Snowboard Tech Terms Simplified

 The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Snowboard has been created to help Snowboarders choose the right Snowboard.

This follows on from How Much Money To Spend And How To Save Some.

Snowboard technology terms are confusing, many are just marketing gimmicks.

There are some terms that are essential, and there are some that you don’t need to worry about.

I’m going to show you which terms are essential and explain the ones that aren’t.

The 6 most essential terms

1. Length

The length of the Snowboard from tip to tail, measured in cm.

2. Width or “waist width”

This is the narrowest part of the Snowboard in the centre (where your feet go), It is measured in mm.

3. Flex Rating

The amount that the board will bend is rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

4. Shape

Twin tip – nose and tail are same length

Directional – has a longer nose than tail

A board may be Twin shape, but have the stance “set-back”. This means that it is shaped like a twin, but when you mount the bindings, you have more of a nose than a tail.

5. Camber, no Camber, or Reverse camber (sometimes referred to as rocker)

Camber – the board arches upwards in the middle (just the nose and tail in contact with the snow) 

No Camber – the board sits flat on the snow

Reverse Camber – the board arches downwards in the middle (just the centre of the board in contact with the snow)

If you still don’t understand Camber. A friend of mine wrote a great article about Snowboard Camber and Reverse Camber.

6. Style

Style of Snowboard is explained in Which Style Of Snowboard.

The non-essential terms

• Bannana Technology – a term created by Lib Tech to describe their version of Reverse Camber
• Base – the bottom of the Snowboard (the part that slides on the snow)
• Bevelled edges – the difference in angle between the base of the Snowboard and the metal edge (to prevent edge catch on boxes and rails)
• Burton ICS (Infinite Channel System) and EST (Extra Sensory Technology) – a system that Burton created to enable you to have almost any stance width or angle, read Burton ICS and EST explained
• Core – like the core of the earth, the core of the Snowboard is the materials that dictate it’s flex, pop and twist
• Deck or Top Sheet – the top of the Snowboard where your feet go
• Effective edge – the length of the metal edge that you use to actually turn
• Longitudinal Flex – the amount the board bends along its length
• Magne Traction – a term created by Lib Tech to describe their wavy edge technology. It increases the effective edge length = more grip
• Nose/Tip – the end of the Snowboard closest to your front foot
• Sidecut depth – the amount that the edge of the Snowboard bends inwards (measured in mm). Like an “hour glass” shape. read more about Snowboard Anatomy.
• Sidewall – the side of the Snowboard just above the metal edge
• Stance width – the maximum and minimum width that you can set your bindings (measured in inches). Read more in The Ultimate Guide To Snowboard Stance.
• Tail – the end of the Snowboard closest to your back foot
• Torsional flex – the amount the board will twist along its length
• V-rocker – Burtons term for reverse camber

I hope you found this guide useful

Thanks for checking out the seven part series The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Snowboard. I hope that it answered all your questions.

If you have any further questions you can contact me, or you can post comments at the bottom of this page.

What next

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Snowboard Bindings will show you all the things to consider when buying bindings.

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About the author: David Raybould is a Snowboard Instructor and Writer. You can connect with him on Twitter or Facebook. 

Related posts:

1. How To Choose The Right Width Snowboard
2. Which Style Of Snowboard Should You Choose?
3. The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Snowboard
4. Which Snowboard Flex Should You Choose
5. How To Choose The Right Length Snowboard