Just wanted to say thanks to all those that threw me some insight on what to look for in a board/bindings and boots. Those who responded to my thread and all the other threads out there that I read threw. My boss would prob be pretty pissed if he knew he was paying me to research snowboarding equipment. LOL. Anyway, picked up a K2 Brigade 163W on sat. Found a 2010 model at Dicks Sporting goods on sale for $279. Last night went to Viking Ski Shop in Chicago and got a pair of Burton Ruler boots and Flow M11 bindings. All together I spent about $700 which is what I estimated. I know I got a good pair of boots and bindings that I wont grow out of, skill level wise, and a board that will do just fine for now. Def headed up north this weekend to try it all out