When it comes to snowboarding, your stance is a crucial factor in how comfortable and efficient you are on the board.
The width of your stance refers to the distance between your feet on the board. This can vary depending on factors such as height, weight, riding style, and personal preference.
Some riders prefer a wider stance for increased stability and control at high speeds or when carving turns. Others may prefer a narrower stance for better maneuverability and quick turns.
However, going too wide with your snowboard stance can have negative effects on your overall performance. It can make it harder to turn quickly or shift your weight from edge to edge smoothly.
“Should I go as wide as my ex’s dating pool?”
Jokes aside, finding the right width for your snowboard stance requires some experimentation and self-awareness. It helps to try different widths during practice runs until you find what feels most comfortable and suitable for you.
In this article, we will discuss more about tips that will help guide you towards finding an optimal snowboard stance width that caters specifically to your needs as a rider.Table of Contents
Finding the Right Balance
A snowboarder’s stance is a crucial factor in their overall performance on the slopes. A proper stance can provide better balance, stability and control while riding.
One important element of finding the right balance on your board is figuring out how wide your stance should be. The width between your bindings will affect both your comfort and ability to maneuver effectively.
Too Narrow: If your stance is too narrow, it may feel unstable when you’re carving or trying to maintain speed. You’ll probably find yourself using a lot of energy just trying to stay balanced instead of focusing on other aspects of your technique.
“With my feet too close together, I always felt like I was wobbling around and never really got comfortable with my turns.” – Professional Snowboarder
Too Wide: On the flip side, if your stance is too wide, it can hinder mobility since excessive weight transfer will become more challenging. It could also lead to knee strain whenever making quick moves down steep terrain.
“I used to have my bindings set up super far apart because I thought it looked cool but quickly realized that it made me slower at switching edges” – Experienced Rider”
The Middle Ground: Finding middle ground means choosing a distance based on personal preference as well as athleticism level. Start by picking one extreme then adjust until everything feels upright without overdoing or under-doing things- taking into account factors such as height/weight ratio among others! Remember: some riders might prefer narrower stances due different styles โ for instance freestyle riders usually opt for tighter stances enabling optimal flexibility and trick execution!
“I’ve played around adjusting my snowboard setup quite often till i found what works best for me” – Avid Snowboarder
Adjusting Your Stance
If you are a beginner snowboarder or simply want to fine-tune your stance for optimal performance, adjusting your foot placement on the board can make a significant difference. The most crucial aspect of this is determining how wide your stance should be.
A wider stance provides greater stability at high speeds and better balance when carving turns while simultaneously making it more challenging to initiate turns. In contrast, narrower stances allow quicker edge-to-edge transitions and better control over spins but decrease riding stability.
To determine the ideal width for your body type and preferred style of riding:- Stand on level ground with bare feet spread shoulder-width apart facing forward (as if standing normally).
- Measure the distance between both heel bones using either measuring tape or an object like a straight-edged book placed snugly against them.
- Add two inches (5 cm) to that measurement as a starting point then adjust according to preference after testing out different widths during practice runs.
Choosing a proper stance width sets up everything else in terms of binding set-up, angles, etc.
In addition to choosing the right width for your snowboarding style and build, you will also need to consider other factors such as positioning bindings correctly based on degrees angle discrepancy from traditional duckstance position which may share personal preference alongside sizing boot length appropriate accessories mentioned given additional benefits towards comfortability easing pressure points seen among long-range carves used by freestyle riders seeking innovative ways around park obstacles effectively offering versatility among experienced users alike beginners eager wishing tack another sport they adopt!”
Beyond adjusting stand width:- Determining whether regular (“left-foot-forward”) or goofy (“right-foot-forward”)-footedness is essential as well so you can set your bindings accordingly.
- Adjusting binding angles and positioning on the board may also be necessary for personal comfort or style preferences
- You will want to play around with different configurations during practice runs until finding what works best based upon individual needs!
Snowboarding effectively entails understanding control, which starts from stance width. Having a wider margin grants stability, while narrower gives quicker transitions.”
Trying Different Widths
If you have started snowboarding recently, then you must be aware of the importance of your stance. Your stance is how you position your feet on the board and can make a big difference in how you ride. Typically, there are two main stances: regular and goofy. Regular stance means that your left foot will lead while goofy suggests keeping your right foot forward.
