Different cambers types convey a different feel on the snow. Also, different types of cambers are more or less suitable for different styles and riding levels.

What is camber profile in a snowboard?

Camber profile is a snowboard shape if to cut it along the length and look from the side.

Сamber in a snowboard is called a convex shape in the form of an arch. Rocker is called the reverse arch that forms a lift.

In classic camber, camber zone is located from the contact zone of the tip to the contact zone of the tail (place where snowboard in the unloaded state is in contact with surface. In simple words, the camber is from tip to tail).

This type of camber creates an excellent pop performing ollie, increases the edge grip with snow and adds stability at speed.

For beginners, this is not the best variant, since there is a high probability to catch the edge. Also, this type of camber is not the best option for deep snow (powder), where it is necessary to have tip much higher above the surface for better floating in powder.

This type of camber is the most aggressive, but level of aggressiveness depends on how pronounced camber is (how high is the arch).

In fact, it is opposite to classic camber. In this case, rocker is located from tip to tail.

Rocker suits for beginners well, since it is very easy to control it performing turns and the probability of catch the edge is very small. On the other hand, for beginners, classic rocker can be difficult to control due to its excessive maneuverability.

Rocker is very suitable for performing tricks on the plane and butters. In powder, it will give a taste of one’s quality much better than camber, as the tip will be raised much higher, that facilitates in better floating.

The flip side of rocker is that it is less springy in comparison to camber and at speed and landings from gaps and drops it has less stable.

There are no convex in this type of camber. It is flat from tip to tail.

This type of camber provides a stable ride without excessive aggressiveness, meaning that it can work well for beginners as well. But the chance of catch the edge is still present.

Flat camber shows itself well during landings and jib, and the edge grip with snow is not worse than classic camber has.

For example, the combination of flat and rocker proved to be very good and is very popular among beginners and those who like more maneuverable snowboards. In this case, snowboard has flat zone between bindings, and rockers are located from bindings to the tip and tail.

Hybrid cambers combine several types of cambers. The most popular types of hybrids are: rocker / camber / rocker, camber / rocker / camber, rocker / flat / rocker.

Rocker in the tip and tail zones performs well during turns and in powder, and camber underfoot gives stability, springiness, speed and good traction with snow.

The lengths of rocker and camber sections can be different. Combination of their lengths creates different riding feeling.

Hybrid cambers are often directional. In this case, camber shifts more toward tail, and rocker takes up more space from bindings to the tip. This combination is very suitable for freeride and powder.

From bindings to the tip and tail, camber zone creates similar feeling to classic camber (springiness and stability), while the rocker between feet creates a feeling of ease of control. Also, snowboard with this type of camber performs better in powder and is more maneuverable than classic camber. Hybrid rocker is good for park ride as well.

Freestyle

Freestyle snowboards usually have the following cambers: hybrid rocker, hybrid camber, flat rocker and classic camber for those who prefer big air.

Hybrid camber is one of the most popular in the freestyle direction, since the camber under feet adds stability, and rocker in the tip and tail catch the edge less when riding, allowing you to perform the butter element and is more forgiving when landing from gabs.

In hybrid rocker, camber zones from bindings to the tip and tail are well suited for jumps and landings, since they creates a good pop and stability. Rocker between bindings is well suited for jib, providing greater maneuverability and ease of control.

Flat to rocker is well suited for jib. The flat area between bindings shows itself well at landings, providing stability, and rockers make the snowboard very maneuverable for turns and spins.

All-Mountain

For all mountain riders in priority to do a bit of everything. Some are more likely to freestyle, some are more likely to freeride. Thus, camber should be as versatile as rider’s preferences. In total, hybrid profiles are very suitable for this riding style. In most cases, the choice falls on the hybrid camber because of its stability and speed. More aggressive riders prefer classic camber, as it combines well the stability and edge grip.

Free-ride/Powder

Freeride and powder are dominated by hybrid chamber with a displacement of whole profile. Rocker zone in the tip is very important element when riding in powder, and camber zone creates a large contact with snow providing good edge grip.