Let’s face it: when it comes to winter sports and adrenaline rushes, nothing compares to snowboarding. It’s almost impossible to imagine how in less than a generation, snowboarding could have grown from being a curious (and sometimes prohibited) distraction for skiers, into a competitive Olympic discipline, but that’s precisely what’s happened.
It’s an exhilarating mix of excitement, expression, and just plain “coolness;” and while there’s absolutely no distinction on any mountain between the genders when it comes to dividing snowboarding’s thrills and the risks into equal measures, there are a few considerations with regards to men’s and women’s equipment that can’t be overlooked.
What can easily go unnoticed by snowboarding spectators, and even newcomers to the sport, is that rider’s physiques go a long way toward determining which equipment is going to be most suitable. So, let’s take a look at some of the typical snowboard gear for men and compare it to that of women.
What’s really behind the board
When you consider that snowboards are mostly classed according to how they’re supposed to be ridden, it’s easy to understand how snowboard design could have evolved into a science in itself. And yet, even within those various types that are designed for everything from freestyling and freeriding, to racing and split-boarding, there are distinct differences between men’s and women’s snowboards because, well, our physiologies genuinely aren’t the same. As a general rule, when it comes to snowboards:
Men’s snowboards are longer
The length of a snowboard is regarded as optimally proportional to the height of the rider; hence, men tend to have longer boards. The rule of thumb has always been that when placed upright, the appropriate length of a snowboard will be roughly chin-height, but the next two points provide moderate exceptions.
Men’s snowboards are wider
The greater width of men’s snowboards is the consequence of men usually having larger, wider feet. The measure of a snowboard’s waist, the narrower centre section, is the number given when expressing width.
Men’s snowboards are stiffer
Men’s snowboards tend to be hard flex types, primarily to support typically heavier weights; however, that’s also not a fixed rule. Although there’s a clear inclination toward gearing marginally heavier boards towards men, there’s a multitude of snowboards on the market for both men and women with flex ranges intended to complement various riding styles.
It’s worthwhile to note here too that while these attributes are pretty much the default for this type of mens snowboarding gear, that it doesn’t in any way preclude taller women, or women with larger feet, from finding it easier to ride a man’s snowboard, or for men of slighter stature to be more comfortable riding a woman’s snowboard.
The crucial takeaway here is that snowboards are ultimately best suited to the height and weight of the rider – either man or woman – followed by the intended type of riding that’s to be done. It’s not a science, it’s a matter of personal preference, and top quality board shops are going to have a wide assortment of the industry’s best snowboards with no shortage of lengths, widths, flexes, cuts and cambers to choose from.
Who’s really wearing the boots
Although it’s perfectly reasonable (and totally understandable) not to feel compelled to look at snowboards through a lens of anatomical correctness, when it comes to the boots, bindings and liners of mens snowboard equipment, the differences are noticeably more specific.
There’s no question about it: men and women’s feet aren’t the same and the differences in footwear won’t be any less pronounced on the slopes than would be off them.
Remember, you’re only attached to the snowboard by boots and bindings and the snowboard’s the only thing keeping you effectively in a vertical position, so footwear would be the last area you’d want to blur the lines or take half-measures with. What you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes with men’s gear here is that:
Men’s boots are taller
Men have wider ankles, less vertical contour, and higher calves than women, so the cuffs and collars of men’s snowboarding boots are designed to be higher to provide the necessary support to the correct part of the leg.
Men’s boots are wider
With a wider instep and a typically wider foot than a woman’s – primarily across the joint of the large toe and at the heel – men’s feet are altogether wider, and their boots will inherently also be wider.
The bindings and liners for men’s boots naturally follow the same form as the boots: taller and wider to provide a firmer fit between the boot and the snowboard – and for anyone to use cost or availability as an excuse for trying to combine men’s boots with women’s bindings (or vice versa) wouldn’t be an ideal compromise.
You’ll realize very quickly that you won’t be doing your feet any favours or making the snowboarding experience any more pleasant by mixing men’s and women’s boots, liners and fittings. Instead, it’s more important to concentrate on the most fundamental factors needed to get the most out of snowboarding footwear:
- Proper size and level of comfort,
- Ideal flex for the style of riding to be done; and,
- Lacing system.
Invariably, you’ll want to get your boots and bindings from a shop that clearly understands the differences between men’s and women’s feet and is going to ensure you’re getting the right pair for whichever type of riding you’re doing.
By the seat of your pants
There are other aspects of specialized snowboard gear for men and women, such as pants, bibs and jackets in particular, that’ll inevitably get drawn into the discussion. Style and colour somehow seem to be the biggest determinants as to which is intended for men and which for women. Yet even in the absence of flashy patterns and themes, it’s still certainly possible that men’s pants may be somewhat baggier while women’s pants are somewhat more form-fitting.
At the heart, however, snowboarding attire is designed to allow freedom of movement while keeping the wearer warm and dry. That means the best articles of attire, regardless of whether they’re worn by a man or a woman, need to be both breathable enough to disperse body heat and perspiration, yet waterproof enough not to let external moisture in.
Whether an item is insulated or non-insulated gear is a personal preference, but they should always allow enough room to layer additional garments underneath if desired. Investing in high-quality, long lasting snowboarding attire at the beginning will reveal its value immediately and save a bundle of cash in the long run.
In conclusion
At the end of the day, you expect to get the most use and enjoyment out of all your snowboarding gear; and with some gear (as with many things) there will be differences in which physiology it’s best suited for.
That doesn’t, however, ever have to mean that even the tiniest bit of safety or comfort has to be sacrificed in doing so. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of snowboard gear for men designed to ensure that every time they take their snowboard on the mountain, that it has the potential to be the best time they’ve ever spent on the mountain.
If you’re interested in making a lifestyle choice that involves having the most fun you’ve ever had in snow sports, now’s the time for you to contact a dealer that has everything to get you snowboarding this season.
