Comparison Rome Sawtooth 164 2017 /2018 vs Rome Mountain Division 163 2017 /2018

The general riding style for which the board is designed.

Modern snowboards can be combined into 4 main styles: freestyle, all mountain, freeride ( and slalom / carving. Here is a detailed description of each of them:

— Freestyle. Snowboards designed for performing various tricks, primarily related to jumping and aerial acrobatics. They have a relatively short length, low rigidity and, in most cases, a non-directional shape (symmetrical true twin, see below). Some models of such boards may be specialized for a specific type of freestyle: for example, boards for jibbing (sliding along railings, parapets and other edges), without an edge, for halfpipe (tricks in a half-pipe), big air (long-distance jumping from a springboard), etc.

— All mountain. The name of this variety largely speaks for itself: universal snowboards are suitable for different types of snow surfaces (prepared, unprepared, flat, bumpy, etc.) and different riding styles. However, it is worth remembering that in each case such models are inferior to specialized boards - for example, on an all mountain you cannot turn as quickly as on a slalom board. In general, their main purpose is descents in simple conditions, although this is not necessarily limited to prepared runs - universal snowboards are also suitable for backcountry/freeride. This option is considered optimal for in...itial learning to ride a snowboard. In terms of design features, all mountain boards are generally similar to freestyle snowboards (see above). However, among them, there are not only true twin, but also other shapes (including fishtail).

— Freeride. Snowboards specifically designed for off-piste riding. They can be either soft or stiff and also have different shapes. However, freeride snowboards have a fairly large length and width to increase the contact area with the snow, as well as the maximum length of the edges.

— Slalom/carving. Snowboards for high-speed riding with sharp turns on prepared runs (slalom is usually called a sports discipline, and carving is a riding technique used in both sports and recreational riding). A common feature of all such models is high rigidity, as well as long length combined with small width; the design is usually directional. Within this style, there are several subtypes: for example, giant slalom snowboards are longer than “regular” slalom snowboards, models for different carving styles can vary in size and shape, etc.

The approximate level of skill a snowboard is designed for.

— Beginner. Equipment designed for those who have no or little experience of skiing and are learning the basics of snowboarding.

— Progressive. Models for those who have mastered the basic skills of riding, but for confident use of the snowboard still needs practice.

— Average. Models for amateurs who ride regularly and in large quantities, but in relatively uncomplicated conditions.

— Experienced. Models for those who have surpassed or intend to surpass the experience of the average snowboarder (go to more difficult tracks, learn new tricks); also suitable for the initial training of athletes.

— Expert. Professional models designed primarily for athletes.

The more “professional” the snowboard, the more features it provides, but the price for this is the complexity of management and the need for special skills. Therefore, when choosing according to this indicator of skating, you need to soberly assess the level of the rider. Also, note that some models may be suitable for several levels at once. For example, an advanced board can be comfortable enough for beginners, or vice versa, quite advanced and suitable for an intermediate level.

The length of the snowboard is also called the size because the main selection criterion for this indicator is the growth of the rider. However, this is not entirely true — it is also necessary to take into account the weight of the rider, the purpose of the board, the desired degree of manoeuvrability and control, and some other factors. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model according to size in each case separately, consulting with special sources or professional snowboarders. You should not neglect these recommendations — at best it will be inconvenient to ride, at worst it is also dangerous.

In general, a longer board (ceteris paribus) is more stable, including at high speeds, it behaves better in deep snow but is less manoeuvrable and agile.

The length of that part of the snowboard (more precisely, the edges of the snowboard) that is in direct contact with the slope during the ride. Other things being equal, a longer edge makes the ride stable and smooth but reduces manoeuvrability; shorter — increases the manoeuvrability of the board and allows you to make sharp turns, but requires more serious skills to keep on course. Detailed recommendations on the length of the edge for different types and styles of riding can be found in special sources.

The radius of the curved line that forms the sidecut of the snowboard.

The larger the radius, with the same length, the less curvature of the sidecut, the more stable the snowboard on the snow and the more “reluctantly” it turns and turns over. Conversely, a smaller radius makes it easier to turn in a small arc, makes the board “responsive” and, accordingly, demands control precision and rider skills. Detailed recommendations on the optimal radius for different types and styles of riding can be found in special sources.

The shape is determined by how the snowboard looks from above.

- Tru twin (symmetrical). Fully symmetrical boards in which the "tip" and "tail" have the same shape, deflection and stiffness, and embedded parts are also located symmetrically. Thanks to this, you can ride in any stance, including easy to change while driving.

- Directional twin. In such boards, the shape of the “tip” and “tail” is the same. However, the board is not completely symmetrical: for example, the tip and tail can have different stiffness, the tip can be bent higher than the tail (so that the board does not burrow into the snow), embedded parts can be shifted back, the deflection may be asymmetrical about the middle, etc. Thus, the board is optimized for movement in a certain direction. However, if necessary, it can also go in the opposite direction.

- Directional. Snowboards with a pronounced tip and tail. The front and back have a different shape, the tip is usually softer than the tail, and the embedded parts are shifted back. This shape is found mainly in fairly advanced boards.

- Fishtail. A variety of directional boards (see above), in which the tail has a characteristic V-shaped cut. It is used mainly in universal models and freeride boards (see "Terrain"), because it is considered optimal for riding on untouched s...now due to its stability.

The greatest width of the snowboard in the area of \u200b\u200bthe front.

The ratio of the width of the "tip", "tail" and "waist" directly determines the radius of the side cutout (see above). In general, the width of a snowboard affects stability, handling and suitability for loose snow: a wider board is more stable and falls less, but turns worse and is more difficult to edge over. Another important parameter that determines the choice of a snowboard in width is the size of the rider's shoes: if the boots protrude too far, the board cannot be edged at a large angle. This is especially true for slalom (see "Terrain").

There are special techniques for choosing the optimal snowboard width.

The widest width of the snowboard is at the tail.

The ratio of the width of the "tip", "tail" and "waist" directly determines the radius of the side cutout (see above). In general, the width of a snowboard affects stability, handling and suitability for loose snow: a wider board is more stable and falls less, but turns worse and is more difficult to edge over. Another important parameter that determines the choice of a snowboard in width is the size of the rider's shoes: if the boots protrude too far, the board cannot be edged at a large angle. This is especially true for slalom (see "Terrain").

There are special techniques for choosing the optimal snowboard width.

The stiffness of a snowboard is indicated in arbitrary units from 1 to 10 ( the larger the number, the stiffer the board). Soft boards are convenient for jumping because they absorb shock well. But for high-speed driving, rigid models are recommended that are not so prone to vibrations.

Accordingly, the choice for this parameter directly depends on the planned use of the snowboard. For example, freestyle and freeride boards of small and medium stiffness are best suited; soft boards are also considered the best option for beginners. For slalom, the stiffness must be high.