Snowboarding, buying a board ... any tips?

[fake]

Been renting for the past few years, but I'm ready to buy a board most likely this weekend. Anyone have some suggestions? I'm intermediate, can handle blue runs with ease but have a little trouble on blacks (last year, haven't gone this season).

 

[fake]

bumP!!

 

[shawn_16]

Gnu (big foot)

 

[duragezic]

Maybe a K2 or a Ride if you can afford one. Personally though, I don't care much about what board I have. I have a cheap Type A right now and when I need a new board I'll find one on clearance whether it's a lesser known Oxygen, Avalanche, etc.. or a big name like a K2, Burton, etc...

 

[Redwingsguy]

I say dont get clicker bindings!

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

Yeah, get straps cuz it's not as hard, but it gives you a much more solid grip on the board. Get some good bindings like the Drake f50 or f60 with the toe part elevated for easier turns. Also, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a good board. If you don't, you're gonna regret it and want to buy a better board as your skills improve. Try to get last year's model if any stores have them on clearance... you can get a nice board for a good price that way. If you can wait, I think most stores have clearance near March. Not much good for this season but good for next season... just another option ^_^

 

[fake]

Still debating the straps vs. step ins. Strapping in is a pain in the ass, but I've had some poor experiences with step ins.

Just by reading epinions.com and browsing some websites, it looks like the Burton Custom is a good board for me. Any other opinions would be great .. planning to head to the store tommorow.

 

[duragezic]

Naw strapping is pretty quick. Usually I'll get off the lift and while I'm still going to where everyone is at the top of the hill before they go down I can quickly put my foot in and attach both straps. Not sure what you mean by pain in the ass? Sitting down to get them on or just taking too long? Well whatever after you own a board and go a lot you'll get quick with them and you'll appreciate the more solid grip to the board. My brother's clickers are usually a bit faster than my straps except when the snow is slushy and it clogs the clickers.

Forgot about clearance boards. That's the best time is in the spring when you can get a awesome Burton or K2 board for a the price of a cheap one. Sure they are last years model but it doesn't matter since the next years will just have new graphics and maybe some "innovative addition" which probably isn't much.