We are always asked questions about how to mount bindings, what size snowboards to get, etc.  This page will cover a lot of the questions most people have.  Feel free to contact us if we left something out!

What size snowboard should I get?

 Contrary to popular thought, and common rental shop practice, your height doesn't have much to do with what size snowboard you should be riding.  The three most important factors are your weight, shoe size and riding style.  Most manufacturer's have suggested weight ranges for their products.  Snowboarders with boot sizes of 11.5 and up should consider getting a wide board to prevent heel and toe drag.  A snowboarder who is going to be spending most of his time in the Park should look for a snowboard on the smaller side so it is more maneuverable, and the snowboarder who is going to spend more time on the mountain should look for a longer board that will be more stable at higher speeds and float in powder.  We are always happy to answer any questions on what size snowboard will work best for you - email us at info@SnowboardsNStuff.com!

What kind of rider am I?

 There are 3 basic riding styles:

 Technical Freestyle: This type of rider is most often found on the half pipe or riding in the snowboard park. Technical Freestyle boards tend to be softer in flex and will most commonly have a "true twin" shape. Meaning the nose and tail have the same shape, width and construction characteristics allowing for transitions while riding regular or switch (tail first). Typically the most durable sidewalls to help withstand impact and rail damage. Shorter board lengths are most common to allow for more trick control.

 Freeride Style: Freeride is still the best way to describe the majority of snowboarders and soon-to-be snowboarders. A Freerider enjoys the natural features and groomed runs as well as deep powder that are found on most mountains though they rarely ride the snowboard parks. Freeride style generally requires a board shape that is stiffer in flex and has a more directional shape with a progressive sidecut. Longer board lengths are most common to allow for more versatile speed control. Freeride boards can be found at every price point from all snowboard manufacturers.

 All-Mountain Style: The most versatile riders who spend their days riding in whatever conditions are most optimal. Riding groomers, fresh powder, in the snowpark or the pipe. Requires a board that can handle it all. Riders tend to look for a more moderate flex allowing for solid response but is still forgiving enough and durable for the demands of the snowpark. All board lengths available but the individual riders physical characteristics(height, weight, etc.) are the main factor in determining length and width.

Can I mount my bindings by myself?

1. If you are new to the sport, we recommend taking your board to a shop near you to have your bindings mounted for you.  The bindings are very easy to mount; all that is needed is a phillips head screwdriver to attach them to the board.  However, if you are new, a specialty shop can help you set your bindings to your specific stance.  If you really want to try mounting your bindings yourself, here is a guide to getting them mounted:

2. Determine Your Stance - Snowboard bindings have virtually unlimited stance options, and how you position them on the board depends on whether you are regular- or goofy-footed, what angles you like and how wide you want to set your feet apart.   Most boarders ride with their left foot forward, but if you are goofy, you want your right foot forward.  Try this if you are unsure of how you want to ride:  Have someone roll a ball to you and kick it.  Whichever foot you used to kick the ball should be the foot that is at the back of your snowboard.  If you kicked with your left foot, you are goofy!  

3. Check out the binding insert pattern on your particular snowboard. Determine which inserts most closely match your desired stance width.  Choose inserts in the center of the row for general use; for powder, shift both bindings back one row of holes to give the board more nose for floatation.

4. Put a center disc inside each baseplate and turn it to the angle you want for each foot. Usually the angle measurements are printed on the binding or the center disc.

5. Notice how the center disc has little rows of holes? This is so you can center your foot across the snowboard. Put a boot into each binding and slide the binding forward or back until the boot is centered across the board. Hold the binding in place, take the boot out and determine which hole in the row (e.g. second, middle, last) you are going to use. Line up the holes in the disc with the insert holes on the board.

6. Grab a screw and a washer (they came with your bindings) and one-by-one hand thread the screws into the insert holes.

7. Tighten all the screws down with a screwdriver. You can now adjust the amount of forward lean the highback provides; make sure you have a little bit, at least 10 - 15 degrees.