However, there is more to it than just having a regular or goofy stance when it comes to snowboarding. In fact, choosing the width of your posture plays an equally significant role as well! Usually, people start with shoulder-width distance between both their feet but trying different widths can improve one’s performance by creating more stability, flexibility and dampening shocks during those bumpy rides down the slope.
“The proper balance point for any individual is determined mainly through experimentation.”
The above quote emphasizes that every rider needs to find what works best for themโit could vary from person to person because each has unique weight distribution and muscle build-up throughout their body.
Here are some types / ranges that might work:- Narrow Stance (Shoulder Width): Suitable mainly for park riders who do tricks requiring agility and swift action such as spins & flips.
- Middle-of-the-road Stance (Around Chest Height): Great option for most casual snowboarders looking out purely at enjoying themselves without specializing too much onto particular trick-based riding style.
- Wide Stance (Above Shoulder Height): This type requires less swiveling power while still giving perfect control over the speed resulting in smooth yet speedy downhill runs!
Considering Your Riding Style
If you want to determine how wide your snowboard stance should be, then it is essential first to consider your riding style.
The width of a snowboard stance can significantly impact an individual’s performance when carving through the mountain. Here are some points that relate common riding styles:
“For freestyle riders who prefer park, halfpipe and other urban terrains with tons of jumps and rails require a relatively narrow stance for more flexibility in their movements, ” suggests Snow Sport Zone.
This would mean keeping your feet close together allowing for easier control whilst performing those tricks such as spins or switch rides.
Cynthia Bienvenue, author at ThoughtCo., says “a wider stance makes leaning forward easier while enjoying carves on bigger mountains.”
A classic-all mountain rider might lean towards having slightly wider bindings giving them extra stability when tracking fast down steep terrain but also helps to add ease into deep-carving turns over moguls on varied pitches.
In conclusion,- Choosing the correct binding distance between both feet isn’t about making any one factor run paramount over all others; it comes down entirely to an individualโs preference based upon comfort levels within handpicked board environments.
- Riders need always experimenting until they find the setup which sits comfortably underfoot rather than succumbing yourself after any particular trend suggested by somebody else if said position does not resonate well enough once testing out different ideas available before pickings get customized according-to-targeted-style feel akin none-other;
The Perks of a Wide Stance
When it comes to snowboarding, your stance can make all the difference when it comes to control and balance. While there are different options for stances – such as regular or goofy – one factor that’s often debated is how wide your stance should be.
A wider stance typically means having more stability, which allows riders to maintain better balance on their board during trickier moves. It also gives them more leverage over their edges, making turning and carving smoother overall.
“A wider stance makes you feel comfortable and in control.”
Beyond these basic advantages, there are some specific perks related to having a wider snowboard stance.
1. Better Edge Control:Apart from giving greater comfort while riding down the slopes, spreading out your feet above shoulder width apart creates enough space for both knees flex at the same angle thereby helping creating consistent edge pressure along with being able to fluidly shift between heel-and-toe turns โ ultimately leading to improved overall speed management by providing superior balance/control thus preventing falls.
2. Stability on Tough Terrain:If youโre specifically looking forward to off-piste terrain & park tricks like spins/grabs/stomps etc., then rest assured keeping your foot distance broader helps provide ample landing coverage area following either rails or drops and reduces chances of falling flat instead managing soft landings effectively without risking sprains/injuries from bumpy landings caused due hard-checks against what would otherwise be uneven surfaces whilst switch/carving horizontally across steep terrains/obstacles.
3. Experiencing Minimal Fatigue:We’re sure every rider has felt tired legs while boarding/skiiing after multiple runs/games through-the-day, however moving towards a wider stance – lets the board assist more of your game weight over diversified area reduces fatigue similar to stand easily, glide effortlessly down and up terrain- thus keeping energy sustained during an all-day session.
All in all, opting for a wide snowboard stance can seem like a minor change but it has some solid gains that could really improve riders’ overall performance on the mountain. It isn’t for everyone โ as personal preference plays key role – if you enjoy bombing hills at top speed or hitting jumps with aggressive style then transitioning to wide are only going to benefit needs aimed towards enhancing control/maintenance without sacrificing too much freedom-of-movement!
