When picking a snowboard, you need to pick the right board to fit your riding style and your needs. While you might know how to ride and the style you like to ride, board shapes can be... eluding. Below we will break down the 6 different types of snowboards that you can get and their intended purpose.

True Twin

These snowboards are completely symmetrical, with the same length and width of nose and tail. The bindings are mounted in the center of the board, making it perform identically whether you are riding forward or switch. This shape is best suited to freestyle and all-mountain riders who often flip between the two riding styles. The symmetrical shape and flex of a true twin make landing and taking off in switch much easier than with other shapes. That makes this board an ideal board if you enjoy doing tricks.

Asymmetrical Twin

An asymmetrical twin snowboard is a modern variation on the true twin shape. These snowboards have an asymmetrical sidecut, contact points, flex, or a combination of all three. These variations are designed to compensate for the natural imbalances in our body, giving us a similar feeling on our heel and toe side edges when turning. The board still performs identically whether riding forward or switch (the nose and tail are the same). This shape is also best suited to freestyle and all-mountain riders. Asymmetrical boards are just a way to compensate for the natural imbalances in our body, giving us a similar feeling on our heel and toe side edges when turning.

Directional Twin

This snowboard looks very much like a true twin. But under closer inspection, you’ll see some subtle differences. These snowboards either have a slightly longer nose than tail, or their binding inserts are setback slightly towards the tail. The sidecut radius, flex, and profile are still identical end-to-end. Between the contact points is therefore still a “twin,” but outside you’ll find a slightly different nose and tail. This shape is best suited to those who ride everywhere, from groomers to powder. The directional twin shape is a great all-around board that can handle any terrain.

Directional Tapered

Like directional twin snowboards, but with a more pronounced difference between the nose and tail. The nose is longer, wider, and more rockered than the tail. This shape is designed to provide more float in powder and stability at high speeds. This shape is best suited to free riders who enjoy riding in deep powder and high speeds.

Directional Volume-Shifted

These snowboards have a wider waist and shorter length than traditional snowboards. This shape is designed to provide even more float in powder and exceptional stability at high speeds. The directional volume-shifted shape is perfect for riders who want to ride fast in deep powder, but also want a board that can handle groomers and hardpack.

Split Boards

Split boards are snowboards that can be split into two halves, allowing you to hike up the mountain and then reassemble the board for the descent. This shape is best suited to backcountry riders who enjoy exploring the mountains and going off the beaten path. Split boards are perfect for riders who explore the backcountry and hike to find the freshest powder available.