Choosing Snowboard length was traditionally considered to be as simple as the length from the ground to your chin. This will sometimes be the right length snowboard but only coincidentally.
Snowboard technology over the years have left this technique obsolete and there a few factors that influence the length of a board, namely:
- Weight
- Riding Style
- Ability Level; and
- Height
Weight
Weight is the most important factor in determining the length of the board – the weight of the rider, is certainly more important than the height of the rider.
Why is weight the most important factor?
Snowboards are designed with a certain flex in mind. However that flex is also influenced by the weight of the rider. If you are too heavy or too light compared to the weight the board was designed for, the flex won’t behave in the way it was designed to – and the way you were told it should when you bought it.
If you are too heavy for the board (i.e. the board is too short for your weight) then the board will flex more than it should.
If you are too light for the board (i.e. the board is too long for your weight) you won’t be applying enough pressure to make the board flex how it should.
So try to be within the weight range for any given board. Then you can take into account other factors. A lot of snowboard manufacturers will release the weight range for each size of a particular board.
A good first step is to fit within that range. The range is usually quite high so we need some other factors to narrow it down a bit to get a more accurate length.
Snowboard Companies that show Recommended Weight Ranges
The Table below shows some of the major snowboarding brands and which do and don’t, to the best of my knowledge, provide weight ranges. If you know of any others just leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the table.
UPDATE: This table was updated April 26, 2019. When I first published this table (late 2014) there were 5/15 that didn’t publish weight ranges. Now it’s just 2/18, so a vast majority now do.
Snowboard Brand | Publish Weight Range |
|---|---|
Arbor | YES |
Bataleon | YES |
Burton | YES |
Capita | YES |
DC | NO |
Endeavor | YES |
GNU | YES |
Jones | YES |
K2 | YES |
Lib Tech | YES |
Never Summer | NO |
Nidecker | YES |
Nitro | YES |
Ride | YES |
Rome | YES |
Rossignol | YES |
Salomon | YES |
YES | YES |
It’s not necessary to be right in the middle of the recommended weight range. For example if the range is 110 – 150lbs you don’t have to be 130lbs!
Weight recommendations are helpful, but I would consider them to be general guidelines and not hard and fast rules. Often weight recommendations cover a wide range so aren’t that accurate and brands can change these, year to year, without any real changes to a board.
Typically these days weight recommendations are based on your weight without gear. It used to be based on weight with gear but this has changed. And this makes sense as you are less likely to know what you weight fully loaded with gear.
Note: As you can see in the table above, not all manufacturers release weight range information and they don’t take height into account at all. There are tables further down this post which should help you to get a good idea of the best size for your height and weight.
Ability Level
The ability level of the rider can also influence the length of the board. This is pretty easy though. Generally speaking if you are a beginner then go with a shorter board (3-5cm shorter). Anyone intermediate and up should not take ability level into account when determining length.
A longer board is more difficult to control. Therefore beginners are often recommended to choose a slightly shorter board than a more advanced rider might go with.
Riding Style
Besides influencing factors such as flex of board, set back of stance etc, the rider’s style can also influence the length of board that he/she chooses to ride.
This is also pretty basic though – if you are a freestyle rider then go between 3 and 6 centimetres shorter (depending on preference) and if you are only into free-riding then go a 2-4cm longer (again this will also depend on preference and some rider’s like to go more or less extreme than this).
The length sizing tables further down in this post will show the length for an all-mountain rider. Take off 3-6cm for a freestyle board and add 2-4cm for a freeride board.
If you’re not exactly sure of your style you can check out the article at the following link.
Height
Whilst definitely not as important as weight, height is still somewhat of a factor – partly because a taller rider will weigh more than a shorter rider (with the same build). But also because the taller rider will typically have a wider stance (though not always).
If a tall rider ends up on a board that’s too short for their stance width, then either they won’t be able to set their stance width as wide as they would like – or they will be at the widest possible stance and that may not be the best position on the board for them.
In the same vane, a shorter rider may end up not being able to go as narrow as they would like on a longer board – or they might end up feeling like they have too much board outside the inserts.
The Length Charts
The tables below show estimates for board length based on height and weight. Once you have found that, you have found what we can call the “standard length”. From this you should adjust the length for style preference (and ability level if you are a beginner).
This might be the same as the standard length or different depending on style and ability. This is what I like to call your “real length”.
I like to then choose a range of heights that I am happy with so that I can have the option of a wider range of boards and a couple of centimetres either way isn’t going to affect my riding in any noticeable way.
Choosing Your Length
Right, let’s check out the charts below.
I consider the standard length to be the “all-mountain” “non beginner” length of board. For example if the length in the chart according to your height and weight is 160cm then this is your length if you are an intermediate or above all-mountain rider.
So for example if you’re a freestyle rider you might take 3-6cm off that and go with a 154-157cm board. If you are a beginner you might go with a 155-157 and if you are a dedicated free-rider then you might bump it up to 162, 163 or 164.
Go through the charts below and select the table that fits your height and then scan across until you find your weight.
For example, I am 6 foot tall and weigh 180lbs (81kg). So I find myself on the table and find my “standard length” to be 160cm. I am not a beginner – however I do lean towards freestyle riding so I take 2-6cm off and find my “length range” to be 154-158cm. However I am not a purely freestyle rider, more all-mountain-freestyle – probably a 50% park, 50% a bit of everything else – so I go with the higher end of the range there – 157cm (see how it can be very preferential).
So with my real length at 157cm I now consider any board that is 156-158cm because 1cm either way won’t be noticeable – but will widen the range of boards I can choose from. It’s also board dependent – so it might be the case in one particular board, that 159 might be better or in another 155 might be better depending on certain factors of the board. But this is a good range to look at.
* Weight in pounds (kg in brackets)
* Height in feet and inches (cm in brackets)
* Board length in centimeters (cm)
MEN'S TABLE 1 (110lbs to 180lbs)
110(50) | 120(54) | 130(59) | 140(64) | 150(68) | 160(73) | 170(77) | 180(81) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5'0" (152) | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 153 | 154 |
5'1" (155) | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 154 | 155 |
5'2" (157) | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 154 | 155 |
5'3" (160) | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 155 | 156 |
5'4" (163) | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 155 | 156 |
5'5" (165) | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 156 | 157 |
5'6" (168) | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 156 | 157 |
5'7" (170) | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 157 | 158 |
5'8" (173) | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 157 | 158 |
5'9" (175) | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 157 | 158 | 159 |
5'10" (178) | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 157 | 158 | 159 |
5'11" (180) | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 158 | 159 | 160 |
6'0" (183) | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 158 | 159 | 160 | |
6'1" (185) | 153 | 155 | 157 | 159 | 160 | 161 | ||
6'2" (188) | 155 | 157 | 159 | 160 | 161 | |||
6'3" (191) | 158 | 160 | 161 | 162 | ||||
6'4" (193) | 160 | 161 | 162 |
MEN'S TABLE 2 (190lbs to 260lbs)
190(86) | 200(91) | 210(95) | 220(100) | 230(104) | 240(109) | 250(113) | 260(118) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5'0" (152) | 154 | 155 | 156 | 156 | ||||
5'1" (155) | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | ||||
5'2" (157) | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | 158 | |||
5'3" (160) | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 | 160 | ||
5'4" (163) | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | |
5'5" (165) | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 |
5'6" (168) | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 |
5'7" (170) | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 |
