Anybody snowboard?

[mtnbikinbryno]

I've been skiing all of my life, but these Michigan hills aren't cutting it anymore for me (I about fall asleep going down them). I'm thinking about getting into snowboarding for something new. Does anybody have a board/binding setup to recommend for a beginner? I think I'll catch on fairly quickly, I skateboard on my longboard quite a bit and am good at that. Any info would be appreciated

Thanks,
Brian

[Golden Ghost]

I started boarding last year and it’s a blast. Make sure you get some clip in bindings. The strap in’s take forever to get in and out of. I just bought some new bindings at Galyin’s (Spelling?). They also have some great deals on boards right now.
Don’t forget wrist guards, it’s the number one injury. and a helmet.

[luv2mtb]

Brian not sure where you live, but if your in the Rochester area, stop in at
The Ski Company in downtown Rochester, the owner is a friend of mine, they carry a full line of Snowboard and Ski equiptment and accessaries!

http://www.skicoltd.com/

[KarenM]

Hey Tom,
it snowed in the mountains last night!!! comin' out again??
K

[luv2mtb]

I'm definiatly doing another trip, but to where I'm not sure yet? I really want to do a Heli trip either to Canada(BC) or Washington State (Cascades) now if this falls through then Utahhhh! I'll keep in touch for sure!

[Ryan_Cross]

Burton Snowboards are a great brand... I've been using them since I started riding and I have been more than happy with their boards. All of their boards are made with a wood core (most other companites just have wood cores for their high end boards) This is a major plus because a wood core is a significantly better ride. I am not a fan of Burton's step in binding sytem... I have a pair and they have been giving me trouble. They work great for a season or two but don't expect them to last beyond that.

Boots- Again, Burton has served me well, I've had three pairs and they've all been great.

[mtnbikinbryno]

Cool, thanks everyone What kind of bindings do you guys recommend? Are K2 clickers good? And if I have K2 bindings do I need to have K2 boots?

[scat silvurz]

I have been boarding since the late 90's - I took up boarding because I was burned out skiing - just was bored out of my mind after about 20 min. at any michigan resort. I just went and got this cheap K2 ginsu board and some clicker bindings and went at it. If you can manage to suffer thru some really vicious falls that all beginners will make [go boarding at least three separate times, before you make any decision to continue with it], you will kick yourself for not starting sooner. It really is way more fun than skiing. And, all those michigan dimple hills around here are suddenly fun again - and remain so.

I have been using K2 clicker bindings [no highback] and K2 Skylord [very adjustable] boots [You have to use k2 boots w/ k2 bindings] for about 6 years and have had zero problems and I think the system is very well thought out and works fantastic. They are super easy to get into/out of - you can even click in on the chair without using your hands, and when you hit the top of the chairlift, you can just glide away - no stopping or anything! People in shops will tell you that old school strap bindings give you better feel, but really, how can you really tell anyway! Convienence rules, go for Clicker style bindings.

[mtnbikinbryno]

Good info, I appreciate it. Do you ever have problems getting snow, slush, or ice stuck in the Clickers? I was fairly set on going with a clicker system until today, when the saleslady at the shop mentioned that problem. I really do want the convenience though.

I've narrowed it down to two or three boards now..... an Arbor Heritage ( http://www.go-skate.com/arhersnow.html ) which all the reviews say is badass, a Burton Custom, or a Burton Clash. I'm leaning towards the Arbor

Does anybody know how hard is it to install your own bindings? It can't be as hard as skis, because the holes are already there. Thanks

Brian

[scat silvurz]

Occasionally, You get snow/ice in the cleat of your shoe, but a quick bang of one foot against the other knocks the snow free- just like with your ol ski boots - easy..for some reason, lots of shops are poo poo'ing click-in style bindings, I cant figure out why - it is easy to do your own install on bindings, just set them shoulder length apart....I currently have a Nitro Natural board. It is absolutely incredible - bought it in minnesota at this place called "the house" [they have a website too thehouse.com]. Nitro has a no questions asked three year warranty on all delamination or other possible board failures - the best warranty in the biz. Arbor boards are very nice looking, but I havent heard too much about how they ride. And you really cant go wrong with the burton custom - it is really good.

[mtnbikinbryno]

Good deal, I think that settles it then, I'll probably get the click in bindings. I thought about Nitros too, my uncle has a friend who is sponsored by them so there's a possibility I could get a deal. I hear they're awesome boards. The Arbor is raved about in the reviews too, so I guess I'll have a good board no matter what

Thanks again

P.S. I'll post here again once I get everything figured out, b/c I know you'll be dying of curiousity

[scat silvurz]

sounds like you got a plan!

good luck

[Genetic]

Try Flow bindings and an Arbor Element board.

I've used the Burton and K2 step-ins.

[mtnbikinbryno]

Alright, update:

I ordered and recieved my Arbor Heritage board (it looks awesome..... you can see the wood of the board through a clear topcoat) and today I went to the LSS (clever, huh?) and got some Burton Custom strap in bindings. I was set on click-ins, but the shop workers talked me into straps. I've just got to get some boots now, I tried on some Salomon Defcons today that fit nicely, so I think I'm gonna go with them.

[julian]

i've got a pair of salomon's and like them. dialogue's or something like that. they were a little stiff for my skill level in the beginning but they're better now. (stiff = no room for mistakes) glad to see you got the straps. i've also got the burton custom bindings and have had no issues with them.

straps rule where there are real mountains that take take more than 3 minutes to ride down.