Cheap and Affordable Snowboarding Gear Alternatives.
Winter sports are a great way to enjoy yourself and get some fresh air, but having the right equipment can often be a major obstacle — the snowboarding gear is often, quite expensive. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for sub-par gear, however, as there are a few alternative options that provide decent equipment at lower prices.
Secondhand and Swap-meet Gear
Look no further than the local classifieds and swap-meets when trying to find cheap snowboarding gear. Many people who buy all of their snowboarding gear new will eventually want to sell it off to upgrade, or simply because they don’t want it anymore. This creates a great opportunity for anyone looking to buy.
By keeping an eye out for adverts and visiting local swap-meets, you can pick up some great deals, especially on secondhand equipment. Don’t be surprised if someone offers you a complete, like-new setup for a fraction of the price.
Just make sure that the gear is in a decent condition. Inspect the snowboard for any dents or scratches, the boots for any signs of wear, the bindings for loose screws, etc. Don’t be afraid to haggle either, as the seller will most likely accept a slightly lower price.
Rentals and Season Passes
A great alternative to buying brand-new gear is to rent it out. Many resorts offer day or season passes where you can rent out decent snowboarding gear at a fraction of the cost. You don’t even have to go to a resort to do this, as there are many independent stores that offer ski and snowboard rental packages. These typically include the entire setup — board, bindings, boots, and even a helmet — which makes them a great alternative to buying all of the gear piece by piece.
The downside to renting is that it is usually only available for a certain duration of time. Most places offer season passes that last for a set number of days, usually ranging between 10 and 20 days. If you plan on going more than that, then it might be easier to just buy the gear.
Buying Used Gear Online
Almost all popular brands have an online presence, which makes it much easier to find quality used equipment at reasonable prices. eBay is a great place to look for pre-owned snowboarding gear, as it allows you to compare prices and find the best deal for the type of board or binding you’re looking for.
Used gear can often be found in very good condition, especially if it was taken care of by its previous owner. Many retailers offer price reductions on used items, so it’s worth doing some research before committing to a purchase.
You can also find good deals on used gear by looking through online classifieds, though it can be a bit of a gamble. You’ll need to inspect the gear yourself to make sure it’s in good condition, so it may be worth it to travel some distance in search of a great deal.
Packages and Discounts
You can often find good deals on packages, which typically include the entire setup, from board to bindings to boots. It might be worthwhile to seek out additional discounts such as first-time buyer deals, military, or student discounts.
Many retailers and resorts also offer last-minute deals or clearance items, which can save you a lot of money. Make sure to check out their website or social media pages for any new deals or discounts.
DIY Snowboarding Setups
One of the cheapest ways to get into snowboarding is to build your own setup. It might sound intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds — you’ll just need some basic tools and a bit of know-how.
You can get a decent new or used board and bindings online, then head to your local electronics store or hardware store to pick up the necessary parts. Some things you might need are screws, straps, bindings, and padding.
Building your setup yourself is a great way to save money, but it’s also a great way to learn the ins and outs of how snowboarding works. You’ll have a much better understanding of your gear and how it works after you build your own setup.
Start Small and Upgrade
Don’t be too quick to drop a large sum of money on your snowboarding setup. Even if you’re an experienced snowboarder, it’s still a good idea to start small and upgrade your gear as you progress.
Start with a cheap but reliable snowboard for your first time, then upgrade to a better board as you improve. The same goes for clothing and other accessories, as it’s often best to stick with the basics until you’re more experienced.
Snowboarding is an expensive sport, but there are plenty of ways to get good gear on a budget. From second-hand gear to discounts and rented equipment, there are plenty of options when it comes to affordable snowboarding gear.
Whatever your budget is, you’ll be able to find the perfect setup for you that doesn’t break the bank. Even if you’re just starting out, there are plenty of great options that won’t leave you disappointed.
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