What is a Volume-Shifted Snowboard?

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There are a lot of factors to look at when you are on the market for a new snowboard. Maybe one of the most important factors is the size. To choose the right size, you will need to consider your height, weight, skill level, style of ring, and shoe size.

Knowing all this can make finding the right size quite easy, that is, until you start looking at the different types of boards…like volume-shifted snowboards. So what exactly are volume-shifted snowboards?

These boards are shorter and wider than your typical snowboard. But there is so much more to them, so keep reading and let us try to give you a better idea of what this board brings to the table.

 

What Are the 4 Types of Snowboards?

Before we really dive deep into volume-shifted snowboards, we want to take a good look at the four main types of snowboards. Within each of these types, there will be different designs. On the whole, though, the main types of snowboards are:

 

• All Mountain – true twin/directional shape, good flex, and middle-range stiffness. Good control on a wide range of terrains.
• All Mountain Freestyle – Same design as the previous type but with a more aggressive camber. Better for park riding than powder.
• Freestyle & Park – true twin design with an even flex pattern and a classic/full camber profile. Offer good lift, which makes it perfect for tricks and park riding.
• Freeride – directional board with an a-symmetrical flex pattern. They have longer noses and short tails. No big effort is needed to keep the board gliding on that snow.

 

What Does Volume Shifted Snowboarding Mean?

Snowboarding and the boards of the sport have their roots in the surf world. So just like in that sport, the length and width play a role in the surface that the board uses to do its job.

This board style – the volume shifted – trades length for width and is intended to cover the same surface.

The shorter length gives the board a little more playfulness and enhances its maneuverability. With a wider design, the board can float better over the powder. The primary function of this board style is to ride the powder.

 

Can Any Snowboard Be Volume Shifted?

Since we already discussed the different types of snowboards and what they are typically used for, one question may come to mind. Can all types be constructed into a volume-shifted model?

The answer is yes though some types are better-suited thanks to other features included in their design. For instance, freeride or freestyle. These are both styles of boards intended for powder riding.

But just because these are better suited doesn’t mean you can’t find all mountain boards designed with a volume-shifted frame.

 

Do Pro Snowboarders Use Volume-Shifted Boards?

This style of snowboarding takes a little experience, so when it comes to the intermediate or more advanced riders, we suggest you keep this style of the board in the running for a new board. So if experienced riders are perfect for this board, what about professionals?

There are a few preorders that opt for this style of board.

That is because it is easy to maneuver and glides on powder very well. It may not be the go-to option, but those two factors make it one that has piqued the interest of more than a few of those pro athletes we all look up to.

 

Can Amateurs Use Volume-Shifted Boards?

It glides on powder easily, and though that is a good thing, beginners may find it too hard to control. So if you’re just starting, you may want to stick with one of the basic styles and work your way up to a volume-shifted model.

As we said, it is best for intermediate to experienced riders. Riders that have cultivated the skills necessary to handle a board that floats across the powder. This style of the board requires more control and understanding of maneuvering the board than other styles.

Final Thoughts on What is a Volume-Shifted Snowboard?

For experienced riders, a volume-shifted option could be a good choice for you. The short but wider design gives you extra snap and maneuverability. That can never be bad when you are out on the slopes or improving your skills in a park.