Snowboard Cambers Explained

Board Shapes and cambers (or bends) are constantly evolving. We used to just have one shape (positive camber), but now there is a different camber profile suited for each style of riding, and each style of rider. Most companies use different terminology for different camber profiles, and it can be very confusing. To simplify everything, we have broken the different shapes into 5 categories that you will see below. Unfortunately every board doesn’t fit automatically into each category so if we've missed something, or you still have questions, feel free to call us on (03) 9470 1822 or send us an email.

What is Camber?

Camber, also known as Bend or Profile, is the natural curve of the snowboard from nose to tail, down the centre of the snowboard. This bend affects every aspect of how a snowboard rides, from how to turns, to how much height you can get out of an ollie, to what speeds it can handle comfortably. No camber is 'the best camber' as this depends greatly on your skill level, preference, and what you're looking to get from your snowboard. 

Positive Camber

This is the original snowboard shape, ideal for aggressive riders who want more power, more stability, stronger edge hold, and bigger ollies. The traditional Camber shape has a rise in the middle of the board, with the board touching the ground towards the nose and tail. It is stable at higher speeds, especially when carving, and has more control landing bigger jumps. You have to use your weight to bend the board and push it into the shape of a turn, which makes the board want to return to its natural profile, creating the pop and snap that gives your board its energy and life. Some people prefer riding this type of board in Powder because they feel that the pop and energy outweigh the fact that the nose constantly wants to dive down underneath the snow.

Also known as: Camber, Traditional Camber

Best for: Intermediate-advanced riders, high speeds, bigger features, aggressive riding. 

Reverse Camber

Reverse camber is the opposite of positive camber, and features the rise in the nose and tail with the middle of the snowboard contacting the ground. This profile has predictability to its ride and greatly reduces your chance of catching an edge and falling over. It’s loose, surfy feel is ridden more between the feet and naturally planes above powder as the nose and tail are pre-shaped to lift up. Unlike Positive Camber, this board is already in the shape of a turn so turns are easier and more predictable, but don't have the same energy as positive camber. It is also great for exaggerated butters and presses on rails and boxes. Reverse camber is less common these days and you will find more options in Hybrid Reverse profiles further below.

Also known as: Rocker

Best for: Beginners

Flat Camber

This is an ideal choice for riders who want the stability of camber with the loose forgiving feel of reverse camber. These boards have a longer feel and therefore can be ridden a bit shorter. Due to the neutral state of the nose and tail, these boards also float well in powder. A more popular variation of Flat Camber is Flat-Reverse camber, which puts revers camber in the nose and the tail, combining the stability of flat camber with the ease of reverse camber.

Known as: Flat Camber, Zero Camber, Flat-Reverse, Super Flat, Flat Top etc.

Best for: Playful all Mountain Freestyle riding

Hybrid Positive Camber

Hybrid Positive camber is a hybrid camber that has an overall positive profile, which uses less aggressive forms of positive camber either between the feet or along the whole board for a more stable ride while remaining forgiving and reducing the risk of catching edges. The small amounts of positive camber create a better platform for bigger ollies and landing jumps both in the park and all over the mountain. It is also a great choice for riders who prefer Positive Camber in Powder but want to avoid having their nose diving under the snow.

Known as: C3, Shockwave, Fusion, etc. 

Best For: Intermediate-Advanced riders, All Mountain freestyle. Very versatile. 

Hybrid Reverse Camber

This combines reverse camber between the feet with positive camber in the nose and tail for added zones of pop and control. This board turns easily, floats above powder and still has the control and stability at higher speeds. Great shape for riding everything.

Known as: C2, Rocker & Camber, Flying V

3BT, Triple-Base, 3D Contour, Spoon, Concave

In addition to the nose to tail bend, some snowboards will have a bend across the board from toe to heel as well. This is most prominently featured on boards from Bataleon and Jones, but you will find it in certain models across other brands. This technology has a few benefits:

  1. Lifted points at the widest part of the board provide a smoother, more forgiving ride.
  2. Gradually increasing the side base uplift ensures ultra-smooth turns and superior edge hold.

Different models and different brands will use this technology in different ways, from big, aggressive uplifts to provide superior glide in powder, to minimal uplift at the contact points to reduce bite in turns without changing the way the board feels. These boards offer a more surfy feeling while still having options for all skill levels, riding styles, and terrain types.

Best for: Any rider that wants a more surfy feeling.

If you are still having trouble figuring which shape is right for you, come visit the shop and we would be happy to go over it with you. If you aren’t near Melbourne you can also email any questions or call us on (03) 9470 1822.