Powder days are one of snowboarding’s greatest joys, but riding deep powder takes the right gear. There’s so many different pow boards it can be intimidating.
Most proficient riders recommend getting something very powder specialized, as it will make a big difference vs. an all-around board.
Proper sizing of your powder snowboard is key to maximize floatation and handling in fluffy conditions. The size should take into account your weight, the kind of terrain you’ll be riding on, and your unique style of snowboarding, as well as the shape and profile of the board.
While manufacturer recommendations based on weight are a good starting point, your final choice should also factor in your personal preferences and the conditions of the snow you’ll be slashing in.
See also: Why Do Snowboarders Like Fresh Powder So Much?
Powder board sizing 101
In the world of powder snowboards, sizing isn’t always as straightforward as you might guess. Take “short fats” for example – these boards max out at around 151 cm, yet they can feel like you’re riding something much longer due to the way they’re designed.
The Nitro Cannon for example, is a beast at 203 cm, but when you’re on it, it feels shorter than it actually is.
When picking a size, focus on your weight rather than your height. Manufacturers know this and their websites reflect it. Let’s say you’re eyeing the Jones Hovercraft. If you’re about 145 lbs, a 152 cm board is a sweet spot. It gives you control and keeps you afloat in the deep stuff.
But if you’re more in the 190 lbs range, bumping up to a 160 cm board might be your best bet for that extra stability and float.
You have to balance length with factors like shape and features. A 150 cm board with the right design – think wide nose and a swallowtail – can float through powder like its longer cousins.
So when you’re choosing, don’t just look at length. Consider the width and special design features that’ll match your weight and riding style.
Key features for powder performance
For a powder-only board, you want to look for three main things: rocker, a lifted nose, and a cut-out swallowtail. These features are your secret weapons against sinking in deep snow.
The rocker is the curve in your board that goes upwards, which allows the board to float on top of the snow. A board with a rocker like the Quiver Cannon is a dream in powder, as the rocker design makes floating on deep snow feel as easy as riding a wave.
Next up, the lifted nose. Think of it as the front of a boat. On a snowboard, a lifted nose does the same with snow. It keeps the front of your board up and out of the powder. Boards like the Jones Storm Chaser are champs at this, letting you cruise through snow without diving nose-first into it.
Lastly, the cut-out swallowtail. This isn’t just for looks. The design lets the tail of the board sink a bit, lifting the nose even more. This keeps you on top of the snow, floating like a cloud.
Factor in the terrain
Your choice of powder board should consider the type of snow (wet/dry), terrain angle, and terrain type (trees/open areas).
The size of the board varies for different conditions. Larger boards are typically better for lighter snow, while smaller boards may be needed for heavier/wet snow.
If you’re in a place with heavy, wet snow, like in California, you’ll want a bigger board. This helps you stay on top of the thick snow and move through it easily.
But if you’re in lighter snow (Colorado-style), you may want to ride a smaller board as it will be easier to turn and will still keep you floating.
Another key aspect is steepness. On steep slopes, you need a board that turns quickly. Shorter boards, such as the Jones Mountain Surfer or the Rossi Sushi, are designed for agile movements, ideal for sharp, quick turns.
For less steep, open slopes, a longer board like the 160 cm Hovercraft will give you stability and a smooth glide, e.g. in bowls. Longer boards are also preferable for open powder runs, while shorter boards are better for powder tree runs requiring quick turns.
See also: Are park snowboards good for powder?
Board size vs. riding style
The choice between turning and floating in powder also dictates the ideal pow board size. As a result, it also depends on how you like to ride.
If you love quick, agile moves, go for a shorter board. Again, the Jones Mountain Surfer gives you fast, responsive riding, ideal if you enjoy a playful, dynamic style.
Longer boards distribute weight across a larger surface area, enhancing powder experience but reducing maneuverability. So if you prefer a steady, cruising style on long, smooth runs on open slopes, a longer board like the Hovercraft 160 will give you a smoother ride over wide areas.
In between, a mid-sized board like the Rossignol XV 159 can give you a balance of agility and stability. It’s versatile enough to handle quick turns in trees and provide a steady ride in open areas. Works great for a blend of dynamic and smooth riding.
See also: How to choose the best snowboard for trees
Powder board shape vs size
In addition to board size, powder boards often have drastically different shapes and features, which affect your riding experience. The board’s shape and area are crucial for floating in powder.
Wider boards will generally provide better float, however, their performance on hard/packed snow is generally not as good as narrower ones.
This is because wider boards e.g. the Jones Hovercraft, while excellent in deep snow due to their larger surface area, are more challenging to maneuver on groomed runs.
Features like directional shape, setback, and tail design are important for powder performance. A directional shape, where the nose is different from the tail, helps in effortlessly cutting through snow.
Setback refers to the position of the bindings being set back towards the tail of the board, which aids in floatation by allowing the nose to rise above the snow.
Tail designs like the swallowtail found in the Rossignol XV, helps in reducing drag and improving maneuverability in deep snow.
Recommendations for specific powder boards
Here are some specific models and sizes often recommended for powder based on personal experiences:
- Nitro Cannon: very long at 203 cm but rides like a shorter board.
- Jones Hovercraft: recommended sizes based on weight e.g. 152 for someone around 145 lbs and 160 for someone around 190 lbs.
- Cool Bean 144 cm
- Capita Spring Break and Jones Storm Chaser: recommended if you like shorter boards
- Jones Mountain Surfer, Rossignol Sushi: very short swallowtails.
- Never Summer Insta Gator: directional board great for deep powder.
- Korua Shapes Dart 156, more versatile than the Hovercraft except in crud conditions.
- Capita Slush Slasher: nimble and easy riding in powder.
- Jones Flagship: great tail design.
See also: Building your snowboard quiver