Help a new boarder out

[IllinoisRider]

I snowboarded 20 years ago and for various reasons haven't done so for quite a long time.  I'd like to start up again, but the problem is that I don't know jack-schlitz about current boards, bindings or boots.  I'm assuming that for a casual rider that an all mountain board is the right choice.  Is this correct?

I'm also assuming that a rear-entry ( ) binding is the way to go around here.  I don't think I'll be able to take to many CO trips, so most of my riding will be here.

What brands are your favorites for boards?  Bindings?  What do I even look for?

Sorry for all the noob questions. 

[RenegadeRick]

First, get boots that are snug, but comfortable. They should not be so stiff like ski boots. This is most important. Next is board width. Your toe and heel should be just a smidge over the edge in your stance. step in bindings, like flows are great for this area.

You should also have a helmet, knee pads and wrist guards. Also, take a lesson.

This is the minimum to have a good time getting started.

[Hardtail22]

^^^^^

Agreed with almost everything above except for the step in bindings. Alot of times in the winter in this area the snow will pack into those and they will become a royal PITA to deal with because you can't latch in or they come unlatched (less likely). For me, I will never stray away from the standard 2 strap bindings. Also, I'm not a big fan of the newer boots that have the dial-lace system. If one of those snaps on the mountain it would ruin your day pretty fast. I like to stick to standard old fashioned laces for this reason alone, not to mention it is easier to get them tight in the right places with regular laces.

Board Brands: Forum, SIMS, Liquid (not sure if these are made anymore)

>>Most people will say Burton, which does make a great product, but you will pay twice as much for everything made by that brand.

Bindings: Ride

Boots: Doesn't matter as long as they fit. Try on every pair in the store. You will soon realize what fits and what doesn't. They should be <<almost>> as comfy as your shoes.

[Hop Head]

Sounds like you're on the right track. You can't go wrong with one of the major brands of boards like Burton, Rome, Nitro, Forum, etc, and all mountain is the way to go for old guys like us unless you want to break yourself in the terrain park with the kids.  Yep, Flows seem to be a good choice for MW riding although I've never owned any.  I agree with Rick, taking a lesson makes a big difference.  Learning a few critical techniques will have you carving down the mountain quicker and with a lot less frustration.  I did the weeknight special a couple years ago at Alpine and really liked it.  You get a 2 hr group lesson, rental, and lift for $60.  This converted wanker-2-planker was hitting blues by the end of the night.

[Hop Head]

I forgot to mention that if you're looking for a bargain on a board, check out trusnow.com.  Their house brand, Sierra, are based on Burton designs.  They just change the graphics and the mounting system from Burton's channel design to a standard 4 hole.  About the boots, I'm not sure about the dial system but I have Burton's with their speed zone system with over 40 days of riding and never had an issue.   They allow you to tighten the upper & lower separately which is all you need and they never loosen up which is key.

[IllinoisRider]

Thanks for the advice everyone.  At least now I have something to go off of.

[Jewalicious]

BackCountry.com also has some deals.   

You are welcome to borrow my K2 157 rig if you want to get some snow time in on a board.

[TrailJumper]

I got my setup through "The House" - http://www.the-house.com/

they always have bargains on items a few years old.

Snowboard technology hasn't changed much in the past decade, so no worries on buying gear that's a few years old.

[RenegadeRick]

Snowboard tech has changed a lot lately with rockered boards, etc.

I agree with a few years, not a decade.

[Benflow]

I'm not a snowboarder--well--anymore. I used to a little.  Now full time skier. 
Anyhow, I can't imagine having anything but step in bindings for around the midwest.  You are constantly on and off the chairlift and runs are 10-50 seconds long. The snowboarders around here spend more time on the ground strapping and out, than they do boarding!

If you're going out west however, totally different story.   

And as far as the binding packing up (I've heard the Flows don't)... the 5 seconds it would take to clear them out is worth the hundreds of times of sitting on your butt strapping in and out.