Sizing a Snowboard - What size snowboard should I Buy?

Snowboard sizing is more than looking at a size chart, but knowing your snowboard size range will help you find the best snowboard for you. Snowboards come in a variety of lengths, so how do you actually know what size to buy? A common answer is that the board height should be between your chin and the tip of your nose. And while this is a good guide, there’s more to it.

In reality, a correctly sized snowboard could fall anywhere between your collarbone and forehead. So what else goes into sizing a board besides your height? Rider weight, boot size, terrain and board use will all play a role.

Your board doesn’t care how tall you are. What really matters is how much you weigh. Each board will have a weight range, and within that range, the board will perform as designed. This doesn’t mean that you can’t buy a board below or above your weight range. If you fall below the weight range, the board will be a bit stiffer, and if you’re above the weight range, it will be a bit softer. When looking at the same model of board, shorter boards will have lower weight ranges while longer boards will have higher weight ranges. Using weight as a factor in learning your snowboard size will lead to picking the best snowboard for your boarding style and provide the overall best ride quality.

What you plan to do with the board will also factor into the size board you select. If you plan to spend most of your time in the park or pipe, a shorter board will probably better meet your needs. A shorter board will be more maneuverable as you move through the park, and have a lower swing weight, making it easier to spin the board.

If you plan to spend most of your time carving down the hill or riding in powder, you’ll benefit from a longer board. A longer board will have more edge contact with the snow for more control as you lean into a turn or try to hold an edge at high speed. And for powder, a longer board offers more float in the snow.

And finally, if you want to be able to do a little bit of everything on the hill, a size that’s in the middle is a great option. This will give you a board that’s easier to maneuver while still holding an edge when cruising the hill.

The above chart is a generic chart that works for most standard snowboards. Some boards with non-standard shapes and sidecuts may not align with the sizing suggested by this chart. Please make sure to refer to the manufacturer size chart for specific sizing on the board you are interested in.

Have more questions about finding your snowboard size? Connect with us by clicking the chat icon, calling us at 877-885-2453 or head into your local ERIK'S to get more information.