Listen, my friend.
I know you’re searching for the edge, that rush of adrenaline that only the snow and the wind and the mountains can give. But let me tell you, without the right gear, you’re as dead in the snow as a flat beer. So let’s get you sorted. Here’s everything you need to know about the best snowboarding gear of 2020. From snowboards to boots to goggles, we’ve got you covered. And we’ll even throw in some pro tips to take your game to the next level. So grab a hot cocoa, buckle up, and let’s hit the slopes.
1. Snowboards: Your Ultimate Ride Partner
A good snowboard is like a good partner – it knows your style and helps you ride better. The search for the perfect board can be overwhelming, but fear not, we’ve got you covered. From all-mountain to freestyle, explore our top picks and find the board that will elevate your snowboarding game to new heights. In this section, we’ll guide you through finding the board that’s right for you. So buckle up and get ready to hit the slopes with confidence.
Find the Perfect Board for Your Style
When it comes to snowboarding, your board is your ultimate ride partner. It’s the key to an epic mountain experience, and choosing the right one is critical. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
First, consider your riding style. Are you a park rider? Do you prefer cruising down groomed runs? Are you an adrenaline junkie who loves hitting big jumps and riding steep terrain? Knowing your style will help narrow down your options.
Next, think about your skill level. If you’re a beginner, you don’t need the most expensive, high-performance board. Look for something forgiving and easy to ride that will help you progress. Intermediate riders may want a board that can handle more challenging terrain, while advanced riders will want a board that can keep up with their skills and style.
The shape of the board is also important. The most common shapes are directional or twin. Directional boards have a pointed nose and a tapered tail, making them better for riding forwards. Twin boards have the same shape on both ends, making them perfect for riding switch or doing tricks in the park.
Finally, consider the flex of the board. Flex refers to how stiff or soft the board is. Softer boards are better for park riding, while stiffer boards are better for high speeds and carving.
Overall, there’s a lot to consider when finding the perfect snowboard for your style. But by keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to an exhilarating ride down the mountain.
2. Bindings: A Crucial Link Between You and Your Board
Bindings are the unsung heroes of snowboarding, the piece of the puzzle that connects your boots to your board and translates your every move into action. Without the right bindings, your snowboarding experience can fall flat. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the top picks for optimal control and comfort, the bindings that will take your riding to the next level. Get ready to ride with ease and confidence, knowing that your connection to your board is strong and reliable.
Top Picks for Optimal Control and Comfort
When it comes to snowboarding, the right bindings can make all the difference. Not only do they provide crucial control over your board, but they also need to be comfortable for those long days on the mountain. After trying out numerous bindings on the market, we have narrowed it down to the top picks for optimal control and comfort.
First up, the Burton Cartel bindings. These bindings have been a favorite among snowboarders for years, and for good reason. They offer great versatility and response, thanks to the Canted Living Hinge highback and the Double Take Buckles. The straps are also incredibly comfortable and help distribute pressure evenly across your foot.
Next on our list are the Union Force bindings. These bindings are incredibly durable and can withstand even the toughest terrain. The Stage 4 Duraflex ST baseplate provides unmatched strength, while the Vaporlite Bushings help absorb shock and increase board feel. The straps are also highly customizable, allowing for the perfect fit and support.
Finally, we have the K2 Lien FS bindings. These bindings are all about comfort, without sacrificing performance. The Tripod Chassis system provides excellent power transfer, while the Perfect Fit 2.0 toe strap and canted footbed ensure a comfortable fit. The highback is also highly adjustable, allowing for a truly customized riding experience.
Overall, each of these bindings offers something unique in terms of control and comfort. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but any of these choices would make a great addition to your snowboarding setup.
3. Boots: The Foundation of Your Snowboarding Setup
Your boots are the foundation of your snowboarding setup, the beginning and end of a perfect ride. If your boots don’t fit properly, you’ll be in for a rough time. But fear not, dear reader, we’ve got you covered with the top boots on the market for the perfect fit and ultimate performance. Get ready to ride your way to the top with these top picks.
Top Boots to Get the Perfect Fit and Performance
When it comes to snowboarding, the right boots can make all the difference. They are, after all, the foundation of your entire setup. The boots you choose should fit like a glove, providing the perfect balance of comfort, support and control.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in to the top boots to get you the perfect fit and performance for the 2020 season.
First on our list are the Burton Ion Step On boots. These boots have been engineered with innovative technology that makes it easy to lock into your bindings and get snowboarding in no time. In addition, they are incredibly comfortable, with heat-moldable liners that perfectly conform to your feet.
