Single level vs. bi-level skates

[Snowduck]

What advantages do each of these have? I'm totally green at snowskating and want to do a little research before plunging in. Thanks!

[Cheesesk8]

Bideck Snowskates
Bideck snowskates are a skateboard style deck raised over a sub-deck similar to a miniature snowboard. The top deck is comprised of a skateboard deck build for winter use and the sub deck is built with the same construction as a snowboard with a wood core, metal edges and a P-Tex base. Connecting the sub deck to the top deck are snowskate trucks which may articulate to offer a more consistant flex of the sub deck or they may be stiff. On top of the snowskate there is a traction surface such as foam grip. The subdeck is narrower than the top deck which gives the ability to control the board in the same way as a snowboard. The leverage you get through pressing down on the side of a snowskate is similar to the effects of lifting a binding on a snowboard to initiate a turn. Bideck snowskates offer the most control and are intended for mountain riding.

Single Deck Snowskates
Single deck snowskates are comprised of either laminated veneers with a P-Tex base or are made of solid plastic. On top of the snowskate is a traction surface such as foam grip. Single deck snowskates have a grooved base for tracking in the snow and locking onto rails. The main riding on single deck snowskates is in backyard snowskate parks or skateboard street influenced terrain such as handrails. Single decks can be ridden down hills with practise but are not suitable for mountain or resort riding due to the lack of control on steep slopes and hardpack snow, single deck snowskates do not have metal edges and are not equipped with a leash so they are not permitted on ski resort lifts.

credits: Jordan Armstrong

[Snowduck]

Wow, thanks for the great info! From this and looking at some video footage, the bi-deck would be perfect for resorts and backcountry, but I'll probably stick to a single deck for now since it's perfect for the area around me (lots of little slopes and stuff which makes 'boarding tedious with getting in and out of bindings). Can't wait to try it out and cool to know what to expect a little better! Muchas gracias amigo~

[crownroyalrage]

How often should you do maintenance on yOur edges and how?  With a file?

[Jesse]

just to clarify the differences between controlling both kinds.
singles- if there is a couple inches of snow it is possible to carve a bit. Usually turning on hardpack with a single involves "going where the board takes you" which is usually down a groove. I call it a point and shoot kind of turning where you dont really carve you point the board in the direction and allow the grooves to take you where you are pointed.
Bidecks- Allow you to turn and stop like a snowboard does and are better control on hardpack/ice.

It all depends on the conditions that are in your area. I started on singles and found that the amount of time i used it was more dependent on the snow conditions then a bideck and i just used the bideck more. I also reside in the land of ice. But for urban style riding (unless you want to destroy a bideck) im always on the single.

crownroyalrage- on a bideck or single?

[snosk8]

Mostly I use a single to pack down a run for my bi - deck. I rarely ride the single.  I prefer having control over where I go. Call me a freak? A lot of people in this forum started on a single because that is what there was.  Backyard snow piles, benches and little jibs was tons of fun on the single. Urban stuff does thrash on the sub pretty hard but I would rather that than ride a single most of the time. 

Crownroyalrage - once or twice a year unless you damage it.  Hardly ever tune my edges.  When I see a noticeable difference in edge hold I might touch it up.  However, I prefer my edges to be less sharp.

[crownroyalrage]

Sorry about posting the previous question in this thread.  My mistake for putting that in here to begin with.  On the bi-deck, do you prefer your edges duller so you do not catch one?  What are your reasons?  What are the benefits for sharp and not so sharp?  I guess other than the obvious.

Thanks.

[AlexanderTH3GR8]

If u ride in packed snow alot, u want ur edges to be sharp or u won't be able to make any turns/edge control. If u ride in powder most of the time, u dont even have to care about ur edges.