Few Questions for you Snowboarders

[dnasty2g]

Alright well Im looking into buying my own gear. Board, bindings, boots. Basically looking for some insight and recommendations from some of you more experienced guys.. I probably averaged only 7-8 trips to the mountains per season since I started snowboarding about 6 years ago. I rented equipment all those times since I didnt get out enough for me to warrant dropping the money on new stuff. Im looking to get out alot more often now and am hoping having my own gear will help facilitate that..

I'd say I'm an average rider. More then a beginner, but not super experienced either. I guess you could say im a novice? The majority of my riding would be in the Poconos with maybe a trip or 2 to Vermont. I'd like to also start getting into riding Park.

I'm 5-10 about 175lbs and have a size 11-12 shoe. What could you guys recommend to me as far as boards, size, width etc. etc.

Being im not going crazy on the slopes just yet, I'd like to keep it all under $300 ish.. New/ Used whatever. In used gear tho, what should I be looking out for as far as damage and wear and tear?

Thanks for any help guys.

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by dnasty2g

Alright well Im looking into buying my own gear. Board, bindings, boots. Basically looking for some insight and recommendations from some of you more experienced guys.. I probably averaged only 7-8 trips to the mountains per season since I started snowboarding about 6 years ago. I rented equipment all those times since I didnt get out enough for me to warrant dropping the money on new stuff. Im looking to get out alot more often now and am hoping having my own gear will help facilitate that..

I'd say I'm an average rider. More then a beginner, but not super experienced either. I guess you could say im a novice? The majority of my riding would be in the Poconos with maybe a trip or 2 to Vermont. I'd like to also start getting into riding Park.

I'm 5-10 about 175lbs and have a size 11-12 shoe. What could you guys recommend to me as far as boards, size, width etc. etc.

Being im not going crazy on the slopes just yet, I'd like to keep it all under $300 ish.. New/ Used whatever. In used gear tho, what should I be looking out for as far as damage and wear and tear?

Thanks for any help guys.

Not to sound like a dick. But good luck spending only $300 for new everything. Most boards alone start at $250 and go up from there. You have to figure over $150-$200 for decent boots and the same for bindings. None of this includes the stupid stuff like stomp pad, leash, etc.

[dnasty2g]

Originally Posted by twastheglow

Not to sound like a dick. But good luck spending only $300 for new everything. Most boards alone start at $250 and go up from there. You have to figure over $150-$200 for decent boots and the same for bindings. None of this includes the stupid stuff like stomp pad, leash, etc.

I realize that that's why I said New/Used basically just a decent set up..

[twastheglow]

If you want to spend around $300, we'll stick with used. Make sure the board has no edge damage whatsoever. Make sure the laminent is not coming apart. No serious gouges in the bottom that wax can't fix. Make sure the boots are still stiff and don't have a lot of give. Make sure the inserts aren't beat to hell. Make sure the bindings have all the proper hardware still attached and there aren't any cracks in the frame or straps etc. Make sure the bindings don't come "undone" under stress. That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[twastheglow]

Also, trying to squeeze everything into that price range, you're looking at at least 2 seasons old. And generally speaking, you want the board to reach your throat/chin when picking out a length. As far as width...you don't want your toes/heels hanging over enough that it impedes your ability to carve on either edge.

[grimm]

i have some used bindings, they are pretty old though. i forget the model but they are K2's. I only used them for 2 seasons. But like already said. it will be difficult to keep the gear in that price range. board and bindings used are about $350 then you need boots.

[twastheglow]

**** it. I say buy a board, some Converse and a **** load of duct tape and shred the **** out of that mountain!

[turbo88crx]

As far as your toes and heels hanging over...

Keep in mind that if u wanna start riding park your gonna wanna turn your bindings out starting small and getting bigger as u get used to it. So don't think u need a super wide board, they make 180's and 360's harder.

I have my last set up I used @ the house collecting dust, its a couple years old but it'll be rite up your alley, rider and price wise, ill send ya the info when I get home I can't remember off the top of my head

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by turbo88crx

As far as your toes and heels hanging over...

Keep in mind that if u wanna start riding park your gonna wanna turn your bindings out starting small and getting bigger as u get used to it. So don't think u need a super wide board, they make 180's and 360's harder.

That brings up a great point I had totally forgotten to mention. Different boards are made for different terrain. For example, twin tip, directional, etc. But I think that's probably going to be way more advanced than you have to worry about right now. Personally, I always just go with something twin tipped and call it a day. And for where you're at, set your bindings to whatever you feel comfortable.

[turbo88crx]

I bet this convo got a lot more in depth than he fig lmfao

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by turbo88crx

I bet this convo got a lot more in depth than he fig lmfao

Yeah, I was actually just thinking the same thing. LOL

[grimm]

Originally Posted by twastheglow

**** it. I say buy a board, some Converse and a **** load of duct tape and shred the **** out of that mountain!

first time i went out i borrowed a buddies board and wore my work boots... i spent half the day on my ass. next day i rented boots, it was a world of difference!

