[mountain_seel]

Hi! I’m a beginner snowboarder and I got my first board of a used site today (all rental before). It’s a Nitro Team Exposure 2020, used for one season, that I got for 150 bucks.

However, it looks like the previous owner had fixed some spots on the top sheet with epoxy and p-tex. There is no damage to the base or edge, though I can’t tell the extent of the original damage at the spots filled with p-tex. where epoxy was applied, there was no damage to the graphic on the topsheet, just the uppermost layer of clear film/cover. They said the top damage was because of hot wax melting the topsheet. Is this an issue or am I good to ride? If it’s as big issue I’m considering arguing for a return, but that’s rather difficult through the site I used. Thank you so much and would appreciate any advice!

Note: Edited to add more photos.

 

[Craig64]

That would have to be the worst repair I've seen in a long time. Looks like it's done by a 2 year old.

 

[mountain_seel]

That would have to be the worst repair I've seen in a long time. Looks like it's done by a 2 year old.

Thanks so much for your reply! Well rats. Guess I got conned. Also, I just noticed sth else and was wondering if this was odd: when I lay the board on a flat surface, the middle makes contact but the nose and tail aren’t completely on the floor. When I step on one side the other lifts up. Would this be normal if it were a gullwing profile?

 

[LoveyourbodyLarry]

Thanks so much for your reply! Well rats. Guess I got conned. Also, I just noticed sth else and was wondering if this was odd: when I lay the board on a flat surface, the middle makes contact but the nose and tail aren’t completely on the floor. When I step on one side the other lifts up. Would this be normal if it were a gullwing profile?

That board started life as a true camber board, what you’re describing is rocker, which means that board is completely toast. Unfortunate lesson, but you paid $150 for a piece of firewood.

Edit because I’m a dummy. You said Gullwing, which is rocker, that’s normal. However the repair is garbage.

 

[Chern]

first off- welcome to the sport! I can understand your frustration but you’ll outgrow your fist board soon enough. You’re learning to ride and you’re also learning “buyer beware”. it sucks, but look at it this way, you’re less likely next time. The board will work for what you need it do until your ready for your next board. Put some stickers over the repairs for now so people don’t think your the noob who fixed the board like a 2 year old.
As for the shape of your board, its normal. It’s called reverse camber or rocker profile. Boards with thia shape are fine for a beginner snowboards. As you progress you will pick a different profile shape for your style of riding.
You can read all about all the different profiles.

Understanding the Different Snowboard Camber Types | Snowboarding Profiles

Learn about the different snowboard camber types and what riding styles and abilities each type are most suited to.

snowboardingprofiles.com

 

[mountain_seel]

That board started life as a true camber board, what you’re describing is rocker, which means that board is completely toast. Unfortunate lesson, but you paid $150 for a piece of firewood.

Edit because I’m a dummy. You said Gullwing, which is rocker, that’s normal. However the repair is garbage.

Thanks for the clarification! So I guess it’s probably structurally sound then.

 

[mountain_seel]

first off- welcome to the sport! I can understand your frustration but you’ll outgrow your fist board soon enough. You’re learning to ride and you’re also learning “buyer beware”. it sucks, but look at it this way, you’re less likely next time. The board will work for what you need it do until your ready for your next board. Put some stickers over the repairs for now so people don’t think your the noob who fixed the board like a 2 year old.
As for the shape of your board, its normal. It’s called reverse camber or rocker profile. Boards with thia shape are fine for a beginner snowboards. As you progress you will pick a different profile shape for your style of riding.
You can read all about all the different profiles.

Understanding the Different Snowboard Camber Types | Snowboarding Profiles

Learn about the different snowboard camber types and what riding styles and abilities each type are most suited to.

snowboardingprofiles.com

Hi Chern, thanks so much for your detailed response! I contacted the seller and they said that in order to “let the wax sink into the base“ they softened the topsheet/clear-coating and the scars were made when they tried to attach bindings to it. Apparently the p-tex and epoxy was their attempt at repairing it. Since it looks like the core, base, and edge are unaffected, I’ll bring it into the shop on my next trip before hitting the slopes and see what the pros can do about it cosmetics-wise. Thanks again!

 

[robotfood99]

Why/how do you soften the topsheet to let the wax sink into the base? That is some yabai bs. If the base was heated until the gunk on the topsheet started to melt, that board is almost literally burnt toast inside. If the topsheet was heated until things started to melt, the integrity of the topsheet may have been compromised even though it may look alright. Too much heat can only damage something made of wood + resin + fiberglass.

Can't hurt to have a pro look at the damage (make sure to tell them about the heat 'fix') but no pro can bring your board back to its virgin glory. If you are lucky and the board is structurally sound, just sand down the scabs and vinyl sticker over them. They can help prevent moisture as well as cover up wounds. Good luck.

 

[mountain_seel]

Why/how do you soften the topsheet to let the wax sink into the base? That is some yabai bs. If the base was heated until the gunk on the topsheet started to melt, that board is almost literally burnt toast inside. If the topsheet was heated until things started to melt, the integrity of the topsheet may have been compromised even though it may look alright. Too much heat can only damage something made of wood + resin + fiberglass.

Can't hurt to have a pro look at the damage (make sure to tell them about the heat 'fix') but no pro can bring your board back to its virgin glory. If you are lucky and the board is structurally sound, just sand down the scabs and vinyl sticker over them. They can help prevent moisture as well as cover up wounds. Good luck.

Hiya, thanks for replying! Yeah it does look slightly yabai 😂

That’s what I’m worried about too—if the heat was enough to melt the clear coat then surely it can’t have been good for the fibreglass? I added some additional photos of the other spots if you’d be so kind as to look at them 🙏 I wouldn’t mind if it’s still rideable and would just slap some stickers on after sanding the protruding epoxy down, but if the board won’t ride well then that’s a dealbreaker.

 

[Craig64]

Snowboarders Basic Rule for dUmBie$ 101: If you know absolutely nothing about something, then for Christ sake..., ask someone who does???

 

[robotfood99]

Hiya, thanks for replying! Yeah it does look slightly yabai 😂

That’s what I’m worried about too—if the heat was enough to melt the clear coat then surely it can’t have been good for the fibreglass? I added some additional photos of the other spots if you’d be so kind as to look at them 🙏 I wouldn’t mind if it’s still rideable and would just slap some stickers on after sanding the protruding epoxy down, but if the board won’t ride well then that’s a dealbreaker.

You can see where the top sheet has started to delaminate and peel, and they are nowhere near binding locations, and it looks like the previous owner tried to seal them with what looks like even more literal hotfixes. I think the topsheet is a few flexes away from developing spider web cracks and shattering. Sorry for the pessimism but heat really kills a board like no other. I'd send it back and get your money back.

 

[Chern]

Those updated photos they help but pictures only go so far on the forum.
For sure take It to a shop and get their professional opinion.
Just make sure you’re not throwing more money at a problem In the hopes of righting a wrong.
If the local shop can repair it for less than the Shipping and restocking fees It might be worth it.
otherwise send it back and move on.
can you even return it?

 

[mountain_seel]

Thanks for all the follow-ups everyone! In the end, I wasn’t able to return it after all, but I‘ll bring it with me on my next trip and enjoy it all the same. Thanks again and happy riding~

 

[robotfood99]

That's too bad but it will probably be fine. I'm paid to be a pessimist so don't mind me too much!