Boarding In Style With A Burton Baron
Recently I have gotten into snowboarding (thanks to Robyn) but I have been using rental gear for each time that I have had a chance to go up on the mountain (in this case Cypress). Since the 2007/2008 season is over the local mountains (including Whistler/Blackcomb) have been trying to blow out their demo/rental gear which means you can pick up some good gear for some crazy prices.
Robyn informed me that we should check out the prices of demo gear up at Whistler/Blackcomb. Whistler/Blackcomb is known for their good demo/rental gear and they rotate their equipment each season. We went up to Whistler/Blackcomb during the Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival to see what sort of deals we could get on snowboarding gear for me.
We were in luck. One location had a few boards and looking to get rid of them. Now since I am new to snowboarding I know very little about the gear and what to look for. Robyn’s friend that we met up with used to sell ski and snowboarding gear so luckily he was able to help us out.
The board that we found for me was a Burton Baron Wide (wide because I have size 11 feet) and was at a decent price of $150. I later found out the board retails for $450 – $500 so that’s a really good deal. The shape of the board was pretty good. The top is a bit scratched up but that doesn’t bother me, it’s the riding surface I should care about and the shop tuned it nicely for me.
I was also able to pick up Burton boots and Burton bindings for the board. The bindings have never been used and look pretty cool. Much easier to release than the rental bindings I am used to. Hopefully I have the bindings in the right spots. I tested it out and it seemed alright but I won’t know for sure until I get it up on the mountain in the snow.
Overall I paid $250 for the whole setup. Pretty good deal huh? We later found out that the following day all the demo/rental gear on the mountain was pretty much gone, all that was left in the shops were some of the mountain bikes from the previous season they were trying to get rid of before the new stock of mountain bikes arrived for the spring/summer season.
The only thing that is disappointing is that this season is over. We might check out Blackcomb’s Glacier skiing/snowboarding since they leave parts of the mountain open until June. I can’t wait till next season to really get a feel for this board.
I am quite jealous. I sold my board because I wasn’t going up very often, and then my girlfriend arrives and wants to go snowboarding. So I’m thinking of picking up a new board, but considering how I’ve got school and various other things to take care of over the next year, I don’t know how much I’m going to get up the mountain.
I’ve also got to work on riding goofy. Riding regular all day is just death on my knees.
I didn’t board at all this year. I actually do need a new board. I’ve beaten the snot out of it for far too long. It’s great as a rock board now though.
However, riding season is starting. Time to dust off the bikes =)
Sean – Next season ya better hit the mountains. They call to you! lol
Stephen – We might try mountain biking this year. Though I definite won’t be able to purchase my own bike! They’re bloody expensive lol
Not only is $250 an awesome deal for that setup, but that’s also a really good board. Enjoy it man, I can’t wait for the next snowboarding season either!
Jackson Hole has a new tram coming this year!