Thu, 01/14/2010 - 4:25pmEverything you need to know about buying a snowboard: the sidewall

Sidewall construction is another thing to influence your buying decision

The way the topsheet is stuck to the rest of the board can make all the difference in how your board responds by how your energy is transferred through to the snow.
 

Cap construction

The fibreglass of the topsheet is brought down over the board right to the edges. Typically found on softer boards, or those with stiff cores, that would be made too stiff with sandwich-constructed walls. Also, not as durable as the Sandwich style. One big ding on the rail, and you could easily knacker your deck, making it pretty difficult to repair effectively.

Sandwich construction

The core is sandwiched between the topsheet and base material. The ends are then blocked off with a separate strip. This method creates a much stiffer ride to the Cap method, transferring energy more effectively through the board. More expensive to construct than Cap types, they are also more durable. Most dinged rails should be repaired quite straightforwardly.
 

! Watch out

Watch out for new developments in wall construction methods that brands have conjured up to help with dampening and energy transfer through decks. Ride employ Urethane, like you’d find in your skateboard wheels to create their “Slime Walls” for this very purpose.

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Related stories:

Snowboards

• An intro to buying a snowboard
• Jib snowboards
• Freestyle snowboards
• All mountain snowboards
• Freeride snowboards
• Backcountry snowboards
• The shape
• The topsheet
• The base
• The sidewall

Boots

• Buying a set of boots

Bindings

• Buying bindings

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