Snowboarding Equipment
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking to go snowboarding again this season (3rd time) and am seriously considering buying my own board, bindings etc, rather than using the usual rubbish offered by the hire shops.
Strangely, the couple of shops I've been to seem a little surprised that I want to splash out on new gear when I have relatively little experience.
So, I was just wondering when others decided to take the plunge and buy their own gear? Also, what board did you go for? (reason I ask is that I've been advised against getting a beginners / novice board as you out grow them too quickly)
Looking to go snowboarding again this season (3rd time) and am seriously considering buying my own board, bindings etc, rather than using the usual rubbish offered by the hire shops.
Strangely, the couple of shops I've been to seem a little surprised that I want to splash out on new gear when I have relatively little experience.
So, I was just wondering when others decided to take the plunge and buy their own gear? Also, what board did you go for? (reason I ask is that I've been advised against getting a beginners / novice board as you out grow them too quickly)
I bought all my kit (GNU carbon high beam\Mission Bindings) after learning the basics at xscape, had a couple of trips booked so made sense to me.
Upgraded to K2 nemesis snowboard\Ride Mig bindings a couple of years later, the GNU was very forgiving compared to the K2 and not sure it would have been a good board to learn on.
Loads of good info on http//www.snowboardclub.co.uk and http://www.goneboarding.co.uk
Upgraded to K2 nemesis snowboard\Ride Mig bindings a couple of years later, the GNU was very forgiving compared to the K2 and not sure it would have been a good board to learn on.
Loads of good info on http//www.snowboardclub.co.uk and http://www.goneboarding.co.uk
Edited by TonyToniTone on Monday 28th December 23:00
Bought my stuff straight after trip one (well not straight after, in August during their half price sale!)
K2 Union Board (apparently not a complete novice board so good for the reasons you outlined as you improve your skill)
Burton bindings (the ones they recomended mid range (apparently the top end ones are a waste of money unless you are a snowboarding god)
32 Boots with normal laces - very comfy!
If you are going to board at least once a year then do it - much better to have your own kit and saves the ruck at the higher shop. Go somewhere where they spend some time with you and explain the options - there are somne really good shops out there who will spend an hour or so fitting you out properly.
Can't recomend anyone in Cardif, but can recomend these guys
www.sputniksnowboardshop.com
K2 Union Board (apparently not a complete novice board so good for the reasons you outlined as you improve your skill)
Burton bindings (the ones they recomended mid range (apparently the top end ones are a waste of money unless you are a snowboarding god)
32 Boots with normal laces - very comfy!
If you are going to board at least once a year then do it - much better to have your own kit and saves the ruck at the higher shop. Go somewhere where they spend some time with you and explain the options - there are somne really good shops out there who will spend an hour or so fitting you out properly.
Can't recomend anyone in Cardif, but can recomend these guys
www.sputniksnowboardshop.com
Iv splashed out on all the kit now, this will be my 3rd season
I ended up with a K2 turbodream, K2 Auto Ever bindings and burton boots. First impressions of the board is its amazing, easy to ride do anything go anyware. The bindings are stupidly light and very resonsive. amazing difference to the normal hire stuff you get.
A couple of mates have done the same.
Mate 1. K2 slayblade, auto upriser bindings, salamon boots
Mate 2. Atomic Alabi, Burton Cartel Bindings, 32 boots
A great webiste for reviews is this one ---> Reviews
I know the K2 range well if you have any questions about their boards.
I ended up with a K2 turbodream, K2 Auto Ever bindings and burton boots. First impressions of the board is its amazing, easy to ride do anything go anyware. The bindings are stupidly light and very resonsive. amazing difference to the normal hire stuff you get.
A couple of mates have done the same.
Mate 1. K2 slayblade, auto upriser bindings, salamon boots
Mate 2. Atomic Alabi, Burton Cartel Bindings, 32 boots
A great webiste for reviews is this one ---> Reviews
I know the K2 range well if you have any questions about their boards.
