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bob72 
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Post subject: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
 Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:15 AM
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First post: Dec 02, 2011
Total posts: 14
Status: Offline
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I completed the training at MK a few weeks back and have been going back every week since for practice (about 4weeks?)
Last night I had two particularly bad rental boards, the first I took back as it would not move at all and was really hard to use on the POMA lift.
The second was better but had loose bindings and I think the toe edge had issues as it was extremely tricky to slow down on that edge.
I have been looking for a few weeks for a second hand board but not found anything suitable (I'm 13stone 5'10 so looking for 155/156)
So after last nights board which made the riding not as much fun as usual I thought I should just take the plunge and get some kit. I already have boots, which I bought after completing the training. I was looking at the Nidecker score board as it seems a reasonable spec (but I know very little in reality) and an OK price.
My only concern is I see loads of other people at the slopes riding the hire boards and they are fine so I just keep wondering if I should perserver with the rental stuff? |
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Uddie
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Post subject: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:30 AM
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First post: Nov 28, 2011
Total posts: 119
Location: Near Inverness
Status: Offline
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Personally i think its up to you mate. If you feel you can afford it, and its something you are really going to get in to i dont see why not.
All i would say is, do your research before buying, and there is nothing wrong with second hand boards and bindings. And remember you will need to learn to care for your board so it lasts and the same rental board issues dont happen with your own board. This means learning to wax and tune etc. Im learning all this stuff for myself as i too just bought my first board.
Your own board wont improve your boarding but it may just make you feel that little bit more comfortable as you know its yours. At least it did for me. |
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Sidget
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Post subject: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:34 AM
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First post: Sep 10, 2006
Total posts: 10680
Location: Under a lil rock
Status: Offline
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I learned on my own board from the word go and have had the same one ever since, I prefer to learn and progress on something that is my own, so the experience is the same every time, it's only 4-5 years later that I'm thinking about upgrading
If you're new, just buy a fair priced directional board which is reasonably flexible and you should be fine (as long as it's the right length)
Some people will act as if you've got to have a gold medal in the world TTR snowboarding tour before you're allowed to have your own kit, but it's your money at the end of the day! Do what makes you happy (but do a little research first) |
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You do you, and i'll do me
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snowbadger
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Post subject: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:35 AM
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First post: Jun 01, 2011
Total posts: 737
Location: Warwickshire
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ultimately your going to want your own stuff.. you get used to your own stuff, what its capable of. You can progress faster on it ( as long as you get a board that suits your ability) and obviously you'll maintain it better than the rental boards which can differ in quality place to place.
being able to try out some boards before you buy is a really good idea. often the shops within the slope complex will let you demo boards for a small fee and they should be able to advise you regarding flex etc.
if your budget is tight perhaps try out a few boards, and look at getting last seasons board for a fraction of the price either through the shops, SCUK for sale forums or ebay. Obviously check the specs between the different seasons board but sometimes its just a graphic change/ very minor changes.
Dont just go getting any old board cause it cheap !!!
just my two pence worth.....  |
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Sno news is good news
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manicpb
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Post subject: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:52 AM
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First post: Mar 01, 2009
Total posts: 169
Status: Offline
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Your sounding like your at the point when a lot get their own board, however continuing on rentals shouldn't hold you back to much. Just googled Nidecker score and with TSA it's £230, saw someone selling a 155 K2 Darkstar on here (2 or 3 seasons old) for £150. That's a fully symetrical board, so suitable for for freestyle yet it's got some stiffness to it so when you move onto the mountain it'll handle it. It's not rockered but is sintered (spell-check!) which helps the flow of water (snow melts when a board hits it!) and keeps you sliding well in sticky conditions. If you want a board to get you beyond the beginner stage (which at £230 you do) there are better options than the Nidecker, IMO!
Just looking at TSA's website I'd be pushing you towards the year or two old Signals, all under £250. http://www.snowboard-asylum.com/snowboards/signal/
Others will be along with other/better advice! Just to point out, which I'm sure your aware, you gonna need £100-£150 for bindings and thats seaching the 'net for a bargain! |
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manicpb
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Post subject: Re: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 11:57 AM
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First post: Mar 01, 2009
Total posts: 169
Status: Offline
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POW!POW!POW!
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Post subject: RE: About to buy a board, am I rushing into it??
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 12:02 PM
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First post: Apr 30, 2010
Total posts: 261
Status: Offline
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I bought my board after my first lesson - have never looked back, and similar to Sidge i've not replaced her yet. Its now about 5 seasons later, and i'm considering adding another board, but will hopefully keep riding my original for some years yet.
Spend the cash if it is burning a hole in your pocket - and then ride the thing as often as you can. |
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Boots
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 12:30 PM
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First post: Feb 15, 2011
Total posts: 290
Location: Somewhere between the mountains and the sea.
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Everyone's going to have a different opinion, and here's mine!
