Used Snowboarding Equipment

If you're a snowboarding beginner, renting the necessary equipment will allow you to explore the sport without spending a lot of money. A day's rental is around $15 to 25.

If you decide that snowboarding is the winter sport for you, then step it up a notch and buy some good used equipment.

Considerations

New snowboards come in a range of prices, but when you add the additional snowboarding necessities like boots and bindings, new equipment can quickly approach the $1,000 mark.

Staying warm on the slopes is critical, and looking cool can seem almost as important. If you insist on having the best snowboarding pants, jacket, goggles and gloves, that will set you back another $400 to 800, depending on the quality and brands you choose.

For beginners, used snowboarding equipment will not only save you on rental fees down the line, but it won't take such a big bite from your pocketbook at the start. You might rather spend the bulk of your snowboarding investment on new snowboarding pants, jackets and other gear.

Types

To buy used equipment, go to a used sporting-goods store like Play it Again Sports. Ask the store personnel which board is right for your size.

If you decide to check out some boards on your own, consider the kind of snowboarding you plan to do. For general use, the board should be tall enough to reach your chin. This is long enough to handle whole mountain terrain but it can also handle the half-pipe. A carving snowboard is good for the more aggressively carved turns, and it also provides better control at high speeds. It should be long enough to reach your mouth. If you're planning to ride freestyle, choose a snowboard that reaches your Adam's apple (the middle of your neck). These shorter snowboards with wide stances are a better choice for freestyle riding tricks and spins.

Considerations

Beyond the terrain you'll be riding on, other considerations that come into play when you're buying used snowboarding equipment include the following:

Your weight. This is the most important element to consider when buying your snowboard. Getting the right board for your weight will prevent poor performance on the slopes.

Your height comes into play as well. Taller riders will want a longer board.

Your boot size. It should be the same as your shoe size. Your foot should fit snugly in the boot.

Your experience. The more experience you have in board-riding sports and skating (such as surfing, inline skating and skateboarding), the faster you'll pick up the skills of snowboarding. You might benefit more from a higher-end purchase, since not only will you demand more from your equipment, you'll be using it more often.

Features

The basics you want included in a set of used snowboarding equipment are: the snowboard, leash, stomp pad, wax, boots, bindings, helmet, goggles, gloves, pants, jacket , hat, socks, bag and wrist guards

Prevention/Solution

Once you're sure you have a board of the size that's right for you, check it for damage. Avoid snowboards with visible damage to the top deck, because they will be less durable for the long haul.

Lay down the board on a flat surface. The snowboard should make contact with the floor at the nose and tail, but the middle of the board should clear the floor.

Remove the bindings and look for any flaws underneath. Take off all the stickers and "stomp pads." Check the holes and screws for damage to the screw fittings. This is important, because if they're damaged, the boots won't attach properly.

Inspect the metal edges around the snowboard. Any gouges to the edges can't be fixed, so reject a board that has them.

Look for cracks or deep cuts on the bottom of the board. Surface scratches are nothing serious, as they will not impact the board's overall performance. However, larger cracks will have an impact.

Warning

The importance of having good protective wrist gear cannot be overemphasized. Wrist injuries are the most common snowboarding injuries by a long shot, especially for people who are just learning, as they so frequently slip backward and land hard. Buy wrist guards that are specifically designed for snowboarders.

Resources

• Advice and Rant From a Snowboarder on Buying Equipment
• Buy Used and New Snowboarding Equipment and Get Advice