8. Put your boots on and strap in. The straps should come together easily, and you should be able to tighten them down so your boot is snug. If you can't do these two things, make the straps longer or shorter, as necessary.

9. Attach your leash -- it's required to ride the chair lift.

Should women only look for women's snowboard products?

 As with weight, gender is a critical factor in determining the appropriate equipment for the rider. As a rule, a women's physiology differs from a man's in three main ways: foot size, center of gravity, and body mass; all of which effect the way a snowboarder interacts with their equipment. Women almost always have a smaller foot and a lower center of gravity. Snowboards for women are designed to take into account the riders lower center of gravity, smaller foot size, and lighter weight. So when looking for a snowboard you should always try to buy women's specific products.

 Are Flow Bindings really worth the extra cost?

 The main advantage with step-in bindings is the convenience.  Simply put your foot into the binding and a locking mechanism locks it into place.  A quick release mechanism releases your boot when you are ready to walk.  As a beginner, this is super-convenient because you will need to step in and out of your bindings on many, many occasions throughout the day.  It saves you sitting down in the snow to put your bindings on and off.  Not only can this be very tiring but your arse can get cold and wet and, if you have taken a few heavy falls, you may not want to sit on it at all! Many intermediate and advanced riders and instructors use step-in for similar reasons.

 On the downside, there is a sizeable majority who simply think step-ins are not cool.  The rational argument, in favor of strap bindings, is their simplicity.  Some also argue that they give you a greater feel for and control over your board.  Flow has improved their bindings every year to make their bindings more like strap bindings, so the control issue is pretty much gone.  If you are an advanced rider, you may notice a slight difference in control.  It is, however, hard to generalize about this because the differences are subtle and every kind of step-in and strap binding both have their own unique characteristics.  For example, some bindings are softer and more suitable for freestyle, whilst others are stiffer and more suitable for freeriding.  This applies equally to Flow bindings and to strap bindings.

Do you ship internationally?

 We do ship soft goods and smaller items to various international countries, but snowboard packages are only shipped to Canada and the United States.  We ship with the Postal Service to international countries and most countries will not accept items as large as a snowboard.  Please don't ask us to ship a snowboard to any other country other than Canada or the United States - we won't do it.  We do ship to APO and FPO addresses.

 How do I know what size boot to get?

 Snowboard boots are made to fit snug.  Snowboard boots will also stretch a bit (pack out) after they have been used a couple of times.  We recommend getting your normal shoe size in our boots.  If you wear a half size shoe, we recommend going up a half size to the next full size.  Ex:  Person normally wears a size 10.5 shoe, we recommend getting a size 11.  This is JUST A SUGGESTION!  Most advanced snowboarders get boots that are smaller than their normal shoe size because they do not want their feet to move at all in the boot! 

 Unless they are really cheap boots, you don't need two or three layers of socks to keep your feet warm.  We suggest wearing a wool blend sock that wicks away moisture.  This way your feet will stay dry and warm and you won't have raging blisters after a full day on the mountain.

What if my boots do not fit?

 We will gladly exchange your boots if they do not fit correctly.  The buyer is responsible for shipping costs on an exchange and the boots must be brand new in the original packaging to be exchanged.  They also must be shipped back to us in another box so as to keep the manufacturer's box from being damaged by labels or excessive handling.  Please email us for exchange information if you find you need to exchange your boots.

 What kind of bag is it that you offer with your packages?

 When you buy a snowboard package from us, we do include a Demon snowboard bag and starter kit at our cost as a thank you for buying from us. The bag is a fully padded travel bag and the starter kit has your stomp, leash and a little wax to get you out on the slopes as soon as possible!  The bag is made for taking your snowboard equipment with you on the plane as you travel the world looking for perfect powder! 
 

 How can you offer such great prices on snowboarding gear?  Is it all new, first quality product?

 We are able to sell our products at such great savings because we buy our items in bulk to get volume discounts and we keep our overhead as low as possible so that we can pass on our savings to you.  All of our products are first quality, straight from the manufacturer and come with at least a one year manufacturer's warranty.   We are authorized dealers for all of our brands.  You can shop with us with confidence!