DOPE SNOW

Need new snowboard gear but getting started feels like a struggle? Or you are trying snowboarding for the first time this winter and need to buy everything from a snowboard to a helmet? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Choosing the perfect gear for snowboarding is like putting a puzzle together, everything should match together (or not, if we are talking about clothes and that’s actually super stylish nowadays!) and it can be hard to find everything from one place. But buying and choosing new gear doesn’t have to be difficult. That’s why we are going to give you a jump start for your hunt with these helpful tips, so read on!

Snowboard Jacket And Pants

Let’s start with snowboard clothes! There're so many different styles, models, colors, tech options, and brands to choose from, but we have a couple of good things to keep in mind when shopping.

Snowboard jackets and pants can be roughly divided into insulated jackets and pants, shell jackets & pants, and softshell jackets & pants. These all are suitable for different types of weather conditions and riders. If you’re snowboarding in colder conditions or get cold easily, go for insulated jackets & pants. But in case you are snowboarding in warmer conditions, love splitboarding or want more versatile clothes, shells are the perfect fit for you. Softshells are the ideal option for fairer conditions and for riders needing maximum freedom of movement.

But most importantly, keep an eye on the waterproofness and breathability ratings to stay nice and comfortable! Don’t settle on anything less than 10k/10k, these ratings will keep you dry even in rain and slush.
Other features to think about are the number of pockets, ventilation, DWR-coating, powder skirt, wrist gaiters, hood, and of course - color, fit and style!

Helmets And Other Protective Gear

You know the awkward feeling when catching an edge and landing uncontrollably on your face? Yikes, same here! Snowboarding is an action sport and protective gear is sure needed!
There’s plenty of useful protectors to buy such as a helmet, back protector, crash pants, kneepads, and wrist guards. But let’s start with the most essential one - the helmet. When buying a helmet make sure it has enough padding (removable), it fits perfectly, it has size adjustment and MIPS technology or other similar technology to keep your head safe.
For snowboarding, other useful protectors are kneepads, wrist guards, and crash pants, since you are most likely to fall on these body parts. If you are hitting rails and boxes in the park or freeriding, consider adding a back protector to your outfit. Safety first!

Snowboard Boots

When choosing snowboard boots, the main things to consider are flex rating, tightening system and other extra features. Flex Rating is usually describen on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being soft and 10 stiff (almost as stiff as a ski boot!). For beginners flex rating between 2 and 5 is a nice and forgiving option. Intermediates and more advanced riders should go for a rating between 6 and 10 to get enough support when charging on those hard-packed slopes.
With tightening systems you have a couple of options: traditional laces, double BOA, single BOA and speed laces. The most convenient ones are BOA and speed laces which you can adjust quickly on the go when needed. But also here, it’s all about preference!

Extra features to look for are a heel-lock system, stiffeners that can be added to get more support, reflecting foil to keep your feet warm, and velcro strap to give more support. 

Choosing A Snowboard

When choosing a snowboard, the first thing to think about is your preferred use. Are you more into freestyle and park? Do you like carving? How about powder and freeriding? Or maybe you like to do a bit of all? For all these different riding styles you can find a specific and ideal board. Four main types of snowboards are all-mountain boards, all-mountain freestyle boards, freestyle & park boards and freeride boards. These all vary in shape, profile and flex.

If the whole mountain is your playground and you like to lap the park and next hit some pow, go for an all-mountain board, which has a hybrid-camper or mild-camber profile, these are truly ride-everything boards. They are also suitable for beginners due to their versatility.
If you are slightly more into park riding, go for an all-mountain freestyle board, which typically has a more cambered profile to give you more pop and help you to jump higher.
And for you park rats, park & freestyle snowboards a go-to! They are typically more forgiving than other boards mentioned above and you are less likely to catch an edge.
For freeriding, powder and backcountry you have plenty of different options. The main types are directional boards with a short tail and long nose, hybrid-rocker profiles and splitboards. If longer backcountry adventures are more your thing, invest in a splitboard set!

Accessories

No snowboard outfit would be complete without stylish and cozy accessories! To complete your look, add warm and waterproof mittens, snowboard goggles with changeable lenses, and a neck warmer or a steezy hood and you’re ready for the mountains!

Check out the new collection from Dope Snow and get ready for the winter season!