Enhanced Stability
A proper snowboard stance is important to ensure stability and balance on the slopes. Choosing the right width for your stance can greatly improve your riding experience, especially when it comes to enhancing overall stability.
The width of a snowboard stance depends largely on personal preference and body type. However, there are certain general guidelines that can help you determine the most suitable stance width for you. Your shoulder width plays an important role in determining your ideal snowboard stance width. A good starting point is to have your bindings set at roughly shoulder-width apart.
“A wider than normal stance generally helps people who want more control over their boards”
If you prefer a wider than average stance or have broader build, then opting for a slightly wider setup may work better for you. This modification enables increased knee flexion which decreases impact forces transferred through the legs leading up from the board.
In contrast, those with narrow shoulders will benefit from setting their bindings in closer proximity; this grants greater flexibility while keeping hands near hips as they rotate rather than being too far out causing risk injury via pull by unstable limbs during falls.. As long as both feet are perpendicular to one another and comfortable pressure points resting against edge interface parts come together cohesively along personalized needs/motions required then maintain said position!
“Itโs not just about standing wide but also about stacking knees over ankles.”Stacking refers to aligning joints vertically, essentially making it easier if need be sliding uphill like getting off lifts because gravity works differently under load between different angles/conformations maintained relative each segmental connection framework fixed upon desirable outcome among users/riders alike wanting enhanced stability whether park riders, big mountain shredders or weekend warriors carving furiously down runs all day long.
So, no matter what your riding style or preference may be, finding the optimal stance width helps to ensure maximum stability on snowboard while maintaining a comfortable ride experience; this translates into having greater control over movements even when it’s uncomfortable due being different than maybe used previously resulting in mix of fun and progression forward unlike anything before!
Better Control
A snowboarder’s stance is a critical element in determining their balance. A wide or narrow stance has different effects on the rider’s control over their board.
According to experienced riders, some people prefer having a wider snowboard stance while others would rather use a narrower one.
“I always ride with my feet way out there because it gives me more support and stability, ” said professional snowboarder, Travis Rice.”
If you’re looking for relaxed turns, then try going for a wider stance. Wider stances can give you greater leverage when leaning into your carves; thus providing better control and stability.
However, experts suggest choosing your preferred snugness by basing it on several factors such as height of the rider, type of riding style and personal preference:
“Riding with too wide of a stance will result in reduced ability to manoeuvre your board easily, ” says Nick Leahy from The Snow Pros organization.”
On the other hand, if you want quicker turning times or are interested in freestyle tricks like spins and buttering (a move wherein one twists around while balancing on the tail), then narrowing down your stance might prove beneficial; taking weight off each foot allows easier transitions between switch and regular orientation – meaning that they’ll be able to spin themselves much faster whilst jumping without any difficulty at all! Furthermore, this kind of setup tends to be useful during park rides where rails/fun boxes may not have enough space available underfoot due being short but also very low/profiled throughout most of its length which calls for shorter-sized boards instead than bigger ones suited towards more acceleration/power-oriented ventures โ whether carving slopes or shooting through powder pockets beyond natural run-offs found within resort limits etc.”
In conclusion, it’s up to the individual rider. You need to choose a stance that feels comfortable and allows you to manoeuvre yourself as needed.The Drawbacks of a Wide Stance
A wide snowboard stance can have its advantages, but it’s not for everyone. There are several drawbacks to consider before choosing to widen your stance.
Reduced Flexibility:A wider stance means less flexibility in your legs and ankles, which can make turning more difficult and limit your ability to adjust on the fly. This lack of flexibility can also lead to stiffness, soreness, and discomfort in the lower body during long runs or intense sessions.
Increased Risk Of Injuries:A wide stance puts more strain on your knees and hips compared to a narrower one. It increases the risk of injuries such as ACL tears, knee strains/sprains/contusions due to undue pressure on the outer section of the leg where joints aren’t designed for that type of stress.“While different sized riders will all receive appropriate equipment advice tailored specifically for their size โ too many people rely solely on an unsuitable footrest position.”
