Comments on: How to Buy a Snowboard, Bindings and Boots as a Gift

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.