recommendations for snowboard

[jsn]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if any of you could give me some advice as to what snowboard would make a starting board. I already know how to snowboard, although i'm not great at it (only gone 7-10 times). What snowboard would you recommend for a beginner? I might pick up a k2 illusion for around 200 bucks. Is this one ok? or is there a better board you would recommend? My price range is probably max 2 to 300 for just the snowboard. And also, where would you recommend picking one up? i.e., if you've had good experiences with certain shops...

Thanks:thumbsup:

[picmerollin]

you do get what you pay for, so i would suggest finding a good used board as opposed to buying a cheap sport check/sport mart special. there are so many posers who get all the gear and never ride so you should be able to get a wicked board for your price range.

try kijiji.ca and bargainfinder.com for used deals, plus i know alot of shops sell off their demo boards for a song. just make sure you get a wide board if your feet are bigger than 10-11, and wide boards are way harder to find used in decent shape.

also places like the-house.com and dogfunk.com have crazy deals on last year stuff and our $ is killing the US$ so ordering online is probably a good option too. (most online retailers will not sell burton goods to canadians)

[DENZILDON]

+1 on dogfunk I heard a lot of good reviews about them.
Some stuffs from what I heard is being held off for selling in Canada because of the dollar rate. It's not dogfunk but the actual makers. One of the brands is burton. You should have no problems if you go with lib-tech or gnu!

Here is a link from a snowboard forum...

http://www.snowboarding2.com/forum/showthread.php/online-snowboard-shops-4886.html

What kind of riding do you like?

[Splooge]

sweet i'm also in the same position looking for a starting board. thanks for the links

[LUCKYSTRIKE]

When I first started I went with one of the elan brand snowboards. I only went on groomed but it sure did the job, never cracked or serious chips on me had the board for about 2 or 3 years, and I got it at a good price.

For sure dont get the cheapest board you can find but don't go overboard with a $600 burton if its your first board (youll probably find it will suit you just fine for a year or two). Find out what kind of riding you like the best (groomed, powder, park, allaround). There are lots of boards just as good as burton for less, they have really capitalized on their brand name thus being able to hike up their prices and get kids to pay.


Also are you getting boots + bindings as well?

[T78Supra1]

Don't Cheap out on Boots....these are in someways more important than the board. I have gone with so many guys that have cheap boats and they are always complaining about feet being soar or cold

[DENZILDON]

Originally posted by T78Supra1
Don't Cheap out on Boots....these are in someways more important than the board. I have gone with so many guys that have cheap boats and they are always complaining about feet being soar or cold

Sooooo true!!!!!!!!!

[Splooge]

so what's a good brand for boots + bindings?

[picmerollin]

board- any brand you want that isnt a capped design (if you can see the diff layers on the side of the board this is not capped, if the board topsheet curves down to the edge this is capped) there will be alot of people who may disagree but im sticking with this opinion of the most durable. i currently ride an Endeavor live series and this board should have broke many times on hard landing and tree mishaps- it didnt break. waiting for delivery of my new arbor roundhouse, i cant wait.

bindings- any kind that has a cap-strap, this is a burton thing but almost all brands have this sort of set up now that cradles the front of the boot as opposed to clamping down over the toes. it saves your feet big time. i ride burton missions.

boots- i will never wear anything that doesnt use the BOA lacing system, i figured i would try it out a couple of years ago to see if it was a gimick or not, and it is not. The DC's i bought 3 yrs ago are still awsome, i have had zero problems with the boa and absolutely love it, however the boot is getting a little tired (soft from wear) so i will probably upgrade this year. i ride DC with BOA, cant remeber the model but there are only a few with the BOA.

the last piece of advice i have is WEAR A HELMET, your not too cool. then get good ......then drop in to the Fuez bowl @ kicking horse and scare the living crap out of yourself (get comfy with blacks and double black diamonds before trying the fuez bowl)

wow i cant wait to ride this year
:drool:

[DENZILDON]

The source on 17th ave downtown still has Burton 07 mission bindings for $150.00, it has the toe cap strap that picmerollin described.
They also have the Burton 07 Cartels for $200.00 I think.

Like we said don't go cheap on boots. On the same store they still have I think Burton 07 motto. It has the quick lace system and heat molded liners. They go for $200.00 bucks. Good thing is when you get it they will heat up the liners and let you where them, the liners then will mold to your feet as it goes cold.

If you are going to this direction, hurry up because they are selling like pancakes because they are the old models and they are 30 to 40% cheaper than the 08 models or when they first came out.

