Jones Carbon Solution Splitboard 2015

Freeride snowboards are designed for the rider that spends most of the day off groomed runs and in backcountry terrain. They typically have a stiffer flex and are ridden in longer sizes than freestyle snowboards. Freeride snowboards often feature a directional shape that is designed to perform optimally in one direction.

Powder snowboards love powder. Often associated with freeride snowboards, powder boards sometimes feature a wider nose and a tapered narrower tail. The binding inserts, which determine the rider's stance, are often set back on a powder snowboard to help the rider float the tip of the board through the deep stuff. Powder snowboards sometimes also feature rocker, a design element where the tip (and tail) rise starts farther back on the board, which also helps the rider maintain tip float through the pow.

A splitboard snowboard is built specifically for the backcountry rider. Splitboards are designed to break down into two separate halves for touring and uphill travel (with climbing skins). Special bindings are required as well. Once you've reached the top of the terrain feature, you reconnect your splitboard for the ride back downhill. However, it's important to note that you will need appropriate backcountry tools, knowledge of the backcountry, weather and snow conditions and climbing skins to safely take advantage of the freedom of a splitboard.