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Napalm Donkey

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Darkewolfe

First off bear in mind travel expenses when determining whether buying a board makes sense. If you live near the slopes the value can add up quickly. I don't live near any slopes, and would often have to fly with my board. This immensely reduces the value of owning my own board.

Now, how serious a snowboarder are you? What's your skill level? You may not want to keep the same board for long if you're more of a beginner. Additionally, a lot of slopes will actually have just put their demo boards up for sale in the last couple weeks since the season is wrapping up, so you have a great chance to get a fancy board for a used price. Sometimes you can even get the bindings.

What kind of boarding do you do? Just carving down a groomed slope, backcountry stuff or terrain?

Napalm Donkey

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Darkewolfe

The custom would probably be a good fit for you then if you're sure you're committed enough to buy a nice board.

Balgair

Might be worth mentioning-- if you're still growing ( I have no idea how old you are.), be careful with the board size you choose. I bought an expensive board just when I thought I had maxed out. I was wrong, and now have a slightly small board (lolpenisjokez). Size (and shape) will obviously also depend on your preferred terrain. I'd say it's best to go with an all-around, more hybridized board, rather than something honed for one area--especially if you're still learning and experimenting.

Shazkar Shadowstorm

Hey, hey, so I bought a Burton Custom (last year's model, and also 50% off from Sierra Snowboards) last year as my first snowboard. I think it is a pretty good all around nice board that works at cruising and also some park stuff, though I haven't done much of the latter, but I've started doing some small small boxes and jumps. I would recommend this board, though I haven't tried too many others. I rode my friend's Rome board once, I forget what model, and I liked it... but with 50% off, I'd say the Custom is good.

Sierra Snowboards has good customer service and whatnot, no problems with them.

I personally decided not get the ICS board because I wanted to be able to buy bindings from other companies. I have Rome 390s which are AWESOME bindings, and are super customizable (and if you just send an e-mail to the people at Rome they will ship you binding plates that work with Burton's 3 hole setup). You can adjust these things in all kinds of ways and they have this super awesome toe strap that is kind of like a toe cap, but you can wear it whichever way you want, and it definitely gives more control than a standard strap.

As far as boots go... don't buy boots online, and don't decide on a pair of boots at all. That is silly. Boots are like the most important thing. Go to a place that you know will have knowledgeable people and a wide selection (this is often more difficult than it seems, because I went to two ski market/underground snowboard stores and their selection blew and their staff was not very knowledgeable at all... however, I eventually made it to an Eastern Boarder store, which was great, the guy knew what he was talking about and brought out like 8 different pairs of boots for me to try on...) and with boots, you shouldn't really base your decision on ANYTHING except for going to a store and trying on a ton and seeing which one is best. And people who actually know what they are talking about will make buying your boots easier. Don't skimp on your boots, just pick the pair that fits the best (and make sure you know how a snowboard boot should ideally fit when you're buying them and know that they will pack out after a few uses... this is why it is good to have a knowledgeable person at the store). I ended up with Rome Libertine boots because those ended up working best for me, but it's kind of hard to recommend a boot to anyone.

mts

Hey where are you at? I have a palmer classic snowboard that I have been trying to unload for a while.

Currently has Burton bindings on it (Syncro i think but can check) its a great board especially for intermediate to advanced riders. I am not sure of the size since i haven't ridden it in a couple years, but I am 5'8ish 140 and its perfect. i also have a pair of burton boots that I will also sell cheap if they fit ya. all for way less than that sierra price.

I am in Davis/NorCal

Napalm Donkey

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