seattlelite

Just browsing through some of the pages and buying gear is like a kid in a candy store with too much choices. Problem is the kid only gets to pick one candy without ever tasting a candy in his life. Read the FAQ and am still confused about which brands are mid grade versus the cheap stuff. I know I shouldn't focus on brands but I'm sure there are some generic stuff to just stay away from. I'm thinking about buying a newbie snowboard package at the end of the season during the SALE. I don't want to buy a package and have to move up again next season if only I'd spent an extra 100-200. I was thinking about buying at Sports Authority or the local snowboard shop but maybe the internet would be a better choice. I understand the shoe buying guide. Plan to all mountain snowboarding. Plan to spend as little as possible to get a good setup to last say 3yrs+.

1. What to look for in a snowboard package?
2. Are the package setup any good or should I go the custom route?
3. How do I know if the shoe I buy will fit the board/binding setup if I buy them from the web? Note: buying shoe locally.

uggghhh....so confused.

banana420

Honestly packages arent always the best. normally they will throw premium bindings on a package board while they aren't bad for a beginner if you progress quickly you may find yourself wanting new bindings next year. Its good that you're buying boots in person to make sure that they fit. Also bindings have sizes for instance i wear size 11.5 boots and my ride beta bindings are a large rated for size 11-13 boots.

As for buying a board at sports authority i would stay away from that... Stick with a shop where you can have someone really help you out.

Ordering online is legit as well, just remember do you research before you make a purchase.

seattlelite

Can some of u fanatics recommend a "descent" setup from some of the sale that's going on right now from the web?

banana420

What's the overall price you are willing to pay and what would you prefer to pay

seattlelite

Whatever is reasonable for someone who likes to get into the sport. This may be a dumb question, but what does a high end newbie board offer you that a low end board don't?

EDIT:
What about that 2010 Sierra Crew package at sierrasnowboard.com. Seems like alot of people like the board and bindings as well? I'm 5'6 and 155lb. Would a 156 work for me or should I stick with a 152.

banana420

i think that a 156 would be fine for your size.
basically the only difference is going to be how well it works for you as you progress. If you end up picking up snowobarding very quickly you may want a board that holds a better edge, carves tighter, etc... i wouldnt be too worried about the board itself. i dont know anything about the sierra board so i cant help you there.
in my personal experience having higher quality bindings is just as important if not more important than the board itself.. you dont want bindings that are going to break or that create pressure points in your foot. since you're a beginner just about any board will most likely do you fine for a year or two.

david_z

Sierra Crew package isn't a bad deal I think. There are some reviews floating around here about the Sierra decks, Seem to be pretty legit, especially for a beginner.

Check out their closeout section though, if you want all-mountain you can get this deck, 158cm for $165
Forum Seeker John Jackson Snowboard 2009



that leaves you about $200 to get some nice bindings.

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wrathfuldeity

go to evo, rei or snowboard connection...all reputable shops in seattle...ask lots of questions, take notes...then look around and on c-list. In pnw there is tons of good used stuff at very reasonable prices. imho a used in good condition, 2 year old high end board for 50-75 bucks is better than a new mid-low end board, because the tech and materials are better. For example, this year picked up a 2008 Option northshore 162, tapered pow board for $50 and a 2008 gnu b-nice twin 153 with mag for $60...and quality bindings can be had...like have some old drake f60 that I called up northwave (also in seattle) and they sent me out complete set of straps for free in 2 days.

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seattlelite

I like to buy used but I cant tell the difference between a high end board and a cheap one.

wrathfuldeity

look at what currently high end models...ask at any shop and they will be happy to point out the high end = more $...they usually run a model for at least a few years, also look for pro or signature models. Look on-line or get a cataloge to see their product lines...most brands/companies have an entry, intermediate and advanced/expert line up...

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