5'8" (173) | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 |
5'9" (175) | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 | 163 | 163 | 164 |
5'10" (178) | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 | 163 | 163 | 164 |
5'11" (180) | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 | 164 | 164 | 165 |
6'0" (183) | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 | 164 | 164 | 165 |
6'1" (185) | 161 | 162 | 163 | 163 | 164 | 165 | 165 | 166 |
6'2" (188) | 161 | 162 | 163 | 163 | 164 | 165 | 165 | 166 |
6'3" (191) | 162 | 163 | 164 | 164 | 165 | 166 | 166 | 167 |
6'4" (193) | 162 | 163 | 164 | 164 | 165 | 166 | 166 | 167 |
WOMEN'S TABLE 1 (90lbs to 160lbs)
90(41) | 100(45) | 110(50) | 120(54) | 130(59) | 140(64) | 150(68) | 160(73) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5'0" (152) | 136 | 138 | 140 | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 149 |
5'1" (155) | 137 | 139 | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 150 |
5'2" (157) | 137 | 139 | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 150 |
5'3" (160) | 138 | 140 | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 151 |
5'4" (163) | 138 | 140 | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 151 |
5'5" (165) | 139 | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 152 |
5'6" (168) | 139 | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 152 |
5'7" (170) | 140 | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 153 |
5'8" (173) | 140 | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 153 |
5'9" (175) | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 154 |
5'10" (178) | 141 | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 154 |
5'11" (180) | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 155 |
6'0" (183) | 142 | 144 | 146 | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 155 |
6'1" (185) | 143 | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 156 |
6'2" (188) | 145 | 147 | 149 | 151 | 153 | 155 | 156 | |
6'3" (191) | 148 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 157 | ||
6'4" (193) | 150 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 157 |
WOMEN'S TABLE 2 (170lbs to 240lbs)
170(77) | 180(81) | 190(86) | 200(91) | 210(95) | 220(100) | 230(104) | 240(109) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5'0" (152) | 150 | 151 | 152 | 152 | 153 | |||
5'1" (155) | 151 | 152 | 153 | 153 | 154 | |||
5'2" (157) | 151 | 152 | 153 | 153 | 154 | 155 | ||
5'3" (160) | 152 | 153 | 154 | 154 | 155 | 156 | 156 | |
5'4" (163) | 152 | 153 | 154 | 154 | 155 | 156 | 156 | 157 |
5'5" (165) | 153 | 154 | 155 | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | 158 |
5'6" (168) | 153 | 154 | 155 | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | 158 |
5'7" (170) | 154 | 155 | 156 | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 |
5'8" (173) | 154 | 155 | 156 | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 |
5'9" (175) | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 |
5'10" (178) | 155 | 156 | 157 | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 |
5'11" (180) | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 |
6'0" (183) | 156 | 157 | 158 | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 |
6'1" (185) | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 |
6'2" (188) | 157 | 158 | 159 | 159 | 160 | 161 | 161 | 162 |
6'3" (191) | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 |
6'4" (193) | 158 | 159 | 160 | 160 | 161 | 162 | 162 | 163 |
YOUTH TABLE
40(18) | 50(23) | 60(27) | 70(32) | 80(36) | 90(41) | 100(45) | 110(50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3'4" (102) | 95 | 105 | 107 | |||||
3'5" (104) | 95 | 105 | 108 | |||||
3'6" (107) | 96 | 106 | 108 | |||||
3'7" (109) | 96 | 106 | 109 | |||||
3'8" (112) | 97 | 107 | 110 | 112 | ||||
3'9" (114) | 98 | 107 | 110 | 113 | ||||
3'10" (117) | 99 | 108 | 111 | 113 | ||||
3'11 (119) | 99 | 109 | 111 | 114 | ||||
4'0" (122) | 109 | 112 | 115 | |||||
4'1" (124) | 117 | 120 | 123 | 125 | ||||
4'2" (127) | 118 | 121 | 123 | 125 | ||||
4'3" (130) | 119 | 121 | 124 | 126 | 128 | |||
4'4" (132) | 119 | 122 | 125 | 127 | 129 | |||
4'5" (135) | 120 | 123 | 125 | 127 | 129 | 131 | ||
4'6" (137) | 124 | 126 | 128 | 130 | 132 | |||
4'7" (140) | 124 | 127 | 129 | 131 | 133 | 135 | ||
4'8" (142) | 125 | 128 | 130 | 132 | 134 | 136 | ||
4'9" (145) | 126 | 128 | 130 | 132 | 134 | 136 | ||
4'10" (147) | 129 | 131 | 133 | 135 | 137 | |||
4'11" (150) | 130 | 132 | 134 | 136 | 138 | |||
5'0" (152) | 131 | 133 | 135 | 137 | 139 | |||
5'1" (155) | 133 | 135 | 137 | 139 | ||||
5'2" (157) | 134 | 136 | 138 | 140 | ||||
5'3" (160) | 135 | 137 | 139 | 141 | ||||
5'4" (163) | 138 | 140 | 142 | |||||
5'5" (165) | 138 | 140 | 142 |
Keep in mind that this is a rough guide and if you can find the suggested weight range for the particular board that you are interested in then this is a good gauge too. The above table should find a size that fits somewhere in that range.
What Next?
Now that you’ve hopefully figured out your length range, it’s time to find out some other aspects to get you on your perfect board. Check out the following to find a good snowboard width range and to find a board that will suit the way you like to ride and where you like to ride.
>>Find Your Snowboard Waist Width Range
>>Find Your Style of Snowboard
Already know your width and style, then check out our Top 10 Snowboard Lists, which are organized by style of board (e.g. beginner, all-mountain, freestyle, freeride etc).
>>SNOWBOARDING PROFILES' TOP 10S LISTS
What Length do you ride?
I'm always keen to learn other rider’s set-ups. Please feel free to leave a comment below with the length board you ride, plus your height, weight and riding style.
Any other comments or questions always welcome too.
Hi Nate – love all of the information on your site and your thoughtful, thorough reviews. I am struggling to decide between a K2 Alchemist in a 159W or a 164W. I know you haven’t reviewed the Alchemist, but I feel you can still offer some good input. I am 6’2″, between 215-220lbs, size 11-11.5 boot (depending on the boot), and a very fit, fairly-strong intermediate rider. My riding preference is typically groomer riding with a focus on carving and resort cruising. I do some tree riding, and while it’s not my go-to, it’s something to consider in choosing a board. I am fairly risk averse and avoid larger jumps, while avoiding the park entirely. The effective edge is 2cm longer on the 164W at 124cm and the side-cut radius is 8.1m versus 8.0. Waist width is 26.6cm versus 26.3cm. Contact length is not available for this board. My other boards consist of a Yes Basic 163W and a Yes Basic Decade 159W. Any thoughts on which size would be better for me?
Hi Eric
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards the 164W for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I think it’s the best match to your specs, especially given you’re fit and fairly strong. Secondly, I think it gives you a better compliment to the other boards in your quiver. I haven’t riden the Alchemist, so I couldn’t say for sure, but it looks like it’s a stiffer more aggressive board, that you can use to really carve up the mountain. If you feel like having a more chill/casual day, then you’ve got the option of getting out on your Basic or Basic Decade. Whilst you’d probably prefer the 159W in trees, I think the 164W would be better otherwise – and shouldn’t be a nightmare in trees or anything for your specs. Again, I haven’t ridden the board, so I can’t say for sure, but I would be leaning 164W.
Hope this helps
Thank you very much for your response, I sincerely appreciate your thoughts. I was leaning slightly toward the 164W, so this is helpful to confirm my thoughts. I agree that this will be a nice compliment to my other decks and I would prefer not to “size down”, especially when there really is no good reason to do so.
You’re very welcome Eric. Hope the board treats you well.
Hi Nate, first thanks for all the answers above, they are incredibly helpful to narrow down the choices.
I’m 5’5”, around 136 lb (or less), and 7-7.5 shoe size. Asian fit.
I’m thinking of both 2022 Twin Sister and 2023 Stratos Elena Hight Edition. I like the look of these two, so I’m ok with buying all of them, but are these two are good choices for building the quiver?
I’m an intermediate rider (really good at carving but intermediate powder). Never went to a park or tried tricks, but occasionally riding switch is fun for me. And I love carving aggressively. Mostly on groomer, but I got the chance to fly to another city for the powder and trees for 20 days every year.
I’m thinking ride with Twin Sister in general on groomer, and Stratos for the powder. But I heard that Stratos is also good for carving, since carving is my main thing, I’m really excited to see if it could be my one-for-all board.
What sizes should I choose to balance my tricky riding route? I’m thinking Stratos 149/152 for freeride and Twin Sister 149/151 for regular day, does it too long for me? Also I noticed that their EE were quite different. That’s confused me.
My bindings are Nitro Ivy and Now Conda.
Or is there any other better options for the quiver rather than Stratos? (I love the look of Twin Sister, so that one for sure. However, for Stratos, I love the review that it’s good for carving which is important to me, other than that, it’s not a must)
I’m also looking at Flagship as well, if you recommend Flagship way much more than Stratos.
