Does it really matter what level rider a board is supposedly made for?

Question

I'm a beginner snowboarder and i want to invest in a really nice board but i'm not sure if it will be too advanced for me. technically i'm supposed to get an entry level board like the burton feather but you can get a feelgood for only about 50 dollars more online and it's a way nicer board. plus i don't want a board that i will grow out of after only one or two seasons. i want something that will last me a while. is there something different about beginner boards that make them easier to learn on, or are they just cheaper?

Answer 1

I completely agree with everybody else. Buy a narrow, forgiving yet well-constructed board. One more thing: speed. Whether you are beginner or pro, a zippy fine-graded base makes everything so much easier.

Also, don't underestimate the power of looks: your first board will always have that special place in your memory. So buy a beautyful one, the one you fall in love with.

Welcome to the club.

Answer 2

The more advanced board will be less forgiving to errors you make in balance and pressure of the edges. The main thing that will happen is you will probably fall more often until you develop a finer set of muscle memory for your tasks.

  Buy the better board, and spend time on the lower slopes as you learn.

Answer 3

YES it matters.

The difference is flexibility. The stiffer the board, the harder it is to maneuver. Now, you dont have to get a super soft flex, but do yourself a favor and do not get anything stiffer than a medium board. Your behind will thank you. Womens boards are usually more flexible too, and more narrow. Softer flex means less behind/face time on the hill while you're learning.

I suggest renting a few times while you're learning if you're unsure. If after you've progressed to linking turns, and you try out a medium flex board and it feels ok, go ahead and buy the board. If not, stay with a soft flex. If you're really worried about outgrowing I suggest not buying yet.

Buy an advanced board and you're going to get turned off to the sport. It will be neither easy nor fun to learn on.

Answer 4

Buy an intermediate board.  I did that when I was a beginner and because it was more responsive it forced my riding to improve.  Plus what's the point in spending $X and then spending more than that in a season or two?  There isn't one.

Don't buy the most expensive board but buy one up from that.

Since you said the Burton Feather I see you're looking at women's boards.  Check out the Forum Star, that's what I got and it's great because it pushed my skills and is going to be ridable for many seasons.