Snowboard sidecut plays an important role in how a snowboard behaves during turns. But how does it work and which one to choose? Understanding it can be complex and confusing at the same time, but don’t worry!
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive overview. We will focus on understanding snowboard sidecut, the various types, their characteristics, effects on riding, and we will help you determine which one is right for you.
What is sidecut on a snowboard?
The snowboard sidecut is the curve created by the side of the snowboard.
It affects the behavior of the board during turns.
There are different types of sidecut, each with different shapes and depths. That is why there are terms that allow us to understand how the sidecut is.
snowboard sidecut radius
The snowboard sidecut radius is the value of the radius of the circumference that would be created if we extended the sidecut of the snowboard.
Note: When you read the sidecut radius of a snowboard, don’t be surprised if it is in meters. Look at the image below for a better understanding.
snowboard sidecut depth
Imagine drawing a line between the contact points at the nose and tail. The distance between this line and the snowboard is the sidecut depth.
Both of these values are connected. For example, a high sidecut radius equilaval to a low sidecut depth (and vice versa).
How does sidecut affect riding?
Snowboard sidecut, as I said is the turn created by the side of the snowboard. And when does the side of the snowboard touch the ground? When it turns. That’s why it affects the behavior of the snowboard in turn.
- A snowboard with a deep sidecut, so with a small sidecut radius, is better suited for tight and fast turns.
- A snowboard with a less deep sidecut, so with a large sidecut radius, is good for longer, smoother turns.
But what do small and large sidecut radii mean? A small sidecut radius averages 6 meters, while a large one averages 10 meters.
Of course, it is not the only thing that affects how a snowboard turns. The camber, shape, and flex of the snowboard are also to be considered.
To learn more I recommend you read our guides on:
Choosing the Right Sidecut for Your Snowboard
There are four types of sidecut, each with different features and adaptability to different levels and styles of riding:
- Radial sidecut
- Progressive sidecut
- Asymmetrical sidecut
- Serrated edge sidecut
Radial sidecut
The radial sidecut is the most common and simple. It has a constant radius along the entire length of the board side.
Snowboards that have it are those with true twin shapes.
Best-fit styles and skill level
Style: Perfect for freestyle and all mountain.
Skill Level: Snowboards with this sidecut are great for beginners. I recommend reading our guide to discover all the other features a snowboard for beginners should have.
Progressive sidecut
The progressive sidecut is progressively deeper from nose to tail. This allows for a sharper and faster turn start.
Snowboards with directional, tapered, and volume-shifted shapes have this sidecut.
Best-fit styles and skill level
Style: Perfect for freeride and all-mountain.
Skill level: Snowboards with this sidecut are not ideal for beginners.
Asymmetrical sidecut
The asymmetric sidecut, as the word suggests, is not symmetrical on both sides of the snowboard as in other cases.
For example, one side might be deeper while the other less.
But why this? When we snowboard our body is not symmetrical. That makes the movements done on the heels and those on the toes different.
It is created specifically to balance this asymmetry.
Usually, a snowboard with an asymmetric sidecut is deeper on the toe side and less on the heel side. This makes it easier to start turns on the toes, which is usually harder.
This sidecut is used only on true twin snowboards, so it can be ridden in both goofy and regular stance.
Read our guide to learn more about asymmetrical snowboards and how they work.
Best-fit styles and skill level
Style: More suitable for freestyle and all-mountain.
Skill level: I don’t recommend it for beginners, it’s better to learn first with a “classic” sidecut.
Serrated edge sidecut
The serrated sidecut is one of the most distinctive. Snowboards of this type have wavy sides, this creates more contact points with the snow.
It is created to have more grip during turns, especially on ice.
It’s also great for snowboards with a camber profile that has only two contact points during turns.
Best-fit styles and skill level
Style: Great for freeriding and backcountry.
Skill level: I don’t recommend it for beginners. It is better to learn first with a “classic” sidecut.
So, after reading this post, hopefully, you have a better understanding of what a sidecut is on a snowboard and how it affects the snowboard’s performance.
What to do next…
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If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to write us here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com!