Thank you very much in advance.
Jee
Hi JeeJee
Thanks for your messages. I got you other message too, but it contained the same info, so deleted it for tidiness. Also apologies for the slower than usual reply – has been a crazy few days!
I think the boards are different enough to have them in the same quiver. The Stratos is a more aggressive board that you can lay down bigger carves on and handles speed better. The Twin Sister is a more chill board – it’s not ultra playful but much more playful – still decent for carving, but not to the same extent. The Stratos better in powder too, so you could certainly use it on powder days. You could also have it as your all-in-one board, but just note that it’s going to be the kind of board you’ll want to be on your game for most of the time – it’s stiffer and less forgiving, so can be more punishing if you’re getting tired – and also for riding switch, the Twin Sister is better – and for tricks if you were looking to try some freestyle at any point. If you wanted to be able to ride a little more casual sometimes, then the Twin Sister would be better for that than the Stratos.
In terms of the EE, the difference is because the Stratos has more of it’s length outside the contact points, in the nose and tail, versus the Twin Sister. This means you can ride it a little longer, as that length mostly comes into play in powder. It also comes into play in terms of swing weight and the overall feel, but generally a board with less EE versus overall length will feel shorter than a board of the same length with less EE, all else being equal.
If you were to go with both, then I’d look at going Twin Sister 146, Stratos 149. Going Twin Sister 149 and Stratos 152 would be doable as well, but I would be erring 146/149, because of the width of these boards – a little wider than typical for women’s boards – and on the wider side for your foot size. If you know that you really like longer boards, then 149/152 still doable, but I would recommend 146/149. If you were going to just get Twin Sister, given how you describe your style of riding, then you could look more closely at the 149. If you were just to get Stratos, I would still be erring to the 149.
I personally like the Flagship more than the Stratos and it does ride powder a little better, IMO (though that’s splitting hairs as both are very good) – but the Stratos I found a little more aggressie and a little better at speed, but I really like the Flaghip and it still carves well and handles speed well.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much and sorry for posting it twice I wasn’t familiar with the system I thought the message was gone.
I place the order of Twin Sister 149, since it’s my first Jones board I would like to try it on to see if I could handle it before I buy another Jones. I used to ride on either Burton or Rossignol when I was a beginner, the length was 144 and I felt it was super short, I don’t feel comfortable and confident until the later years I switch to the Japanese local board which is 151cm. (Though it’s easy to get exhausted when I ride)
Twin Sister 146 vs. my previous 144 board, I guess maybe 2cm won’t change a lot? So I will try 149 instead of 146. And what you mentioned about forgiving was really important, I will think of Flagship instead of Stratos.
Which size do you recommend for Flagship? With Twin Sister 149 as my quiver.
Also, do you think it’s necessary to get a Flux GX since Now Conda and Nitro Ivy are less stiff?
Thank you again.
Hi JeeJee
If you go 149 for Twin Sister, then you could go 152 for the Flagship. Or you could still go 149 for the Flagship. They’re different enough boards you could go the same size. But 152 is also doable if you wanted to diversify the sizing in your quiver.
I don’t have any experience with Nitro bindings, but looks like it would possibly be stiff enough for the Flagship. The Condo should work well on the Twin Sister.
Hi Nate,
Great work with the site, so much useful info!
I’m looking into upgrading my pretty old set-up. Current set-up is 158W Burton Hero board with Cartel Bindings, both from around 2009 or so I think. I’m about a 6.5 or 7 on your skill scale, with an all mountain style, but leaning slightly more towards freeride over freestyle (don’t really spend much time in the park anymore but still like to play around on the mountain a bit). I’m 6’1″, about 190 lbs, and wear a size 11 boot (sometimes 11.5 depending on brand/model). My old boots were size 12 which is why I ended up with a wide board to begin with, but over time I realized they were too big and 11 is better for me.
I’ve decided on the 2023 Capita Mercury (probably Union Strata or Burton Cartel bindings), but still up in the air about boots. Assuming I end up with size 11 boots, what size would you recommend for the Mercury? I’m thinking the 161, but not sure if 159 or even the 160W (if I can find it) would be better options. I’ve read the Capita Mercury is a bit wider than some other boards, so might be able to get away with standard width even with a size 11 boot. My main concern with going 161 over 159 is maneuverability in trees/moguls, and the fact I’ve been riding a 158W for 10 years. On the other hand I feel like 161 is really the size I should be riding based on my weight/height, and I have my doubts that I would even really notice a difference between 159 and 161.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
You’d be surprised the difference 2cm can make – it’s not an earth shattering difference, but it is actually noticeable. If you were to add all of that 2cm to the nose and tail, you probably wouldn’t notice the difference, but when you add it to the effective edge you do notice it.
It’s a close call between 159 and 161 for you, IMO. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at 161, so it’s the obvious choice but the 159 would work (if width works which would depend on a couple of things – see below). The 161 is about perfect in terms of width for you as well, IMO. The 159 bordering on being a little too narrow, but you probably get away with it, depending on how hard you like to carve, the profile of the boots you end up in (the outsole of the same sized boots can differ quite a bit) and your binding angles.
The 160W is on the wide side for your boots. It’s certainly still within range for 11s, but I think the 161 would actually be more maneuverable than it and it’s wide enough, IMO, so between those 2 sizes, I would go 161. If you did want to go a little wider, the 158W would be your better bet, to get that little bit more maneuverability. I don’t think there’s a wrong size between the 161, 159 and 158W for you. I think they would all work. My instinct in this board, for what you’re describing would be the 159 if you can get into some low profile 11s. But really I think any of those 3 sizes would work.
The 161 would give you more stability at speed and better float in powder versus the 159, with the 159 being more agile at slower speeds and in general being better for freestyle stuff. These difference would be subtle but still noticeable. The 158W kind of in between the 2, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Awesome thanks for the reply! Appreciate the advice. I think I will go with the 161. Gives me more wiggle room with the boots, and I do think I would prefer the stability at speed over the agility/freestyle capability of the smaller board. Thanks again.
You’re very welcome Matt. If you think of it at the time let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi nate. I post here before when i started snowboarding. All of your advice were really helpful. Right now i think im on between beginner/intermediate level. Im thinkin to buy a new board since i feel that i outgrew the board that i have. Im deciding to get Bataleon Party wave 2020 151cm. Or the Yes Basic 152cm.
Right now im trying to get my carving really awesome. My snowboard goal is to have a sick carve. No planning on jumping or anyting lol.
I weigh 170lbs
5ft6 tall
Size 9 shoes
I would add the capita outerspace living 150cm or 152cm. I cant decide if i go down to flat 150 or 152-153cm
Also i wanna go with union bindings. Im thinking about the force or the flight pro.
Hi Carlo
The OSL could work for sure. I would even go up to the 154. As per my last reply, I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 156. You can certainly size down a bit from that, but I think sizing to 154 would be enough. And given that you want carving to be your main focus, I think the 152 might be a little on the narrow side. You’d likely be fine to begin with, but if you were to start to get really deep on those carves and if you were to ride with a fairly flat back binding angle, then there would be risk of boot drag on the 152 with size 9s. The OSL is quite narrow in the 150 and 152 sizes. The 154 should be all good width-wise and I think that length would work for you.
And for bindings, if you go Typo or OSL, I would go with the Force – and particularly that you want to work on your carving, I would go Force. The Flite Pro are a little too soft for those boards – and for carving you don’t want to go too soft either.
Hi Carlo
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Party Wave, so I’m not sure how that one rides. Re the YES Basic, given that you really want to focus on carving, I would step it up a bit to the Typo – given where you’re at between beginner/intermediate, I think you should be able to ride it fine – and it will be better for carving versus the Basic.
Size-wise, the 152 would work for the Basic/Typo – and you could even consider moving up to the 155, given that carving is going to be your focus. I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 156. Given your level, you could certainly size down from that, so 152 is within range, but you could also consider the 155, if you wanted something a bit bigger for bigger carves.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!!!
Love the site!!! It’s been an awesome guide over the past few months!!
Originally, I was doing all of this research for my young daughter, but I should’ve known that it would soon apply to me as well.
