While the larger model snowboard offers increased control on a backwoods terrain, it will slow you down on the manicured runs of the freestyle terrain park. Novice snowboarders often have difficulty controlling larger boards due to the bulky design. Large model snowboards are also made for riders with an above-average weight or shoe size.
Maneuverability
When learning the basic turns and maneuvers, a large snowboard will limit your performance. The snowboard experts at REI recommend larger snowboards for riders who have a boot size greater than 10.5. If your feet are too small for the snowboard, you will have difficulty transferring your body weight between the heel and toe edge of the deck. Larger snowboards can decrease your turning radius, which could result in painful collisions with friends or fellow riders.
Speed
When riding on the mellow slopes of the terrain park, a larger model snowboard will decrease your speed capabilities. While the larger snowboard will slow you down in the terrain park, it can increase your speed capabilities on a downward sloping terrain. A faster snowboard is a great disadvantage to young riders that have yet to master the basics. Downhill racers utilize larger snowboard to hit speeds in excess of 30 mph. When reaching top speeds, novice riders may lose control of the snowboard resulting in painful slide outs.
Weight
Due to the increased length and waist width, the larger model snowboard will have a greater weight than the average sized board. If you enjoy executing freestyle tricks and maneuvers, a heavier board will put you at a great disadvantage. According to "Snowboard" magazine, terrain park and half pipe riders utilize a lightweight board that features a length of around 150 cm. A larger board will decrease your spinning speed as well as the height of your aerial jumps.
Stopping
To avoid high-speed collisions with hazards in the terrain, snowboarders employ a specialized braking technique that involves sliding the board sideways across the snow. Due to the advanced speed of the large model snowboard, it will take you longer to slow the board to a complete stop. A decreased braking ability will put any rider at a strong disadvantage. When braking, the extended dimensions of a larger snowboard will hinder your ability to transfer energy to the edges of the board.
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