Edited by OilyRagMan on Tuesday 29th December 18:07
TonyToniTone said:
Upgraded to K2 nemesis snowboard\Ride Mig bindings a couple of years later, the GNU was very forgiving compared to the K2 and not sure it would have been a good board to learn on.
K2's do need some experience. I have a Zeppelin 
with Burton Custom bindings and Forum Team boots (nice and stiff).And here is my beastie
Heathwood said:
Many thanks for the advice and linky's guys. Currently researching quite a few boards but going round in circles a bit. Atomic Hatchet or Vantage and K2 Anagram are currently faves. Hope to visit Snow & Rock tomorrow for some advice and to see what's available.
Snow and roack have a good selection but iv heard they are being made to push burton equipment quite hard at the moment!I know someone out in austria at the moment on an anagram, i will report back when i hear from him with what he thinks of it
aveyheks said:
K2 - seems to be the PH board of choice 
They do make great boards. Its a shame they got rid of the zepp but the slayblade is a great replacment. Rockered boards is the way forwards!I bought a board, boots and bindings early on, but very soon moved to better kit.
I started with a Nitro Storm, Burton Custom Bindings, and Cheapish Burton Boots. The board and bindings were ok, the boots too soft and the heel cup wasn't grippy enough.
I now use:
Palmer Honeycircle II Board, Flow Bindings, Saloman Boots. (all are about 3 years old, I can't comment on newer boards)
The Palmer boards are beautifully made (mine was imported from the states as it was cheaper that way) and it works very well on and off piste, but is not much good in the pipe (its too long), The bindings are good and as I ride with skiers quick in and out is necessary on the lifts, the Saloman boots are great, really quite stiff but give excellent drive and power through the turns.
If you are going to buy your own kit, you need to work out what type of riding you plan to do and choose kit accordingly. If you can take someone along who knows what is what, the most critical thing ever is boot fit, a badly fitting boot will stuff up your riding even on the best board and bindings. Boot should have no pressure points, no heel lift, some grip for walking on icy paths. Stiffer boots give better control but are more tiring (although you can get used to transfering your weight through the boots upper structure for those long single edge narrow pistes)
My riding is mainly off piste freeride, I avoid the parks and get my air off fallen trees, natural kickers etc. I know very little about kit for pipes.
I started with a Nitro Storm, Burton Custom Bindings, and Cheapish Burton Boots. The board and bindings were ok, the boots too soft and the heel cup wasn't grippy enough.
I now use:
Palmer Honeycircle II Board, Flow Bindings, Saloman Boots. (all are about 3 years old, I can't comment on newer boards)
The Palmer boards are beautifully made (mine was imported from the states as it was cheaper that way) and it works very well on and off piste, but is not much good in the pipe (its too long), The bindings are good and as I ride with skiers quick in and out is necessary on the lifts, the Saloman boots are great, really quite stiff but give excellent drive and power through the turns.
If you are going to buy your own kit, you need to work out what type of riding you plan to do and choose kit accordingly. If you can take someone along who knows what is what, the most critical thing ever is boot fit, a badly fitting boot will stuff up your riding even on the best board and bindings. Boot should have no pressure points, no heel lift, some grip for walking on icy paths. Stiffer boots give better control but are more tiring (although you can get used to transfering your weight through the boots upper structure for those long single edge narrow pistes)
My riding is mainly off piste freeride, I avoid the parks and get my air off fallen trees, natural kickers etc. I know very little about kit for pipes.
Edited by blueg33 on Wednesday 30th December 21:29
To echo what some others have posted, I would say that having your own well fitting boots is the first priority as comfort is key to get the most out of a holiday.
I bought my own kit when I started riding in '93 (Jesus has it been that long!) but mainly because back then the rental kit was thin on the ground to say the least. If you're only riding a week or so a year and paying someone else to do your servicing then renting a decent board may not be so expensive.
Unless you're a fashion junkie, I'd look at last season's higher-end boards as a similar cost alternative to a new season entry board. I've got a Palmer Carbon Circle 2 161 and a Custom 158, both were bought as end of season for about 60% of og cost. Worth a look on www.bargainboards.co.uk if you know what you're after.
