New Board Newbie

[Karim2694]

hey guys,
I am a newbie to this site as well as snowboarding and would like a few tips.  I am going to go snowboarding for the first time soon.  I am really excited.  A lot of my friends board and I would like to also.  I skiied for about 10 years and would like a change.  Snowboarding seems like the right thing for me because I have skateboarded before and loved it

I would like some info on snowboarding in general and and opinions on what board to buy.  I am searching around on craigslist and other sites looking for a good deal for a board.  I am currently 5'11'' and 150lbs.  I am in shape and very healthy.  Please advise any board that would b e good for me, I know that burton is a good company but would like to know any help Thanks

[Frosty]

Hi and Welcome.  I think a good place to start is the TIPS page here and the Snowboard Size Calculator here to suggest boards for you to get.

I also suggest getting a lesson from the instructors at the mountain.  What they can share with you is extremely valuable.

[Karim2694]

ok thank you!  I will look at both.  But do you think I should rent the first time and then if I like it but a board? or just rent?

[rowan]

I agree with what Frosty said about getting a lesson.  I tried to learn on my own initially and it was a disaster.
I rented the first few times until I new I was hooked, then I invested in my own equipment.  Rental fees add up very fast, but I would rent at first until you are sure you like it.  (I'm sure you'll love it tho its way more fun than skiing)

[Karim2694]

yeah.  have really been doing some research on boards and snowboarding.  I have been kind of jealous of the snowboarders who can do those tricks with ease, while I have to struggle on skis.  I also want to explore a whole new different sport.  But do you guys recommend any board for me?

[Josh]

Well I always used to rent.  Usually people start out renting and thats probably the best thing to do to make sure you acttually like snowboarding and everything before you invest allll of that money on a new setup.  You will though its awesome

But go to the size calculator, use it and bring the results back here...

[Karim2694]

ok so i went to the calculator and got a 154-156 length range.  And a 263, 266, and 269 width.  I am not sure if this is suitable or not? but this is what I got.  Any feedback would help.   Thankyou

[Frosty]

Do any of the recommended boards catch your eye?  Which ones?

[Karim2694]

i liked the k2 union, burton royale, burton jussi, burton custom, burton bullet, k2 illusion, flow strike, and k2 brigade.  I am really liking the burton and k2s.  I have heard that both of those are great companies.  But i dont know?? 

[rowan]

those are all nice boards, some definitely pricier than others.  Burton and K2 are reputable companies, its more just a preference thing.  So you need to consider your budget, and how much you want to shell out.  Being your first board you will likely be hard on it. 

[Karim2694]

ok so what I have heard is correct.  Those are good companies, but I really dont want to break the bank with this board.  What do you think is a good board to get?

[Josh]

Yea price could be a significant factor.  You also have to think about buying boots and bindings which could add up to another 200-400+ . 
This might be a bad thing to say but realistically it might be a good idea to just go to your local snowboard shop and look around at what they have, taking into consideration the info frostys calculator gave you.  There are really so many different boards to choose from.  But ya i might be wrong but if your buying from like burton or k2 you really shouldnt have any trouble and should end up with a nice ride.   Maybe some one knows something i dont though

If I were you i would either go to the store or like through websites andstuff and see what fits my budget and what i am looking to do

[Karim2694]

ok thank you.  That really helped.  I think I will look around for end of season sales and online.  Do you recommend any sites?

[Travis Hightower]

the-house.com
proboardshop.com (almost the same site, sometimes they have different things though)
tightboards.com (sometimes they have crazy sales)
and theres a few others. good idea to wait till the end of the season and get it at a super discount. if you really need one now, alot of sites have last years boards on clearance for cheap. about the same price as the end of the year sales. also when you're picking your board, try to figure out what kinda stuff you're going to ride,
ie. rails or jumps, street or resorts, etc. the different bases will make a difference. like sintered bases are great for slopes, back country, and jumps...but are pretty much a nono for rails (unless you plan to replace it soon... sintered is really hard to repair) and ptex bases tear up quicker, but are really easy to repair yourself.

just my opinion, id get a cheap board with a ptex base. when you first start out, you'll do some serious damage to your 1st board, and its better to get a cheap one thats an easy ride and replace it when you get good, than get an expensive good board thats stiff and hard to learn, and you'll trash within a year or 2.

[Josh]

^Yea

Dogfunk.com is also really good if you can find what you want there.  They have amazing customer service(especially cuzza the live chat). 

Thev house is great as well