Snowboard Science

Taper

Tapered boards have a wider nose than tail. Creating more surface area at the nose than the tail causes the nose to rise and the tail to sink in deep snow. If you’re going to be riding super deep trees at relatively low speeds go for a more pronounced taper shape. Some manufacturers refer to a taper as a pin tail. Tapered shapes are only suitable for freeriding in deep snow or cruising fresh piste.. don’t even think about riding them switch!

Directional

Directional shapes account for the biggest share of boards on the market. They usually have a set-back stance (longer nose than tail) and a directional flex. Directional boards are designed to be ridden in one direction for the majority of the time, but still ride fine switch. If you want to ride powder in the morning and park in the afternoon with one board, get a directional deck.

Directional Twin

A twin shape with a directional flex and a slightly set-back stance. Directional twins are the domain of the backcountry kicker riders. Designed to be ridden both switch and regular, these boards have slightly softer noses for when you’re attacking choppy run-ins and stiff tails for monster pop and powder landings.

Twin

For the park and rail specialists. Twin boards ride identically regular and switch. For consistent pop and landing, which ever way you’re travelling vote twin.