your snowboarding game to new heights.
Snowboard Size Chart
Choosing the best snowboard size is directly related to your height and weight. You want a board that reaches just over your chin when standing it up vertically, and you also have to make sure that the board is rated for your weight. Too small of a board, and you’ll go very slow and have a hard time making smooth turns or navigating rough terrain. Too big of a board and it will be very difficult to control, while potentially being too fast, which is a bad combination.
Use the table below to help you find the right snowboard for your height and weight.
Rider Height (IN) | Rider Height (CM | Rider Weight | Snowboard Size |
|---|---|---|---|
4'10" | 147 | 110 - 120 | 128 - 136 |
5' | 152 | 115-130 | 133 - 141 |
5'2" | 158 | 125-135 | 139 - 147 |
5'4" | 163 | 135-145 | 144 -152 |
5'6" | 168 | 140-155 | 149 -157 |
5'8" | 173 | 150-165 | 154 -162 |
5'10" | 178 | 160-175 | 159 -167 |
6' | 183 | 170-185 | 160+ |
6'2" | 188 | 180-195 | 160+ |
6'4" | 193 | 190-205 | 160+ |
Consider your type of riding
Another consideration for your snowboard is what type of riding you will be doing. Read more to learn about the differences between each.
All-mountain: These boards comes equipped with a camber profile which allows you to ride varying types of terrain. This is a great board for beginners or those who aren’t sure where they like to ride just yet, as it will handle well wherever you take it.
Powder: A powder board is designed specifically to float and turn in deep snow, meaning that it will be a blast to rip on a big Pow day. These boards are light and generally wider and shorter than an all-mountain board, which means they have a hard time performing well on hard-pack snow.
Park: Park boards are designed to do tricks, both in and out of the terrain park. They usually come with a flat profile, are light and flexible, allowing them to spin easily, grind rails or get air over big jumps. These boards are very playful, but do not offer as much stability as other boards, so they are harder to control in varying or steep terrain.
Choosing the right snowboard width
Regardless of riding style, all boards usually come in a standard or wide orientation. The wide boards are designed to fit riders who are shorter, but heavier or have large feet. A quick chart to reference when deciding your snowboard width based on your boot size is below.
Boot Size (US Men's) | Snowboard Width |
|---|---|
<8 | Narrow |
8 - 10 | Regular |
10 - 11.5 | Mid-Wide |
11.5+ | Wide |
Choosing the right snowboard binding size
The binding size that you need on your board should be determined based on your boot size. For accurate binding sizing based on the size boot that you have please refer to the chart below.
Binding Size | Boot Size |
|---|---|
Men's Small | 5 - 7 |
Men's Medium | 7 - 10 |
Men's Large | 10 + |
Women's Small | 1.5 - 4.5 |
Women's Medium | 4.5 - 7.5 |
Women's Large | 7 + |
Get out there with the right snowboard size - and consider renting one too!
Selecting the right snowboard size is the cornerstone of a successful and enjoyable ride. By considering crucial factors such as your height, weight, riding style, and boot size, you can make an informed decision that ensures a thrilling experience on the snow-covered slopes. And if you're looking for a cheaper option than buying consider snowboard rental from the local community on GeerGarage.