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Snowboards
I'm getting more and more into snowboarding and was considering buying one. Paying for rentals all the time is pointless, so i'm wondering what all you other aficionados do.
Where do you go about buying the basic equipment for a decent price. I've checked out sportschek but they only have 200+ plus stuff. Is that what I should expect to pay or can I find something a little cheaper.
Where do you go about buying the basic equipment for a decent price. I've checked out sportschek but they only have 200+ plus stuff. Is that what I should expect to pay or can I find something a little cheaper.
Comments
You should be paying $200+ for a board, but probably not for boots/bindings. That also depends though. If you buy a quality pair of bindings, they'll last a long time, and you can transfer them when you upgrade your other equipment.
A lot of second hand ones aren't so bad either. I got mine from Cash Converters in Guidlford for 160 which is already a hell of a price for a used one. But it still looks new, perfect for my size and it came with decent binders (which could cost you another 100 bucks brand new).
Some bindings are worth the extra money sometimes if you want to get the ones that lock you on easily with a snap. You won't have to sit to lock yourself on the board and then stand everytime. But that's a minor thing you could get used to otherwise.
Boots, I bought a brand new pair since I didn't want to wear used ones. SportChek's cheapest are 110.
Expect to pay 200-230 dollars more if you want to buy a jacket and pants.
30ish dollars for a pair of decent goggles.
Another 30 for a pair of reliable gloves.
If I'm not mistaken, 30-50 for a decent helmet.
If you want extra protection for your knees and tail bone, 80 bucks for a crash pad.
Last time I went to Cypress, I had to buy one of those face mask to cover against wind burns because I forgot to bring the vaseline. If I remember correctly, it was 25 bucks. But really smearing vaseline work's just as fine, if not better because those masks compromise comfort.
If you are lucky ,u might be able to find some factory sales that sell snowboads for cheap. Options snowboard had a factory sale last month, and had blank decks (which usually cost 400 dollars with graphics) for $180.
West 4th is the area you want to do your shopping for all your snowboard equipment.... Boardroom has a good selection and they usually are pretty chill and helpful.
I would avoid cheap bindings, cause cheap ones tend to break (the strap and locks) quick easily... In my current gear, my bindings cost the most, but they have lasted for the longest.
I personally, but from the states, and pick it up at blaine/point roberts, cause you save 100-200 dollars even after customs for the same equipment (just try it out at the local stores b4 hand :D)
I think I'd prefer the click lock ones as there probably way more convenient. Can I get away with buying a cheap pair of boots though?
They're worse in almost every way. Even though you think it's convenient now, you won't think it's convenient when you get to the top of the hill and try to hook up your binding only to realize it's frozen over with ice.
i normally do my shopping at boardroom on w4th (lots of stores in this area to shop around so lots of selection), and boardroom has a clearance store connected to it and sell stuff at a pretty good discount
boardroom has a good return policy where u can buy a pair of boots, try em out at the mountain, and switch to a different pair till u find somethin u are comfortable with (this policy alone makes me buy boots here, simple as that -- not sure if they still have this though since i got my pair over a year ago so ask first!)
this year i actually bought some stuff from sierrasnowboards.com (american place), but got my stuff in 4 days shipped/delivered, insane deals
www.brociety.com
www.whiskeymilitia.com - sometimes has snowboarding stuff
www.steepandcheap.com - also has snowboarding stuff from time to time
.. but I think you'd have to ship anything you order to Blaine and carry it across the border.
Here's the info (first sale):
http://www.ilovesamplesales.com/eventscalendar.html#
dogfunk.com has good deals for USA site, they ship to Canada using USPS ,, a plus, since you can avoid the brokerage fee in which FEDEX and UPS charges.
So to clarify, the bindings with the straps are best right? Is firefly a decent brand or are they the 'cheap stuff'?
Yes, get the strapped ones, actually 99% of bindings you will find are straps. Im guessing rental places uses the click design cause they are more durable (no broken straps), but like others said, when water freezes on those clips they are dangerous.
Ask the salesman if there are any packages, usually you can save a bit more there. Take your time buying your boots! don't let the salesman rush you.. your boot should fit "snug" and be able to support your ankles without much movement.
if you had the patients, boxing day usually has great sales on boards.
but its one of those things where u either swear by it, or just dont like it
if u dont know what to get just stick with the strap ones, they are widely available and u can prob get at least a half decent set anywhere