That being said, I think I’ve already made a mistake, but I’m wondering how grievous it actually will be to my own progression.
I’ve basically purchased all of the #1’s from your posts for boots, bindings, and boards. It just made sense, budget-wise and skill level-wise. In my haste (as I was doing this ordering at work), I ordered a 150 Salomon Sight. My ‘standard length’ is a 156, so I took off the suggested 3-5cm for beginners (as I am an ultra-beginner) and ordered the closest to what I could find online, a 150. The problem is that the max weight according to the Salomon website is 70kg (which I obviously didn’t check until after I ordered). I fluctuate around the 72kg-73kg range. How detrimental will this be to my progression?
If I bump up to a 156, I’d be at my ‘standard length’, and I’d also be within the weight ranges per the manufacturer, but I’d be outside of the length you’ve recommended for a beginner.
Maybe I’m overthinking it and acting too hastily because our season is almost over here, but I also don’t want to hurt my own progress as my daughter continues to progress. The only downside of returning the board will be possibly missing out on the last few weeks of the season. Alternatively, I could drop the 5-6 pounds and wait for next season.
You’re advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Mario
Thanks for your message.
I think ideally the 153 would be your best bet, if your standard length is 156, IMO. But the 150 might be doable, depending. I wouldn’t be too concerned about the weight recommendations, but if you could let me know your height and boot size, just to get a better idea of whether the 150 is too small or doable.
Hope this helps
Nate…Thanks for the reply!!!
Yeah, I’m 5’7″ and my shoe size is 8.5 (and I got the Burton Moto’s).
Oddly enough I ordered the board yesterday and it is being delivered today before 8. So if I should have to return it, it will still be boxed.
Thanks Again!!!
Hi Mario
Thanks for the extra details. I think 153 would be just right, with the 150 on the small side and the 156, IMO too big. But if the 153 isn’t available, then I would go 150 before I went 156, given your a complete beginner.
Thank You, sir.
I appreciate the guidance.
This site is the best!!!!
You’re very welcome Mario. Thanks for visiting and happy riding!
Hey Nate,
What a great post! This site has been a tremendous help in finding the right sized gear! I am in the loooong overdue process of updating my whole set up and now just need to finalize a decision on a board and I would really appreciate your input.
Level: Intermediate / advanced end of intermediate
Style: Freeride – Ride between the trees, off-piste, and picking up speed on groomers, no park or switch
Location: Take trips out West to ride at resorts
Size: 6′, ~175lbs, 11.5 boot
Considering: I’ve spent way to much time sorting through reviews and need to put an order in absolutely ASAP if I want it to arrive for a trip to WY next weekend. I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Never Summer Hammer in either 157W or 161W (26.4mm and 26.6mm waist respectively). What size would you recommend? I am coming from a very old Lib Tech 156 (early 2000s) that I learned to board on. Is the 161W going to be too big of a jump in size or be too much board to handle, especially being a wide board? Or will this be the better option for both off-piste riding and charging groomers? I would also be open to any other board suggestions. The Burton Flight Attendant 159W is another possible consideration.
Cheers and thanks for all of your great info!
Hi Justin
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Hammer, but on paper and based on other Never Summer boards, I think it would fit what you’re describing well. Size-wise, I’d be leaning 157X. It’s a close call between that and the 161X. The 161X would give you more stability at speed when you’re bombing groomers, but the 157W will be better in tighter spots (e.g. trees). Since you’re already stepping up the board quite a bit from your previous board (I would say, though if you know the model of your Lib Tech, that would be great to know), my instinct is saying 157W. But it’s a close call. I’d put you at around 159 as your “standard all-mountain” size.
If you did go Flight Attendant, then I would say 159W would be a great size for you.
Hope this helps and hope you have an awesome trip
Hi Nate! Such a great article.. thank you! I’m between 5’7” and 5’8” and roughly 120-122 lbs. I wear a womens 9.5 boot. I’m looking for an all mountain board but having a hard time finding something that isn’t too narrow for my feet. I’m considering Nitro Mystique 149 but concerned the waist of 238 might result in too much boot overhang….. other option is Salomon Wonder 148 which has a waist of 243…. Any thoughts on which you’d recommend to me? Thanks so much!
Hi Hannah
Thanks for your message.
I think I would be leaning Salomon Wonder 148 to give you that bit more leeway in terms of width. And I think the length is better – it’s only 1cm – and that 1cm is outside the contact points (both with same effective edge), so it’s not a big deal, but would still be leaning 148 over 149 for your specs, in terms of length.
In terms of width, the Mystique could be doable if you had +15/-15 binding angles or similar and low profile boots, but the Wonder should be fine even if you didn’t have those things in your favor. I’d also be leaning 146 in terms of length for the Mystique for your specs, and then it’d definitely be too narrow.
Hope this helps with your decision
Wow, great article! I am looking at a Burton Ripcord, 162W ( I am 6 foot and 215lbs size 12), but if I read the article right, I would be looking at a 159W as I am an absolute beginner? I have no choice but to buy online as where I live there are no snowboard shops with knowledgeable people. I would be riding nothing but groomed trails at the hill as well. Thanks!
Hi William
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would be looking at the 158W for your specs if you’re a complete beginner. If it was a board with less effective edge versus overall length, then you might push it out to the 162W, but with this I’d be leaning 158W for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m in a similar boat as William but a size 11 boot.
Was Looking at Nitro Prime Distort Wide 163 but thinking I’ll need a 158w instead.
Boot I’m looking at is the Burton Moto size 11.
Is this correct? should I get the wide?
For Bindings I’m looking at either
Burton Freestyle Snowboard Bindings
or
Union Flite Pro Snowboard Bindings
Your site has been super helpful, thanks!
Hi Darren
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the 159W is probably your best bet. You could go up to the 163W, but if you’re a beginner, then I’d be erring shorter. Also the Nitro Prime wide sizes are quite wide. With 11s, you should go wide, but given how wide they are, sizing down isn’t a bad idea, just to counter the extra width a little. So going down 4cm in this case, I think makes sense. You’d probably be OK on the 162 with 11s, if you wanted to go narrower. I imagine you’d get on that alright with 11s, particularly as a beginner. But it wouldn’t really be sizing down at all. But it’s doable – I would be more inclined to go 162, than 163W for you. But I’d still be leaning 159W.
Both binding options would be a good match to the Board/Boots, so there’s not really a bad choice there, IMO. I would be leaning Flite Pro personally, but there’s very little in it.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your response, much appreciated!
I was just in big bear, had awful rental gear.
They had me on a 155W Burton. . .
Went to a retail space and tried on the Burton Moto 11 and they were intensely tight. They suggested the Thirty Two Shifty 10.5 and they fit perfect and very comfortable. And under $200, so i got those instead.
He also said a wide board is to big and suggested 155-158 regular width. . .
man, this stuff is so confusing! haha
thanks for all your help
Hi Darren
It certainly can be confusing. Given you got into 10.5 boots, and as a beginner, you should get away with going regular width. However at 6′, 215lbs (assumption as you said you were in a similar boat to William) I wouldn’t be going as short as 155. If you’re an absolute beginner, you could go as short as 157, but that would be minimum, IMO. 158-160 would be the best range to look at, IMO. Did he ask for your weight or just go off your height?
Now that you are on 10.5s, I think you’d be fine on the 158 if you go for the Nitro Prime.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for sharing this info! All your articles are super helpful. I’m getting ready to purchase my first snowboard and consider myself advanced beginner/low-intermediate. After all my research, I’m considering the Arbor Poporazzi Rocker 138cm. I’m 4’11”, 140lbs, and wear a size 8 boot. I’m not really sure about the size of the board though. I see mixed advice for my height/weight specs and from your table, the recommendation is to go longer. Would the 138 still be okay or should I go up to 141?
Hi Erika
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say go up to the 141. With your specs, I would put your “standard all-mountain” size at around 145/146, but as a beginner/low intermediate I’d be looking at somewhere in the 141-144 range. So, I think the 138 is getting just a bit too small. Also, the width of the 141 is better for your boots. The 138 is bordering on too narrow. You’d likely be fine, as the Poporazzi is wider at the inserts than the waist width suggests, and as a beginner/intermediate, you may not be carving that deep yet, but having that little bit of extra width gives you that bit more leeway. And I think the length is certainly better for you too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am looking at the capita magnolia but it’s only available in 149 (flat camber, 5 flex, waist width 239mm). I am 5’7, size 9W shoe, and almost 190lbs. I ride all mountain and am a beginner. Do you think I should aim for a 154-156 or would I be okay with a 149?
