[OFFICIAL] POST your snowboard gear and questions here!

[mingcourt]

Q: Do you guys have stomp pads?
(So that its easier to get off lifts and ride without strapping in your bindings)

[mudmojo]

Yup, I love my cheapo Dakine stomp pad.

If you get one, make sure it is aggressive with somewhat high nubs that won't deflect too easily otherwise. once it gets snow filled, it'll be not too useful.

Life without a stomp pad is like sprinting on a wet marble floor...

[mingcourt]

Yup, I love my cheapo Dakine stomp pad.

If you get one, make sure it is aggressive with somewhat high nubs that won't deflect too easily otherwise. once it gets snow filled, it'll be not too useful.

Life without a stomp pad is like sprinting on a wet marble floor...

Where can i buy a cheap, useful stomp pad? (Clear if possible... my ONLY graphics are in the middle... )

high nubs? Please explain :/

[liquid_paper]

anyone have anything to say about the sims x3 bindings? i noticed they were on sale today for $99.99...are they last year's versions of the new sims helium or lithium bindings?

[sh3r1d4n]

Board: 2004 Lamar Slayer 162
Bindings: 2004 Flow Black Amp-5 FX
Boots: 2001 kemper usa's (need new one's soon :P)

[hhepburn]

anyone have anything to say about the sims x3 bindings? i noticed they were on sale today for $99.99...are they last year's versions of the new sims helium or lithium bindings?

I second this question.

But I'm also wondering if the Sims/Link Seduction bindings are any good? They're on sale here for $130 at the moment.

Also for boots, are a pair of Sims Future any good?

[tomtong]

I second this question.

But I'm also wondering if the Sims/Link Seduction bindings are any good? They're on sale here for $130 at the moment.

Also for boots, are a pair of Sims Future any good?

I just swap my Lamar binding with SIMS X3. It's a bit heavy because it's made of metal. The <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=133 target=_blank>SportMart</a> staff told me the SIMS Future is for ladies.

[hhepburn]

I just swap my Lamar binding with SIMS X3. It's a bit heavy because it's made of metal. The <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=133 target=_blank>SportMart</a> staff told me the SIMS Future is for ladies.

Is it? Hmm.. they didn't tell me that here.

How are you liking your Sims X3? Is it worth spending $100 on or should I pay more for something else? I'm deciding right now because Sportsmart has free shipping..

Do you like your Lamar's better or have anything else to compare them to? Also, how do you like the strap-up on them? I've heard that some Sims bindings have had problems with that area.

Sorry for so many questions.

[tomtong]

I'm new to snowboard and I swapped the binding because my Lamar is Junior size doesn't really fit my boots. That's also the reason I have to ask for another pair of boots, bigger than junior but smaller than men's.

The SIMS straps doesn't work as smooth as Lamar and sometimes it doesn't even come off. I have to kick it repeatly to loosen it. I don't want to spend big bucks to upgrade my gear and I would probably stay as is. Sorry I may not be too helpful in this one.

[loho33]

anyone have anything to say about the sims x3 bindings? i noticed they were on sale today for $99.99...are they last year's versions of the new sims helium or lithium bindings?

My setup is pretty newbie (my first year )

K2 Satellite 155cm
Sims X3
Salomon Solace

The bindings is pretty decent...I doubt newbies will notice the difference...Personally though, i'm returning these bindings...the release on thses bindings is crap...my old firefly's had better release.

[bluetroll]

you guys need to post prices too!!

i'm looking for good beginner set for about 400-500... board, boots, bindings.

pls help.

[loho33]

you guys need to post prices too!!

i'm looking for good beginner set for about 400-500... board, boots, bindings.

pls help.

All the beginner setup's are the same, you should buy a cheap board and bindings...ride it for a season or two then go all out for the high end stuff.

I would invest in good boots though because comfort is very important.

When choosing your board/binding, pick the same company...when you eventually sell it, it'll look more appealing.

[bluetroll]

good point... what kinda of things should i be looking for when looking at board equipment?

[ck1223]

good point... what kinda of things should i be looking for when looking at board equipment?

Like loho33 said, a good comfortable boot is important. As for a board: a board with more flex is more "forgiving", and is therefore recommended for beginners since it allows you to get away with more mistakes. If your boot size is an 11 and up, chances are you'll be looking for WIDE boards. As for length of a board, the general rule is to get a board which when you stand it up, it reaches somewhere between your chin and nose. But that's a general rule. A manufacturer will state on a board (usually) what length a particular board will go with what WEIGHT someone is, hence length is more related to what weight you are than how tall you are. But don't go too short on a board, or you'll have bad control just like you got something too long.

I've heard of 6'3" guys riding boards that are 159cm, because that's just what they like riding. But if you followed the general rule (chin and nose), they'd should be riding something upwards of 170cm board.

[PennyArcade]

good point... what kinda of things should i be looking for when looking at board equipment?

I have already talked about this in another thread, but that one died... so I'll copy it here

First thing to do is NOT go to sportchek or any big chain store as their sales people know nothing (or very little) compared to specialty shops. I suggest finding a specialty shop in your area and ask them. A good shop will have a person that goes to all the demo days and tries all the equipment so they at least have an opinion on each product they are selling. If you cannot find a person like that in the shop, then go elsewhere. Specialty shops will not be much more expensive than the chain stores. They also do not have a piece of plywood with a nice plastic sheet over it.

Second best resource for beginner snowboarding buyers is not here (no offense RFD'ers... we're not all snowboarders!). I would go to a snowboarding forum. I suggest snowboard.com. I just found them and they have 4000+ users online at a time. By far the largest site I've seen. Post your question there and you'll usually have lots of answers.

As for me, I suggest (as most others have here) to go for a good boot first. You don't want blisters that will put you out of commission for the rest of the day. Have bad boards and bindings may not give you the "carve" that you want, but a big water blister will give you a case of "noboarding".

The binding and board should be compliment each other in terms of style and performance. The best board coupled with a cheapo binding will just kill the experience. It is the same the other way.

Regarding the length of the board, I suggest you go to a board shop that has a good salesperson (see paragraph 1) and ask them. Height AND weight are important when choosing a board, not height alone.

Lastly, maybe you could rent for a while, and then try some boards out during a demo day at your local hill.

Hope that helps!