New Snowboard for a beginner?

Question

Hey,

I'm interested in starting to snowboard and I've barely skateboarded before and was wondering what a solid choice would be for beginners equipment, such as a board and helmet and stuff. Price does not matter, I'm really just trying to find a board thats nice but not too sophisticated.

Thanks

Answer 1

For beginners, there are different things you can get. Typically, you want a park board, even if you don't do that much in park. Park boards are shorter than regular mountain boards, and much more easier to control for beginners. This is because park boards have thin flexes. There are 3 different flexes. Hard flex is for experts, medium is for people who have a good feel for snowboarding, and thin for beginners. Thin is your best choice because it gives you more control over your board and you can learn better and faster. As for the length, I don't know how tall you are or what your weight is, but for beginners, its best that you have the board around your chin, and once you get a better upgrade to around your nose/eyes. Burton are great boards for beginners and even experts. Nice cut, great flex, good everything basically. But what I would recommend renting a few different boards at your mountain's shop, and just experiment with the boards until you have found one that you like. Hope I was of help :D

Answer 2

An entry level package can run you as low as $280 for the board and another 100 for the bindings. on sale probably even less. I'd say go with an entry level board and bindings from Ride or Forum. Burton is ok, but there is better stuff out there. K2 also makes some decently priced stuff to learn on.

Forum makes a really awesome entry level board called the Recon. the-house.com is actually running a special on em. it is an absolutely bangin entry level board. Sick graphics too. It'll run you about $300 but it's worth it. really nice board.

Where you want to actually get something decent is your boots. DC and 32 make solid boots. Don't buy these online. go to the shop and try em on. whatever you decide on, make sure they're COMFORTABLE!

I don't know anything about helmets. I never use em. I'm sure Pro-Tec makes some badass boarding helmets.

Answer 3

For a beginner no brand is truly better than another.  It's mostly about size and budget.  I'd recommend going into a few shops and seeing what they have left for the season and talking to some people.

Buy the nicest boots you can handle and some solid bindings too.  You can slap them on pretty much any board you'll ever own so it's worth spending a bit extra on those.

Don't buy the cheapest board there is buy get one that's not going to break the bank.  Talk to some friends who ride and some employees at board shops and find something that'll meet your needs.  You don't need to listen to anyone saying "omg buy the burton blunt because it's the dopest board evar."  Since you're green just buy something with a good flex to it that's about chin height to make the turns easier to learn and the riding more fun.

And take a lesson when you get to the slopes!  It'll get you up and running in no time and without bad habits you can teach yourself.