How Long Do Snowboards Last? 3 reason you Should Replace yours

While knowing the typical lifespan of a snowboard is useful, it's unreasonable to believe that anyone would log their days riding to determine when they'd need a new snowboard. And with so many variables influencing its lifespan, days become meaningless. The best solution is to understand the indicators of when to replace your snowboard - here's what to look for.

I can't believe I'm preparing my snowboard for the season. Unfortunately, I noticed some burrs on the edges that I'll have to smooth off. However, it made me question how long snowboards endure, repairs and everything. Here's what I discovered.

The average snowboard may be used for 150 to 200 days. The performance of a snowboard peaks within the first 75 to 100 days of riding, after which it rapidly declines. The longevity of a snowboard is heavily impacted by its maintenance, usage, location, and quality.

While knowing the typical lifespan of a snowboard is useful, it's unreasonable to believe that anyone would log their days riding to determine when they'd need a new snowboard. And with so many variables influencing its lifespan, days become meaningless.

The best solution is to understand the indicators of when to replace your snowboard - here's what to look for.

3 Reasons to Replace Your Snowboard

With so many elements influencing a snowboard's health, it's tough to know when to replace it, especially if you're a beginner. And, believe it or not, if you're new to snowboarding, this usually means your board will last longer.

Snowboarders with a lot of expertise tend to put more stress on their boards, which means they don't last as long. Because beginners utilize less force on their snowboards, their boards often last up to 20% longer.

So, if you're new to the sport, you have one edge over the professionals.

However, even a newbie may have a season or two under their belt, and determining whether or not to replace your board can be difficult. If that describes you, here's what you should search for.

1. Your Snowboard's Pop Is Gone; Check The Camber And Rocker

A snowboard's "pop" refers to its energy and rebound. This pop is what keeps your snowboarding alive. It's one of those things that you have to experience once before you can identify it every time.

When your board loses its pop, it no longer behaves like itself when riding, and it begins to feel flat.

A FLAT BOARD REQUIRES REPLACEMENT.

While "flat" in the context of pop is primarily about feeling, a physically flat board is also a significant indicator that it is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced.

When you place your snowboard on a level surface, it should have "camber," which is the bend in the board that allows it to glide on the snow. The "rocker" of a snowboard enhances your control over the board.

The base of a new snowboard features a curve between the contact points on each end of the snowboard. The board is "lifted" away from the flat surface by this curvature. However, when you ride the board, the camber straightens out until it is flush with the flat surface.

But you don't have to wait until your snowboard is so worn out that the camber/rocker is completely gone before purchasing a new one.

Pop, camber, and rocker all seem like a new Rice Crispie Treats flavor, but when all three are present on your snowboard, they may be deadly.

So, if you see any of these symptoms of wear, have your local shop inspect it or begin the search for your next snowboard.

2. Your edges remain dull, and your snowboard feels loose.

When your bindings begin to loosen or your edges become dull, it's typically a sign that it's time for a new board.

YOUR EDGES WILL NOT REMAIN SHARP

When carving turns, the edges of a snowboard increase control. The metal on the edges will deteriorate and grow blunt with time, causing them to no longer hold the snow as firmly as they once did.

Some of this is undeniably repairable, either with a diamond stone for dents or an edge tuner for sharpening. However, if you continue to drive over dull edges, you will lose control of your turning abilities and will find yourself sliding out more frequently than you are used to.

And, trust me, I'm all for fixing everything that can be fixed, but one of the most crucial safety elements while snowboarding is control. As a result, it is important that it be never jeopardized.

So, when the edges of your snowboard are dull and beyond sharpening, it's time to replace it.

YOUR BINDINGS ARE TOO LOOSE

If you see your bindings coming free more frequently, this is another clue that you need a new board.

If your bindings feel way too loose in comparison to the first day, it might signal that the screws are peeling or the board is losing its integrity. This is extremely risky and can lead to you losing control of your board totally.

3. Scratches and Dings on Your Snowboard

Accidents happen, and you'll surely collide with stuff above and below the snow. Many may be repaired, whether at the base or on the edge of your snowboard.

However, if your board begins to resemble Swiss cheese, with too many gouges, cracks, big chips, and scratches, it's definitely time to replace it.

Even those bothersome burrs that grow on the margins are occasionally beyond the diamond stone's enchantment and ability.

If your base is dry or peeling, this is also an indication that your board needs to be changed. If this occurs, you can blame your wax or a lack thereof.

If you're unclear whether your snowboard can be fixed, see an expert. What appears to be a small issue may imply that your snowboard is a write-off, and it's better to learn this while you're not shredding it.

A 1970s Camaro with a few dings and scrapes may look cool, but the same cannot be true about your snowboard.

How To Take Great Care Of Your Snowboard

The most essential strategy to extend the life of your snowboard is to take care of it. Yes, it's cliche, but we've all seen and been the individuals who toss their surfboard in the trunk, place heavy stuff on top of it, or leave it in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

So take this as a reminder to take care of your snowboard. Here's a checklist of things to do to make your snowboard last another season:

• Store your snowboard properly - especially in the off-season, select a dry and cool location that is not your garage.

• Wash your board on a regular basis - Try to remove any dirt and wax from your base every few days or after a session. This will help you slide more smoothly. Simply use a soft towel and light soap - dish soap works well. Otherwise, coarse textiles and strong solvents will harm your board.

• Wax your snowboard Regularly: Wax your snowboard after 3 to 5 days of riding or when you notice the performance beginning to deteriorate. A decent waxing may revitalize an aged board. And avoid using a rub-on wax at all costs.

• Tune your edges - at least once every season, but more frequently if you're an experienced rider or live in a rock-infested area, you'll want to smooth out your edges.

A QUICK NOTE ON EDGE SHARPENING

Sharpen your snowboard's edges at least once a year in general. Increase this frequency if you bike frequently.

If the edge of your snowboard feels dull to the touch or has burrs (little uneven bits), you'll need to sharpen it.

Aside from edges and general maintenance, probably the most significant aspect of caring for your board is how you prepare it for the season

5 Steps to Prepare Your Snowboard for the Season

The location of where you begin the season generally has a compounding influence on the state of your snowboard by the conclusion of the season. If you're pulling your snowboard out of storage and ready for the season, here's a short guide.

• Clean your base- Clean your base using a base cleaner/degreaser and a soft cloth or rag, although mild soap can also work wonderfully.

• Clean the edges - Look for any rusty spots and carefully remove them with a scouring pad. The emphasis is on being cautious; avoid contacting the base as much as possible.

• Remove any burrs - Run a diamond stone along the edges, giving special attention to any dents. Then, using an edge tuner, sharpen your edges

• Wax the base - If you know the weather you'll be snowboarding in, choose a cold-rated or hot-rated wax. If you're unsure, all-temperature waxes are a good choice. Again, using a rub-on wax is a waste of your time, energy, and money.

• Check your bindings - From the bolts to the straps, verify sure everything is still securely connected and that nothing has deteriorated during the off-season.

Even if your snowboard was in perfect condition when you stored it at the end of the previous season, you'll need to make sure it's in great form for each season.

Preparing your snowboard is straightforward and can typically be done at home. If in doubt, take your board to your local store and have them inspect and adjust it for you.

Unfortunately, even if you just ride your snowboard a handful of times every season and take good care of it, it will eventually wear down - it may simply take longer, especially if it is a high-quality snowboard.

Check this article: How big should my snowboard bindings be