What should I look for when buying my 1st new snowboard?

Question

I'm just a beginner snowboarder, but I'm pretty decent on the slopes. I wanna buy a new board but i dont know what to look for. All i know is that the height should reach around my chin, and that the board should still have some "pop" in them or something... I was hoping to get a good thorough guide here with tips on EXACTLY what to look for in a new board, along with the straps, and boots, etc... help would be greatly appreciated!! thanks!

Answer 1

for your first board, ask the folks at the boardshop what they'd recommend. I'll tell ya you probably want a board that is forgiving and easy to handle. K2 makes entry level boards for under $200 that are really nice for beginners and perform well above what their price suggests.

Don't worry about your board having alot of pop. It's a catch phrase most people throw around to sound like they're in the know. it really doesn't matter too much in the begining stages of riding. An entry level board will suit you just fine and will work fine on kickers and rails and everything else you want to do (except maybe deep powder... but that's a different beast all together). You can get a board with more pop later on when you tackle bigger and badder stuff. It won't make you a better rider tho.

Actually you can probably score a sick board and binding package deal this time of the year.

Boots: don't skimp on boots. Don't go entry level because they're cheap and you get what you pay for. Spend money on your boots, your feet will thank you.

Bindings, I'd also say stay away from entry level on bindings, spend some cash and get some midrange bindings, they're made better and tend not to fall apart as much as the cheap ones.

Answer 2

Look at it's specs to see what weight range it's made for and be sure you're within it.

You'd probably want a board a bit better than a beginner deck and one with soft to medium flex.

Go to a board shop and chat up the employees.  They have sales on and will know what would be best for you.

Don't skimp on boots, you'll find the most value in them.  Boards aren't as good an investment as boots and bindings.

Basically at your level you just need something a step above your skills so that it helps you improve but isn't a hinderance.  Find something in your price range and rip it up!

I'd advise against buying online because it's nice to have a person to go to if you have issues and who knows about the sport so you aren't buying it blind.