Snowboard Finder

By answering a few simple questions, we can give you specific advice on which snowboard suits you best.

By using our many years of experience, we have built an advice tool with which you can easily and quickly receive personal advice (from us) with a selection of the three best options that suit your snowboard needs.

Every year we test all snowboards ourselves, so that we can provide everyone with appropriate advice. Buying a snowboard is very personal and it is really great when you have the perfect snowboard for your wishes. This will allow you to have much more fun on the mountain and also make faster progress.

This tool is continuously updated by us with the latest snowboards so that you always get the most complete advice.

Would you like to know more about the selection we advise you? Contact us by mail, telephone, online chat or visit us in the store and we will be happy to help you!

Do you like all those online tools and do you just want professional advice from Miquel, Moran or Matthijs? Come and visit the store in Amsterdam and we'll grab a cup of coffee and walk you through the collection to find the perfect snowboard for you, or send us an email and we will try to give you the best personal advice we can offer.

If you already know which snowboard you want, order it easily online :) The shipping costs are free and if you order on workdays before 4 p.m. the snowboard will be shipped the same day!

Buying a Snowboard: The Ultimate Guide to Your Perfect Board

Are you about to conquer the slopes and searching for the ideal snowboard? Whether you’re a beginner just discovering the joy of snowboarding or an experienced rider ready for an upgrade, choosing the right snowboard is an exciting step in your winter sports adventure. However, the world of snowboards is filled with different types, styles, and technologies, making it sometimes difficult to see the forest for the trees. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect board that matches your riding style, level, and ambitions.

At Behind The Pines, we understand how important it is to make the right choice. Our passion for snowboarding drives us to test every board ourselves, so we can offer honest advice about their performance. Because let’s be honest: there’s nothing better than the feeling of the perfect board under your feet as you race down the mountain. So put on your snow boots, and let’s embark on the journey to find your perfect snowboard together!

The Basics: What Type of Snowboarder Are You?

Before diving into the technical details of a snowboard, it’s essential to know what type of snowboarder you are or want to become. This largely determines which type of board is best suited for you. Snowboards are designed for specific riding styles and terrains, and by identifying your riding style, you can find a snowboard that perfectly fits your needs.

All-Mountain Rider

Do you love variety and want to be able to ride anywhere on the mountain? Then you’re probably an all-mountain rider. You’re looking for a versatile board that performs well on the slopes, in the park, and in powder snow. For this category, a hybrid camber board is often an excellent choice as it offers the perfect balance of stability, maneuverability, and versatility.

Park Rider

Do you thrive in the fun park, where tricks, jumps, and rails form the core of your snowboarding experience? Then you’re a freestyle rider, and you need a board that is agile and playful. Twin-tip snowboards with a softer flex are ideal in this case, as they provide optimal performance for rotations and landings.

Freeride Enthusiast

If your heart races at the thought of deep powder and off-piste adventures, then you fall into the freerider category. These snowboarders look for a board that provides plenty of float and remains stable at higher speeds. Directional boards with a setback stance are perfect for this style, as they are optimized for riding in one direction and make it easier to glide through thick powder.

Piste Carver

If you’re the one who gets to the freshly groomed slope first to make perfect carves, then you’re a piste carver. For this style, you want a board that offers plenty of grip and responsiveness. Stiffer snowboards with a traditional camber are favored by carvers, as they provide optimal precision and edge control.

Snowboard Shapes Explained: Find Your Perfect Match

Now that you know what type of rider you are, it’s time to delve deeper into the different snowboard shapes. Each shape has its own characteristics and advantages, and choosing the right shape can make a significant difference in how your board feels and performs.

Camber: The Classic Power

Camber boards are among the original designs in the snowboarding world. They have a slight arch in the center of the board, causing it to only contact the ground at the tip and tail when you’re not standing on it. This creates a lively and springy feel, ideal for advanced snowboarders who enjoy precision and power on the slopes or in the park.

Advantages:

• Excellent pop for ollies and jumps
• Superior edge control, ideal for carving
• Stable at higher speeds

Disadvantages:

• Less forgiving for beginners
• More challenging to ride in deep powder

Perfect for: Advanced riders seeking precision and control on the slopes.

Rocker: Playful and Forgiving

Rocker boards, also known as reverse camber, have an inverted arch where the tip and tail point up off the ground. This results in a looser and more surf-like riding experience, ideal for beginner snowboarders or those who enjoy surfing through powder snow.

Advantages:

• Easier to turn and maneuver
• Better float in powder
• Forgiving for beginners

Disadvantages:

• Less stable at high speeds
• Less pop for ollies

Perfect for: Beginners, powder enthusiasts, and freestyle riders looking for a playful experience.

