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SNOWBOARDS EXPLAINED: types
- anantomy - materials
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Snowboard Anatomy and Features - What is a Snowboard?
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Before you Start Hitting the Slopes, you must first become acquainted
with its primary piece of equipment - the Snowboard. Moreover, you must
know what a Snowboard consists of, its different elements, and how it
works before you should even try to ride one. In this section, you will
learn that Snowboards nowadays are highly technical feats of engineering.
If you already have a Snowboard, take time to identify the following
elements:
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Base
This is the bottom side of the Snowboard, the part that touches
the Snow Surface. Getting bases that glide faster is the perpetual
quest of any serious tuner or racer.
Most Snowboard bases are made from a polyethylene material called
P-Tex. These bases are either "sintered" or "extruded"
type. Extruded bases are melted and cut to shape. They are long
lasting and easy to repair. However, the extruded type of base
is the slowest and holds less wax than the other types of bases.
Sintered bases, on the other hand, are first grounded into powder,
heated, pressed, and then sliced into shape. A sintered base
is superior to the extruded base - it's more durable, faster,
and holds wax better. Even so, it's more expensive and difficult
to repair.
If you're looking for high performance, opt for a Snowboard
with a sintered base. Then again, if you're on a tight budget,
an extruded model will do.
Another type of Snowboard base that is better than the sintered
P-Tex base is a "graphite" base. Graphite base is the
fastest type of Snowboard base and has a higher capacity to hold
wax. In a graphite base, graphite is added to the polyethylene pellets
that are used to make the base. This type of Snowboard base is always
deep black and is mostly found on fast racing boards.
Camber
This is the gentle arch the board makes when you rest it on
a flat surface. Camber is closely related to flex - the higher
the camber, the more pressure the board puts at the nose and
tail. A Flat camber indicates that a board may spin easily,
which can be good for certain freestyle moves. In a used board,
however, it may also be a sign that the board is worn out. In
most new boards, choose a slightly springy camber that helps
stabilize the board at higher speeds and on hard snow, and makes
it easier to turn.
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Contact Points
These are the points at which the board makes contact with the snow
without the pressure of the rider being displaced on the board.
This is also called the board's "wheel base". Contact
points can be found near the nose and the tail. Place the board
on a smooth, flat surface then slide a piece of paper under the
center of the Snowboard. Slide the paper toward the nose or tail
until it stops.
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Edge
This is the metal edge on the Snowboard. The "toe edge"
is the edge at the toe side of the Snowboard. Accordingly, the "heel
edge" is the edge at the heel side of the Snowboard.
Effective Edge
The length of metal edge on the Snowboard which touches the snow
is the effective part that is used to make a turn. Consequently,
it does not include the edge of the tip and tail. The effective
edge is in contact with the snow when the board is in a carved turn.
A longer effective edge makes for a more stable, controlled ride;
a shorter effective edge makes for a looser, easier turning board.
Flex Point
The flex point is located between the two Snowboard Bindings. This
is the point where the board begins or ends its flex, and allows
for sidecut radius contact. "Stiff torsional flex" allows
a board to grip hard snow and Ice. On the other hand, "soft
torsional flex" makes a board less responsive, but more forgiving
to the rider.
Lighter riders and beginners usually prefer boards with softer flex
since softer flex handle better in the bumps and are easier to turn.
Freestyle boards are the softest among the three types of boards.
Next comes Freeride boards. Carving boards are built with fairly
firm flex and stiff torsion.
Nose/Tip
This is the front end of the Snowboard. If your Snowboard has a
similar front and back side, the side that is turned up higher is
usually the nose. Alpine Snowboards often have a more pointed nose.
You need a higher nose or tip for higher speed alpine riding to
keep your snowboard from digging itself into the snow.
Nose/Tip Length
This is the length of board from the widest part of the board's
nose to the tip of the nose.
Nose/Tip Width
The widest part of the board measured across the front tip or nose
area of the board.
Overall Length
This is measured from the tip of the board to the tail, and is usually
referred to in centimeters (cm).
Sidecut Radius
This is the measurement of how deep or shallow the board's cut is
from the nose of the board to its waist (or middle). The sidecut
radius helps the board turn. Thus, the smaller the sidecut radius,
the tighter you will be able to turn. In contrast, a board with
a larger sidecut will make big arching turns. The radius of the
circle is responsible for the hourglass shape of the snowboard and,
accordingly, how it is defined and measured. The sidecut radius
works in conjunction with the running length of the Snowboard.
Stomp Pad
A stomp pad or nonskid pad is a rubber mat that you can stick on
top of your Snowboard next to your back foot binding. This is used
when you need to slide only with your front foot bound to your Snowboard
(e.g. when you are exiting a lift). Without a stomp pad, you could
slide off your board, catch the snow with your back foot, and even
pull your legs apart - this could be very painful.
Tail
The tail is the rear end of the Snowboard, opposite of the nose
or tip. Generally, the tail is flatter than the tip, with more squared
cut. Some alpine boards have a split in the tail for more turning
power and coordination in high speed turns. Freestyle boards often
have similar tips and noses to make it easier to ride fakie (with
the front foot in the back).
Tail Length
This is the length of board from the widest part of the board's
tail to the tip of the tail.
Tail Width
The tail width is the widest part of the board that is measured
across the tail's tip or tail area of the board.
Top/Deck
Opposite of the base, the top of the board is where the bindings
are mounted and the rider stands. Most boards have mounting holes
in the deck where the bindings can be screwed into. These holes
enable you to connect your bindings to your board in different angles
and stances.
Waist Width
This is the narrowest point of the board. The waist width is normally
at the middle of the sidecut, located between the bindings. Waist
width of a board should be relative to the size of your feet. Boards
with narrow waist width are quicker from edge to edge. However,
if your feet are size 11 and above, you will most likely need to
get a wider board.
Snowboard
Buyers Guide
This guide will help you Choose a Snowboard that will not only
enhance your learning and performance in Snowboarding, but also
ensure your safety.
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IMAGE AND CONTENT SOURCE: ABC-OF-SNOWBOARDING |
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