Next up are the K2 Maysis Heat Moldable Snowboard Boots, which are designed to provide a perfect fit out of the box. The boots combine a BOA lacing system with traditional lacing to provide ultimate support and performance. The heat-moldable liners allow you to customize the fit of your boots for optimal comfort.
For those seeking a boot with a more affordable price tag, consider the Ride Anthem snowboard boots. They are equipped with a BOA lacing system that allows you to easily adjust the fit, and they provide great flexibility without sacrificing support.
Finally, we have the DC Lynx snowboard boots, which are renowned for their durability and performance. These boots offer a great feel on the board, thanks to their responsive and supportive construction. And with their dual BOA lacing system, you can easily achieve a comfortable and secure fit.
There you have it – our top picks for the best boots to get the perfect fit and performance on the slopes this season. With the right pair of boots, you can confidently hit the mountain and take your snowboarding game to new heights.
4. Goggles: Protecting Your Eyes While Giving You Clear Vision
When you’re shredding down the mountain at breakneck speeds, the last thing you want is a hazy, obscured view of your surroundings. That’s where snowboarding goggles come in. While protecting your eyes from the sun and snow glare is important, they also serve to enhance your perspective of the world around you. But not all goggles are created equal – it’s important to choose a pair that suits your specific needs and the weather conditions. Here are our top picks for the best goggles to provide ultimate vision while you’re out on the slopes.
The Best Goggles for Different Weather Conditions and Visibility
When it comes to snowboarding, goggles are more than just a fashion accessory. They protect your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, the frigid cold wind, and the flying bits of ice and snow. The right pair of goggles can make or break your ride, depending on the weather conditions and visibility.
For sunny days, you’ll want to choose goggles with lenses that have a lower VLT or Visible Light Transmission, which means less light is let through the lenses. Polarized lenses are also ideal for reducing glare, as they filter out horizontal light waves that bounce off reflective surfaces, like snow or ice. Some great options for sunny days are the Oakley Flight Deck or Smith I/O Mag.
On cloudy or overcast days, you’ll need lenses with a higher VLT, allowing more light to pass through the lenses. Yellow or amber lenses are great for improving contrast and enhancing visibility in cloudy or flat light conditions. A few great options include the Dragon NFX2 or the Zeal Optics Portal.
For night riding, clear lenses are the go-to choice, as they let all available light through. Be sure to choose a pair with anti-fog technology, as the combination of cold temperatures and the heat from your face can cause your goggles to fog up. Some solid options for night riding are the Anon M4 Cylindrical or the Electric EGX.
No matter the weather, always look for goggles with a comfortable fit and good ventilation. Consider investing in goggles with interchangeable lenses for versatility in changing conditions. With the right pair of goggles, you’ll be able to see the mountain clearly and keep your eyes safe and comfy all day long.
5. Tips and Tricks for Taking Your Snowboarding Experience to the Next Level
Now that you have the best snowboarding gear of 2020 on lock, it’s time to take things up a notch. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie just getting started, these pro tips will help you ensure both safety and maximum performance on the hill. From knowing when to take breaks to perfecting your form, here are the best tips and tricks to help you take your snowboarding experience to the next level.
Pro Tips for Safety and Improved Performance
Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport, but it does come with its fair share of risks. From slippery slopes to unexpected obstacles, safety should always be your top concern. While we’ve covered the best gear to help you take your snowboarding experience to the next level, here are a few pro tips to keep you safe and improve your performance.
First and foremost, always wear proper safety gear. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads. These are essential in protecting you from serious injuries in case of falls.
Secondly, watch your speed. Know your limits and do not attempt to ride beyond your skill level. Snowboarding is not a competition, and it’s never worth risking injury just to show off to your friends.
Next up, look where you want to go. It seems simple enough, but many beginners tend to focus on what’s right in front of them, causing them to lose sight of the bigger picture. Keep your eyes looking ahead and anticipate any upcoming turns or obstacles.
In addition, keep your movements fluid. Snowboarding requires a combination of balance, control, and flexibility. Slow and steady movements are key to maintaining your balance and preventing falls.
Lastly, take breaks when you need to. Fatigue can cause you to lose focus and perform poorly. Taking a few minutes to rest and rehydrate can do wonders for your performance and overall safety.
With these pro tips for safety and improved performance, you’ll be able to hit the slopes with confidence and enjoy the ride to the fullest. Remember, stay safe, have fun, and always wear your safety gear!