[DENZILDON]

Oh and regarding the board. Save up and just get a better board. Use your borrowed board or but a cheap secondhand for now. Use you money for the boots first, then bindings and then board.

But if you do decide to go all crazy and use the swipe it card. I heard a lot of good stuff about lib-tech and gnu's magnatraction boards. I just bought one last week so I can't really say how it rides but from the link I gave for the snowboard forum, magazine reviews and the crew at the source, it's all good and worth the money.

[TE4MFaint]

Tech Nine bindings for the win!
I love my Monster XL's..They are about 4 years old now, not sure how Technine is doin now quality wise, but these things are damn near bulletproof.


Spend a decent amount of money on your bindings and on your boots. Boards will come and go, but bindings and boots can last ages if you spend a decent amount of coin.

[jsn]

Hey guys thanks for the input. I've decided to go with a rome solution snowboard. But regarding the boots, how much do you think I'd have to spend to get decent boots? If possible I'd like to keep it at around 150 max. Is this enough to get me decent boots? I know it wont be the best boots you can get, but i just want a pair that will be comfortable and warm. I've seen alota boots at around this price but not too sure exactly what to look for in a good pair of boots. Is there any features in specific i should be looking for?

[boredengineer]

Originally posted by jsn
Hey guys thanks for the input. I've decided to go with a rome solution snowboard. But regarding the boots, how much do you think I'd have to spend to get decent boots? If possible I'd like to keep it at around 150 max. Is this enough to get me decent boots? I know it wont be the best boots you can get, but i just want a pair that will be comfortable and warm. I've seen alota boots at around this price but not too sure exactly what to look for in a good pair of boots. Is there any features in specific i should be looking for?

Look for inner lacing system and a stiffer boot(Softer boots are not for learning :P ). Not too stiff either just midway between a stiff boot and a soft one... Walk around in it and see how it fits and feels. DC makes excellent boots and so does thirtytwo(probably out of your price range though). Make sure your boot fits properly in your bindings and if you have big feet >size 10 or so make sure you get a board that is wide enough and binding that are wide enough so that your toes are on the toe ramp.

My big piece of advice when buying a snowboard is to *NOT* listen to the people at the shops when picking a board length... They always try to sell you what is there *NOT* the height you actually need.

PS: If you are just starting and you can't yet carve cleanly AKA you "surf" don't buy a board with an aggressive side edge... It will make you cry and either quit or learn how to carve properly in a hurry. On that note is it just me or is hilarious how many people don't have a clean carve yet still ride park... :\

[Splooge]

great info. in terms of a board, should the max board height equal your height? or the height to your nose? and is this with or without boots on?

aren't different board heights for certain riding occasions like park or just riding downhill? or is that just :bullshit:

[DENZILDON]

Originally posted by Splooge
great info. in terms of a board, should the max board height equal your height? or the height to your nose? and is this with or without boots on?

aren't different board heights for certain riding occasions like park or just riding downhill? or is that just :bullshit:

Great question!!

Right now, some manufacturers place a chart on their board where in you can check what size you need to get in terms of weight. Reason being is new boards have different cores or reinforcement inside them.

With length I would say it would be depend on what riding you do. If you just like riding on powder and riding fast it's better to get a longer and stiffer board. Normally this is about eyebrow length or higher but don't go extreme.

For pipe and park, shorter and soft boards would be better for tricks.

A good example for length preference would be a rossignol Mini. There are the shortest board you can ride in the market. It won't go fast but you can do a lot of tricks. As per reviews they call it a fun baord.

[MackDawg]

All mountain board, size between your chin and noise

Jib and Park, would be anything below your chin.

When measuring up your board just wear normal day shoes, it’s not going to drastically affect your ride height.

On an earlier note 150 bones won’t get you shit for boots, try $250 minimum.

[DENZILDON]

See jsn, spend a lot on boots!!! Go to the source. They might still have a size for you for the $200 Burton Motto.

I wish I could get a board up to the length under my chin for park. Problem is I have big feet!!!!!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

[jsn]

Hey thanks again for all the input.

http://www.romesnowboards.com/product/boards/solution/
thats the board i'll be ordering (although i'll only be ordering from another site for around 300 because of the price of the CDN dollar :D ) Does this have an "aggressive side edge" as mentioned above by boredengineer?
I was also wondering, why should you have a longer board for all mountain? Is it easier to control or turn as opposed to a board below chin level? I know shorter boards are easier to do tricks with, but are they harder to control or something?
Also regarding the weight limit, the board height i think would fit me is around 148 (as i'm fairly short), which goes up slightly above my chin. Problem is the weight recommended is 85 - 140 lbs and i weigh 155. Does this mean that the board would break easier? Would it be better to go with a slightly longer board (152 cms) which has a weight limit of 110-165?

on a side note: looks like i'll have to cough up more for boots :banghead:

[Hash_man]

What kind of riding will you be doing? if you'll be mostly freeriding and not much park/jibing I would say check out the 152, but see how one fits you first. I mostly freeride and ride a 158, and im 5'10".

