Board Recommendations?

[pxchoi]

Hello, this is my first post.

I really want to get into Snowboarding but I don't really know where to start. I tried doing some research but I'm a little overwhelmed with all the different choices in boards, bindings, and boots.

I've been snowboarding once, about 11 years ago (25 now). I remember enjoying it a lot but never really had the spare funds to invest in gear. I do longboard for fun and I enjoy carving down hills.

Weight - 150-160lbs
Boot size - not sure, but a size 9 shoe usually gives me a little bit of toe room.
Riding style - I'm new to snowboarding but I love carving on a longboard.
Age - 25
Budget - I'm not really sure where to start. I want to buy a quality setup that I can grow into. Ideally, I'd like to stay under $500 if possible.
Your location of riding - Washington State

Any feedback or advice would be great! Thanks!

[Nivek]

Quality setup and under $500 is near impossible.

Local shop? Start their. You'll need to try on boots anyways as you wont have a clue if something fits well over the internet. And get boots first. They're your first point of contact with your gear and the most important to having a good day.

Board and bindings will follow. Great starting points for bindings are last years K2 Formulas. All the great things of a higher end binding and you should be able to find some 2012's for about $120. For a board look for previous years Flow Era, K2 Raygun, Nitro Pro Series or Rook, or a Salomon Grip. There's others, but that's a good place to start. 153-156