Snowboard Accessories - what to get and how to choose
Helmets
Helmets must be comfortable and allow you to move freely without getting displaced or hurting/pressing you somehow. Also, sizes will change from one brand to another. Just like boots, helmets have shapes and some shapes fit your head better than others. Approach buying a helmet like you approach buying snowboard boots (or any kind of boots), try before you buy. When buying a snowboard helmet you may also consider:
1 The goggles attachment system.
2 How easy is it to take of the liners to wash.
3 If the ear pads are removable.
4 If the ear-pads can accommodate phones and easily do they do so.
1 The goggles attachment system.
2 How easy is it to take of the liners to wash.
3 If the ear pads are removable.
4 If the ear-pads can accommodate phones and easily do they do so.
Goggles
Before buying goggles check out:
1 Size, there are small, normal and big goggles, with the bigger ones you get a wider view, like a wide angle lens, the frame gets less in the way.
2 Lens color: not the lens style! If you use shades you know there is a lens color that you'll favor, go with that.
3 Style: there are lots of goggle styles, if that's important to you make sure to look around until you find the ones, because you probably will.
Face Masks
(soon)
Gloves
Snowboard gloves can be ready for true winter days, for warm spring days, or for something in between. If you want one pair for every conditions go with something in between, and for the really cold days you may add some liners (thinner gloves inside the snowboard gloves) underneath the gloves. Before buying snowboard gloves check out:
1 Impermeability: Go with gloves that have a membrane, GORE-TEX or some other membrane.
2 Breathabilithy: Less for cold days, more for warm days. If not indicated go by the type and thickness of the materials used.
3 Style: Cuff wrists are a good idea as long as you are not wearing liners. Mittens are warmer than gloves that separate fingers.
Safety
Tracking equipment
(more soon)
Tuning
If you ride 2 or 3 weeks per season let the shop tune your board, unless you take pleasure in doing so. You'll get a better result for less money while avoiding all the work, maybe keep a rub-on wax stick in your pocket for a boost here and there between store visits. Still want to tune your snowboard yourself and are on a budget? Start by just some rub-on wax and some base filler and a lighter. Now if you really go for it, this are the basic accessories to maintain your snowboard:
Wax makes snowboard faster and preserves it's base. You may also use liquid or rub-on wax, easy to apply in the moment and needs no iron but works only to make the board fast, not to preserve the base, and goes off as fast as it goes on.
Iron to apply and spread the wax on the base of your snowboard.
Scraper to scrape of the excess wax.
Edge tuner, or detuner, depending on how you want to use it. Get one that can do sides and base and where you can set the desired edge angle.
Metal preserver or just some grease, to prevent the edges from rusting when you put the board away.
Base filler to fill any holes or scratches you make to your snowboards base.
Base filler applying pistol/lighter the pistol is for the pro or the aficionado, a simple lighter and a little patience will get the job done too, but on bases of any color other than black it won't look as good because the transparent or colored base filler usually burns and some black spots get to the base of your board.
Other accessories
Some other accessories that may get you some more comfort, fun and skills are:
Action camera to keep some memories of your snowboarding sessions.
Insoles for your snowboard boots, they can be moldable and adapted to your feet. Some have a battery to keep them warm.
Ear plugs for your helmets ear pads, light years more comfortable than any phones.
Training accessories, they can keep you in shape and tuned, but also entertained.
Board bags / racks will make it easy to travel and to keep your snowboard stuff organized.
Grip-pads to make your snowboard less slippery for the unattached foot.
Pocket Tools to tighten that eventual lose screw on your bindings.