Many first-time snowboarders start out by renting their board. Wise move!
Unfortunately, you will soon become addicted to snowboarding. At this point, you should probably invest in some snowboard equipment. First on the agenda – the snowboard! But how much does a snowboard cost?
The average cost of a snowboard is around $400. Snowboard prices range from around $200 to over $1000. The price depends on the brand, type of snowboard and whether buying new or used.
If you think you’re ready to make a purchase, stick with me through this article. I’ll talk more about the cost and where to get some great deals. Let’s do this!
What Factors Affect Snowboard Price?
As discussed, the average cost of a snowboard is about $400. However, you may be able to find snowboards well outside of this price range. Higher-quality brand-name snowboards will always cost more than entry-level boards from lesser-known designers.
For example, did you know that the most expensive snowboard in the world sold for over $31,000?!
Don’t worry though, we’re going to look at some much cheaper options. Let’s explore the many factors that determine the price of a snowboard.
1. Ability Level
Generally speaking, beginner boards are typically 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
The brand of a snowboard affects the price quite a bit as well. Like so many other things in life, the more popular brands tend to be more expensive than the lesser-known brands. Equally, hand-made luxury designer brands can demand a higher price tag.
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 cost factor to consider when buying is choosing a new versus a used snowboard. Used boards are usually less expensive than new ones, but finding the right one can be more time-consuming!
Shopping for a quality board takes a sharp eye. Snowboards can take a beating on the slopes, so you want to make sure you’re buying a durable product in excellent condition. Check for subtle repairs or hidden damage.
If you’re new to the sport and want to purchase your own board, you might consider having a snowboarding veteran help you 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. It’s essential to determine which one you want (or need) before assessing your budget.
There are 5 main types of snowboards.
Let’s break down each one:
- All-mountain: All-mountain boards ride well on any snow surface. They are therefore the most common type of snowboard that people buy.
- Freestyle: Freestyle boards are the best type of snowboard for doing tricks. Compared to other snowboards, freestyle boards are lightweight and made to fly high.
- Freeride: Freeride boards are for those who like to bomb the groomed runs and venture further afield. They’re generally stiffer and longer.
- Powder: If you plan on riding deep powder, consider purchasing a powder snowboard. The shape and design of a powder board allow it to maneuver through deep snow 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 boarding.
Splitboards usually cost the most, whereas freestyle snowboards generally cost the least. Beginners are usually best suited to an all-mountain or freestyle snowboard.
You only need to consider one of the other types of board once you have progressed and identified which specific type of snowboarding you want to pursue.
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 great 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 will 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 in that they enable 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 models or buy your snowboard towards the end of the season. If you can’t wait that long, the above stores tend to also offer a mid-season sale.
Snowboard Price Examples
It’s probably about time I stopped talking and simply 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 snowboard types, snowboard brands and some key snowboard features. We’ve also discussed choosing the right board for your ability (if you’re unsure, try our snowboard ability chart).
Here are the last few things to consider when choosing a board -other than the price of course!
1. Snowboard Length
When buying a board, you want to pay 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 best for the more advanced folks.
Your height and weight will help determine the best snowboard length. Take a look at this snowboard size chart to get an idea of how long your board should be.
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 at least several hundred more dollars on top of the cost of the snowboard itself. 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
If you’ve made it this far, you know how many factors go into the price of a snowboard – this sport ain’t cheap!
However, if you are serious about snowboarding, buying your own board and gear is an excellent investment.
Whether you will be shopping online or at your nearest sporting goods store, I hope you feel more confident about how to purchase your own snowboard.
If you need any more pointers, drop me a comment below.
Happy riding!
