When you’re addicted to snowboarding, you’ll probably want your own gear. Especially a snowboard. But how much does a snowboard cost?
The average cost of a snowboard is around $450. Snowboard prices range from around $200 to well over $1000. The price depends on the brand, the type of snowboard and the snowboard condition.
If you’re ready to make a purchase, stay with me. I’ll discuss snowboard costs and where to find some great deals. Let’s do it!
What Factors Affect Snowboard Price?
As discussed, the average cost of a snowboard is roughly $450. However, you can find snowboards well outside of this price range.
Higher-quality brand-name snowboards will almost always cost more than entry-level boards.
For example, the most expensive snowboard in the world sold for over $31,000!
Don’t worry, we’re going to look at some much cheaper options. Let’s explore the many factors that determine snowboard cost.
1. Ability Level
Generally speaking, beginner boards are cheaper than boards designed for intermediate or advanced snowboarders. A lot of this is due to the type of material used.
A board designed for faster speeds, tricks, and rugged terrain requires higher quality materials.
Snowboarders also get more picky as they advance. Most of the additional expensive features on advanced boards are luxuries and not strictly necessary!
2. The Snowboard Brand
Like so many things in life, popular brands tend to be more expensive.
The brands that offer some great budget-friendly boards include Salomon, Rossignol and Burton.
Here are some of the other best snowboard brands to explore.
3. The Snowboard Condition
Another snowboard cost factor is whether you’re buying your board new or used.
Used boards are usually less expensive, but finding the right one can be time-consuming!
Shopping for a quality board takes a sharp eye. Snowboards take a beating on the slopes, so make sure you’re buying a durable product in excellent condition. Always check for subtle repairs or hidden damage.
If you’re new to the sport and want to purchase your own board, consider bringing an experienced snowboarder with you to the shop (or drop me a message and I’ll be happy help).
4. The Type Of Snowboard
Let’s talk about the different types of snowboard. Each has some unique features and price points. Decide which one you want (or need) before setting a budget.
There are 5 main types of snowboard:
- All-mountain: All-mountain boards ride well in most conditions.
- Freestyle: Designed for tricks. Compared to other snowboards, freestyle boards are lightweight and made to fly high.
- Freeride: Freeride boards are for those who like to bomb groomed runs and venture further afield. They’re generally stiffer and longer.
- Powder: When riding deep powder, these boards are designed to float and turn with ease.
- Splitboard: A splitboard is a regular snowboard when connected but splits into two “skis” for the ascent. This type of snowboard is excellent for backcountry riding.
Splitboards usually cost the most, whereas freestyle snowboards generally cost the least. Beginners are usually best suited to an all-mountain or freestyle snowboard.
Beginners only need one snowboard when starting out – don’t worry about Powder boards just yet.
5. The Features
A couple of features will have a major bearing on the cost of your snowboard. These are:
- The Base: Sintered bases are nearly always more expensive than extruded. Extruded bases are actually better for beginners as they’re lower maintenance and cheaper to repair.
- The Materials: Snowboards are made of a long list of materials. Adding carbon, kevlar and bamboo will bump up the price. More on this here.
- The Edges: Some of the newer shapes such as “Asymmetrical edges” are more expensive and not strictly necessary.
- The Shape: There are some crazy new shapes out there! These come with a premium price tag.
6. The Shop or Seller!
Whilst some shops offer crazy discounts, others tend to charge a premium. Make sure to shop at the right place.
If you’re happy to buy used, check the usual suspects like eBay or Facebook marketplace. However it’s also worth checking out Geartrade – a pretty good winter sports reseller.
Where To Find Cheaper Snowboards
1. Our Snowboard Price Tool
If you already know the exact snowboard you’re looking for, our snowboard price tool can search over 50 USA stores to find the best price. Give it a go.
As we’ve already discussed, Geartrade is a winter sports reselling site. They’re a bit like eBay – they help people to sell on their old gear. It can be hit and miss but there are certainly some bargains from time to time!
3. Selected Retailers
4. End Of Season Sales
For the real bargains, either buy last seasons model or buy your snowboard towards the end of the season. If you can’t wait that long, the above stores tend to also offer mid-season sales.
Snowboard Price Examples
It’s probably about time I stopped talking and showed you a few examples! I’ve chosen the best-rated boards from each price-range to give you an example of what’s available.
Retail Price: $350
Flex: Soft
Rider level: Beginner - Intermediate
Snowboard terrain: Park & all mountain
Base: Extruded (cheap & durable)
- A super fun snowboard.
- Awesome value from Salomon.
Retail Price: $419
Flex: Soft and forgiving
Rider level: Beginner - Intermediate
Snowboard terrain: All mountain
Base: Extruded (cheap & durable)
- My first ever board!
- Amazing board to progress on.
Retail Price: $499.95
Flex: Medium-Stiff
Rider level: Intermediate-Advanced
Snowboard terrain: All mountain
Base: Sintered (premium, fast)
- One of the best-rated boards ever!
Retail Price: $1699.95
Flex: Medium-Stiff
Rider level: Advanced-Expert
Snowboard terrain: Freeride
Base: Premium Sintered
- This board is a true work of art.
What To Consider When Buying a Snowboard.
We’ve already discussed choosing the right board for your ability. If you’re still unsure, try our snowboard ability chart.
Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a board – other than the price of course!
1. Snowboard Length
When buying a board, pay extra attention to the length. Generally speaking, beginners should stick with boards on the shorter end of their range. Because they can be harder to maneuver, longer boards are better for the more advanced riders.
Your height and weight will help determine the best snowboard length. Take a look at our snowboard size charts to get an idea of your perfect measurements.
2. Snowboard Width
Another factor to consider is the width of the board. According to the experts at REI, your snowboard should be wide enough to where your boots barely hang over the edge.
For riders with feet sizes 10 (US) and below, you’re usually fine on a standard width board. Those with bigger boots should check the REI chart as they may need a Wide board.
3. The Graphics
I’m supposed to tell you that graphics don’t matter. They clearly do! Choose a board that you like the look of – or at least can tolerate.
If you’re feeling super stoked about your new board, you’re definitely going to ride better!
Budgeting For Other Gear
Aside from the board itself, you also want to factor in the cost of the rest of your gear. Here are a few things to consider:
- Bindings (most snowboards do not come with bindings)
- Boots
- Socks
- Base layer clothing
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Pants
This will add several hundred dollars (at least) on top of the snowboard cost. Manage this by being thrifty. Consider buying used-gear.
You can also save some money by choosing a pair of the best budget goggles.
Conclusion
So how much does a snowboard cost?
Basically, as much as you can afford to spend! But on average you’re looking at around $450.
This sport ain’t cheap!
However, if you are serious about snowboarding, buying your own board and gear is a great investment.
If you need any more pointers, drop me a comment below.
You might also want to check out whether expensive snowboards are worth it.
Happy riding!