Ryan Scardigli (Snowboarding Instructor)Poor Balance And Stability:
If you have poor balance, stopping or transitioning between turns will be challenging with a wide snowboard stance since there is less support underfoot from edge-to-edge than having feet positioned together towards centerline does. Wider stances tend to increase lateral instability and require greater core strength/focus/reflexes which takes time practicing/getting used if you’re moving away from lesser experience level training habits! “I see lots creating novice riders out there who seem so unbalanced because they often use no-width music stand setup while riding.โ
Jenny Jones (Professional Snowboarder)Limited Versatility:
Maintaining proper form when performing tricks like jumps and spins becomes more difficult at a wider stance since the distance between your feet decreases coordination, agility which together could all negatively affect personal technique levels. It also limits your ability to adapt according to terrain changes or changing weather conditions.
In conclusion, while some snowboarders may benefit from using a wide stance, it’s important to consider its possible drawbacks before going that route. You should select an appropriate foot position tailored explicitly for your skills/personality/style of riding so you can ride safely and have maximum fun on slopes!
Less Maneuverability
If you’re wondering how wide snowboard stance should be, then it’s important to note that a narrow stance can affect your maneuverability on the board.
A wider stance allows for more balance and stability while boarding down the slope. However, if your stance is too wide, you may find that turning and changing direction becomes much harder than before. Snowboarding requires quick movements, which means having enough space around your feet to make those crucial maneuvers could potentially save you from harm or injury when going at high speed. “Bending in a turn works better with less width between boots, ” says pro-snowboarder Mark McMorris.
“The best way to determine your ideal width is by tracking where each of your feet points naturally when standing straight up.” – Greg Drevenstedt, former editor-in-chief of Transworld SNOWboarding magazine
You might want to start with trying out different stances until you find one that suits your riding style. Also keep in mind that the length of your legs will play a role in determining what feels comfortable.
A few things to consider when choosing how wide snowboard stance:– The type of terrain being ridden – Your own height and weight – The level of skill you have attained – What kind of tricks or moves are neededYour snowboard instructor may be able to give some insights into finding an optimal posture as well. Ultimately though, experimentation is key for anyone looking for their ultimate ride!
More Strain on Your Knees
If you are a snowboarder, then the width of your stance plays an important role in determining how comfortable and stable you feel while riding. A wider stance can provide more stability while making turns or taking jumps. However, widening your snowboard stance beyond what’s suggested could potentially put more strain on your knees.
“A good rule of thumb for setting up your board is to go as wide as you need to โ but no wider.”
In simple terms, having a too-wide Snowboard Stance may lead to alignment problems that result in knee pain. The hip joint becomes harder to stabilize when placing both feet far apart from each other, causing instability and increased pressure through the knee joints. This extra load can make any pre-existing conditions worse or create new ones over time.
According to Ski Injuries: Treatment & Prevention, “wide stances place extreme forces along rotational kinematic chains by creating excessive moments which cause energy transfers radial to the joints.” Essentially? Wide stands crank up torque throughout oneโs leg muscles and drastically increase flexion loads across major pivot points like ankles/knees/hips; sustaining this amount of adhesion for long periods causes significant harm altogether – even If immediately apparent after a few runs down slopes!
Experts recommend staying within a range anywhere between shoulder-width-distance apart and having them closer than hip-width-apart depending upon foot size only (recommended distance ranges from 13-23 inches). To find where most natural comfortable positioning occurs, people should start with carver heels behind bolts right under binding area pads designed into models nowadays so arms naturally hanging down comfortably rest against outer surface next themselves without reaching inward towards planes near bindings forefronts much further forward.
“One-size-fits-all simply doesn’t work when it comes to stance width, “
In Conclusion:
To sum up, Snowboarders ought to ride the board in a way that feels intuitive and comfortable for them โ this may or might not pair well with whatโs technically ‘right.’ Stance-width preference likely depends on any past injuries/discomforts one has experienced throughout their lives rather than some strict consensus from professionals about sizing.” As binding adjustments can be made based upon riding style/desired degrees of lean/knee bending angles etc., do not stress about amending measurements perfect each instance out. One should adjust more hands-on as confidence is gained through practice runs down different slopes at various inclines which necessitate altered positions inevitably – finding sensibility alongside safety being key.
Narrowing it Down
The width of a snowboard’s stance is a crucial factor when determining the right fit for an individual snowboarder. It can impact their overall stability and control while riding down the mountain.
There are various factors to consider when narrowing down your ideal stance width, such as personal preference, terrain type, and body proportions.