Hybrid Camber: The Best of Both Worlds

A hybrid camber combines the best of camber and rocker. Typically, these boards have camber under the bindings for stability, with rocker at the tip and tail for extra float and maneuverability. This type of board is versatile and suitable for a wide range of terrains and riding styles.

Advantages:

• Versatile across various terrains
• Good balance between stability and playfulness
• Suitable for a broad range of riding styles

Disadvantages:

• Can feel like a compromise for some riders

Perfect for: All-mountain riders who want to ride anywhere on the mountain.

Hybrid Rocker: Playful with a Bite

Hybrid rocker boards have rocker between the bindings and camber underfoot. This provides a playful feel combined with extra grip when you need it. This combination makes the board ideal for freestyle riders who also want to do some all-mountain riding.

Advantages:

• Easy to turn and float
• Good grip when carving
• Forgiving, but precise when needed

Disadvantages:

• Less stable at high speeds compared to full camber boards

Perfect for: Freestyle riders who want a playful board that also performs well across the entire mountain.

S-Rocker: Directional Dominance

S-rocker boards combine different profile shapes into one board. These boards often feature rocker in the nose, camber under the front bindings, and a flat or slightly cambered tail. This makes it an excellent choice for freeriders and all-mountain enthusiasts who prioritize performance in one direction.

Advantages:

• Excellent float in powder
• Good grip and stability on the slopes
• Versatile for both all-mountain and freeride

Disadvantages:

• Less suitable for switch riding

Perfect for: Freeriders and all-mountain riders who prioritize performance in powder.

Materials and Construction: The Building Blocks of Your Snowboard

The materials and construction methods of a snowboard play a crucial role in its performance on the mountain. Here are some key components to consider when choosing a snowboard:

Core

The core of a snowboard forms the heart and largely determines the board's characteristics. The most common materials are wood, foam, and honeycomb structures. Wood is the standard for durable and responsive cores, with poplar, beech, and bamboo being popular wood types. Foam is lighter but less durable, while honeycomb structures are extremely light and stiff, often used in high-end boards.

Laminates

Laminates such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar are used to give the snowboard strength and flex. Carbon fiber is the lightest and stiffest but also the most expensive. Fiberglass provides a good balance between durability and cost.

Sidewalls

There are two types of sidewall constructions: cap and sandwich. Cap construction means that the top layer of the snowboard extends over the sides of the board, resulting in a lighter and easier-to-repair design. Sandwich construction has separate sidewalls and offers better durability and power transfer.

Base

Snowboard bases come in two main categories: extruded and sintered. Extruded bases are cheaper and require less maintenance, but they are also slower. Sintered bases are faster and absorb more wax but require more maintenance and are more expensive.

Flex: The Bendability of Your Board

The flex of a snowboard determines how easily it bends under pressure, which directly affects how the board responds while riding.

• Soft flex (1-3 on a scale of 10): Easier to maneuver, forgiving with mistakes, ideal for beginners and freestyle riders.
• Medium flex (4-6): Versatile and suitable for all-mountain riding.
• Stiff flex (7-10): More stability and responsiveness at higher speeds, ideal for carvers and freeriders.

Choosing the Right Length: How to Determine the Perfect Snowboard Length

In addition to choosing the type and shape of the snowboard, length is one of the most critical factors that influences how your board feels and performs. A board that is too short may feel unstable, while a board that is too long can be difficult to maneuver. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right snowboard length based on your height, weight, and riding style.

General Rule

Depending on your snowboard choice, look at which length of that board corresponds to your weight. A snowboard primarily responds to how heavy you are; your height has little influence. The length of the right board can therefore vary depending on the snowboard you choose.

Weight and Snowboard Length

Your body weight plays a crucial role in selecting the correct snowboard length. Weight determines how a snowboard bends and responds under pressure. Snowboards are designed with a specific weight capacity in mind, and if you’re too light or too heavy for a particular board, this can significantly affect your riding experience.

• Lightweight riders: If you’re on the lighter side for the recommended weight limit of a snowboard, the board may feel too stiff. This makes it challenging to initiate turns and maintain control, especially at low speeds. In this case, you should consider a shorter or softer board to gain more flex and responsiveness.
• Heavier riders: Conversely, if you weigh more than what the board can handle, it will flex too much and lose its performance. In this case, it's wise to choose a longer or stiffer board to ensure stability and control at high speeds.

Conclusion: The Perfect Snowboard Awaits You

Choosing the right snowboard can feel overwhelming, but with this guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision. Keep your riding style, preferred terrain, and personal preferences in mind. Don’t forget to take your time testing boards in the shop or renting a few to find your perfect match.

At Behind The Pines, we are passionate about helping you find the snowboard that suits you best. With our extensive selection and expertise, we are ready to accompany you on your quest for the ultimate ride. So don’t hesitate to visit our shop and discover the perfect snowboard to hit the slopes confidently!