Quote:
Originally Posted by etodac
I need to get a lot of items pertaining to snowboarding, which includes jacket, pants, the board, binding and shoes and goggles, but I have no idea what to look for when buying them. I'll be going to sportchek or some snowboard place next week, but I don't want to be duped by them because I know nothing.
For boards, what weight, length, brand would you recommend? Same with all the other items. Also anything else I missed? Literally any suggestions or info is appreciated.
|
IMO, here's what you should be looking for. I'm no expert, but this seems to work for me.
Boots: GET THESE FIRST. Get comfortable ones, because you will be in them ALL DAY. Get ones that have NO heel lift when you lean forward. Get ones that have a good fit. Do NOT wear boots that have your feet sliding around inside. Your feet will thank you. This should be your biggest investment. Don't focus on one brand, because some brands are wider or narrower than others.
Board Brand and Price: It's good to start with a good brand like Ride, K2, or (*wince*) Burton as a beginner. Those brands are known to have quality boards. Get something affordable (not cheap per se, just affordable) You don't need any board from Lib Tech, Never Summer, or Capita when you start. You'll just break your bank and if you end up hating the sport it's a lot of money lost. Don't get a park board. Ask for an all-mountain if you're a beginner. Also ask for a twin-tip, not a directional board. That way you can learn to ride switch (backwards) much easier than with a directional.
Board Length: If someone is selling you a board measures the board length by leaning it against your face with your nose as a reference, stop them and tell them they're stupid. Slap them in the face even. Always use your weight to determine your board length. The board doesn't know how tall you are, it knows how HEAVY you are, and how much force you're applying to it.
Bindings: Get ones that fit your boot size (yes, they have sizes). Personally I would recommend Burton Cartels or Flux TT30. They will last from beginner to expert riding, and the toe and ankle straps are simply amazing (Restricted models only). But really, you can afford to go with any company with bindings.
Jacket: I would recommend getting something above 10K waterproof rating. You WILL get wet with anything below, especially in the local mountains and the constant fog you'll be riding in. 20K is the sweet spot. Any wetter and you can just buy a poncho or a garbage bag to go over your gear.
Pants: Get something at least 15K. You will spend most of your time sitting on snow, so your ass will get wet. (If you don't think you'll sit on the snow you're kidding yourself. You'll be doing it a lot, especially if your friends are slow). Plus sometimes the lifties don't wipe the chairs down, so they're wet.
Gloves: Get something VERY waterproof (Gore-Tex is the best) and warm. Don't get pipe gloves unless you're a park rat, because your digits will freeze due to how thin they are.
Don't forget goggles and helmets.
Goggles: Get something that have NO AIR GAPS around your face. Those EG2's may look cool but if there's a hole the size of a penny on your nose foam then your goggles will fog up and your eyes will dry. Talk to the local shop techs about goggle lenses.
Helmets: Bring your goggles with you when you try them. You don't wanna look stupid with a gap between your helmet and your goggle frame. Get something with certification, something with EPS foam instead of that soft foam that's in typical helmets. Get Red, Smith or if you wanna look ghetto, a Sandbox Certified. Bern hard hats aren't usually certified, but they do look cool.
Facemasks: Just get an Airhole.
For all this stuff I would recommend the shops on West 4th. Shops like Comor, Pacific Boarder, Boardroom and Showcase have GREAT stuff. Only go to Sportchek for the cheap boards, but if you find something better, definitely go to the shops at w4th.
See you at the slopes man! Have fun, be patient and stick with it!