Find Good, Cheap Snowboard Gear

Finding the cheapest snowboard gear is hard, partly because most snowboard stuff is fairly expensive. So, here are some handy tips you can use when you are thinking about buying some new gear.

Steps

  1. Do some research to get an idea of what you want, and how much you want to pay for it.
  2. Find a store that has a good selection of brands and merchandise. Keep in mind that some stores may have better equipment than others. A liquidation store is a good idea, as they get all the equipment which didn't sell from bigger stores, and sell it cheaper in the off season.
  3. Shop around. When you find something that you especially like, do not buy it! Instead, go to a few other stores in town, and compare the price of the item. Many people will buy the equipment the first time, just to find a better deal across the street.
  4. Make sure the gear works for you. If it's a piece of clothing, try it on. If it's gear, make sure it's sturdy and doesn't feel cheap. (i.e. brittle plastic in major places, fake material that won't meet needs in the cold).
  5. Think about the pros and cons of the item (warmth, strength, looks, feel, price, brand, size).
  6. Take a day off and research it using reviews or friends who have used it if you are skeptical about the item.
  7. Keep in mind that the manufacturer will most likely produce a new and improved version of it later when you're ready to buy an item.

Tips

  • Last year's models are usually just as good.
  • Buy according to what you like, not what the pros endorse.
  • Buy during the off season. It may be a long wait, but the prices go extremely low in the summer.
  • Only believe an employee's opinion on the item if you trust the store or the person (remember, the workers in stores like that get paid by the number of items they sell).
  • Buy at stores that friends or local boarders recommend.
  • If you're getting gloves, buy them with reinforced fingertips. This will help them from not getting torn or frayed from your bindings.
  • Don't buy an item if it is completely brand new. Instead, wait until the craze for it is over. If the item is still expensive, it either means it's of good quality, or that it just looks good and people buy it anyway.
  • Look on the internet for secondhand gear, it is often just as good and around half the price.

Warnings

  • Look for specific details when buying, for example, if you want a reliable jacket, make sure it's insulated, that is has a waterproof outside, and that it can last up in the mountain (if you are a beginner, get a jacket with an underskirt. It will help keep snow away from your bare back).
  • Nothing will last forever. Boards will need to be waxed, bindings tightened/fixed, and clothing repaired.
  • Watch out for cheap or fake stuff. If you don't recognize a brand, ask a friend, or someone familiar with snowboarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Common sense
  • Money
  • Snowboarding know-how

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