I would think that riding the same board every time can only help, and it saves money when you go away. Unless you've got £££s to spare, buy secondhand. 2-4 years old seems to be the best compromise between quality/technology & cost. Obviously you can't demo boards this old but there are pages of reviews on the web. The beginner/progression boards that seemed to come up time after time were the Burton Clash and Atomic Hatchet. I got both from ebay, Clash £70 & Hatchet £55. With Burton Missions £50 (from here), & Drake GTs £30, all in great condition, I've got 2 good setups for half the price of some new boards. Just think of it as recycling. |
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Mjb22001
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 01:40 PM
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First post: Nov 07, 2011
Total posts: 15
Location: Nr MK
Status: Offline
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I had a similar thing about 6 months ago but have a little more slope time than you have.
After getting to the top of MK to find out one of the bindings wouldn't do up (I know I should have checked at the bottom) that was the last straw for the rental stuff.
I manage to get an 2011 Omatic Boron for £160 and love it to bits and for that price it was a steal. The board was soo much faster, had much better edges coping with the ice patches etc much better. It was harder to ride than the rental and the first session I caught some edges as its a regular camber board.i feel my technique has improved now though and would not want to strap a rental on again!
I've just upgraded my binding to some 2011 K2 Indys that were £90 brand new. First run out at the weekend at CAS and wow what a difference, the foot bed is adjustable in length so my 11.5 feet are supported on the toes especially with the toe straps and slight angle towards the toe of the footbed has just improved the response of my hole setup.
If you've got the bug get your own kit!
I think I have an adversion for buying anything full price, but prefer discount last season stock to second hand. But nothing wrong with it if its in good condition.
You can still get Boron even though I think Omatic has gone down the pan this year.
http://www.granitereef.com/component/pa ... temid,155/ |
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ESD1711
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 01:49 PM
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First post: Nov 29, 2011
Total posts: 6
Status: Offline
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I wouldnt say it was rushing in to it at all.
I bought my first board (a second hand Burton A55) after two lessons. I justified this to myself as I planned to do a lot of time on mountains rather than indoors - and the board effectively paid for itself in what i'd have spent in hire fee's last year.
This year - sold the board on for pretty much the same as I bought it for last year and i've now invested in a new board (Ride DH2.5) as a treat to myself having progressed my riding and decided its definitely something i'll be sticking with.
Cant really see any downside to having your own board - and you'll always be able to sell it on. I consider it an investment rather than an expense. |
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bob72
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 02:26 PM
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First post: Dec 02, 2011
Total posts: 14
Status: Offline
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Thanks for the tips guys. From experience learning other things its better if the kit is consistent.
Should be going to TSA later today, but I can't ever get to a slope in time to demo the boards (I work away during the week and its then that I am close to the fridges). |
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Ridermon
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 02:35 PM
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First post: Nov 03, 2010
Total posts: 283
Location: Home
Status: Offline
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personally i think learning on your own board is a lot easier than the rentals. Confidence is obviously a main factor and a good board instantly gives you a sense of security because you can actually feel the difference in quality, This will give you the confidence to try new things and progress.
I was struggling for a while when i first started until i switched to a rockered board, The board provided a sense of security as i was not catching edges like i was on a camber board and it allowed me to improve my technique mainly in carves and learning to ride switch. I eventually was confident enough to go back to camber and i instantly noticed how much my technique had improved and now i ride camber as if it was a rocker.
I would say go for an intermediate/adv board, The beginner boards i would never recommend for progression once you have learnt the basics.
Another tip, If you have the money, Spend more for quality as it will last, Take your time in finding the right boots ( not just the cheaper ones ) as you will probably end up paying out for a new set in a seasons time anyway if you do. Boots can hinder performance, Too much flex, Too stiff, Too uncomfy etc, Try and look for a balance that suits your preferred area of riding, Whether its park, Hard charger,all rounder, Freeride etc. Buy a decent set of bindings ( I recommend Burton custom for a good all rounder ) . Last but not least i can't stress this enough, Buy a helmet, But also remember once you whack it hard once it needs to be replaced just like a bike helmet, Cannot tell you how grateful i am for helmets after some of the bails i had in leysin park last season. |
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pete7:19
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 03:38 PM
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First post: Mar 17, 2007
Total posts: 538
Location: Cheshire
Status: Offline
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I got my mrs boots board and bindings before she'd even had a lesson. The sales were on and there were just too many bargains.
She was worried that rocking up to lessons with her own gear would single her out, I just told her to tell everyone that I was forcing her to learn whether she liked it or not.
If you have the cash and some good solid advice get whatever you can afford that improves your confidence and ability. |
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dashie
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 03:40 PM
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First post: Sep 24, 2007
Total posts: 4409
Location: stockport/dundee
Status: Offline
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Rental boards are dogs. I've never known anyone buy their own board and want to go on a rental instead.
Buy what you can afford but you should easy be looking sub 200 for a very good second hand set up.
Just remember buying burton has the 3 hole pattern or ics problem. |
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Boobs, booze, snowboarding, in that order!
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the101s
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 13, 2011 - 03:57 PM
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First post: Feb 29, 2008
Total posts: 367
Status: Offline
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| buy a second hand board. there are loads about and £250 will get you a near top of the range board AND bindings whereas youd be looking at £5-600 in a shop for something that does the same job, and will look the same once youve ridden it a few times! |
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