New Old Board.

[pengee]

Hello Frostyriders! I will try and make this short.

My wife convinced me to try snowboarding and I loved it. We both rented our equipment and have since decided we would like to go a lot more so it might be best to purchase something cheap.... knowing we with both probably thrash what we get while we learn.

I got a board that is similar in size to what I rented and in line with what the frostyriders board size program thingy recommends. The boots fit well but I will have to use them to see how comfortable they are in the long run and I have adjusted my binding angle to something comfortable. Now, the board I got looks brand new and according to the person I got it from, he had not used it in about 8 years. He also said it had only been ridden on maybe 10 times, but it looked nearly unused to me (though I'm no expert).

My question is, do I need to do anything to this board before I use it aside from waxing? Would anything be wrong with it from sitting for such a long period of time? Also, can I easily wax it myself or should I consider a shop for this? I'm just a beginner so my needs are nothing great, just something to have fun on. I paid sixty bucks for the board, boots and bindings all together... here are a couple pictures.





I have one other question. My wife and I will be looking at another setup for her this week. However, the seller says there will be some small dings or scratches and what not on the bottom. How concerned should I be about any damage? Will it distort the ride much and how easily can it be repaired? Also, the boots / bindings are step in.... what are the downsides to that? It seems like it would make getting off the lift a lot easier but I don't see many people with them.

[Frosty]

Wow, nice first post!  WELCOME!

Nice deal on that board.  Ride boards are nice and durable.  I suggest getting a "tune up" from a snowboard shop.  They are professionals at waxing and can report any potential problems to you.  Waxing your own board is something you can eventually so if you want, but you will have the most fun on a board that is done professionally.

As for the new setup, minor dings and scratches are to be expected with normal usage of a snowboard.  Most affect performance in no noticeable way.  Make sure the edges are intact and that the base material is flush up against the edge.  Even with moderate to severe damage, pro shop repair guys can work magic on boards -- I have seen some really impressive fix jobs before

[Josh]

Frosty read my mind

Yea just take it to the shop.

Looks pretty good from the pic- i doubt youd need much more than wax and probably an edge tune up.

[pengee]

Great, thanks for the info guys!

I know every place is different, but in general are repairs very costly? With small dings on the edge like this for example:



... which are maybe 1/4" or less, is it absolutely necessary to repair them? I guess I'm just trying to put it in perspective. If I get another cheap setup for ~60+ but it's dinged up, is that going to be worthwhile after repair costs, or should I consider spending ~120+ or so to get something that doesn't need repairs? I'm pretty frugal in case it's not obvious 

thanks again!

[Frosty]

To do it or not is your choice.  There will always be repair costs -- either now or later down the trail.

THAT will NEED to be fixed there though.  It is fixable, but I would not ride it like that if you want the board to last.

[pengee]

That sounds good. I will have to wait and see what I come across but at least I will be a bit more prepared now about what to look out for