I bought my own kit when I started riding in '93 (Jesus has it been that long!) but mainly because back then the rental kit was thin on the ground to say the least. If you're only riding a week or so a year and paying someone else to do your servicing then renting a decent board may not be so expensive.
Unless you're a fashion junkie, I'd look at last season's higher-end boards as a similar cost alternative to a new season entry board. I've got a Palmer Carbon Circle 2 161 and a Custom 158, both were bought as end of season for about 60% of og cost. Worth a look on www.bargainboards.co.uk if you know what you're after.
I rented board, boots and bindings for about 3 years before I bought my own boots. IMO, this is the most important thing to get right, has the most affect on your enjoyment + comfort and doesn't need to be changed according to your skill level.
Then, after about 3 more holidays I got board + bindings, and even then I no wish that I'd waited longer and tried more boards.
I know that I spent a lot on renting, but it was worth it. I got to try out a variety of setups, and exepnsive boards that I wouldn't have used otherwise.
Then, after about 3 more holidays I got board + bindings, and even then I no wish that I'd waited longer and tried more boards.
I know that I spent a lot on renting, but it was worth it. I got to try out a variety of setups, and exepnsive boards that I wouldn't have used otherwise.
I meant to add, that if you have large feet (mine are a 10) then rather than get a wide board to prevent heel and toe drag, use riser plates. Riser fit under the bindings and lift you feet a bit from the top of the board. That way you keep the edge to edge speed, don't drag the extremities of your feet and can exert more edge pressure for carving etc.
OilyRagMan said:
my mate has just got home with his anagram, although he thought it was a great board he felt it was limmiting him after a couple of days, im now sorting him out with a K2 believer to use in march
Cheers Oily, that's good to know. Currently favouring the Atomic Hatchet which is apparently an excellent board that is good to learn on and I won't outgrow it. You need to decide what you are going to be doing on your board to really focus when you buy.
Will you be doing a bit of everything- park, pow, piste? Or will you be more of a jib man- jumps, boxes and rails in the park? Or will you really be a powder hound and seek the fresh off piste? If you have decided either of the last two you will want a special type of board- go ask in the shop, the best way to decide is to find the member of staff who went on the manufacturers board test days- he will have ridden all the boards, then find out what he thinks and if possible what he bought- it will generally be the best.
If you haven't really decided and you want a general board there is a lot to choose from- this season the tech is really different, the advent of rocker technology (Rounded base) spearheaded by Lib Tech and copied by others has made a real difference- great for an intermediate as it means that catching edges is easier and they are more floaty in powder- look at the Lib Tech Skate banana. Another option is pioneered by K2 on the Slayblade- that is a totally flat base which they say makes it more difficult to catch an edge due to more even weight distribution. The one to go for IMO is the Battaleon range- massively popular with the staff in most shops they are sold in they have a patented twin rocker system tip and tail meaning you get the benefit of the rocker tech with more edge control for hard carving turns.
Probably the most important thing is to be careful of the level of flex you are going for- especially if you are just starting out- it is tempting to go for a hard charging advanced board but you might find it too stiff and that will set you back as it will be liable to buck you in uneven turns if you don't have the experience of carving at speed. So rather than go for a custom x go for a custom and the similar equivalent in other brands.
Ultimately just go into the shops and chat to the staff, don't be worried that you're not buying, if they are not bust most staff are passionate about the kit and would much rather spend a half hour chatting about their stock than sitting behind the counter (only if they are not busy!!)
Good luck and let us know what you get.
PS if you are in the market for bindings IMO the K2 cinch are the head and shoulders must buy this year.
Will you be doing a bit of everything- park, pow, piste? Or will you be more of a jib man- jumps, boxes and rails in the park? Or will you really be a powder hound and seek the fresh off piste? If you have decided either of the last two you will want a special type of board- go ask in the shop, the best way to decide is to find the member of staff who went on the manufacturers board test days- he will have ridden all the boards, then find out what he thinks and if possible what he bought- it will generally be the best.
