How To Choose The Correct Snowboard and Binding Size For You!

Knowing which size snowboard and bindings to buy can be tricky. There is no shortage of conflicting information available when attempting to make the right decision for you. Having the right size snowboard and snowboard bindings is crucial in order to get the most out of your equipment and experience natural progression. Who doesn't want to progress right?

Choosing The Right Size Snowboard 101

Have you always been told to pick a board just under chin height? This is a common misconception by people. Height is part of a more complex decision however, it is important to realise your board doesn't know how tall you are it merely feels the weight on top of it!

With this in mind, it's important to choose a board off your weight and then consider length to ensure the it doesn't conflict with your riding style. For example; if you love riding powder you do want a board typically a little longer to help with float. If you love jibbing and riding rails something a tad shorter might help you manoeuvre your board easier. These are all considerations that need to be made when choosing a length suitable for you. Usually when you pick a snowboard your weight category will fit into the spectrum of two or more sizes. This is when you then start to consider your height and riding style. You can find the boards ideal weight range either on the back of the snowboard or in the description of the board online. 

Here's An Example To Make Things Easier 

My name is Ashleigh I'm 168cm tall and 58 Kilograms. I like to ride a Burton Rewind. I fit into the weight range for the 141cm, 146cm and 149cm. This board has a pure pop camber with a stiff torsional flex for optimal edge hold and a soft tip to tail flex for a playful riding feel to suit park and all mountain riders. I have been riding for a long time and prefer to ride the mountain fast and of course enjoy a powder day (Who doesn't??). Considering my riding style, I size up to the 149cm to ensure I have stability at high speeds and good edge hold. If I was spending more time riding rails or I was a beginner to intermediate rider who liked to take things fairly easy, I would probably size down to the 146cm to minimise catching an edge and enhance manoeuvrability. I would not ride the 141cm although I fit into the weight category, I would find this board too short and It would potentially wash out at high speeds. After taking into consideration, first my weight, then my riding style, the board specs and finally my height, I know I am most suited to the 149cm. 

WOMEN'S BURTON REWIND SNOWBOARD

BOARD SIZE 141 146 149 152
Weight Range 100-150 lbs. / 45-68 kg 120-180 lbs. / 54-82 kg 120-180 lbs. / 54-82 kg 150-200 lbs.+ / 68-91 kg+
Waist Width 237mm 240mm 242mm 245mm
Stance Location 0 0 0 0
Binding Sizes M M/L M/L L

Rule Of Thumb

  • Check the weight specification of the board your interested in 

  • Think about your ability and how you like to ride

  • Check the board specs, what sort of board is this? Whats it's camber? How will it ride?

  • How does my height fit into this?

Further considerations and examples-

  • If you're an aggressive rider you might want to go the longer option to handle your speed and might.
  • If you're really light but quite tall, you might want to go the longer option to ensure the board isn't to short for you. If the boards to short you will find turning to be washy and the board will be unable to support your size. 
  •  If you're quite heavy but not overly tall, maybe choose a board that's shorter but wider than average. This will ensure you can still turn successfully while the waste width accommodates for your weight. 
  •  Maybe you're of average height, weight and ability? Assess these three variables and pick the board that's in the middle of your weight range and somewhere between your shoulders and chin.
  •  Powder boards are often made shorter and wider to help with float. It's important to check weight ranges on these boards as you may be encouraged to go shorter than you'd normally ride. 

Do You Need a Wide Board?

This usually only applies to men with a foot larger than a 11.5 US or a 12 US. You generally will be looking for a wide board or a board with a waste width upwards of 26cm's. Depending on how large your foot is you may need to go wider. You also need to consider your boot when your on the cross over size. An 11.5 US with a low profile boot will probably be fine on a regular board however, a chunky boot like a DC Judge might mean you need to choose a wide board. It's best to seek advice from a professional in this circumstance. Ideally to ensure fast edge to edge response steer clear of wide boards if you don't need to go wide. Unless of course you only ride powder snow then that extra width adds lots of float. 

How To Choose The Right Size Binding?

Choosing the right size binding can differ slightly from brand to brand. Always check the brand bindings sizing chart to ensure your boots fits correctly. If your bindings are too large or too small this can really affect your riding and comfort. Below is a size chart that offers the general rule of thumb however, it is important to check the specifications from the brand you are choosing bindings from.
 

There are almost always variables to consider when choosing a snowboard right for you. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect board and bindings. At the end of the day the end goal is to have the best time ever snowboarding and progress with ease. If your still doubting what size board and bindings are right for you, don't hesitate to call us here at First Tracks Board Store. With over 30 years snowboard experience and passionate employees that live and breathe a snowboarding lifestyle, we know we can help you get set up to ensure you will be smiling down every slope.