On the topic of boots though... dont cheap out for sure... you might still be able to find some of last years stuff at a couple shops, and save some money.

You can easily drop 300$ on a good pair of boots. Main thing is dont just blindly order boots online. Go into a couple shops, and try them on... be sure to wear ski socks if you plan to wear those boarding, and then keep them on and walk around and such for a fair amount of time. Like 20-30min.

If you feel any pressure points then don't bother as they'll just get worse once you're on the slopes. Make sure they fit right (toes just touching the end) and that your heels dont lift up when you lean forward. The most expensive boots in the world could be amazing but feel like shit and I wouldn;t buy them... But at the same time dont buy super cheap boots as they'll probably soften up too much and the seams can fall apart easily.

[ZorroAMG]

I love my Lib-Tech (Jamie Lynn pro model) and have always heard good things about them, board-wise...

Check em out!

[DENZILDON]

Trust us!!! You'' thank us in the end about the boots. Longer boards are actually harder to turn but all mountain normally means a lot of snow and when you have a longer board you can back up your stand(bindings close to the end of the board). This will lift your nose up so you can glide on pow and also give you a better control when you turn. With a shorter board you can also do this but if the snow is really deep the nose normally would just dig deep into snow thus slowing or stopping you. Good boarders can get away with it but you need to be good!!! :D

Regarding your board size...not necessarily it would break, shorter boards are easier to control or turn. Picture this, when you do linking turns on a steep slope, if you have a longer board the radius for a longer board is bigger when you turn thus you have to give more effort while shorter boards will have a smaller radius thus lesser effort.


That board is an ok all around board.

[Splooge]

hmm since I'm mountain riding I guess I'll be getting the longer/stiffer board.

Based on your suggestions I'll head to Source to pick a good set of boa boots with cat strap bindings.

what's an inexpensive but decent board to get? i was just thinking of going to sportcheck to pick up whatever board there.

ie: http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=253&styleId=30159

or should i reconsider that?

sorry for all the stupid noob questions.

[DENZILDON]

Originally posted by Splooge
hmm since I'm mountain riding I guess I'll be getting the longer/stiffer board.

Based on your suggestions I'll head to Source to pick a good set of boa boots with cat strap bindings.

what's an inexpensive but decent board to get? i was just thinking of going to sportcheck to pick up whatever board there.

ie: http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=253&styleId=30159

or should i reconsider that?

sorry for all the stupid noob questions.

The link you gave for the board, if you click the feature link, that's what it means to have a longer board for mountain riding. That board should be fine for you...by the way that one is a wide board so if you have size 11 boots and up, that would fit you.

This will fit you for now in terms of the board, after a season or two and you feel you got better then you can go an expensive board. I don't know why but there is that craving to get a better board. :rofl:

I did, that's why I got a new board this year. GNU CHB MTX. I want snow now!!!!!!!!!:banghead:

[GREENBOY]

I just got my first board etc. Ride Cue 06 board with K2 indy 07 bindings and some 07 K2 raider boa boots. Just got a sunshine/marmot card today too. Can't wait to hit those bunny hills!

[petoria]

burton tadashi fuse
w/ cartels and ions FTW!

[reiRei]

I got a K2 Board too, just a first board for now.. til I get absolutely sick of the ghetto-ness, see y'all on the bunny hills...

beyond-snowboard-newbs meet? I think so

[boredengineer]

:dunno: I don't know why people are so concerned about the price of their snowboards or the name on the board. Until you can actually carve properly(A lot of people think they can snowboard but they still can't carve properly :thumbsdow ) it's a non issues what you ride as long as it has semi sharp edges and is made of wood. It's always funny seeing folks with >1k worth of gear between the board/boots/bindings falling down the bunny hill :nut: Sad to see but it is an all too common sight on the hills. Then again the snowboard shops are partially to blame as well they just see dollar bills when they talk to you in the stores. As an FYI more expensive snowboards tend to be harder to learn on than the "ghetto" boards.