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by grimm

first time i went out i borrowed a buddies board and wore my work boots... i spent half the day on my ass. next day i rented boots, it was a world of difference!

It's the same night/day difference with ****ty boots vs. good boots. But I completely agree.

[dnasty2g]

Originally Posted by turbo88crx

As far as your toes and heels hanging over...

Keep in mind that if u wanna start riding park your gonna wanna turn your bindings out starting small and getting bigger as u get used to it. So don't think u need a super wide board, they make 180's and 360's harder.

I have my last set up I used @ the house collecting dust, its a couple years old but it'll be rite up your alley, rider and price wise, ill send ya the info when I get home I can't remember off the top of my head

Yea, I knew about turning the bindings out. I'd ease myself into that as I get more used to riding park.
Def send me some info on your old setup.

Originally Posted by twastheglow

If you want to spend around $300, we'll stick with used. Make sure the board has no edge damage whatsoever. Make sure the laminent is not coming apart. No serious gouges in the bottom that wax can't fix. Make sure the boots are still stiff and don't have a lot of give. Make sure the inserts aren't beat to hell. Make sure the bindings have all the proper hardware still attached and there aren't any cracks in the frame or straps etc. Make sure the bindings don't come "undone" under stress. That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Mike! How bad is a gouge before its unfixable?

Originally Posted by twastheglow

Also, trying to squeeze everything into that price range, you're looking at at least 2 seasons old. And generally speaking, you want the board to reach your throat/chin when picking out a length. As far as width...you don't want your toes/heels hanging over enough that it impedes your ability to carve on either edge.

Understood. I see alot of ads that say they were only used one season or a couple times even tho the gear is a few seasons old. How can I determine if there telling the truth or if it's just like saying "mostly highway miles." lol

Originally Posted by twastheglow

That brings up a great point I had totally forgotten to mention. Different boards are made for different terrain. For example, twin tip, directional, etc. But I think that's probably going to be way more advanced than you have to worry about right now. Personally, I always just go with something twin tipped and call it a day. And for where you're at, set your bindings to whatever you feel comfortable.

I was just going to get a twin tip. That's what most boards are right?

Originally Posted by turbo88crx

I bet this convo got a lot more in depth than he fig lmfao

eh, kind of but im glad it did. The more I know the better. Thanks for all the help guys!

[twastheglow]

Lots of good questions...

Originally Posted by dnasty2g

Yea, I knew about turning the bindings out. I'd ease myself into that as I get more used to riding park.
Def send me some info on your old setup.

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Mike! How bad is a gouge before its unfixable?

Usually if it's more than a couple mm deep. If it ****ed up the graphic, it's definately too deep.

Originally Posted by dnasty2g

Understood. I see alot of ads that say they were only used one season or a couple times even tho the gear is a few seasons old. How can I determine if there telling the truth or if it's just like saying "mostly highway miles." lol

On a lot of the "newer" equipment, it'll give you the season dates, ie. 06/07. Or use the internet and find that exact model boot, board, etc. That'll give you the date if it's not printed on the product.

Originally Posted by dnasty2g

I was just going to get a twin tip. That's what most boards are right?

A lot of them, but not all of them by any means. I would again, get the make and model and look it up on the internet.

Originally Posted by dnasty2g

eh, kind of but im glad it did. The more I know the better. Thanks for all the help guys!

I fully agree!

[dnasty2g]

Thanks Mike.

If anyone finds any deals give me a heads up

Im thinking board size is around 154.

[maximaserg]

well if you are just starting out and you dont want to spend a lot of money i say look into ebay.
I snowboarded for about 3 years and still have my first board. I bought it on ebay through this place snowboardsnstuff.com.
For about $300 i got boots binding and board. I used it A LOT! It was all over PA and in Colorado.

In the Package deal,
I got a Lamar board which i love, even though i want to get a new one i have no problem with this one.

got head bindings, they were pretty crappy, nothing special but did the job for about 2 years and still worked, and i sold them and upgraded.

Sims boots, ok..... started ripping after 3rd season.

Snowboard bag.

I dont think you can beat that for a beginner setup.

Look into it.

If you are good and want some serious good gear good luck, maybe craigslist.

[twastheglow]

Craigslist ftw.

[DPancoast]

snowboardaddicts.com

Tons of classifieds on there. brand wise... get Gnu boards, so under rated in the snowboarding world. DC and Burton have awesome boots, I love them. Bindings I'd go with Burton as well, but that's just me. Shop Ebay or Craigslist. They will be your friend.

[turbo88crx]

Originally Posted by DPancoast

snowboardaddicts.com

Tons of classifieds on there. brand wise... get Gnu boards, so under rated in the snowboarding world. DC and Burton have awesome boots, I love them. Bindings I'd go with Burton as well, but that's just me. Shop Ebay or Craigslist. They will be your friend.

Thats good stuff but way outa his price range for the decent stuff. I have a ride board, burton boots and bindings and absolutelt love them but i def paid for them even after price shopping.