Thank you!
Hi Sarah
Thanks for your message.
As a beginner you can certainly size down a bit, but I think 149 is going a bit too small. I would say you’re around a 156 as your “standard all-mountain size”, so as a beginner, I would go something in the range 151-154. The width is probably OK on the 149 Magnolia, but it’s pushing it. If you were to ride with a pretty straight back binding angle (e.g. 0-6 degrees), it might be too narrow. As a beginner you’d probably get away with it as you’re likely not carving that deep yet, but I think the length is too small anyway.
Some other options you could check out:
>>My Top 10 Women’s Beginner Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
I just bought my new snowboarding set today but I was wondering if it’s the right choice. I feel like it is since I referenced a lot of your articles. I got the Nitro Lectra 142cm with Burton Citizen bindings and Burton Mint Boa 25cm. Yup, I’m a beginner. My height is 164cm and weight is around 50kg. I wanted to get the 138cm board but it wasn’t available. Do you think getting the 142cm is alright? Also, I don’t need to wax the board asap, right?
Thanks for your time writing all those articles!
Hi Kim
Thanks for your message.
I would say your “standard all-mountain” size is around 142/143, but that’s assuming a relatively advanced level. So ideally, the 138. But I think you’ll get away with the 142, especially given how suitable the board is for a beginner. The binding/boot combo to match it, works very well, IMO.
And nah, no need to wax it before riding. The Factory wax should be fine at least for a while. But if you want more on that topic check this article out.
Hi, I’m new to snowboarding, tried it a couple of times o my boyfriends old burton (with his waaay to big boots).
Thinking of buying my own board and decided that a true-twin will be a good choice since I still tend to switch between going with my left or my right first. 🙄
Leaning towards the K2 first lite – based on your top ten list. Do you think it is a good choice and what length would you recommend? I’m 5,75ft(167cm) and 150-154lbs shoe size usually 39 or 38.
Thank you so much for your really informative site, I find it really helpful!!
Hi Linda
Thanks for your message.
And yeah, I think the First Lite would work great as your first board.
Size-wise, I would put you at around 151 as your “standard all-mountain” size, which assumes a relatively advanced level. So as a beginner, I would be looking at the 146. The width on the 146 should be all good too. At a stretch you could do 150, but I would be leaning towards the 146.
Hope this helps with your decision
That is very helpful and I now feel more confident choosing this board!
It will be the 146 to begin with and the next time, when I feel the need to progress and try something new I will probably look for a lengh closer to 150.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, you do amazing work here! 🙏
You’re very welcome Linda. Happy riding!
HI Nate
I’ve never been snowboarding I am 5’10 between 170 -175 lbs. I would like to take it up as a new hobby. Besides the board is there any other items I should purchase, besides board and helmet. BTW is 158 the correct board size for me. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hi Eric
Thanks for your message.
If you were a more advanced rider, then I’d say something around 158 is a good bet. As a beginner, I would go shorter. Between 153 and 156 would be your best bet.
For some good beginner board options check this list out.
You’ll need bindings for the board too and boots, if you don’t want to have to rent. Typically you wouldn’t rent just bindings. And appropriate outerwear, including pants, jacket, gloves and goggles.
For a more complete list check this one out
For binding and boot options, check out:
>>Top 5 Beginner Bindings
and
>> Top 7 Beginner Boots
Hope this helps to get you started and let me know if you have any other questions. I also have guides on choosing outerwear, goggles, helmets etc, if you need more guidance on those.
Hey Nate!
Thanks so much for all the information. I’ve read a lot of your articles and I’m in the market for my first snowboard. I’ve only been 3 times, though I hope to go 3-5 more times this season and about that same amount (6 times total) in upcoming seasons. I’m still a beginner level but am getting more comfortable with going from heels to toes and learning how to carve. I don’t tend to do many (if any) advanced slopes and only ride at resorts/parks in Korea and on the east coast of the US. I’m looking at the Nitro Lectra right now but I’m a little uncertain of the size of need. I’m about 5 ft 7 in, wear size 7 shoe (I usually get a 5.5 in men’s size rental boots) and weigh 135-140 lbs. Is there a size board you’d recommend for the Nitro Lectra? Or a better suited board for the type of boarding I described if not the Lectra? Thanks in advance!
Hi Morganne
Thanks for your message.
I think the Lectra should work well for what you’re describing.
Size-wise, I think the 146 is just right. It should be a good width for your foot/boot size and just right in terms of length too. If you were an advanced rider, you could go 149/150, but as a beginner, that 146 length is perfect, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate!
Thank you so much! This helped immensely and answered my question about the width as well! I appreciate you helping me out! Happy holidays to you!
You’re very welcome Morganne. Happy holidays to you too – and happy riding!
Hi! You may be saving me, so thank you for your expertise! I’m considering the Arbor Swoon camber and am torn between 151 and 155. I’m 5’6″ and weight is generally between 155 and 160. I wear an 8 or 8 1/2 boot depending on brand. I mostly only have the chance to push my speed limits down our small local resorts, but I’m experimenting in the park a little and on some smaller jumps and enjoying it (though honestly I’m too old to get too into all that). I’ve been riding a stiffer men’s board for about 17 years , and before that I was on an even stiffer, longer board when I weighed quite a bit less! I’m definitely ready for something that’s a bit easier on me but that will still go fast when I want it to. What do you think? I was about to just go with the 155 since I’ve been riding a 154 in a much stiffer board for so long, but then I saw this and thought I’d ask.
Hi Bri
Thanks for your message.
Purely based on specs, and how you like to ride, I think the 151 is a really good fit for you. But I do like to take into account what people are used to. Typically I’d say 100% 151 for your specs, but given that you’re used to 154, stiffer and then even longer before that, the 155 does become an option. Both are fine width-wise.
I’d still be leaning 151, just because it’s hard for me to look past how good a match that is to your specs and your riding – and the fact you’re on a small resort. If you weren’t already riding a stiff 154, I’d say definitely not 155, but in your case, it’s doable, but I’d still be leaning 151.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks so much for your reply and especially for including the reasoning behind your recommendation. I like to overanalyze everything. 😉
You’re very welcome Bri. I completely get it. It’s an important decision and a pretty big purchase, so I get wanting to get it right, for sure.
Hi Nate,
I’m looking at purchasing a board for my girlfriend. She’s 5′-0″ ~125lbs. She has only gone up about 3 times, so definitely a beginner. Right now I’m looking at a barely used 143cm 2017 Ride Compact. According to EVO’s website, she falls within the weight range, and the board appears to be beginner friendly. We’re looking to mostly ride groomed trails. Would this be a good board for her to learn on?
Thanks
Hi Alexander
The Compact is a really good beginner board, IMO. The only reason it didn’t make my top 10 beginner boards is the price, but otherwise very suitable for a beginner, IMO. And if you’re getting it for a good price, then that’s not an issue.
143 is within a good range for her, IMO. It’s on the slightly too long end for her as a beginner, but it’s certainly doable length-wise. But if you can also let me know her boot size as well, that would be great. If it’s particularly wide for her boots, then it might be too big overall, when combining the width and length.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the response.
It turns out she actually weighs 135lbs.
She has the 2021 Ride Hera’s in size 7. I think the board has a 236mm waist width, which is just the under the 237mm you have listed on your chart for “When Back Binding is at 0°”. Am I reading that table correctly?
Hi Alexander
Thanks for the extra info. At 135lbs, I think that length is really good now. Width-wise should be all good too. Yeah, ideally no wider than 237mm, so she should be good with the width, IMO.
Hi Nate. I learned a lot reading on this site. Thank you for that. I just wanted to be sure what board fits me. I am a beginner rider. Dont have any background related to any kind of board sports. I am standing at 5ft6 1/2 and weigh 160lbs. I once tried snow boarding (rental) i could say that i like yoloing when riding and i am little aggressive and playful. Hope you can help me decide which board best fits me.
