The Best Used Snowboarding Gear.
With the promise of wintery weather around the corner, what better way to keep your weekly (or daily!) adventure game off the ground than a moody snowboard sesh? Sounds like a plan! But, before you jet off to the mountains and hit the slopes, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right snowboard kit.
But, where to start? If you’re just getting into snowboarding, there’s a lot to consider. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank – used snowboarding equipment is a great option for anyone, from newbies and weekend warriors to seasoned shredders – it’s also better for the environment. Here’s everything you need to know about finding the best used snowboarding gear.
Getting the Right Size Board
Finding the right snowboard size is key if you’re to carve your way down the slopes. Your board should match your size and weight, as well as your riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be tackling. Whilst this all sounds like a jigsaw at the outset, fortunately it’s not rocket science – you can work out the right size with a few simple calculations, or you can use a snowboard size calculator.
Budget and Quality
Snowboarding equipment can be pretty expensive and, if you’re a snowboarder on a budget, buying used can be a great way to save some cash. Prices vary between second-hand and brand new gear, but it’s always worth taking the time to check out the quality and condition of the equipment, especially if you’re buying online.
Where to Buy Used Snowboarding Gear
First-stop, turn to your friends and family – active snowboarders are likely to have gear that’s (often barely) used, and it might be up for grabs.
Search engine optimisation isn’t an accurate science, but if you’re looking for used snowboarding gear, you’ll want to try out the big online eBay-style marketplaces, like eBay and Amazon. Generally speaking, this is where you’ll find the best used gear for sale.
Other great places to source used gear include your local outdoor shop, charity shops and ski/snowboard shops. You could even list the gear you’re looking for on local buy-and-sell websites or communities, or try your luck at a car boot sale.
If you’re looking for particularly vintage or well-loved gear, sites like eBay and Gumtree are great sources. But, make sure to do your research so you’re aware of the full costs before you buy.
Choosing Used Snowboard Gear
It’s important to bear in mind the condition of the equipment you’re buying. Used equipment will inevitably have a few scratches, chips and dents, but the gear should still be in decent condition.
Check out the board for general damage, like any big damages or delaminate (where the different layers of the board separate). Crucially, check if your bindings are properly secured – each binding should have four screws attaching them to the board, and you should also look for any cracking or missing pieces.
Buying used may mean buying blind, so it’s important to check there’s a good returns policy – and make sure you know your rights when buying online.
You’ll want to take into account the age of the equipment you’re buying – a board in pristine condition, but ten years old, won’t have the performance you’re looking for. Generally, look out for boards made from the year 2000 onwards – these should still have the camber that you’re after for better edge hold and control.
Finally, for equipment like bindings, make sure the screws don’t protrude too far onto the base of your board, as this could affect your ride and stability.
Caring for Used Snowboarding Gear
Once you’ve got your hands on a board, it’s important to take care of it properly. Catching and looking after any damage will mean your board is around longer, and it’s much safer too.
Once you’ve finished a long day in the snow, be sure to give your board a thorough wipe down and brush off any dirt. This is key to keeping both the top and bottom of your board in good condition and minimising corrosion or recurring wear and tear.
For a deeper clean, you can use a mild soap solution, such as a combination of warm water and spray-on soap. Make sure to avoid any harsh detergents and other agents that could leech into the layers of the board or bindings, and use a lint-free cloth.
Ready to Shred?
If you’re looking for innovative snowboarding equipment, second-hand gear is a great option for anyone riding on a budget. There’s loads of used snowboard gear out there, from boards to boots, and with the right knowledge of where to look, you’ll be hitting the slopes in no time.
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