What is sidecut on a snowboard?

Simply put, sidecut is the arcing, hourglass-like curve that runs along your edge from tip to tail. How deep that curve is defines how your board turns. If you think of the sidecut as an arc, imagine that this arc is part of a larger circle. The deeper the sidecut, the smaller the circle (and the radius).

What does sidecut radius mean?

A sidecut radius is simply a term used to describe the total measurement of those sidecut depths and curvatures. To measure your snowboard's sidecut radius, you'll want to envision the arc of your sidecut turning into a full circle to one side of your board.

What is the side cut radius on a snowboard?

Side-cut radius is a term used to explain the measurement of a side cut. Essentially what a side-cut radius is, is the radius (half the diameter) of a circle that would fit into the side cut of the snowboard.

What is snowboard taper?

Rocker has helped ease the pain, but taper—defined as the difference in width between the tip and tail of the board—makes all the more difference when it comes to float and turn-ability. The more taper, the wider the difference between the tip and tail widths, and the better it will slash and turn on deep days.

What is Magne Traction on snowboards?

Magne-traction is simply a wavvy edged snowboard instead of the classically straight, traditional snowboard edge. It was developed a little over a decade ago by Lib Tech and pioneers Steven Cobb and Mike Olson.

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What is a camber snowboard?

Camber and rocker describe the curve of a ski or snowboard when you look at them from the side. Skis and snowboards with camber have midsections that arch off the snow slightly when unweighted, while skis and snowboards with rocker have midsections that rest on the snow and tips and tails that curve up.

Is there a nose and tail on a snowboard?

Usually the board will be shown vertically (like the shots above). The nose is at the top and the tail at the bottom.

What are fishtail snowboards for?

A fishtail shape causes the tail of the snowboard to sink into the snow, effectively causing the nose of the board to ride higher above the snow. This allows the rider a more natural riding position, reducing the need to shift one's weight to the tail of the board to keep the nose afloat.

Can I ride switch on a directional board?

Can I Still Ride Switch? And going to a directional board doesn't mean that you're completely sacrificing switch riding and fakie landings. Most directional boards still have plenty of tail splay, so you're fine carving a few turns switch, or throwing a 180.

What width should my waist be for snowboarding?

As a general consensus among the big-footed experts here, you should stick to a waist width above 258mm/25.8cm if you're rockin' size 11 or 11.5 boots. For a size 12 and up, you'll probably feel most comfortable on a waist width minimum of 260-265mm/26.0-26.5cm.

How do I choose a snowboard shape?

Choose the snowboard shape that matches the style of riding you intend to do. Directional boards are designed to be ridden primarily in one direction and are great for high-speed carving. Many freeride boards and some all-mountain boards are directional.

Is sidecut radius the same as turn radius?

A ski's sidecut forms an arc. The radius of the imaginary circle formed by completing that arc is referred to as a ski's turn radius. A deeper side cut means a smaller turn radius, which allows for tighter turns.

How do you read ski sizes?

All modern skis have a set of dimensions; three numbers that determine their width. For example, a ski might have this printed on it: 122-86-115. This means they have a width of 122mm towards the tip (the widest point), a waist width of 86mm (under the foot), and a tail width of 115mm.

How is ski radius calculated?

Radius is the shape of the ski as determined by its tip, waist, and tail widths or dimensions. This measurement is usually expressed in meters.

What is a directional board?

Directional snowboards are designed to ride best in one direction. A typical directional shape includes a distinct nose and tail, and a progressively deeper sidecut radius towards the tail. The slightly larger nose improves float and helps the board power over and through variable snow.

What is a fish snowboard?

The design is the result of more on-snow prototypes than any board in recent years and gives the Fish a new level of surfability, responsiveness, and control in deep snow. It's the tool of choice for riding out the deepest powder days and untracked secret stashes.

Is there a front to a snowboard?

Snowboards have a front (nose) and a back (tail) when pointed down the mountain and which foot is closest to the nose determines your stance. There are two types of stance: regular and goofy.

How can you tell nose from tail?

Description: The nose is the front kicktail of your skateboard. It is usually slightly broader than the tail. Description: The tail is the back kicktail of your skateboard. It is usually slightly smaller than the nose.

Does it matter which way your snowboard faces?

Setting up your snowboard the right way

If you have a twin board, it doesn't matter at all which way you set up your board, the only thing that is going to change is the direction of the graphics.

Why are some snowboards pointed?

Like surfboards, snowboards come in a variety of shapes depending on the intended conditions. 'Directional' boards typically have a longer, pointier nose, with a stance set back towards the tail. This makes them better suited to riding forwards.

Do you always need to be on an edge when snowboarding?

Always Ride an Edge

Basically, if you are always riding an edge, it's going to be way harder for the other edge to catch. If your body weight is distributed in the middle of the foot, there is nothing holding your board on edge, and it's really likely for one of them to catch.

Is rocker or camber better for powder?

And above all, the rocker shape causes the tips of the skis/board to be higher off the ground, making it easier to float through powder. Of course, these benefits require sacrifices of pop, edge stability, and turning power.

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