Hi Carlo
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I’d be looking in the range somewhere between 151-153.
For board, I’d be looking at the following:
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
But if you really wanted to step it up, you could also look at:
>>Top 10 Intermediate Snowboards
If you can narrow down to a preference of 2-3 boards and let me know your boot size (or shoe size if you don’t have boots yet), I’d be happy to recommend a size (and the suitability of those options).
Hope this helps
Hi nate. Sorry i forgot to put my boots size. I am on 9- 9.5 men size. Some advice from friends says 149cm is better, some says 152cm is better. Theres a lot of advice im gettin and it makes me confuse which one is the best one.
I dont have any idea for the board yet. Im still checkin on your provide list and read it carefully. Thanks a lot.
Thanks Carlo.
Let me know when you have your short list and I will be happy to give my opinion on sizing for each specific board.
Hi Nate!
Thank you for your informative site – a great help!
I’m considering buying myself a snowboard to kick up the hobby again. I used to do it in my teens but last time was few years back with a rental kit. I’d say I am not a beginner anymore but a steady intermediate. Would not be doing much park but not that much of powder/freeriding (I live in Finland) either although I am an adrenalin junkie and enjoy speed too (so not a clear view on which way I’d like to go for). All-mountain/freestyle -combination perhaps? I also battling with the right size – I am 166cm, weigh about 68 and boot size 38-39. There is a decent deal on Capita BOAF 2020 model and was thinking size 146. What do you think/any recommendations? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Hele
Thanks for your message.
Firstly in terms of size, I think 148-150 would be the best size range to look at for your specs. If you were a beginner then 146-148 probably a better range. That said, if you were to go BOAF, it’s something that’s got a lot of effective edge versus overall length, so you can go a bit shorter. For that board it would be between the 146 and 148, IMO. So 146 is doable for that board.
I think the BOAF could work for what you’re describing. It’s not well suited to powder, IMO. From what you say you may not be seeing much powder, so that might not be a big factor to consider for you. It’s the kind of board you want to be a solid Intermediate Rider on. It’s not for low-end intermediate or high-end beginner or anything like that. You want to have good technique riding it.
If you did want to check out other options, like if you wanted something that was a little better in powder, you could also look at:
>>My Top 6 Women’s All-Mountain Snowboards
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
Note that some in that second list are more freestyle oriented, but there are some options in there that could work well for you.
Let me know if there’s anything in those lists you are considering and I would be happy to let you know my opinion if it’s a good option for you (if you didn’t go with BOAF) and the size I’d recommend for the particular board.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I am getting the slash ATV with union falcor bindings. I am 5’ 11” and I weigh between 200-210 lbs. My boot size is 12. Should I get the 159w or the 163w. I like to ride fast and bomb groomers. Thanks!
Hi Keith
I’d be leaning 163W for your specs and given the fact that you like to bomb.
Hi Nate,
I am a true beginner to snowboarding. I went ahead and bought some Burton Moto boots (size 10) and Burton Mission EST bindings (medium). I found them together on eBay as a package. I found a decent deal on a 2021 Rossignol Circuit and wanted to know if you thought this was a good “true beginner” board. I am 6’0” and weigh 160-165. I will mainly be riding on the east coast of the U.S. in the North Carolina Smokey mountains so conditions are usually icy.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
First thing is if you have EST bindings, then you can only ride them on a board with the channel system. Which at the moment is just Burton and Endeavor, that I know of. The EST bindings won’t be able to be mounted on the Rossi Circuit unfortunately. The Circuit is for a sure a good true beginner board, IMO, but you’d have to get different bindings if you wanted it.
If you decide to stick with the bindings and go for something Burton (or Endeavor), then I would be looking at the Burton Instigator Flat Top or Burton Ripcord. Note that there’s also a Burton Instigator PurePop – whilst this isn’t too far off for a beginner, if you want the easier progression, then that’s the Flat Top version. Also the PurePop is new this year, so you won’t be able to find a 2021 version. If you can find a 2021 (or earlier) version of the Instigator Flat Top or Ripcord, then that would be the way to go, if you’re looking to get a better price. Endeavor boards are a little harder to come by, but if you can find the Ranger, that would be your best bet as a beginner board, from Endeavor.
Size-wise, I’d be looking in a range between 154 and 156. So for the Instigator, it would be 155 and for Ripcord 154. For the Ranger 154 or 156. But if you could also let me know your boot size (which is also important for sizing), I can confirm those sizings – and make sure you don’t need to go with a wide board.
If you end up going with the Circuit and changing bindings, the 155 would be your best bet, IMO.
Hope this helps
I’m glad I asked you before buying the circuit board. I almost pulled the trigger on it today! My boot size is a 10. It may also be worth noting that I will mainly be riding in North Carolina, so probably more slush and ice than anything. Not sure if this will change anything for your opinion.
Hi Matt
With 10s, the sizes mentioned in my previous reply should be all good.
Flat Top Burton boards aren’t amazing in icy conditions. As a beginner, I think you’d get away with it though, if you’re not going to be really charging. I think you’ll be fine. And they’ll be fine in slush too. The PurePop Instigator would give you a little more edge hold in icy conditions, but it’s not as pure a beginner board, IMO. But doable, if you were really worried about edge hold in ice.
Hey Nate,
I am 6” and weigh around 165 pounds with size 9.5 boot. I am looking at purchasing the Slash ATV as I would consider myself an advanced rider and enjoy bombing, carving and tree runs. I was hoping you could help me decide the best size for this board.
I really appreciate it!
Hi Cole
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, as an advanced rider and based on what you’re describing, I think the 158 is your best bet. You could ride the 156 and it would make it more agile, for the likes of trees, but you’d be sacrificing in terms of bombing and big carves. I think 158 should be the right balance for your specs for bombing, carving and trees.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
I couldn’t figure out how to make my own comment so I’m replying to this one.
I’m 5’10 190lbs with a narrower 21-22″ stance width and size 11 boot. I’m an intermediate all mountain rider looking to get into some butters, ground tricks and light park stuff this year. I decided to go with the Jones mountain twin, but I am having trouble deciding between the 156w and the 159w. I like the 156 for trying some new tricks, but I’m still gonna be ripping groomers, trees and powder most everyday.
Any input would be much appreciated!
Hi Isaac
Thanks for your message.
I definitely see your conundrum sizing-wise, in this case. I think the 159W is the more pure size for your specs, for sure, so it’s hard to go away from that. The 156W will certainly make buttering and tricks easier, but you would be sacrificing in terms of stability at speed and float in powder. In the trees, I think you’ actually like the shorter 156W. But the 159W is still going to be suitable for trees, and certainly doable for learning tricks and butters, so I’m leaning that way. But if you really want to make it easier for learning tricks/butters/park and are happy to sacrifice in terms of speed and powder, then the 156W isn’t wrong. But my instinct is 159W.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I love the site. I purchased four different decks for the family this year. I am building a custom snowboard that is similar to the GNU RC C3 162W board, with a few tweaks. We increased the width even more, to 29.7cm, which allows my merely large 11.5 feet to have no overhang at a 70 degree inclination. I have enough weight so that I can handle the extra width, and once I get out on it, I will see if that ended up being too wide. This board will be used for everything except powder.
For my beginners, i bought three different boards:
For my 11 yo, I have a Roxy Poppy 128. She is 4’8″, and around 70-80 lbs. with size 4 feet. This is the first board we will outgrow.
For my bean pole 14 yo I have a GNU GWO 153. She is 110 lbs., but 5’10” with size 9.5 women’s boot. This one is likely too wide and long.
For my muscular 17 yo, I got a 153 Bataleon Blow. She is 5’9″, 155 lbs. with size 10 women’s boots. This might still be a little wide.
All of the boards are some sort of twin so they can learn switch from day one. Once we get a few runs in in December and more in March 2022, I will provide an update on what worked and what didn’t.
I was also thinking of your rating system, If you are able to add a tool so that you can do your own weighting system, when trying to select boards, boots, and bindings, this would be great. For example, I was looking at the Union Atlas and Strata bindings for my all-mountain needs, but your rated one in the freeride category and the other in the all-mountain category. Or when looking for boots for my wife, the most important thing is comfort, and this might help me and others change the priorities.
