Snowboard Help

Snowboards aren't rated with a flex, I'd imagine because they don't really flex when strapped in, let alone on their own. For bindings, just pick one you like but union has my recommendations. For boards, libtech, never summer, etc. I would stay away from Burton, quality isn't on par with the ones I've listed. Good Luck :)

Snowboard boots*

They do have flex ratings for boots. Its usually 1-10 with 10 being the stiffest. They are like ski boots have different fits so you  still need to go get fitted just like you do a ski boot.

What about bindings? Other than AT and standard bindings is there any difference?

^yeah getting the right flex binding is as important as the boot. The high back offers much of the support so there are different stiffness. Softer is usually park and stiffer free ride, but like skiing, there is never a rule that works in every situation.

Try to go to some board shops and chat to the staff.

Right on. Thanks for the input kneegrow

There are a ton of parrallels with skiing equipment when choosing snowboard gear so you should be familiar with most of the concepts like flex, shape and materials.

Regarding boots, each boot (like shoes) are built on a mold called a Last. The Last is each brand's interpretation of average foot dimensions. Some brands have wider toe areas, others wider ankles etc etc. The only way to know if a boot fits you is to try them on. Brands don't change their lasts very often so you can usually rely on the fact that if one model of boot fits you perfectly, the other boots in the line of the same size will do too. When it comes to flex, there is definitely a degree of personal preference, but softer boots tend to be intended for freestyle use and stiffer boots for freeriding and pipe riding, where support and response are favoured over looseness and tweakability. When choosing lacing systems, some of the newer speed lacing systems are really good, but are a pain to replace when they break.

The comment above about Burton not having the product quality that Lib and Never Summer have is complete garbage, they're not the biggest snowboard manufacturer on the planet because they make crap.

Of course snowboarding rates the flex, whichever one of you said they didn't are fucking idiots

Like with any equipment its best to visit your local shop and speak to someone who is knowledgable about the gear. You can talk to them about the type of riding you like to do and what works best for you.

Is there anything wrong with having a wide board over a mid wide if say you're a size 10 1/2-11?

You don't want a wide board unless you have bigger feet. If the boar extends beyond your toes and heels you will have trouble getting it on edge. Not really sure how to explain it technically but you need the edge to be under those parts of your feet so you can get the leverage to edge quickly and effectively.

Cool cool, thanks for the advice. I get what you're saying about the board width and bindings as well as the size of the boots. I'll know what to look for now when I go. I always fear that unless I find this information out for myself from people who know what the fuck they're talking about I'm gonna get jewed when I go to buy the stuff.

Have you tried skiing instead?

Yeah I'm switching for doing that gay stuff. I'm sick of being a fruit booter. I wanna look cool on the hill, get chicks and make spansoredisd teams yo.

I have an Arbor Westmark and love it. Arbor make some sick boards.

If a snowboard boot fits you won't want to take it off. If your foot does not feel like it's in nirvana then it does not fit.

I like burton boots because they are short and wide (like my feet)
If you have skinny feet I would look at Nike

buy a pair of shred soles, they are amazing.

as far as bindings go. STAY AWAY FROM FLOW. The fast entry sounds great but in reality its just akward.