Snowboarding is a popular winter sport, and many people enjoy the thrill of sliding down a mountain on a snowboard. However, while a snowboard’s shiny and attractive design may catch one’s eye, its bottom or base is what truly matters.
A snowboard’s base is its underside that comes in contact with snow, and its quality directly affects how fast and smooth you can ride. A few factors can influence the performance of the board’s base, including its structure, texture, and design. This article will focus on the structure of a snowboard base, its types, and how it impacts your snowboarding experience.
What is a Snowboard Base Structure?
A snowboard base structure refers to the pattern created on the surface of the base, which can impact the amount of friction and glide you experience while riding. The base structure is usually made up of small grooves or lines, and its primary function is to reduce drag by channeling water away from the board. The snowboard base structure is essential as it allows riders to glide smoothly and swiftly along the snow.
Types of Snowboard Base Structures
Different types of base structures can influence your snowboarding experience in various ways. Here are some of the most common base structures:
1. Sintered Base: This type of base structure is made from compressed particles or pellets, which are fused together under heat and pressure. It is the most durable, fastest, and holds wax the best.
2. Extruded Base: This type of base structure is made by melting polyethylene pellets and forcing them through a die. It is the most affordable type of base material, but it is slower than sintered base structure, and it’s harder to hold wax.
3. Stone Ground Base: Stone-ground base structures are created by running a stone grinder over a sintered or an extruded base. This enhances the board’s glide, removing small scratches to create a smooth surface.
4. Micro-Serration Base: This is a relatively new base structure that combines small serrations to provide extra traction on icy and hard-packed snow. This new structure generally improves the snowboards edge hold, allows better turning, and helps mitigate underfoot vibrations and chatter.
How a Base Structure Affects Your Snowboarding Experience
1. Speed: A proper base structure can significantly increase your snowboard’s speed by reducing friction and helping the board glide faster over snow.
2. Traction: A snowboard with a good base structure will have improved grip on the snow, especially on hard-packed or icy surfaces. This provides a safer ride, making turns easier, and prevents slips and falls.
3. Water Dispersion: The base structure channels water or moisture away from the board’s surface, allowing for a smoother ride. This is particularly important while riding in wet snow or slushy conditions.
4. Durability: Sintered base structures may require more maintenance, however, they’re the most durable, allowing the board to last longer with proper care.
5. Wax Retention: Select a base structure that grips wax and doesn’t require frequent waxing. Sintered bases will be fastest when waxed but require more maintenance, while extruded bases typically require more waxing.
6. Stability: The right base structure distributes pressure evenly on the snow, providing a more stable ride. This makes carving and turning more comfortable, especially at high speeds.
Conclusion
A snowboard’s base structure is a crucial element that should be considered while purchasing a board. Proper selection can enhance your snowboarding experience by providing you with a smoother and faster ride while ensuring stability and grip while on the snow. Consider your needs and preferences before picking out a base structure that suits you best. Keep in mind that sintered base structures are most suitable for expert riders who prioritize speed and performance, while extruded structures are more appropriate for beginners and recreational riders who prioritize affordability.
