Snowboard Core Basics 101: A Complete Guide to Helping You Understand Snowboard Core

April 15, 2022

What is a snowboard?

Although the construction of snowboards can vary widely, the basic components are generally the same. Manufacturers use slightly different materials and methods to make skis, the basic structure of which has a laminated wood core at its center. The wood core is surrounded by composite layers above and below and side walls on the sides. So connect the deck to the top and the edge and bottom to the bottom. The materials and shapes used for these layers and components can vary widely.

How long and wide should the skis be?

The next important parameter is the length of the board. Snowboards are selected based on the growth of the rider, taking into account board appointments.

Universal or carved skis should be 15cm shorter than your height. To find the right board by eye, place it next to you: the upper edge should be in your nose or chin area.

Snowboards for freestyle skiing should be 10 cm shorter than your height.

To select freestyle skis, subtract 8-10 cm of growth.

If you lose a little weight, you can subtract 5 cm from the receiving value. If you have an impressive complexion, add 5cm instead.

Also, the choice of length depends on the level of skiing: beginners should buy skis that are 2-3 cm longer than advanced riders.

Usually, snowboard manufacturers have special tables where you can find out your height and weight, and find out what length the board should choose. The table can be on the manufacturer's website, or even on the ski itself, or rather on a label on the sliding surface, which indicates the characteristics of the board.

The width of the skis is divided into:

Narrow (narrow): Waist width up to 250mm.

Standard (regular): Waist width 250-260mm, width at both ends up to 300mm.

Average (medium width): Waist width 250-260mm, width at both ends 300mm.

Wide (Wide): Waist width 260mm.

Choose the width of the skis according to the size of your feet. If the size is over 44, it's worth going in medium wide or wide.

Snowboard design and material?

Snowboards come in two main designs and their combinations:

1. Upper limit (upper limit)). The core of the top ski is closed by an integral cover, and the bottom is closed by a sliding surface. These boards are easier to produce (well, repairable too), but because they are cheaper. Unlike sandwiches, however, in the fall, the cap can be separated: the lid will be removed from the sliding surface.

2. Sandwich (sandwich). Press the core under pressure, slide the surface and top the decorative cover. The result is a solid structure of several layers. If you can break a ski like this, it will be more difficult to repair it. Also, sandwiches are more expensive.

3. Combined structure. These two technologies are usually used in the production of snowboards. The skis become more durable thanks to the sandwiched ends, and the middle cover provides ease.

the core of the snowboard

The core of a snowboard is made of different materials: usually there is a wood core, woods and foam, a combination of different materials.

Next, let's take a look at these three cores:

1. Wood Beech, ash, poplar, oak, spruce, pine. The core made of wood resists shock and vibration loads well. Some Mervin skis are made with GMO wood and have no rings. This is believed to have a good effect on elasticity and strength.

2. Woods and foam. Snowboarding is easier and cheaper thanks to foam. However, this reduces their elasticity and resistance to vibration.

3. Combination of different materials. The combination of wood, carbon and aluminum provides the rigidity and lightness of the ski. There are many combinations and new developments are constantly emerging.

sliding surface

There are two variants of sliding surfaces:

The surface of the extruded polyethylene (extrusion). It's cheaper, doesn't require special care, and if damaged - expensive repairs.

Sintered polyethylene surface (sintered). Polyethylene powder is sintered under the influence of high temperature and high pressure. Such a surface has a porous structure that absorbs the ointment well and glides on better. Also, she is not afraid of scratches and small ice cubes. However, it will be more difficult to fix it.

What should be the deflection of the ski?

An important parameter when choosing is the deflection type. It directly affects the convenience of ski management.

Classic or weight curved (outside). The central part of this ski is lifted. As the rider rises on the board, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface. Learning on skis with classic deflections is very difficult: skating requires good technique and mistakes are unforgivable. So, for starters, another type of deflection is better: rockers.

Rocker (one banana, one rocker). The central part of the ski touches the ground and the ends are arched. The curved shape makes learning easier: at the expense of a little support, the board is more docile and easier to maneuver, and it turns behind you with any movement of the body.

Snowboards with this bend usually choose freestylers: rockers are suitable for large eyrs (jumping from a springboard) and jibbing (slides on rails and other surfaces). The right rocker and freeride.

Zero deflection (flat). The center section of this ski is absolutely flat, and the ends are raised above the ground. It's perfect for light skating novices and freestyle tricks.

Combination Deflection. There are many hybrid bends: Arc Stick-Surface (pictured above), Stick-Surface Stick (Free Slip Bend), Stick-Flat Stick, and more. Certain properties of the ski are increased due to the combination of curves. For example, speed or ease of control.

