Do you want to buy a snowboard, but don’t know what kind of base to choose? If you don’t know where to start, you are in the right place. In this post, we will explore the differences between extruded vs sintered base.
We will go over the pros and cons of each, making it easier for you to decide which type is best for your needs.
Extruded
Vs
Sintered
How is it built?
Snowboards with an extruded base are made of polyethylene melted into the shape of the snowboard.
That creates a solid and quite porous base.
Snowboards with a sintered base are made by compressing polyethylene under high pressure (it is not melted).
That creates a compact and very porous base.
Why are pores important?
First of all, pores are microscopic holes in the base. They are important because they absorb the wax of the snowboard, so that it becomes faster and more durable.
So the more pores in the base, the better the performance!
Resistance and Maintenance
The extruded base is less resistant to abrasion and debris on snow. However, if damaged, it is easier and cheaper to repair.
It also requires waxing much less frequently, even every 6-7 full riding days.
And even with little wax, it maintains the same performance, obviously at the expense of durability.
The sintered base is more resistant to debris that might hit it while riding.
In addition, since it absorbs wax very well, it is more durable.
That is because a board with little wax (dry base) is more brittle and susceptible to debris on the slopes.
However, if damaged, the sintered base is more difficult and expensive to repair.
Moreover, it requires more frequent waxing to maintain performance and durability. Approximately one waxing every 2-3 full riding days.
Performance
The extruded base is slower than the sintered base.
However, when the wax starts to take off, it will be faster than a sintered snowboard.
Of course, it is never good to leave a snowboard un-waxed.
Sintered snowboards are faster than extruded snowboards.
That is because their pores absorb the wax better.
And the more the base absorbs the wax, the better the performance will be.
Price
Extruded snowboards are cheaper since the process to produce them is simpler.
In addition, their maintenance is cheap.
Sintered snowboards are usually more expensive.
Another aspect that increases expenses is maintenance. Snowboards with this base require more frequent waxing.
In addition, if the base is damaged, it will be more expensive to repair.
Find out how much it costs to wax a snowboard and what to do to save money.
Who should choose it?
The extruded base is perfect for beginners. In fact, as a beginner, you don’t need maximum performance since you won’t be able to get the most out of it.
In addition, this type of base in case of damage is easier and less expensive to repair.
Plus, you will not have to wax it often to maintain performance and durability.
This type of base is also great for intermediates and experts with a budget that is not too high and who do not need to reach top speeds.
Or who may not want to spend too much time waxing.
If you are an advanced snowboarder this board is for you!
The sintered base is perfect for those who seek maximum performance and want to reach the limits of snowboards.
In addition, its features allow for much more aggressive and fast riding.
Both bases are great for any style however there is one exception, and that is freestyle.
In this case, I recommend choosing an extruded base, although the sintered base is more durable.
That is because, during tricks, the base is highly stressed to damage from scratching or hitting. Sometimes hard enough to damage both bases.
So, choosing the extruded base will make repair easier and cheaper.
Summary
Extruded Base
PROS:
- Affordable
- Cheap, and easy repairs
- Requires less frequent waxing
CONS:
- Less durable
- Holds less wax (few pores)
- Less performing
Sintered Base
PROS:
- Durable
- High performance
- holds wax better (more porous)
CONS:
- Usually more expensive
- Difficult, and expensive to repair
- Requires frequent waxing
Choosing the right base for your snowboard can make a big difference in your riding experience. After weighing the pros and cons of extruded and sintered bases, it is clear that each has its advantages.
What to do next…
Now that you know which one is right for you, check out our guide on:
- How to wax your snowboard easily
- 5 best waxing kits at an amazing price!
- Best snowboard wax.
If you have any questions or doubts please feel free to contact me here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com
FAQs
How do I maintain my snowboard base?
To do maintenance on the snowboard you need to wax it. Waxing allows the pores of the base to absorb the wax and make it more durable and better performing.
Read our guide to learn how to wax your snowboard easily.
How do I choose the best snowboard base for me?
If you are a beginner, I recommend the extruded base. It is cheaper and easier to repair.
For riding styles all bases are great however, for freestyle, I recommend the extruded one. Since freestyle stresses the board a lot, and the extruded one is cheaper to repair.
What are the pros and cons of extruded and sintered bases?
The extruded base is cheaper, easier to repair, and requires less maintenance. It can be waxed even after 6-7 days of riding.
However, it is less durable and performs less well.
Instead, the sintered base is faster, more durable, and holds a lot of wax. However, it is more expensive, difficult to repair, and requires more frequent waxing.
What is an extruded snowboard base?
The extruded base is a snowboard base built by melting polyethylene. That creates a base that is quite porous but easy to repair compared to the sintered one.
What is a sintered snowboard base?
Sintered base is a type of snowboard base made by compressing polyethylene under high pressure. That creates a very porous, resistant, but more expensive base.
