 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello!
Brand new to the Snowboarding game and absolutely living it. As a beginner I’ve gotten the basics in terms of equipment such as helmet, gloves, trousers etc.
I see that boots can be extortionate but I want to be sure I know what I should be looking for.
If anyone could provide some info on boards and boots that would be great.
Kind Regards
V
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Additional info, 5,11 (short king) with size 11 feet 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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welcome to Snowheads @VitaminD,
Someone else will come along and offer some advice...
I'm a skier, so I've got nothing worth listening to in the way of advice.
Enjoy your Snow!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Before boots become bindings. So you need a boot/binding combo.
Cant comment because your foot has to fit the boot!
There is no off the shelf shortcut, as any abnormality will show the first time you put a good fitting boot on & your heel lift like your in a good pair of well fitted wellies.
IE get a good fitted pair of boots. Then try bindings. Lean forward. Lean forward as low as you can go & lower again.
Wedge the board up - repeat. wedge the board up. Repeat. Wedge the board up to the point where your toes can only point down.. Bending knees will lift your heels inwards to the direction your are facing (ie not up!)back to flat foot. All weight on your heel ege, ‘curl’ your toes up to get maximum weight on your heel ( quite easy to work out the sweet spot),
You wont know a good fitting pair of boots until you can rock roll & slide in them!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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If you are just flying out for the odd week you are far better off renting for now.
Don't listen to any skiers telling you that you need your own boots - snowboard boots are far less complicated. Unless you have really "unique" feet the only issue could be boots being too soft - although as a beginner you are not going to want a really stiff boot anyway.
Reasons not to buy:
-you will hopefully be progressing pretty rapidly, so the right board now (beginner friendly) may be inappropriate in a couple of trips.
-at this stage you have no idea on your likes and dislikes in terms of boards (stiff Vs soft, camber Vs rocker etc.) or riding style (i.e. you might find out you prefer off-piste and want something more freeride/all mountain, or maybe love piste and want a stiff carvery, or like jibbing and want something twin and soft).
-even if you do happen to buy the right board and don't grow out of it quickly it's likely no cheaper than renting once you add the ski carriage costs plus maintenance.
Even as someone that owns boards (I tend to do long trips so renting is not realistic), I'd much rather rent if given the choice. Spend the week trying out a bunch of different things, no maintenance, no worry about scratches, pick what is best based on conditions etc.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Invest in some impact shorts. Your coccyx will thank you for it.
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Yes, definitely rent. Invest any spare cash in good lessons - but there are quite a lot of "not so good" lessons out there, so get some advice.
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Advocate for renting gear, especially snowboard and bindings, at a resort. Rental gear quality varies. That way you'll get to try out lots of different brands, cambers, flexes and sizes while you're learning, and by the time you're ready to purchase your own gear you'll know what feels good to you. The only thing I'd consider purchasing are snowboard boots - they're the single most important bit of equipment you'll ever have to purchase, and it beats putting your feet in to clapped out rental boots every year by a million miles! But also, I wouldn't recommend rushing in to that either, as getting the correct fit is so crucial and a bit of experience with rental boots won't hurt you in the long run!
I bought my first set of boots in the late 00's and got told to size up from my regular size... which of course meant that they packed out after 4 trips and gave me crazy heel lift, pretty much becoming functionally useless. Advice and fitting has become waaaay better since, I'm now in the proper mondo-point-sized boots and everything is so much better. It can be a real pain to even try on multiple different brands and sizes in the UK, all of the shops have really small inventories these days, and it can be a bit of a pilgrimage to get to the shops themselves!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Boots are worth look, I wouldn't go crazy but getting something that's comfortable is worth it. I've tended towards Salomon's which have lasted really well. I generally need ski boots fitted these days but not so with snowboard boots.
After that I'd rent until you have a feel for what you like. When renting be sure to double check the board and bindings before leaving the shop. I've had some shockers.
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Might be worth trying different boot and binding systems as rentals before taking the plunge on buying boots - ie step on v regular strap in bindings. You need to use step on compatible boots for step on bindings.
Definitely wouldn’t get too hung up on buying gear until you know what you want or are going to put a lot of use on it.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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In the hire shops can you hire step in bindings?. I've never tried them and usually go with whatever I'm given, which is the strap in, some better than others......
Are step in much better?. I'd consider myself intermediate level if that makes a difference
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Burton do step on hire bindings (different mounting system to retail) and are keen to see it available so not hard to find I would think.
Better or worse really depends on what you prioritise. For lapping groomers I think they ride great, responsive and no noticeable difference for that kind of use. I use them for work where I’m in and out of my bindings all day every day over winter and the convenience is great and I really rate them.
I wouldn’t use them by choice for deep powder, getting in and out on a deep day is all or nothing but when using straps you can just get a bit strapped in until you can find a better spot to clear snow and lock things down. Fine on the odd day, but probably not for a Japan trip or heli day as my first choice.
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@hang11, I've not used the step in's - how does it work for the board sliding away into oblivion - I assume no brakes ?
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You know it makes sense.
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They don’t release randomly. They come with a leash but not really much point in using it. It’s the same deal as my Splitboard which I ride with hard boots and plate bindings - just gotta trust the bindings 
I’ve come out of them a couple of times but that was user error in a lot of new snow - didn’t lock into them properly.
I tend to do a little Ollie and a couple of aggressive turns when I get going just to make sure everything’s locked in
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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@hang11, A leash makes sense. It wasn't so much accidental release as managing the board when you take it off. I know a few of the beginners I teach would likely be legging it down the hill after it 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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If you buy a new board then a lock-leash kills two birds with one stone: https://amplifisports.com/en/products/wire-lock-leash
I've always used them (one for each board), and with step-in bindings, it provides something to hang on to when dis/mounting.
Also, there is increased pressure in some resorts for snowboarders to have leashes.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Tue 12-11-24 15:45; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thank you everyone who has contributed, very grateful for the guidance and information. If anyone is interested, I'm becoming a regular at ChillFactore in Manchester. Hit me up if you want to hit the slope at some point!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Ride lots then when you are linking turns and getting a bit more competent go to Subvert and get some boots. You can also pay £15 to demo as many different boards as you want. Definitely do this as choosing a board is difficult for a beginner, eventually you will try a board and be like this is this the board for me.
FYI I found the new Salomon Assassin 2025 to be a great board.
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FAQ
