What To Look For
The three primary pieces of gear you'll need to obtain before snowboarding are a snowboard, bindings and boots. Each piece of equipment has several factors to consider.
Snowboard--
Style:The style of snowboard you choose will reflect the type of riding you plan to do most. Some of the options include park/pipe, freestyle, all mountain, freeride and powder.
Size: Snowboards need to fit the rider to provide the correct flotation, response and support. Snowboard sizes are a tip-to-tail measurement in centimeters. Roughly speaking, the board should come between your chin and eyes. However, weight also plays a factor as does style of riding and terrain.
Width: The board width relates to feet size. You want your feet to stretch across the width of the board without hanging over. Those with size 10 shoes or above, may need to opt for a wide board.
Sidecut: Sidecut or sidecut radius refers to how far the edges are cut inward. A deeper sidecut (smaller radius) will allow for quicker, shorter turns and better maneuvering. Alternately, a shallower sidecut increases stability and makes for a faster ride.
Flex: A board with greater flex is going to have more pop and be better for ollying, jumps and freestyle. Flex also helps to provide quicker turning. A stiffer board is going to ride faster, eat up bumps and be more stable.
Base: Snowboards include three types of p-tex bases: extruded, sintered and graphite. Extruded is the least expensive and is softer and easier to repair, but not as fast as sintered or graphite. Sintered bases are harder and faster, but more expensive and more difficult to permanently repair. Graphite bases are sintered bases with some graphite mixed in to further decrease friction.
Bindings--
Type: Currently, most bindings on the market come in two styles: strap and flow-in.
Fit: Bindings need to work with your boots to keep you firmly planted on the snowboard and move the board where you want it to go. Therefore the bindings need to fit tightly around the boots.
Stiffness: Stiffer bindings are better for freeride and high speeds while more flexible bindings are ideal for freestyle.
Adjustability: Being able to adjust settings like strap position and length will make the binding more comfortable and supportive.
Mounting: Most bindings include standard four-screw mounting inserts. Burton bindings use three-screw mounting, which requires an adapter plate. Some bindings also include alternative mounting systems such as channel mounting.
Boots--
Fit: Fit is the single-most important part of snowboard boots. Boots need to hug your feet without allowing your heels to slide up or your foot to swim around.
Comfort: While tight fit can't be emphasized enough, the boots should still be comfortable and shouldn't cut off circulation or create pressure zones.
Lacing: Snowboard boots use a variety of lacing including traditional boot laces, one-pull lacing and BOA cable systems.
Ease of Use: Nothing's more annoying than smacking your foot against the ground for 30 minutes just to get one boot on, while you watch the lifts carrying people to poach your fresh line. Equally annoying is needing everything short of a crow bar to get the boots off.
Common Pitfalls
A more expensive board isn't going to equate to better snowboarding. If you're just starting out, buying an inexpensive board designed for beginners will be the best option by far. More expensive boards are stiffer and more difficult to turn and maneuver. They're designed for more experienced riders who have developed the technique and require a better board. They'll make learning the sport even more difficult and frustrating than it is. Even if you have the money, buy within your ability level and upgrade as you get better.
Where To Buy
There's really no substitution for shopping in person. Snowboard boots, in particular, require hands-on fitting. Every boot fits differently so going by size alone may cause problems. Beginners can find snowboard equipment at both local snowboard/ski shops and at larger sports shops like Dick's or Sports Authority. Intermediate and advanced riders should consider shopping exclusively at snowboard shops as they'll offer the best selection and equipment. If you intend to buy online either try the equipment on at a shop beforehand or make sure the retailer has a liberal return policy. A couple of good online retailers that offer good deals on equipment include Backcountry/Dogfunk, Sierra Snowboard and The House.
Cost
Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to well over $1,000 for your package of boots, bindings and board. Some of the most expensive boards on the market run around $1,000 alone, so you could easily spend $1,500 or more. Buying package deals rather than separate equipment is a good way to save some money, particularly for those just starting out who don't require specific equipment. Of course, finding sales of up to 50% off on new equipment and even 70% on older equipment will help to cut your costs significantly.
Accessories
Two basic accessories to consider buying with your snowboard package are a leash and a stomp pad. Leashes used to be required universally for lift rides, but restrictions have since loosened. However, your resort may still require one so it doesn't hurt to have one. Or you can wait it out and buy one if you can't get on the lift. The stomp pad is a grip for your loose foot to use while skating and sticks between your bindings.
Insider Tips
The best time of year to shop for new gear is early to mid-February into March. The season is winding down and shops and online retailers begin to cut prices drastically. While you may find even better prices toward the very end of the season or in the off-season, you'll have to wait a long time to test your gear. Find gear in February or March for 30 to 50% off and you'll still be able to ride it for at least a few weeks.
