Which one to choose and what is the difference (from a woman's perspective)
Choosing the right snowboard—whether it's men's, women's, or unisex—depends on your body type, riding style, and preferences.
Men’s Snowboards
Wider Widths: Designed to accommodate larger feet (typically size 9+ men's boots), reducing toe and heel drag.
Stiffer Flex: Built for riders who generally weigh more or prefer aggressive riding styles, offering more stability at higher speeds.
Longer Lengths: Men’s boards often come in longer sizes to suit taller riders with more weight.
Heavier Weight Range: Most boards come with a specs sheet and a rider weight guide for each size of snowboard in that model. Men's boards are built to support heavier riders.
Different Flex Ratings: Every snowboard brand has their own flex rating, so this varies based on brand. But in general a men's 5/10 flex hits somewhere between a women's 7 or 8/10 flex.
Women’s Snowboards
Narrower Widths: Suited for smaller boots, reducing effort for edge-to-edge transitions. Average women's snowboard boot size is around an 8 (US)
Softer Flex: Designed to match lighter body weights and smaller frames, which makes the board more responsive for riders with smaller boots and lighter weights.
Lighter Construction: Core and materials are adjusted to make the board lighter and more responsive for lighter riders.
Shorter Lengths: Available in sizes better suited to shorter riders.
Unisex Snowboards
Versatile Design: A middle ground that focuses on features that work for a wide range of body types and riding styles.
Width Options: Most unisex boards come with standard men's snowboard widths. So if you have a smaller boot, You may want to double check the waist width before purchasing.
Flex: Normally unisex boards tend to have a flex similar to a men's flex rating. A lot of unisex boards are more freeride or powder oriented so tend to come with a stiffer flex already.
Weight Range: Again, unisex boards tend to support heavier riders.
Size Ranges: Unisex Some comanies offer a wider range in their unisex board sizing, but most of the time there is one smaller size offered (around a 146 - 149) And that's as small as they get, unless it is a volume shifted board. Then you might see a 138cm size, but if it is volume shifted, you should be sizing down around 10cm shorter than your ideal board size. So to be truly unisex, the volume shifted unisex boards should start at 132cm or even 128cm.
Consider Your Body Type
Boot Size: If your boot size doesn’t align with typical women's sizing, or you are getting a lot of heel and toe drag from a standard women's board, considering a men's or unisex board could be the fix. You could also search for a women's Wide or Mid-Wide board as well if you want the options for smaller board lengths and women's specific flex rating.
Weight: If your weight doesn't seem to fit with the suggested weight range within standard women's sizing, then trying out a men's or unisex board could be the way to go. Sometimes the weight ranges are very vague in the specs charts, so always best to take the board for a test drive if you have the option.
Weight: If you are very tall but don't weight too much or have a smaller boot size, then sizing your board based on your weight and boot size is the best place to start.
If you are shorter but have a hevier weight range and smaller feet, then looking for a mid wide women's board could be the right call.
If your specs are heavier than the suggested weight range for the women's boards you are riding, and the boards feel unstable or shakey when riding at higher speeds, changing to a men's board or unisex board could fix this. But keep an eye on the waist width as well.
Riding Style
Freestyle or Park Riding: Softer flex boards are easier for tricks and forgiving on landings.
Freeride or All-Mountain: Stiffer flex boards provide more stability and edge hold.
Powder: Look for wider boards to stay afloat, often found in men’s or unisex models.
Skill Level
Beginner: Softer flex boards are forgiving and easier to learn on.
Advanced: Stiffer boards provide better response and control.
Personal Preference
Graphics: Go for what you like visually. Many women ride men’s or unisex boards if they fit their riding needs better.
Flex and Feel: Demo boards if you can to find what feels right under your feet.
Deciding which board you want to shred on is completely based on your personal preference, specs and riding style. For example, I LOVE my Slash Happy Place snowboard. I specifically chose this board as an all mountain twin for me.
I'm about 5'3", have a size 7.5 Women's boot, and weigh 108lbs.
But I love the Slash Happy Place, because it is a softer flexing men's freestyle board. Which means it is a great medium flexing board for all mountain riding for me. (when compared to the average women's snowboard flex)
It has a slightly wider waist width than my women's snowboards do, which adds to the stability when riding fast, over bumpy snow or even adds float in powder.
But it is still a true twin, which I LOVE, because I ride switch just as much as I ride my natural stance. So I'm alwasy looking for a true twin all mountain board. Those are hard to come by. Most all mountain boards are directional.
So I purposly chose to ride a men's freestyle board as my more agressive all mountain board.
Once you understand the tech behind the specs, it doesn't matter if it is a men's, women's, or unisex board. It is ultimatly up to you to decide what you're looking for and what will fit your personal style best.
If you’re a smaller rider, a women’s snowboard might suit your frame best.
If you’re a larger rider, a men’s snowboard may provide the width and stiffness you need.
If you’re in between or want a wider waist width, unisex snowboards can be a solid option.
Ultimately, focus on the board’s dimensions, flex, and performance over its gender label.
Happy Shredding!
-Steph
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