Snowboard Shapes and Flex
There are multiple different snowboard shapes and ten flex ratings. Each is going to give you a different experience, which is dependent on what you want to do with your board. First, let’s go over the snowboard shapes so you can get an idea for which is best for you.
Snowboard Shapes
True Twin
• Tip and tail are the same shape
• Centered Mounting inserts, bindings can be mounted so you have an equal amount of nose and tail.
• Identical flex in both nose and tail
Directional Twin (Specific to Shapeshifter)
• Tip and tail are the same shape
• Centered Stance
• Tapered Tip to Tail: The tip is wider than the tail
• Hybrid Profile: There is more rocker under front binding and more camber under back.
• Identical flex in both nose and tail
Asymmetrical Twin
• Tip and tail are the same shape
• Centered Mounting inserts, bindings can be mounted so you have an equal amount of nose and tail
• Identical flex in both nose and tail
• There’s a deeper sidecut on the heel edge for an improved edge hold
Directional
• A set back stance
• A longer nose
• A stiffer flex in the tail and softer flex in the nose
A twin shaped board is smoother for riding switch or backwards. These boards have a centered stance, balanced flex pattern and most commonly found in freestyle/all mountain boards.
Boards with a slight setback stance can be twin in shape (like the Snowtrooper or Infinity) or directional in shape (like the Proto FR or Lady FR) and mostly have a slightly directional flex pattern (stiffer in the tail and softer in the nose). These are generally all mountain boards and great for all types of riding and snow conditions. It gives you a more balanced feel for some freestyle but directional performance for freeriding.
Now, let’s look at the flex ratings to see which makes the most sense for you as a rider.
There are 10 flex ratings:
0 - No Flex
1 - Ultra Soft
2 - Soft
3 - Soft-Mid
4 - Medium Soft
5 - Medium
6 - Medium Stiff
7 - Stiff
8 - Very Stiff
9 - Extra Stiff
10 - Ultra Rigid
Take a look below to see which flex rating works best for your riding style:
Freestyle
Soft to Medium
• Press-ability
• Maneuverability at Slow Speeds
• Lock in on Rails
• Tweak Grabs
• Jib Around
All Mountain
Soft-Mid to Medium to Stiff
• Stability
• Versatility
• Spin
• Carve
• Float
Freeride
Medium to Stiff to Extra Stiff
• Stability
• Smoothness
• Responsiveness
• Charge
• Float
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