Every snowboard has several parts and a snowboarder needs to know them to better understand how it works.
In this post, we will examine all the parts of a snowboard and its measurements, from the simplest to the most complex.
Parts of a snowboard
Nose and Tail
Nose
The nose is the front tip of the snowboard. It can vary in shape and size depending on the type of snowboard and its use; in the case of true-twin snowboards, it coincides with the tail.
It is sometimes also called tip.
Tail
The tail is the rear of the snowboard, in the case of true-twin snowboards, coincides with the nose.
Related measurements
Nose length
Nose length is the length of the snowboard in the nose area. It extends from the end of the nose to its widest part.
Nose width
The nose width is the widest part of the nose and it is usually expressed in millimeters.
Tail length
Tail length is the length of the snowboard in the tail area. It extends from the extreme end of the tail to its widest part.
Tail width
The tail width is the widest part of the snowboard tail.
Camber Profile
Camber is the profile in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard.
It is very important since it affects the behavior of the board and thus the riding. It can be of different types, including traditional, flat, hybrid, etc.
If you are not familiar with them, I suggest you read our guide on camber types, their characteristics and adaptability.
Base
The snowboard base is one of the most important parts of a snowboard, as it is the board’s interface with the snow. Its features should provide maximum glide on snow.
In addition, there are two types of snowboard bases: extruded and sintered. If you’re thinking about buying a snowboard, it’s a good idea to check out our guide on the difference between the two.
The difference isn’t subtle.
Related measurements
Contact points
Contact point refers to the part of the snowboard that touches the ground when the snowboarder is not on it. These contact points are influenced by the camber of the snowboard.
For example, a flat snowboard will have a single larger contact point than a camber snowboard, which will have two smaller contact points.
Contact length
Surface of the base that touches the ground while the snowboarder is hooked up. The camber and length of the snowboard’s tail and nose have an impact on this surface.
Example: a camber snowboard, even with the snowboarder hooked up has less ground contact area than a flat one.
Binding mounts
Binding mounts are the parts of a snowboard created for attaching bindings. There are four different types of binding mounts: 2×4, 4×4, channel, and 3D.
Check out our guide on the different types of mounts and how to mount snowboard bindings.
Related measurements
Stance width
The stance width is the distance in centimeters between the center of the front and rear bindings of the snowboard.
Depending on the type of binding mount and stance width, it is possible to set a different stance, which is the position of the bindings on the snowboard.
Setting the right one for your style or skill level is critical and will allow you to improve faster.
Read our guide to learn how to set the perfect stance for you.
Waist width
The waist width is the minimum width of the center area of the snowboard. It is usually located between the two areas dedicated to mounting bindings (Binding mounts).
Sidecut
The sidecut is the curve created by the side edge of the snowboard. It is important since it affects the behavior of the board when turning.
I suggest you read our guide on the types of sidecut and how it affects riding.
Related measurements
Sidecut depth
The sidecut depth is the depth of the sidecut relative to an imaginary straight line placed between the maximum width points of the tail and nose.
Sidecut radius
The term sidecut radius indicates the value in meters of the circle radius that would be created by expanding the sidecut. Its purpose is to give us an idea of the sidecut of the snowboard.
Steel edges
The steel edges are the side edges of the snowboard. During the slope, when they are in contact with the snow, they allow the snowboard to turn and brake.
Related measurements
Effective edge
The effective edge of the foil is equal to the area where the foil makes contact with the snow during turns. This area extends from the widest point of the nose to the widest point of the tail.
Sidewall
The sidewall is the side edge of the snowboard and protects the board from impacts. It is usually made of strong and durable materials such as ABS plastic.
What to do next…
Now that you know all the parts of a snowboard, there are other important things to know to take your riding to the next level:
- Learn about all snowboard shapes and their features.
- What is snowboard flex and how it works.
- What is snowboard waxing and why should I do it.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please feel free to contact us here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com.
