When is the cheapest time to buy a snowboard?
I’m going to buy a new snowboard for the 2011-2012 season but am on a college student budget =/
When would be the best time to buy a new board? Now in the off season? Or wait until the new lines come out and buy older boards? Also would waiting for black Friday be worth it? Any opinions are welcome!
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I would wait until Black Friday, there are always snowboards on sale on that day. By the way, you can sneak peak the deals early starting in August on BlackFriday.org.
Now! Especially if you are looking on-line at previous season boards (which is where the real deals are). There won’t be a lot of previous season boards or very many sizes left by the time the next season is close – prices go up when it starts getting cold and go up again when it starts snowing!
Try this place:
http://www.trusnow.com/snowboarding/snowboards_0.asp
Good Luck
I got mine for about $165 at dicks sporting goods in April. It was origanly a $350 mountain board
Do not wait until black friday. That is about when most people in the market for snowboard/ski gear go out shopping for it (right before the season starts).
Shops order the next seasons’ (2012) gear no later than the end of the previous winter (many even order it the previous fall or early winter).
As far as “current” (2011) seasons gear after their last order (usually mid-winter) they no longer receive any more 2011 gear. So with this being said, obviously once that stock wears thin, it’s going to be harder to find what model/size/color you’re looking for.
Bottom line:
Best time to buy with gear at its cheapest: Post Season, the later in the spring and summer (generally) the cheaper the last seasons (’11) gear will be.
Best time for a larger selection: Late Summer/Early spring you should be able to find any size you’re looking for, but the prices will most definitely be original MSRP unless there is a special sale for that particular retailer.
Then of course there are *small* discounts around Christmas.
Usually in the off-season, but your selection is typically limited to the boards no one else wanted. At the end of the off-season as shops gear up for another year, some stores will raise all prices back up even on old stock. It will be less than new stock, but more expensive than it is now. On the other hand, some shops will once again lower prices on old stock so they can make room for new inventory.
That said, a snowboard should be something that fits you. There is a lot that goes into picking the right kind of board, and price should be last on the list of important factors in a buying decision. Start with the type of riding you will be doing. Then select the stiffness that suits your personal preference best. Don’t forget to select the right length and width of board based on your height, weight, and shoe size. If you have big feet and buy a skinny board, expect to fall every time you try to hold an edge as your toes or heels dig in and topple you.
My advice – find yourself the money to invest in a good board that will last you many seasons. You will be far happier with that purchase. Compare that with the feeling of buying a board, using it once, disliking it, never using it again, and feeling like you wasted hundreds of dollars.
If it’s your first time out, borrow a board from a friend or buy a used one. A used board does not mean a lower quality board, just one that is a season or two old. The best people to buy from are friends who enjoy high performance form their ride. They take better care of their gear, and typically update more frequently, meaning even their used gear is relatively new.
Good luck out there, stay safe, and have fun!
Credentials: 15 years experience. CASI Certified Level 2 Instructor and Freestyle Coach. Currently seeking sponsorship(s).
Around 04 July is a great time to buy. Most shops throw in additional 10-20% discounts.
Post season sales are the best time to buy. Prices will probably be up by black friday, too.
Buy one now! Theyre always cheapest right when the seasons over.