Snowboard Buying Guide
A snowboard is made up of several key components: the board, bindings, boots and some optional accessories. Our snowboard buying guide will give you all the information you need to choose your first snowboard or build a custom setup with the perfect combination of parts from your favorite brands.
SNOWBOARDS
Pick a snowboard that matches your riding style—Zumiez has boards for powder turns, park jibs, and of course, plenty of chord cruisers and beginner friendly options.
If powder dreams are your vibe: Pick a longer and/or asymmetrical board shape with a bigger nose to help you float on top of deeper conditions. Choose a stiffer board and rocker-style camber profile if you want maximum powder performance.
If jibs and jumps are more your speed: Go a little shorter with your board selection and try something with a softer flex rating for maximum tweaks. Opt for a traditional camber shape for better lock ins on rails, and improved turn response.
If ripping chord and learning the basics is where you're at: Try a board that’s a little shorter and softer, making it easier to get those pesky carves locked in.
BOOTS
Choosing the perfect snowboard boots involves a few main things: your riding style, the boots' lacing type, and their stiffness.
There are three main lacing types:
- BOA style boots are perfect for quick adjustments on the fly, without having to take your gloves off.
- Traditional lacing provides a classic locked in feel with minimal effort.
- Quick lacing is a good middle ground between the other two options, easy to get on, quick to adjust, while providing a more standard lacing feel.
Stiffer boots provide additional support in deeper snow conditions and through bigger jumps, while softer boots are ideal for park riding or beginners learning the ropes.
BINDINGS
Snowboard bindings have a few main differences, flex rating, entry type, and standard vs. channel lock board mounting.
A stiffer binding lends itself more to deeper powder conditions and bigger airs by offering added stability through choppier terrain and larger impacts. Softer bindings provide a forgiving ride for beginners, or deeper tweaks and a smoother feel while you rip through the park.
There are three main entry types for bindings:
Strap-In bindingsare a traditional and secure style of binding, where two straps hold the foot in place with durable, metal ratchets for easy fit adjustments.
Rear-Entry bindingslet you slide your foot into the back of the binding by allowing the binding’s highback to fold down and back up so you can get off the lift without skipping a beat.
Step-In bindingsare a sleek option, where the base of the binding and the highback mount to the board, while parts of the boot lock directly into the base of the binding.No straps needed! Bear in mind these can only be used with step-in specific boots.
Note: Standard vs. Channel Lock board mounting. Burton Brand uses a specific channel lock system. Please ensure the bindings you buy provide a channel lock baseplate option if you ride a Burton snowboard.
Top Brands: Union
STOMP PADS, TOOLS, LOCKS, & TUNING KITS
Stomp Pads: These help when you're riding one-footed or standing in line to ensure your back foot doesn't slip off your board. They come with a convenient adhesive backing for easy install and a firm grip to your snowboard.
Tool: A screwdriver that fits perfectly in your pocket, to make sure you can fix your bindings on the fly and never get stranded halfway down the hill again.
Locks: A pocket sized retractable cable used to secure your snowboard to the resort provided snowboard racks, keeping sticky fingers away from your board.
Tuning Kits: These come with
a snowboard- and ski-specific brick of wax
a scraper to remove excess wax
an edge sharpener
Ptex sticks for snowboard base repairs
an iron for applying hot wax
a file for edge divots and burrs
a base cleaner to make sure there is no gunk under your wax jobs before you begin
Top Brands: Crab Grab