When looking at snowboards from the best snowboard brands, here are some things to consider:
Your Experience Level
To keep things simple, we will say that there are only three different skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Beginners are snowboarders who have to slowly maneuver down a run to get the feel of things, or someone who has never before snowboarded. Intermediate level snowboarders are those who are more comfortable on their feet, including comfort riding heel and toe. Intermediate boarders may start learning to ride switch and start trying to advance their skills. Expert snowboarders can handle themselves on steeper slopes and are able to adapt to conditions as they appear. They usually have a great amount of confidence with their boards. Some boarders might also create a professional skill level. These types of riders are more comfortable snowboarding than they are walking.
You should always keep your skill level in mind when you are buying a new snowboard because every boards is made for a different rider. It is also important to keep in mind where you will advance to so that you don't outgrow your board too quickly. Luckily, when you buy boards online you can view a description of them before you purchase. You can find the intended skill level for the board here.
Your Riding Style
The type of riding that you enjoy and intend to use your board for is one of the largest factors to consider. There are several types of snowboards including: freeride, all mountain, freestyle, and power riding.
As you could guess, the freestyle boards are best used for doing tricks both on the mountain and on the park. These types of riders will spend their rime on rails, halfpipes, jumps, and boxes. Typically the aspects of freestyle board are the same aspects that beginners find helpful in a snowboard such as good flex and a shorter board length.
Freeride boards are used for cruising down runs with deep carving and high speeds. This type of riding usually happens on natural terrain best paired with a positive camber board due to the extra control and pop that they give for a smooth and fun ride. A directional board is the best option here,
All mountain riding snowboards are used for what their name suggests - a little bit of everything. They are typically used for a mix of freestyle and freerding. Riders with these boards can spend time cruising steep slopes or on the parks, jumps, and rails. With these board types you want a twin directional design and a medium amount of flex for an overall well-rounded board.
The final section is devoted to the powder hounds. These are a group of riders that are out conquering dangerous mountain lines with a sharp eye out for avalanches. When attempting this type of riding you have to ensure that you are always being supervised by a professional rider. The board type used hear has minimal flex, a longer length, and offers great control.