Narrow steel strips on the edge of the ski that allow the rider to make sharp turns - can be divided into two types:

Straight - the most common edge. It can be very long (along the entire length of the board) or shortened when there is no edge protection at the front or rear (often found in snowboards for freeride, which reduces the weight of the board).

Magnetic traction - a special development company Mervin. It is a wavy edge similar to a cheese knife.

Wavy Edge Magne Traction

Thanks to the five to seven points of support on the edges, it can be used on any surface without any problems, even on ice shells.

geometry

The location of the skis is different - the steel holes for the fasteners. There are three types:

Orientation (orientation). In directional skis, the collateral is offset so the nose or tail of the board is longer. You can only go in one direction - down the mountain. For added stability and stability, the nose of a snowboard is usually softer than the tail. Orienteering skis are used for carving and freeride.

Room type (double tip). These are absolutely symmetrical boards and are typically used for park skating. Since the nose and tail are the same length and stiffness, you can go in any direction.

Orientation twins (bi-tip orientation). In this board, the displacement of the collateral is small, and the stiffness of the nose and tail is different. The stiffer tail provides stability, and the elongated nose has an advantage when driving on pristine soil. Choose skis with this geometry for freeride and cross-country skiing.

Collaterals can also be placed in different ways relative to each other.

1.4×4. Collaterals are spaced 4 cm from each other horizontally and vertically.

2.2×4. Vertically, collaterals are 4 cm apart, horizontally – 2 cm.

3. 3D Mode. These are mortgages placed in a diamond shape. These are for Burton boards only.

4. The Infinite Channel System (ICS) is a Burton development. The screws are not tightened, but are inserted into special slots on the board. This makes it easy to change the position of the fasteners.

ICS board and EST installation

ICS boards require special fasteners, ideally EST from Burton. Some traditional mounts are sold with special adapter discs that can be used with traditional boards or ICS skis.

How to choose snowboard fasteners?

First, we'll analyze the basics of fastening, then we'll discuss how to choose options based on your needs.

How to choose a snowboard: what does a snowboard consist of?

Base - A fastened base.

High Back - The back, which secures the heel of the boot.

Arc - Thrust bearing.

Straps - Two straps secure the front of the boot.

Barkley - Two buttons.

Accelerator Pedal - Fasten the retractable strap on the toe cap that allows you to adjust its length.

Types of Fasteners

Fastener with Two Fasteners (Tape Style)

How to Choose a Snowboard: Straps

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These are the most common fasteners. To put on a fastener like this, you need to loosen the two straps, insert the legs and fasten the straps.

There are also some special bottom stripe options - capstrap (capstrap). He grabbed the toes of the boot not only in front, but from above, pressing firmly into the base.

with foldable high back (rear entry)

These mockups make it easier and faster to push buttons. In this type of fastener, the straps are connected to each other to better secure the shoe. To put them on, you'll need to recline the high back, insert the legs, and put it back in place.

How to choose ski boots

rigidity

The main criterion for choosing shoes is rigidity. It depends on how comfortable you are while skiing and how easy it is to manage your skis.

The stiffness is determined in the range of 1 to 10. Here are five shoes for progressive and professional riders for those who have the equipment on offer and are ready to go high-speed along prepared routes.

"Stronger shoes offer good control, but they're quite uncomfortable, especially if you're a novice rider.

Models with stiffness from 3 to 5 are suitable for beginner snowboarders, as well as freestylers and freestylers. In these fairly soft boots it is comfortable to walk without skis, which is necessary when going uphill. Plus, they won't hurt your legs when jumping from the springboard.

There are also boots with replaceable stiffness. Special plastic inserts are provided in them, whereby the rigidity varies within the specified limits. For example, without inserts, the stiffness of the shoe is four, and there are seven. Such shoes are great for those who are ready to ride in the wild and on prepared slopes.

One to three stiffnesses are mostly children's shoes.

lace type

classic lace

Snowboard Boots: Classic Lace-Up

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This is the most common type of shoelace and must be tightened by hand. Despite their simplicity, many professional athletes choose such shoes because they feel they are more reliable.

python system

Snowboard Boots: Boa System

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This wheel automatically tightens the laces as it turns. With such a system, lacing takes less time.

Tok

snowboard boots

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Through speed and convenience, something between classic and boa. You won't spend a lot of time, but don't rely on complicated mechanics.

Try on shoes and notice how they behave when they walk. If the toe heel goes up on a fully lace-up boot, it's not for you. The boot should immobilize the leg well: this will prevent injuries while riding.

this is all. Please write a review if you have advice on choosing skis, mounts and shoes.