SnoRidr

As a snowboarder I would consider myself transitioning from a beginner to a middle-intermediate rider. I've been staying on mostly blue runs, with the occasional black run. I'm trying to learn more about board characteristics.

I would like some input on stiff boards vs softer boards. I understand that stiffer boards are preferred by freeriders and softer boards are typically preferred by park riders etc. But, I would like some input behind the theories of soft/stiff boards, and how their performances differ on the slopes depending on the situation they are put in. For ex, will a softer board used in an aggressive free riding situation tend to chatter or respond less than a stiffer board? Why would it respond less?

My other question is, some writers on this forum say they have outgrown a board. Not in physical size, but in experience and skill. As a rider how do you know its time to upgrade based on your performance? I think some answers to these questions would help us intermediate riders learn more about the characteristics of boards, what we prefer in a board, and make choosing boards a little easier. Looking forward to your posts!