[jsn]

^^^
I'm not totally new. Also, I'm not exactly looking for the "best "brand etc. I just want a snowboard that I will not outgrow within a year, and boots that will not hurt my feet and have my toes frozen (as were my experiences with cheap ass rentals). I'm not planning on spending 1000 dollars on gear. as of right now, if i decide to keep the boots I'm buying, it'll amount to around $500. As for the board, I do not see why you have an issue with me buying a better board. The deals for the board online were a lot better then buying in Calgary so for 300 dollars i have a good begginer/intermediate board (that sells for 570 CDN on the actual manufacturer website). If I spent 300 CDN on a board in Calgary, I'd probably get crap anyways. Might as well spend the same amount and get a better board. I'm not buying this board just because of the name. I looked at some snowboarding forums and a lot of experienced snowboarders seemed to recommend this board for begginer/intermediate snowboarders. I don't think this is excessive but that might just be me...


Originally posted by DENZILDON
They might still have a size for you for the $200 Burton Motto.


oh yea and thanks Denzildon. I tried the mottos, but i don't know if like that tie system they have. I think I prefer just normal laces over that one.

[ercchry]

out grow? are you growing? because if you are growing and dont want to out grow it maybe get something a little bigger this year so next it will be a good size :D

sorry...

but yeah i dont know how you can out grow a board, really if you keep it tuned up and have a good wax on it for the conditions and get something with the flex that you like then all the rest is just hype in my opinion, i have road a lot of different boards, everything from the top of the line to the worst and cheapest that sport check has to offer, and right now my deck was $60 2 years ago from sport check and it has lasted me till now and its not as quick on the flats as some past decks but hell it works

so get something that is the right size and has the flex that you like and has a nice pretty picture that you like and have fun

oh and btw i have been riding forover 12 years so yeah i know a thing or two, some people will disagree but fuck em, every board will still break on that hidden rock your first time out to louise im november... yeah stay on the paths this time of year haha

[icecreamvan]

I had a LibTech Jamie Lynn for my first board. Tough as hell to learn on, but a great board after you've gotten your balance. Chicks dig that board. ;)

[krisopotamus]

Originally posted by picmerollin
the last piece of advice i have is WEAR A HELMET, your not too cool. then get good ......then drop in to the Fuez bowl @ kicking horse and scare the living crap out of yourself (get comfy with blacks and double black diamonds before trying the fuez bowl)

wow i cant wait to ride this year
:drool:

You don't need a helmet to drop into the Fuez bowl, there is plenty of room between the rocks for you to move. I don't wear one but I would if I could somehow get one for free :P


OP: Don't cheap out on your snowboard equip, good stuff will last you many many seasons.

[krisopotamus]

Quick question:

I have been boarding for like 5 years (alot more just on crappy hills in sask, but I wont count those) so I am pretty decent. I can carve really good and go down just about anything(I always hit the double blacks). It is about time for me to upgrade my setup.

What are you guys' opinions on the Option Fortune board? I need a wider board because my feet are size 13. This board seems like a good fit for me because it is so versatile:

"In one run you can encounter snow covered bowls and choppy snow, jump a cliff or two, ride a hit run, duck into the trees for some day old powder and hit a few booters in the park before riding back on the groomers to do it all over again"

http://www.option-nfa.com/anatomy/fortune.html

[JordanLotoski]

i reccomend you buying my Lib-Tech Emmagator.....barley used 130.00 firm with ride bindings.

[DENZILDON]

^^^ Nice answer man!!! :rofl: :thumbsup:

[Splooge]

So...though I haven't actually checked out Source yet. These could be a possible combination. Any of you guys ride these?

Boots: Burton Moto Black $199 (They look like quick lace??)
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34_72&products_id=3592
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/images/burton08/B8BTMOTOBK.jpg

Bindings: Burton Cartel $209
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=39_78&products_id=2029
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/images/burton2007/bindings/BU7BNCTLBKWS.jpg

Board: Burton Air $299
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4399
http://www.sourceboards.com/online_store/catalog/images/BU7BDAIRS153.jpg

Approx. $750 including GST. :( this is an expensive sport

[DENZILDON]

Yes, the moto has the quick lace system.

[boredengineer]

IMHO you should look at stuff other than burton and check out missions... Just my experience but usually the source is a significant amount more expensive. Burton means you pay a lot for the name it's like buying a kona bike you get shafted because all the little kids watch their videos. Ride, K2, Lib, Never Summer are usually worth strongly considering since you tend to get more bang for your buck. In the end it's your money though...