Love the web site and the reviews.
-Josh
Hi Josh
Thanks for your message.
I look forward to hearing how you get on with the boards.
I think the Bataleon Blow is a good size (I don’t currently test Bataleon boards, so not sure about much else with that board, but size-wise, I think it looks good). If getting really fussy, it may be mildly too wide, but if she’s athletic, then I don’t think it will be a problem, and I think the length is really good.
I do suspect, as you did as well, that the 153 GWO is a little big for your 14 yo. I would be more concerned about the length than the width. It’s on the wider side, but in the right length, I think she’d be OK with that width, even if not ideal. I think the 147 GWO would have been the better length. But borderline too narrow, so I can see why you wanted to go wider. But I think she would get away with the width of the 147, particularly as a beginner who isn’t going to be railing their carves or anything.
I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on kid’s boards, but I think the poppy should work well for your 11 yo and the sizing looks fine. Quite wide for her feet most likely, but overall I think it should be OK.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have actually thought about that a couple of times, as not everyone will have the same weightings. So far, I haven’t had the time to look into how to implement it (and this off season I was busier than normal), but next off season I’ll look into it again. I do agree, that it would be valuable.
Hi Nate,
I can see you really take your time answering every question properly, helping a lot of people making good decisions. So I will try my luck:)
My last buy has been in 2007: a Nitro Team (157). Now it’s time for a new board (and new boots) and I have done lot of research especially on your website (very informative). I kind of narrowed it down to the Mercury and the Warpig (I know they are totally different but kind of got stuck there). At the moment I think I’ll get the Mercury but I’m not sure about the size. Here some data: 64kg, 180cm and I just ordered the Ride Deadbolt 9.5 (27.5).
Would you recommend the 155 or should I take the 157 the same size as my old board was/is? And maybe just to be sure in case I’m changing my opinion: Warpig 148 or 151?
Thanks for your time!
Hi Serveri
Thanks for your message.
For the Mercury, I would go 155, even though you’re used to a 157. The 155 Mercury has more effective edge than even the 157 Team (2007 model), so it’s not going to feel much smaller. Whilst overall length does matter, effective edge is also important to consider. Also, the Mercury is a little wider too. Based purely on your specs, I would actually be debating between the 153 and 155 rather than between the 155 and 157. Between the 153 and 157, I would be leaning 155, because you’re used to 157. But otherwise, the 153 would certainly be an option.
If you were to go Warpig, it’s a tough call. The 151 is probably the rough equivalent of a 157 non-volume shifted board. The 148 more like a 154. I would be leaning 148, particularly based purely on specs, but if you wanted to keep a bit more effective edge, then the 151 is doable and overall likely a closer equivalent surface area to your 157 Team.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I appreciate the info!
I am getting a new setup for my son who is turning 9 in November and I have been struggling to figure out the right length for him.
Here are his stats:
Been skiing/boarding since he was 2
Has skied and boarded Mtn Xplorers and Funantics programs for the last 4 years
I would consider him an intermediate/advanced rider
Rides through the glades with ease and throws 180’s in the trees
Can navigate the terrain park well for his age
Can ski/board all runs at every mountain we have been to
Basically, he is a solid rider and I want to make sure I get him the right board and length for his skill level, riding style with some room to grow.
He is 54″ tall barefooted and prob around 70lbs.
He is currently riding a hand me down 128cm that was our last test to see if he really wanted to focus more on his snowboarding. It was a little long when we got it, but he didn’t know the difference.
I was looking at the 2022 Jones Flagship Big Kids 127cm
and the 2022 Lib Tech Dynasword C3 130cm
So do I get the 127 or the 130 or even a different length? Also, board/binding recommendations are welcomed!
Thanks
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I think 127 is probably the more appropriate size right now. But given I’m guessing he’s growing pretty fast at his age and if you’re investing in a decent board for him like this, I think it makes sense to look at 130 for the Dynasword and 132 for the Flagship Big Kids. If budget isn’t a concern at all, then you could go 127 Flagship big kids right now and upgrade, but I’d say he grows out of that size in 1 season, IMO.
Just to confirm those board sizings – and also for boot/binding recommendations, can you let me know your son’s current boot size.
And full transparency, I don’t really look much at kid’s gear and don’t test it or anything (of course!), so in terms of suitability of boards, I couldn’t say for sure. But my opinion is that it sounds like he’s certainly at the ability where he could ride those 2 boards no problem and would be good for his style mostly. They won’t be great for the park is the only thing. Doable in the park, but they’re designed more for freeride than freestyle.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate, it’s my first time buying a snowboard(used always rentals).I have come across a really interesting board,United shapes Horizon(2020).I fell in love with it as it is in my price range, my style(all-mountain),shape of the board and etc. Here is the link as well unitedshapes.us/shop/horizon-series-1. Thing is I am 183 cm,80kg which doesn’t really fit any sizes they offer(147,151,155,159MW).What do you suggest? Should I look into other boards, are there any of that shape?
Hi George
Thanks for your message.
Can you let me know your boot size – just to make sure that the 159MW wouldn’t be a good fit. 155 is probably too small, depending on how you like to ride.
Can you let me know a few more details, and then I can look into something similar.
– Boot size
– Style of riding (how you like to ride – trees? park? bombing? carving? etc)
– Ability level
– What is your price range?
– Are you looking for something that’s directional but centered on effective specifically, like the United Shapes Horizon? And also is it important to have the pointy nose and swallow tail?
Hi Nate,
I wear Size 9US. I am 170cm tall / 79kg.
Juggling between 154 and 156 for Capita DOA due to my height and my level (just linking turns atm, so I would say early Intermediate level?) given I always have the impression that shorter board are easier to turn (plus that I am short for my weight).
But I understand for all mountain, 156 would give me that stability. (I am not at a level where I can do park.)
Now that I read more into the specs, 154 accommodate up to 81kg only, so I would be right at the edge at 79kg excluding boots. Where 156 accommodate up to 86kg… 156 it is I guess? Or 154 because of my level.
Bindings:
Looking to pair the DOA with STR. But also looking at Contact Pro (however as a park-oriented binding would be too soft?)
I was also told don’t waste my time with STR, go straight to Force.
Cheers,
Michael
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
I think 156 would be the better size IF you were more advanced, but for right now the 154 would be your best bet, IMO.
For bindings, the STR are a decent binding for their price, but yes the Force would be a better match with the DOA and are nicer bindings. The STR on the other hand would be better for your ability level. Though there’s not much in it between the Force and STR in terms of ability level. The Contact Pro would be good for your ability level, but aren’t a good match to the DOA, IMO.
For the record, I wouldn’t consider the DOA as a board I would recommend for that high-end beginner/low intermediate rider, but if you’re set on that board, then I’d go 154 and match it with either the STR or Force. The Force a better overall binding and a better match for the board flex-wise, but the STR would do the job OK, if you wanted to save a bit of cost.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate for thorough suggestion and advise!
Cheers~
You’re very welcome Michael. Hope you have a great season!
Hi Nate,
I’m buying my first snowboard and I’ve decided to go with the Capita Mercury. I’ve been riding for a few seasons now and I’m approaching the advanced skill level. I am 180cm tall with a US8.5 boots and am at about 87kgs in weight.
I don’t plan to ride park that much if at all and went for this board as per your top 10 list for all-mountain boards. I’ve got Union Force bindings and Burton Imperials for my bindings and boots repsectively. All thanks to your recommendations and your site, it has really helped with informing my decision of what to get for my snow gear.
I’m not quite sure if I should get the 159cm board or the 161cm board. As the Capita website recommends on the 159cm board of weights up at 90kg. As I’m closer to the 90kg weight range than I’d like to be. Is this going to be a concern later down the track? Should I go and get myself a 161cm Mercury instead of the 159?
I noticed however you did say that a few cms above and below wouldn’t be too much of a worry. Although the Mercury is costing me a fair amount of money, I would like to be sure on which one to buy. I’d like your expert opinion on the matter.
Thank you again for all your reviews and content on your website.
Kind regards,
Rob
Hi Robert
Thanks for your message.
