Having the right snowboard for each riding style is critical to improving faster and reaching top skills. For this reason, in this guide, we will compare all the differences between a freeride vs all mountain snowboard.
Freeride vs all mountain snowboarding
To better understand the differences between the snowboards of these two styles and why they are the way they are, it is important to understand what all mountain and freeride snowboarding means.
Freeride snowboarding
Freeriding involves snowboarding off-piste in terrain with high, fresh powder, often through trees.
Freeriders use natural ramps to perform tricks and they carve deeply at high speeds.
A snowboard, to be suitable for freeriding must have:
- Flotation
- Edge hold
- Responsiveness
- Stability
All mountain snowboarding.
All mountain, on the other hand, is a style that groups all the others.
As the name implies, an all-mountaineer rides on all terrains, from the slopes to the off-piste and also the snowpark.
To be versatile across all terrains, an all mountain snowboard must have:
- Flotation
- Edge hold
- Responsiveness
- Switch riding
- Stability
Freeride vs all mountain snowboard
A freeride snowboard vs an all mountain snowboard differs for five factors:
- Flex
- Shape
- Camber Profile
- Length
- Base (it depends)
Another key factor we will discuss that is not related to the design features but to the setting of the bindings is the stance.
Flex
Freeride snowboards have a flex between 7 and 10, so stiff. That provides stability and edge hold even at high speeds.
In addition, these snowboards often have progressive flex, so not equal throughout the snowboard.
The nose area is typically softer, making it easier to lift and increasing flotation.
All mountain snowboards need maximum versatility to be suitable for all styles. That is why the best flex is 5 or 6, so medium.
In this case, you can also choose between an all-mountain freeride or all-mountain freestyle flex.
However, this depends on personal preference.
I recommend you read our guide to learn more about how snowboard flex affects riding.
Bonus: Bindings and boots have their flex value as well. For freeride it is recommended between 8 and 10, and for all mountain 5 or 6. Learn all there is to know about snowboard boot flex and snowboard binding flex through our comprehensive guides.
Shape
Freeride snowboards have a directional shape, thus with a longer and/or wider nose to promote flotation.
Specifically, they usually have a directional or directional tapered shape.
Another good option is the volume shifted shape. Snowboards with this shape are very wide but short.
This makes them maneuverable, but at the same time gives them maximum buoyancy.
For all mountain, the best shape is the directional twin, with the nose slightly longer than the tail.
This shape is great for switch riding, which is essential for freestyle, but also has excellent flotation needed for freeriding.
In this case, as in almost all aspects of all mountain, you can choose a more style-oriented snowboard.
True twin for an all mountain – freestyle snowboard or directional for an all mountain – freeride snowboard.
I recommend you read our guide to discover all the options for snowboard shapes.
Camber Profile
For freeriding, a snowboard with a hybrid camber (camrock) profile is the most suitable.
The camber section between the legs provides stability and excellent edge hold, while the rocker at the ends offers better floatation.
These are essential features for a freeride snowboard.
All mountain snowboards usually have a hybrid camber or hybrid rocker profile.
This is because they combine the advantages of camber and rocker and make the snowboard very versatile and complete.
Discover the various camber profiles and their advantages and disadvantages.
Length
Freeride snowboards are usually longer than “normal” (the one proportional to your body) by a few centimeters (2-3 cm).
In this way, since the contact area with the snow is larger, the snowboard has more flotation.
The longer length not only provides more stability but also better edge hold.
An all mountain snowboard, to be versatile, should not be too short to lose stability and edge hold, but neither too long to make tricks difficult.
The best size is the “normal” size, which is the one proportional to your height and weight.
To choose the right size snowboard, I recommend you follow our guide. Unlike many other methods, it allows you to choose the right size depending on the snowboard model you choose and your body.
Avoid using universal tables, which are often wrong.
Base
Snowboards can have two different types of bases, extruded and sintered. The extruded board is less durable and performs worse, but it is cheaper to buy, easier to repair, and requires less waxing.
On the other hand, the sintered board is more expensive to buy and maintain, but it is more durable and performs better.
As for freeride and all mountain, the choice depends on the performance you want to have and the budget.
I suggest reading our guide on the differences between sintered and extruded bases to learn more about this topic.
Freeride vs all mountain stance
The stance is the position of the bindings on the snowboard.
Snowboard stance is an important aspect that every snowboarder must consider.
Incorrect stance makes it difficult to improve. That is because it does not fit your riding style, your skill level, and most importantly, your body.
In freeriding, it’s important to have a setback stance, so with bindings mounted more toward the tail.
That allows more weight to be put on the tail, lifting the nose and increasing flotation.
The bindings should be mounted with a positive/positive angle. That promotes responsiveness and carving since it is easier to bend the legs.
The last aspect is the highback of the bindings. For freeriding it is better to angle it more toward the legs to promote responsiveness.
Note: The highback is the part of the binding that like a lever, allows us to control the snowboard with our movements.
In all mountain, the stance is recommended slightly setback.
The recommended angle for mounting bindings is positive/zero, suitable for both carving and switch riding (essential for freestyle).
The highback can be angled depending on whether you want more or less responsiveness.
To set the perfect stance for you, I recommend reading our guide. Furthermore, find out how to properly mount snowboard bindings.
As you have realized from reading this guide, every style needs a snowboard with certain features. Choosing the right one is critical to furthering your improvement.
Which riding style do you prefer? What snowboard model do you use? Let us know in the comments.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us in the comments or by emailing us at support@adventurerhub.com.