[ercchry]

buy shit online, i have been surfing the-house.com for a little while tonight and i have found a jeenus wood deck and thirtywo lashed boots for $510us SHIPPED and with that i get 2 pairs of smith sun glasses, im really close to pressing checkout but in gonna go try on a pair of boots at a local shop first to make sure i get the right size

[ercchry]

so i did it, just finished my order and it should be here in time for next weekend :bigpimp:

got all this for 510us shipped

http://www.maxlifestyle.net/shopimages/snowboarding/snowboards/663-9859jwsl.gif

159 Jeenyus Wood

* Directional Twin Freestyle
* Sidewall Construction
* Progressive Sidecut
* Twin Flex Pattern
* Sintered 4400SC (structured finish) Base
* Aspen/Poplar/Birch Wood Core
* Quadrax fiberglass
* 4x2 Insert Patterns

http://thirtytwo.com/boots/lashed/b_red-white.jpg

ThirtyTwo lashed in red and white

and this stuff

http://images.the-house.com/smith-bauhaus-tort-07-b-zoom.jpg

http://images.the-house.com/smith-supmethod-prfdign-07-b-zoom.jpg

[CBRComet]

hey a question for anyone who has bought gear online from US.

how long is it taking to get your stuff?

my buddy has been waiting for his stuff for a couple of weeks, he says it might take a month:eek: to get his stuff because of customs delays from the huge increase in people ordering from US.

[ZorroAMG]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
I love my Lib-Tech (Jamie Lynn pro model) and have always heard good things about them, board-wise...

Check em out!


Originally posted by icecreamvan
I had a LibTech Jamie Lynn for my first board. Tough as hell to learn on, but a great board after you've gotten your balance. Chicks dig that board. ;)

:) :thumbsup:




Originally posted by MIWYFSHOT
i reccomend you buying my Lib-Tech Emmagator.....barley used 130.00 firm with ride bindings.

You DO know that the Emmagator is a woman's board right? :D

Juuuusst kiddding LOL

[jsn]

Originally posted by CBRComet
how long is it taking to get your stuff?


It depends on who you ship with. I ordered my snowboard on halloween, and I got mine in about 4 days. I think I got lucky though. I was told that it would take 2 to 3 weeks so I was definitely not expecting it so soon. It was through USPS priority mail and costed 28.90. My friend ordered from the states also, through fedex. He got his the next day, but paid 80 dollars. :dunno:

[Splooge]

Originally posted by jsn


It depends on who you ship with. I ordered my snowboard on halloween, and I got mine in about 4 days. I think I got lucky though. I was told that it would take 2 to 3 weeks so I was definitely not expecting it so soon. It was through USPS priority mail and costed 28.90. My friend ordered from the states also, through fedex. He got his the next day, but paid 80 dollars. :dunno:

was this a purchase through www.the-house.com?

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Splooge


was this a purchase through www.the-house.com?

i am not happy with them so far, i ordered my stuff thursday and i have yet to get a working tracking number and every message i send them i get this error message back that is from a third party site

this is the latest one i got


This message was created automatically by mail delivery software.

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Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:13:53 -0500
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Subject: Customer Order Inquiry
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From - <a href=3D"mailto:[email protected]">---------- (-------=
[email protected])</a>
Phone - (403) 256-8911
Order # - 1306960


ok i am very close to calling my credit card company and cancelling my orde=
r since you have yet to get back to me about anything and i keep getting er=
ror messages from third party companies about the messages i send you so fo=
r the very last time please give me a working tracking number

[jsn]

I ordered from http://www.eternalsnow.com/, but like i said i think i got lucky because they quoted 2 to 3 weeks and it arrived in 4 days. I'm not too sure which site my friend used

[Splooge]

Originally posted by ercchry


i am not happy with them so far, i ordered my stuff thursday and i have yet to get a working tracking number and every message i send them i get this error message back that is from a third party site

this is the latest one i got



uh oh. maybe you should call them directly instead of emailing.

or maybe try http://helpdesk.the-house.com/index.php?page=contact_us_opening_hours

if you look on the right, they have some contact info there as well. maybe give that email a shot instead?? i don't know just a thought.

does this mean i shouldn't buy from the-house.com?

let me know how these guys react.

[ercchry]

^^ i got it all figured out check the other thread :thumbsup: i'll let you know when i get it too

[Splooge]

anyone own a Dub snowboard? I'm currently looking at http://www.the-house.com//9850dbvi8zz-dub-snowboards.html

Just wondering if anyone had any personal experiences with this brand. can't seem to find any reviews on google.

Also, any recommendations for goggles would help too.

[ercchry]

look at the jeenyus wood, its a brand name and the same price as that one and for the two days i rode it it was awesome, its got a really good base on it too