Snowboarding can be a pricey passion, with top-tier new snowboards often costing between $600 and $900. This can make many wonder if purchasing a used snowboard is a viable alternative. The answer, according to many seasoned snowboarders, is a resounding “yes” – with a few important considerations.
Buying a pre-owned snowboard can indeed be a smart investment, potentially saving you up to half the cost of a new board. However, a thorough inspection before you buy is essential. You want a board that will last, without needing costly repairs. Finding a used snowboard in excellent condition and at a great price is a true win for any rider. The goal is to find a board that offers excellent value, performs well, and matches your riding style perfectly. Buying several cheap boards that only last a short time is not ideal, and investing in a new one may be better. Let’s dive into what to look for when buying a used snowboard.
A used snowboard can be a fantastic option if you find one that’s in good condition, the right size, and compatible with your bindings. Plus, saving money is always a bonus.
Why Choosing a Used Snowboard Makes Sense
Cost Savings: The most obvious advantage of buying a used snowboard is the significant cost savings. You can often save 50% or more compared to buying the same model brand new.
Durability: Snowboards, along with bindings and boots, are built to be tough and resilient. A snowboard should typically last for a full season or more with regular use. Unless you’re a professional or ride daily, most snowboards don’t see extreme wear and tear.
A three- or four-year-old used snowboard that was only used during annual vacations will likely have plenty of life left. Getting high-quality gear at a lower price is a smart move.
Many snowboarders agree that having more than one board in your quiver is a good idea, as unexpected damage can happen on the slopes. Buying a second-hand board to complement your primary board is financially feasible. Owning only new boards can become very expensive, not to mention the cost of other gear.
Opportunity: People stop snowboarding for various reasons, and since snowboards can be cumbersome to store, many are eager to sell their equipment. This creates a market for good-quality used gear.
Many great deals on used snowboards are available; you just need to know where to look and what to check before you spend your money.
Where to Find Used Snowboards
While sometimes you might find a used snowboard from a friend, other times you’ll need to do some searching. Here are some popular resources for finding used snowboards:
Craigslist
Craigslist is known as a top platform for private sales. Both buyers and sellers can often find great deals here. Sellers don’t pay any fees for completed sales, which means there’s room for negotiation for buyers.
This site is like modern-day classified ads, where you can find snowboards and other gear. Finding deals can be simple:
- Search for the specific model or size of the snowboard you want.
- Search for “snowboard” and browse the listings.
When buying a snowboard on Craigslist:
- Focus on local sellers, as you’ll want to inspect the board in person before buying.
- Don’t make a decision based only on photos, as pictures can hide potential damage.
If you don’t live near a snowy area, you might need to travel to the seller, but inspecting the board is essential before purchase.
Negotiation is common on Craigslist, giving you the opportunity to save even more, depending on your haggling skills.
eBay
eBay is another major e-commerce platform to find used snowboards. You might find a board that is up for auction, which can help you stay within your budget.
Keep in mind that you might have to pay sales tax on some items. As with Craigslist, finding a seller nearby is important for pre-purchase inspection.
Backcountry
Backcountry is a great place to search for discounted outdoor sports gear. This online store often has sales on snowboards, making your search easier.
Search by discount rate to find the best deals:
- 10% off
- 20% off
- 30% off
- 40% off
Here you can find new snowboards at reduced prices. If you find the same item elsewhere for less, Backcountry will match that price and take an extra 5% off. Buying new from Backcountry ensures quality, and you don’t have to inspect the board yourself. Plus, they offer a 100% return guarantee policy.
Steep & Cheap
Steep & Cheap is a sister site to Backcountry, offering amazing deals on snowboarding apparel, gear, and snowboards.
While not specifically for used snowboards, their discounted prices, ranging from 40% to 75% off, mean that you can often buy a new board for a used price.
The House
The House is another online store where you can find heavily discounted snowboards. Many boards are available at 50% off or more, essentially making them second-hand in price.
They carry many popular and top snowboard brands:
- Burton
- Lib Tech
- Arbor
- CAPiTA
- Never Summer
- GNU
- Rome Snowboards
- Ride
- K2
- Jones
Snowboard Shops
If you live near an outdoor sporting goods store, ask if they sell used snowboards. Many shops will sell off old inventory at a discount at the end of the season.
Also, many retailers buy used boards from customers who are upgrading to new ones. These retailers usually inspect the boards themselves, so you can often find decent used snowboards.
How to Inspect a Used Snowboard
Finding a used snowboard at a good price is only one part of the process. You must do a manual inspection of the board yourself. Don’t rely on photos; they can’t show the full condition of the board.
1. Check the Sidewalls
Close-up view of damage on a used snowboard sidewall
Examine the sidewalls for any splits, cracks, or other visible damage. Poor condition sidewalls indicate that the board has likely taken a beating, and you should reconsider buying it.
Also, look for sidewall separation. If you see gaps between the sidewall and the edge, be cautious, as water can enter those spaces and quickly damage the board.
2. Check for Core Damage
After checking the sidewalls, examine the board for core damage. Core shots are often visible on the base of the board. Don’t worry too much about minor scrapes and scratches; they are cosmetic and don’t affect performance.
If you notice any repairs on the board’s base, check the top for bumps or raised areas. Minor cracks in the top sheet are normal due to the board’s flex.
Deep gouges that expose the wood, odd colors, or clear sections indicate a base repair. If it’s your own board, a repair is okay, but as a buyer, consider avoiding this type of board.
Core shots compromise the board’s structure and can cause poor performance. Damaged cores get worse with use. If you notice repairs, ask the seller for details, as this could save you time and money.
Finally, place the board on a flat surface. The nose and tail should touch, and the middle of the board should have ground clearance.
3. Check the Bindings
If the sidewalls, base, and top sheet look good, move on to the bindings. First, check the binding inserts, which are the threaded holes where the bindings attach.
With the bindings mounted, try twisting them to see if any screws are loose. Loose screws mean that the previous owner did not take good care of the board.
When checking the bindings:
- Remove the bindings to look for cracks or damage underneath.
- Check the baseplates for cracks.
- Check the high backs for cracks.
- Inspect the binding holes and screws to ensure they aren’t damaged.
- Examine all straps and ladders (the teeth shouldn’t be worn out).
- Look for any damage hidden under stickers or stamp pads.
- Check for any non-factory hardware. Factory parts indicate proper repairs.
4. Check the Edges
Check the metal edges around the snowboard. Some rounding is okay and can be fixed by sharpening the edge. However, avoid boards with significant gouges or damage to the edges.
Unless the board is very cheap, don’t bother with boards that have severe edge damage, delamination, or damaged inserts. Minor base gouges and top sheet scratches are usually not a big deal when buying a used snowboard. The bindings, however, should be in great shape.
Negotiating the Price
A reasonable price for a used snowboard can range from $100 to $400, depending on the brand, design, and condition of the board. Used snowboards will have imperfections, so don’t expect it to be perfect.
Once you’re happy with the board and your inspection shows no major issues, it’s time to haggle. The listed price isn’t usually set in stone, especially if the board isn’t in mint condition.
If you have to do some repairs yourself, the price should reflect that. Check out the typical costs of snowboard repairs to help with your negotiation.
Conclusion
Buying a used snowboard is a good idea. You can save money and, if you find a board in good shape, it can last for a long time at a lower cost. A thorough physical inspection of the board is crucial to ensure you get good value.
Many people sell their snowboards for various reasons, and many boards on the market are in great condition due to infrequent use. Getting a good deal on quality equipment is always a great move.
Ruben Vee, the author
By Ruben Vee