If you haven't really decided and you want a general board there is a lot to choose from- this season the tech is really different, the advent of rocker technology (Rounded base) spearheaded by Lib Tech and copied by others has made a real difference- great for an intermediate as it means that catching edges is easier and they are more floaty in powder- look at the Lib Tech Skate banana. Another option is pioneered by K2 on the Slayblade- that is a totally flat base which they say makes it more difficult to catch an edge due to more even weight distribution. The one to go for IMO is the Battaleon range- massively popular with the staff in most shops they are sold in they have a patented twin rocker system tip and tail meaning you get the benefit of the rocker tech with more edge control for hard carving turns.
Probably the most important thing is to be careful of the level of flex you are going for- especially if you are just starting out- it is tempting to go for a hard charging advanced board but you might find it too stiff and that will set you back as it will be liable to buck you in uneven turns if you don't have the experience of carving at speed. So rather than go for a custom x go for a custom and the similar equivalent in other brands.
Ultimately just go into the shops and chat to the staff, don't be worried that you're not buying, if they are not bust most staff are passionate about the kit and would much rather spend a half hour chatting about their stock than sitting behind the counter (only if they are not busy!!)
Good luck and let us know what you get.
PS if you are in the market for bindings IMO the K2 cinch are the head and shoulders must buy this year.
I currently run a Lib Tech Matt Cummins signature board with Drake F50 bindings. Both are fantastic.
I used to run Flow bindings but now that I've gone back to ratchets there's no way I'll run anything else again. With ratchet bindings you feel much more secured to you board - if that makes any sense? I also find that it feels a lot more responsive. Flow's idea is a good one, but the big flaw in their design is that as soon as you get ice on your base plate, they suddenly don't fit anymore. You have to chip the ice out of them in order to get your boot back in. Or mess around with your strap setup.
If you're after a comfortable boot that fits well I'd recommend 32's. They have a system where the inner boot is heated around your foot and shaped exactly for you. Can't expect a better fit than that! There may be others that incorporate that system now as well, I'm not sure.
I used to run Flow bindings but now that I've gone back to ratchets there's no way I'll run anything else again. With ratchet bindings you feel much more secured to you board - if that makes any sense? I also find that it feels a lot more responsive. Flow's idea is a good one, but the big flaw in their design is that as soon as you get ice on your base plate, they suddenly don't fit anymore. You have to chip the ice out of them in order to get your boot back in. Or mess around with your strap setup.
If you're after a comfortable boot that fits well I'd recommend 32's. They have a system where the inner boot is heated around your foot and shaped exactly for you. Can't expect a better fit than that! There may be others that incorporate that system now as well, I'm not sure.
Matt Evans said:
I currently run a Lib Tech Matt Cummins signature board with Drake F50 bindings. Both are fantastic.
I used to run Flow bindings but now that I've gone back to ratchets there's no way I'll run anything else again. With ratchet bindings you feel much more secured to you board - if that makes any sense? I also find that it feels a lot more responsive. Flow's idea is a good one, but the big flaw in their design is that as soon as you get ice on your base plate, they suddenly don't fit anymore. You have to chip the ice out of them in order to get your boot back in. Or mess around with your strap setup.
If you're after a comfortable boot that fits well I'd recommend 32's. They have a system where the inner boot is heated around your foot and shaped exactly for you. Can't expect a better fit than that! There may be others that incorporate that system now as well, I'm not sure.
My Salomon boots have that. Its a sort of separate inner boot. Very comfortable, just walked several miles up and down a Cotswold Hill to catch some powder!I used to run Flow bindings but now that I've gone back to ratchets there's no way I'll run anything else again. With ratchet bindings you feel much more secured to you board - if that makes any sense? I also find that it feels a lot more responsive. Flow's idea is a good one, but the big flaw in their design is that as soon as you get ice on your base plate, they suddenly don't fit anymore. You have to chip the ice out of them in order to get your boot back in. Or mess around with your strap setup.
If you're after a comfortable boot that fits well I'd recommend 32's. They have a system where the inner boot is heated around your foot and shaped exactly for you. Can't expect a better fit than that! There may be others that incorporate that system now as well, I'm not sure.
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