There is wide variety of snowboard shapes combinations, but all of them should be within next categories:

• True Twin, Twin Tip
• Directional Twin
• Directional 
• Tapered Directional 

True twin shape means that dividing snowboard into two parts along waist width obtains two equal pieces.

This means that:

• Tip and tail have same length
• Tip and tail have same width
• Inserts for bindings have central displacement without setback, meaning that:
  • Distance from the center of the front group of inserts to the tip is equal to the distance of the rear group of inserts to the tail. 
  • Distance form the thinnest central part of the waist to the tip and and tail is the same.

Of course, it is possible to setback stance, but this option suits only if t is needed to ride backcountry (if there is no suitable board).

In addition, symmetrical snowboards have the same stiffness both in the tip and in the tail.

Who needs twin tip?

True twin are most suitable for freestyle, since this shape is absolutely symmetrical in all respects, it is equally convenient to ride on it in both directions (normal (leading front leg) and switch (rear leg)).

At first glance, directional twin shape is similar to the true twin but it has a number of distinctive parameters, such as:

• Stance setback, not more than 20 mm
• Nose is longer than the tail

Thus, contact area of directional twin snowboard has the same characteristics as twin tip board has. Only  tip is slightly longer than tail. Width remains the same. Stance setback will be relative to the effective edge length.

For instance, if directional twin shape has tip 1 cm longer than tail and stance setback is 1 cm, then the total snowboard setback will be 2 cm. These two parameters do not have to meet together in a snowboard to make it directional twin.

Who needs directional twin?

This shape is well suited to the intermediate link between freestyle/all mountain and all mountain raiders. Feelings of riding in the switch is a bit differ from true twin, but not too much.

Snowboard shape shown on the picture includes inserts and radius displacement, also, tip is longer and wider than tail.

Directional shape speaks for itself, meaning that snowboard is comfortable to ride only in one direction.

Directional shape typically includes a combination of pronounced parameters, such as:

• Longer tip
• Shape of the tip and tail is different
• There is stance setback mostly
• Displacement of sidecut radius
• Wider tip
• Camber displacement
• Different stiffness in tip and tail

Who needs directional shape?

Most suitable for all mountain/freeride and freeride, since in most cases it is required to ride in one direction. Of course, switch ride is still present, but it is much more uncomfortable than on symmetrical snowboards.

This shape is characterized by a large displacement. Ttip is much longer and wider than tail, tail has very blunt shape or has a large neckline.

In the case, tapered directional shape has nothing similar to the symmetry in the snowboard. Tip and tail are completely different. Expressive features of tapered directional shape:

• Much longer tip
• Much wider tip
• Softer tip
• Shape of the tip and tail are very different. The tip is more elongated, and the tail is more blunt
• Stance setback more than 20 mm

Who needs tapered directional shape?

This shape shows itself well only in freeride and powder. This shape is designed for better floating, since a stiffer and shorter tail deepens well in the snow, and a softer and longer nose contributes to better control in powder. Also, short tail adds more maneuverability, which is necessary when riding between trees. Riding switch will be uncomfortable and at least strange.