I would go as big as the 161 for the Mercury for you and the main reason is boot size. The Mercury is on the wide side for your boots and sizing down a little bit is a good idea if the board is a little wider. I would be debating between the 157 and 159 for you, for that reason. I think the 159 works though, so if you were uncomfortable going down to the 157, and considering you’re not really riding park, then I think the 159 is a good bet, but I’d definitely be going 159 over 161 for this particular board.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate. I’m new to snowboarding. I decided purchase a 2nd hand board (barely used) older model though it’s the Rome Jett 2008/2009. I thought better that hiring and wasting time with fittings etc
It’s 144cmL/ 23.5cmW & my boot size is 6.5US (Thirty Twos 86 fastracks with Roxy bindings
My height is 5ft and my weight is 51kg
Is my board too long for me for a new starter? I read I should ride up to 140cm but that longer can give more stability for beginners so was Ok to go slightly longer. I purchased it after being told it was 142cm so thought I’d be ok. But then after I bought it and measured it the board is actually 144cm 😐
I’m worried it’s too big for me…. sigh I leave for the snow in few weeks time flying from Australia to nz
Your advice be appreciated! Cheers from Perth, Western Australia
Hi Rosie
From what I can tell the smallest size for the Jett 2008/09 model was 144, so your measuring sounds correct.
IMO, it’s too long. For your specs, I wouldn’t go longer than 140/141 for an all-mountain board, even as an advanced rider. Maybe a touch longer if you were getting something as a freeride board.
But as a beginner, it’s typical to actually go a little shorter, so I’d actually be looking in that 136-138 range for you. Pushing it go up to 140, but 144, IMO, is too long. It’s true that longer boards are more stable, but that’s typically about stability at high speeds and as a beginner you don’t tend to be riding that fast. A shorter length is easier to control and easier to turn. Go too long and the board becomes much more difficult to turn, particularly at slower speeds – and you don’t want to be learning going too fast at the beginning.
So yeah, IMO, 144 isn’t ideal for your specs full stop and especially as a beginner.
Hope this helps
That’s awesome advice thanks for that. I’ll go back on the hunt again then. If you have any boards you would suggest I look at feel free to drop a few names
Thanks for that. If you have any boards you can suggest that be great.
I had a hunt around and came across a Burton Troop 141 would that be OK for a beginner? Or is that too advanced for a learner?
Also what flex rating should I be aiming for?
Hi Rosie
Looking at the specs of the Troop (not super familiar with it as it’s from before I started doing this), it’s not ideal for a beginner, IMO. The main reason is that it’s got an all camber profile. Full camber can feel “catchy” and is less forgiving of skidded turns – so that can be tricky for a beginner to ride. Most boards around the Troop’s time were all camber – so certainly you had to learn on that kind of profile then, but there are better profiles for learning on nowadays.
It looks good in terms of flex – in general I would be looking at something around that 3/10 to 4/10 flex for a beginner. For more check out:
>>How To Choose The Best Snowboard For A Beginner
Some great beginner options:
>>My Top 10 Women’s Beginner Snowboards
Or if you wanted to step it up a little bit, but without going too advanced:
>>Top 10 Women’s Intermediate Snowboards
If you’re looking at used boards, a lot of these have had models for several years, so there might be some used models floating around. But also check out some of the past top 10s, which will have some older models which have been discontinued. If you scroll down to the bottom of the following page:
>>Snowboard Top 10s
And click on the “2019-20 Top 10s” button, you will be able to look at the 2019-20 lists and from that page you can go back even further and so on.
Cheers! I think I’m going to go with the Nitro Lectra after reading up on your suggestions. I was hoping for twin shape but if this boards been rated number one I’m assuming directional still fine for a first timer…?
Unfortunately none left in older models in my size 138cm so I’ll go with the 2022 model. I liked the look of the burton stylus but I was hoping to use my exisiting bindings from my Rome board and see the Burton is a channel system. I assume my Roxy bindings will fit the nitro (the Rome Jett is the 4×4 binding system I think…..)
Thanks again for your help I’ll let you know how it goes after my first time taking it out next month!
Hi Rosie
Yeah, the Lectra has the standard 2 x 4 insert pattern, which pretty much any binding can mount too (apart from Burton EST). Even if your Roxy bindings are old there shouldn’t be any issues and if they fit on a 4 x 4 insert pattern, then they should fit on 2 x 4 just fine.
Directional is fine for beginners, IMO. The only thing would be if you were really keen to ride switch well from the outset, then it might be a good idea to go for a true twin. The Lectra isn’t super directional or anything but it does have a slightly longer nose than tail (but that’s outside the contact points, so mostly noticeable in powder) and a small setback, plus I think it has a slightly directional flex pattern. But yeah, unless you’re really keen to work on switch from the get go (and you can still ride switch on it, for sure, but not quite as easy as on a true twin), I wouldn’t worry too much about it being directional.
Thanks heaps Nate! You’re a legend!
OK I’m just waiting for the lectra 138 to become avail – sold out everywhere.
Or if there is also other board for an absolute beginner that you would recommend?
Recap:
5 ft
51kgs
Size 6.5-7 boot
Snowboarding in nz terrain not sure if you need that info
Hi Rosie
Plenty of options, if you didn’t want to wait for the Lectra (assuming you were able to find one of these):
– Arbor Ethos 138
– K2 First Lite 138
– Burton Stylus 138 (on the wider side for your boots though)
– Ride Compact 138 (also a little wider, but not as wide as Stylus)
– Salomon Oh Yeah 138 (also a little wider, but not as wide as Stylus)
– GNU B Nice 139
– Rossignol Myth 139
– K2 Dreamsicle 138 (little bit of a step up from the First Lite, but still beginner friendly)
– Arbor Poparazzi Rocker 138 (little bit of a step up from the Ethos, but still beginner friendly)
– GNU Gloss 136 (bit of a step up from the B Nice, but still beginner friendly enough)
THANK YOU!!! Your help is saving so many of us the hassle, money and time with picking the right board – you’re awesome mate. Appreciate ya hard work 🙂
You’re very welcome Rosie. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hey Nate!
I’m looking at getting a NS Lady West.
I would say I’m a solid intermediate who’s only interest is carving and floating down the mountains. I like to dodge through trees quite a lot too and eventually would like to get some back bowls in as I get more confident. But for the foreseeable future I’m perfectly content with blues and blacks around Colorado.
I learned boarding on a NS 149 Infinity. It’s the first and only board I’ve ever used. However I weigh about 20lbs more than when I was when I got it….and even back then it terrified me to go fast on it as it started to feel wobbly.
I’m stuck between the 153 and the 156 for the NS Lady West. Just can’t decide. What do you think?
Height – 5’4.5” (the half is important)
Weight – 161 (hopefully back down to 140s by Xmas, I’m coming off of knee surgery)
Boots – old school Nike Vapens Sz 8
Thank you!
Hi Skylar
Thanks for your message.
Definitely don’t go 156, IMO. Even if you were to stay at 161, that’s too long for your specs, IMO. Even 153 you might find a bit long, particularly if you’re looking to ride a fair bit of trees. But 153 is certainly doable. I would be leaning 151 though. That’s going to be a good size for you now and will still be a good size if you get into the 140s. The 153 might start feeling a little long if your 15 pounds lighter.
In terms of stability at speed, and I definitely understand that concern, there are other factors than just length that contribute to that. A longer board is certainly more stable at speed than a shorter one, all else being equal, but things like flex, camber profile, effective edge, side cut and others affect stability at speed too. The Lady West is naturally more stable at speed – so if you were to get a Lady West in 149 it’s going to be more stable at speed than the Infinity 149. Even if you were to go to the 147 Lady West, you’d have a little more stability at speed versus the 149 Infinity – it would be getting closer then, particularly for the fact that the Infinity has more effective edge, but even in the 147, I would say the Lady West would have more stability at speed than the 149 Infinity. So, I wouldn’t go way longer just for stability at speed – and then negatively affect your maneuverability, particularly for trees. The 151 Lady West should feel significantly more stable at speed than the 149 Infinity.
Hope this helps with your decision
Cheers!
So you think the NS LW 151 is my best bet, especially if I’m a smidge lighter weight wise?
Out of pure curious type, is there really that much of a differ between 151 and 153?
Thank you again. This is been really helpful.