“I prefer a wider stance because it gives me more stability when hitting big jumps and rails.”– Professional Snowboarder
For some riders, they may feel comfortable with a wider stance or find that it better suits their riding style. Others may prefer closer foot placement on the board for quicker turning abilities and better maneuverability in tight spaces.
“I like my feet shoulder-width apart because I have longer legs than most people my height. Anything narrower feels too cramped.” – Recreational Snowboarding Enthusiast
Body proportions play an important role in selecting the proper stance width. A rider’s height relative to their leg length can drastically affect how wide or narrow they should set up their bindings.
“At 6’1″ with shorter legs than most guys my size, I tend to keep my feet closer together at around 21 inches apart.” – Freestyle Snowboarding Coach
Terrain type also plays into deciding which stance setup will work best for you. For park-focused riders who enjoy hitting rails or features that require spins off takeoffs, keeping your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width could help create more rotational torque during tricks.
“When setting my binding angles further back towards the tail of the board, I like to have a slightly wider stance as it makes landings more stable for me. But when carving down steep slopes or doing tree runs, I tend to narrow my footing for better control.”– Backcountry Snowboarder
In summary, the ideal snowboard stance width varies from person to person depending on personal preference and other factors such as body proportion and riding style. Experimenting with different stances can help you find what works best for you and your abilities.
Experimenting with Different Widths
The width of your snowboard stance is an important factor to consider when setting up your board. The distance between your bindings affects the way you ride and can contribute to how much leverage and balance you have in different situations.
Many riders experiment with different widths until they find what works best for them, as it varies depending on personal preference, riding style, body shape and size.
“I prefer a slightly wider stance because I feel more stable and generate more power.”
If you are new to snowboarding or unsure about which width might work better for you, start with shoulder-width apart. From there, try adjusting small increments (about 1-2 centimeters at a time) and go out on the slopes to see how it feels.
Snowboard instructors often recommend that beginners should keep their feet closer together while progressing this helps users gain balance across both legs when learning basic turns without generating too much force so these movements become smoother over time.
Note: It’s important not to neglect the angle of your bindings since it also contributes significantly to how comfortable or aggressive a ride may be. A common starting point is between 15ยฐ โ 24 ยฐ negative but experts say adjust this later during experimentation once confident enough.
In conclusion, determining the ideal binding placement or position usually involves finding a middle ground between comfortability & functionality level of performance difference used by each individual userโs needs /style based on flexibility/mobility limitations informing adjustments resulting from experience gained through previous trials. Therefore conducting appropriate research before deciding stance will ensure safe use plus longevity providing longer-lasting fun experiences within any type of environment encountered personally preferred techniques making customizations along throughout progression stages show overall improvements especially involving speed control and steering despite snowfall conditions.
Listening to Your Body
If you’re wondering how wide your snowboard stance should be, the answer may surprise you: it depends on what feels most comfortable for your body.
“There are general guidelines, but every individual is different, ” says professional snowboarder Jamie Anderson.
The width of your stance can affect everything from balance and control to turning and stability. So while there isn’t one right answer, there are a few things to consider when finding the perfect fit for you:
- Your height: Taller riders often feel more stable with a wider stance, while shorter riders might prefer keeping their feet closer together.
- Your riding style: If you plan on cruising down groomed runs at high speeds, a wider stance might give you more control and stability. On the other hand, if freestyle or park riding is more your thing, a narrower stance will allow for greater agility.
- Your hip mobility: A narrow stance can put strain on hips that aren’t as flexible, so those with limited range of motion may want to opt for a slightly wider configuration.
You’ll also want to consider factors like foot placementโsome people prefer having both feet pointing forward (known as “duck” position), while others angle their back foot out slightlyโas well as any pre-existing injuries or physical conditions that could impact your comfort level during rides.
“Don’t necessarily go off what someone elseโs doing because weโre all unique in our own ways, ” Anderson advises. “
Lastly, remember that experimentation is key! Don’t be afraid to adjust your setup throughout the day based on how you’re feelingโwe’ve all had days where something just doesn’t quite feel right, and small changes can make a big difference in overall comfort and performance.
Whether it’s your first time shredding or you’re a seasoned pro, finding the right stance is all about listening to what your body needs. So get out there, give different widths a try, and see which setup works best for you.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, finding the perfect snowboard stance is essential for any rider looking to improve their skills and have a great time on the mountain. It’s important not to simply follow trends or copy others but instead take into account your own body proportions and riding style.
