Snowboard flex is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a snowboard. But what does snowboard flex mean and how do you choose the right one for you?
In this guide, we will answer all these questions, and when you are done, you will know the perfect flex for your riding style.
To start, let’s take a look at what snowboard flex means and why it is so important.
what does snowboard flex mean?
Snowboard flex is the value used to indicate the flexibility of the snowboard.
It is important because it affects the maneuverability, stability, and edge hold of the snowboard.
Types of flex
When it comes to snowboard flex, there are two different types.
- Longitudinal flex
- Torsional flex
Longitudinal flex
Longitudinal flex is what you look at when choosing a snowboard. It represents the flexibility of the snowboard from nose to tail.
Note: in this guide, we will talk about this type of flex since it is the one that influences the choice of board.
This type of flex can be of two types:
Progressive: So not uniform throughout the board. For example, it could be softer on the nose and stiffer on the tail. That is featured on many directional boards to promote flotation.
Read our guide to learn more about snowboard shapes.
Continuous: So equal throughout the length of the snowboard.
Torsional flex
Torsional flex represents the side-to-side flexibility of the snowboard. For example, it might be more flexible on the toe side and less on the heel side.
It is rarely provided by manufacturers. However, it could be useful with asymmetrical snowboards.
How snowboard flex rating works
When you look at the features of a snowboard, you will read a number in the flex section. That number ranges from 1 to 10 and represents how flexible the snowboard is. From very flexible (Flex 1) to very stiff (Flex 10).
Here is a table to give you an idea of how flexible a snowboard is, based on the flex value:
- 1-2 soft flex
- 3-4 medium-to-soft flex
- 5-6 medium flex
- 7-8 medium-to-stiff flex
- 9-10 stiff flex
Note: When you read the flex value, don’t look at words like soft, medium-to-soft, or stiff, but the exact value of the flex (ex: flex 5), and then, to give you an idea, look at the table above.
That is because, for some manufacturers, medium flex means 3 to 5, while for others, 4 to 6. It is always better to know the exact number.
But what does this mean?
soft Flex
Soft snowboards are very maneuverable and easy to control. However, they are not stable, especially at high speeds.
That is because by flexing a lot the snowboard is more stressed to snow imperfections.
medium flex
Snowboards with medium flex are the most versatile since they combine the two macro flex groups (soft and stiff). They are stable and fairly easy to control.
Stiff flex
Stiff snowboards are very stable, even at high speeds, and they have a lot of edge hold. However, they are difficult to maneuver and control.
That is because stiffness requires more strength in movement.
Note: The flex value is always connected to a different snowboard shape.
How to choose the perfect flex for you
When choosing the perfect flex for you there are two factors to look at: your skill level and the riding style you want to do.
Best snowboard flex for Beginners
For beginners, it is important to have a snowboard that is easy to maneuver and control, but it is also good to have stability.
So, I recommend a flex from 3 to 5, so medium-to-soft.
That will give you a very versatile snowboard with all the features useful for a beginner. But also perfect when you will have more experience.
If you are a beginner, you can also choose snowboards with flex 1 or 2. However, I don’t recommend it, because when you will have more experience, you will be limited.
Check out our guide to find out all the features a beginner’s snowboard should have.
Best snowboard flex for Freeride
For freeriding, the best flex value is 7 to 10, so stiff. In fact, in freeriding it is important to have a lot of stability and edge hold, even at high speeds.
The flex of these snowboards is often progressive, so more flexible in the nose area to have a lot of flotation. This is because the nose, which is more flexible, will rise more and will avoid sinking into the powder.
This flex is often combined with a directional shape.
Best snowboard flex for Freestyle
If you like freestyle, to choose the right flex you need to know what you want to do.
If you want to spend most of your time in the parks and on the streets I recommend a very soft snowboard, from 1 to 3.
On the other hand, if you want a board that is great for landing jumps but also stable, I recommend a flex of 3 to 6.
Best snowboard flex for All-mountain
All-mountain has more freedom in board choice. The value I recommend is medium, so between 4 and 7.
This way, you will have a very versatile board suitable for all situations and conditions.
To choose between a softer or stiffer flex, think about whether you want an all mountain – freestyle (4 to 6) or all mountain – freeride (7) snowboard. But I personally believe that 5 and 6 are the most versatile values.
What to do next…
In addition to snowboarding, bindings and boots have their own flex value. To learn more, I recommend you read our guides:
If you have any questions or doubts please feel free to contact me here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com
FAQs
Does your body influence snowboard flex choice?
A fact that could affect your choice of flex is your weight and height. Imagine you have a snowboard that is very stiff and long compared to your height.
It will be impossible to control.
However, the solution is simple, and that is to choose the right snowboard size. This way the board will be proportionate to the features of your body.
To do that I recommend you read our guide on how to find the right size for your snowboard.
What is the difference between soft and stiff snowboard flex?
With a soft flex, the snowboard is easier to maneuver and control. While with a stiff flex the snowboard is more stable and has good edge hold.
What is the snowboard flex rating for a snowboard?
To rate snowboard flex, it is used a value from 1 to 10. 1 represents maximum softness, while 10 represents maximum stiffness.
