Hi,
sorry in advance for the Q, i'm not sure where else to turn. I'm going snowboarding in the alps in january and I need to get some clothing. The only brand i know of is Burton, and they seem a tad overpriced (although i like the hackett jacket).
I guess i need waterproof gloves (or mitts?), good socks, boots, base layers, shell trousers and a cushiony soft jacket. But i don't know what!
Can you help?
HR
or if you wanna go for the cheap option ... ccc or decathlon. Ebay?
tkmax
You won't need an insulated jacket. Presumably you are a noob. Falling over and getting up and all the walking and scooting is hot work.
You must have some base layers already from riding.
Mitts last longer than gloves and are warmer. You are unlikely to need the extra warmth in Europe.
Good trousers are a great investment, you will spend a lot of time on your ass.
Don't forget goggles. Pricey ones have an anti fog coating on the inside. You don't want to be rubbing at it. Goggles on and off all the time is a classic mistake you will get snow inside and then wreck your lens rubbing at it when it is wet.
Get yourself down to tkmaxx and find some cheap gear. It isn't the best time of year to buy cheap snowboarding gear.
If you are going to pay rrp (as in the above link) you would be better off finding your local shop and going in and looking/talking/trying things on. You will get a deal if you buy a whole load of kit.
Burton stuff is pretty averagely priced for the sector. They have some spendy gear and some cheaper gear.
For bargains, go to TKMaxx or check out http://www.bargainboards.co.uk (couple of other similar sites out there too).
If you need to really keep the cost down, your MTB shell jacket will probably do the job fine. Uber-waterproofness is rarely an issue in the Alps, more often you need your kit to be breathable. If you only have a light shell, layer up under it. Base layer (merino is the bomb!), 2 fleeces and a shell will cope with almost any conditions.
Get some decent snowboard trousers as it sounds like you're a beginner in which case you'll be spending a fair bit of time sitting in the snow. At least 10,000/10,000 waterproof/breathable. Shop around and you'll get something for under £100. Get good gloves for the same reason. DaKine always make good snowboard gloves at sensible prices. Something with a removable liner is best if you don't eventually want to experience the dreaded stinky-hand.
If you're hiring a board, you'll be able to hire boots along with it in a package. Boots are definitely the first bit of kit to buy (after clothing, obviously!) but it's still a fair chunk of cash if you're just starting out. Decent boots start at about £150.
If by "cushiony-soft jacket" you mean a down jacket, then you don't need one. Too hot to ride in for the most part. If it's really cold, put an extra layer on.
thanks, yea, i'm a beginner and living in Finland so I can't nip over to TKmaxx. Thanks for the advice, especially about layers (incl. in gloves).
As for baselayers, i cycled most of the time in rather innappropriate kit, so i'll need to get that too. Merino has been suggested, so I'll check that out.
So for trousers, goggles and boots, who are the better manufacturers, with regard with longevity of products? I presume Haglofs will be good for jackets and trousers...?
Haglofs are good but v. v. expensive! You can often find good discounts on North Face gear and they make snowboard specific stuff. I like Bonfire gear (part of Salomon) and it's quite reasonably priced. You guys have all kinds of crazy Scando brands that we've never heard of but make loads of good stuff....
For snowboard boots, go to a good shop and buy whatever fits you best (although don't get anything too stiff if you're a beginner). Salomon probably make the best quality boots, but they can be a very narrow fit. Burton & 32 are good options if you have a wider foot.
Get the boots that fit you best. Nothing else matters.
Goggles need trying on.
You want some brand names? Burton, Westbeach, Foursquare, Special Blend, Analog, Vans, Forum, Salomon, Da Kine, Volcom, Bonfire.
I don't think any brand is superior across the range. Pick stuff you like the look of and which fits you.
Echo what stevomcd said, check these people out I've bought some well priced kit off them now and again.
And think about some arse protector pants, it hurts when you sit down hard if you wash out heel side which you will and you could also think about wrist guards if you don't buy a set built into the gloves you get, Dakine do them as well..
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