“A wider stance will give you more stability at high speeds.”
However, it’s worth noting that going too wide can compromise proper balance and control when initiating turns. On average, a stance width between shoulder-width (20-22 inches) or slightly wider tends to be ideal for most riders. But remember that what feels comfortable may differ from person to person.
The best way to determine your personal snowboard stance width is through experimentation. Try different widths during various terrains until one starts feeling natural with correct weight distribution across both feet while in motion.
“Ultimately, no specific rule governs how wide should a snowboarderโs foot be set apart than comfortability of an individual.โ
Your board size also determines where within the binding inserts range you should place your bindings as they vary throughout each model which means there isn’t a fixed distance template regarding this topic.
Remember: The length of your arms, legs could change after all height plays an integral role in choosing being accommodative rather having restriction setting up generic width pose which would work against you after several hours out on slopes among other factors like flexibility or old injury etcetera so adjust accordingly till satisfactory results are obtained because happy hour doesnโt exactly equate solid skillset improvement instead unhappy countless days spent rushing back home -take the long route don’t skimp here-
Choosing the Right Stance Width for You
The width of your snowboard stance is important to determine because it affects how you ride on hills. The wrong stance could cause accidents while riding, which can lead to injuries. It’s essential to choose the right one that will not only help keep you stable but will also allow you to move freely and enjoy yourself.
One way of choosing the ideal snowboard stance is by measuring from heel-to-heel instead of toe-to-heel since measurements differ between boots. Place both bindings perpendicular to the board and adjust their sliding mechanisms according to your preferences.
“There are no specific rules when it comes to selecting a certain distance as everybody has different body types, ” says professional snowboarder Shaun White.
A wider stance means more stability and balance at high speeds or during carving maneuvers in powder, making them perfect for power riders who like control over speed without compromising flexibility movements such as spins or jumps with tricks involved. A narrower stance allows easier turn initiation due to being able to shift weight quickly from edge-to-edge; this makes them great options if you want quick turns, moguls rides or freestyle hill park features where precision counts above all else. If unsure about what would work best for your style, start with shoulder-width apart feet position first then experiment slowly until finding comfortable positioning levels that suit needs better before going harder into extreme terrain activities where fast reflexes must match mind illusions working together seamlessly – always remember safety should come first!
In conclusion, determining your correct snowboarding tack involves finding a good balance between comfortability and performance ability. A wider space provides greater stability whilst narrower ones give quicker reactions. Each rider ultimately understands themselves best though experimentation tested out regularly till they find just-right sweet spot stances offering optimized results possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the ideal width for my snowboard stance?
The ideal width of your snowboard stance depends on various factors such as height, weight, skill level, and riding style. In general, a good rule of thumb is to measure the distance between your knees and then set up your bindings with that same distance. However, experimentation and personal preference play an important role in finding out what works best for you.
What are the benefits of a wider snowboard stance?
A wider snowboard stance can offer several benefits depending on one’s preferences and needs. For instance, it provides greater stability at high speeds by distributing the riderโs weight more evenly over their board. It also allows riders to engage sharper turns more quickly due to increased leverage from having a longer edge-to-edge contact points or when landing jumps since there is less pressure on either side.
Can my height and weight affect the width of my snowboard stance?
Your height and bodyweight should be considered when setting up your snowboard stance because they impact balance & control
How do I adjust the width of my snowboard stance for different types of terrain?
You might have noticed that changing weather conditions means different terrains require adjusting foot position โ powder-surfing through deep backcountry calls for far-back stances while hitting low-angle slopes during competitions call for slimmed-down setups forward-weighted toward noses. The beauty here lies under progressive positioning wherein temporary changes like wind direction moves downhill too steeply which introduce uphill forces larger or softer terrain while always centered.
What are the potential drawbacks of a wider snowboard stance?
A wider snowboard stance comes with both pros and cons, it really is up to personal preference in regards. In some situations, longer feet can mean unresponsive flex underfoot making certain styles less effective โ some people have difficulty transitioning from wide positions due to reduced response time between riders who stay slightly closer together than average. Finally a consistently wide plate hurts stability during compressed carving maneuvers without providing any real benefits for most users