Directional vs Twin Snowboard: Which Is Right For You?
Snowboarding is the best way to get the most of the mountains, whether you’re ripping park or taking soul quenching pow turns you’ll want to make sure you have the right board for YOU. Whether your getting your first set up to hit the slopes, or adding the 100th board to your quiver you’ll want to find the right snowboard for your riding style. Don’t know where to start? One of the first things to consider and arguably one of the biggest factors in the boards feel and performance is the shape. Two of the most common snowboard shapes you will run into are directional and twin (along with many variations, and even combinations of the two) but for now lets focus on the two main shapes. Here’s a breakdown of each to help you decide which one is right for you:
Directional Snowboards
- Shape: One of the main factors in defining a directional snowboard is the fact that the inserts (The holes you attach your bindings to) are set back a certain distance from the center of the board. This “set back” leads to the nose being longer and the tail being shorter. Having the snowboard inserts set back positions the riders center of gravity towards the tail of the board, promoting float, stability, edge response, and overall edge hold. Directional snowboards have some of the most interesting shapes, but two of the most common are “Pointed” and “Blunted”. Most boards fall somewhere in the middle usually referred to as a “Popsicle” Shape. Pointed noses help cut through chunder as well as deeper snow and are mostly suited for more unpredictable terrain. A Blunted nose offers a slight decrease in weight which helps more freestyle minded riders jump and spin with less effort. Blunted noses can also offer better stability for butters and more jibby tricks. Directional boards also come with all different types of tails, ranging from swallowtail cut outs, blunt tails, as well as pointed tails. Each have their owns perks, swallowtails with less surface area are easier to sink the tail in deeper snow which allows the long drawn out powder nose to float better, same with a blunted tail, and a pointed tail provides stability. Most directional boards will also feature taper, this essentially is cutting the width down little by little from the tip to the tail, creating a wide spooned nose shape with a skinny tail that also reduces surface area in the tail and allows it to sink easier in deep snow, keep in mind tapered shaped boards are more prone to increasing heel and toe drag for larger feet.
- Riding Style: Perfect for all-mountain riding, carving, and free-riding. If you spend most of your time riding down groomed runs or chasing powder stashes, a directional snowboard is a great option.
- Pros:
- More stable at high speeds
- Better float in powder
- More control for carving turns
- Cons:
- Bigger tail when riding switch (with your feet in the opposite stance)
- Not ideal for park riding or jibbing
- More swing weight if your boosting twisty airs
Twin Snowboards
- Shape: Twin snowboards have a symmetrical shape, meaning the nose and tail are usually identical in shape and flex. The side cut is also symmetrical (some are asymmetrical with a heel side specific edge that is longer and deeper.) This allows you to ride fakie (with your feet in the opposite stance) just as easily as you can ride normally.
- Riding Style: Ideal for freestyle riding, park riding, jibbing, and riding switch. If you love tricks and spending time in the terrain park, a twin snowboard is a good choice.
- Pros:
- Can ride switch easily
- Playful and maneuverable
- Good for park riding and jibbing
- Cons:
- Not as stable at high speeds as a directional snowboard
- The centered stance can hinder float in powder.
Choosing Between Directional and Twin
Here are some things to consider when choosing between a directional and twin snowboard:
- Riding Style: What kind of riding do you do most? If you love carving and freeriding, a directional snowboard is a good option. If you prefer park riding and jibbing, go for a twin.
- Skill Level: If you’re a beginner snowboarder, a directional snowboard may be a better choice because it’s more versatile and stable. As you progress, you can move on to a twin tip.
- Terrain: Where do you plan to snowboard most? If you’ll be riding mostly groomed runs or deep pow, a directional snowboard is a good choice. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the park, go for a twin.
Directional Twin
A directional twin snowboard is a hybrid of a directional and twin snowboard. It has a directional shape with a slightly set back camber profile, but the tip and tail are still somewhat symmetrical. This snowboard is a good option for riders who want a versatile board that can handle a variety of terrain and snow conditions.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a snowboard is to try out a few different boards and see what feels best for you. Most snowboard shops will allow you to demo boards before you buy them, including Salty Peaks where we have a try it before you buy it program where you can try different geometries before making a choice.
Some additional tips for choosing a snowboard:
- Consider your height and weight. A longer snowboard will be more stable at high speeds, while a shorter snowboard will be more maneuverable, as well go into your local shop (or Salty Peaks) and ask a expert what they’d put you on based off your height and weight.
- Think about your budget. Snowboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars in the low range you get what you pay for the mid range offers performance materials like faster base material better wood in the core.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. All the staff at salty peaks ride and are certified experts (or your local snowboard shop) and can help you choose the right board for your needs.
With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect snowboard to help you take your snowboarding to the next level!
