How to Choose the Best Snowboard from REI’s Newest Collection
As the winter season approaches, snowboarding enthusiasts are on the lookout for the best equipment to make the most of the snow-covered mountains. With the arrival of REI’s newest collection of snowboards, the choices can be overwhelming. The right snowboard is critical to your performance on the slopes, making this decision an essential part of the snowboarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the best snowboard from REI’s newest collection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Snowboard
The first step in choosing the best snowboard is determining your riding style, whether you are into freestyle, all-mountain, or freeride. Once you’ve identified your style, you can select the right snowboard based on the following factors:
Flexibility
The flexibility of a snowboard refers to its ability to bend or twist along its length or width. A flexible snowboard is ideal for beginners and park riders, while stiff boards are suitable for experienced riders and big mountain terrains. Identify your riding style and skill level to determine the right flexibility level.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of a snowboard can significantly impact your riding experience. Snowboards range from narrow to wide, and choosing the right size depends on your height, weight, and shoe size. In addition to size, the shape of the snowboard also plays a role in your performance. Directional boards work best for freeriding, and twin boards offer a symmetrical shape suitable for freestyle riding.
Camber and Rocker
Camber refers to the traditional shape of a snowboard, with an arch in the middle of the board that touches the ground. Rocker, on the other hand, refers to a reverse camber, where the middle of the board is raised off the ground. The combination of camber and rocker has a significant impact on the board’s performance, especially on the type of terrain you plan to ride.
REI’s Newest Collection of Snowboards
REI’s newest collection of snowboards offers a wide range of options for every riding style. Here are some of the highlights of the collection:
Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard
This snowboard offers a medium-stiff flex with a directional twin shape, making it ideal for all-mountain riders. The board’s camber profile provides excellent edge control and stability, while the rocker sections provide a catch-free riding experience.
Ride Kink Snowboard
This snowboard is perfect for freestyle riders, with a soft flex suited to park and jibbing. The directional twin shape features a twin rocker with a flat profile between the feet, providing an excellent balance between pop and stability.
Never Summer Chairman Snowboard
This snowboard is designed for experienced riders and big mountain terrain. It features a stiff flex with a directional shape and a camber profile that offers excellent edge control and responsiveness on steep slopes.
Conclusion
Choosing the best snowboard from REI’s newest collection requires careful consideration of your riding style, level of experience, and the specific features of each snowboard. Remember to factor in flexibility, size and shape, and camber and rocker when making your decision. With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose the snowboard that will take your snowboarding experience to the next level.