Newbie HELP with First Board Purchase PLEASE…

[mschmidt33]

All,

Finally said yes to my buddies asking me to go boarding with them… spent about 4 hours at it and by the end of the day was doing very well. Was able to carve down the hill without falling… picked it up quick they said… Other than being a bit sore I’m hooked. I needed another winter hobby too! Help me purchase a board, boots, and bindings please…

Height and Weight – 185lbs, 5’ 11”

Boot size – ~10 – measured my bare foot at 28cm

Riding style – A freerider I guess. My buddies ride on hills mostly; I enjoyed carving back and forth. As I get comfortable I think I will want to go as fast as possible and maybe do a few minor tricks/jumps. All mountain board I assume?

Budget $500 for a board, boots and bindings, I could care less about brand or if it is a 2 year old design. I will likely only get out 5 or 6 times a year. Tons of gear locally on craigslist right now so I would prefer to do this all for a couple hundred dollar used.
Age - 31

Your location of riding – SE Michigan. Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, Pine Knob, etc.
Length: Thinking 155 to 162 range? I rented an Atomic 150. I did take a few nasty spills when I got lazy and was not on an edge. Board was easy to maneuver which I liked but a larger board may have helped me a bit? My buddies said 152? Maybe they are right.

My setup was about +15degree on the front and 0 degrees on the back… damn 15yr old rental kids were basically laughing at me since I did not know a thing to start. Wish they were more helpful. Glad I’m doing my research now though.

I also have no idea where to start for boots and binding so any help is appreciated. I just don’t want to make a mistake here. It would be nice if someone recommend a full combo. Many choices that are good please so I have some options.

I know I hated skating in the bindings I rented as when they were open the binding kept getting in the way. They were really easy to get on though. I want the best of both worlds.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[ryannorthcott]

Originally Posted by mschmidt33

All,

Finally said yes to my buddies asking me to go boarding with them… spent about 4 hours at it and by the end of the day was doing very well. Was able to carve down the hill without falling… picked it up quick they said… Other than being a bit sore I’m hooked. I needed another winter hobby too! Help me purchase a board, boots, and bindings please…

Height and Weight – 185lbs, 5’ 11”

Boot size – ~10 – measured my bare foot at 28cm

Riding style – A freerider I guess. My buddies ride on hills mostly; I enjoyed carving back and forth. As I get comfortable I think I will want to go as fast as possible and maybe do a few minor tricks/jumps. All mountain board I assume?

Budget $500 for a board, boots and bindings, I could care less about brand or if it is a 2 year old design. I will likely only get out 5 or 6 times a year. Tons of gear locally on craigslist right now so I would prefer to do this all for a couple hundred dollar used.
Age - 31

Your location of riding – SE Michigan. Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, Pine Knob, etc.
Length: Thinking 155 to 162 range? I rented an Atomic 150. I did take a few nasty spills when I got lazy and was not on an edge. Board was easy to maneuver which I liked but a larger board may have helped me a bit? My buddies said 152? Maybe they are right.

My setup was about +15degree on the front and 0 degrees on the back… damn 15yr old rental kids were basically laughing at me since I did not know a thing to start. Wish they were more helpful. Glad I’m doing my research now though.

I also have no idea where to start for boots and binding so any help is appreciated. I just don’t want to make a mistake here. It would be nice if someone recommend a full combo. Many choices that are good please so I have some options.

I know I hated skating in the bindings I rented as when they were open the binding kept getting in the way. They were really easy to get on though. I want the best of both worlds.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

you should post up some craigslist ads local to you and then we can recommend from there. your best bet will probably used if you want to spend $500 all in. you can get new stuff for that but it won't be great quality. although boots i would buy new and make sure you try a bunch on.

in before the "get a t. rice or never summer SL" comments!

[mschmidt33]

OK, will buy new boots, then used board and bindings... see below for local options. Rank a few please.

Sapient Snowboard Chris Coulter 154cm + S.P. Bindings
Snowboard
Burton and Liquid snowboards for sale
150 lamar snowboard XL liquid bindings
NEW LAMAR SNOWBOARD154cm
BURTON DOMINANT SNOWBOARD WITH MATCHING CARTEL BINDINGS
Burton Feather Snowboard
Lumar 154 Snowboard with Bindings
Snowboard AND Bindings
brand new complete snowboard
Lamar Blazer 154 Snowboard
FS/FT Brand New 2011 Burton Process Snowboard
Brand New Lamar Snowboard! Complete set!!
2008 Burton Dominant snowboard complete!
2006 Burton Triumph Snowboard - used 2 times
BURTON SNOWBOARD 154 CM
brand new Burton 155cm cruiser snowboard
Burton Floater Snowboard 154

[mschmidt33]

This shop is right down the street... This seems like a deal.

Ride DH2 Limited Edition Snowboard Package - Mens

[mschmidt33]

Clearance Boards
Snowboard Sale Size 150cm-154cm

Bindings:
Mens Size Large

[mschmidt33]

Another local shop: Nichols Ski and Snowboard in Waterford and Dearborn Michigan

[Grasschopper]

Originally Posted by mschmidt33

This shop is right down the street... This seems like a deal.

Ride DH2 Limited Edition Snowboard Package - Mens

I like this option over the Craigslist stuff or those other closeouts. I would suggest looking for a used GNU Carbon Credit...I just sold a very slightly used 09/10 for $200 plus shipping on here a week ago.

[ryannorthcott]

yep i agree, that ride package is a wicked deal and will suit you well as you progress