How to Buy a Snowboard, Bindings and Boots as a Gift

As the popularity of snowboarding continues to rise, the intial cost of a setup keeps decreasing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Helmets
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboards
• Helmets

1. Visit pre-season swaps for decent prices on good equipment.

2. Determine if you want to buy the equipment as a group package or separately. Package deals work well for beginners. The cost of a package deal is generally cheaper than buying each product individually.

3. Choose a snowboard of appropriate size for the recipient. The size of the board varies according to the weight and somewhat to the height of the recipient. Boards between 140 to 175 centimeters are about average.

4. Pick bindings that have quick release levers. Step-in bindings, while they have their advantages, are neither necessary for beginners nor usually found in package deals.

5. Finding correct-fitting footwear without the correct feet present is a tough assignment. Boots need to fit properly to enjoy snowboarding. Bringing along the recipient may not be a bad idea.

6. Check stores at the beginning and the end of the snowboard season for the best deals.

Tips & Warnings

• For beginners, any setup will thrill the recipient. The quality of the gear should not be paramount. If they continue to snowboard, they will pick up better gear as they get better.
• Snowboarders may have a brand preference. Find out if the recipient likes a particular brand.
• Manufacturers that produce snowboards, boots and bindings are more likely to offer a package deal.
• Bring the recipient to check out equipment if you're not planning the gift as a surprise.

Who Can Help:

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on 2/8/2006 If you're getting it as a gift for someone, you can put the picture of a snowboard in a card and then let them pick it out or you can give them a gift card.

on 1/23/2006 Whether a gift or for yourself, never buy a snowboard that cost less than (or equal to) 100 dollars. Anything with a cheaper price tag is the worst board you can buy. Although you may not think so, getting a brand name board is good. Getting a certain brand of board ensures the quality of the product.

Unsure in quality:
K2, Liquid, Lamar, Rossignol

Mostly good:
Burton, Gnu, Forum, Jeenyus

Certain of quality:
Ride, Nitro

Generally these are the brands categorized, but note they change every season. I suggest looking at prices and board cores. The more expensive, the better it will be. The core of a board, whether wood or synthetic, is a personal preference, but they will both be fine depending on the board. Don't waste money! New boards that came out this season are only slightly more engineered than last years. Get a brand new, last year board, and save about 200 bucks.

Note: If you're a beginner, you don't have to worry about getting a top of the line board, because you will surely wear any board out, however, you still should get a better quality board, for the sake of easy learning.

on 11/22/2005 When or if you buy a snowboard, don't buy it just because it looks good. You should buy a snowboard because it is the type of board you would use.

on 11/22/2005 Your toes should have plenty of room. Don't crowd them; otherwise, you may get a blood blister. Make sure the boot fits snugly everywhere else so your heel can't lift up from the bottom of the boot.